November 2021

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Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee Brian Edward Johnson Chuck Cleveland Dorothy Teague Greg Grotewold Jacob Herald Janise Copeman Dr. Javier Loucil Jodi Varnado Jonathon Wright Leslie Bennett Nicky Reynolds Pamela Latham Stephanie Daniels Stephen Baker Wendy Jenkins Zebbie Brewster

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Contents NOVEMBER 2021

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Holiday Forgiveness

by Stephen Baker

GoodNews for Kids

8 A Little Dog Named Rosie

by Wendy Jenkins

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 How High is Too High?

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 A Blessed Man’s Lasting Legacy

by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Women

14 The Gift Inside of You

by Janise Copeman

GoodNews for Everyone

18 Without Delay

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Life

20 Making The Most of The Moment

by Dorothy Teague GoodNews Cover Story

22 Real Deal Home Store

by Jodi Varnado

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Be A Light

by Stephanie Daniels

GoodNews for Everyone

26 Why Trials and Temptations?

by Brian Edward Johnson

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

28 Headaches and Chiropractic

by Dr. Javier Loucil

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Grace of God

by Jacob Herald

GoodNews for Everyone

32 The Only Thing That Counts

6

by Chuck Cleveland

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Aunt Mildred’s Chicken Casserole

by Leslie Bennett GoodNews for Everyone

36 A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

by Dr. Alan Hix GoodNews for Family

38 Well Seasoned

by Zebbie Brewster

22

GoodNews Poetry

40 Changing

by Pamela Latham

GoodNews for Travel

42 Wandering Through

Winchester, Kentucky

by Nicky Reynolds

36

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Holiday Forgiveness

T

by Stephen Baker

he holiday season is an opportunity for many of

paid for that person’s sins on the cross. “Who his own self

us to spend special time with family. It is also an

bare our sins in his own body on the tree…” (1 Peter 2:24a).

occasion when deep-rooted wounds are opened and

That is why the Bible tells us to forgive one another for

hurt feelings are expressed anew. It is shameful that many

Jesus’ sake. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,

Christian families are marred by bitterness and timeworn

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath

sins that remain unforgiven. Jesus warned His disciples,

forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:26).

Before we talk about what forgiveness is, it is important

Jesus said, “…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew

to discuss what forgiveness is not. First, forgiveness

5:44b). Once, a friend asked me how she could get victory

is not forgetting. While God does not remember our

over bitterness towards a person who had hurt her family in

transgressions, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17), our minds are largely incapable of forgetting everything evil that has happened to us. God chooses to forget our sins, but nowhere in Scripture does He require that of us.

Second, forgiveness does not mean that we should abandon our desire for justice when someone has broken the law. The Bible says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?...

But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:3a-4).

For example, a man was sexually abused as a child. Should

a business deal. I advised her to pray for her enemy. After

he have no desire to see the person who did that horrible

doing this for a while, she said that God was taking the

crime face justice? Even if he chooses to forgive the abuser,

bitterness out of her heart. If God can do that when we pray

that does not mean that the abuser should escape the legal

for our enemies, how much more can He do this holiday

penalty for his or her offense.

season when we pray for our families? The holiday can be a

What does forgiveness mean? The basic idea of biblical

wonderful time, but it can also be a time of resentment. This

forgiveness is to let go of a debt. One of the reasons we

holiday season, let go of the debt that others owe you, and

stay bitter is because we keep an account of wrongs that

discover the peace of forgiveness through Jesus Christ!

people have done to us and expect them to pay us for those a payment. We let go of the debt that we believe the person owes us. We can do this because Jesus Christ has already

6 // November 2021

About The Author

wrongs. To forgive simply means that we no longer ask for Pastor Stephen Baker is the pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. www.harmonybconline.com

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Gò0dNews for Kids

A Little Dog Named Rosie here once was a little dog named Rosie. She was very loved by her master.

Rosie’s master found her at a shelter. He chose her to be part of his family. She had one paw that was shorter than the others. He did not care about that. Rosie did not have to be perfect for him to love her. He loved her exactly as she was. She was a joy to him.

Very first thing every morning, her master would bend over, pick her up, pet her, and tell her just how much he loved her—this was one of Rosie’s favorite times of the day.

Her master was also her friend. They enjoyed each other’s company. He was mindful of where she was at all times. He knew when she was hungry, when she wanted to play, and when she just needed to rest. He took very good care of her.

Throughout the day, her master would sing to her.

Sometimes, the songs were silly. Sometimes, the songs were serious. They were either about her or for her enjoyment. He always had a song on his heart just for her.

Sometimes, Rosie would get muddy and dirty. He would pick her up out of the dirt, knowing he would get dirty

8 // November 2021

himself. He would give her a good cleaning. All was right in her world once again.

At night, Rosie slept under his arm. She was perfectly safe when she stayed close to him.

Her master loved her, and she loved him.

Did you know that Jesus wants to be your Master? He wants to do for you as Rosie’s master did for her. How do we know this? Because He tells us in His Word. The Bible is always true—we can believe what it says.

He wants you to be part of His family: Ephesians 1:5 says, “Long ago, he already decided to accept us into his family as his children, because of Jesus Christ. He chose us to belong to him because it made him very happy” (Easy English Bible).

Jesus calls those who follow Him “friend”: John 15:15 says, “…I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (NIV).

God knows all about you: Psalm 139:3 says, “You see me when I go out, and you see me when I stay at home. You know everything that I do!” (Easy English Bible).

He even sings for you: “The Lord, your God, is with you. He is strong, He will save you. He will be very happy about you! He will quietly love you. He will sing, because he is so happy about you!”

