May 2023

Gò0dNews May 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Brent Goodge Brian Johnson Charles Finney Danny Hesterly Granger Hughes Heather Guthrie Janice Washington John Garrod Jonathon Wright Judy Hood Kody Fox Kristen West Rodney Jones Talma Clark Terrie Ruff

SALES

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

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

are and what we are about. Our names are Matt

DESIGN

children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean,

Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined,

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lives will be changed.

DISTRIBUTION

Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us

GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa 5,000 Monthly

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR Jodi Varnado Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

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

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

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

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

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

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

Contents M AY 2 0 2 3

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Willing Vessels

by Kody Fox

GoodNews for Kids

8 Intertwinement

by Charles Finney

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Taxes on Your Investments and Social Security

by Granger Hughes GoodNews for Men

12 Lovely Things

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Women

14 Who Are You Opening the Door To?

by Heather Guthrie GoodNews for Parents

18 Empty-Nesters

by Kristen West

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Better Insurance Management

GoodNews for Youth

22 Sharing the Burden

GoodNews for Everyone

24 May We Rise Above

by Jonathon Wright

GoodNews for Everyone

26 The Two Bible Verses We Need the Most

by Rodney Jones GoodNews Poetry

28 Master Of My Soul

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Color in the Clouds

12

by Terrie Ruff

GoodNews for Everyone

32 April Showers

by Janice Washington

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Morning Glory Muffins

by Talma Clark

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Was This the Last One?

by John Garrod

GoodNews for Everyone

20

38 Pentecost

by Brent Goodge

by Danny Hesterly

36

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Willing Vessels

A

by Kody Fox

s we walked up the porch every morning, the

pastor emeritus, continuing to do what he’s been doing for

smell of Mamaw cooking breakfast greeted us.

60 years—loving people exactly where they are. My prayer

My grandparents kept my brother and me while

is that I’m able to utilize the example my grandparents have

our parents worked, but their lives didn’t revolve around

set for me and pastor in a way that reflects those biblical

babysitting us. We were passengers along for the ride for

principles of loving God, then loving people. Each of us has

whatever they had planned for the day.

a calling on our lives and God made us specifically to fulfill

Our circuit was any hospital, funeral home, nursing home, or residence my Papaw would be visiting. He was the pastor of Temple Baptist Church and has been for 43 years.

His ministry would eventually span 60-plus years. Recently,

it. Every fiber in our DNA is there to glorify God and serve an eternal purpose.

Further in Isaiah, Scripture says, “the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to

I called to check on him. He was taking a watermelon to someone who needed a pick-me-up. That’s who he is, someone you can count on when times are tough.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but God had us in training.

We thought we were just killing time every day until our parents got home from work, but the Lord was showing us what ministry looks like. We learned to give someone else a smile, a word of encouragement, or more importantly, a little of our time. We were simply tag-a-longs with Papaw while he ministered in a radius not too far from home. We were too young to be sent to seminary or some theological institution of higher learning. We were sent to learn on the job, as the needs came up, as the days flowed by. I don’t think there is a seminary in the world that can teach you how to show the love of Jesus or care about people, like

heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives. .

seeing and experiencing it.

.to comfort all who mourn. . .to give them beauty for ashes,

Isaiah 6:8 says, “Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” My Papaw answered the call

the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

You might be asking “How can I accomplish all those

from the Lord those years ago much in the same way the

things?” The Lord anchors all these aspects of ministry

Prophet Isaiah did. Despite all the obstacles, difficulties,

with His promise: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me”

and hardships that would come because of the decision, he

(Isaiah 61:1). We can’t accomplish anything without the

decided the gospel and Jesus were worth it.

