February 2017 by GoodNews Christian Magazine

Gò0dNews February 2017

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

CLEVELAND

• Where Is Your Treasure? p. 6 • A Moral Shift p. 22 • Expressions of Love p. 50

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Writers

Alice Abbott Andrew Lee Andrew Shaffer Angie Ray Brooke Hale Carl Corser Delaney Walker Elizabeth Shreve Esmerelda Lee Hannah Davis John Garrod John Mannone Jonathan Moore Julius McCarter Kelly McDonald, Jr. Mead Vest Mindy White Rhiannon Skeen Samuel Burger Wally Coffman William Lamb

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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 four beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, and Leah Jean. 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

ebruary is the month we face reality of our spending habits during the holidays. Because I have a minor in Economics in my undergraduate degree, I learned in my Money and Banking course that everyone has a relationship with money. Some people spend it when they’re feeling down, and others fall apart when it’s not around. There are people who love it, ignore it, crave it, resent it, and even worship it! Those who keep a tight leash on their checkbooks live in constant fear that an unexpected disaster could leave them in financial ruin. These individuals are called hoarders. In addition to experiencing unnecessary stress and feelings of guilt when they swipe their credit card or hand over cash for a purchase, their hoarding behavior prevents them from following their dreams, answering a divine call, and making profitable investments. No matter how much money these individuals acquire, it’s never enough. Rather than spend unnecessarily, they would rather live a safe and somewhat boring life that is usually below their means because they are saving and carefully planning for the future. Spenders, on the other hand, go beyond their financial means to buy the finest house, the best car, and the latest luxury gadgets. They appear happy on the outside, but many times they are suffering on the inside. Buying things gives spenders a temporary feeling of comfort, validation, and even power. They often justify big purchases by assuring themselves, “I deserve this,” and “I’m worth it”—even though they can’t afford it. Spenders also buy expensive gifts just to impress and wow their friends and family. The most extreme spenders equate their self-worth with name brands. Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci tend to make them feel important. God’s Word provides more than 2,000 verses that deal with money and money management. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24 NLT). An excellent question to ask is: Am I buying things to satisfy an emotional need, or am I buying items for a worthwhile purpose? Validation and self-worth can be achieved only by having a personal relationship with the One “who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17 NKJV). 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 22

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Where Is Your Treasure? by Samuel Burger

GoodNews for Kids

8 Will You Be God’s Valentine? by Mindy White GoodNews on Money Matters

10 “Gifts that Won’t be Re-Gifted” by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 The Busy Enemy by John Garrod GoodNews for Women

14 Some Days We Just Keep Going by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Parents

20 Teaching Children the Things of God by Wally Coffman GoodNews for Life

A Moral Shift by Delaney Walker

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Mastering A Healthier Lifestyle 40 Actively Passive by Hannah Davis GoodNews for Teens

26 Love Well

by Andrew Shaffer GoodNews Cover Story

28 Planet Fitness

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Those Boring Genealogies ... Not! by John Mannone GoodNews for Couples

32 Beyond Love, Towards Cherish by Julius McCarter GoodNews for Seniors

34 Love that Inspires

by Mead Vest GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Russian Chicken by Brooke Hale

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

44 Minutes Matter: Knowing

the Signs of Heart Disease Can Save a Life by Jonathan Moore GoodNews for Everyone

46 Fear

by Alice Abbott GoodNews for Everyone

50 Expressions of Love By Carl Corser

GoodNews for Everyone

by Esmerelda Lee

52 Let God Fight for You

GoodNews for Everyone

by Kelly McDonald Jr.

36 The Power of a FourLetter Word by Angie Ray GoodNews for Everyone

38 Becoming the Best Version of You by Elizabeth Shreve

GoodNews for Everyone

54 Your Choice

by William Lamb

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Where Is Your Treasure?

“D

What you value will always be reflected in your giving. by Samuel Burger

on’t store up treasures here on earth,

probably would have given up on the search because

where moths eat them and rust destroys

there wasn’t much investment. However, the ring had

them, and where thieves break in and

value because it represents my unbroken love for my

steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and

wife Danyelle. My heart followed my treasure. 2. Your heart is what God is after. God and money

steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of

are not the answers. Money itself isn’t the answer either.

your heart will also be” (Matt. 6:19-21 NLT).

God is the answer to every issue. Believe it or not, God

I believe one of the greatest ways to serve God is

doesn’t need your money, but He wants your heart.

through giving. Without giving, we cannot be like God

Your treasure is always connected with your heart.

because God is love, and you cannot love without giv-

We don’t give to get. We give to give. If you keep your

ing. Jesus makes an astonishing statement concerning

treasure, you’ll surely lose it, but if you give it away for

the area of giving. I believe the Holy Spirit is whispering

kingdom purposes, God will reward you vastly. You

to us, “Where is your treasure?”

cannot out give God. We are called to be stewards of

1. Your heart will always follow your treasure.

God’s resources by saving, investing, and giving. God

Let’s say it this way: Your heart, affection, and atten-

has never called you to be stingy and greedy. God will

tion will always go where you place your money. Let’s

never let you down when you give. Giving isn’t about

consider these self-evaluated questions:

proving how spiritual you are, but it’s indicative of your

• Do I return 10 percent to the house of God before anything else gets paid?’

gratitude for God. 3. Your heart is made for giving. Malachi 3:10

• Am I generous?

states, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there

• Do I invest in the kingdom of God?

will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the

• Am I more concerned with earthly returns than

Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of

heavenly returns? Why would anyone invest more in the world rather

heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to

than eternity? It’s because his or her heart is set on what

the test!” (NLT). Your heart is made for so much more

is seen. You will always invest in what’s important to

than keeping it all to yourself. Trust God.

you. I lost my wedding ring the other day and I didn’t stop looking for it until I found it. If it were a penny, I

6 // February 2017

Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center, 1414 Athens Road, Calhoun, TN 37309. Feel free to contact him at samuelbrgr@yahoo.com for prayer requests or praise reports.

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Gò0dNews for Kids Will You Be God’s Valentine? “But anyone who does not love does not know God for God is love.” —1 John 4:8 MEV

by Mindy White

hen I was a kid, my mom would take me to the store, and I would pick out a box of Valentine cards. The store always had so many different boxes to choose from. There were boxes of cartoon characters, sports figures, animals, and more. I would look them over and over before finally deciding on which box I liked best. I would take my class list and make a Valentine for every student in the class, including my teacher. I carefully picked a card for each person on the list and signed my name to them. Then I would go over the list two times to make sure I did not leave anyone out. As a class project, we each made our own special Valentine's Day mailboxes. Then during our class party, we passed our Valentine cards out to each other. While enjoying our party treats, we would open our cards and read them. I would take my cards home after school and read them over and over. The cards always said words like, “Be Mine,” “Happy Valentine's Day,” “Will You Be My Valentine?” and messages like that.

8 // February 2017

There is someone who wants to ask you the same question. Only He asks this question all year long, and not just on Valentine's Day. Can you guess who that is? It is God! God is asking if you will be His Valentine. God loves you, and He wants you to love Him too. God is saying, “Happy Valentine's Day, I love you!” He is asking, “Will you be My Valentine?” Do you already know the scripture verse John 3:16? It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). This is one of the very first verses I memorized as a kid. If you don't already know it, try to memorize it. There are times when you may feel like no one loves you, but God loves you. I mean He really, really, really loves you so much, in fact, that He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Do you remember reading the verse John 3:16 above? That is what this verse means. God loved you so much He sent Jesus to die for your sins. That is a lot of love right there. Not only does God love us, but God is love! You can find that in the Bible by reading 1 John 4. I have another verse for you to memorize. Don't worry, it is really easy. First John 4:8b says, “God is love.” God is love, and that is how He is able to love us so much. Love is who He is. I have a project for you if you have a chance to work on it. Try and make a few special Valentine cards to let people know you love them. You can tell them that God loves them too. Then make a special Valentine for God, letting Him know how much you love Him.

Mindy White is married to her husband, Robert. 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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“Gifts that Won’t be Re-Gifted” MONEY MATTERS WITH DR. ANDREW LEE

o you survived the Christmas holidays, more or less, and by now you’re already stressed about Valentine’s Day (hint: it’s this month). What to give? First, allow me to make a quick disclaimer: the following suggestions are not necessarily applicable to Valentine’s Day. You might want to go ahead and get your special someone that distinctly romantic, mushy-gushy gift that is only appropriate on February fourteenth. But then for future gifts (birthdays, graduations, next Christmas), consider giving financially-themed gifts that truly have the potential to “keep giving” far into the future. No, I’m not talking about giving a wad of cash, although cash is almost always appreciated and rarely declined by the recipient. Nor am I talking about gift cards, though those are also usually greatly appreciated. Instead, think “bigger picture” and “longer term.” 1. Give a practical, easy to understand book on personal finance and money management. There are hundreds of these books out there, tailored toward teaching budgeting skills and investment knowledge to everyday people (just like you and your family and friends). I’m partial to Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover book, as well as Burton Malkiel’s A Random Walk Down Wall Street. Giving the gift of knowledge will pay enormous dividends (literal and figurative) both now and in the future for many years to come. 2. Open an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) for any friends or family members who has earned in-

10 // February 2017

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. come of their own. Sit down with them and discuss how retirement investing works, and explain which mutual funds you’re going to contribute money toward for their retirement to help them get started. This is especially exciting if the recipient is a teenager or 20-something with many decades of investing ahead of him or her. 3. Give a share (or shares) of stock, but only after carefully explaining how that stock has grown in the past, and how it might be projected to grow into the future if the recipient resists the temptation to sell the stock in the immediate or near future. 4. Give the gift of fun memories. Rather than buying another object that will eventually be discarded or forgotten or outgrown, consider giving tickets for memorable experiences such as sporting events, musical concerts, cooking lessons, short getaway trips, etc. The memory of this gift will last far into the future, much longer than most “stuff” that we receive as presents every year. 5. Give the gift of professional advice. Pay for a loved one to have a sit-down appointment with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide a detailed, custom-made financial checkup to show your relative or friend where he or she stands financially right now. My wife and I won a charity auction item last year, and the prize was a paid appointment with a local attorney to draft our Last Will and Testament. That might not sound glamorous, but it was invaluable. Happy Gifting!