(Zephaniah 3:17, Easy English Bible).

When we do things that God does not want us to do, our heart becomes dirty. God sent His son Jesus to clean us up: “Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too” (1 John 2:2, ERV).

Jesus was God’s way of stooping down and telling us just how much He loves us. You are even more precious to Him than Rosie was to her earthly master.

And that is very, very precious!

About The Author

T

by Wendy Jenkins

Wendy Jenkins is a pastor’s wife, a mom to a college graduate, and a momma to their miniature long haired chihuahua, Rosie.

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How High is Too High?

MONEY MATTERS

WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

A

s of this writing, the Dow Jones Industrial

I’ve heard the same phone callers over and over on

Average of thirty large U.S. stocks closed at

many different financial radio shows and podcasts, and

35,294, which is very close to its historical highest

these frantic callers all say this: “Since the stock market is at

ever closing price set just two months ago in August 2021.

a new all-time high, I’m nervous about getting in now since it

Many people seem shocked (as always) that the stock

has nowhere to go from here but down, and I don’t want to lose

market has rebounded so quickly from its “plunge” in

my money.” Let’s analyze this assertion, shall we? First, the

the past two weeks due to investor anxiety over inflation,

stock market is almost always at a new all-time high! Check

unemployment, and whether Congress would vote to

a calendar and track the stock markets highs and lows over

raise the nation’s debt ceiling to keep the government

the past century; new “highs” are not only frequent, but

functioning. Well, the market is back up, temporarily

they are also inevitable. So, the odds are, on any given day

at least, rebounding as it always does. In fact, the stock

or week or month, the market may very well be at a “new

markets go up much more often than they go down, which

all-time high.” Secondly, we have the caller’s assertion that

should be obvious with the Dow Jones climbing from

since the stock market is way “up,” it has nowhere to go

10,000 in 1999 to over 35,000 today. This should be great

but down. Not true. It may very well (and often does) keep

news, right? But here’s the irony…

going “up” for long periods of time. When stock markets

As stock markets have risen, often soaring, to new

drop (and they will, of course), they will very likely stop

record “highs” month after month and year after year

dropping at a level well above where “Nervous Nelly”

for the past few years, many investors are growing

investors would have liked to “jump back in” to the market

increasingly anxious. Why? Because they fear the next big

to make their “killing.” Then there’s the phone caller’s final

drop is right around the corner! This resembles Chicken

assertion above, “I don’t want to lose my money.” This is

Little’s plaintive cry of “the sky is falling.” Sure, the

the clear indicator of an attempt at “market timing” where

markets will drop again (and again), and they might fall

investors hope to “get in” (buy) when stock prices are down

by quite a bit for a “correction” (10%-20% decline) or a

and then “get out” (sell) when prices hit a new all-time high.

“bear” market of more than a 20% decline. But the stock

Who wouldn’t want to do this? But market timing is a fool’s

markets will go back up, and they will keep going up far

errand, with most losing money on this “strategy.” Just set

more frequently than they go down, if history has taught

it and forget it; leave your stock investments alone for the

us anything. (“Past performance is no guarantee of future

long term and smile as the market regularity hits new highs.

results,” as we are often told in legal disclaimers; but the

Investors who frequently move in and out of stock markets

world’s population keeps growing over time, and so does

incur higher costs, taxes, and end up making less money

the value of the stock markets. Maybe they’re correlated).

over time. “Whoever is patient has great understanding”

10 // November 2021

(Proverbs 14:29).

Erik Gardner – CEO of Volunteer Rid A Pest LLC announces another acquisition.

“We are proud to announce that on October 1st, 2021 Volunteer Rid A Pest has officially merged with Pestaway Corportion and will begin overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business” stated Gardner.

Pestaway founders and owners, Troy and Jeanette Donaldson have experienced health issues and are unable to carry on the operation of the business. Their daughter and son, Joyce and Eddie are retiring to care for their elderly parents.

“Our company has taken over the day-to-day operation of the business and will make certain to serve our new Pestaway customers well!” said Gardner.

“This merger gives our company a stronger reach into McMinn County and solidifies our company as the dominant player in the Athens/McMinn County market!” added Gardner.

Volunteer Rid A Pest has been serving Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, Polk and McMinn counties since 1970. They are a full-service company offering termite control, pest control, moisture control, rodent control, crawl space encapsulation, floor repair, mosquito control and lawn treatments. For more information please call 423-462-2865 or visit their website at www.volpest.com.

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Gò0dNews for Men

A Blessed Man’s Lasting Legacy

lessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night” (Psalms 1:1-2).

Charles Spurgeon lived from 1854-1892. He was raised in a family of preachers. Despite the fact that his parents kept him from gross sin, he still felt the sting of sin and despised who he was early in life. He did not see God as loving and was constantly mindful of his shortcomings.

Spurgeon, during this time, found his way to a Methodist church where the pastor was preaching from Isaiah 45:22: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” You only have to look to the Lord and be saved. Those simple words gripped his heart and thus began a loving relationship with his precious Savior. Salvation was no longer something he had to earn or achieve; he just looked to the Lord and was saved.

Spurgeon preached his first sermon at the age of sixteen, and by the age of nineteen, was the pastor of a church in London that became the biggest Baptist church in Great Britain. This church would later become the largest independent church in the world. He preached to over 10 million people in his lifetime. His recorded sermons are an estimated 20-25 million words and sixty-three volumes long.

It still stands today as the largest library in the history of Christianity, and that does not even include his books, other materials, and songs he produced.

Spurgeon was a man noted for his love for the poor.

