Gò0dNews
About Us
WRITERS
Beth Penny
Candyce Carden
Chris Mullis
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Henry Alford
Jamie Peak
Jennifer Govea
John Zellner
Karen Jeffery
Dr. Richard E. Dixon
Dr. Rob Debelak
Sandra Gilmore
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
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
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.
The Greatest Expectation
by Dr. Richard E. Dixon
As 2025 comes to an end, the last two months of the year bring many seasonal activities filled with fun, excitement, and expectation. One often finds much expectation in the time spent with family and friends at gatherings, local community events, and church presentations. The very thought of being together again with friends and family who have been absent throughout the year brings anticipation of joyous times together. Each year as this time approaches, I often hear myself singing in my mind a very popular Christmas song written in 1963 and sung by Andy Williams called “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Go ahead, you can start singing it now. You know you want to!
November and December are always full of amazing times fulfilling the expectations many hold close at this time. Of course, December ushers in a time when those who are called by His name celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Luke informs the reader about the expectation that existed about the coming of Jesus.
“As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ” (Luke 3:15 ESV).
Their expectation for the coming Messiah was great as they inquired whether John the Baptist was the Christ. But John instructed: One was coming mightier than he was,
and He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. Wow, talk about an expectation among the people! The “anticipation” in this passage goes much deeper than the surface understanding of just waiting. It can be understood as a “state of expectation,” “mental direction,” “to expect (whether in thought, in hope, or in fear),” “to look for, wait for” something or someone. They most assuredly had that, and we undoubtedly possess that when we think of the wonderful times to be had during this time of the year.
As the days remaining in the year quickly come and go, I pray you have all your expectations of holiday times together with those you love fulfilled and you are able to make wonderful memories together. Jesus did come and fulfill all their expectations of His arrival, and He went to prepare a place in Heaven in His Father’s house, a place for them and a place for us who are His children. That is, those who call Him Lord. As His children, we are charged with assembling together and exhorting each other even more so as the day approaches.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).
What day is that? The day that Jesus will return to get His bride, the Church. This is “The Greatest Expectation” that one should have—a state of expectation, a mental direction, a thought, and a hope continually on the mind. Jesus is coming back as He promised, and with our expectation of time spent with friends and family, with expectation of joyous gatherings, with expectation of new connections and friendships made, and with expectation of the celebration of the birth of Christ, let us have “The Greatest Expectation” of His return to take us home to be with God. May God bless each and every one now and in the New Year as we proclaim His wondrous works on the cross and His imminent return.
for Everyone
Heartache in Laughter
by Hayden Lanier
Proverbs 14:13 ESV says, “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” How often do we tell people we’re fine when we actually aren’t? We put on a painted smile or don a brave face and pretend we’ve got it all together. This verse speaks to the depth of human nature when it expounds that even when we laugh, we can still suffer from heartache, and the end of our joy may be grief. We can try to hide our pain from others, but at the end of the day, we deal with it ourselves. Even when we are laughing and enjoying our lives, that small voice in the back of our head still spreads heartache and grief.
On earth, even our happiest moments are tainted with grief, and laughter only lasts for a moment. The bliss and delight we experience in life are not permanent. But as Christians, this is not the end of the story.
Psalm 30:5 ESV tells us, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” We have the promise that, while weeping may endure for a night, joy is coming in the morning. We will be burdened and face hardships while we are here. We will endure suffering, trials, heartache, and grief, even in our laughter and joy. Weeping will endure for the night, but joy is coming in the morning when we are in our eternal home, where God Himself will be with us and wipe away every tear from our eyes and put an end to all death, sorrow, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:3-4).
Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV).
So when heartache holds you back from laughter, or grief is the end of your joy, remember Jesus. Look to Him who endured the cross and despised its shame and is now sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. Remember that He is with you now and that we will be with Him one day. Weeping may endure for now, but we look forward to that morning. Thank God that Jesus endured our pain for the joy set before Him!
But how is this possible? Only through Jesus. As the first part of Isaiah 53:4 ESV says, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Because Jesus endured our humanity and took on our guilt and shame, we can be saved by Him, and He has entered into the glorious joy of the presence of His Heavenly Father. He endured our weeping for a metaphorical night, and it is only because of Him that joy can come in the morning. Jesus is “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before
And let this also be a reminder to treat one another well while we are here on earth. Even if somebody seems like they “have it all together,” chances are, they don’t. It may sound cliché, but you never really know what somebody is going through, perhaps even those closest to us. We should love one another and treat them as we want to be treated, for this is how Jesus taught us to live.
See www.setyourmindabove.wordpress.com for this article and more from Hayden Lanier.
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.
Willow Tree Farms
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!
from
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.
EAlzheimer’s Awareness Month: Taking Action Today to Safeguard the Future Money Matters
Jamie Peak with
very November, we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, support, and compassion for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact memory; it affects every aspect of life, from daily routines to longterm care decisions.