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Gò0dNews for Men

The Busy Enemy

Just because you beat the Enemy once, don’t think the war is over. by John Garrod

his was war. My enemy had shown itself to be

about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8 KJ21).

resourceful, industrious, and determined. It

And, just because you beat him once; don’t think the war is

had surveyed the terrain, knew where natural

over. He will come back, again and again, trying to stop the

vulnerabilities existed, and taken advantage of nearby resources. And it was making a mess of things. My first

flow of the Spirit in your life. Finally, after about three weeks of going back and forth

sign of trouble was a lack of movement, stagnancy. By

with the beavers, they quit rebuilding the dams. I kept

then, it was well entrenched. This did not bode well.

taking more of the sticks and leaves out of their structures,

I immediately took time to dismantle its work—not a thorough cleanup operation, but enough that at least a natural flow of things was restored. The next morning, not only

and when we finally got rain, the rest of their work got washed away . . . almost. When the waters receded, I found the beavers’ work below the waterline, too. They

had the enemy rebuilt what I

piled mud against the dams,

tore down; it had made progress

and while the flood waters had

overnight! The beavers were

washed away the surface work,

here, and they meant to stay.

their foundation remained. To

As I tore their dams up for

keep them from using this site

the umpteenth time, I thought

again, I would have to use a

about how the Enemy of men’s

shovel and get things back to the

souls operates in much the same

way they should be.

way. He surveys the terrain,

Men, we must do this in our

and identifies areas where we

own vulnerable areas, too. To

have natural weaknesses. In the

keep the Enemy from coming

creek, the beavers saw areas

back to the weak spots, you

where they could use a narrow

need to dig deep, and don’t be

spot to their advantage. Just

too proud. There is no shame in

upstream were low branches

seeking help from godly men.

and young trees they could

“Pride goeth before destruction,

easily fell and roll downhill into

and a haughty spirit before

the creek. The devil watches us

a fall,” warns Proverbs 16:18

to see our weaknesses: the second (and too long) glances

(KJ21). Be willing to swallow your pride, man up, and do

at attractive women, the way we engage in inappropriate

what needs to be done to make sure the Enemy can’t stop

conversations at work, what happens on our computers

up your flow. In the end, it’s worth it when you see the

when we think everyone is asleep. He scouts with the

Spirit flowing smoothly through your life.

skilled eye of an experienced predator. The Scripture cautions us about him, saying, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh

12 // February 2017

John Garrod is a father of six, husband of one, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Some Days We Just Keep Going Remember that every day we are loved by a love that never changes.

by Rhiannon Skeen

o you ever have those days where emotions

need You more. It's those days I long for God in the flesh

overtake you and you feel overwhelmed? Those

to come and sit and hold me. It's those days my heart’s

days where you feel forgotten, alone, or left out?

only desire is to feel the arms of the Father reaching out.

We all do. We have days where, for one reason or anoth-

Those are the days I am not brave. The days I am not put

er, life just hurts. When I was in my early teens and some

together, the days where life just feels off. On those days

in my early twenties on those days I would cry to God to

I cry. I pray. I try to keep busy. On those days, days like

remove me from earth. I thought the answer to the hard

this day, I pray, “God, I need You more. I feel weak for

days was giving up and being with Him. I mean I was in

these emotions, but I know that when I am weak then

pain emotionally and heaven was perfect. Couldn't I just

You are strong.”

quit life and leave? I am older now and I have grown to realize giving up is not the answer.

The "some days" do end. We lay our heads down on pillows, often times with tears pouring, but morning

Life hurts more than words can describe but pain

does come. The sun comes up, strength is renewed and

can make us stronger. Now the pain seems to come from

bravery is once again acquired. On those days the most

different sources than it did in the early years. Now the

important thing to remember is not to give up.

pain that creeps in is loneliness and the feeling of being

Keep going. When you feel alone, reach out. When

invisible. I didn't know being a mom would feel that way

you feel invisible do something that makes you smile:

at times. I didn't know that for some people I would stop

paint, write, go for a ride, walk around and window

existing as me and begin to only exist as "Eleanor's Mom."

shop. Get out and remember you are still you. We have

Those are the moments I find I need God more than

our brave days and we have our some days, but we have

ever—including my some days.

to remember that every day we are loved by a love that is

Some days I am brave. Some days I sing. Some days everything is great! Then there are other days—days where I feel invisible, days I feel alone, days the tears well up from a place deep in my soul. On those days, God, I

14 // February 2017

everlasting and the same from day to day. Rhiannon Skeen is a mom, wife, blogger, designer, vlogger and coffee addict that can be found at www.rhiannonskeen.com. That is her corner of the inter-webs where she shares her heart about being a wife, a mom, and loving Jesus. You can also join her Bible Study group “Coffee and the Word” on Facebook.

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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 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932 Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Candies Creek City Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 423-458-4405 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church 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 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 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church

16 // February 2017

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 at 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church 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 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 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 Rolling Brook Baptist Church 1675 Greendale Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-0612 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 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 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 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 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 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 Agape Place Church of God Pastor John and Melanie Arias 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-8691 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. Clevela nd, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God 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 Church of God 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoraciรณn 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Churc h of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E.

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland Church of God Dr. Mark Williams 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue Church of God Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland Church of God Pastor Edwin Lipsey 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore Church of God Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly Church of God Pastor Kim Erwin 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 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Disciples of Christ First Christian Church 3925 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682

Episcopal

Saint Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

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

Latter-day Saints

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

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 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

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

2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 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 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Fellowship 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 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 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 PCA 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

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 423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist

18 // February 2017

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

Allen Memorial UMC 800 Decatur Pike Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1560 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 Worship Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Calvary Tabernacle of God 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 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

Presbyterian

First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Freedman Chapel C.P.C.A. 415 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-252-0159 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 St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church CHATTI GRAS 2017

Saturday, February 25, 7:00 PM CHATTI GRAS 2017 is just around the corner and will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 PM at The Chattanoogan. Proceeds of this event help provide tuition assistance for Catholic families in our area. For more information, please contact the development office of any of our Chattanooga Catholic schools.

Cleveland First United Methodist Church Night to Shine

Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation Friday, February 10 6:00pm-9:00pm Contact the church office for more information.

First Baptist Cleveland Parent’s Night Out

Friday, February 3 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Cost is $5 Parent’s Night Out allows parents to have a night off and kids to have a night of fun with activities designed just for them!

All Things Mom with Jana Alayra

Wednesday, February 15 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Cost is Free! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind special edition of All Things Mom featuring guest Jana Alayra. Jana Alayra is an artist with whom many can identify. She is a wife, mother, and friend, busy with the daily routine of tending to the lives of her three daughters and producer husband, Ron. Together, Ron and Jana also answer the call to a unique ministry of leading worship, both to adults and children.

Jammin’ with Jana Family Concert

Thursday, February 16 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm - FREE An energy-packed family concert with music performed from Jana’s five most popular children’s praise albums. Kids will be instantly drawn into the energy and motions with Jana, and unforgettable memories are made as she invites kids and their parents to help with the motions on stage. Jana communicates through these catchy songs a clear messages of hope in Christ. Jammin’ with Jana is sure to be a fun and inspiring time for the whole family.

The Voice of the Martyrs Advance Conference

Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm - FREE The Voice of the Martyrs strives to bring the message of the persecuted in as many ways as they can. One way they do that is through The Voice of the Martyrs Advance Conferences. At these conferences, speakers from the around the world share personal testimonies about persecution and the ways they are advancing God’s kingdom on the frontlines of ministry. You will have opportunities to meet your persecuted family face to face. For more details, visit firstbaptistcleveland.com.

Gò0dNews for Parents

Teaching Children the Things of God

God gives wisdom generously without criticism. by Wally Coffman

hile on our way back from a recent vacation, my

and was being unjust toward her little brother. The last thing I

then two-year-old son was beating the seat my wife

would ever want to do is to intimidate my child into thinking

was sitting in with his toy fishing rod. Every now

that I believe that I am unaccountable to her and God or that she

and then, one of his strikes landed on my wife’s shoulders. After

shouldn’t stand up for her brother. The more I think about her

repeatedly telling him to stop, I reached back from the driver’s

making such a stand over one of God’s commandments, even

seat and took the toy from him.

though she misunderstood, the prouder I become. I really want

I was expecting a vocal objection from my son, but to my surprise, I only heard from my then four-year-old daughter. With tear-filled eyes, my daughter cried, “Daddy! That isn’t

to encourage these character traits in my daughter; yet, I still needed to correct her understanding. Like I said, it’s awkward. If you are like me, you would rather endure anything but

right! You are not supposed to take things. God said that we

awkwardness, and this makes it very easy to just avoid the issue

shouldn’t steal!”

with some distraction. Maybe pointing toward the passenger

With gaping mouth, I looked to my wife for some indica-

window and yelling “squirrel!” But God is very clear in His

tion at what just happened, who only chuckled at my expres-

Word that parents, particularly Dads, are to teach their children

sion. After gaining my composure and seeing my daughter’s

the things of God (see Deut. 4:9-10; 11:18-20; 32:7). There is no

tear-filled eyes in my rearview mirror, I spent the next thirty

way around it. We are responsible to God to teach our children

minutes of the trip back awkwardly trying to explain to her the

about Him and His ways.

difference between stealing and parental discipline. It was awkward because I felt that I was completely

If that seems like bad news, it's not. God would never expect anything from us without first providing a way for us

unprepared for what happened and what had happened was

to make it happen. Teaching our kids requires courageous wis-

important enough to help define what my daughter believed

dom and the good news to that is that God will provide us the

about right and wrong. It didn’t help to know that I am not the

wisdom we need for something such as this if we only ask Him

most eloquently speaking person who also believed that I could

for it (see James 1:5). God wants us to teach our kids about Him

really screw up by not saying the right thing, or even saying

and will provide us with the wisdom we need. Teaching our

the right thing in the wrong way. It also didn’t help that my

children about God glorifies Him which He deserves.

daughter who weighs literally twenty-five pounds soaking wet was bold enough to confront her bald, bearded, and full-grown dad when she felt that he was breaking one of God’s commands

20 // February 2017

Wally Coffman lives in McDonald, TN with his wife of 16 years, Angela, and their two children, Ella (age 5), and Eli (age 3). He and his family attend Silverdale Baptist Church. He is a professional engineer licensed in multiple states.