He started an orphanage and established sixty ministries at his church in London. However, he was also a man of controversy. He preached during a time when Charles Darwin and other academic professionals questioned the validity of the Bible. In response to Darwin, he preached a message in a gorilla suit. His message was about the Gorilla man and the land he inhabits. The media often criticized him for his stance against the great philosophical minds of his time—people either loved or hated him.

After over thirty years of ministry, Spurgeon decided it best to sever his ties with the Baptist Union and become an independent church. This ordeal was known

12 // November 2021

as the Downgrade Controversy. He felt the church had downgraded the basic fundamental truths of the Bible.

There are a lot of historical questions about what exactly happened and how this drama unfolded. I believe he was misunderstood, but through it all, he never let go of his personal faith in Jesus Christ and his love for the Word of God. He was a true picture of the Blessed man described in Psalms 1, who lived by and delighted in the Word of God. It took him twenty years to produce the Treasury of David.

I am currently enjoying his book on the Holy Spirit. Would Spurgeon have left such a legacy had he and others not been faithful and recorded it all? God’s words through him and others continue to reach beyond this earthly life and touch our world today. I believe these are some of the major keys to leaving a lasting legacy for God.

About The Author

“B

by Jonathon Wright

Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and 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. He is currently beginning the process of writing a book on Genesis entitled, God’s Good Prophetic Plan: From Beginning to End.

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Gò0dNews for Women

The Gift Inside of You

T

by Janise Copeman

hese days, we are so bombarded with how society sizes us up that it is a never-ending battle within. From ads to social media to our peers, we are told if we are

not a size 0, have a flawless look, are wealthy, or are the next internet celebrity with 10,000+ followers, we are less than.

It is so easy to get sucked into the world’s view of beauty. The endless stories of surgery, Botox, or the destruction of Anorexia and Bulimia may have put us into bondage. We need to shift our focus onto what the Lord thinks of us and how He sees us. That is where our selfesteem and our confidence should stem from. God sees the parts of us that others sometimes do not or cannot see, and those are the parts of us He values most.

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Jesus sees us from a different perspective. Our eternity and inward beauty are priceless to Him. Our physical bodies are just the shell and will one day fade, but the inward beauty continues to grow if we are linked up to Him and His Word.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

He knew us before we were even born. He fashioned us, His divine purpose. That is why we cannot be a cheap imitation of someone else that we were never meant to be.

We will forever try to change like a chameleon, swayed by every new fashion or body trend at the time, if we do not understand this. It is exhausting until we rest in Him and His plan for us.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14).

We are to take care of our bodies and treat them with respect, but it should not be all that consumes us.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

14 // November 2021

You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

“Do not let your adornments be merely outward— arranging of the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

If somehow, we looked in the mirror, and the Lord showed us our inward soul, what image would appear?

Would it be beautiful, or would it scare us and bring us to our knees? Just a thought.

About The Author

gave us certain traits, gifts, and characteristics to accomplish

Janise Copeman lives in Trion,Georgia, is 49 years old, and she is blessed to be married to her soulmate for 26 years. She enjoys reading, writing, and encouraging others by spreading joy and love in the Lord.

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16 // November 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Without Delay recently took my first business trip since the onset of the pandemic. I was a little concerned whether I would still remember how to navigate the challenges that travel inevitably presents. It had been, after all, eighteen months since the last time I boarded a plane. To my relief and somewhat surprise, the old routine kicked right in.

Everything about the trip went as planned. Well, almost.

Early for a supper engagement on one of the evenings, I was waiting downstairs in the hotel lobby. As I was standing there, I could see a retired couple walking towards me down this long corridor. They were moving slow, unusually so.

Once they got a bit closer, I could see why. The woman’s arm was in a sling, and she was carefully nursing it.

As they approached, this overwhelming feeling to engage them came over me. This feeling was not an aberration, for I have experienced countless promptings in prior travel to initiate a conversation with perfect strangers.

What I did with it this time, however, was rather than allow my introversion to suppress the desire, I heeded the call. For the next fifteen minutes, the woman and I had a wonderful talk. She outlined her many physical ailments and some pain connected to not seeing her adult granddaughter on a more regular basis.

The woman left encouraged, as I could tell she appreciated my genuine interest and concern. I left torn. On one hand, I was thrilled that I obeyed the Spirit’s direction.

Starting a dialogue was not nearly as difficult as I had expected. I now feel empowered to do more of it. But I only surrendered in part. He was calling me to share the gospel. I did not and could feel the guilt beginning to build.

Enter the second aberration. Past failures like this one would typically cause a great deal of emotional dissonance.

The angst would start with me replaying the scenario over and over in my head. It would them morph into selfrepudiation as I identified with excruciating detail all of the various points where I could have—should have—obeyed Jesus. But I did not do that here. Instead, I went to the Lord without delay and quickly surrendered my remorse. In doing so, I could feel almost instantaneously His forgiveness and reassurance wash over me. He put Romans 8:1 on my

18 // November 2021

heart: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (ESV). There is not a sweeter verse in all of Scripture on which to ruminate after a trespass.

Yes, Jesus commands me to share the gospel. Yes, it grieves Him when I do not. And yes, I too should grieve over the failure—the truly blood-bought take seriously their life’s aim of pleasing the Savior. But that does not mean I

should be stuck in some perpetual state of regret. The Lord wants me to repent and be released from such a burden so I can move forward. He is, after all, a God of great grace.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22, ESV). Because of these ceaseless mercies, I can approach Him with confidence regardless of circumstance knowing, tenderness, not judgment, awaits me (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).

