August 2015

Gò0dNews August 2015

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

Cleveland

• Men of Influence p. 12 • A Sense of Humor p. 20 • Look Up! p. 52

n i t s u D rson e h P c M s r e d l Bupi. 28-29

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Writers

Pastor Jeremy Wallace Andrew Lee Angie Parris Ashley Smith Charles Brian Conn Charlton S. Lewis Craig Thompson Delaney Walker Dustin McPherson Esmerelda Lee Fernando Alejandro Joel Barker John Kie Vining Kelly Hixson Kelly McDonald Lindsey Cooke Mindy White Nathan Long Rhiannon Skeen Rob England Shawn Brooks Terrie Ruff

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Matthew Ruckman (423) 503-1410

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

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About Us

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 three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland 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!

Letter from the Editor

W

hen Bob and I were first married, he was a student and I worked at Lee University. To help pay the bills, Bob had a paper route in a hilly part of the city. Sometimes I would go with him to deliver the Cleveland Daily Banner. I would roll the paper as tightly as I could, which was never as tight as Bob’s big, masculine hands could roll them. He would slip the rubber band on the paper and give it a whirl over the top of our Volkswagen Beetle—always hitting his target and landing in the correct yard or driveway.

That part was easy, but I could not handle the quick “turn-arounds” he made. After going in one direction for a short distance, he would whip into a driveway and head the opposite direction in a flash. This crazy route had twists and turns that snaked through a subdivision built on a steep hillside in the southern part of Cleveland. By the time we got back to our apartment, my head was spinning and I felt as green as an avocado.

Just like that paper route, life’s journey is never straight and level, requiring that we make some quick turn-arounds through steep terrains of physical struggles, heart-breaking situations, and unexpected difficulties. Those who are unable to adjust, end the route as I did with a dizzy headache and green on my face.

One scripture has been especially meaningful to me when coping with the day-to-day challenges of life’s turn-arounds. The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:18 remind us: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV).

This is much easier said than done. I’ve been there—suffering through all kinds of situations. Learning to fix my eyes on what is unseen may be one of the most important skills I am learning. I believe the only way you and I can stay steadfast through the month of August, with its many changes, is by identifying with Christ and trusting His will for our lives. Otherwise, we may see only fleeting victories and temporary achievements. But by staying focused on God’s Word, we can experience the riches of God’s grace and His powerful turn-arounds.

What a statement to unbelievers!

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

Contents 12

28

46

Dustirnson McPhe s Builder GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6

Fourth-Quarter Living

by Pastor Jeremy Wallace

GoodNews for Kids

8

Never Too Young for God to Use You

by Mindy White

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Examining Income Inequality

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Men of Influence

by Nathan Long

GoodNews for Women

14 Hurry Up and Wait

by Lindsey Cooke

GoodNews for Parents

20 A Sense of Humor

by Craig Thompson

GoodNews for Life

22 One Foot in Front of the Other

by Delaney Walker

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 What Really Keeps You Going?

by Shawn Brooks

GoodNews for Teens

26 The Edge

by Fernando Alejandro

GoodNews Cover Story 28 McPherson Builders

by Dustin McPherson GoodNews for Everyone

30 Touch Points of Effective Parenting

by John Kie Vining GoodNews for Couples

32 Restoring Togetherness

by Joel Barker

GoodNews for Seniors

34 Housewives of the Real World

by Esmerelda Lee

GoodNews for Everyone

36 The Waiting Game

by Kelly McDonald

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Dusty

by Charlton S. Lewis

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Fully Equipped

by Rhiannon Skeen

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Thumbprint Cookies

by Angie Parris

GoodNews for Everyone

44 Whose Plan Are You Following?

by Ashley Smith

GoodNews for Everyone

46 Take Off Your Mask

by Kelly Hixson

GoodNews for Everyone

50 The Lines Are Drawn.

It’s Time To Choose!

by Rob England

GoodNews for Service

52 Look Up!

by Charles Brian Conn

GoodNews for Everyone

54 Color in the Clouds

by Terrie Ruff

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Fourth-Quarter Living Are you making life count every moment and in every situation?

I

by Jeremy Wallace

enjoy watching football. As I watched the game over the years, I noticed that when a team is losing in the fourth quarter, the players change how they play.

They become more focused, more determined, more urgent, more intense, and more passionate.

Recently, I have heard multiple people say that they have determined to make their life count. Their motivation for doing this was the reality that they were entering the fourth “quarter” of their lives. In making this statement, they implied that they had not done all they could during the first three quarters, and now they wanted to make up for lost time. There is something about coming to the end of a “game” that causes people to change how they approach it.

The average life expectancy in the United States is seventy-eight years. The first quarter, then, ends between ages nineteen and twenty. The second quarter ends at age thirty-nine. The third quarter ends between ages fifty-eight and fifty-nine. The fourth quarter goes through age seventy-eight. Where are you?

6 // August 2015

Obviously, none of us are guaranteed another day; but what would happen if all believers lived as though it were the fourth quarter? What would happen if we didn’t wait until the fourth quarter to live as though it were the fourth quarter?

What is fourth-quarter living?

1. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity care less about what everyone else thinks. Fearing the opinions of others will severely limit your effectiveness for Christ.

2. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity are willing to sacrifice to make a difference. When you realize you can’t take your stuff to eternity, it makes it more important to use that “stuff” to make an eternal difference while you can.

3. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity remain focused on the task at hand and are less distracted by things that really do not matter. It is so easy to become distracted by things that don’t really matter. We must keep the main thing in clear view.

4. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity are passionate about Christ and His work. When you realize that eternity is real and near, those things that will last become the priority.

5. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity want others to live the same way. These people are contagious. They have a way of influencing others for Christ, and they take advantage of that influence.

6. Those living a fourth-quarter Christianity realize that time is short. As a result, they need to do as much as possible in the time they have. They make every moment, activity, relationship, encounter, conversation, and circumstance count.

Let’s be committed to fourth-quarter living. The reality is that we might be in the fourth quarter and just not know it.

Dr. Jeremy Wallace, pastor LifeSpring Baptist Church www.lifespringbaptist.org 423-892-8469

Gò0dNews for Kids

Never Too Young for God to Use You Make this new school year an opportunity to be used by God.

W

by Mindy White

hen I was growing up, one of my favorite

for us. “And this same God who takes care of me will

things to do for the new school year was to

supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which

shop for my school supplies. I would find my

have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19 NLT).

class list and head to the store with my mom. As we went

Our kids need to learn to trust that God will take care of

down the aisles looking for each item, I would check it off

them. They may not always get what they want, but God

the list. I must have been born a bargain shopper, because

always gives us what we need if we ask Him and believe.

finding packs of paper for 15 cents and notebooks for 10

Let your kids know that no matter what they face

cents made me happy. Later at home, I would go over the

this year, God is with them and He will help them with

list again, making sure I had everything I needed.

whatever they need. He has specifically chosen what class

Realizing that not all kids are excited about going

they are in, who their teacher is, and even who they sit

back to school for a new year, I always tried to make

by. He is with them in every trial and rejoices with them

shopping for school supplies a positive experience for my

in every victory. Remind them that in every moment

kids. Instead of making it a chore, we made it something

of their lives, God is with them. Teach them to turn to

special. We made a day of it, and I kept a positive

Him for every need in their lives. Assure them that their

attitude so they would too. They liked picking out their

age does not limit them and that God can use them this

own supplies and getting certain colors that were their

school year to help meet the needs of someone else. Teach

favorites. We would double check the list at home just

them to learn to look for ways they can give, serve, and

like I did as a kid. They would pack everything in their

help out.

backpacks, and we were ready for school.