Spirit of the Lord God. When we accept the call, we simply

On January 29, 2023, the Lord let us see what He had

become willing vessels the Holy Spirit can work through.

been doing all along. My grandfather passed the mantel to

The more willing we are, the more He can accomplish.

community of Bradley County, Tennessee. He’ll remain the

6 // May 2023

About The Author

me as the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in the Prospect Kody Fox is the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Intertwinement

T

by Charles Finney

here was a boy named Judge Ment. He

his classmates to join him in activities outside

was a bright and curious student, but

of school, and even made an effort to strike up

he often found himself feeling isolated

conversations with his teachers during class.

from his classmates and teachers. He didn’t

Judge Ment also learned the importance of

quite know how to connect with them, and as

intertwining with others in work and play. He

a result, he struggled to make friends and form

found that working together on projects helped

meaningful relationships.

him to learn new skills and to appreciate the perspectives of others. He also discovered that playing with his classmates and teachers helped to build trust and camaraderie, and that it was a great way to have fun and relax.

As Judge Ment continued to make connections and build relationships, he found that his experience at school became much more enjoyable.

He felt happier and more fulfilled, and he was able to

One day, Judge Ment’s English teacher assigned the class to read Psalm 133:1, which

achieve more academically and personally.

In the end, Judge Ment realized that the

says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when

verse from Psalm 133:1 was not just a scriptural

brothers dwell in unity!” The verse struck a chord

passage but a wisdom that can be applied

with Judge Ment, and he began to reflect on the

to his daily life. He understood the true

importance of unity and connection in his own life.

meaning of unity and how it can be achieved

Determined to change his ways, Judge Ment

by intertwining with others in work and play.

began to actively seek out opportunities to

He became a shining example to his classmates

connect with his classmates and teachers. He

and teachers, and he was forever grateful for

volunteered to work on group projects, invited

the lessons he learned about the importance of

8 // May 2023

connection and community.

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Taxes on Your Investments and Social Security

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.

A

s tax season comes to an end for most tax filers, let’s look at how our investments can affect our tax filing at year end and how and when your Social Security income

might be subject to income tax.

5. Tax-loss Harvesting: Some investors engage in a strategy known as tax-loss harvesting, where they sell losing investments to offset gains and reduce their tax bill. However, there are rules and limitations to be aware of, such as the

The stock market and taxes are closely related, as investment

“wash sale” rule that prevents investors from immediately

gains and losses in the stock market can trigger tax implications for

repurchasing the same or a substantially identical security

investors. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

after selling it at a loss.

1. Capital Gains: When you sell a stock for more than what you

Social Security income may be subject to federal income

paid for it, you have a capital gain. Depending on how long

tax, depending on the total amount of income received from all

you held the stock, the gain may be classified as short-term

sources, including Social Security benefits.

(if you held the stock for one year or less) or long-term (if

If an individual’s total income, including half of their Social

you held the stock for more than one year). Capital gains are

Security benefits, exceeds certain thresholds, they may be required

subject to taxation, with long-term gains generally taxed at a

to pay federal income tax on a portion of their Social Security

lower rate than short-term gains.

benefits. The thresholds for determining whether Social Security

2. Capital Losses: When you sell a stock for less than what you paid for it, you have a capital loss. Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains in the same year, which can lower your

benefits are taxable depend on an individual’s filing status and are as follows for the 2021 tax year: • Single Filers: If their combined income (which includes

tax bill. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, you

adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of their

can use the excess losses to offset up to $3,000 of other types of

Social Security benefits) is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to

income (such as wages) and carry over any remaining losses to

50% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal

future tax years.

income tax. If their combined income exceeds $34,000, up to

3. Dividends: If you own stocks that pay dividends, the dividends you receive are generally taxable. The tax rate on qualified dividends (which includes most dividends paid

85% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax.

• Married Filing Jointly: If their combined income is between

by U.S. corporations) is generally lower than the tax rate on

$32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of their Social Security benefits

ordinary income.

may be subject to federal income tax. If their combined income

4. Retirement Accounts: If you hold stocks in a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a traditional IRA or a 401(k), you generally won’t owe taxes on gains or dividends until you withdraw money from the account. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you take early withdrawals from the account or if you hold certain types of investments (such as REITs) in the account.

10 // May 2023

exceeds $44,000, up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax.

