May 2025 by GoodNews Catoosa

Gò0dNews

CATOOSA & WALKER

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Bobby Sneed

Chris Yarber

Chrissie Joy Jackson

Filip Brunner

Garrett Nudd

Granger Hughes

Hayden Lanier

Jan Merop

Katie Taylor

Kirstin Reggel

Lori McAfee

Mitch Jolly

Rodney Jones

Stephanie Stewart

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Kylie Fowler

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/catoosaga

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa

Hello Friends,

We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

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

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

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.

You’re Not Going to Finish

by Chris Yarber

Igrew up in a house where I had my own bedroom. Some siblings had to share a bedroom growing up, I was one of the lucky ones. The bedroom door even had my name on it. Across from my room, my parents had a study, A room filled with books, records, and files. As a child, it presented itself like a library, with what seemed to be hundreds of books covering subjects such as theology, American history, novels, fictitious stories, and science textbooks. That’s the library you get when your dad is an avid reader and your mom works in medicine.

There was one frame hanging on the wall in the study I would look at, read, and re-read while growing up in that house, a stunning Master’s of Education degree my dad acquired when my brother and I were quite young. My dad is one of the biggest influences I have. Little did he know, watching him study and dedicate his time to furthering his education was inspiring me to dream. I found myself dreaming of perfecting my craft, and with humility, gaining as much education as I possibly could. Fast forward 20 years, I graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry, followed by a Master of Ministry at Andersonville Theological Seminary!

But, it wasn’t long after completing this Master’s, I surprised my parents by enrolling in a Doctor of Ministry program at the same seminary. The difference between my Master’s and Doctorate: COVID-19. After working on this Doctor of Ministry program for a year, COVID-19 surprised the world. This changed everything. Suddenly, I was working more than ever. I have never felt so drained in my life. This crushed my motivation to study, unlike anything before. For two years I

stopped. I couldn’t pick up a book or write without wanting to go to bed.

My parents came to visit my wife and me. We spent one afternoon taking a walk. As it had many times before, the subject of school came up in our conversation. Each time we spoke about school, I felt more defeated. I was reminded of how I had given up on my dream of striving for excellence in education. At one point, my dad said to me, “Son, you’re not going to finish, and you’re just going to have to accept it.” I cried and cried, and cried some more. After soaking up my tears, I turned to my dad and said, “I can’t wait to prove you wrong.” My dad has always known just what to say and when to say it. Those words lit a fire in me to finish an educational path I had been walking down for seven years.

Maybe you’re reading this and at one time or another, you had a dream. Maybe it was a dream to grow yourself in a way that would result in serving God and others better. But along the way something happened, something unexpected, and you’ve given up. Nothing you’ve tried has given you the motivation to pick up the pen again. I’m not going to say you’ll never finish (that’s a terrible way to encourage someone). But I will say this: don’t give up. God gives us dreams for a reason. Your dream has a purpose. Don’t give up on it. When you cross the finish line, celebrate with those you love. Praise God for the good works He planned for you long ago. Remember who gave you the dream and who will give you the strength to complete it. You got this. You can do this. Do not give up.

Chris Yarber is married to his beautiful wife Maigan.

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What is Your Testimony?

by Hayden Lanier

Ilove hearing people share their testimonies. It is truly beautiful to hear someone talk about how they came to know Jesus. But unfortunately, I have heard people share a version of their testimony where they made no mention of Jesus or salvation. Your testimony is not the story of good things God has done for you or how the Lord led you to a particular school or career path. Your testimony is not limited to how God helped you overcome some struggles or trials. These things are a part of your testimony, and God certainly uses them, but your testimony is primarily the story of how you were dead in sin but have now been made alive in Jesus. Your testimony’s details are unique because we are all unique. We have different backgrounds and varying life experiences, so share those details. Be discerning about what you say (for example, maybe don’t tell someone you just met about a sin you still struggle with), but be honest. Make it personal and truthful.

If you’ve never shared your testimony, a good way to structure it is to answer these three questions: 1. What was my life like before Jesus? 2. How did I come to know Jesus? 3. What is my life like now with Jesus?

This model is something that we see laid out in Scripture, with one well-known example being Ephesians 2:1-10. This passage answers these questions by teaching that before Jesus, we were dead in sin, following after the world and after Satan, living in the passions of our flesh, and we were children of wrath by nature (Ephesians 2:1-3). But God has made us alive with Christ, saved us by grace — not by works — raised us up and seated us with Him in the Heavenly places (Ephesians 2:4-9). The third question — who we are now — is also answered in that we are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), which means that we are His masterpiece! God has good works for us to do that He has already planned for us, “that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).

Knowing Jesus changes everything. You cannot have a testimony apart from the one you are testifying about. Tell others you were dead in sin but are now alive. You were

following after whatever the world said and whatever your fleshly nature prompted you to do, but you have been saved by the grace of God alone. You were born in a fallen state by nature, but now God continues to show you the riches of His grace in kindness in Christ.

You might wonder why this is important or if you need to share your testimony. There is power in your testimony because there is power in the gospel. There is power in your testimony because your testimony is the truth of how you have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. There is power in your testimony because there is power in the God who has changed your life, and you want others to know Him as well. Telling others your testimony makes sharing the gospel personal and builds a connection between you and them. Your salvation story is one of the greatest tools you have been equipped with as a child of God.

May you boldly proclaim how God has “called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV). Have you encountered Jesus; has He changed your life? If so, who can you share your testimony with?

Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com. 8 // May 2025

How important is the difference between growing our wealth and withdrawing it?

Growing Our Wealth Versus Withdrawing It

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

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.

Understanding the distinction between the contribution and distribution phases of wealth accumulation is essential for effective retirement planning. While accumulating wealth during our working years focuses on growth through consistent contributions, the distribution phase requires a careful strategy to ensure that our savings provide sustainable income throughout retirement.