This is a great time of year to teach our kids how God

We are never too young or too old for God to use us.

Jesus said to let the children come to him and to not stop

supplies all of our needs. Just like a parent who is going

them. Children are precious in God’s sight, and their faith

down the list checking off each school supply needed

is unmatched. Children have position and power in the

for class, let them know that God does the same thing

Kingdom, and they can be used by God in powerful ways.

8 // August 2015

Mindy White and her husband Robert have been married for 20 years. They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

Examining Income Inequality Educational choices have economic consequences.

T

by Andrew Lee

here has been much debate lately about the hot topic of income inequality. In Paul Sullivan’s book The Thin Green Line, the author refers to a study at the University of Rochester’s business school that looked at how choices about one’s educational path have a direct and measurable effect on this phenomenon of income inequality. This study finds that income inequality has actually been declining since the year 2000, contrary to many media reports.

This study involves comparing three males who graduated high school in 1980. One of the men never went to college; another man graduated college with a four-year degree, and the third man earned a graduate degree. In 1987, when these three men were between the ages of 25 and 34 years of age, the average high school graduate in the United States earned $22,500 per year, while the average college graduate earned roughly $31,600, and the average holder of a graduate degree earned a yearly salary of $36, 667. At this point in the men’s careers, the disparity or inequality in their salaries may not seem that substantial, especially given the cost of attending college and graduate school. But twenty years later (2007), when these three men were in the age category of workers 45-54 years old, the average salaries looked like this: $46,000 (high school graduate), $88,000 (college graduate) and $120,000 (graduate school and beyond).

10 // August 2015

Granted, the increase in these salaries during this twenty-year period can be partly explained by two obvious circumstances: one, the effects of inflation naturally raised the salaries at all three educational levels and; two, most workers are at their peak earning years in their late 40s to 50s. Notice how the inequality of salaries tends to widen remarkably over the course of these two decades in the Rochester study. This research concluded that while these numbers certainly demonstrate income inequality, the reason for this inequality was quite simple—people made different educational choices, and those with more education earn more money.

Should people with more education and expertise which cannot easily be replaced by automation be paid more money than those who lack the same level of education? Should we all earn the same salary regardless of our educational level? If so, should we all earn the lowest wage level of the high school graduate (or high school dropout), or should we all earn the highest salaries as those with graduate degrees? If you believe the latter option would be best, ask yourself how companies would be able to afford to pay all of their employees the highest level of salary?

These questions tend to reveal one’s political or ideological stance, tending toward either socialism (where all receive the same economic rewards regardless of their contributions or education) or toward free-market capitalism where the promise of economic incentives motivates people to pursue higher education to move up the socioeconomic ladder. As Christians, those of us with higher education and knowledge have the responsibility to teach others how to work their way up to socioeconomic success. God’s Word tells us in Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (NASU).

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.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Men of Influence

by Nathan Long

I

am a lot like my dad. From his

that marriage creates “one flesh.”

identified primarily as a son or

love of classic monster movies to

An interesting thing about that

daughter but as a husband or wife.

his quiet and gentle manner, my

word, one, is that it is also used in

The newly formed family becomes

father has shaped me in many ways.

Genesis 1:5 and is translated “first.”

primary, while their parents become

Ever wonder why that is?

The hierarchy of family dictated by

secondary. It’s the Genesis 2:23

Scripture has always been marriage

principle, “A man shall leave his

the moment a child is born he or

comes first, children come second.

father and his mother and hold fast

she is looking for someone to attach

Why do marriages so often end after

to his wife. . . .” The cold, hard truth

to, to identify with, and to learn

the children are gone? It’s because

is children leave, but parents should

from. Parents, teachers, friends,

the spouses stop being spouses

use their time of influence wisely

and media help mold and define

and solely identify themselves as

(see Eph. 6:4). It’s the father’s job to

how a child should act, think, and

parents. Once the child is gone,

teach boys how to act as future men,

view the world. Another way to

they are left with a stranger in their

husbands, and fathers, and a father’s

look at it is like this: circumstances

house. Having a strong Christ-

job to teach girls how a man should

leave continuous echoes in the

centered marriage is the major focus

treat them.

mind of children and fueling them

of a healthy, happy family. It’s only

to believe in certain ways. It’s the

after a marriage is strong that the

of it. “The glory of children is their

parent’s role to make sure the child’s

parental roles can be established.

fathers” (see Pro. 17:6). It’s the

Whether we like it or not, from

positive uplifting outweighs the

One of the most impactful

I’m like my dad and I’m proud

fathers or male role models in my life

negative ones (see Col. 3:21). One

statements about parenting was

that helped me define “manliness”

way of doing this is by having your

said to me during a couple’s small

and helped contribute to my healthy

priorities in order.

group. This particular couple said,

and happy marriage. Without these

A husband can make a

“We are not raising our children for

men in my life, I would have been

wonderful father, but a father

ourselves but raising our children to

completely different—and not for

can never make a good husband.

give them away.” They were saying

the better. I never want to downplay

Looking back in Genesis, we see

that they realized once a child is

the importance of women in a

“out of the house” and married, the

child’s development, but it’s time

child is no longer

men start realizing their influence in the home.

12 // August 2015

Nathan Long graduated from Lee University in 2012 with a bachelor of science degree in pastoral ministries.

He is currently the resident director of New Hughes Hall at Lee University while completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Hurry Up and Wait

I

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’” (Jer. 29:11).

by Lindsey Cooke

n today’s society, we live in a world of instant

were then blessed. Boaz does what he needs to do in

gratification. We are impatient. It seems that we have

order to provide for Ruth, and the two later wed.

forgotten that God has a plan for all of us, and that

Like Ruth, we are responsible for our actions. If we

it will unfold when He is ready. Relationships are in

stay in the fields that God provides for us, He will take

this category, too. It could be a relationship that we are

care of our needs. Here is where we will find all that we

seeking with someone or simply for a change to happen

will ever need. God gives us the relationships that He

within a current situation.

wants us to have, but how we seek them out is up to us.

If you take a look at the biblical story of Ruth, you

I’ve heard many times that in relationships, you get

see just what happened to her. She married, lost her

what you put in. But shouldn’t we make God our main

husband, and made a choice to stick by her mother-in-

focus in relationships? He has led us down the path we

law’s side when all was lost. She remained faithful to

are on, and He won’t leave our side, but we must let

Naomi and to God. It may have been easier for her to

Him shine through us.

turn around and go back to her homeland, but she did not take the easier path, even when Naomi had given her permission to do so. Both women left the land and went to Bethlehem, where Ruth gleamed in the field of Boaz, who was a kinsman of Naomi. Ruth listened to the advice Naomi gave her, and because of her faithfulness to Naomi and to God, both women

• If we decide to be teachable and listen to wisdom, it can enhance our relationships with others.

• If we are faithful and finish what we start, we will be honorable.

• If we are content in knowing where we are is where God wants us to be, we will be provided for and protected.

• Most importantly, be patient in His perfect timing.

Sometimes we look at life depending on how things are going for us. We get depressed when things don’t work out like we want them to, or when something bad happens in our lives. But don’t lose hope. Looking at life with hope can change your future, and God has given you both—a hope and a future.

If we remain faithful to God in our relationship with Him, He will provide for us. Those things that we so desperately want—whether it be children, stability, love, or more—can be ours, but we must put our trust and our faith in Him and His timing.