The key is to do so quickly. We ought to take our sin and seek Jesus’s forgiveness without delay. There is no reason to wait—the sooner we approach Him, the quicker the mercies will flow. We will not only stave off a lot of unnecessary grief but we will be in a better position to honor the Lord for that next opportunity around the corner.

About The Author

I

by Greg Grotewold

Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

Church Activities & Events First United Pentecostal Church of Fort O Awaken Rally

Saturday, November 6 | 6PM - 9:30PM 1556 Cloud Springs Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Olivet Baptist Church

No Longer Bound Deeper Women’s Conference Saturday, November 13 | 10AM - 2PM 740 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Calvary Memorial Baptist Church Karen Peck & New River Sunday, November 21 | 10:30 AM 518 US-41, Ringgold, GA 30736

Mercy Ridge Church

Buy a Tree. Change a Life. Christmas Kick-Off Saturday, November 27 | 3PM - 6PM 432 S Mack Smith Rd, Rossville, GA 30741

Gò0dNews for Life

Making The Most of The Moment

M

by Dorothy Teague

y oldest son had special needs and my days were

be careful how we spend our time and ask for the wisdom of

full of endless tasks to give him a quality of life.

God to direct our lives and activities. Ephesians 5:15-16 says,

When I would get completely exhausted, I began

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as

asking God for a weekend to myself, then just a day, then

wise, making the most of every opportunity.” We know, as

a night to sleep. As our life went on, I found myself just

Christians, that any day could be our last here on this earth,

asking God for a “moment.” A moment to myself to think

so it is important to use our time wisely. Sharing the good

straight, to enjoy a sunset, a moment to be “me” instead of

news of Jesus, loving one another, and doing good deeds are

caregiver, mom, and wife. I began thanking God for each

but a few of His commands. I once wrote a song called “No

tiny, precious moment He gave me. I soon found that the more I appreciated each of those times, the more I felt at peace with the road God had given me to walk down.

Don’t get me wrong—it was hard.

While I was planning my way, the Lord was establishing my steps (Proverbs 16:9) in the plan that He had for me.

Even before I was a mother, I had a habit of rushing through my life without enjoying the moment I was in, always thinking about what was on the horizon. Psalm 118:24 tells us that “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” We cannot

Ordinary Days.” Truly, every day that God gives us is an

afford to not be present in each moment of our lives. There

extraordinary day and we should want to do good with each

are golden nuggets in each day that will pass us by if we

one we are given (Psalm 37:3) to give glory back to Him.

are too busy thinking of what we are going to do next. I

Time is so fleeting. We all have an expiration date on

hate to admit it, but I have always been a worrier, but the

our lives. So, while we are here, we should make the most

Word admonishes us in Matthew 6:34 to “not worry about

of all our moments. We cannot do anything about the past;

tomorrow.” There is a reason our time is segmented into

it is gone. We cannot do anything about the future; it is in

days and nights. God knew how much we could handle at

God’s hands. All we can do is live fully and completely

one time.

each moment we are given in the present. Time is a gift He

not waste a moment of our lives either. James 4:14 reminds us that our life is a vapor, here for a little while, then it is gone. That verse drives the point home to me that we should

20 // November 2021

gives us each day to open and enjoy and glorify Him with our lives.

About The Author

While we should not rush through our lives, we should

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

Real Deal Home Store

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Real Deal Home Store

W

by Jodi Varnado

ith autumn in full swing and winter just

“Our business is only an extension of the ministry the Lord

around the corner, there is no better time to

has called us to, and a means for us to minister Christ’s love

bring the joy of the holiday season to our

to the people who come through our doors.”

homes. We can finally embrace the chilly temperatures

You will be welcomed into Real Deal Home Store with

outside by bundling up on the front porch, gathering

a friendly smile—a comforting shopping environment that

around the backyard bonfire, or inviting those we love

is community and family focused. If you are lucky, you will

inside for a warm meal around the dinner table. Real Deal

even be greeted by Birdie, the Powell family’s 120-pound

Home Store is a wonderful one-stop shop for all of your

Anatolian Shepard/Great Pyrenees, who has her very own

decorating desires—inside and outside your home.

special space in the design area. You might even spot her

Owner and operator of Real Deal Home Store, Jim Powell, has served the LaFayette community for twenty-

behind the checkout counter helping with one of the family.

Since Real Deal Home Store opened in 1998, Powell

four years. “Our staff has over ninety-four years of

and his family have specialized in personalized silk

combined experience designing floral arrangements and

floral arrangements. These arrangements are handmade

home decorating,” said Powell. Powell’s family are fourth

celebrations of life, available in a cemetery vase cone and

generation retailers who work year-round to make every

a headstone saddle, that will showcase the beauty of your

decorating season special.

loved one forever. Sympathy flower arrangements start at

Powell runs Real Deal Home Store with Tracy, his

$25, which is half the cost of competing suppliers. Real Deal

partner and wife of thirty-eight years. They can be found

Home Store can also deliver to local funeral homes, allowing

conversing with customers, along with their two daughters,

for a more seamless process.

