June 2016

June 2016

Complimentary

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

Cleveland

• Discovering Your Spiritual Identity p. 6 • Braver. Stronger. Smarter. p. 22 • Thank You, Lord p. 54

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain...

Revelation 21:4

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Writers

Alice Marie Abbott Andrew Lee Angie Parris Darlene Lofty Delaney Walker Emily Dawe Esmerelda Lee Dr. Jay Marcum James Hawkins John Garrod John Mannone Julius McCarter Kelly McDonald Jr. Kristy Adams Mark Aitkenhead Mike Shreve Mindy White Rhiannon Skeen Samuel Burger Teresa Mustar Terrie Ruff William Lamb

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Brooke Hale 423-432-6401 brooke.goodnews@gmail.com

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Caleb Prytherch Matt Green

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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have 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!

Business Index AAA Heating & Air………………….…..7 Abundant Living’s Fruition……...……25 Award Realty……………………….….15 Bender Realty....................................33 Best Buy Metals………………………..2 Burris Construction……………....…...31 Candies Creek...................................19 Candies Creek………………………...23 Center for Cosmetic Dentistry............45 The Chiropractic Center…………..….11 Cleveland Hearing Aid Center…........11 Cleveland Plywood…………….......…45 Divine Design…………………............39 Dos Bros Burritos……………….........27 East Side Church of Christ................39 Edward Jones………………..........….11 Faithful Friends…………………....….41 Garden Plaza…………………............35 Helping Hands………………..............47 Honda of Chattanooga………………...7 Hospice of Chattanooga....................51 Jenkins………………………...........…37 Kingdom Ink.......................................47

Life Care of Athens…………......…….23 Life Care of Cleveland………...……..35 McIntire & Associates…………....…..56 McPherson Builders…………...……..53 New Attitude…………………..……….37 New Life Bible School………....……..13 OK Maguey……………………..……..27 Ooltewah United Methodist...............49 Owens Construction………….......….49 Pathway Press……………………...…23 Pediatric Dentistry…...........………....37 Perkit’s...............................................27 Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.............3 Red Balloon Co.................................49 Shelter Insurance…………............…...7 Simply Chic Boutique……………...…15 Singing Echos....................................55 Smoothie King……………..........……45 Starr Regional……………...........……43 Surf’s Up Car Wash.............................9 United Christian Academy……..........21 Wesley Memorial...............................19 YMCA…………...............…........……27

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 14

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Discovering Your Spiritual Identity

by Mike Shreve GoodNews for Kids

8

Here I Am

by Mindy White

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Which Kind of Surprise Do You Want?

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 Interpreting Your Life

by Samuel Burger

GoodNews for Women

14 Be Not Depressed!

by Terrie Ruff

GoodNews for Parents

20 Terms of Endearment

by Mark Aitkenhead

GoodNews for Life

22 Braver. Stronger. Smarter.

by Delaney Walker

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 Some People Make Running Look Easy

by John Garrod

28

GoodNews for Teens

26 Teens Doing Good

by Kristy Adams

GoodNews Cover Story

28 Surf’s Up Carwash

by Emily Dawe

GoodNews for Daily Living

30 How to Be A True Friend Pro. 18:24b

by Alice Marie Abbott

GoodNews for Couples

32 Are You A.L.L. In With Communication?

by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Seniors

34 Caregivers

by Esmerelda Lee

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Leaving the Treasures of Egypt

by Kelly McDonald Jr.

GoodNews for Everyone

38 EXPECTATION or LIMITATION

by James Hawkins

54

GoodNews for Everyone

40 “Striving Is a Sin”

by Teresa Mustar

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

42 Driving: The Every Day

Health Risk No One Talks About

by Dr. Jay Marcum

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

44 Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

by Angie Parris

GoodNews for Everyone

46 We Are His Workmanship, His Poetry

by John Mannone GoodNews for Everyone

50 What is Christian Success?

by Julius McCarter GoodNews for Grandparents

52 Long Distance

Grandparenting

by Darlene Lofty

GoodNews for Everyone

54 Thank You, Lord

by William Lamb

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Discovering Your Spiritual Identity by: Mike Shreve

V

God has given us many names and it is time for us to walk in them.

ery early in life, a baby learns to recognize the sound of his or her name. This awakens within that child a sense of security, identity, and belonging—naturally speaking.

A similar kind of awakening should happen on a spiritual level too. Early in our walk with God, we who are “born again” should learn the wondrous revelation of the many names and titles our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us (John 3:3).