14 // August 2015

Lindsey Cooke is the administrative assistant for Cooke's Food Store & Pharmacy.

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Cleveland Church Directory

Assembly of God

Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church Pastor Lake Walker 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle Pastor Johnny Townsend 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church Pastor Wally Varnell 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church Pastor Michael Coleman 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point Pastor Phil Griffin 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church

16 // August 2015

3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jay Mccluskey

2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church Rev. Shane Lawson 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church Pastor Brent Coley 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church Pastor David Tuten 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org Washington Avenue Baptist Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church Pastor Allan Lovelace 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smartt 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship Pastor Mark Strickland 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642 or ccfchurch.us

Church of God

Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 Destiny Community Fellowship COG 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise COG Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center

Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue COG Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood COGOP Bishop Winston Reid 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Episcopal Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811

Methodist

Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 S. Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Riverstone Church 85 Central Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-5956 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-503-6394

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene Pastor Scot Carraway 2018 Washington Ave Cleveland, TN 37364 (423)479-7343

Non-Denominational

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 380-9160 cfctn.net Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472 2178 Dwelling Place Church Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 DPCI.TV Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or thelovingchurch.com Norvel Hayes Ministries 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel

850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-650-9572 www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries.org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 37312 423-473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd., NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

Assembly of God

Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-435-5867

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303

18 // August 2015

423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193

Catholic

St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277

Christian

Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791

Church of God

Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Church of God 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1618

Community

Christ Community Church 14 Congress PRKY S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8185

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 508 Cedar Springs Rd Athens, TN 373 423-745-0102

Nazarene

Athens Church of the Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017

Episcopal

St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224

Lutheran

Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419

Methodist

Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St Athens, TN 37303

423-745-0452 Vine Grove UMC 517 County Rd. 778 Athens, Tn 37303 423-507-5760

Non- Denominational

Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Wrshp Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Freedom Chapel 815 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8079 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900

Pentecostal

Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197 Athens United Pentecostal 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159

Presbyterian

First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403

Seveth-Day Adventist

Seveth-Day Adventist 230 New Englewood Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2335

Church Activities & Events Mt. Olive Ministries

Community Food Giveaway August 20th 5:30pm - 7:30pm

___________________________________________________________

Peerless Road Church

August 1 : Serve Ministry Food Distribution 12:00 p.m. In the gymnasium

August 9 : Fellowship Night at Turner Field 5 p.m. Braves game in Atlanta

August 15 : Serve Ministry Food Distribution 12:00 p.m. In the gymnasium

___________________________________________________________

Clingan Ridge Baptist Church AWANA Kick-Off Carnival Saturday, August 15 11:00am-2:00pm

___________________________________________________________

First Baptist Cleveland August 16th • 5pm - 8pm Cost: Free

Gò0dNews for Parents

A Sense of Humor Humor is a valuable tool to use as a parent.

W

by Craig Thompson

hat do puns, limericks, jokes, one-

knock” jokes and simple question-and-answer jokes

liners, and harmless pranks have in

such as: “What did the grape say when the elephant sat

common? The answer is that they’re

on it? Nothing, it just gave a little wine.”

usually found in a happy family.

Take a look at your outlook on life? Is it all

As the parent, you can make a point to find one good joke per day to share with your children. This can

business? Is it all seriousness? Whatever your outlook is

be done at the breakfast table to start the day off with a

on life, you can be sure that it is catching. Your children

laugh or at the dinner table to help decompress after a

are being impacted by how you handle life.

long day. It won’t take long before the kids will begin to

Humor can help to alleviate a stressful day or a

look for jokes themselves to share with the family. When

tense situation in your own life. It can also help your

they do, give them a smile or a laugh. Encourage them

children learn to look at the world around them with

in their own sense of humor.

a bit of hope. Humor is like little candy-sized pieces of

Other types of humor you can learn to enjoy and

hope that helps us to realize that everything isn’t really

help your children to appreciate are the good-humor

as bad as the devil would have us to believe. The Bible

stories. For years Jerry Clower was known as the “king

tells us that a merry heart does a person good like a

of comedy” with his Southern brand of storytelling.

medicine (see Pro. 17:22).

Early on he was told that he should include dirty jokes

So how can a parent integrate humor into the

in his repertoire, but he refused, insisting that he could

family? If you are someone who doesn’t already have

make people laugh while keeping his performances

a sense of humor, know that it takes time. One of the

clean. You can find his CDs online or watch some of his

authors I used to read as a child is Bob Phillips. He has

performances on Youtube.

several books including The World’s Greatest Collection of

If you like tall tales, Bil Lepp is famous for winning

Clean Jokes, which are good additions to a family library.

the West Virginia Liar’s Contest. His site includes a few

In fact, there are a number of “clean joke” category

freebies (leppstorytelling.com) to

books available at your local Christian bookstore, used

sample his material.

bookstore, or favorite online vendor.

Proverbs tells us that the

Using age-appropriate humor

person with a merry heart has a

helps. Children love kid

continual feast. In a world that

jokes. This includes the standard “knock

tries to depress us, teach your children how to always have their own feast of joy by bequeathing a sense of humor.

20 // August 2015

Craig Thompson is an author and speaker. You can read more of his material at walkwithgod.com.

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Gò0dNews for Life

One Foot in Front of the Other

by Delaney Walker

A

mile consists of approximately 5,280 feet. If my

feet, and push onward, knowing their time and money

middle-school self had known this fact, there

will go toward a just cause. What a thrill, right?

is no way I would have ever made it through

New Hope Pregnancy Care Center has hosted the

the mandatory running in gym class. A one-mile run

Walk for Life for the last eighteen years, and this year

never seemed so long as when the coach blew his

is no different. The event is set for Saturday, September

whistle and demanded we move our feet and legs until

19. Participants of all ages will start at North Cleveland

we crossed the finish line. (My friends and I had some

Church of God and walk a 1.5-mile circuit (or 7,920 feet)

creative suggestions for the individual who started that

in support of life. Walkers can rest easy knowing their

particular form of torture.)

time and money efforts are going to a good cause.

Half of the students

Although I have

ended up walking, and

mostly focused on the

they even complained that

literal distance in a mile,

the mile went on and on. I

there is a figurative effect

imagine the mile seemed

as well. Every step taken

longer because most of

by a participant in a 5K or

the students had no goal

walk helps cut the miles an

in mind. (Never mind the

organization needs to bridge

athletes who seemed driven

to accomplish their particular

by the mere competition

mission. For example, Lee

of it all.) What if we had

University hosts the 65 Roses

been walking or jogging

5K and Great Strides Walk

for something more? A

every spring for the Cystic

goal would have given us

Fibrosis Foundation. The

something to think about

money raised goes toward

besides our sore feet, tired

life-saving research. New

lungs, and sidesplitting

Hope’s particular mission

cramps. We would have felt excited about being a part

happens to be empowering those affected by unplanned

of something larger than the mandatory one-mile run.

pregnancy in the Bradley County area to make life-

Adults seem to understand the need for goals. We set goals for our families, our professional lives, our futures, our fitness, and our beliefs. Sometimes we even manage to set a goal for two, three, or all of these at once Cleveland has no shortage of organizations, which means the city also has no shortage of 5Ks and walks.

affirming decisions. Participants in both events make a difference with every step they take.

Sometimes we forget how significant our steps can be when we join together for a cause greater than ourselves. What are you going to do with your next 5,280 steps?