Contribution Phase: Building Wealth

During our working years, the primary goal is to accumulate wealth. This phase involves regular contributions to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs, often utilizing strategies like dollar-cost averaging. By investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions, we purchase more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, potentially lowering our average cost per share over time. This approach harnesses the power of compound growth, where earnings generate their own earnings, significantly enhancing the growth of our investments.

Distribution Phase: Managing Withdrawals

Transitioning to retirement shifts the focus from accumulating assets to managing withdrawals. The sequence in which returns occur becomes crucial during this phase. Sequence-of-returns risk refers to the danger that the timing of withdrawals from a retirement account will harm the investor’s overall rate of return. Experiencing poor investment returns early in retirement, when portfolio balances are higher due to accumulated contributions, can significantly impact the sustainability of withdrawals.

During our working careers it doesn’t matter when the losses occur so long as we don’t touch the money. Our average 4.8% return ends up being the same between portfolios A and B. However, once in retirement even though we have an identical average return of 4.8%, we have a wide gap between the two in terms of dollars left after 20 years. The difference between the contribution phase and the distribution phase is not merely a matter of saving versus spending. It requires thoughtful

consideration of how we position our assets throughout both phases, especially when it comes to risk management, tax strategies, and distribution planning.

Strategies to Mitigate Sequence-of-Returns Risk

To safeguard retirement income against unfavorable sequences of returns, consider the following strategies:

1. Diversify Your Portfolio: Maintain a mix of asset classes to buffer against market volatility. Diversification can help mitigate the impact of poor performance in any single investment.

2. Adjust Asset Allocation Over Time: Gradually reduce exposure to high-risk investments as retirement approaches, aligning your portfolio with your risk tolerance and income needs.

3. Establish a Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy: Determine withdrawal rates that balance income needs with the longevity of your portfolio. Some experts suggest the “4% rule” as a starting point, but it’s essential to tailor this based on individual circumstances and market conditions.

4. Maintain Cash Reserves: Keep a portion of your portfolio in liquid, low-risk assets to cover several years of living expenses. This approach allows you to avoid selling investments during market downturns, preserving the potential for recovery.

5. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan: Periodically assess your financial situation, investment performance, and changing needs. Adjust your strategy as necessary to stay aligned with your retirement goals.

In conclusion, the transition from the contribution phase to the distribution phase necessitates a shift in strategy from growthfocused accumulation to preservation and sustainable withdrawal. Understanding the impact of sequence-of-returns risk and implementing strategies to mitigate it are crucial for ensuring that retirement savings provide reliable income throughout retirement. By proactively managing asset allocation, withdrawal strategies, and diversification, retirees can enhance the likelihood of financial security and peace of mind in their later years.

Willow Tree Farms

609 POST OAK ROAD, RINGGOLD, GEORGIA

Willow Tree Farms in Ringgold, GA welcomes you and your loved ones for events at their venue that now boasts two event spaces as of 2025. Both locations on the property include all their beloved outdoor amenities for activities as well as all their outdoor wedding arbor options. The Pavilion holds anywhere from 75 to 150 guests, depending on if you expand the space with their 20ft x 40ft garden party tent. The 609 Indoor Reception Hall can hold up to 300 guests, includes a large built-in bar, two apartments with a catering kitchen and overnight accommodations inside, and a beautiful wrap around porch for first looks, private vows, or a cocktail hour. These event spaces include tables, chairs, and benches along with several add on options of yard games, a propane firepit, and so much more!

Profits made from hosting events go back into maintaining the 144-acre property, caring for its many animals, and hosting public events for the community to enjoy that often assist local non-profits in fundraising efforts. This venue welcomes aspiring photographers with it's affordable photoshoot passes, as well as free fieldtrips for the local schools, and it's many community building endeavors.

for Everyone

Study in Genesis: The Creation of Humans

by Filip Brunner

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” *(Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Let’s Focus on Verse 26

God speaks. He issues a command as before and nothing happens. So, what is going on?

Man is a special creation different from anything else God has created thus far. The creation of Humankind requires additional steps.

1. Making of the human male was first. God makes the man out of dust. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7a).

of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

God is the potter: “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand“ (Isaiah 64:8).

God gives a clear understanding that He wants our relationship with Him to be a personal and intimate one. As the Potter, God molds and shapes us into the thing of beauty He desires us to be. He takes time to remove impurities from the clay. He adds water and pressure to make of us a fitting image and likeness of His dear Son.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

2. The man is given responsibility by his creator.

A. For physical labor: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15).

B. For spiritual initiative: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat

C. For intimate socioeconomic and emotional union: “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Genesis 2:22).

The creation of the woman is unique in that she is taken out of the man. There is a special connection between a man and a woman.

The creation of man and woman completes the creative work of God. While the creation of the man and the woman is different for both of them, the fact remains that humankind bears the image of God who created us. Their union as husband and wife is blessed by God with these words: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply’” (Genesis 1:28a).

May this prompt you to continue to read and study about Creation. As the new year begins, renew your commitment to studying the Scriptures.

*All Scriptures are KJV.

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.

Misty BOLT MEET

Misty found herself led to insurance, and speciﬁcally to Medicare. These unique

experiences shaped Misty and fueled her drive to succeed for others. She is relentless in her ﬁght to help those in need. Today she does so through her business,Medicare Misty, which helps people navigate the confusing world of Medicare.

Why You Don’t Love Your Life

by Stephanie Stewart

As women, we are created to live purpose-filled lives, but most of us are so busy with the day-today tasks of survival that we never discover what that purpose is.

Our days are filled with things that have to be done, and we’re told that we must balance our time so that we take care of our own health, continue to grow both personally and spiritually while also having enough energy left over to do something fun once in a while. Striving for the perfectly balanced life is exhausting.