Overall, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications of your stock market investments. It’s also important to note that not all states tax Social Security benefits. Both of these factors make it worth consulting with a tax professional or a financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Lovely Things

H

by Brian Johnson

ow do you handle adversity? People have

her off at her mother’s house every morning so she could

different ideas, thoughts, and techniques to

catch the bus from there. She and I had a ritual. When

get them through. As Christians, we have

she got out of the car to walk to the door, she would stop

a tendency to forget to turn to God first. We try to

halfway, turn to me, and blow me a kiss. I would blow

work things out on our own, and eventually, we get

one back to her. She would catch it, close her eyes, and

around to talking to God about it. Philippians 4:6

hold it to her chest, then look at me and smile. That was

says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by

lovely! It was a key thing I would think on whenever I

prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your

was upset about the situation I found myself in.

requests be made know unto God.” In the next verse, we’re told this will give us peace. This isn’t always an instantaneous process though. What do we do when we keep dwelling on it? How can we move our focus away from the problem so that we’re not full of care? Not only does Paul tell us to give it to God, but he also tells us what to think on instead of the problem.

Verse 8 of that same chapter tells us to “think on” things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and things that are of a good report.

After an eleven-year marriage, I discovered my wife was having an affair. She decided to

Thank God for His word and its practicality. In this

leave me and our children to be with him. This was the

scripture, it doesn’t just tell us to let go and let God, it

most difficult time of my life. I cried a lot! I lost weight

also tells us what we can do to replace those negative

without trying. Everyday was incredibly difficult. In my

thoughts. If you are struggling with issues in your life

Bible reading, I came across this scripture and saw it in

that make you full of care, take the time to write out some

a different light. I decided to look up each of these six

things you can think on that will help you focus on the

things through the Bible and write down a key phrase

positive or things that you can be thankful for. That way,

or thought that corresponded to each one. I also thought

you’re prepared to combat those thoughts Satan uses to

about things in my life that had to do with each one.

keep you down.

kindergarten. She rode the bus to school, but I had to be at work before the bus picked her up, so I would drop

12 // May 2023

About The Author

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

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Gò0dNews for Women

Who Are You Opening the Door To? sk, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

I was headed out the door. The door wouldn’t shut. I slammed it a time or two. Actually, three times. Open and shut. Open and shut. I looked around the door and could not figure out why it wouldn’t shut. I thought maybe the camera cord had repositioned. Maybe someone recently had problems

shutting it. Maybe someone tried to break in and just didn’t do well. My first thought was it was just fine last night. I didn’t have time to see who could fix it. Also, who could? Anyhow, I locked the screen door and shut the door the best I could. I said, “God, this is your house. You protect it and take care of it anyways, so I’m trusting you.” At some points, the door came to my mind throughout the day. I talked to God about it again.

When I got home, I talked to Him again and tried to shut the door a few more times. It didn’t work the first time, but I thought, surely, it’ll work this time. I looked all around the door. Finally, I thought

14 // May 2023

it had to be around the latch. I looked closer. Sure enough, there’s a plate that goes around the latch, and that was loose. The two screws were loose that kept it aligned. In that moment, the Holy Spirit started speaking to me. How something small being misaligned can throw you off. Nothing else was in the way except the most important plate.

Are you opening the door to your past? We say, “Come on in, old friends! Come on in, anxiety! Come on in, depression! Y’all have always been there! Come on in, old ways.

Come on in, old sin.”

We literally open the door of our hearts, our mind, and our soul to those old ways. When the Lord comes knocking, we close the door on Him. We don’t trust Him with our ugly. We say, “Nope, God, you can’t see this, you can’t fix this, and I’m too ashamed for you to work this out. You deserve better than this.”

He keeps gently knocking. Finally, we decide we are going to open the door to Him! Opening the door! “Come on in, peace and contentment! Come on in, freedom!

Come on in, Jesus!”