While we can’t always control if or when Alzheimer’s may touch our family, we can take steps now to prepare for the future, especially when it comes to legal and financial planning. That’s why early planning — before symptoms appear or while a person can still actively participate — is crucial.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition that gradually diminishes a person’s ability to make decisions, manage finances, and communicate wishes. Having the right legal documents in place provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind for everyone involved. It helps ensure that your loved one’s preferences are respected and that important decisions can be made smoothly during what can be an emotional and challenging time.
Essential Legal Documents to Have in Order
Here are some key documents that can make a major difference for families navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis:
1. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial) — This allows a trusted person (the “agent”) to handle financial matters if the individual becomes unable to do so themselves. Without it, families may have to go through lengthy court proceedings to manage accounts, or pay bills.
2. Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Proxy) — This document designates someone to make medical decisions if the person with Alzheimer’s can no longer communicate their wishes. It ensures healthcare choices align with the individual’s values and preferences.
3. Living Will or Advance Healthcare Directive — This outlines specific medical treatment preferences such as
life support or resuscitation, so families and doctors know exactly what the person wants.
4. HIPAA Authorization — This allows healthcare providers to share medical information with designated family members or caregivers. Without it, doctors may not legally be able to discuss important health details.
5. Last Will and Testament — A will ensures property and assets are distributed according to the person’s wishes and can help prevent disputes or confusion later.
6. Revocable Living Trust (optional, but valuable) — This can help avoid probate, streamline asset management, and protect the individual’s finances during incapacity.
Important Considerations for Investment Accounts
Most investment companies today offer the ability to name a trusted contact to your investment account. This is someone that your advisor can contact if they feel the client is making a request that seems out of the ordinary or extreme or if the advisor feels that there may be some cognitive decline in the client. This could help protect the client against fraud attacks, which are becoming more prevalent among older investors.
Starting the Conversation
In recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, take time to check that your family’s legal documents are in order. Doing so not only protects your loved one’s wishes, but also eases the emotional and financial burden for everyone involved. Preparing today ensures peace of mind, no matter what tomorrow brings.
If someone in your family has already been diagnosed, it’s not too late. Even in the early stages, individuals can still participate in important planning decisions.
Hughes Retirement Group is now offering wills, trusts, and POA services in partnership with Wealth.com. Give us a call to plan today, and protect tomorrow!
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare is here.
Now is the time to make sure your coverage fits your needs for the year ahead. HRG can help you compare plans, review benefits, and ensure you’re getting the coverage that’s right for you.
Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.
Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.
Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.
There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.
Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes. If
The Courage to Overcome Stubbornness with Steadfastness
by John Zellner
My grandfather was a stubborn man. My dad is a stubborn man. And yes, many (especially my wife) have called me stubborn.
My grandfather was a pillar of the community, loved his church, and loved his wife even more. Similar can be said of my dad. Those are good traits to exhibit—to love your community and family. Yet both men I cherish so dearly were/are set in their ways so much that they have become known by those close to them as “stubborn men.”
Being stubborn is often seen as a negative connotation. Merriam-Webster defines stubborn as:
1) unreasonably or perversely unyielding; justifiably unyielding; suggestive or typical of a strong, stubborn nature
2) performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner
3) difficult to handle, manage, or treat
Many would state that my grandfather and dad fit the above definitions, especially the first two entries.
However, when looking into what the Bible says about being stubborn and stubbornness, I became perplexed. “Is it possible to be stubborn for God?” I asked myself. Upon delving a little deeper, I believe I have found my answer.
In Scripture, stubborn and stubbornness are connected primarily with rebellion, disobedience, and pride. Furthermore, many scholars link stubborn/stubbornness with hard hearts and stiff necks. For example, Pharaoh is described as having a hard heart (multiple instances in Exodus chapters 7-10 specifically), whereas Israel as a people exhibited stiff necks (primarily several cases in Exodus chapters 32-34).
As a Believer, displaying character as the hard-hearted Pharaoh or stiff-necked Israelites cannot please our Heavenly Father. According to 1 Samuel 25:23, rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. However, by submitting to the Father (2 Chronicles 30:8) and by listening to His voice and inclining our ears (Jeremiah 7:26), restoration of stubbornness may occur, if not altogether avoided.
So again, what about being stubborn for God?
Thankfully, there is another word that has a positive connotation when describing repetitive, resolute behavior: steadfast.
Several words in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) have been translated into English as steadfast. Most notably and commonly, the words for steadfast further mean to prepare, to establish.
Like stubbornness, steadfastness is linked to a condition of the heart. Perhaps none knew more-so than David. Several of his psalms highlight the powerful concept of steadfastness. Consider the following:
Psalm 51:10 NIV, “Create in me a clean heart, God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 57:7 (Psalm 108:1 is similar) NIV, “My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”
We also see steadfast connected to righteousness and life (Proverbs 11:19), peace (Isaiah 26:3), and faith (Colossians 1:23).
Ultimately, as Believers, the condition of our hearts cannot be understated. Our Heavenly Father examines our hearts (i.e., Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).
And ultimately, as well, I have changed my position on being stubborn for God. No longer shall I desire to be associated with a hard-hearted Pharaoh or stiff-necked children, nor shall I associate loved ones such as my grandfather and dad with the aforementioned.
From now on, may we all be STEADFAST for God and His Kingdom.