Challenge! OUR TEACHERS WILL SEE YOUR CHILD FOR WHO THEY ARE AS WELL AS WHAT THEY COULD BE.

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Gò0dNews for Life

A Moral Shift

Shining a Light on the Evils of Abortion by Delaney Walker

arco Rubio shared a belief about the

means our society has recognized the sanctity

consequences of abortion that I have

of human life. It means abortion is no longer a

heard many people reiterate since I

viable solution for an unplanned pregnancy.

joined the staff at New Hope Pregnancy Care

The words of Rubio (and those of many

Center. He said, “I think future generations

prolife supporters) will fall flat time and time

will look back at this history of our country

again unless they are paired with action in the

and call us barbarians for murdering millions

following ways:

of babies we never gave a chance to live.” Similar words usually tumble out of people’s mouths after they hear a particularly disturbing statistic about abortion. Initially, I readily agreed. However, the words have since rattled around so much in my head that a new response has emerged: hope. I hope future Americans look back on us

• We need to educate our country on the sanctity of human life. • We must provide support for those facing unplanned pregnancies. • We must continue to shine a light on the evils of abortion. • We need to work today to ensure tomorrow’s judgment.

as barbarians. If we are condemned as barbarians then that means there has been a moral shift. It

22 // February 2017

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 Mastering a Healthier Lifestyle

It’s hard at first, but by taking it day by day, choice by choice, you will succeed in leading a healthy life that will also inspire those around you. by Hannah Davis

your big goals and start tackling the smaller goals first. Write the o doubt it has been my innate aversion to being told lifestyle changes you need to make to reach the bigger goal and what to do myself that fueled my entrepreneurship spirit start implementing them one by one. Master one and move on to throughout life. At the age of thirteen, I had a babysitting the next. We’re trying to eliminate the overwhelming factor that and neighborhood home-cleaning business. At twenty, I was often causes failure. You’ll have a greater sense of accomplishment working my way through college as a shift manager at Moe’s Southwest Grill, a position I scored after just one month of working moving from one small goal to another rather than trying to tackle the mountain. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. there. From the age of twenty-two, I’ve essentially started and ran my own businesses, everything from marketing myself as an Take It Day By Day actress, to starting a babysitting agency in NYC, to what I do now Defeat is part of the road to success! You will have days you as a certified personal trainer. I own a personal training studio didn’t meet any of your small goals. Remember that success does and have a thriving presence nationally online and as a published not follow a linear path upward. All the Greats’ success stories fitness expert. have been marked with failure along the way. We tend to assume I continue to be very successful as a business owner, which successful people had it easy, that they had it all together and never has everything to do with the talent God gave me. He blessed struggled to achieve their greatness. All great stories are marked by me with leadership skills that help me equip failures. Take your goals day by day, putting by Hannah Davis clients effectively with the right skills to take yesterday completely behind you. Don’t let control over their own health and Or do youattain not know that your body is a temple of the the road to treat major health issues like heart disease the failures impede your ultimate progress. a better quality of life. When individuals Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are and diabetes. Your health should be a priority because Remember that it’s all a part of the journey. your own, you were bought with a price. So glorify your family needs you. live more healthfully, it not bleeds overforinto Trust the process! It is important that the sum God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6: 1920 (ESV) 4. Be accountable. The importance of having every other aspect of their work life and your successes be greater than the sum of someone to report to is of priceless. Create a reward relationships. Most importantly, believe t’s March,I and if you made New Year’s health/ system together. For example, if you lose 8 pounds by your failures. fitness resolutions, it honors God. Here are five of the most now is when you might be getting the end of the month, you get a spa treatment, or you frustrated and contemplate giving up. You may think Find Some treat yourself to a sporting event. Using aCheerleaders tracking app important lessons I help clients master in order it’s been too hard or that you have already failed. There or fitness device like MyFitnessPal or FitBit can be an having a team behind Accountability and to be successful at livingisagood healthful life! reason why you should not give up. You are excellent motivator. you might be the greatest factor in achieving worth it to your Maker and those around you. The Take Control 5. Focus on today. your Finally,goals. be encouraged by system is vital. Get the following tips will help you get over the hump of selfA support achieving small daily goals. Take the stairs instead of Human beings have an innate desire to be in control doubt and achieve lasting results this year.and family on board. Hire a trainer. Join a social media support group. the elevator. Park away from a store’s entrance. Eat a make their own decisions. God usIffree whyloss, wouldn’t 1. Be gave specific. yourwill, goal isso weight I You need people toacheer you time, on and do it with you. It takes healthy dinner. Go for walk. Over thesetosmall encourage you to attach a reasonable we? Studies on human behavior in the workplace havetimeline. shownFor feats add up and have a huge impact! initiative to create this support network for yourself, but we are example, if your end goal is to lose 50 that individual employees and work teams are more productive, Remember, it’s a marathon, not a more successful when we know we are not in this alone. pounds by August, your weekly sprint. Trust the process! Improving more creative, more successful, and overall enjoy their jobs more goal could be to lose one to two your health is a daily journey. deeply when their leaders provide environment that fosters and Be the Inspiration pounds eachan week. These Focus on physiological are This example sheds Make yourself an authority on eating healthier and becoming encourages taking moresmaller controlincrements over projects. improvements that can happen realistic and will encourage more fit. You don’t have your life withto justhave one workout andperfectly together to be light on how we can apply this to our personal life—specifically you to stay on track. a weekNone of healthier eating. the inspiration for others. of us have it all together. When our health goals. When you wake up one day and you say to 2. Have a plan. Reduced stress, better sleep, you give yourself the responsibility of being an authority, you yourself, Where in the world did this 30 pounds come from and Schedule yourextra workouts and more energy will be quickly create pressure on achieved. yourself to keep moving forward. People are meal plan The just like youanswer is that you why do I feel so exhausted and all the time? short other appointments. It helps to Good habitsthey on a consistent looking to you for guidance; depend on you. Share your lost control. You stoppeddobeing in control of your own health. With go to the gym or workout at home basiswith will help you achieve a healthier struggles, along your successes. I truly believe that God the strength God gives you, you can take back control and be on with a written plan. If you’re a member of a mind and body. For more fitness tips, find me on means for all of us to share our journey if it will help somebody gym, ask version the desk of staff if one of their best trainers your way to becoming the best yourself. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram@bodybyhannah. else to be successful. These five most important lessons will help can show you how to use the equipment properly. Break It Down you master a healthier lifestyle. Stay in control of your destiny and 3. Prioritize. I hear the excuse that “I just don’t You’ve made the decision take control, sohealthier now it’s time have the to time or money to get and moretofit.” create healthier habits. You can’t afford notbecause to! Out-of-pocket healthcare set some goals. Write down your goals that gives themcosts Hannah Davis ownsowns Body ByBody HannahBy personal Hannah Davis Hannah personal training studio rise. Youitcan either spend less money on training studio in downtown Cleveland, TN. Hannah power. Share them withcontinue others to because gives you accountability. in Cleveland, TN. Hannah served on the advisory board as the served on the advisory board as the fitness expert a gym membership, a personal trainer, and healthier fitness expert Magazine for Cosmopolitan Magazine and has contributed to for Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Because goals can be overwhelming to tackle unless big goals are foods now, or you can spend even more money down publications and and booksbooks includingincluding Women’s Health publications Women’s Health Magazine, SELF, Magazine, SELF, Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and broken into smaller, more achievable goals, create a flowchart from

Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals

24 // February 2017 24 // March 2016

Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and She the Rodale published book, the Rodale published book, Shape Up Shortcuts. is the author of the Operation Bikini Bodyauthor series youof the Operation Bikini Shape Up Shortcuts. She is the can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com. Body series, you can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com.

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Gò0dNews for Teens Gò0dNews for Teens

The Lenten Season . . .

A time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading to Easter. by Andrew Schaffer

Love Well

ooray, fasting! Lent begins this month; get excited.

I didn’t grow up practicing Lent. I didn’t know

40 days can produce. I fasted from various foods: bread, meat, soda, caffeine, and so forth. Although mine were

God’s love is about sacrifice, commitment, and even community. always food oriented (priorities), my friends gave up music, bymass Andrew Shaffer different. Lent was something Catholic kids did, like or Facebook, and even driving. Each created a unique moment what I was missing. I knew about lint, but that’s

confirmation, but that was the extent of my knowledge. My

or opportunity to consciously refocus on God. It can be

familiarity eventually increased as I ventured outside of my

challenging to find the sweet spot between difficult and

little Protestant bubble and discovered how impactful these

ridiculous—sacrificing something too insignificant misses

ell it’s February. Love is in the air or something. You know how we do flowers, red hearts, romance, and

so on. This month we decorate everything with paper

six weeks could be.

hearts and If baby Everyone gets all sentimental and mushy youangels. aren’t familiar about relationships andseason, luuuuv (cue woo woo woo sounds). with the Lenten it is

Maybetraditionally you’re looking forward to single awareness/celebration day a time of prayer,

One of you smarty-pants may be thinking something about

that whole multiple Greek words for love thing, and you’re right. There are six and all have tothe do point with various types: romantic, of both fasting

brotherly, self, playful, longstanding, unconditional. But before and Lent, and but something we get too caught up in that,too four them even bigofand wearen’t give up or used in the Bible. Only φιλία (philía – deep andintent ἀγάπη (agápē – evenfriendship) become more

because you’reand all about lovingleading yourself, and good for you if you fasting, almsgiving

unconditional) are used. That said, philía is really onbeing self-discipline than faith. only used a

are. Orto maybe sodays over(doesn’t it. Regardless of where you stand on Easter.you’re This 40

couple of times, compared toPart over for agápē. of 250 the beauty of Because Lent is as Christ-

include Sundays) analogous to the issue, and before we is give in and oversimplify this whole love

becoming self-aware followers we’re called to love, to reallymore love—St. Valentine love, real

Jesus’ time that in the desert and once thing, remember we, as people of God are called to love.

examining our habits and that. love, Jesus love. During this in month of luuuuv, remember

served as aon period of purification Since we’re the topic, let’s consider St. Valentine. We all

quirks, revealing we can First John 4 tells us God is love. Literally,what they’re the same

and enlightenment forguy new know St. Valentine was the who invented those terrible chalk

live without what thing. God and love are the same. Lovingand well isn’tmight about naked

werehe baptized on Easter know who really was? Also,Sunday. probably not.

time with God. people of God. Isn’t this what Valentine showed us?

converts back right? when all believers conversation hearts, No, of course he didn’t. But do we Beginning with Ash Wednesday

Valentine was a Roman priest in the time when the emperor and awareness of our own

(Claudius) persecuted the church like it was his job and had

be taking precedence over baby angels and hearts; it’s about being who we’re called to be as Got it. So what do I do?