So, why aren’t we living that perfectly balanced life – a life we truly love? Let’s consider five things:

1. You’re living in the past.

Your brain is naturally wired for survival. Your brain has proof that everything you went through to reach this point in life kept you alive. Its main job is to keep you safe, and it believes that the most efficient way to do that is for you to stay stuck in the past because you survived it. Creating a new path for yourself requires energy, but your brain likes the path of least resistance. Once you understand how your brain works, you’ll be able to start making choices from your prefrontal cortex (your logical brain) and not stay stuck in the past.

2. You don’t know what you really want.

One reason you may not be living a life you truly love is because you’re not sure what you want. But God knows, and he’d love to hear it from you. Psalm 37:4-5 says, “Take

delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”

Just as the seasons in nature change, our seasons of life change. Clarity is the first step to creating a different life. And if it aligns with God’s will, He’s thrilled to help you.

3. Your “why” isn’t strong enough.

When you embark on a new journey, you have to start by asking yourself why you want to go there. If your reason isn’t strong enough, it’ll be easy to just give up.

4. You lack confidence.

If you’re not confident in yourself causing you to settle for a mediocre life rather than stepping out in faith and pursuing your dreams. However, confidence is a skill that you can cultivate, not a personality trait that you were either born with or without.

5. You’re not living with intention.

If you live in a constant state of busyness, you may never give yourself time to slow down and create a plan to reach your goals. But you can actually do more when you focus on doing less. You have to be able to scrutinize everything in your schedule so that you intentionally plan time for the things that are most important.

Create a Plan for Your Life

While there may be many other reasons why you aren’t living a life you love, the good news is that you get to choose what comes next. Your destiny is your responsibility. Don’t let your past, or other people, talk you out of becoming the woman that God created you to be.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11.

This article was adapted for our format from Stephanie’s blog, www.stephaniestewartcoaching.com.

Catoosa County 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

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

2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-6183

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

5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, Ga 30728

706-764-2212

Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736

706-866-0164

Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

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 Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-0232

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 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

Lakeview First Baptist Church 10 Hudson Street Rossville, GA 30741

706-861-4262

Living Faith Baptist Church

Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736

706-891-1817

Midway Baptist Church

Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736

706-937-2317

Moriah Baptist Church

2864 Battlefield Parkway

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-8843

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

Nellie Head Memorial Baptist

2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755

706-935-5236

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church

24 Kay Rossville,Street GA 30741

706-861-4359

Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road

Rossville, GA 30741

706-866-0371

Welcome Hill Baptist Church

223 Inman Street

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-4814

Catholic

Saint Gerard Catholic Church

3049 Lafayette Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-861-9410

Church of Christ

Cohutta Road Church of Christ

2233 Mount Vernon Road

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-935-3884

Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ

6 Harker Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-4124

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

Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-9090

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

Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-9773

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

Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741

423-653-1043

Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-820-6314

Graysville UMC

2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736

706-891-9253

Newnan Springs UMC 78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741

706-866-6724

Ringgold UMC

7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736

706-935-4777

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 Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736

706-937-7729

Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531

Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736

706-952-1502

Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777

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

Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655

New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736

706-866-7799

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

Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100

Woodstation Church 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-3360

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

First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-2521

Hope Fellowship 2000 Twin Cedars Rd

Chickamauga, GA 30707

hopefellowshipepc.org

Morton Memorial

560 Red Belt Rd.

Chickamauga, GA 30707

706-338-7176

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-861-5999

Lookout Mountain SDA Church 6083 Hwy 157 (Atop Lookout Mtn) Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-935-3741

Walker County Church Directory

Assembly of God

Cross Connection

703 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-639-3303

Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God 1661 Highway 27 Chickamauga, GA

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 236 Crow Gap Road Chickamauga, GA

706-539-1117

Bethel Baptist Church 4068 S Highway 341 Chickamauga, GA

706-375-3756

Bethlehem Baptist Church 278 Oak Grove Road Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2797

Bethel Memorial Baptist Church

198 Pledger St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2995

Bethesda Baptist Church 13432 Highway 151 LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-9450

Calvary Baptist Church 908 Bronco Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-8710

Cassandra Baptist Church 1371 W Cove Rd Chickamauga, GA

706-539-1046

Center Grove Baptist Church 68 Center Grove Church Rd Rock Springs, GA

706-764-2060

Center Point Baptist Church

118 Center Point Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1753

Chattanooga Baptist Church 7300 Highway 337

LaFayette, GA 30728

Christ First Church 5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, GA 30728 (706) 764-2212

Christian Home

2518 Garretts Chapel Rd

Chickamauga, GA

423-313-5230

Community Baptist Church 14 Kemp Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1774

Corinth Baptist Church 2524 Corinth Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3963

East Armuchee Baptist Church

3196 E. Armuchee Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706 375-4512

Emanuel Baptist Church

639 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1751

Faith Baptist Church of Chickamauga 14251 Highway 193

Chickamauga, GA

423-760-8895

First Baptist Church 603 7th St

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2733

Friendship Baptist Church

1200 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3560

Garrett’s Chapel Baptist Church

3235 Garretts Chapel Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-6708

Grace Baptist Tabernacle 27 Jones Rd

Rock Springs, GA

423-362-3158

Grand Center Baptist Church of Chickamauga 1753 Grand Center Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-8505

Happy Home Baptist Church

704 N Chattanooga St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

Harbor Light Baptist Church

600 Crane St. LaFayette, GA 30728

423-605-0917

LaFayette 2nd Baptist Church

500 W Main Street

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2779

Lafayette First Baptist Church

201 N Main St, LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3727

Lake Howard Baptist Church 1528 Lake Howard Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-304-4990

Linwood Baptist Church 18 Steele St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6527

Liberty Baptist Church 1334 Johnson Rd.