Krista and Amanda, who represent Real Deal Home Store’s

Although Real Deal Home Store is known for their

team of designers. When Powell is not at the store, you can

unique services, the storefront is filled with décor items for

find him teaching at Harbor Lights Church. “We have been

every need, including small furniture pieces, wall hangings,

serving for the last fifteen years, preaching the Word of God

tabletop accessories, candles, and gifts. What more could

and pouring His love into the community,” said Powell.

you ask for? Real Deal Home Store has it all. According to

22 // November 2021

their website, the Powell’s get new products every day and

Christmas ornaments, and the largest selection of Christmas

their broad selection changes with the seasons. “Because

flowers and homemade arrangements in the surrounding

we’re always on the lookout to add unusual pieces to

LaFayette area. You can come to the store to see their

our collection, you’re sure to find some distinctive home

decorated Christmas trees and receive decorating tips

accessories or holiday items!”

from Real Deal Home Store’s team of designers. They are

Among their handpicked selection, you can find the

currently taking special orders for Christmas and their

name brands you know and love, including deals on the

designers can help you decorate your garland and wreaths

latest Vera Bradley styles, essential toiletries from The

now! Real Deal Home Store is welcoming this beloved

Naked Bee, and cozy scents from Swan Creek Candle Co.

decorating season with a Christmas Open House on Friday,

and Thompson Candle Company. Real Deal Home Store

November 5 and Saturday, November 6.

is also home to the largest selection of Georgia Bulldogs

You can visit Real Deal Home Store at 315 N Main St,

and Alabama Crimson Tide décor in the area, along with

LaFayette, GA 30728 every Monday-Saturday from 10:00

other collegiate teams—Tennessee Volunteers and Florida

AM- 5:00 PM. You can browse their newly remodeled

Gators—to aid your game day celebrations.

website at www.realdealdecor.com or follow them on

Even though the inside of our homes is important,

Facebook at @RealDealHomeStoreLafayette for the latest

we cannot forget about the outside too! If you are looking

inventory updates. For more information, you can email

to spruce up your outdoor space with inviting seating,

Real Deal Home Store at powellswholesale@yahoo.com or call

Real Deal Home Store has a large selection of outdoor

706-639-3310.

furniture starting at $99, including giant cedar rockers, oak rockers, and 4–5-foot porch swings. There are hundreds of windchimes to choose from and garden accessories to accompany your flowers and harvest.

With Christmas spirit quickly approaching, Real Deal Home Store is prepared for the season. Their inventory includes 1000 rolls of Christmas ribbon, thousands of

We hope to see you there!

Real Deal Home Store

A l l your Fl or a l , C ol l egi a t e, a nd G i f t N e e d s

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Be A Light

J

by Stephanie Daniels

esus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Once we accept Jesus, we become Christ-

like. Just like Jesus, we too can be a light. It takes giving your life to God and being willing and obedient to be used at any time. You may be the only “bible” some people will ever know.

Be prepared to share your faith. Have a scripture reference in your heart. One of my favorite scriptures to share is Jeremiah 29:11: “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.” These words rang true in my spirit when I was going through a difficult time. They encourage me every time I read them. I have shared this passage with many and I know the Word of God does not return void.

Every time we share a testimony, the Word, pray with someone or even invite them to church, we are letting our light shine. A great evangelist once said prayerlessness is a sin. I was a new believer when I heard this and it made a great impression on me. One of my favorite books is entitled, Intercession, Thrilling and Fulfilling by Joy Dawson. The book goes into detail about the benefits and power of having a prayer life. Prayer is communication with God. A strong prayer life involves speaking God’s Word over situations and circumstances, thanking God for who He is and all He has done, and listening to God’s voice. Some people are good at making their petitions

the right environment changes their life forever. Some people

known to God, but how good are you at listening to His voice?

have negative ideas about what church is. Unfortunately, some

The two go hand in hand. We can hear God through His Word,

people have had bad experiences with church people in the

through a sermon, through a still small voice, an impression, or

past. That is where we come in. We can be a light so that they

even through circumstances. God has many ways to speak to

can see something kind, something loving, and something

His people. There is power in prayer.

different in us that draws them to want to know more.

Sharing your testimony is another way to shine bright.

Any believer can have a dry season or even become

People love to hear of the goodness of God. I love to share my

stagnant. This has happened to me in the past. I have found

testimony of when I was down to my last sixty-five dollars. I

that the best way to keep your light shining bright is to put

prayed, and the Lord told me to sow into the life of the First

your hand to the plow and never look back. It does not matter

Lady of the church I was attending at the time. I was obedient,

what you do for God just do something until He leads you

and the next day I received an unexpected checkbook for

into His perfect will. If you greet, usher, or travel the world

a money market account totaling $60,500! God blessed me

preaching the gospel, it all keeps you primed and available for

through a simple act of obedience. I share that in hope that

God’s use. If you encounter someone who is in a dry season,

others realize the importance of obeying God.

encourage them to get busy for God. Once a person commits

I invite people to church all the time. My church prints material that we can hand out. Sometimes, getting people into

24 // November 2021

their life to God, their light will shine bright in the earth glorifying our Father in Heaven.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Why Trials and Temptations?

I

by Brian Edward Johnson

have always been fascinated by Matthew 4:1. “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus had just gotten baptized.

The Bible says, “the heavens were opened unto him” (Matthew 3:16), and God’s voice was heard from heaven.

Pretty awesome stuff, right? Then, he is in the wilderness getting tempted. The thing that blows me away about this verse is that the Holy Spirit led him to be tempted. This temptation was intentional.

We do not like trials, and I assume most of us do not want to be tempted. But this verse tells me that you can be in God’s will, walking in the Spirit, and still go through trials and temptations.

Remember Job? The Bible says he was “perfect and upright” (Job 1:1), and he went through a trial that would have many of us giving up. One of the interesting aspects of that story is the trial was God’s idea. “And the Lord said unto Satan, ‘Hast thou considered my servant Job…’” (Job 1:8).

to trust if you never have a need? The children of Israel

So, why do we go through trials and temptations?

became thirsty in the wilderness, and God provided water

There are a few reasons. One of those is our disobedience.

for them miraculously. He provided manna, but they could

We try to live life on our terms. We do things that fulfill

only get enough for one day. They had to trust God for

our flesh or that make us happy, even if that deviates

their daily bread. If they gathered more than a day’s work,

from what is right according to the Bible. I mean, it is not

it went bad. I find it interesting that on the sixth day, it

hurting anyone, right?

lasted for two days. It shows that God was in control.