This should awaken within us an even greater sense of security, identity, and belonging—supernaturally.

When God created the universe, its immensity and complexity did not prevent Him from being personally involved in the individual parts. For instance, Psalm 147:4 reveals that: He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.

Ponder the profoundness of that statement for a moment.

If each one of the billions of stars that fill the cosmos—though inanimate and separate from the Creator—is individually named by the Star-maker; should not we who are alive and indwelt by the Spirit of God expect the same treatment? If God names them, He will surely name us.

Stars cannot respond to the Most High in reciprocated love. Stars cannot radiate the beauty of His character. Stars cannot respond with worship to the God who placed them in the heavenly dome, nor fill the universe with His praise. Yet He gives them all names. If burning spheres of gaseous vapors are that significant to Him, how much more those who love Him deeply in return, who bear His image, who declare His majesty with uplifted voices. Maybe for each star, one name is sufficient.

But for sons and daughters of God, hundreds are necessary— that He might fully describe who we are and how we fit into His remarkable plan that spans the ages.

A Primary Vein of Gold Many years ago, when God first moved on my heart to research this biblical concept, I could find no reference books on the subject—so I just scoured the Word of God for years looking for various ways God has identified His people.

Upon discovering over 1,000 names and titles, I realized I had discovered a mother lode, a primary vein of gold in God’s Word. Each individual title belonging to us was like another gleaming nugget, peeking through the soil, reflecting the light of our true spiritual identity. Consider just a few—how amazing it is that God has named you: • The Apple of His Eye—Deuteronomy 32:10 • Ambassadors for Christ—2 Corinthians 5:20 • His Anointed—Psalms 28:8

6 // June 2016

• The Bride—Revelation 21:9 • The Called of Jesus Christ—Romans 1:6 • The Church—Acts 2:47 • Children of the Resurrection—Luke 20:36 • Disciples—Matthew 5:1 • The Elect—Colossians 3:12 • Heirs of God—Romans 8:16-17 • The Light of the World—Matthew 5:14 • More Than Conquerors—Romans 8:37 • The Redeemed—Psalms 107:2 • A Royal Priesthood—1 Peter 2:9 • The Salt of the Earth—Matthew 5:13 • True Worshipers—John 4:23 • Vessels of Mercy—Romans 9:22-23 And the list goes on and on.

Of course, it’s far more powerful when we go beyond just “knowing” our God-given names and titles and actually start “manifesting” what they reveal—walking out in our day-to-day lives the reality of who we are in Christ and what we are called to be, both in this world and the world to come.

Mike Shreve has been teaching God’s Word since 1971. He has authored fourteen books, including a series on the names and titles of God called “Our Glorious Inheritance.” In July, a new book on this subject will be released titled “WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in Christ.” He and his wife, Elizabeth, pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Here I am Mindy White

“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am’” Isaiah 58:9.

D

id you ever play hide and seek and you hid so well that nobody could find you? No matter how well they searched they had to yell “come out, come out, wherever you are!”

In Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve were hiding from God. They had disobeyed Him by eating the fruit from the tree that He had told them not to touch. God called out to Adam and Eve asking them “where are you?” They were hiding because they were afraid of Him. They knew that they had done something they were not supposed to do.

There is no mistake we can make, no sin that we can do, that will keep God from wanting to spend time with us. He is calling out to you, are you hiding from Him? He is going to keep calling your name until you answer Him. Unlike the game, Hide and Seek, when people get tired of looking for you and give up, God will never give up. He actually knows where you are the whole time whether you think He does or not. You can’t really hide from Him, He always sees you.

God wants us to obey Him and do what He asks us to do. But guess what? Even when we disobey Him and sin, He still loves us and will forgive

8 // June 2016

us. We just have to ask Him to forgive us of our sins. He will forgive us every single time we ask Him. There was a boy named Samuel that grew up in the tabernacle, ministering to the Lord. If you do not know Samuel’s story yet, you can read about him in the Bible. His story is pretty easy to find; he has two books named after him.

God started calling out to Samuel when he was a child. Samuel didn’t recognize that God was the one calling out his name. In fact, he first thought it was the priest Eli that kept calling him. Every time Samuel heard his name being called, he answered “Here I am!”

This is the answer that God wants to hear from us too. Samuel wasn’t the only one in the Bible to answer God with the words “Here I am.” Do you recognize any of these names?

Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, and Ananias?

All of these people answered God the same way Samuel did. When God called their names they all answered the same way and said “Here I am.”

So when God calls out “where are you?”

The answer he wants from you is “here I am!”