Chickamauga, GA 30707

706-375-3859

Lookout Baptist Church 8645 Highway 193

Chickamauga, GA

706-931-2356

Macedonia Baptist Church 12461 E Highway 136

LaFayette, GA 30728

Marble Top Baptist Church

7131 N Marble Top Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-3536

Mt Hermon Baptist Church 2373 Hog Jowl Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-858-5650

Naomi Baptist Church 4171 E Highway 136

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4601

New Harvest Missionary Baptist Church 2034 Highway 337

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-6257

New Home Baptist Church

256 New Home Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

North LaFayette Baptist Church 1649 N Main St

LaFayette, GA 30728

Oakwood Baptist Church

115 Oakwood St

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-5760

Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Rd

Rock Springs, GA

706-375-4721

Prospect Baptist Church

194 Prospect Church Rd

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-397-2908

Ridgeview Baptist Church

1001 Magnolis St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

334-300-4733

Ridgeway Baptist Church

1594 Ridgeway Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6832

Rock Springs Baptist Church

194 E Turnipseed Rd

Rock Springs, GA

706-810-8199

Shield Baptist Church

12684 N Highway 27

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2554

Shiloh Baptist Church

46 Manning Mill Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-397-8427

Sunnyside Baptist Church

3573 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

423-364-9701

True Life Baptist Church 1115 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-996-8571

Walnut Grove Baptist Church 55 Walnut Grove Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1377

Woodstation Baptist Church 42 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1794

Catholic

Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church 1227 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

706-820-0680

Church of Christ

Church Of Christ 105 Crittenden Ave Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2222

Highway 27 Church of Christ 1684 S Highway 27 LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4644

Lafayette Church of Christ 104 W Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1890

Steele Street Church of Christ 4 Steele St. LaFayette, GA 30728

423-505-9583

Church of God

Catlett Community Church 122 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-309-4649

Cooper Heights Church of God 12598 Highway 193 Chickamauga, GA 423-903-3759

Cove Road Church of God 620 N Chattanooga St LaFayette, GA 30728

678-467-6982

Covenant Life Worship Center 7001 Lafayette Rd Chickamauga, GA

706-375-5286

LaFayette First Church of God 301 Daugherty St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-639-7329

LaFayette Church of God 1002 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-450-0872

Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1093

Jehovah’s Witness

Kingdom Hall

457 Rodrunner Blvd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4342

Methodist

Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church 139 Cove Rd Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2182

First United Methodist 15 Sunrise Dr. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1942

First United Methodist Church 301 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2067

LaFayette First United Methodist Church

301 S. Main Street

LaFayette, GA 30728 (706) 638-2057

Rock Springs United Methodist Church 3477 Peavine Rd Rock Springs, GA

706-375-5345

Non-Denominational

Battlefield of Life Worship Center 56 Kevin Ln. Rock Springs, GA 770-827-6718

Care Mission

105 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3664

Cowboy Church of Lafayette 196 County Line Rd, Rock Spring, GA 30739 423-596-7227

Faith Worship Center

200 S. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-313-7035

Gospel Light Christian Fellowship

36 Fortune St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-996-8535

Hope Fellowship 2000 Twin Cedars Rd Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-4673

Life Gate Church

204 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-7620

Mission Bridge Church 807 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-364-6771

Mount Zion Church 223 Dunwoody Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1238

New Bethel Christian Fellowship 4009 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6904

Power of Life LaFayette Church 798 W Main St LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728

River of Life Church 807 W. Maqin St. LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728

The Haven - LaFayette 415 Chestnut St. LaFayette, GA 706-996-815030728

Presbyterian

Chickamauga Presbyterian Church 700 7th Street

Chickamauga, GA (706) 375-3432

Highland Presbyterian Church 1211 W Noth Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-8940

Lafayette Presbyterian Church 107 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3932

Quaker

New Friendship Baptist Church 281 Friendship Rd Chickamauga, GA

706-375-7198

Wesleyan

Gordon Lake Weslyan Church

29 Gordon Lake Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6517

Praying for the One

by Katie Taylor

When you’re young and in love, you think it will last forever. Sometimes it does, but it’s hard to keep it strong when you’re growing up and changing and moving off to college. You feel like you have control over everything and nothing at the same time. You feel as though God is constantly handing you opportunities, but simultaneously showing you that He is always in control.

When I was younger I read a book called Praying for Your Future Husband. At first, reading that book felt like a major cliche. Praying for your future husband, meeting someone who checks all your boxes, and making a list for what you hope your future husband will be like; is all something we learn in youth group and we’re encouraged to do to help strengthen our faith and help us understand patience.

In college, I thought that I met the man I was going to marry. He was a Christian; he loved me; he took care of me, and made me feel heard and understood. He was a reconnection from high school, a classic story. I had prayed for my husband, read the book, filled in the blanks, and there he was. We talked about marriage and kids, what our house would be like, and where we would live. We were long distance but making it work. I thought this was it and that I was done with the dating thing. That was until I met the man I knew I would marry.

Eventually, my boyfriend and I broke up. It was one of the worst heartbreaks I have ever experienced. But, the heartbreak was short-lived because God had brought me solace. He brought me another opportunity at love, and this time, it was the one.

The difference between the relationship with the man I thought I would marry and the relationship with the man I knew I would marry was the certainty I felt. I had never felt a feeling like this before and I knew this had to be something that God had sent me.

Yes, you read that correctly. I met the man I knew I would marry while dating the man I thought I would marry. It was a very scary and confusing feeling. I felt like I was living in some kind of bad romance novel.

I prayed, and prayed, and prayed again, for six months. I reread that book and it just made it all the more confusing. I knew this was a lesson in patience and a test of my faith, so I just had to let God handle it and do what I could do which was to pray and wait.

I will leave you with this. God will always lead us in the right direction. Sometimes we’ll take a detour and wonder if we will ever get back on track. Everyone feels these feelings, and I hope my story brings you peace with whatever may come your way. Patience is a tough thing to learn, but Jesus will lead you through to the other side.

Katie Taylor is a senior at Dalton State College. She will earn her bachelor’s degree in English in May. She lives with her husband Aaron, and their cat Rafiki in Ringgold, Georgia.