First John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what real love is, Just like our faith, this

that Jesus gave His life for us. So now we do the same for others.”

finitude, brokenness, and general uselessness apart from

is a personal thing. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to look

Christ, it culminates in our celebration of the Resurrection.

miserable while we fast because that only attracts attention.

This is why the Orthodox Church calls Lent the season of

Outside of the necessary accountability, this is between you

“Bright Sadness.” We celebrate Lent in that spirit, calling us

and God. Honestly, we don’t really have to give up anything

outlawed the marriage of young people for reasons that don’t

make any sense. So Valentine was all about marriage for the young folks in the Christian church, even though it was totally against

the law. Legend has it that after he was arrested, Valentine prayed back to God and deepening our faith. with and healed daughter. Asterius, who was one That’sAsterius’ cool. Whyblind fasting? of the judges, was so affected heday became a ChristHow much do you by do this in a that given without even

Again, we probably aren’t going to have to literally give our lives, but we can live sacrificially. We can live as we’re called to live by putting the interests of others’ before our own. In the same way, we’ll begin to see the power and value of love, and discover the

to “fast.” We can take on more intentional time to create space

person of Christ others even in ourselves as a result. and commune withinGod; it’sand the concept that’s important.

I may be aseason, little cynical about the whole Valentine’s Day This Lenten try something a bit different. If

follower himself.We’re Just before his execution, Valentine signed a thinking? so accustomed to being on autopilot—grab a

mushiness, but maybe knowing of St.soValentine can you’ve never participated, anythingthe willreal be story different,

letter tosoda, Asterius’ daughter Valentine.” The point is, St. eat dinner, turn“from on theyour TV, check instagram/snapchat,

alter golden. our perspective a little. Maybe weThis canyear remember you’re If you have, change it up! I invitethat love

Valentine gave his life for love. loved well. He sacrificed you is about commitment, even community. andliterally binge on Netflix. Giving up aHe part of this could to fast;sacrifice, give up something youand know you’ll miss, takeWe can completely our routine. removes something, his own life for thederail love of others . . . Fasting sound familiar? typically something difficult to go without and interrupts Don’t worry; I’m not advocating that we sacrifice our lives our lives. It’sisn’t not about simplyromance; about forgoing your favorite for marriage. This it’s about the love ofuseless God.

habitstory or snack; it’s self-denial, creating a space for Valentine’s is about commitment and sacrifice. Heintimacy embodied withlove Christ. the selfless that God calls us all to live. St. Valentine risked

Practicing Lent quickly taught me both the value of (and lost) his life for the love of others. This is what it means to love fasting and the challenges that avoiding something for

well. This is agape, unconditional love of Biblical proportion.

// February 2016 26 //26 February 2017

onbetter something new, and God can shownot you in learn what agápēdiscover means.what Disclaimer: It may include paper this season of Brightor Sadness. hearts, chocolate, naked baby angels, but that’s probably okay.

We can and will learn what it means to love unconditionally, real love, God’s love. We can love well. Andrew Shaffer thethe minister to to youth and Andrew Shafferis is minister youth families and theirat families at First Baptheir First Baptist Dalton, GA. He tist Dalton, GA. He is a graduate of is a graduate of Mississippi State, Samford Mississippi State, Samford and Truett and TruettHeSeminary. worked in Seminary. has workedHe in has youth youth ministry way orsince another since ministry one way one or another 2000, andhas hasbeen been bitten byotter. an otter. 2000, and bitten by an

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Cleveland Planet Fitness

Provides an affordable, high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.

lanet Fitness

gyms, and they didn’t want to have to pay a lot of money

was founded

to give fitness a try.

in 1992 in

Dover, NH, by brothers Michael and Marc Grondahl. In the beginning, the gym had heavy free weights, juice bars, group exercise classes, daycare, and more. It was essentially a place where the fit got fitter, and like every other gym in its small hometown, it

So together they completely changed the gym environment, both in attitude and format, creating the non-intimidating, low-cost model that has revolutionized the gym industry. Planet Fitness became known as the “Judgment Free Zone®”—a welcoming and friendly community where people could feel comfortable regardless of their fitness level. To focus more on what first timers and casual gym goers really wanted—cardio, circuit

was fighting for the same customer by catering to the

training and light free weights - they removed group

approximately 15-20 percent of the population in the U.S.

exercise, daycare, heavy free weights and reallocated

who worked out and belonged to a health club.

that space accordingly. Because more room was made for

In 1993, the Grondahl brothers hired Chris Rondeau,

cardio equipment, they didn’t have to put time limits on

Planet Fitness’ current CEO, to work the front desk.

popular equipment and members didn’t have to wait to

Rondeau and the Grondahls quickly recognized that there

work out. Removing heavy free weights also helped get

was a greater opportunity to serve a much larger segment

rid of intimidating “Lunk” behaviors, like grunting and

of the population. They asked themselves, “Why does

dropping weights

80-85 percent of the population not belong to a gym?”

To top it off, they slashed standard membership fees

The answer? First-time and casual gym users didn’t like

to only $10 per month so that anyone could join without

the “look-at-me” attitudes and behaviors found in typical

having to sacrifice the quality of the facilities or experience.

28 // February 2017

(Eventually they added a second membership option—the

unique mission of enhancing people’s lives by providing an

PF Black Card for $19.99 a month—that offered additional

affordable, high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming,

amenities like the ability to use any Planet Fitness club,

non-intimidating environment.

HydroMassage , massage chairs, tanning, and being able ®

to bring a guest any time for free.) While the industry thought they were crazy, the response to the new fitness model was incredible. Memberships drastically increased and they were attracting more members than ever before. In order to continue to grow, they decided to begin franchising, knowing that if the Planet Fitness model could be successful in New Hampshire with a small population, it could be replicated, and likely even more successful in larger markets. They were also confident that gym intimidation existed amongst all ethnicities, demographics and income levels, so the demand for the Planet Fitness model would span all markets In 2016, Planet Fitness expanded its judgement free philosophy by teaming up with the country’s leading antibullying organization, STOMP Out Bullying™, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to launch The Judgement Free Generation ™, a new national philanthropic initiative focused on combatting bullying in the afterschool setting. To date, Planet Fitness and its franchisees have raised more than $2 million to support antibullying initiatives. Today, Planet Fitness has become one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. With more than 1,200 locations in forty-seven states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and Dominican Republic*, Planet Fitness has continued to spread its

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Those Boring Genealogies . . . Not! Inclusion of family lines of Biblical Characters shows that the Bible is more than a parable. by John Mannone

he Scriptures are replete with list after list of difficult to pronounce names. But what purpose do those “boring genealogies” have? Historical details provide authenticity of the Bible to the secular world when archeological discoveries are made, and they buttress our faith.

Inclusion of family lines of Biblical characters shows that the Bible is more than a parable but a complex story with historical

truth. Genealogies were important to the Israelites to prove their nationality (descendancy from Abraham with all the concomitant blessings) and tribal identity. But they also confirm prophecy, show God’s involvement and interest in the lives of ordinary people (who do extraordinary things), which affirms God’s character. Let’s focus on the genealogy of Christ. There are two (Matt. 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38), which confuse some folks. They are not in contradiction, but rather support one another. The tabular comparison will resolve some questions but might lead to new insight.

Matthew 1

Luke 3

Addresses the Jews

Addresses the Gentiles (Greek)

Genealogy of Joseph, husband of the Mary,

Genealogy of Heli, father of Mary,

mother of Jesus

father-in-law of Joseph

Traces forward from Abraham to Joseph,

Traces backward from Joseph,

son of Jacob (1st century)

son-in-law of Heli, to Adam and God

Establishes Jesus’ relation to the Jewish people

Establishes Jesus’ relation to all mankind

Proceeds from David through Solomon

Proceeds from David through Nathan

Proceeds through Jeconias (grand)son of Josias; Jeconias was

Proceeds through Levi (9 generations from Nathan) and

an evil king and his line was cursed (Jer 22:20-30)

Semei (Shimei) (17 generations from Levi), thus fulfilling the

Therefore, cannot be the Messiah’s line

Messianic prophecy (Zec 12:10-14)

Joseph’s genealogy establishes a legal line of descent of Jesus as

Therefore, must be Messiah’s line

provided through Mary’s father (see Hebrew Law below)

Provides the lineal descent (actual ancestry) of Jesus

According to Hebraic Law, the pedigree of Mary’s line (her father’s—Judah), would not automatically pass to her nor her offspring (Jesus). However, there was a divine precedent set by the case of the daughters of Zelophedad (see Num. 26:33; 27:12) where an inheritance could pass through the daughter if she had no brothers and would marry within the same tribe as her father’s (see Josh. 17:3-6). So it should be clear why both genealogies are needed: one to establish that Joseph is of the line of Judah, which must be the same as the father of Mary, and also to show the correct decendancy through the house of David. In contemporary practice, the “Jewishness” of the children is determined by maternal, rather than paternal connections. Though not of any traditional (Hebraic) consequence, it is enlightening to examine the genealogy of Mary! Mary and Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, were close blood relatives (see Luke 1:36; 1:58). If Mary’s mother and Elisabeth’s mother were either sisters or aunt/niece-related, then Mary and Elisabeth were either first cousins or also aunt/niecerelated. Elisabeth, who is married to Zacharias, a Levitical high priest, is a daughter of Aaron (see Luke 1:5; Exo. 4:14), is a Levite herself. Then, too, Elisabeth’s mother is a full-blooded Levite, as well as Mary's mother. Mary herself must be a Levite on the maternal side. So imagine that in Mary’s womb the confluence of two bloodlines in the Christ child: the tribe of Judah (the kingly line) and the tribe of Levi (the priestly line). This makes Christ a kingpriest. Isn’t it interesting that Melchizedek—the King-priest—is considered by many to be the preincarnate Christ.