We were so focused on what we used to be and opened the door to anything. Let’s open the door to the Lord! Let’s surrender to Him! Let’s ask Him in all things! He is the door! He is the way! His is the truth!

Let’s focus on the Kingdom! The door to Heaven! We have the keys to the Kingdom! Are you going to keep opening the door to what is not of God? He really loves you. He really loves you. He really loves you.

About The Author

“A

by Heather Guthrie

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

She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

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

Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

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goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Empty-Nesters

M

by Kristen West

y husband and I are empty-nesters. The

them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt

days of making little lunches, working

offerings for all of them.”

through endless piles of laundry, and

“For Job thought, ‘Perhaps my children have

juggling a variety of extracurricular activities are over.

sinned, having cursed God in their hearts.’ This was

Our four children are all grown and living their own

Job’s regular practice” (vs. 5).

independent lives. I smile to see them happily settling

Even as an empty-nester, Job continued to

into their own marriages, careers, and families. As

spiritually cover his grown children in prayer! He

parents, though, that transition can be challenging,

continued to exercise his God-given parental authority

can’t it?

We spend decades providing for them, instructing them, and ultimately, preparing them to leave us and our homes. Yet, when the time finally comes for them to vacate the nest, we sometimes struggle to understand what our new role is. Many times, we try to continue to be a remote extension of what we once were when they lived in our house.

As a result, we insert ourselves where we’re not invited; offer advice when it’s not solicited; and try to co-manage their decisions and jump in to offer damage control if we see things not going so well. Speaking

to bring his kids before God’s throne regardless of

from experience, that generally doesn’t help.

their age or station in life. Can you think of anything

The book of Job offers a wonderful example of how we, as parents, can continue to influence the lives of

more influential than this?

Our children will grow up, move out, and embark

our children for good, even when they’re grown, out of

on their own lives. Our days of in-home nurturing

our homes, and making their own decisions. Job’s sons

will come to a close. But the truth that should comfort

“used to take turns having banquets at their homes”

every parent’s heart is simply this—while your

and would invite their sisters to join them (Job 1:4

children will eventually be beyond your reach, they

CSB). There’s no record of Job attending these house

will never be beyond your prayers!

was over, Job would send for his children and purify

18 // May 2023

About The Author

parties, however “whenever a round of banqueting 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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These ladies provide services that go above and beyond that of a typical agent, such as apply for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or simply advocate on behalf of their clients with pharmacies, carriers, and providers. They are licensed in twenty-six states and counting, appointed with most carriers, and available to assist in Español for all your health and life insurance needs. If you have questions about changing employment or options between jobs, continuing to work past age sixty-five, assistance applying, a spouse not aged in for Medicare yet, these are your gals. They will help you plan ahead and answer any questions you may have, and the best part—their services are provided at no cost to you. Tara and Tanya do all this while answering to an even bigger Boss than the Federal Government. secure a supplemental plan, but she also assisted in applying and obtaining a grant from an organization to pay the premium while Tanya got

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back on her feet. goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Youth

Sharing the Burden

E

by Danny Hesterly

very Thursday, I get up at 4:45 a.m. to play basketball

family and friends. If you’ve lived for more than a minute,

with a few of my buddies. It’s never easy getting up

you know how crazy and difficult this can be.

at that time. I’ve been doing this for over a year now,

Jesus loved with no strings attached. He was willing to

and I never want to get out of bed. This week I’m playing

be inconvenienced daily. Jesus’ heart was constantly being

basketball, and I’m already dreading the annoying sound

moved with compassion as He interacted with people. Jesus

my alarm clock is going to make.

was the perfect embodiment of outrageous love in action.