These walks and runs support everything from local running clubs (Girls on the Run) to utilities relief (Salvation Army). Attendees pump their arms, lift their

22 // August 2015

Delaney Walker is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. She is an avid fan of reading, exercising, and making silly faces at babies in the grocery store.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

What Really Keeps You Going?

W

Strive to live in the purpose that God created you.

by Shawn Brooks

hen the alarm goes off

was going to live on purpose. Let

way before the sun

me be more specific, I was going

different places. First of all, the

comes up, what is really

to live in the purpose that God

fact that I’m alive and breathing

getting you out of bed? What really

created me. God created every one

motivates me. People die every day,

keeps you going?

of us for a reason. It’s up to us,

and it motivates me to keep pushing

however, if we are going to embrace

to reach my goals for those that can’t

up in the day-to-day hustle of life

that purpose. I know one of my

anymore. My parents motivate me.

that you forget why? It is the why

purposes in life is to overcome all

It’s not easy keeping food on the

in your life—why you do what you

the negativity in world. My purpose

table and a roof over the kids’ heads.

do? Why do you wake up every

is to encourage, uplift, motivate,

I saw how hard they worked when I

morning? Why do you work so hard

inspire (and whatever other words

was younger, and those experiences

day in and day out? Are you doing

you want to use), people in all walks

shaped me and give me that

what you do for your own selfish

of life through fitness. I desire to

motivation to just crush the gym and

reasons or for others? I can say I’ve

help push individuals to not only

reach my goals every single day!

had this happen to me many times,

think beyond their present situation

but over the past couple of years my

but to also push them to live on

what I do today. If you have a clear

“why” has become much clearer.

purpose. How amazing would it be

why and have God by your side,

if these individuals actually lived on

no outside force can push you over

is because about a year and a half

purpose and did what they know

the edge. Find your why and push

ago, I made up in my mind that I

they were made to do?

forward like the Lord wants us to.

Have you ever got so caught

The reason why I do what I do

24 // August 2015

I get my motivation from several

God is the reason why I do

Shawn Brooks was born in New Orleans and moved to Tennessee via hurricane Katrina, which tested his faith. Athletics have shown him to be patient and how to work hard. He will always be grateful for being where he is today, but heartbroken for how it happened in the beginning. Shawn graduated from Lee University with a degree in Business Administration B.S.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

The Edge

A place that extends a helping hand and gives teens basic lifestyle choices in a Christian environment.

S

by Fernando Alejandro

econd chances are given to individuals we see who have the potential to make improvements that will better themselves. Most of us can say that we have been given a second chance on something in life. It could be getting the opportunity for extra credit on a test that we didn’t do well on, retaking a driving test, or maybe given a new start in life. However, people who believe in a certain individual will give that person second chances.

They are willing to take a chance by investing their time and resources on this person they may not even know.

This is exactly what Westmore Church of God and the Bradley County juvenile system have partnered to do by creating a program that helps at-risk youth, providing them with opportunities to excel in life. The Edge gives a second chance, feelings of worth, and a definite purpose to teens who are in church that society has given up on.

The Edge seeks to implement four keys principles into the teens that come through the program: selfesteem, destiny, growth, and excellence by instilling in them a sense of worth, a definite purpose, and a chance to grow

26 // August 2015

and strive for excellence in life. These teens may feel that they have nobody but themselves to rely on. Everyone has told them that they have no worth and they have made their beds, so they should lay in them. However, the Edge, a place that extends a helping hand and gives them basic lifestyles choices in a Christian environment, will affirm them in their identity and assure them that their past doesn’t define who they will become. They can make positive life decisions now that will alter their destinies later.

The mentorship program at the Edge is a key part of the program. It seeks to have a caring adult who will walk with the teens through a common interest, which allows them to form an authentic relationship over time.

Various activities during the meetings, such as anger management classes, health and fitness skills, extreme and traditional sports, and arts are some of the activities that help to bring this about.

We truly believe that these teens that have made poor life choices can make a huge turn-around if they are given the right outlet. Instead of being sent to the detention center or to one of the alternative schools without an option to make a positive step forward, the Edge wants to be that outlet for these teens in Bradley County. We want to show them that we care for them regardless of what they have done.

If you have any questions regarding the program or want to enroll yourself or your teen into the program, please feel free to contact Pastor Jared Waldrop at (423) 479-3415 or email him at jared.waldrop@westmorecog.org.

Fernando Alejandro graduated from Lee University with a Youth Ministry B.S. degree. He is originally from Florida and was called into youth ministry at age 15 during a youth camp in 2008. He currently serves as an intern at The Element Student Ministry of Westmore Church of God and is the office administrator for GoodNews.

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God’s Perfect Plan

“I thank God for opening doors for me and putting people in my life to teach me, encourage me, and mentor me.”

I

by Dustin McPherson

would like to tell you about how God has always been there for me, even when I didn't recognize His presence. Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, I am forty years old, and for nineteen years I have owned and operated my own business.

My Background

​As a child I was not raised in church, and I did not have a personal relationship with the Lord. I loved baseball and started playing when I was nine years old. My mom, stepdad, brother, and sister made adjustments in their lives for many years in order for me to play. Not knowing what God had planned for me, I used baseball as a crutch while He was waiting on me. ​ I attended Cleveland Junior High School and played for their first baseball team.

Then at Cleveland High, I played for Danny Carson and Mike Connolly. My coaches told me I would be on the varsity team as a pitcher my freshman year. I pitched in seven games that year and continued pitching for three more years. My senior year I went 13-1 and graduated in 1993.

My Early Work Experience

I​ n that same year, I began dating Robin Barker, who would later become my wife. After meeting her, I started

28 // August 2015

working for her dad, Ron Barker, of RPB Builders, a developer and contractor in Cleveland. I would do job-site cleanup work and odd jobs. I was going to school, playing baseball, and working many hours. Ron became my role model and a great mentor to me. He taught me a number of things, but the one I cherish the most, and is still a big part of who I am today, is the value of integrity and an honest work ethic. After a couple years, I realized that I wanted to do what he did. God was working on me at this time, and I realized it when I started going to church with Robin. ​After high school, I was offered a scholarship to pitch for Cleveland State Community College. I also started working for AAA Guttering and Siding. As baseball season picked up, it was hard for me to play baseball and work and my grades began to fall. After my first year, I decided to work full time, knowing I would be able to help my family.

McPherson Siding

​I know now that God was orchestrating and opening doors for me. In 1996, with $5,000 I had saved, I opened McPherson Siding. My brother, Zach Carlton, worked with me and is still by my side nineteen years later. The majority of our work was new construction.

The business grew by doing quality work, being on time, and most importantly being honest with my

customers and contractors. For several years I was working for nineteen contractors, averaging fifty houses a year. ​By the year 2000, McPherson siding was an established business, but this business and the work I was generating was not the result of my doing; it was God fulfilling His plan for my life. That same year I gave my life to Jesus Christ and formed a personal relationship with Him. I give God all the credit and all the glory for everything that has happened and will happen in my life.

This was also the year God opened the door for me to get back into baseball—not playing this time but coaching. ​I was able to reunite with my high school coach Mike Connolly. After serving as a volunteer pitching coach at Cleveland Middle School, Mike encouraged me to get my coaching certification. Over the next ten years I continued to be the pitching coach. I also gave private pitching lessons, where I could be a role model for kids and form relationships that I still have today.