John Zellner has a gorgeous wife, two beautiful daughters, and loves the Lord.
He is the founder of the YouTube channel 300 Torches Media, which focuses on facilitating and exhibiting daily courage.
Count Your Blessings
by Beth Penny
How many times do we say or hear someone say, “I’m so blessed… that is such a blessing… bless you”? Do we put thought into that or is it just a quick response to fill an awkward silence or because we don’t have other words to say? The meaning of blessing is “God’s favor or protection.” We always want God’s blessings on ourselves, our families, our friends.
But what happens when things don’t go our way? Bad things happen to good people. Daily, we have struggles, we often have crises, we have accidents that aren’t in our plans. Things happen in this world that we cannot explain and don’t understand. Sometimes these things happen and make us question God and God’s plan for us. Remember that ships don’t sink because of the water that is around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. It is easy for us to get “sunk” by the things we think are around us when, in fact, the things inside of us are the anchor around our necks.
A few years ago, it was moving-weekend for my family and me. We had packed everything and loaded the U-haul and our vehicles. We started to leave and my husband's truck had a flat tire. A small bump that we handled and got on the way. When we got to the new house, we realized that we had a gas hot water heater. No hot water for the weekend until I could call the gas company on Monday. Another bump, but we made do.
The next day after church, we stopped to grab a bite of lunch before heading home to unpack more boxes. When we went out to leave, the key fob would not work for my car. Changing batteries and fobs did not work. After a tow and a ride home, we had to regroup. So many things were going wrong for what we had thought was a good move. We were beginning to let the water in our vessel.
When this happens, pull out a blessing. How do you do that? Keep a blessings journal. Every old fashioned hymnal has the traditional “Count Your Blessings” ballad by Johnson Oatman, Jr. A song written in the late 1800’s has so much meaning today. Sometimes the old traditional
“When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
“Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.
Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
When little blessings come your way, write them down. When big blessings come your way, write them down. When life becomes difficult and days are overwhelming, consult your list. Those bright spots of blessings open our eyes to the good that God is doing in our lives. In our humanness, we need reminders of the good when the bad overshadows. Psalm 91 in its entirety shows us that God is in control of every situation we encounter. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4 NIV).
Beth is a high school English teacher and adjunct college professor who is passionate about faith, education, and encouraging others through writing. She serves with her husband, Chad, who is a Family Pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Rome, GA.
hymns are stuck in our heads so much that we forget to listen to the words.
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 265 Poplar Springs Rd, 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
706-935-3741
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
LaFayette First United Methodist Church 301 S. Main Street LaFayette, GA 30728 (706) 638-2057
Rock Spring Methodist Church 3477 Peavine Rd Rock Springs, GA 30739
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
A Legacy of Love and Faith
by Candyce Carden
Squirrels scurry around in the bushes and trees surrounding my house, hunting for seeds and nuts. When they find one, they scamper away to store it in elaborate burrows they have dug. These mammals enter a light hibernation, occasionally waking to nibble at their stash of food; another sign of winter’s approach. As the days grow shorter and the cold slips in, I’m tempted to burrow under my blanket and hibernate until spring.
But then I would miss the joyous Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. I’m not fond of winter, but I love winter holidays. They remind me of Father’s good gifts and all that we’re able to experience because of the birth of His Son.
Thanksgiving is a time to focus on family and gratitude. Nothing bonds a family like sharing a meal around the table. It’s also a time to reflect on the faithfulness of the brave Pilgrims who traveled to our country in 1620 in search of religious freedom.
What Legacy Will I Leave?
Since I’ve entered the grandparenting years, the number of people around my table has multiplied, thanks to my children!
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NIV).
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged” (Proverbs 17:6 NIV).
My children have filled my heart with much love, joy, and pride through the years. But their greatest gifts have been my grandchildren. As these kids sprout from toddlers to teens, I’m reminded to be more intentional with the legacy of faith I leave behind.
“Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV).
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4 NIV).
These verses encourage us to pass down God’s traits to future generations, creating a lasting impact. Faithful teaching builds a legacy. We are encouraged to share God’s
works with children. When children learn about God’s goodness and power, it fosters faith in Him.
I hope a legacy of faith began with my children. But during those early parenting years, it’s harder to be intentional about it. Hopefully, we set a good example as “we raise them in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV), because children learn by example. Since the Bible references future generations in verses about a legacy of faith, grandparents should pay attention. Now that we have more time, we can focus on our legacy.
A Reading Around the Thanksgiving Table
Such were the thoughts on my mind last Thanksgiving when I came across “A Reading at the Thanksgiving Table.” The interactive activity was fun and meaningful for my family, so I’m sharing it with you. You might want to do it too.
The reading is Psalm 100. I divided this passage into ten statements—one for each member at my table. I numbered ten strips of paper and printed the corresponding sentences on each numbered slip. My family, from grandkids to grandmom, stood around the table and took turns reading the Psalm in the correct order. It was really special. Fewer than ten people? Double up on the reading “assignments.”
If you have more than ten people, think of a creative way to get more involved.