Discover Confident Smiles with Soni & Snipes Orthodontics

At Soni & Snipes Orthodontics, their mission is to transform smiles and boost confidence through personalized orthodontic care. In fact, you’ll hear any staff member state, “We love on people first, straighten teeth second. Our patients are treated like family.”

Serving Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, and surrounding areas is important to this team. This team offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic services tailored for children, teenagers, and adults. Whether you're considering traditional braces or Invisalign® aligners, this dedicated team of professionals can capably guide you through every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation online or over the phone today to embark on your journey to a perfect smile.

Meet the Experts Behind Your Smile

Regarding years of service and the expertise that comes with that, no other team in North Georgia can compare to this team. Helmed by two highly experienced and respected orthodontists, Dr. Soni and Dr. Snipes bring over four decades of expertise to their patients.

Dr. Soni

Dr. Soni is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists and has been practicing since 2008. His commitment to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements ensures that patients receive the most effective and modern treatments available.

Dr. Snipes

With 31 years of experience – his anniversary is June 1, 2025 – Dr. Snipes is a graduate of the Dental College of Georgia. His extensive knowledge and compassionate approach have made him a trusted name in the community for transforming smiles.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Services

Believing that every patient deserves a smile they can be proud of, this team offers a range of services designed to address various orthodontic needs and preferences:

Braces

Traditional metal braces are a reliable and effective solution for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. They offer various options to make braces more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Serving the Ft. Oglethorpe Community

Invisalign® Aligners

For those seeking a more discreet option, Invisalign® aligners provide a virtually invisible way to straighten teeth. These custommade aligners are removable, making them a convenient choice for busy lifestyles.

Soni & Snipes Orthodontics is proud to serve the Ft. Oglethorpe, GA area community. Their commitment to the local community extends beyond the office walls, as the team actively participates in local events and supports initiatives that promote oral health and well-being.

Convenient Locations and Bilingual Team

With convenient locations in Calhoun and Fort Oglethorpe, patients are ensured that high-quality orthodontic care is always within reach. This bilingual team, fluent in Spanish, ensures that language is never a barrier to receiving excellent care.

Technology and Accessibility

The Smile Doctors Anywhere app allows for convenient scheduling and progress tracking, making it easier for patients to stay engaged and informed throughout their treatment.

Affordable and Flexible Payment Options

Soni & Snipes offers affordable monthly payment options and discounts for qualifying patients. They also accept most dental insurance plans, further easing the financial burden of orthodontic treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every smile is unique, and so is their approach to treatment. Personalized treatment plans are crafted to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. During your consultation, a thorough assessment will be conducted and the best treatment options for you will be presented.

Why Choose Soni & Snipes Orthodontics?

Here are a few reasons why Soni & Snipes Orthodontics is the preferred choice for many in Dalton, GA:

● Experience and Expertise: With over 40 years of combined experience, this team has the knowledge and skill to handle even the most complex orthodontic cases. This

team maintains a “no extractions, no expanders, in most cases” approach to care.

● Comprehensive Care: From traditional braces to cuttingedge Invisalign® aligners, a wide range of treatments are offered to suit every need.

● Community Focus: This team is deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to improving the oral health of our neighbors.

● Convenience: Multiple locations, bilingual staff, and the Smile Doctors Anywhere app make receiving care easy and accessible.

● Affordability: Flexible payment options are provided and most insurance plans are accepted to ensure that financial constraints don't stand in the way of a beautiful smile.

Patient Testimonials

Britany Hogg, Field Marketing Representative, shares, “Our greatest reward is seeing the confidence and happiness that a new smile brings to our patients.” Here are a few words from those who have experienced the Soni & Snipes difference:

● Sarah T.: “The team at Soni & Snipes Orthodontics is amazing! They made my daughter feel comfortable and excited about her braces. The results have been incredible, and we couldn't be happier.”

● Carlos M.: “I was nervous about getting Invisalign® as an adult, but Dr. Soni and his team made the process so easy. The bilingual staff was a huge plus for me, and my smile has never looked better!”

● Emily R.: “Dr. Snipes is fantastic! His experience really shows, and he took the time to explain every step of my treatment. I highly recommend Soni & Snipes to anyone looking for top-notch orthodontic care.”

Start Your Journey Today

A beautiful, confident smile is just a consultation away. Contact Soni & Snipes Orthodontics to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident you. Visit the website or call our office to get started. Ms. Hogg explains further, “At Soni & Snipes Orthodontics, we are not just in the business of straightening teeth; we are in the practice of creating smiles and boosting confidence. Our dedicated team, advanced technology, and patientcentered approach ensure that you receive the highest quality care in a welcoming and supportive environment. Join the many satisfied patients who have trusted us with their smiles and discover the difference that personalized, professional orthodontic care can make. We have an excellent team and patients are treated like family.”

The Mind of Christ

by Dr. Bobby Sneed

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NKJV).

As believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have been granted by the power of the Holy Spirit the understanding of faith made possible only by God. The natural person (born into the sinful state of mankind) is incapable of comprehending the mystery of the gospel because the Spirit has not revealed it to them. Without the calling to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, people are “lost” in their sin, not only unto death, which is eternally significant but also from the mere realization of their depravity absent of Christ. When God revealed to us, through the Spirit, that we were lost and condemned, He also opened our eyes to justification by faith in Jesus. We have understood and believed because God called us, saved us, and then granted us the mind of Christ.

praise Him enough. Our best efforts are weak gestures compared to His steadfast love and faithfulness to us, yet He inhabits our praise! Praise Him and share Him! We have reason to glorify His name because we have the mind of Christ.