30 // February 2017

John C. Mannone has over 500 pieces published, many with Christian subtext, in venues such as Inscape Literary Journal, Windhover, Southern Poetry Anthology (NC), Baltimore Review, Pedestal and in two literary collections, most recently Disabled Monsters (The Linnet’s Wings Press, 2015) on disability poetry. He’s poetry editor for Silver Blade and Abyss & Apex. He has been nominated three times for the Pushcart prize in poetry. Visit The Art of Poetry: www.jcmannone.wordpress.com

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GÃ²0dNews Christian Magazine

Gò0dNews for Couples

Beyond Love, Towards Cherish

God wants to raise the level of Christian marriages beyond merely sticking it out, sacrificing, or persevering.

by Julius McCarter

he Song of Songs has always been a significant part of our marriage. That’s because marriage becomes particularly Christian when we learn to cherish one another in marriage, much in the way these two lovers in the Song cherish one another. The verse that has stood out to me lately has been Song of Songs 6.9: “My dove, my perfect one, is the only one” (ESV). Kendra and I usually have very different work and therefore different sleep schedules. Yesterday, as I was writing, I heard Kendra begin to wake. My heart went out to her. I hadn’t seen her yet, but just knowing she was moving and awake flooded my soul with new affection. Since Kendra and I married, cherish has been the word I hang on to. I have sought and prayed for a cherishing heart toward my wife, and God has answered my prayer. Millions of couples have pledged on their wedding day, “To love and to cherish until death do us part,” but virtually every marriage book focuses almost exclusively on love. What does it mean to cherish? Why is it a part of the wedding vows? Does it even matter? I think it does.

32 // February 2017

This month, our culture celebrates love. I think Christians should celebrate cherish. Cherishing our spouses draws us closer together. It makes our relationships and thus our homes that much more pleasant. There’s a certain sense of delight when you truly cherish someone you live with and come home to every day. If you cherish your spouse, it’s a treat just to see him or her—or to hear that she is awake. Especially if you’re a believer, you can choose to grow and build a cherishing marriage. It’s what your spouse wants. It’s what you want. One way to distinguish cherish from love is to consider the ballet. A ballerina has to be strong, athletic, and have endurance. The moves are physically demanding. But that’s similar to an NFL linebacker, who must also be strong, athletic, and have endurance. What sets the ballerina apart is the grace, the beauty, the poetry. Love is the athletic strength of marriage—unquestionably the supporting spiritual mechanism of any union. Cherish is the grace, the poetry, and the beauty of enjoyment. It takes your marriage to another place and makes it not only beautiful to dance, but beautiful to watch. I believe God wants to raise the level of Christian marriages beyond merely sticking it out, sacrificing, or persevering. These are all important and wonderful things, but I believe God also wants to set in motion delighted relationships that speak of God’s passionate joy. The Father who cherished Jerusalem and the Son who cherishes the Church wants to teach us to cherish our spouse. While our culture wants to focus on love this February, I think it’s time for Christians to focus on that other word—cherish. In so doing, we learn to grow strong marriages as a testament to the love of Jesus for the Church. The Reverend Julius McCarter, Ph.D., is a minister and spiritual director who lives in Loudon, TN. He is the author of eleven books—most recently a theological commentary on the Book of Revelation. His ministry, Sunergoi Ministries, maintains a blog at www.the-little-friar.blogspot.com.

Gò0dNews for Seniors Gò0dNews for Seniors

Seventy Years Strong Staying involved with their church, their work in the community, and their family has kept this couple’s love strong! by Esmerelda Lee

enjoy an inspiring old love stories. Favorites like adhere to a strong work ethic. Mitchell attributes his An Affair to Remember, Love is a Many Splendid sons’ successes to their mother. He did say that he Thing, and others move me more than some and Betty believed in giving their children “some of the modern-day love stories on the Hallmark good lickings,” that helped too. Channel. There is something to be said about the In a world where so many people focus on their purity and innocence of the courtship and love own happiness and make life-altering decisions depicted through old movies. I am also honored to based on these motives, I asked Betty and Mitchell see these love stories played out in real life through if they were happy throughout the sixty-nine years older adults. Couples that fell in love and stayed of marriage. “We always worked it out, and if we in love through a world war, the Depression, life didn’t laugh at each other, we found someone or challenges, raising and burying loved ones are something to laugh about. You’ll have problems in by Esmerelda Lee couples that loved for life. marriage, but who doesn’t? You just have to talk it Betty and Mitchell Lyle are a local Cleveland out,” Mitch replied. wenty yearsthat ago on Valentine’s Day,grade I was at set up on to this piece of advice given by aWhen wise couple, couple met in the first I askedI looked if they ever fought, a blind date Memorial by a group of Lee University students, around the nondescript apartment, two recliners side by doesn’t Arnold School. For Mitchell it they looked puzzled. “Who loveand at first sight. Betty that fight? We News are both so different, and andwas Andrew I went on our firstbelieves date. These side, melted candy in a candy jar, Fox blaring on the grinning first-grader grew on her we like different things. When we past twenty years have gone by in a flash, and even though the television, but there they sat, holding hands. There over time. According to Mitchell, they fought, the one with the strongest some thought we would not make it, since he and I came was no romantic music playing; the room was absent of were “sweet” on each other but did not case won.” Mitchell also added, from two very different worlds, God was in it. When I look candlelight. I was reminded of when Michelle Amand get serious until after World War II. “We compromised, but Betty made at the marriages I see onenlisted a daily in basis, that have wrote, “Love is not a matterthe of counting the years, but I am still Mitchell the people Navy in 1943 most compromises. been married sixty, sixty-five andfor seventy our making the years count.” surprised that she chose me.”In andfor stayed out to sea mostyears, of that time. He remembers a year and half Betty’s much softer voice, she said, measly twenty years seem like such a short time. These 3. Choose kindness. Some people think it’s the going by before his feet even touched “If and there is something courageous and inspirational marriages don’t just pay lip grand gestures, beautiful trips lavish gifts that to fight about, dry land. But each week when mail there is something worth saving.” service to their marriage vows; they live it out daily. create romance. A beautiful lady in her nineties fondly was delivered to his aircraft carrier, On August 22, 2016, Betty and In my career as a long-term career administrator, I remembers the love of her life. “I can’t remember the Betty’s unrelenting letters and her faith Mitchell Lyle will celebrate their have watched these residents facing impending death, and streets of Florence, but I can remember John holding that he would return home kept their love strong. seventieth wedding anniversary. Today, these illnesses that almost seem worse than death, and still they my hand. He was the shoulder I could always on. I When Mitchell and Betty were finally reunited lifelong Cleveland residents livecry at Garden Plaza at find thingsafter to laugh moments to treasure, rememberCleveland the smell ofSenior his cologne as heTheir kissed me on his has little theabout, war, still theyfind dated for eight short months Living. apartment before married. After graduating awards theymost won serving in their vocations and still have eyesthey only were for each other. This is some of their college, walk out the door. But offrom all I remember how I felt Betty became a school teacher with Cleveland when City he held andme. in their photographs tried and true advice. I maycommunity, have felt like Iwar-torn lost the world, but Schools, and Mitchell went to work for the railroad. of family members, and beside each recliner is a 1. Always say “I love you”, even when I may not in his arms, I knew I could recover.” Later he became one of the members of our City tattered and worn Bible. like you. Every one of these poetic love stories have seen I listened in awe to story after story. There is a Council. They still laugh at each other and with each days or even months of turbulent arguments. Some recall tenderness that even when one’s memory fails. When asked what was the secret to loving other.triumphs There are also days where the laughter and moments when their caused them pain. “Heyears hurt me, and There is a beauty that shines through when one’s each other through sixty-nine of marriage, the talking are silent. Oneven those days, Fox News both stated, “Stayhim busy so you aretrue thelove onlyisvoices heard in theand apartment. I can’t saythey I liked it, or that I liked at the time.don’t But get into body fails.anchors Ultimately, found only in Jesus, trouble!” Betty and Mitchell were married at First Mitchell said it best, “What she forgets, I I have always and will always love him,” said one lady it is by loving Him and loving through Him that we will can Baptist for Church in years. 1946, Sam and Keen weresaid always involved in immortality. remember. When she laughs, I am happy, and even who was married fifty-six it best, find our their church, work, and family. They had two sons. though there were days she didn’t like me, she “we come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by Happy Valentine’s, Andrew Lee, I am praying for at Both Tony and David were strong boys, raised by always loved me.” learning toa see an imperfect person,working perfectly.” least twenty more … strong, no-nonsense mother. Betty was 2. Every day can’t soitlearn Esmerelda loving, but be sheextraordinary, always made cleartothat her sons EsmereldaLee Leeisiscampus campusmanager manager for Garden for Garden Plaza of an Plaza of Cleveland,Cleveland, an independent and assisted appreciatewould every moment of the ordinary. I listened love education like sheAs did, and they would

Love that Inspires

34 // February 2017 2016 34 // March

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The Power of a Four-Letter Word When we show love to others, we show them Jesus.