My Family

​In 2002 God made the timing right for me to marry Robin and to continue our lives together. At this time, she was the director of marketing for Life Care Center of Cleveland. My business expanded and I got my contractor’s license in 2003. While working as a general contractor, running McPherson siding, and coaching baseball, I decided to cut back and work for only a few contractors. It was around this time that Robin and I decided to start our family. She resigned her job to help me run our business and became a homemaker.

Beginning in 2006, God blessed us with four beautiful daughters, Georgia, Frannie, Scarlet, and last our special gift, Marjrie who was born with Down syndrome.

After Marjrie’s birth at home, our midwife let us know that she would need to be hospitalized because her oxygen levels were too low. Within hours, she was taken to T. C. Thompson's Children's Hospital where she underwent surgery at three days old. Doctors told us she could be there three to four months. Pushing my three-day-old daughter to surgery was one of the hardest things I've done, but I trusted the Lord, knowing He held Marjrie in His hands. Through God's grace and people praying all over the world, we were able to bring her home after just twenty-seven days. Today she is a healthy, wonderful blessing to our family.

Our children are blessed to be able to attend Tennessee Christian Preparatory School. We have a fourth grader, a first grader, and one in Pre-K. We are praying that Marjrie will get to be there with her sisters one day.

Back to Coaching

​God continued to open doors for me. By 2008 the building industry was starting to slow down. I prayed, trusted, and asked Him to guide me through these times, and He answered. I would continue to build and work for others as a subcontractor. Considering the fact we do our own framing, trim, siding and flooring, I could work for others as well. God has given me the ability to do these trades I enjoy. ​In 2010 I received a phone call from Walker Valley baseball coach Joe Shamblin, wanting to interview me for his pitching coach position. This was a big deal to move up to the next level but more so to possibly leave my now best friend, Coach Connolly. After weeks of praying, I accepted the job working with Coach Shamblin. I thank Mike Turner and Danny Coggin for allowing me to pursue my dreams. Coach Shamblin and I have formed a great relationship over the years. Not only do we love baseball, we are both passionate about the Lord, which we bring to our team and players.

More Blessings

​ od has blessed me so much over the course of my life.

G In 2013, my dad moved back to Cleveland after twentyone years. My wife, who has the biggest heart of anyone I know, is an amazing wife and mother. She helps me with our business, and she is a devoted coach’s wife. ​I am so grateful to God for putting Ron and Pam Barker in my life as mentors, my mom always being beside me as a support and trusting every decision I made along the way, and my dad for advice and sharing time with me. ​We attend Westmore Church of God and are thankful for our church family. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for watching over me and my family and giving me the health and the ability to continue my journey.

Dustin McPherson has lived in Cleveland Tennessee for 40 years. He is a general contractor and owner of McPherson Siding/ McPherson Builders since 1996. He is the baseball pitching coach at Walker Valley High School. He is married and has four daughters.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Touch Points of Effective Parenting

by John Kie Vining

B

abies do not come with an owner’s manual. My auto manual tells me what kind of fuel to use, what grade of oil is recommended, and how much air to put in the tires. My babies came with a piece of paper with footprints on it, essentially saying what I already knew— they had been born. A birth certificate is not an owner’s manual. Beyond food, clothing, and shelter, what do children need in order to thrive?

I want to suggest four kinds of touch children must have that communicate love. What kind of touch engenders attachment and meaning in the human experience, beginning in infancy?

Verbal Touch

There is both verbal and nonverbal communication going on between parent and child from early on in the child’s life. Words and how they are spoken are as meaningful to children as they are adults; maybe more so because words and the tone in which they are spoken begin to structure a sense of attachment and personal meaning early in life. Verbal touch is an important touchpoint because children know the voices of their parents.

Visual Touch

By visual touch, I mean eye contact. By eye contact, I mean looking into the eyes of your child.

By looking into the eyes, I mean beholding your child. There is a difference between looking and seeing, just as there is a difference between seeing and beholding. A child has the ability to know when one is

happening and the other is not, just as adults do. Children feed emotionally when their parent beholds them. Parents reveal their heart toward their children by their gaze of lack thereof. Visual touch is a necessary touchpoint.

Physical Touch

Significant physical touch communicates the essence of blessing and approval. Comforting touch has healing properties. How we handle our children matters.

Researchers found that “gentling,” the daily handling (touching) babies, affects emotional development. We can summarize, then, that touches such as holding, stroking, coddling, pats, and caresses are important elements in a child’s development. The affectionate touch of a parent nurtures the soul of the child. The touchpoint of physical touch is vital to children and adults as well.

Emotional Touch

The other three types of touch—verbal, visual, and physical touch—promote the fourth type, emotional touch.

By “emotional touch,” I mean the communication that happens when two hearts are bonded together. Hearts bond when there is a sense of unconditional acceptance between those interacting. Children have the ability to discern the emotional qualities they experience through the speech, beholding, and handling of their parents. The emotional quality of parent- child encounters will either promote emotional touch or lead to distancing between the parent and child. This “being at-one-with” is how I define attunement. Attunement is deep knowing, which prepares for deep caring.

Effective parenting demands the touchpoints of communication, beholding, gentling, and bonding. Without them, abandonment issues may develop. These skills can be learned by parents who feel ill-equipped. Call 423-476-1933 for more information.

(Excerpted from BECOMING CHILDWISE, Dr. John Vining)

30 // August 2015

Dr. John Kie Vining is the director of Youth Counseling Service, a non-profit, licensed mental health counseling agency located in Cleveland, TN. He is the author, editor, or contributor to more than 20 books. He and his wife, Dr. Su Vining, conduct marriage and family seminars as an extension of their counseling center. He can be reached at 423-476-1933 or johnkvining@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Restoring Togetherness

M

Whether newlyweds, young couples raising kids, or empty nesters, we must figure out a way to be together.

by Joel Barker

arriage as we know it has changed. No, this article has nothing to do with the Supreme Court. The change I’m referring to happened a long time ago when the two working together for the good of the whole family inexplicably morphed into the two living their own individual lives.

Traditional roles of male breadwinner and female homemaker have long since passed. In the place of tradition, we have substituted two individuals working separately, rarely getting a glimpse of each other.

Whether you are climbing your own ladders of success, or, in some cases, leading totally separate lives, marriage for many is a shell of what it used to be.

Throughout the New Testament, we read about a couple that exemplified togetherness. Aquila and Priscilla come on the scene in Acts as companions of the apostle Paul.

In Acts 18, we learn that Aquila and Priscilla trained Apollos, a powerful first-century church leader. In Romans 16, Paul says the couple risked their lives for him. In 1 Corinthians, we find out that a church was meeting in their house.

There are six different references to this dynamic duo, and they are always named as a couple rather than individuals.

There’s no doubt Aquila and Priscilla were an integral piece to the foundation of the early Church. And they did it all together.

The obvious ministry application aside, this original power couple can teach us a lot.

32 // August 2015

Scripture tells us they worked together in business as tentmakers. I’m not sure how many married couples could work together today and stay sane. But Aquila and Priscilla did, and they strengthened the apostolic leadership of the early Church–assisting, training, leading together.

Oh, to have a marriage that looks more like Aquila and Priscilla and less like Al and Peg Bundy. I’m not saying we should all quit our respective jobs and go into ministry or build businesses together. But I am saying we must restore togetherness in marriage, whatever that looks like in your situation.

Whether newlyweds, young couples raising kids, or empty nesters, we must figure out a way to be together. When the two became one, togetherness became a requirement of sorts. Yes, we still have individual interests and identities, but we are not to sacrifice the whole for the good of the one. In marriage, the whole is the priority.