I would caution against that because the Bible is true,

So, trust God in the trial. Know that God is trying to

so when it says you will reap what you sow, you can be

grow you spiritually. Remember promises like, “…God is

sure that you will. Learn to have patience and wait on the

faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that

Lord. Focus on His desires and not your own. If you do

ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way

that, the blessings you receive will be more fulfilling than

to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

anything you could dream up for yourself.

God’s goal is to conform us to the image of Christ

When we respond correctly, trials and temptations bring us closer to God.

us through trials and temptations. How can you learn patience if you never have to wait? How can you learn

26 // November 2021

About The Author

(Rom. 8:29). One of the ways He does that is by taking Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

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

Does Your anyone who may rely on you financially—now or into the future—will be OK. Luxury Retirement Look So start your financial fitness journey with this oneLike? step forward. Let’s start the conversation.

e. And that’s the way it should be.

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

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

art the conversation.

7371 Nashville St Ringgold, GA 30736 www.countryfinancial.com/guy.percy guy.percy@countryfinancial.com

(706)935-3365

What does your journey to financial fitness look like?

E R

I T

E R

E M

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Comfort

Necessity

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journey to financial fitness means different things to different people. And that’s the way it should be.

This piece has it can also seem overwhelming, looking down the long road ahead. You may be asking yourself, how should I begin?

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

Home | Auto Life | Health Business

one who may rely on you financially—now or into the future—will be OK.

tart your financial fitness journey with this one step forward. Let’s start the conversation.

Guy Percy Financial Representative 7371 Nashville St Ringgold, GA 30736

® www.countryfinancial.com/guy.percy e Company , Bloomington, IL. guy.percy@countryfinancial.com

(706)935-3365

n dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to pany, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2018. All rights reserved.

Policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

0519-503HC-15939-12/1/2020

Poverty

This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2018. All rights reserved.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

Headaches and Chiropractic

I

by Dr. Javier Loucil

f you have a headache, you are not alone. Nine out

neck through a comfortable range of motion. Low-

of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are

impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated

occasional, some are dull and throbbing, and some

with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to

cause debilitating pain and nausea. What do you do

dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage

when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you

in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and

What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?

hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

Primary Headaches The majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck. Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than in the past. More hours

A doctor of chiropractic can perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

Spinal decompression therapy can further relieve pressure on the neck structures that are causing the headaches. Chiropractors offer advice

are spent in one fixed position or

on posture, ergonomics (work postures),

posture (such as sitting in front of a

exercises, and relaxation techniques. This

computer), which can increase joint

advice should help relieve the recurring

irritation and muscle tension in the

joint irritation and tension in the muscles

neck, upper back, and scalp, causing

of the neck and upper back. Doctors of

your head to ache.

chiropractic undergo extensive training

What Can You Do?

to help their patients in many ways

If you spend much time in one fixed position, such as in front of a

beyond treatment for low-back pain.

They know how tension in the spine relates to

computer, on a sewing

problems in other

machine, typing,

parts of the body,

or reading, take a break and stretch

and they can take

every 30 minutes

steps to relieve those problems.

to one hour.

The stretches should take

28 // November 2021

About The Author

your head and

Dr. Javier Loucil practices at Pray Chiropractic in Dalton, Georgia, and is currently accepting new patients and can be reached at 706-609-0023.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Grace of God

“F

by Jacob Herald

or I am the least of the apostles and

salvation through Jesus, he became a changed man

do not even deserve to be called an

and made it his goal to spread the gospel. In many

apostle, because I persecuted the

ways, it is thanks to Paul that we have the modern-

church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No,

day structure of the church.

In these Scriptures, Paul recognizes who he used

I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the

to be. However, he states that by the grace of God,

grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I

he has become who he is today. He worked harder

or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you

than the rest of the apostles—many of whom had not

believed” (1 Corinthians 15:9-11).

delved as deep into sin as Paul himself—to build up the Kingdom of God. One can only speculate that this was Paul’s way of repaying Christ for the joy that salvation had brought him.

We have all gone through many changes, and we are not who we used to be. God has a plan for each of our lives, and it is time we get back to the basics of our relationship with Christ. By the grace of God, we are saved, and that means something. We are not defined by our pasts, by our mistakes, or by our regrets. We are defined as children of God—saved

Change is all around. It is evident in everything that we do, from the young growing up to the dent you accidentally put in your car (or someone else’s).

through His son Jesus Christ, born again, and ready to do something amazing.

In short, you are not as bad as you think you are.

Things change all the time, and it is important to

God’s mercy will always extend to you, no matter

recognize the changes that God has brought within

how deep into sin you go. We have been given a new

our own lives. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11, we find part

start, so let us make the best of it!

of a Scripture written by Paul. Paul was a bad man, persecuted the church. However, when Paul found

30 // November 2021

About The Author

for, before his salvation through Christ, Paul directly

Jacob Herald is a Christian constantly seeking to grow in the Lord. He is a member of Herald Family Ministries, an evangelistic family who travels the U.S. working for the Lord through preaching, singing, and outreach, and has found his calling as a writer and speaker for Christ.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Only Thing That Counts

T

by Chuck Cleveland

he Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5, “The only thing

Shortly thereafter, I spoke with Craig by telephone,

that counts is faith expressing itself through love,”

telling him that if he needed a friend with whom to talk, I

and I concluded God wanted me to trust Him in all

would listen. With much gratitude, he accepted the offer.

areas of my life and to demonstrate His love to all those with whom He gives me a relationship.