Leadership Catoosa Class of 2025-2026 Kickoff at Covey Creek
The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the annual Leadership Catoosa Kickoff was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Covey Creek Event Venue on Cloud Springs Road in Catoosa County. The event, catered by Chamber member, 54 Events and Planning, was a full day of leadership training and team building.
Twenty-four emerging and established leaders were nominated to participate in the Leadership Catoosa Class of 2025–2026. They will be meeting together monthly over the next nine months to gain a deeper understanding of Catoosa County. Through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and leadership development, participants will learn how they can create meaningful impact in both business and community settings.
The 2025-2026 Leadership Catoosa Class included the following participants:
Misty Bolt, MedicareMisty
Elizabeth Brock, City of Ringgold
Regina Casteel, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Ken Ellington, Shaw Industries
Kevin Gann, Cadence Bank
Elvedina Garibovic, TVFCU - Ringgold
Lisa Gentry, Shaw Industries
Mandy Gravitt, Catoosa County DFCS
Meghan Herbel, Catoosa County Library
Ginger King, 2 Kings Estate Sales/Keller Williams Greater Chattanooga
Ashley McCallie, TRI-Med Family Care
Kimberly Meadors, TVFCU - Fort Oglethorpe
Kristin Nalley, Dalton State College
Shelby Nichols, Curbs Plus
John Pless, Catoosa County Government
Ben Rebne, Starr Mathews Agency
Ronelle Sellers, CHI Memorial
Gloria Shropshire, North Georgia EMC
Jake Simpson, Coosa Valley Credit Union
Jennifer Stephenson, Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center
Captain Brian Stooksbury, Fort Oglethorpe Police Department
Ben Ward, North Georgia Toyota
Stephanie White, Hamilton Physician Group
Anne Windham, LIFT Youth Centers
A Mission to Lead
The program includes monthly, full-day sessions that explore local industries, government, education, and more. Participants will also travel to Atlanta to engage with state legislators during the General Assembly and take part in activities that build communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
The Leadership Catoosa experience allows participants to develop additional leadership skills, increase their knowledge of Catoosa County, and gives a greater vision for our community. They also have the opportunity to build longlasting business and community relationships. In the coming weeks, this class will be selecting a community service project designed to make a lasting impact on our community.
Last year’s Leadership Catoosa class chose a compassionate and impactful community service project. The project centered around providing vital dental care to a group of homeless, unaccompanied high school seniors in Catoosa County Public Schools. Every year, around 30-35 homeless, unaccompanied seniors receive support from the school system and its partners making sure students have their birth certificates, college aid forms filled out, interview clothes, eye exams, and dental exams. As each new senior class comes through, the need for more comprehensive dental care beyond just cleanings becomes increasingly clear and raising money to provide these services becomes more difficult. The Leadership Catoosa service project aimed to ensure that these students received dental checkups and any necessary treatments before they graduated in May 2025.
With a clear mission, the 24-25 Leadership Catoosa class raised the funds necessary to support approximately 30 to 35 high school seniors identified as homeless and unaccompanied within the school system. The estimated cost of providing comprehensive dental care for these students was expected to be $10,000.
Grateful Grins: Successful Service
For many students, particularly those classified as homeless and unaccompanied, accessing dental care is a significant challenge. While school systems and local organizations offer a variety of services, dental care is often overlooked or unattainable due to financial constraints or the absence of parents/guardians. Dental checkups and treatments can be costly, especially for those without insurance or stable housing. Yet, proper dental health is critical to overall well-being, and untreated dental issues can lead to serious health problems. By addressing this need with the help of Catoosa County School Social Workers and Catoosa County Children's Fund, the 24-25 Leadership Catoosa offered these students not only the treatment they needed, but also the confidence to step into the next phase of their lives.
The project’s impact will go far beyond just the students receiving care. It’s about empowering these young people, giving them the confidence to smile as they step across the stage at graduation and enter the next chapter of their lives.
For many, the dental care received could be a stepping stone toward better job prospects or simply a healthier future.
Leading While Serving
The community service project of the 2024-2025 class exemplified the core values of Leadership Catoosa: teamwork, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others. Through their combined efforts, the class of 20242025 created lasting change, not just for these students but for the Catoosa community as a whole.
Catoosa County Chamber President Amy Jackson sums up this effort, “Each young person carries the ability to make a difference in their community as they mature and train for careers and vocations. Leadership Catoosa 20242025 was pleased to seize this particular opportunity to make a difference in their lives at this pivotal time. We are happy their senior year was even greater!”
Jackson also shares, “Leadership Catoosa is all about building business connections and cultivating strong community leaders. I’m incredibly grateful for the continued support of our Chamber Board of Directors, who recognize the importance of this program, and for the outstanding leadership of Brad Denton with Flegal Insurance. Together with our dedicated committee members—Randall Dyer, Marissa Brower, Kristy Lawson, Sandy Matheson, Penny Mahon, Andy Johnson, Ian O’Shea, and Mark Pierce— they work tirelessly to create meaningful and impactful experiences for every session, including the upcoming 20252026 class.”
About Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce
From its beginning in 1929 through many transitions, the Chamber has risen in new forms to serve our everchanging community. The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business for our county, striving to serve its members and focus on business, tourism, workforce education, and economic stability. Our mission is to provide business, community, and government partnership opportunities. The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce has earned the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) Certified Chamber Designation. It has been named by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce as an Accredited Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact 706.965.5201, or visit CatoosaConnects.com.
Do You Bear Good Fruit?
by Pastor Chris Mullis
Do You Bear Good Fruit?
This time of year is harvest time. Folks are picking, plucking, packing, preserving, and, most of all, inspecting the harvest. If a fruit inspector examined your life today, what would he find? Would he find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
Now, we understand the life of a Christian is a journey. Fruitfulness is not something that happens overnight (just like a fruit tree does not bear fruit overnight). But your life should definitely be heading in the right direction—toward fruitfulness. God is the one who makes us grow and bear fruit. But what are you doing to tend the garden in your heart that nurtures fruitfulness?
There are several things you can do to nurture the development of spiritual fruit God wants to grow in your life.
There is worship, where you gather with other Christian believers and honor God. Do you regularly worship God with other Christians?
There is fellowship. We may have many different groups we socialize with on a weekly basis at school and work. But if you are a Christian whose heart's truest desire is to bear fruit for the Kingdom, other Christian friends should be your main social group. Are you deeply involved with Christian fellowship?
Prayer is the heart of the Christian faith. Are you investing deeply in regular prayer throughout your day? Bible Study is essential. How else are we going to know how we are supposed to think and live unless we study God's Word—His official method for speaking to His people?
Are you in a small group where you talk about your prayer life and what you’ve read in your Bible, and where people intentionally hold you accountable and offer encouragement to live more fully for Jesus? Are you practicing the means of grace Jesus specifically commanded His followers in practice in the Bible—Baptism and Holy Communion?
• Baptism is the initiation ceremony for Christians in the New Covenant that replaced the circumcision ceremony of the Old Covenant. Baptism is a means for God to pour out His grace upon those being baptized and those who stand with them, to help everyone know and walk with Jesus. It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
• Holy Communion is a means to receive God’s grace, where we have our eyes opened as we experience the presence of Christ and receive spiritual nourishment for our faith journey. Communion is a sacramental act of thanksgiving and remembrance, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. This sacred practice fosters a deeper communion with Christ and with one another, strengthening our bonds with the church, and empowering us to live out our Christian discipleship in the world.
Living It Out
As we reflect on Jesus' warning against false prophets and the importance of discerning true from false in our spiritual journeys, let us be vigilant gardeners of our souls. May we not only seek to identify the fruits in others but also nurture the growth of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within ourselves. Through worship, fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and participation in the means of grace like Baptism and Holy Communion, let us cultivate a life that bears good fruit, reflecting the light of Christ in a world often shadowed by deception. Live out the Kingdom ethics Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount, growing closer to Him, and each other, as we journey together in faith.
for the Holidays
A Reminder That God Cares During the Holidays
by Jennifer Govea
The holidays are here, and it’s the most wonderful time of year! Not for you. People are cooking, shopping, gathering, and partying. Not you. You lost a loved one this year, so nothing seems merry and bright.
Whether it was a miscarriage, sudden heart attack, tragic car accident, surgery gone wrong, or old age, losing someone special is hard. The first year without that close family member or friend is most painful around significant dates you celebrated together, including birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. You’ve never spent Thanksgiving without him. He’s always been there for Christmas. How can you ring in the new year without her?
My mother was an excellent cook, and my brother and I, and our families, would go to our parents’ house for Thanksgiving. She died one April, which made that Thanksgiving extra sad. I had just given birth earlier in November, so I could not–nor wanted–to take on the responsibility of preparing a feast for my father, brother, and his family. We decided to buy all the fixin’s from a restaurant and have dinner at my dad’s house. It was rather pathetic. Eating mashed potatoes from a plastic to-go container just wasn’t the same as homemade from my momma’s kitchen.
There are some ways to work through the grief as each day passes by. When his birthday is coming, make his favorite dessert and share it with friends. Wear your mom’s favorite color on Mother’s Day. Reread cards that you sent your son and that he sent you. Plant a rosebush or some flowers on your wedding anniversary. Seek counseling through a support group.
GriefShare is a ministry with groups all over the country that help people work through a loved one’s passing regardless of if it was two years ago or ten years ago. You can meet with other people in person or even online. It is as easy as going to www.griefshare.org and clicking on “Find a Group.”
Maybe you are not the one who lost someone, but your close friend or family member did. Be conscious of her hurt by remembering what Paul wrote in Romans 12:15 NLT, “When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.” Include him on special days so that he is not alone. He may say “no,” but your invitation shows that you care. Text your friend on the day her miscarriage happened and say that you are praying for her. Share special memories that you have of the person who passed away. Conversations and experiences that you had with the person who passed are different from the ones your friend had, so mentioning the deceased by name and talking about old times provides great comfort and keeps his or her memory alive.