The only positive thing about getting up that early is

If Jesus lived like this, we, too, should be doing the same

going to pick up my little brother to play basketball with

thing. To be called a Christian is to be like Jesus in every

me. I’m the one who is usually doing the pick-up, but every

way possible.

once in a while, he messages me: “Hey Danny, let me pick

This month, what are some of the ways you can share in

you up for basketball this week.” Do you know what that

the troubles of those you care about? It doesn’t mean getting

means for me? I get to sleep an extra twenty-five minutes!

in trouble with those you care about, but how you can be

Praise Jesus! It makes a huge difference knowing that my

a voice of encouragement and a present friend. Psalm 46:1

little brother is willing to pick me up from time to time and

says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help

share in those early morning drives to the gym.

in times of trouble.” If God is present in our lives during

Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live

times of trouble, we should also be present in the lives of those we care about when tough times come their way.

Have you ever tried to lift a sleeper sofa (a

a holy life. To live a holy life simply

couch with a bed in it) by yourself? Those

means that our behaviors are not

things are super heavy. By having just

to copy the world’s behaviors. Our

one other person to help lift an end of

lives are to reflect the character

the couch, it dramatically decreases the amount of weight you are lifting. It’s

and actions of Jesus. When

the same way in helping those

we share each other’s burdens, we are

in trouble. By being a present

obeying the law of

friend, you are sharing in their burden by helping

Christ. What is the

make it lighter for them

“law of

to carry. Go and be

Christ?”

that kind of person

To love

this week.

and to be willing to share the and the challenges of our

22 // May 2023

About The Author

pain, the hard moments, Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story.

Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

May We Rise Above

“C

by Jonathon Wright

ome,” he said. Then Peter got down out

knock them down, but they get back up. They look

of the boat, walked on the water and

expectantly for the next perfect wave. They are

came toward Jesus. But when he saw

determined not to let these huge waves drive and toss

the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried

them but to harness their great power and rise above

out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30)

the water again. And like clockwork, even daily, they

I love to watch surfers ride huge waves. They, like Peter, momentarily rise above the water. I can only

find themselves up in the air above the water and feel the rush of defying nature.

imagine what it would be like to walk or ride above the water. I don’t live near the ocean and, truthfully, I am not the greatest swimmer.

Waves remind me of Creation. It is amazing how God made all the waves go back and forth in perfect unison.

Jesus and God are, after all, the ones in whom the winds and the waves obey. See Matthew 8:23-27.

It took great courage for Peter to step out of the boat, and it takes great courage for someone to step onto a board that could easily fly out from under them.

Not only do surfers have lots of courage, but they

Has life tried to knock you down with waves of problems? Don’t forget to look for another wave. It is

use great wisdom. They learn by trial and error to

called the wave of God’s blessing. We need to look and

make quick judgment calls regarding which waves

follow Christ for the good things He has in store for

they should choose. But when they do not use sound

us. But God does something even greater. He brings

wisdom and a wave is too big, there is a huge price to

good in the midst of tragedy, and like the waves of the

pay. Waves have the power to knock someone off the

surfers, it comes daily like clockwork. So, keep your

board and cause them to drown or throw them miles

eyes on the Master. He has great blessings in His hand.

away from land. Peter also used wisdom when he

Christ is right there saving and helping you rise above

started to sink. He called on Jesus for help.

the waters. We just need to trust and follow His plan.

their determination to keep trying. The waves may

24 // May 2023

About The Author

Another thing I appreciate about surfers is

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone The Two Bible Verses We Need the Most

O

by Rodney Jones

ne is from the New Testament, and

of your soul, you will do before the wood of the

one is from the Old. We need the New

cradle bumps the marble of the tomb, or it won’t

Testament verse first, and then we need

get done. Forever lost! The stakes are too great to

the Old Testament verse. But wait, before you

put off salvation. Whosoever will, may come. Ask

totally write me off as an alien from “outer space,”

Him to save you today.

let me say that we need all the verses in the Bible, all 31,102 verses.