“L

by Angie Ray ove is patient, love is kind. It does not

Love is not just a verbal expression of

envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

endearment but an action word of how we treat

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-

each other. We never know what trial the persons

seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record

standing in line behind us may be going through.

of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices

What are the struggles they are facing with finances,

with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,

relationships, self-worth, health, or past abuse? Love

always hopes always perseveres. Love never fails” (1

transforms and saves lives. A person on the verge

Corin. 13:4-8 NIV).

of giving up can overcome obstacles when shown

We live in a

love. Love gives life,

society that focuses on

encouragement, and

self-centeredness and

assurance. Love wipes

doing what makes us

away tears and puts

feel good. Advertisers

smiles on faces.

play on this with

If we take the

commercials and print

focus off our own

ads driving us to want

lives and seek to

more and more and

“Love your neighbor

never be satisfied

as yourself” (see Matt.

with what we have.

22:39), we can become

By always focusing

a blessing wherever

on ourselves, we do

we go. The power of

not take the time to

God’s love through

look around and help

us is the answer to

others. By taking time

the problems in our

to look around you,

society today. As

it’s not hard to find

Christians, our goal

someone seeking love. The ultimate display of the power of love is

should be to show God’s love in all we do. God’s love in our heart gives us a heart for others. As we

shown when God sent His Son to die for us while

begin each day, seek how we can be a blessing to

we were still sinners. “For God so loved the world

others and put love in motion.

that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever

Love conquers all.

believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV). Unconditional love is the symbol of Christianity and Christian living entails walking in love.

36 // February 2017

Angie Ray has lived in North Georgia all of her life, attending Central Community Church in Chatsworth. She enjoys watching her daughter Emily Greeson cheer at Murray County High School and participating in outdoor activities with her husband Calvin Ray and daughter Alaina Ray. She has been in sales for more than twenty years in the banking and financial industry.

Gò0dNews for Everyone Becoming the Best Version of You Four things that will help 2017 be the best year for you. by Elizabeth Shreve

he new year is here. Resolutions are in place. I don’t intend to slow down, back up, or give up. My engines are revved up, and I am just waiting daily for a command from the heavenly Control Tower so I can roll out to the end of the runway and start a new adventure. I have decided that the following four things will help make 2017 the best year yet for me, because they will help awaken the best version of who I really am. I urge you to do the same thing.

1. Embrace New Things.

in life. To be successful, we must be oblivious to the risk. We have to jump even if we can’t see the landing. That’s why they call it “a leap of faith.” So let’s dare to echo Thomas Edison’s famous words, “Don’t call it failure; call it an education.”

3. Change Is Good.

To stay happy as you move forward in life, you have to be willing to embrace change. What got you where you are today isn’t going to get you where you want to go tomorrow. Don’t be afraid of change. You may lose something good but gain something better. The disciples resisted change when Jesus said, “Now I go away to Him who sent Me” (John 16:5 NKJV). But it was necessary for Jesus to leave that the Holy Spirit might come: shifting the plan from “God with us” to “God in us.” A much better situation! Sometimes changeBy canElizabeth be scary, but a life Shreve without change can be terrifying.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

We become our best “selfies” when we dare to experience something new. Try new foods. Go somewhere you’ve never gone. Read books outside your area of expertise. And don’t be afraid to risk leaving your comfort zone. Here’s some of my favorite quotes: • “Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone.” • “If you don’t get uncomfortable 4. Make a Vision Statement. all of this is for You. And still You want more from me?” getting out of your comfort zone, The big revelation is that Godshould doesn’t want myup who Your vision statement sum then you haven’t really left it.” works; He wants my love. Yes, He loves all I do for you are, what for, and where you Him. He loves thatyou I am stand commi�ed to the ministry, • “Unless you try to do commi� ed to my husband and kids, commi� ed to intend to go. This will be a powerful being a Christian. But what is it all worth unless I have something beyond tool, awakening focus, zeal, and a a close relationship with Him? what you have already When I first got saved, I spent time in the Word, definite plan to implement. usy, busy, busy . . . that is the word for time in prayer, and time just listening for His sweet mastered, then you will us all. When we finish one project, it is voice. He was my one focus. Everything revolved Create a short-term and on to the next and the next. Somehow never grow.” around Him. Now, it is all on an assembly line. Hurry, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can long-term vision. This God! You know I am so busy. • “A ship is safe in the grow cold and distant from God. Even if we are in STOP! Now is the timewill to just slow down! Some help you overcome ministry, still we can find ourselves overworked and things are good things, but not God-things. Recently, I harbor but that’s not overwhelmed. distractions. When read the scripture, “Unless the Lord builds the house, As I was praying about this year’s women’s what it’s built for.” they labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1 NKJV). I wondered how negative issues arise, ask yourself, “Is this conference, I kept hearing the Lord say, “Come away many “in vain” things I have done, trying so hard to • Do you feel your with Me. Come away with Me. I miss My time with you.” I make things work, when God was not really it. in my vision statement?” If not, youin simply began to look at how busy my life was: family, church, spiritual adrenaline At this point in my life, more than ever, I want friends, job, school, responsibilities. saythe“No” to the distraction and move on. In Lord to build “His house.” I am willing for Him My planner is color coded because I am somewhat pumping? to be my Supervisor. Whencommands, He speaks, I will“Write obey. Habakkuk 2:2 God the OCD about organization. It looks like a masterpiece When He says “Go,” I will go. My planner is changing from Picasso. In my examination of my planner, I saw vision and make it plain on tablets, that 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail. and I am happy. I have invited Him to be in control! very li�le free time. Should I give God a color for my longrun we have gonereads to church, we have not he too may who it”but(NKJV). So go Too many times in my life, I planner? I wonder what color it should be, red for the For functioned as the church (the called-out ones). If we are blood of Jesus? Where can I fit it in? Maybe I should ahead—start running! Others willfirun going to be that force that will change the world, rst haven't tried something because ofpencil in God between the school line and groceries. we need to respond to our primary calling, “Come away Wait, before church, I have a few minutes between with you. fear of failure. I’ve learned that failure with Me! Become My “Beloved!” (see Eph. 1:6).

Come Away With Me

sound check and Sunday school preparation. No, that

is just a roadmap showing what not togood. Then I hear those words again: “Come is not away do next time. From minor stumbles towith Me. I miss My time with you.” “But God I am doing things for You. All of this is for epic falls, all of us will falter at some You. time Mother, wife, school volunteer, Sunday school teacher-

38 // February 2017

September 2014

Elizabeth Shreve is the wife of Mike Elizabeth Shreve co-pastors The Shreve. She has a bachelors degree in Sanctuary in Cleveland, along with her theology from Beacon School and is husband, Mike Shreve and frequently an effective speaker and singer and has speaks at women's conferences. She is a been ministering primarily in various mother of two children and a lover of life. women's groups.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Actively Passive

We must continue to act on the last thing God told us to do and then wait patiently for His direction.

by Mead Vest

ounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it? It’s kind of like

decisions are made in the blink of an eye and life can take a new

jumbo shrimp or random order. How can one be active

direction quickly, to consider waiting days or even weeks for a

and passive at the same time? While I don’t come by

decision seems counter intuitive—like you will miss something

this way of thinking naturally, I am slowly learning the art. For someone who can’t wait to start the next undertaking, who

if you don’t act now. As an illustration, consider Google maps. You type in the

schedules her social times in conjunction with a joint project and

place you want to go and Google maps immediately figures out

hasn’t watched TV in twenty years without bringing a task to

where you are and how to get to the destination and even uses

the viewing, this has really been a challenge.

a voice to take you there. Think about a time you were headed

Active is defined as “engaging in physically energetic

on a long trip. The voice told you several turns to make and you

pursuits,” whereas passive is defined as “accepting or allowing

find yourself on the interstate. When you look at the screen, you

what happens.” The two just don’t seem to mix. I recently

see you have 384 miles until the next turn. Therefore, the talking

heard Brad Stanley (speaker and author) say, “God is actively

voice is silent for the next six or seven hours. So when you are

engaged in working on our behalf every minute of every day

in hour number five on your trip, there has been no voice for a

and anything less would mean passivity on his part.” That

while—nothing at all.

really struck me. We know that God is constantly at work in

This is the moment of crisis in your actively passive

our lives and in our world, but to realize that every moment of

paradigm. You haven’t been given any direction lately. Did

every day He is actively orchestrating events to move on my

you miss a turn? Maybe you should have done something

behalf or to guide me in a certain direction is overwhelming

differently? Perhaps you should take the next turn that presents

at best. However, the only other option is passivity, and to

itself. This is your moment of decision. Will you keep doing

subscribe to that means God is not God.

the last thing you were told and wait for the next direction, or

So knowing God’s character, how does that apply to us?

will you move forward on what you think you should do next?

While we are made in His likeness and are called to be actively

Being actively passive says that you will continue to act on what

involved in a church body, actively involved in disciple making,

God last told you to do and what you know to do, and then

and so forth, we are also repeatedly told to wait on the Lord

wait patiently for His next direction.

and to wait to hear His voice. That is where the idea of actively passive comes in. Actively engage in the things you know you are called to do and then waiting for the next bit of direction. In a world where information changes moment by moment, this active passivity can be incredibly difficult. When

40 // February 2017

Mead Vest is married with seven children. She is passionate about classical education and serves on the school board of Candies Creek Academy associated with Candies Creek Baptist Church. She has homeschooled for over twenty years and is in leadership with a nonprofit that promotes competitive speech and debate for high school students. She is an avid organizer and an essential oils enthusiast.