Being together is not easy with today’s demands. And that’s why we have to be intentional about togetherness. Make an effort to talk to each other on the phone throughout your day. Have a date night. Make decisions together. And guys, don’t zone out when she’s talking. Ladies, watching a few minutes of the game with him won’t kill you. Eat together. Walk together. If you have kids, by all means, include them. Instill in them the same sense of togetherness. The next generation needs to see togetherness, or we run the risk of losing this key piece of the marriage relationship for good.

Joel A. Barker is a licensed exhorter with the Church of God. He currently serves as worship pastor at the Joyful Sound Church of God in Chattanooga.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

Housewives of the Real World

R

These housewives are building a lasting legacy of love and service to God and family as opposed to Hollywood’s housewives.

by Esmerelda Lee

ecently while skimming through the television guide, I was surprised to see the multiplicity of reality shows that depict a distorted view of housewives in America. I noticed that the housewives from Orange County, Atlanta, and so forth all resembled each other—characterized by narcissism, petty bickering, vanity, selfabsorption, and blatant materialism.

These TV housewives did not resemble any of the real housewives I have known working as a long-term care administrator for a senior living facility. On the contrary, the housewives I know and love are ladies who have been married for more than fifty years to the same man. They are ladies who take pride—in the best sense of the word—in the homes and lives they help to build.

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of one such lady, whose name was Jane.

She had been married to the love of her life for sixty-five years. As her husband walked down the church aisle at her memorial service, tears trickled down his face. He seemed totally lost, staring blankly into the crowd, as though a huge part of his very self was missing. As he hugged me, he asked, “How do I go on without her?”

34 // August 2015

During his working career, he managed a company while Jane managed the family and the home.

Several days before her death, he related how she always entertained his employees each Christmas, took casseroles to anyone in need, and worked tirelessly to make their house a home. Together they raised four children. On their own, they were both imperfect people, but together they chose each day to make their family perfect. I know other housewives like Jane—ladies who mastered the art of being real housewives. Thankfully, this group did not have their lives made into a reality show; they just lived enjoyable, noble, fulfilling lives.

A month ago I received a call from Fran, another housewife just like Jane who was upset because she felt like a friend had treated her with condescension. “Just because I do not have a college degree like her does not mean I am not intelligent,” she said. “I raised four amazing boys, and they are my trophies.”

I permitted her to vent because I knew she needed me to listen.

Truthfully, Fran is very intelligent. She married a handsome young man who became a decorated hero in the Korean War, came back to her, and continued a great career.

Fran raised their babies and spent her life adoring him. I had the honor of being with this special couple as Fran’s husband was passing away. I watched her rub his feet and whisper sweet, endearing words at his bedside. After sixty-plus years of marriage, they still had that special bond.

I have been blessed to meet another wife who had a career outside the home.

Gloria helped as a mechanic in the Air Force. When she returned home and married her soldier husband, they raised a family, while Gloria continued with her mechanical ability in the industrial workplace. Gloria recalls how she ironed her husband’s work uniform before leaving for her own job, cooking supper and then helping their children with homework. She remembers the love they shared as her husband helped with loads of hand-washed laundry.

These special ladies amaze me. Some had abundance; others experienced scarcity, but these women were content because they believed in something greater than themselves. In the end it all paid off. Most women in these melodramatic reality television shows will never know the deep love shared by “My Housewives of the Real World.” Those reality stars will likely never be mourned and missed with such intense loss, and they will likely never be celebrated with purity and joy.

As a wife and mother myself, my hope is that by telling stories of ladies like Jane, Fran, and Gloria to our children, I will help them understand the beauty and strength that truly makes a lasting legacy!

Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Waiting Game

Preserving your purity is a premium in an impure world.

by Kelly McDonald “Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” (Song of Solomon 2:7).

A

t the time of this article, I am twenty-nine years

your relationship with God grows more intimate,

old. I am single and still a virgin. As many

He will build the character in you to make you a

single Christians, I have been waiting for God

great husband or wife.

to send a spouse into my life. From the verse above, we

2. Take counsel from people who are married.

learn that the human desire for love is very strong. In

Ask them about practical steps you can take

fact, it is compared to gazelles and does, which are fast

to prepare for marriage. You can never spend

animals. This helps us realize how quickly our emotions

enough time preparing your life spiritually,

can get out of hand.

financially, and personally. Love is an action

As singles, many times we see other married couples and think, I would like that in my life. Thus,

expressed by commitment and responsibility.

3. When you decide to date, set boundaries for

many young people fall in love with the idea of

physical contact. The affectionate physical touch

marriage and lose sight of the reality of marriage. We

of another person is powerful. Too much contact

try and awaken love within us when it is not time for us

can quickly lead you astray (like the speed of a

to love. This causes hurt and pain in our lives and the

gazelle or a doe). This step requires that we really

lives of others. God created us to desire the opposite

take a truthful look at our own personalities.

sex. Men and women are supposed to be attracted

4. Only date when someone is a serious

to each other. This is absolutely natural. Don’t

prospect for marriage. Serial dating is

feel bad because you desire to be married. God

common in our society and only causes

made us that way. However, we must exercise

wounded hearts.

self-control.

There are some practical steps God has taught me over the years to stay pure and focused while I am waiting.

1. Focus your intimate feelings

Never condemn yourself for being single.

There is a time element with God. He knows your feelings and the desires of your heart.

He also knows when you are ready.

Remember that Jesus walked the

toward God. Men and

earth for about thirty-three

women have sexual desires.

and a half years and was not

If you are always chasing

married. He had to overcome

people to find satisfaction,

these feelings just as we do. The

then you will never be

power to remain pure in the

satisfied. When you focus

waiting game comes from Him.

those feelings toward God, it will help you focus and prioritize your life. As

36 // August 2015

Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www.hungryheartsministry.com

BR: Laurie Hallenberg, Phil Jacobs, Robert Thompson, Matthew Coleman FR: Ken Miller, James F. Logan, Jim Thompson, Rob Norred

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Dusty

A

When we are formed by God’s hands and filled with His breath, we become a vessel of honor He can use.

by Charlton S. Lewis

s I emptied the vacuum cleaner and cleaned the filter, I was amazed at the pile of dust that had accumulated. It caused me to wonder, Wow! Is this really what I am made of?

Scripture tells us in Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground” (NKJV).

My hands were dusty; everything around me was dusty. The dust was soft to touch, but it was dirty. It was not exactly what I imagined one would use to create masterpieces.

Of course, God, the great Creator, can use whatever He chooses however He chooses. He made other components of creation by speaking them into existence. But with humans, He used a different method. He took the lowly dust and formed man in His own image. The rest of verse 7 says, He “. . . breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

When He spoke other living beings into existence and breathed His life into us, He needed no evolutionary process because He provided all sufficiency from the beginning. Being formed in God’s own image needed no improvements.

38 // August 2015

As we sing a more recent chorus, “It’s Your breath in our lungs,” we are using that very life He breathed into us to exhale praises to Him. “So we pour out our praise to You only.”

God didn’t make us and then walk away and forget us. David encourages us in Psalm 103: 1314, “As a father pities his children, so, the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (NKJV).

Both Isaiah and Jeremiah use imagery of clay, which also shows us that our roots are connected to the earth. Clay, like dust, without His breath of life, is nothing. Yet, when we are formed by His hands and filled with His breath, we can become a vessel of honor.

Submission is the key. For without Him, we are nothing. And

without His breath—without His Spirit—we can do nothing. We sing the old hymn by Pollard, Stebbins, R. Williams: “Have Thine own way, Lord!

Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.”

Submission to Him and His way allows us to become a vessel of honor that will bring glory to Him; a vessel He can use.

Satan desired to sift Peter as wheat and he would like to sift dust that we are, as well. But with God’s Spirit dwelling in us, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us because “greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world” (KJV).

When God decides that it’s time, He will remove that life He breathed into us and our bodies will return to dust. The wise man reminds us, “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7 NKJV).

Until then, Lord, may I pour out my praise to You only—through these dusty lips.

Charlton S. Lewis is a retired civil engineer from the USDA Forest Service. He and his wife Paulette have 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Fully Equipped The armor of God equips us and enables us to stand when the world around us is falling apart.

by Rhiannon Skeen

W

ar is not a fun event, but it is where I find

When life feels like it is caving in on us, or relationships are

myself often. I am not one of our brave

not working out, stand.

members of the armed forces physically

fighting a war, but I do daily fight a battle for my relationship with Christ. Daily I choose to put Christ

What Is the Armor of God?

This armor is made up of truth, righteousness, peace,

first, to spend time with Him, to study His Word, to

faith, salvation, and the Word of God. When we surround

communicate with Him. Everyday there is a battle that

ourselves with the belt of truth, the lies of the Enemy

rages in the life of a believer, and at times it is hard to take

cannot consume us. With the breastplate of righteousness.

a stand, but thankfully we do not go into this battle alone.

we are able to combat the morally destructive arrows of

In Ephesians 6:10-20, we see Paul talking about this

the Enemy. With the peace of God on our feet, we walk

battle, and he gives us some insight on how God equips us

free of the anxieties of life, and with the helmet of salvation

before letting us go into war. God does not send us out in

in place, we guard against doubts. Finally, with the sword

our own power or might. He sends us out fully armed in

of the Spirit in our hands, we have a weapon that is strong,

His power.

durable, and sharp.

Verse 10 begins with an exhortation to be strong, but

Every piece of the armor has its place. When they are

Paul does not imply that we are to be strong in ourselves,

utilized as God intended, we have the upper hand on the

but to be strong in the Lord and, (that is a great and) and

Enemy. God never meant for us to be naked soldiers in a

in his mighty power. Our first defense against the Enemy

battle of flying arrows. If we go into battle naked, it is our

is the strength of the Lord on our side. We have God’s

fault when we get beat up. God does everything to equip

strength so that when all hell comes against us, we can be

us to stand, but He will not force us to put the armor on.

found standing for God.

That is our choice.

Looking ahead to verse 13, I love what Paul says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (NIV).

40 // August 2015

Let’s choose to be fully dressed and ready to stand.

Rhiannon Skeen is a recent Lee University graduate, a wife, a new mother, and the creator/administrator of www.whatsoeverislovelyliving.com. She and her husband are in full-time ministry with Global Apostolic Revival Network (www.GARN.tv). They are passionate about spreading the love of God and seeing heaven invade earth.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Thumbprint Cookies

by Angie Parris

Instructions

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar

Combine all cookie ingredients until they come together

• 1 cup butter (not margarine) • 2 cups self-rising flour • 1 tsp vanilla

1inch in diameter. Place in plastic wrap and refrigerate to chill.

• 3/4 cup chopped pecans (in food processor) • 1/4 tsp salt

After the dough has chilled, preheat oven to 300 degrees. Slice dough into 1-inch slices. Place them 1 inch

Icing

• 1-1/2 cup confectioner's sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 tsp almond flavoring

• Food coloring of choice, optional • Water to make thick paste

42 // August 2015

to make a dough. Form into 2- to 3-long cylinders about

apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes and then cool.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Whose Plan Are You Following?

Take time to consult God and make sure your plans line up with His plans and will for your life.

by Ashley Smith

W

hen I was younger, I had plans for my life.

me to do. God had a very special plan for my life, and

As a young first grader, I wanted to be a

He has something awesome He wants to do in your life.

teacher. Then, after taking care of a litter

Jeremiah 29:11 says “ ‘For I know the plans I have for

of kittens when I was fourteen, I decided it would be

you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not

cool to be a veterinarian. By the time I was sixteen, I had

for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’ ” (NLT).

it all figured out: I was going to go to Lee University

Sometimes I look back and think how things could have

for my undergrad studies and then go on to UTK for

been if I had done something differently. Maybe if I

veterinary school. While I was in vet school, I would

hadn’t decided to take life into my own hands and do

meet my future husband and we would get married

things my own way, I would not know that God’s plan

when I graduated. Then, by the time I was thirty-five, I

is ultimately greater than my own. His plans are good.

would own a clinic. I even went so far as to get a job at

So often, we think that we know what is best. We

a veterinary clinic when I turned seventeen. I had goals,

know what we want, at least for the moment. Then

dreams, and plans that I wanted to make happen. Then

after the dust settles and the excitement wears off, we

reality set in.

are over it. God knows our hearts better than we do.

There are some people who say they are going to

Sometimes those plans will stretch us and take us into

do something in their life, and they get it done. And

places we never would have expected to go. That’s what

then there’s me. Obviously, I had a variety of goals over

is so amazing about God. He takes us through some

the course of my adolescence. Although I went to Lee

things we didn’t even know we needed or wanted and

University for my undergrad studies, things didn’t go

shows us something new about ourselves.

quite as I had planned. I didn’t go on to vet school, and I didn’t get a ring by spring . . . and that’s okay.

He’ll show you and guide you into exactly what He has for you!

I had all of these plans for my life, but in all of my planning, I never stopped to ask God what He wanted

44 // August 2015

Ashley Smith attends Cornerstone Church of God where she is the youth leader. She graduated from Lee University in 2010 with her degree in biology.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Take Off Your Mask

Don’t miss an opportunity to share how God’s Word helps to overcome a struggle.

by Kelly Hixson

A

s I was talking with a lady the other day, I took

and let them know I am battling and overcoming my

off my mask that I can easily hide behind. I

struggle with the Word of God. If I can help just one

guess you could say I was just being real with

person to realize that he or she doesn’t have to live in

her. I said every day is a struggle for me. I deal with

bondage to a particular struggle, then fighting through

depression. but I do not let it win. Most days I have to

to my victory is worth it. If I can let others know they

talk to myself just to get out of bed and pray, “Jesus

are not alone in their struggle, then maybe they won’t

help me!” It’s a fight I cannot beat in my own strength,

feel as hopeless. Maybe God wants to send me to them

so that is why I lean on this scripture every day: “I can

as an answer to their prayer of needing someone to

do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.

understand and pray with them.

4:13 NKJV).

Back to that lady I was talking to the other day. As

Every day I try to recognize my depression, put

I was sharing with her, she said that she didn’t person-

my punching gloves on, and punch it in the face. If you

ally deal with depression. She had read an article I once

looked at me, you would probably never know I had

wrote about depression and gave that article to a friend

a struggle because I can fix my struggle up and make

who does have depression. So I thought to myself,

it look nice. I can take a shower, get ready, put a nice

wow, that is great! It is such a good feeling inside. Since

outfit on, and last but not least, slap a real pretty smile

I wasn’t ashamed to write about my struggle, I might

on my face—and there you have it.

have helped someone that day. It might not be the

What you don’t see, though, is if I didn’t do all

person I am sharing with that is dealing with my same

those things I would be under the covers curled up in

struggle, but why miss out on an opportunity to share

my bed letting life slip by me. But I want to help others

how through God’s Word I am an overcomer . . . and you can be one too!