If this is a new relationship with someone who lost a loved one before you two met, ask your friend about that person. Be genuinely interested in what your friend has to say. Be ready to let her talk, offer hugs and tissues, and pray for her. Remind him that God cares and is there for him. Psalm 34:18 NLT reads, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” And who knows? Maybe the Lord sent you to be the one to comfort your friend and rescue him at just the right time.
dNews for Kids
Being Thankful: A Special Gift
Hello, young friends! Today, let's talk about something very special: being thankful. Being thankful means showing gratitude for the good things we have. It’s like saying "thank you" with a happy heart. Let’s explore why being thankful is important and what the Bible says about it.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible has many verses that teach us about thankfulness. *Here are a few to think about:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” 1 Chronicles 16:34.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” Colossians 3:15.
These verses remind us that God wants us to be thankful in every situation. When we say thank you, we are not only polite, but we also make God happy.
Why Should We Be Thankful?
Being thankful has many benefits:
• It makes us happy: When we focus on the good things, we feel more joy.
• It strengthens our relationships: Saying thank you shows others we appreciate them.
• It pleases God: God loves it when we are thankful for His blessings.
Activities to Encourage Thankfulness
1. Thankful Tree: Create a tree out of paper and write things you are thankful for on the leaves. Watch your tree grow as you add more leaves each day.
2. Gratitude Jar: Write what you are thankful for on slips of paper and put them in a jar. At the end of the month, gather as a family to read the notes aloud and reflect on the blessings you've recorded.
3. Thank You Notes: Make homemade cards for people who have done something nice for you, like your teacher, a friend, or a family member. Expressing your gratitude in writing is a wonderful way to show appreciation.
Thankfulness Collage: Cut out pictures from old magazines or draw your own pictures of things you are thankful for. Paste them onto a large sheet of paper to create a colorful collage that reminds you of your blessings.
5. Gratitude Walk: Take a walk outside with your family and point out things you see that you’re thankful for, like the trees, birds, or a friendly neighbor. This helps you appreciate the world around you.
6. Gratitude Stones: Collect small stones and paint or write things you are thankful for on them. Place the stones in a visible area of your home as a daily reminder of your blessings.
7. Acts of Kindness: Show your thankfulness by doing something kind for someone else. This could be helping with chores, sharing a toy, or giving someone a hug. Acts of kindness are a way to express gratitude through action.
8. Thankfulness Chain: Cut strips of colored paper and write one thing you're thankful for on each strip. Link the strips together to create a chain that you can hang in your home. Watch the chain grow as you add more links each day.
Being thankful is like planting seeds of happiness. When we practice gratitude, our hearts grow with joy and kindness. Remember, God loves a thankful heart, and by being thankful, we spread His love and light to others. So, let's make thankfulness a part of our everyday lives!
*All Scriptures KJV.
4.
Gò0 dNews for Everyone
Be Thankful
by Karen Jeffery
Let’s look into the Word today and see what it means to have a thankful heart.
To have a thankful heart means to give all the praise to the Lord above through the good times and the bad times, also. We must remember to have a thankful heart in all we do. We all must rely on Christ to keep going in the straight path. We are told in Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
This is God’s Holy Word, and you have to brace, be strong, and resist the enemy. That’s where we can gain our trust in the Lord and grow in His grace. As I was growing up, I’m so thankful for a great mom and dad who took me to church every Sunday morning and Sunday night. Sunday School is a wonderful memory of mine and remains a joy of mine today, also—just as many of you also had, I’m sure.
As a family, we enjoyed Wednesday night services and revivals, and so, so much more, too. Also, that’s where having a thankful heart comes rushing in with a mighty wind! We can gain love and give love in return. It helps more than you know. The Lord is mighty and did many, many great deeds and healings while He was walking, talking, and teaching on Earth. We can read in the Bible on and on about the wonderful journeys that took place then, and we can hear and read about what He is still doing today.
Philippians 4:13 KJV says, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”
Yes, oftentimes life can be difficult, but because we know who holds our tomorrow and our next breath, we are able to breathe. That’s just how powerful the Holy Father is! His hands are not short to reach us.
Isaiah 59:1 KJV states, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”
28 // November 2025
Faith and being thankful go hand in hand, as with so much more. We have to pray daily, read the Holy Word, and study the scriptures. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Having a great faith will get you through those days of disappointment and despair. As I said, through the good days and the bad days, we just have to stand tall and know that He is with us all the way. Keep the faith and a very cheerful, thankful heart. You will always feel Him moving in your life. Ask the Lord to come into your heart today. He’ll go with you till the last breath you take. Just continue to trust in Him, and He’ll be so much more of a Father, Daddy, Son, and Brother. Get into a wonderful Bible-based church. You will see that you have so much more to be thankful for in just a little while. The rewards are out of this world! Love like Jesus does. You will find a lot fewer broken ones with you every day. God bless you!
Karen Jeffery attends Gospel Light Tabernacle on Sheridan Ave, Dalton, Georgia. She declares, “I’m glad I can say I am a child of the Most High King!”
What Am I Good At?
by Garrett Nudd
As I rolled out of bed one Saturday morning, I changed into my running clothes. I’m not a good runner, but I am pretty good at not skipping a run. And I find that going for a morning run is a great way to start the day. It makes me feel like I’m MORE THAN capable of accomplishing something big.