I wondered, however, what would constitute such

Though hundreds of miles apart, we began an exchange about why he had the affair, how his marriage could be restored, and how he could be forgiven by God. It took

a demonstration, and so I began to ask people, “When

a lot of calls and correspondence (as well as him reading

someone was a special friend to you, what exactly did

the Bible I sent), but Craig eventually became a Christian.

that person do on your behalf?” Almost invariably, those

Furthermore, primarily through guidance provided by

people cited instances when someone came alongside them

another work associate, he was able to save his marriage.

when they were confronted with a sick child, a dying parent, the loss of a job, a broken relationship, or some other calamity. When asked if that friend offered advice on how to resolve the conflict, most said no.

In other words, the most meaningful acts of friendship consisted of “being there” for them in their times of turmoil.

Does it not logically follow, then, that we who claim we want to love others into the Kingdom would seek opportunities to validate our message by being there for non-believers during their struggles?

I think it does, and here is how that worked out with my former work associate Craig (not his

Expressing God’s healing love to those I know has

real name). Shortly before an annual regional meeting, I

become a high priority, and here are three things I try

sensed I was supposed to share my faith with Craig, but

to practice:

there was no opportunity. Several months later, however,

1. Since everyone has a story, I want to listen well.

Craig’s world came apart when his wife discovered the

2. Since everyone has a desire for love and acceptance,

affair he was having and confronted him about it.

Craig admitted the extra-marital involvement but

I want to provide them more frequently.

3. Since everyone needs to know of the Father’s

sought to minimize the damage by lying about the woman’s

offer of forgiveness, I want to be a more effective

identity and location, saying she was an office secretary

ambassador of reconciliation.

hundreds of miles away rather than a woman nearby.

How about you?

learned of his double deceit. Worse yet, almost everyone in the organization knew of Craig’s indiscretions.

32 // November 2021

About The Author

Unfortunately for him, Craig’s wife called the secretary and Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Aunt Mildred’s Chicken Casserole

by Leslie Bennett

W

hen I think about chicken casserole, I always associate it with my sweet Aunt Mildred. She was my dad’s sister, and she

lived next door to us when I was growing up. She was a beautiful lady and had such a kind heart.

When my mom’s health was declining, and my dad was doing all the cooking, Aunt Mildred came and knocked on the door one day and handed my dad a chicken casserole she had prepared for them.

I happened to stop by Mom and Dad’s house that day, and my dad wanted me to try it. It tasted really good, so I had my dad get Aunt Mildred’s recipe for me.

Any chicken casserole I had ever tasted until that day was made in a 13x9 inch pan, but Aunt Mildred’s was different. It was made in a smaller, deeper

Instructions

casserole dish. It was so smooth and creamy.

This is the recipe I use now. Aunt Mildred passed away a few years ago, and I am so glad I got her recipe before she died. I made it for dinner—I know she would be proud of me.

Ingredients • 3-4 chicken breasts (boiled) • 4 tablespoons of butter • 1 can of cream of chicken soup • 1 can of cream of celery soup • 8 ounces of sour cream • salt and pepper to taste

• Boil chicken breasts and let cool • Tear chicken apart

• Take ½ cup of chicken broth from pan and set aside • Melt butter in casserole dish

• Combine the soups and cream cheese in a bowl, salt and pepper to taste • Put half of the chicken in the butter in the casserole dish • Put half of the soup mixture on top of the chicken

• Put the other half of the chicken on top of that and add the rest of the soup mixture • Top with cornbread stuffing or crumbled Ritz crackers • Pour chicken both over the top

• Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes until the top is golden brown

I like to serve my casserole with green beans

• Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing or Ritz crackers (crumbled)

and mashed potatoes. This makes a great meal,

• ½ cup of chicken broth

those who have lost a loved one. “Grace and peace

along with the following Scripture, to share with to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus

34 // November 2021

Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:3, NIV).

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

W

by Dr. Alan Hix

ith the coming of November, when we are not

things to pale in comparison. He understood, as did C.S.

stressing over what to do for Christmas, we

Lewis, that Christ in us is all we need.

remember that somewhere in all this holiday

I have had the privilege of worshipping with believers

planning is Thanksgiving. When we pause and consider

in many other countries. In one particular village, the people

what we are thankful for, we often focus on things like

lived in mud huts and had to walk a day just to collect

family, friends, home, and more than enough to eat. The

water. By Western standards, they would be considered

opening lines of Laura Story’s song “Blessings” reflect this

among the poorest of people. What struck me as I spent

longing: “We pray for blessings; we pray for peace—comfort for family, protection while we sleep. We pray for healing, for prosperity.

We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering.” As Christians, we usually focus on all the things God has done for us or given us. In other words, we tend to be thankful for those things outside of ourselves. C.S. Lewis, in his book The Weight of Glory, offers believers an important reminder: “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, the Apostle Paul compares our physical existence to being like “jars of clay” that are fragile and easily broken.

The true treasure that we have is not all the things we hold on

time with them was that they carried a joyous attitude

to so tightly. The true treasure we have is the presence of God’s

about them. The source of their joy was their salvation in

Spirit within us. Our fragileness allows His glory to shine

Christ. These people who had little by our standards had

through. Later in that chapter, he will declare that “For this

everything they needed by theirs—for they had Jesus.

light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV).