46 // August 2015

Kelly Hixson is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary. You can follow her “glimpses” on Facebook or e-mail her at kellyhixson2@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Lines Are Drawn.

It’s Time To Choose!

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 4:16 NKJV).

by Rob England

W

e read the headlines. We hear opinions and debates among people we know and

discover that our political, moral, and spiritual opinions are even further distanced from that of our nonChristian family, friends, and coworkers. The gap is widening. We are seeing more lines being drawn today between committed Christians and everyone else.

We will likely see even more of this soon. If we stand on a true Biblical foundation and adhere to the truths of God’s Word while the world's morals are quickly changing, we will be more at odds with the world. This is not what I prefer. I would love to see our world, or at least our country, standing firm on the Word of God. The reality is that being committed followers of Christ means that the world will hate us (even while we are loving them). First John 3:13 says, "Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you" (KJV). We've seen this in the past and we're seeing it even more now.

While this type of division removes us from our comfort zones, it's actually closer to the way Christianity has been for the past 2,000-plus years. Christians have been hated and persecuted throughout history. While Christians in the U.S. have had partial shelter from some of this hate and persecution, that shelter seems to be diminishing. Persecution is here, and there will be more of it.

This is not a time for fear, though (see 2 Tim. 1:7; Matt. 10:28). “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Now is the time to stand for what is right and obey God no matter what the cost (see John 14:15). Don't be afraid of the world, and don't be ashamed of the Gospel (see Rom. 1:16). No matter what

50 // August 2015

our friends, coworkers, or even our leaders and laws say; if it's against the Bible, then it's wrong.

When we are faced with choices, opinions, and even laws that contradict the Bible, our obedience should not waver. Love those who hate you, but don't give in to disobedience. If there comes a point in your lifetime where you are forced to choose between obeying earthly authority and obeying God, please consider Acts 5:29 which says, “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men!’” (NASB).

Persecution often follows obedience. The Bible tells us that as Christ followers, we will be persecuted (see 2 Tim. 3:12). When that time comes, stand firm in your faith, love those who are persecuting you, and even rejoice (see 1 Pet. 4:12-16). God blesses those who are persecuted for Him (see Matt. 5:10-12) and His strong hand will be right there with us. “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6 NKJV). And 1 Peter 3:14 reminds us "But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (NKJV).

Will you continue to obey God, even when mocked, hated, threatened, or persecuted in some way? Christ was persecuted for our sake more than we can imagine (see Matt. 27:27-31). Shouldn't we be willing to do the same for Him?

Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters. He volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and is a member of First Baptist Cleveland. You can contact him at englandr1@yahoo.com or at Facebook.com/RobEngland.

423.336.3841 » 8466 Hiwassee St. NE » Charleston, TN

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Look Up!

H

Just after sunset or before sunrise, the International Space Station can be seen circling the earth every ninety-two minutes.

by Charles Brian Conn

ere’s an odd question: How many people are

Smith). Since then I’ve watched it pass six times. The

aware that the most expensive manmade object

sense of wonder keeps growing.

in history has been whizzing around the earth

Secondly, one of Cleveland’s own helped put it

for fifteen years and can be viewed by the unaided eye

up there. Scott Prichard, Cleveland High School class

with little effort or expertise? Yes, I’m talking about the

of ’91, worked on power systems and related missions

International Space Station.

for the ISS for a decade or more. Over coffee the other

I know what you may be thinking. Yeah yeah,

day, he told me more about the space station than I can

Haley’s Comet came around thirty years ago, but it

reproduce here. It remains a feather in his cap to have

didn’t move much. Kind of a snoozer. Didn’t live up to

been involved, and I think he has every right to be proud.

the hype. Astronomy’s not

Lastly, it’s efficient

my bag, and I probably

for the busy, interesting

won’t live to see it again

for the curious, and just

anyway.” You, the non-

maybe fun for the whole

stargazer, busy a lot of the

family. The first time I

time are exactly who I am

went out to look was a

talking to. I am like you.

clear night in mid-June.

Here’s why I think

My wife Kelly spotted

you ought to give it a

it as it entered Texas

shot. To begin with,

airspace. It looked like an

the ISS is big, fast, and

airplane without flashers

close. It’s the length of a

or a shooting star in slow

football field, moving at an

motion. We watched it

unfathomable 18,000 miles per hour and 250 miles above

glide over Tennessee (it looked close enough to touch),

the ground. That’s only important because it’s why you

and followed it with slack jaws until it disappeared over

can walk outside your house, look up, and watch it fly

upstate New York. This process took ten minutes. So if it

over. You just need an app on your phone or some other

hadn’t lived up to our expectations, we only sacrificed a

way to find out when it’s going to be viewable

few minutes of our lives.

With its solar panels, the ISS is like a huge mirror

You can follow ISS and related info on Twitter @

circling the globe every ninety-two minutes. It’s the

ISS_CASIS, @Space_Station, or @ISS_Research. @twisst

third brightest object in the night sky. You can only see

will tweet you when it’s about to pass by. So look up,

it just after sunset or before sunrise. Believe me, if I’ve

everybody. If you do and like it, let me know. I’m

seen it; it’s like Astronomy for Dummies. To me Polaris is

@BrianConn. I’d love to hear from you.

a brand of ATV. Six weeks ago I got an app, ISS Spotter, on my phone (Thanks to Stephanie Taylor and Kyle

52 // August 2015

Charles Brian Conn is director of public relations at Lee University. He and his wife Kelly have two children, Lorne (a sophomore at Lee) and Oliver (a senior at Cleveland High).

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Color in the Clouds

by Terrie Ruff

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

—Psalms 19:1-2 NKJV

A

fter work I decided to pick up something

The colors I saw were peaceful and calming.

quick for dinner and another errand

The blue brought me to my knees as I worshiped

before heading home. Honestly, I was

God and saw nature as a witness of God’s

distracted by several thoughts that day and

creation. The red revealed His loving sacrifice for

wanted peace of mind. I kept dwelling on my

my sins and the sins of the whole world. And the

“issues” and before long, I began to feel down. I

yellow seemed to be shouting to me that as long

tried to call several friends and no one—I mean

as I had the Son of Righteousness in my life, the

no one—was available! Then I began to get angry

sun would shine again; that I would smile again

because I try to always be there for them, but now

and that my tears were temporary.

I couldn’t find anyone (My self-pity party had begun).

With only voices, messages, and silence, I had

I will never forget that colorful cloud and how God showed up at just the right time in a display of colorful wonder by reminding me that He

almost worked myself into tears when I noticed

delights to be with me. By any means necessary,

ahead of me a bright, colorful cloud! The first

He will come to me when I need Him most—even

color was blue, then red, and yellow! It looked as

if it’s in the form of a colorful cloud!

if the sun was reflecting the colors off of the fall

How has God “wowed” you lately? How has

trees in the surrounding area, and I was able to

nature reminded you of God’s love, watch care,

witness fall colors in the sky! I was so amazed at

and protection of you? The next time you see

this sight that I forget about my issues and began

something extraordinary in nature, consider it a

to focus on the awesome Creator God I serve. Just

gift, a reminder from God just for you!

at the moment of a tearful breakdown, He gave me a reason to smile!

54 // August 2015

Terrie Ruff is originally from South Carolina, but has been in Tennessee for approximately 23 years. She is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW).

You can email her at Terrieruff@yahoo.com.

Dear Mom and Dad,

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