The second important Bible verse that we need is Psalms 119:165. “Great peace have they which

We need every word that God speaks. Every jot

love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Now

and every tittle. Every comma and every period.

that our salvation is settled. Now that our name is

Anything and everything that God says, we need

written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Now that we

those words more than we need physical food.

are part of the family of God, we need to live in

We shall not live by bread alone, but by every

peace with all men and let nothing offend us.

word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Why do churches split? Why do deacons and preachers fight? Why do marriages fail? Why do

The first important Bible verse that we need is

good families leave good churches? It’s generally

Romans 10:13. “For whosoever shall call upon the

because somebody got offended. And why is there

name of the Lord shall be saved.” Every human

an offense in the first place? It’s because we, as

being needs the matter of salvation settled. And

saved people, don’t love the law of God. If we are

needs it settled now! Behold today is the day of

ever offended, we are actually telling on our self!

salvation, now is the accepted time. If you want

Wow! We are admitting that we don’t love the

to be saved, you can be saved. A companion verse

Word of God. So, my good friend, make sure that you are

was not found written in the book of life was cast

saved and then make sure that you love the Words

into the lake of fire.” What you do for the salvation

of God.

About The Author

on salvation is Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever

26 // May 2023

Rodney Jones is a retired Police Officer and is presently a Housing and Residence Life staff member at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Rodney is a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle in Ringgold, Georgia.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Master Of My Soul

by Judy Hood

He is the Master of my soul Everyday I make heaven my goal I walk the very narrow straight One day St. Peter will let me through the gate I bow my head as I fast and pray I know He will be with me all the way My journey is long, but my heart beats strong Nothing can keep me from the throng I love my Lord more than life, you know I gave Him my heart, I gave Him my soul So if you would like to live in heaven too Just humbly bow, He’s been waiting for you 28 // May 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Color in the Clouds

“The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).

A

by Terrie Ruff fter work I decided to pick up something quick

and saw nature as a witness of God’s creation. The red

for dinner and run another errand before

revealed His loving sacrifice for my sins and the sins of

heading home. Honestly, I was distracted by

the whole world. And the yellow seemed to be shouting

several thoughts that day and wanted peace of mind. I

to me that I had the Son of Righteousness in my life, and

kept dwelling on my “issues,” and before long, I began

that the sun would shine again! I would smile again and

to feel down. I tried to call several friends and no one—I

my tears were temporary. And the “Son” was shining,

mean no one—was available! I then began to get angry

and I was smiling. Hallelujah. What a colorful God!

because I try to always be there for them, now I couldn’t find anyone (my self-pity party had begun).

With only voice messages and silence, I had almost

I will never forget that colorful cloud and how God showed up at just the right time in a wonderful display of color, reminding me that He delights to be with me

worked myself into tears when I noticed ahead of me

and that by any means necessary, He will come to me

a bright, colorful cloud! The first color was blue, then

when I need Him the most. Even if it’s in the form of a

red and yellow! It looked as if the sun was reflecting

colorful cloud!

the colors off of the fall trees in the surrounding area,

How has God “wowed” you lately? How has nature

and I was able to witness fall colors in the sky! I was so

reminded you of God’s love, watch, care, and protection of

amazed at this sight that I forgot about my “issues” and

you? The next time you see something extraordinary in

began to focus on the awesome Creator God I serve. Just

nature, consider it a gift/reminder from God just for you!

at the moment of a tearful breakdown, He gave me a The colors I saw were peaceful and calming. The blue brought me to my knees as I worshipped God

30 // May 2023

About The Author

reason to smile!

Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga.

Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

April Showers

W

by Janice Washington

e’ve all heard the old adage: “April showers bring May flowers.” Sit down with an apple blossom or a chrysanthemum. Go ahead, get real up close and personal: “Chrysanthemum, you’re sporting a lovely fuchsia heugh this season. May I ask where you got it? Apple Blossom, your fragrance is to die for. May I ask how you acquired it?” If you listen carefully, they—like a great aunt with a southern drawl—will chuckle back, “Oh this old thing? I got it from April Showers.” May’s flowers are a direct result of April’s showers. This natural

dynamic has metaphorical value and its sentiment is echoed throughout God’s word.

You see, May dawns the glitz, but April holds the grit. May epitomizes freshness—birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and animals are coming out of hibernation.