Paul is able to express a certain hope for eternity

This Thanksgiving, as we gather together around our tables set with enough food to feed our entire block, let us first thank God for the only thing that really matters. In

because of the presence of Christ within him. Writing from

Colossians 1:27, Paul expresses it this way: “To them God

prison toward the end of his life, Paul expresses a sense of

chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the

contentment that goes beyond any physical circumstance.

riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you,

In Philippians 4:11, Paul declares, “…for I have learned in

the hope of glory.”

whatever situation I am to be content.” Instead of pining that the indwelling presence of Christ caused all other

36 // November 2021

About The Author

over how his circumstances could be different, Paul rejoiced

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

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

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

goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484

reach out to people through words of encouragement.

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

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

Gò0dNews for Family

Well Seasoned

T

by Zebbie Brewster

his morning as I was washing the bread

A good breakfast that got us started on that

pan, the activity brought back memories.

school day and every day. We always sat down

It is amazing how you think about

as a family at the table and took time to give God

things when standing in front of the kitchen

thanks for the food we were fixing to eat. Such a

window washing dishes. I love looking outside,

great foundation was being laid in our home to

and I am thankful even though I do not have a

help us in our future.

dishwasher—although I really do have one, me! The bread pan that I was washing was my Mother-in-Law’s. To say that the pan is well seasoned is an understatement. I cannot even imagine how many biscuits she had rolled out by hand and then placed on that pan. The smell of them, at any time of the day, coming from the oven, made one’s mouth water. Then, to be able to get that hot biscuit buttered, that was a real treat!

I am thankful to have been blessed with such wonderful cooks in my life. My

As families, we start our traditions, and that

mom also cooked biscuits when we were children

is what makes each home unique. Whatever our

growing up. Her pan of biscuits was unique in

traditions, I pray that we never forget to love each

that she always made three baby biscuits. Just

other, forgive each other, and thank God for His

three small biscuits that we three children knew

many blessing upon us. I thank God for the gift

were made especially for us. To look back on that

of family and hope and pray that you will too.

now, I can see how blessed we were. We could

Psalm 34:8, “O Taste and see that the Lord is good:

get up on a school morning smelling the breakfast

blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”

biscuits and Dad was cooking the eggs and meat.

38 // November 2021

About The Author

aroma, knowing Mom was busy cooking those Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.

Gò0dNews Poetry

Changing

by Pamela Latham

I call this one, Changing.

Been doing a lot of thinking, about things that I have done.

Been doing a lot of wishing, changing my life was one.

I turned around to Jesus, I’m the one That turned my back.

Jesus was waiting for me, He sat me on his lap.

He gently rocked me back and forth, a smile upon his face, He told me how much he loved me; He knows I can finish this race.

He told me he walked beside me and carried me through the worst.

He saw the abuse and brutality; he heard my mother’s curse.

He knew I’d run to him, when I could fight no more.

He knew I’d lose everything; I’d hit rock bottom at 54.

That’s how long it took for me to open my ears and eyes Most things that were told to me, most of them were lies I know for sure, I have no doubt, that Jesus is all I want, I know his love—I trust his love, so I put him up front Satan will not win even though his rage has been unfurled

40 // November 2021

About The Author

Because he who’s within me, is greater than who’s in this world.

Pamela Latham is 57 years old and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, three years ago. Pamela has written a collection of poems, which she hopes to turn into a book, “Love Poems to Jesus from Me.”

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Gò0dNews for Travel Wandering Through Winchester, Kentucky

by Nicky Reynolds

I

n the late 1700s, traveling took a lot longer and was

To walk in his footsteps, one need only traverse

much more treacherous than it is today, but our

the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, one of Kentucky’s

ancestors would saddle up the horses, load up the

official Scenic Byways. The route, established by Boone

caravan, and traverse the mountains and valleys of

in 1775, begins at Fort Boonesborough and ends in

this great country in hopes of discovering the perfect

Athens near Boone’s Station, which he settled in 1779.

terrain for new towns and cities. One well-known

Don’t Miss

historical figure who developed a reputation for such

In the 1700s and 1800s, Scottish immigrants built

discoveries was Daniel Boone.

miles of stone fences which can be seen on many farms

Boone in the Bluegrass

and pastures across the area.

Like many families who relocated to the United States during his time, Daniel Boone’s father left England to escape religious persecution. He was a Quaker who settled in Pennsylvania and later moved to North Carolina. Daniel Boone is most well-known for his trek through the Cumberland Gap, which came to be called the Wilderness Road, though much of his lifetime work included land surveying for other men who were trying to find properties to which to move.

In the late 1760s, Boone was doing just that when he took his first glimpse of the Bluegrass region of what is now known as Winchester, Kentucky. Today, “Boone’s

The Holly Rood—Clark Mansion was built in 1814

Overlook” is a popular destination for hikers,

by James Clark, the 13th governor of Kentucky. The

birdwatchers, and history buffs. The challenging 730-

Federal-style home is open for tours by appointment.

foot elevation to the top of Pilot Knob State Nature

For more information on Daniel Boone’s history or

Preserve provides an impeccable view of rolling ridges

the Winchester, Kentucky area, contact the Winchester-

and flat farmlands.

Clark County Tourism Commission at 800-298-9105 or

Fort Boonesborough State Park is another attraction

log on to visitwinchesterky.com.

worthy of a visit. Located on the Kentucky River, it is the site built in 1775 by Boone and his men. Today, stay at the campgrounds, and learn more through living history programs.

42 // November 2021

About The Author

visitors can view the reconstructed fort, explore trails, Nicky Reynolds is a freelance writer who lives in East Tennessee with her 2-year-old daughter and their beloved rescue, Molly. Her dreams are to explore Italy, move to Hawaii, and keep adding new stamps to her passport.

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