I was putting on my running shorts and socks, when I heard heated chatter coming from the dining room. My nine and twelve year-old daughters were drawing pictures.
“If you’d do it like this and change this a little bit, it will really make your drawing better,” said the twelve-year-old.
A fist slammed on the wooden table.“Graycen, you don’t know everything!” shouted her younger sister.
Unphased by Campbell’s aggressive retort, Gray said, “Of course I don’t, but I’m just saying that since I’m better than you at drawing, I thought I’d be a good big sister and help you out.”
Her response dripped with a patronizing sarcasm she could’ve only learned from her father. This further irritated Campbell, and she stormed out of the room sobbing. Sometimes life and older siblings have a way of beating you down and making you feel “less than”
I didn’t know whether to insert myself into what was quickly escalating into a hostile environment or sit back and let things unfold. I chose the former. Then, I heard Campbell return to the dining room Through tears and sniffles she yelled, “Graycen, you’re good at lots of things. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m good at.”
“Less than” attacks when you least expect it. Sometimes it wears you down until you’re mired in despair. Other times “less than” disguises itself as comparison.
Campbell stormed away. A few moments later, I heard her practicing scales on the piano.
I raced out of the bedroom, forgetting that I hadn’t quite finished putting on my running clothes. It was all I could do to keep from tripping as I ran down the stairs with one sock on one foot and the other sock in my hand. I scooped her off the piano bench and carried her over to the couch.
Holding her in my arms, her cheeks covered in tears, I explained that she was smart, talented, beautiful, and funny. I told her she was MORE THAN, MORE THAN I ever wanted, MORE THAN I ever expected. And MORE THAN I deserved. I squeezed her tightly, wiped her tears and told her I loved her. If she was questioning what she was good at, I had an answer. She was good at making me laugh, and what’s more important than that? She makes me smile and laugh and glad I’m her father.
Whether you’re nine years old or ninety, deep down inside, every one of us has a desire for MORE THAN—to be, to give, to achieve, to contribute and to do something meaningful. We want to know we matter; we have a purpose, and we are a part of something greater than ourselves.
But sometimes it’s the people closest to us who distract, discourage us, and push us off course. How many times have we been discouraged? And how many times has God scooped us up into His big comforting arms and held us?
The psalmist David wrote, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made...”(Psalm 139:14). And the apostle Paul wrote, “You are bought with a price...” (1 Corinthians 6:30).
Pretty clear MORE THAN sentiment from two guys who always seemed to know what’s going on.Yes, indeed, you are MORE THAN.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds Easy Turkey Soup
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup leftover stuffing (optional)
• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes (optional)
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Turkey: Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, and stir in the shredded or chopped turkey. If you have leftover turkey carcass, you can add it to the pot for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Season and Simmer: Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Leftovers (Optional):
• Stuffing: If you have leftover stuffing, you can crumble it into the soup. It will dissolve and thicken the broth slightly, adding extra flavor.
• Mashed Potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes can also be added to the soup to make it creamier. Stir them in until they are fully incorporated.
• Rice or Pasta: If you have leftover cooked rice or pasta, add it to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
6. Final Touches:
• Lemon Juice: For a fresh, bright flavor, add the juice of 1 lemon to the soup just before serving.
• Remove Carcass: If you added the turkey carcass, remove it from the pot and discard it.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans, spinach, or kale.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, use them instead of dried herbs for an even more flavorful soup.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
by Henry Alford (1844)
Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; All is safely gathered, and the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field, fruit as praise to God we yield;
Wheat and tares together sown are to joy or sorrow grown; First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take the harvest home; From the field shall in that day all offenses purge away, Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast; But the fruitful ears to store in the garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home; Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin, There, forever purified, in Thy presence to abide; Come, with all thine angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home.
John Norman, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery; Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions, Sports Related Injuries & Pediatric Injuries
Jim Lashley, MD
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic
Spine Surgery
Specializing In:
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Injuries to the Back, Neck & Spine; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
Mitch Frix, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder & Knee; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Nick Reed, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip, Knee, & Shoulder
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Mike Wilson, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
D.J. Goss, DO
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot & Ankle; Joint Replacements of the Foot & Ankle; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
Gò0 dNews for Everyone
Blessed Like a Well-watered Tree: Psalm 1
by Dr. Rob Debelak
Are you blessed? What does a blessed life look like? Why does the LORD’s favor matter? Emphasizing faithfulness in one’s relationship with God, the inspired singer of Psalm 1 points toward some answers. The Blessed Person Prioritizes God’s Word – v 1-2
Blessed people intentionally disassociate from ungodliness, sinfulness, and disrespect of the sacred. The effects of these contrary ways of living are charted along a pointless path of a life headed nowhere. Unholy lifestyles are selfish journeys that start out energetically, successively degrade, slow to a standstill, and eventually stop entirely. In contrast and moving by grace in the right direction, righteous people gain traction toward divine favor by avoiding conduct unbecoming a child of God.