As a believer in Jesus, are you living in the mind of Christ and is the mind of Christ living in you? Read all of chapter 2 of 1 Corinthians and determine to make everything you do, think, and say about Him. Paul

While we are incapable of calling anyone to a saving knowledge of Jesus, we can and should always point others to Him. In all we do, we should constantly be striving to show others our Savior. Psalm 115:1 ESV says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” The truth is, it is not about us, but instead, it is always about the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He alone is worthy to receive glory and honor and we must think clearly on Him. We can never

said that while he was among the church at Corinth, he determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Having the mind of Christ will bring renewed clarity and focus on the right things in our walk with our Lord!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you have revealed to me the understanding of the Spirit that I might have faith in you. Develop in me the mind of Christ that I might serve you daily.

Dr. Bobby Sneed is the pastor of Deep Springs Baptist Church. His greatest desire is that all will experience the peace, hope and love of the Father made possible by faith in the Son, Jesus Christ.

Gò0 dNews for Parents

Boundaries

by Mitch Jolly

The Lord performed the first wedding ceremony in Eden for His image-bearing creatures Adam and Eve with the mission of filling the earth with other image-bearers and ruling over creation as his co-regents. It is perhaps a little bit of an oversimplification, yet I believe the work from Genesis 1 can be placed into two large categories: Parenting and the vocational ordering of creation.

Let’s study the outskirts of the parenting category by introducing boundaries as part of our parenting work. Why boundaries? Boundaries are part of the nature of God and boundaries are all over creation as God’s means of separating order from chaos. Some boundaries are built-in and naturally reward those who keep them or discipline those who break them.

Because of the curse of sin and the resulting chaos incited by the serpent, parenting is a continual struggle to create order physically, emotionally, and mentally by setting and keeping the right boundaries. Chaos is the work of the serpent. Order is the labor of God’s people through relationships, our homes, and the physical labor of creation’s domains.

One of the many tools the Lord gives us to multiply order and defeat chaos is the gift of boundaries. What is a boundary? “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership,” explains Dr. Cloud and Townsend, “Boundaries” p. 31.

Knowing what I am supposed to be responsible for and what I am not responsible for is freeing. Are you aware of how boundaryless we can be? Boundary-less-ness is a function of darkness and the chaotic work of the Serpent. If I am willing to own what I’m responsible for, God’s options for good are joyfully available. If I don’t own what I’m responsible for, good options get cut off, and I will receive corrections.

Physical boundaries are real. Spiritual boundaries are just as real, and because of the curse of sin, our spiritual blindness, and an active enemy who seeks to sow chaos, they are harder to perceive. Physical and spiritual

boundaries come from the nature of God. He defines Himself as distinct from His creation by letting us know He is holy. He defines for us what constitutes meeting His standard of holiness. Holiness is a boundary.

Boundaries are a gift from God to us for order. Make an effort to become aware of them, set them, and obey them. Teach your children to accept the “no” and grow in truth. To either be unaware of or ignorant of boundaries is evidence we have to grow in the knowledge of God and

the knowledge of ourselves. This is why John says if we say we love God and hate our brother we don’t know God. To say we are not aware of or don’t practice boundaries is to admit we still don’t understand God’s standards, and thus we don’t understand humanity very well. As you parent, challenge any instruction that dismisses “NO” as a good and healthy means of protecting and training children.

As a parent, pursue what is true. Be a curious seeker of truth. Hide God’s word in your heart, and study all things to know what is true. Pass this curious seeking of truth on to your children by including them in the search.

Don’t lose heart. Keep setting boundaries. Keep obeying the Lord. Lean on each other for support.

This article was adapted for our format from Pastor Jolly’s website, theologyinthedirt.com.

Mitch Jolly resides in Rome, Georgia. He can be reached at

for Kids

Frolicking Like a Calf

by Jan Merop

Hello, Kids! This article is part of our Chatty Critters series. Check in future issues for another installment in this series.

The green pastures tempted Frisky – again!

Glancing quickly over his shoulder, Frisky saw his mother happily grazing with the mama cows. He set aside her warning not to stray too far from the other calves.

And, for the most part, he almost always obeyed.

Frisky thought, There’s just something about springtime and sunshine that makes me want to skip and jump and explore new places.

Meanwhile, his mama and the other cows enjoyed God’s green grass where they were.

“I try not to smother Frisk,” said his mom; “but he doesn’t realize that his pure white coat is tempting to rustlers and can bring danger.”

“He is unusually beautiful,” said her friend. “One day he will understand your heart.”

She knew God had made calves with a frolicking nature. She pictured Frisky kicking up his heels delightedly when his stall was opened. His exuberance always brought a smile to her. She didn’t want him to be fearful…just careful.

She lifted her soulful brown eyes to check on him once more and discovered only tan, mottled, and black calves playing together. Pure white Frisky was nowhere to be seen.

Panic invaded her calm nature as she moved deliberately toward the pastures beyond the book. As she came closer, she began to moo a sound that her little calf knew very well.

Frisky was about to cross the brook when he noticed that the green, glowing grass was actually shiny, flat, and trampled. Then he saw men on horseback riding toward him.

His heart started beating faster and harder than ever before. The beat of it screamed D A N G E R!!! His mom’s persistent voice echoed in his mind.

“God has gifted you with an exceptionally white coat. Protect yourself from those who may want what you have.”

“Moo!!!” His mom’s cry alerted him. Turning swiftly, he propelled his legs into a flying leap home.

Frisky and his mom nuzzled each other while he listened to her warnings again.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I know now that I was being careless and selfish. Please forgive me for making you worry.”

Then he admitted that the glowing sunlit grass looked too good to be true. And it was! “I’m saving my energy for the right pastures!” exclaimed Frisky.

Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation

“The sun of righteousness (Jesus) will dawn on those who honor (respect) my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking.”

Malachi 4:2, The Message

The Calf and You

Have you ever been so happy that you wanted to kick up your heels, dance, and jump for joy?

The Bible says that person is like a frolicking calf that’s just been released from his stall.

Calves are portrayed as among the happiest of God’s creatures in the Bible.

We’ve all been given at least one special Gift (like Frisky) and should treat it with care. God will use it to help others know about Him. Seek truth and be full of care for the Things that matter to God.