May sings lead while April harmonizes in the background under dim lighting. April is to Calvary what May is to Resurrection. Psalm 30:5 puts it this way, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Isaiah 61:3 describes it as an exchange of sorts: beauty for ashes, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and the oil of joy instead of that of mourning.

While April’s raindrops are pummeling the earth, we all know that May’s flowers are coming. There is something about a picturesque May that puts a messy April into context. We tolerate the former in anticipation of the latter.

One is to be endured, the other to be enjoyed. Call it

32 // May 2023

perspective, call it comfort, call it crazy, but isn’t it the birth of a child that makes the labor pains worth it?

Romans 8:28 makes it clear that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Suppose, however, that (metaphorically speaking) the awareness of May does not eliminate the sting, impact, nor trauma of April. What solace does the word offer us when life is not so cut and dry? What do we do with miscarriages, relapses, natural disasters, infidelity, eating disorders, paralysis? How do we cope when the pain is graphic, deep, and ugly? What happens when life intrudes upon our stability in taboo shades of cancer, molestation, poverty, identity confusion, postpartum depression, pornography addiction, and PTSD, to name a few? What is the answer when the promise of May’s flowers is not enough to process the gravity of April’s showers? When the mud won’t wash away, when the imagery remains long after the monsoon has passed?

One word: “Gethsemane.” It is the intersection of humanity and deity, where Christ grappled with the task before him. A reckoning place. A grayness. Under the weight of expectation, a vulnerable savior prayed with blood, sweat, and—I imagine—tears for an alternative. Yes, a resurrection was His to claim, but crucifixion was the prerequisite. Liberation was the final destination, but torture was the vehicle that would get Him there. Gethsemane literally translates to “oil press.” This was a place of pressing, where friends slept while He carried the weight of the world. In honest prayer, He pressed beyond “Can this cup pass from Me? to “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Sometimes April lingers and you are up to your waist in flood water, debt, unforgiveness, chemo treatments, or even suicidal thoughts. Sometimes you are seeking desperately for a way out, an alternative to the storm. The promise of May’s flowers can seem far off, a faint whisper competing for your faith over the sound of thunder. May God’s sovereignty settle like a healing balm until raindrops give way to sprouts and Gethsemane ushers in courage. Oh, and the next time you cross a chrysanthemum or an apple blossom, perhaps you will be the pinnacle of the garden this time. “Reader, just where did you get that glow?”

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Morning Glory Muffins

by Talma Clark

Ingredients • 2 cups of all-purpose flour • 1 1/3 cups of sugar • 2 teaspoons of baking soda

Instructions 1. Combine the first five ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir in carrots and the next four ingredients.

• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

2. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Combine oil and remaining ingredients.

• ½ teaspoon of salt

3. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.

• 2 cups of grated carrots • ½ cup of raisins • ½ cup of shredded coconut • ½ cup of chopped pecans • 1 (8 ounce) can of crushed pineapple (drained) • 1 cup of vegetable oil (canola oil) • 3 large eggs (lightly beaten) • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

34 // May 2023

4. Place paper baking cups in muffin pans. Spoon 2/3 full.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Remove from pan. Yields approximately 22 muffins.

7. Grab a cup of coffee or milk!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Was This the Last One?

T

by John Garrod

he troubles had begun before Thanksgiving, with

in the door of my mind. A thought began to haunt me:

problems that even left my primary care physician

Was this Christmas just past my last one?

at the VA scratching her head a bit. She tossed out

possibilities and acronyms with no certainty to any of them. The one thing that stuck in my head was that this problem needed to be fixed, and soon.

Then in January, came one of those voicemail messages you don’t ever want to get. Based on a scan

And then I began to do the wise thing. I began to pray. I began to look at the Word.

The reality is, yes, I am going to die. Short of the Rapture coming soon (today before lunch would be fine, Lord), something will get the better of this body.

Cancer? Tailgaters on a wet I-75? Random Chinese

I had done last July (yes, 6 months prior), a doctor

weather balloon falling on me? I don’t know. I don’t

somewhere in the system determined I had a form of

know how, and I don’t know when. I don’t know if it will be peacefully in my sleep, or screaming like the passengers in my car at the time.