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by Brooke Hale

After you have browned the beef, add in the Gò0dNews for your Tastepeppers, Buds onion, cooking stock, garlic powder,

Serves: An army or eight generous portions 45 minutes

2 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon, pepper, 1 ¼ c. uncooked brown rice allspice, and thyme and let it simmer on medium1 lb. lean ground beef low, partially covered for 25 minutes. 4 green bell peppers—diced 1 inch pieces by Brooke Hale Add rice and the remaining ingredients. After 1 large yellow onion—diced ½ inch pieces everything inherited my love of cooking from my dad, and he Serves: About 6 is mixed in and has heated through, tas 4 c. cooking stock—beef from his mom—my grandma. It has always been Prep time: 10 need minutesa little more of something, feel free t it! If you 1 tbsp. garlic powder something we have shared and bonded over. We con- Bake time: hr. 15 min. add it! I1 added an extra tablespoon of Better Than 2-3 tbsp. Better Than Bouillon—roasted beef base stantly send recipes back and forth we have tried, and Bouillon because I personally like it salty! Ingredients 1 tsp.we black sharepepper our secrets of how we made it better. We can Let cool and serve! thicken upon standing • 1 bottle of Russian DressingWill (I found the wishbone ¼ tsp.never ground leaveallspice a recipe as is! We love to tease each other as brand Publix) Enjoy upatto three days in the refrigerator or freeze whosethyme version of the recipe would be better. ¼ tsp.todried • 1up jar of preserves for toapricot two months! My dad recently sent me this recipe and told me 3 c. V8 spicy hot • 1 packet of onion soup mix Tips: I should make it. I’m normally a pretty good judge of 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce • 3-4 lbs. of chicken The V8 spicy hot is NOT very spicy. But if blac what something will taste like based on the ingredi1- 6 oz. can tomato paste • 1 green pepper ent list, but when he said “apricot preserves,” it totally pepper makes your eyes water, get the regular V8 • ½ large red onion 2 tbsp. light brown sugar weirded me out. A half hour later, he asked if I had vegetable juice! Preheat oven to 350°. Combine sauce ingredients it yet. your Of course I hadn’t! again toldyour me how Startmade cooking rice. AfterHe you start If you would like spicier, add in cayenne and set aside (he also said youitcan add a cup of real good and addicting it was and that I needed to make it. rice, start browning your ground beef in a soup mayonnaise if you’d like, but didn’t think it needed pepper at the end, notwethe beginning. The longer He described it as, “the best sweet and sour chicken.” pot. While all that is cooking, dice your green bell it).you Slicecook raw chicken very pepper, thin. Slice green pepper and cayenne the spicier it gets, makin The next evening after work I went to the store, unsure peppers and onion. red also sliced how mine pretty it onion. hard Ito judge muchthin. to Combine add. sauce of what to make for dinner. Then I remembered the

Russian Chicken

recipe he gave me and I decided to make it. It was only a few ingredients and so easy; how could I not make it? Well let me tell you, it was a hit! I should have known that I can always trust recipes from my dad—just don’t

mixture and remaining ingredients. Pour in a 9 x 13

glass baking dish and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, covered. Take out of oven and stir. Let cool and serve over rice or mashed potatoes!

tell him I said that!

42 // October 2016 2017 42 // February

Brooke manager BrookeHale Haleisisthe theoperations Operations Manager at GoodN atChristian GoodNews ChristianShe Magazine. She isto Kraig Hale Magazine. is married married to Kraig Hale and together they together they have two dogs, Mia and Millie, and a have two dogs, Mia and Millie, and a cat Mario.Brooke Brookeloves loveswatching watching movies, cooking, an Mario. movies, reading and in her sparein time. cooking, reading her spare time.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

Minutes Matter

Knowing the signs of heart disease can save a life. by Jonathan Moore

hen a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. In fact, the first few minutes are critical in determining the short-term and long-term outcome for the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the people who die from heart attacks, about half will die within an hour of their first symptoms. At Starr Regional Medical Center, we want to make sure everyone in our community knows what signs to look for and understands what to do if you or someone you know experiences a serious heart problem. Quickly taking action will help ensure that the victim gets proper medical treatment before it’s too late. Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States, but what causes it? And who is most at risk? First, heart disease refers to problems inhibiting the heart’s ability to properly function and circulate blood through the body. Many of these problems are related to atherosclerosis—the process of a substance called plaque building up in the walls of the arteries. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. This increases the risk of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and potentially cause a heart attack, stroke, or even cardiac arrest. When it comes to identifying the risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association identifies six major factors: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, overweight, and physical inactivity. Knowing and avoiding these top risk factors for heart disease is vital to prevention. Heart attacks, stroke, and cardiac arrest are all lifethreatening, and every second is critical in regard to response time and treatment. If you or someone around you is experiencing any of the following symptoms identified by the American Heart Association, call 911 immediately to receive help and treatment as quickly as possible.

44 // February 2017

Symptoms of a Heart Attack Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Symptoms of a Stroke Face drooping. If you notice one side of your or someone else’s face drooping, or if it is numb, this is a telltale sign of a stroke. If you are uncertain, ask the person to smile. Arm weakness. Many stroke victims experience weakness or numbness in one arm. Speech difficulty. Speech may be slurred, prohibited, or difficult to understand. If someone you are with is experiencing this, ask him or her to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." If he or she cannot, call 911 immediately. Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest Sudden loss of responsiveness. If the person does not respond when tapped on the shoulder, he or she is likely experiencing cardiac arrest. Abnormal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds. Talk to your physician to learn more about symptoms and steps you can take today to improve your heart health. If you are in need of a primary care physician, you can search our online Physician Finder at www.StarrRegional.com. Jonathan Moore, RN, Certified Cardiovascular Care Coordinator

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Gò0dNewsfor forEveryone Daily Living Gò0dNews

Love Part 3—Marriage Understanding how to show and respond to love

by Alice Marie Abbott

n parts 1 and 2 of love, we learned what love is willingly. Therefore, verse 21 teaches that the and how we are to love God and love others. I husband and the wife should both be surrendering would like to continue our study in part one of and yielding to one another. This will make for a marital love. To get a better understanding of beautiful relationship. marital love, we need to look at the ways men and Verse 25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, women display and show love differently. just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself To a man, love is being honored and respected for her” (KJV). Christ loves us with a sacrificial Love is the antidote against fear. by his wife. When he receives this type of love, it is love, and this is how the husband should love his by Alice easy for him to love his wife the way she needs to beAbbott wife. He should love her in such a way that he loved. the wifeweapons of the Enemy surrenders own will and ear However, is one of theifprimary Another great combatant against fearhis is Philippians is constantly nagging, belittling, desires to serve and meet to use against the children of God. It is a powerful 4:8. I call this my what-so-ever-things are positive verse andweapon criticizing her husband, he her needs. And according to that immobilizes the believer. But there are because all that we are advised to think of in this verse is going to withdraw and verse 22, the wife is weapons of warfare that the Christian possesses to stand is positive, uplifting, and encouraging. When we focus not be able to show her to do the same. Submission and defeat the attacks against our minds that the Enemy our mind on these things there is no room for fear or any the love she desires is not about authority one launches at us. other negative thought to creep in. This is yet another great or needs. over the other, but it is Fear is like a poisonous dart wielded against our mind weapon to keep your mind under protection and guard To a woman, love about loving and serving to paralyze the believer. When we put on the helmet of it from the Enemy. A person cannot entertain negative means something entirely one another in sacrificial love. salvation in Ephesians 6:17, we have protection through thoughts and thoughts about the things of the Lord Jesus different. Women like to be The only authority that thenurtured shed bloodand of Jesus Christ. One of the key components Christ at the same time. When we ourthe focusmarriage on the cared for. They should place be in of respond salvationto is how love. they It is the antidote so to speak, against things listed in this verse, we are focusing on the very are treated. They relationship is that of Jesus Christ. fear. First John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casteth out fear” nature of God. If the list here in versedoes 8 arenot all attributes of a like to be spoken to kindly, shown True submission mean that (ASV). lovehas was an exemplified God, then we know fear an attribute of Satan. that That her perfect husband interestthrough in the God’s woman is aisdoormat, and a manWhat is to islord plan of salvation. ThatShe is why in Ephesians 6:17 we are not of God is of Enemy. things she likes. likes to be appreciated over histhe wife. It isn’t about telling each other told to “ . . . take the helmet of salvation . . .” The gift of Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath of notsubmission given us and taken care of by a godly man, knowing at the what to do. A right understanding salvation ultimate of perfect love. Howhome fitting to a spirit fear; butboth of power, and of love, and and of a sound end ofwas the the work day act that he is coming willofliberate husband and wife, it all starts that would have fallen under the piece of armor that mind” (KJ21). We caneach therefore putwith our faith andhonor, trust in and beitwith with treating other love, her—not out with his buddies or the recliner respect. Submission never means inferiority, protected the mind, when that is the very place that fear Jesus Christ knowing that fear does not have to be a part but watching TV.damage. So when we put 1 John 4:18 with of the it Christian’s will liberate godly manevery and weapon womaninlike does its greatest life. a God has given His no If you closegreater enough, you will against see how Word other principle. Ephesians 6:17,look you have power to stand to fight against the Enemy’s weapon of fear. The honor and respect and nurture and caring actually Men, you want to be seen as a great man, Satan’s attacks of fear against your mind. Word of God isiffar more powerful than anything Satan canlove work to casts formout a strong marriage that woman of yours God’sfoe, Word. Trusttogether in God also fear. Inloving Psalm 56:3, King try to unleash against you oraccording me. He is a to defeated and relationship. Ephesians 5:21-32 gives a good Women, if you want to be seen as a godly David even battled fear. He said, “When I am afraid, I will in the end he does not win. That only leaves you andwoman me foundation on how toWord have Iapraise, strong and a in crowning glory to your husband, love that trust in You. In God, whose in and God Ihealthy trust; victorious Christ Jesus. marriage. For this study, will focus on verses 22 and man of yours according to God’s Only then I will not be afraid” (NKJV). God’s perfect love, together God bless you as you continue day byWord. day placing 25. A lot of times Christians put more focus on verse will we see marriages and homes the way God with our trust, creates a powerful weapon against fear. your cares and fears in the hands of Christ Jesus our Lord. 22, which says, “Wives submit to your husbands as intended for them to be—a bit of heaven on earth. God is far more powerful than our adversary, and God has to the Lord,” and forget about verse 21: “Submit to promised in His Word to protect us from harm. Nothing one another out of reverence for Christ” (NIV). can penetrate the protective hedge that God sets up around AliceAlice Abbott is a licensed ordained minister withwith Abbott is a licensed ordained minister Let’s look at what the word submit really an honorary doctorate of divinity degree through an honorary doctorate of divinity degree through us except by His permissive will. This is why we can trust means. Submit means to surrender, or yield World Christianship Ministries. AlsoAlso a certified World Christianship Ministries. a certified

Fear

in God without fear.