Becoming a self-defined standard of measure (law), godlessness wields a resume of arrogant attitudes, brazen behavior, and wicked words. Forsaking the LORD’s instruction, the ungodly manufacture counsel in their own image, promoting what is esteemed in their eyes. Disregarding the Commandments, transgressors violate holy boundaries, missing the mark of God’s superior ideals. Underestimating the Scriptures, mockers insult God, ridicule His Word, and demean His people.
The Blessed Person is Productive – vv 3-4
Illustrating the positive results born out of faithfulness to the Word (v 2), a blessed person is like a flourishing tree. Well-rooted and secure, growth and vitality are attributable to its water source. Dependable fruit production and supple foliage serve as evidence of spiritual health. God’s eternal Word is a well-spring of life! The quality of that life is abundant and available, deepening with each season of maturity.
In contrast, antagonists wither. Dry, crumbling chaff is all that remains of a life given to meaningless folly. Disconnected from branches, there is no mention of fruit. Without roots and reduced to dust, the lifeless residue is effortlessly whisked away by a breeze.
Despite the illusion of strength in the many voices competing for attention, their Goliath-like opposition cannot avoid the effectiveness of God’s Word. Divine approval is conferred on the one daring to believe. Honoring godliness, purity, and holiness, spiritual fulfillment is nurtured. Reading The Book of books is a joy-filled opportunity to hear God’s voice. Constant reflection on Scripture’s message shows the reader takes His words seriously (Deuteronomy 8:3). These priorities demonstrate God and His Word are of foremost concern to everything in a believer’s life. Each thought, word, and deed are filtered through God’s statutes. The blessed individual calibrates the compass of their life by the Scriptures.
36 // November 2025
The Blessed Person Prevails – vv 5-6
Scorning and rejecting the Word, those unrepentant sever themselves from the gift of life, reaping the consequences of their choice. The incompatibility of their wickedness with God’s holy standards leaves them without a leg to stand on when judgment yields its verdict.
The song concludes on a note of limited options...the exercise of free will either embraces the way of the upright or ventures the byway of the wicked.
The living, eternal LORD personally accompanies those traveling the path of righteousness. Consistent with His character, this trail leads to life. The other route, contradictory to God, is a dead-end road.
Conclusion
The blessed person humbly acknowledges the LORD’s loving presence, the truth and power of His Word, and the grace to accept His good, transformative work. Deeply moved in appreciation for an abundant, meaningful life, and gifted with hope for eternity, God’s people can affirmatively answer the important question: “Are you blessed?”
I pray you are richly blessed—like a well-watered tree!
Dr. Rob Debelak is Professor of Bible at Lee University. He has taught at Lee University for 30+ years and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Gò0dNews
Mission Statement:
We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they 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.
Writer Guidelines:
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to 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 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.
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PenPoints: Autumn Harmony
by Sandra Gilmore, Editor
Galatians 6:9 NIV: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. — John Muir, Our National Parks (1901)
In the South, the summer swelter cannot be contained. Sweat is inevitable and endurance is fundamental. There are days when our hope for cooler breezes vaporizes like frost off the fencepost.
Autumn can bring out harmony with colors that one would not normally set side by side. Pinks of spring mellow against the crimsons of fall, while delicate yellows mature into golds that rest easily against turquoise and copper-colors.
As this season brings out the best in nature by harmonizing contrasts, our writers’ testimonies and inspiring stories bring out the harmony in our lives. We see how trials lead us to victories, or how difficulties churn into sweet resolve. Seasons of waiting bring us to surrender and trust. Trials, difficulties, and waiting seem to be a three-part harmony for tender melodies of endurance, strength, and overcoming. What a sweet sound!
Autumn brings a shift. The fires of fall do yield to containment. Circles of folks around inner circles of firepits set the stage for storytelling and warm conversations. Meanwhile, blue and black shadows switch places in the background. Flames based in blue and white give way to crimson and amber as pale yellow sparks rise with unrealistic hopes to join the fires in the stars.
And the radiance of colors displayed in the leaves disguises the dormancy that’s around the bend. Fierce reds and embered golds flare up from the emerald shades of the year’s display. “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons,” Jim Bishop once wrote.
It’s a joy for me to spotlight a few more of our faithful writers.
Jan Merop shares points to ponder with her signature “Selah” closing. Her stories of hiking, travel, or daily life with children in a blendedfamily home all connect to encourage readers to pause and reflect about the wonders around them.
Paula Burgner harmonizes daily challenges with hope found only in the Word. She recently published her second devotional book. (Look for her books, Looking Beyond What You See and Grounded by God’s Grace, on Amazon).
Terrie Long offers insight from life’s highs and lows with “grace notes” of sage wisdom. As a gifted writer, public speaker, and soloist, she intertwines her talents to inspire readers.
Dorothy Teague unites 30+ years as a teacher, her life on the family farm, and her study of Scripture to engage readers. Her writing stirs readers to look for the Lord’s presence in the rhythms of everyday life throughout each season.
Space here doesn’t afford the luxury of sharing about each of our writers. With upcoming issues, you’ll find me sharing more. For now, what I can share is that our writers are as varied as the autumn hues and yet they harmonize on a key theme: We’ll reap a harvest if we do not give up. To Him be the glory!
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