But just as much as I don’t know the how or when, I do know how it turns out.

God will still be God, and Jesus will still be my savior. Every promise He gives me in the Word will be true, and I 110% believe that when that day does come, as I enter the gates of heaven, I will in no way whatsoever be concerned about cancer, tailgaters, or the indignity of death. I won’t spare a thought as to whether I have a good doctor or not.

I won’t be second-guessing my dietary choices. On that day, I will cry no tears and feel no fear, nor will I ever do any of these

cirrhosis, a suspicious spot on my liver, and I needed to

again. The road of life between this point and there may

be evaluated for home health care. (That last bit was an

be rife with potholes, detours, and washouts, but the

error; the doctor’s assistant just basically guessed at the

destination is worth the disturbances.

meaning of an abbreviation on a note from the doctor and left that on my voicemail.)

Don’t ever Google medical stuff. It’s a bad idea. Two hours in, I was convinced I was rabid or maybe had

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, nor will there be sorrow or crying or pain anymore; for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

by the time I was done, I was almost ready to just go dig a hole somewhere. Fear was trying to stick its size 18 shoe

36 // May 2023

About The Author

ovarian cysts. Pretty unlikely for a 58-year-old man, but John Garrod is father of 6, husband of 1, an ESOL teacher in Dalton, GA, a Lee U graduate (c/o ‘19), a U.S. Army veteran and a member of South Cleveland COG.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Pentecost

S

by Brent Goodge

even weeks following the Passover, the Israelites

of Christ’s commission. The man wasn’t a theologian, but

celebrated the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks after

he could tell an audience who wouldn’t listen to Jesus

the original Passover during the deliverance from

what the power of Christ had accomplished in his life. And

Egyptian slavery, God spoke His Ten Commandments to

when Jesus returned to the region, this man’s missionary

Israel. This was the inauguration of the nation of Israel as

efforts resulted in a massive harvest of souls for the

His people.

kingdom of God.

On an annual basis, the Feast of Weeks would usually occur during our month of May. It was a thanksgiving

Seven weeks after Jesus died and was raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles. One hundred and

celebration for the spring harvest and a prayer of faith for a strong autumn harvest. It was one of the three annual feasts all adult Israelite males were commanded to attend.

The morning after calming the sea, Jesus met a man the world would consider hopeless. Demonic powers had granted him strength in all the wrong ways. The man could rip irons out of rock, but he had no power to go find Jesus for supernatural deliverance. Like the lamb lost on the hills, the only hope for this man was that the Good Shepherd would come looking for him.

While His frightened disciples ran away, Jesus stayed, unafraid to complete the mission His Father had sent Him to do that day. Bring home the lost sheep. In the presence of Almighty God, the demons trembled. Begging Jesus not to send them to torment for

twenty disciples became 3,000 in a day. The Gospel went to

torturing one created in His image, the demons asked

the known world in one generation. Deliverance on Calvary

to invade a herd of pigs. Jesus granted their request but

had led to the early harvest at Pentecost.

demanded they leave His child immediately.

Almost instantaneously, the onlookers were distraught

That 3,000 has grown to over two billion who claim to follow Jesus today. The final harvest is fast approaching. Are

that a massive value of pigs drowned in the lake. But the

we telling others what Jesus has done for us? Are we finding

Father in heaven was rejoicing that another child had been

the lost sheep? Or do we run away from “losers?” If we

brought home. Jesus had done it again.

have received the deliverance from Christ, if we have been

The man had been delivered from slavery to sin and the devil. He was now a living symbol of the early harvest

inaugurated as His people, then how can we possibly have any higher priority until He returns?

of souls. Falling to his knees in gratitude and worship, the followers. But Jesus said, “No.” He had received the power of Christ’s redemption. Now he would receive the power

38 // May 2023

About The Author

man begged Jesus for permission to join the band of His 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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