Then you’ll be like a happy, carefree calf in The Bible…leaping for joy!

Remember, when tempting things appear too good to be true, they usually are TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

Gò0 dNews for Everyone You Too

by Rodney Jones

“You too can be used,” said the donkey to her master.

This incredible story is found in Numbers 22:21-33. It is one of those stories that is very hard to believe. We all know that animals don’t talk. Well except in this case. This donkey not only spoke with a man’s voice, (2 Peter 2:16) but this donkey saw an invisible angel. God used this donkey to rebuke Balaam, her master, and to even save Balaam’s life from sure execution by the angel of the Lord; “…surely now also I had slain thee…”

God not only used a donkey in His work, but He also used birds. God used ravens to feed His prophet, Elijah. “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh…” two times every day (1 Kings 17:4-6). God used a fish, “…a great fish, to swallow up Jonah” (Jonah 1:17).

God even used a perfect man once. God used Adam, before the fall, to name the animals and to name his help meet, Eve. It’s very hard for me to identify with being a perfect man. But thank the Lord He also uses imperfect, fallen people. God has used murderers, adulterers, and even idolators.

God used Balaam. He betrayed Israel and led them astray for money, and yet God used him. Moses murdered a man and yet God used him (Exodus 2:11-12). David committed adultery and had Bathsheba’s husband killed, and yet God used him (2 Samuel 11:117). Solomon worshipped idols and yet God used him (1 Kings 11:1-6). Saul of Tarsus executed Christians and put hundreds of people in prison and yet God used him in an extraordinary way (Acts 8:1-3).

resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the story of “good news” that must be told. The task is monumental. The work is rewarding. YOU could be the instrument in the hand of God to save people from eternal doom. Don’t be afraid to tell it. God will be with you. Time is running out.

Tell the story to everyone. Tell it often. Tell it, preach it, or pass out a Gospel tract. Leave a tract at the grocery store.

Give one to the mailman, police officer, or auto mechanic.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword….” (Hebrews 4:12).

I am going to Heaven for sure because someone I’ve never met left a Gospel tract in a grocery store where

I worked. I got saved. My children got saved, and my grandchildren are getting saved. All because someone took the time and had the courage to leave a Gospel tract behind. Get involved. The GREAT I AM needs you! You too can be used! Thank God.

No matter your history God can use you in His work. Fact is He needs you in His work. The great task God is recruiting for in this age is “soul-winning.” Preaching or telling or sharing the Gospel with every creature on earth (Mark 16:15). The Gospel is the death, burial, and

and residence

Rodney Jones is a retired police officer and is presently

housing

life staff member at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Rodney is a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle in Ringgold, Georgia.

More Than a Paradigm Shift

by Garrett Nudd

Acouple years ago, my middle daughter and I visited a local Starbucks. We had orders for Joy and all three girls. A vanilla-bean frappuccino, two pink drinks, and a banana nut bread.

Have you ever gone through the drive-through at Starbucks and realized that it would’ve been faster to go inside? Or maybe go to Colombia and harvest the coffee beans yourself? Inside, time flies because you are people-watching, smelling the fresh-ground coffee, and listening to the whooshing sound of the drink machine as the baristas fulfill custom orders. It’s a magical playground for your senses.

But in the drive-through line, Starbucks feels like a race between a turtle and a snail, where no one wins.

That day, the line was even slower than usual. I tried to keep my patience because my impressionable, teenage daughter was with me. Keep in mind, I rarely order anything for myself from Starbucks. I was there purely out of love for my wife and children.

After working our way closer to the window, there were only two cars in front of us—and probably two hundred behind us, but that was their problem. I had suffered in the wilderness, now it was their turn.

I watched as the driver at the window paid for and then received her order. And then she remained at the window and ordered additional food, at least that’s what it looked like. Wait, what? That meant she had to pay again AND the staff must’ve been going crazy because now she had another order below all the other orders above her. This was not an efficient use of time, and it was unbelievably annoying.

I decided I’d use the opportunity to give Campbell a lesson in preparedness and courtesy. “This is taking a long time, and there are a lot of cars behind us,” I said. “Always remember when you place your order to get it right and keep it succinct as a courtesy to those behind you.”

Campbell nodded.

Finally, they drove away.

Now, only one car remained between us and our order. I watched as they paid and just like the car in front of them, they talked with the window attendant for an unusually long time!

“Their order isn’t ready yet either?” I said.

A couple minutes passed, and the window attendant handed their order out the window. After taking her drinks, she continued to speak with the window attendant. Then she handed them her credit card—again!

“She must be adding to her order, too? What’s wrong with all these people?”

Eventually, they drove off.

As I approached the window and curtly handed the attendant my phone for the app, she said, “Oh, there’s no charge today. The person in front of you paid for your order.”

“Pardon me?”

“The person in front of you paid for your order. It’s been going for about a dozen cars now, ” she explained.

Ohhhh. Slow down, Garrett. Now that’s a paradigm shift.

“Well, I’d like to pay for the person behind me,” I said cheerfully. She gave me their total, charged it on the app, and off we went.

Quite a shift, in both my head and my heart. That’s MORE THAN.

I have no idea how long that chain of kindness continued that day, but I’m sure at some point it ended— probably the guy by himself who looked in his rearview mirror and saw a Suburban full of hungry passengers.

I’d like to think it ended with someone who really needed the extra shot of kindness.

Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds

Classic Juicy Beef Burgers

Celebrate National Burger Day on May 28, 2025, with Classic Juicy Beef Burgers. This recipe is straightforward and focuses on making the perfect, succulent burger with minimal fuss. Ideal for grilling or pan-frying, these burgers are sure to be a hit at any gathering or barbecue.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 4 hamburger buns

• Lettuce leaves

• Tomato slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Patties:

• In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.

• Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the center.

2. Cook the Burgers:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium. Add cheese during the last minute if desired.

Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a skillet until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

4. Assemble the Burgers: ead your desired condiments on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cooked beef patty, and top with tomato slices and pickles. Finish with the top half of the bun.

or added flavor, you can season the outside of the patties with additional salt and pepper before cooking.

• To keep the burgers juicy, avoid pressing down on them while they cook.

The Vine

by Lori McAfee

It’s no coincidence how You created the vine Intentionally crafted by design. The blood of life flows through the veins, Abide in one another, You shall remain.

A silhouette heart in every leaf, Love one another. We believe. Kneel before You with prayers, expectant.

In your peace and strength, I am resilient.

Pressed into seeking produces fruitfulness, Forever faithful in Your holiness. Much dreaded process to refine, Promises an abundant life abiding in The Vine.

Lori McAfee, author of Burning Hope, is a certified life coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast Get Your Rear In Gear.

Sticky Notes for the Brain

by Chrissie Joy Jackson

Have you ever had a word or a conversation pop up from somewhere in the recesses of your mind that you didn’t remember you remembered? Words of encouragement, a verse, a shared conversation get stored away somewhere in your mind, ready for use when needed. Sometimes it is years later when the words come back to you, as if they were said yesterday.

When I was driving a community van before I retired, a lady named Rosa gifted me with words that at the time seemed nice for her but irrelevant for me. She said, “You know, I am a widow, I live alone. I am never lonely. When my husband died, I asked the Lord to keep me from being lonely. He has. I feel Him with me every day.” I was married and couldn’t imagine what living alone was like.I didn’t realize those words would stick in my brain like a sticky note to be used years later when needed. She was just sharing her heart with me. She had no idea how her testimony would be a comfort for me one day.

When my husband died, I told his sister, “I don’t know what to do. I have never lived alone. I had Chuck when the boys grew up and were on their own. Who am I now?”

She told me, “Just be. Be you.” Simple words that have resurfaced during several difficult times of self-doubt. After the memorial service, the flurry of activity was over, and the house was quiet, Rosa’s words were there. I also remembered the words of Jesus as recorded in Hebrews 13:5 NKJV, “He himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” He never has.

Then there was the time I had ovarian cancer. My teacher told me something I still say often: “What I know is more real than what I feel.” Second Corinthians. 5:7 NKJV confirms this, “We walk by faith and not

by sight.” Another lady said, “Remember the words, ‘it came to pass.’” That little phrase from God’s word was a beam of light and solid truth. Cancer is now but a twentytwo-year-old memory to me.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV).

Always be ready to give a word of encouragement. You may forget you ever said the words. You may never know how deeply they impacted the person. Your words to another may become a sticky note in their brain that will show up in their future giving them the courage or the comfort they need.

I remember when my boys were still little guys. It was an especially hard time in our lives. I was shopping at a Cash and Carry grocery store. You would have to be a senior citizen to remember that one! A German pastor’s wife who I loved so much told me, “Pray in the spirit every day. Ask God to give you the words to pray when you don’t know what to do.” Then she prayed for me, out loud, there by the dairy section. That conversation gave me courage, and started me on a journey of a deeper prayer life.

Be thoughtful about what you tell others. Negative words can be the stickiest words of all and be just as potent.

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV says, “Let no corrupt word proceed forth out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Which words do you have to put on someone else’s sticky note for their brain that will bless their lives?

Chrissie Joy Jackson is a retired widow and a member of Living Word Church. Sharing the love and care of the Father through missions is her passion.

Musings on Fitness and Health and Why It's Important to Me

by Kirstin Reggel

Truly we are born with one body and given an unknown amount of time on this side of heaven. Yes, as Christians, we believe that we will be given a new form once Christ returns. For today, we are still on this mortal coil. At birth, we were given a set of DNA that we did not have any control over or say so in, and also given an opportunity to live. How we treat and care for this body/ vessel can contribute to how it functions in the future. Most of us want the same thing: to live with autonomy as long as we can, to take care of ourselves and love and care for those around us, and then to pass on when this body is ready. Sometimes events in our life change what we think should happen to our bodies and taking care of them now pays it forward to our future selves. Sometimes events i.e. illnesses or accidents occur that drastically shift the course of what we think we should be on. The condition of our bodies plays a large part in how we respond to those events. Recently my mind has been trying to care for my body with food as fuel, shifting my mindset from trying to eat “right.” My knowledge has changed and grown from the desire to be “thin,” “skinny,” or “visually appealing” to “strong” and “confident.” Confidence, not in an arrogant manner, but confidence that I am taking the best care of myself and giving my body what serves it best to keep it running and that it can tolerate those outside stressors that act upon it.

I am learning more about eating/fueling my body in a way that promotes muscle growth and health, bone growth and health, as well as maintaining a healthy gut which is the basis of the immune system.

Examples of quick and easy ways to do this start with making sure I am getting enough water throughout the day. I keep what feels like my “emotional support” water bottle on me at all times, filling it up at work and at the gym. Another way is to eat a colorful and balanced plate with as much whole food as possible. Lastly, if those cravings hit for something sweet, I will allow myself to have it and enjoy it…then move on from it.

The strength that we build in our 20s-30s will pay it forward to our future selves in our 40s-50s and will continue for decades later, as the Lord allows. I enjoy strength training. Yes, lifting heavy things can be empowering, functionally life-giving, and reduce the need for assistance from others for basic activities. But it's also fun! Music is a huge part of the set up of the workout environment. It can provide timing and external cues to keep up with the beat as well as provide distraction. Training is also more fun with a friend or whole community like a class setting. I can tolerate so much more when I have someone beside me. We can encourage each other to continue and finish well.

Focusing on healthy living and taking care of our bodies reminds me of the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 NIV of the master who gave talents to his servants, especially verse 23, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Kirstin Reggel is a physical therapist, avid CrossFit enthusiast, and coach who loves the Lord. She lives near Rome, Georgia, and encourages others to focus on their fitness and health, both mental and physical.