46 // February 2017 30 // March 2016

crisiscrisis pregnancy counselor through the the AACC. pregnancy counselor through AACC. She is anisofficce manager for for At Home Health She an office manager At Home Health Care Careand andattends attendschurch churchatatThe TheSanctuary. Sanctuary.

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Where: Please send submissions to brooke.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to

just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

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48 // February 2017

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Expressions of Love

A variety of love expressions must be utilized for a relationship to be balanced.

by Carl W. Corser

otes of love and expression have been penned for various reasons in many creative ways throughout history. Their content was intended to relay thoughts about feelings, affections, awe, and grandeur. Some notes exemplify length and depth of thought while others show spur-of-the-moment expressions. Some are full of vivid expressive content while others demonstrate a softly touched spirit in expression. Some are written, filled with boisterous emotion from the depths of the heart, while others are written showing shallow fluffy feelings. Probably, love notes are the most diversely used form of communication as each note has a unique personality represented by each individual author. Love is so beautiful because it can be displayed in so many colors of expression. Oh my, if every author could be a mouse in the corner of the room or in a log near a rambling brook, or any location in view of the facial expression to whom the love note was written, what remarkable relationships we would have in our society. A love relationship cannot develop properly without good, wholesome communication. If love could only be expressed in one fashion, how uneventful life would be to live. Love notes alone are not an adequate method of expression of our love. God gave us more tools to work with than fingers moving the pen or pencil penning words on paper or an object expressing our feelings. Emotions can be stirred with a passionate touch or a wink of the eye. An act of kindness of a gift given showing our love is also an important method of expressing love. Just as science experiments lead to success and inventions, so why not experiment with creative methods of expressing your love that will lead to successes in your relationships? Each love relationship includes two unique individuals encountering each other. There isn't

50 // February 2017

another relationship like it on this earth. Be encouraged to experiment by including creativity in expressing your love in your relationship. There are many testimonies of beautiful and successful love relationships that are filled with successful surprises as a result of creative experiments. It is important to note that not all creative experiments will accomplish everything our heart desires, but all of the wonderful memories of successful experiments will last a lifetime. How about blessing the one you love tremendously by stepping out of your normal comfort zone and express your love to him or her in a new creative method. The reward just might light up the life of your relationship or become a display of gorgeous rays of sunshine lighting up your life. Failure to express your love one to another creatively results in dull and undesirable relationships. It's God's desire for us to be involved in a relationship full of vibrancy, joy, and peace. The test and trying of our relationship will certainly come, but God promises that joy will return in the morning. Expressions of love are spoken, written, felt, seen, and received in so many ways. It's amazing that our Creator fashioned us to always need everyone of them. Be encouraged to spice up the expressions of your love in your relationship. Your spouse surely will surprise you in return. Creative expressions of love will last a long time in the memory bank of your wife or husband. Blessings as you endeavor to be more creative in expressing your love toward one another this year as Valentine’s Day approaches. Just think when you read this, you will have approximately two weeks to prepare creatively for your spouse’s surprise. Carl Corser is an Ordained bishop, vice president of the Gideons Cleveland North Camp, Peach State board of directors and Chaplin, owner of Corser Enterprises Roll-Off and A+ Sheet Metal.

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Listening Is Fight a Learned Let God for YouTrait

A T

“The Lord your God which before you, Jr. he shall fight for you . . .” by goeth Kelly McDonald —Deuteronomy 1:30 KJV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be Kelly Jr. angry because human quick to listen, slow toby speak andMcDonald, slow to become

anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. s humans, there are many things that we—James cannot 1:19-20 Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with NIV control, especially how others act. When these

here is a difference uncontrollable events between happen, wehearing often tryand listening. Hearing is just allowing words to fight these battles in our own minds. This becomes to go through your ears. Listening is an very frustrating time consuming. We often feel the active processand where you are considering words being and taking them to heart. overwhelmed in spoken these situations. It seems difficult to Your response should be geared toward the handle everything at one time. message that another person is conveying to While we cannot control these situations, we can you. A conversation is defined as a message control our response. God is greater than any obstacle or received. That message is processed, and an situation we encounter. It’s easy to focus on situation appropriate response is issued. In our a world of texting, emails, and cell phones, we want or tell God how big our situation is. However, we can instant gratification. We want to say what we always tell our situation the size of our God! want our way, but this is not God’s way. God Let’sus take story fromlisteners. the Old Testament to help wants toabe good He wants us us understand power and of letting God fight our battles. to listen totheothers to Him. Everyone has something to contribute in a conversation. In 1 Samuel 7, the prophet Samuel Ecclesiastes 3:7 tells us thatwas there is “A time addressing the to be silent and a time to speak” (NIV). people of Israel and In the process of listening, we must guard imploring them to ourselves against anger. James mentions this in the verses above. Often we turn back to God. In the middle of hear about things in the world or in church, and we his prayers, the get angry. This anger brings Philistines us to the brink of actions began to that are contrary to God’s attack. The purpose in the world. In our premature Bible tells anger, we can say or us, “The do things that we later Philistines regret. We should be drew near quick to listen to the to engage entire matter that is

loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into

presented bythey other so, such a panic that werepeople. routed. . . Even . ” (v.10more NIV). We

we should be quick to listen to the voice and discernment of God so that we can properly their enemies. they had once to do was call respond. A All wise man said, “Ifupon youHim. are always talking, then you will onlyofrepeat what However, in 1 Samuel 8, the people Israel asked you already know. But if you listen, you will for a king to lead them like all the other nations. The have everything you currently know and learn people cried out, “We want a king over us. Then we will what someone else knows at the same time.” be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to One time in particular when we want go before us words and fightisour battles” to out guard our when we (vv. are 19-20 in theNIV). Instead of letting GodSolomon fight for them, which brought presence of God. wrote, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go stunning victory and much less effort, they wanted to neartoto listen to rather than to offer the became sacrifice look a person fight for them. Saul then of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. their first king. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be From point forward, the Israelites had to show hasty inthis your heart to utter anything before God. is own in heaven on earth, up and God do their fighting and underyou Saul.are Sometimes, so let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:1-2 NIV). Saul led them to victory (such as in 1 Samuel 10). At Sometimes we are so busy talking that we miss other times, Saul was defeated (such as 1 Samuel 31). In God’s voice. We can miss His written Word the Saul was submitted to the Lord. As time as beginning, well. passed, he wasn’t. lives and said, resources were In Job Many 34:3-4, Elihu “For thelost earin the battles led by Saul. tests words as the tongue tastes food. We canLet seeus a stark difference between the two is discern for ourselves what right; letOn usone learn together what is types of approaches. hand, the Israelites could good” (NIV). Let’s listen, taste have had God as their King and look solely to Him the words given, and give a proper for protection. Instead, they looked to a man to be response from God. Let’s listen to their king. They wanted him can to belisten their provider others, so we to Godand and protector. be used of God. can see that the Lord defended them and fought against

Today, we have to ask ourselves: Will we let God fight our battles for us, or will we try to fight them ourselves? When we allow God to fight for us, it saves us time, effort, and resources. It just requires that we turn to Him in prayer and put it in His hands.

52 2017 50 // // February March 2016

Kelly KellyMcDonald, McDonald,Jr. Jr.isisan anordained ordained evangelist evangelistwith withHungry HungryHearts Hearts Ministries. Ministries.He Hehas haswritten written15 15books books and andbooklets bookletson onChristian ChristianLiving. Living. www.hungryheartsministry.com www.hungryheartsministry.com

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Your Choice

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” —1 Peter 2:9 NIV

by Dr. William Lamb

knees outward, which required that I assume the Forest

personal choice is an aisle seat anywhere in front of the

inopportune times. Perhaps in 2016 you have accounts

wing. But on this recent flight, my personal choice was

of great memories and success intertwined by moments

traded for a middle seat in order to catch an early

of pain and circumstances beyond your control. Perhaps

You pick . . . front or back . . . but not the middle! hat is exactly what I wanted to say to the

Gump pose hand on knees facing forward. For nearly

bully sitting beside me on a recent flight from

two hours, I second guessed my decision to take the early

Washington, D. C. to Atlanta, Georgia. I have

flight as my frustration with the inconsiderate person

flown enough in my life that I know the best seats on the plane. I also know the worst seats on the plane. My

flight. The middle seat feels like a sardine between two saltine crackers—trapped and not happy about it! I bet you can smell them now. Sitting on my right was a kind and

beside me intensified. Life has a way of crowding in on you and me at

you felt trapped between good and evil, OK—maybe Mr. Aggressive traveler wasn’t evil, but he was not covered in kindness either. Or perhaps you are just glad to be on the plane . . . be it a first class seat or row 32B. Whatever you faced yesterday, last

gentle grandmother-type, and on my left

week, last month, or last year is passed. Today

was a vacant seat. As I was getting settled

is a brand new day. The year 2017 is fresh

into my middle seat, a hurried traveler rapidly made his way down the aisle with Yeti cup in hand, sling bag over his shoulder, and

and filled with potential. In fact, life may be crowded and it still may stink a little,

double layered because of the brisk

but you are here. So when

air outside . . . yeah, you’ve seen

life cramps your style, or the

the type. I was hoping he would

actions of others makes you

continue down the aisle. But not

weary, remember you are here:

today! He stopped at row 32

• To be a light in darknes

and pointed to the window

• To be full of joy

seat beside me voicing no words—just gestures. The

• To reflect Jesus to the worl • To show the love of God to all.

kind lady beside me stepped into the aisle, and I did the same. Into the row the traveler stepped, tossing his bag under the seat in front of him and immediately putting his elbows on each armrest—as if he owned the plane. Even worse, he spread his

54 // February 2017

Dr. William Lamb is a member of the administrative staff at Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) where he leads a “service-learning” program for college students. He is founder and host of Servecast, a bi-weekly podcast available on iTunes. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. William and his wife Angela, along with their children Tyler and Megan, Nick, and Ben, reside in Cleveland, TN.

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