Don’t ever be afraid to answer your Heavenly Father and say “here I am!” He loves you very much.

Here is the best part of this whole story, when you need God guess what His answer is?

You got it, “Here I am!” It’s in the Bible! “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am” Isaiah 58:9.

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

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

“Which Kind of Surprise Do You Want?”

S

ome of the most memorable experiences I’ve enjoyed during my life have been timely and astonishing surprises, and I’d like to briefly share three of these memories before making the connection to financial matters. The first memory occurred when I was in the ninth grade at Cleveland High School, and our class traveled to Athens, Tennessee to hear an address by President Ronald Reagan. I was disappointed to find myself several blocks away from the podium, barely able to see or hear anything. Later, as I trudged back to the school bus to return to Cleveland, President Reagan’s limousine pulled up directly in front of me at an intersection. I was literally just a few inches from his window as he smiled through the glass at me and waved. I waved back and watched in stunned silence as the car pulled away. The second memory occurred a few years later. I was at the Hardee’s restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland when I noticed a limousine pull into the parking lot, and two of the stars of the hit TV show “M.A.S.H.” climbed out and came into the restaurant. It was Jamie Farr (Corporal Max Klinger) and Larry Linville (Major Frank Burns). As it happens, they were on a promotional tour sponsored

by Hardee’s restaurants and were making their stop in Cleveland. I had no camera nor notepad for autographs, but I did get the chance to shake their hands and tell them

10 // June 2016

By: Andrew Lee how much I loved their show. The final memory occurred a few years after that, when I was studying in Cambridge, England on a travel abroad program during my senior year of college at Lee University. It was a beautiful Sunday in April, and I had caught a train into London to take some final photos of Westminster Abbey before returning to America the following week. Just as I began taking photos outside the Abbey, a caravan of cars pulled up to the curb, and Queen Elizabeth II emerged from one of the cars in a bright red suit and hat. It suddenly occurred to me that it was Easter Sunday, and the Queen had arrived for church. Thankfully, this time I did have my camera with me to preserve the memory for posterity.

Here’s my point: all of these incidents could best be described as fortuitous or serendipitous. In other words, they just happened by chance, and I had no opportunity to plan or to prepare for them. This is not how we should approach our finances. Saving and investing won’t just magically happen on their own; these are deliberate, conscious decisions that must be planned and then executed on a regular basis. But instead, countless people meander through life somehow expecting to be able to retire one day without making adequate preparation for retirement.

In this case, the “surprise,” when it arrives, is a bad surprise rather than a good one. A bad surprise is also

known as a crisis or a catastrophe.

What’s the best way to avoid this scenario? Start putting away money now, every month, without fail. I suggest setting up an automatic debit (deduction) from your paycheck every month before the money even reaches your checking account.

You could start by funding your “emergency fund” which would be a special savings account with 3-6 months of your living expenses socked away and not to be touched except in the case of a genuine emergency. For this, I would suggest using an entirely separate account, maybe even at a different bank or credit union from the institution that holds your checking account. This may make you less likely to dip into the emergency fund for nonemergency temptations (like a new sofa or a Caribbean vacation). Once the emergency fund is completed, continue using the automatic payroll deduction to contribute 10-15% of your monthly gross pay into a retirement account either through your employer’s 401(k) plan or with your own Roth IRA account. Doing so will ensure that the only “surprise” you’ll have at retirement is being amazed at how large your financial nest egg has grown! Proverbs 10:4—“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

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

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Gò0dNews for Men

Interpreting Your Life by: Samuel Burger

I

It’s not what happens to us that changes us; rather, it is how we interpret it.

deliver God’s word every week, and it’s important for me to interpret the word of God through the proper context. From an objective standpoint, there has to be one interpretation God wants to deliver through a particular passage of Scripture. It’s my responsibility every week to rely upon the Holy Spirit to rightly divide the word of truth. If I have the wrong interpretation, then my attitude and application to life will be skewed.

However, the Bible isn’t the only book that needs proper interpretation. Our life needs proper interpretation. Your interpretation of life will either give you hope or despair. Everything that happens to us needs to be viewed in light of what God says.

Remember, it’s not what happens to us that affects us; it’s how we interpret what happens to us. Are you ready for a life change?

• Interpret your failures, mistakes, and sins through the eternal plan of God. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [has a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Philippians 1:6 says, “I am

12 // June 2016

convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” God has a plan and a purpose for your life, but your interpretation of your life must agree with these verses. We have all failed but we must look at our shortcomings through the interpretation of redemption. We don’t look through this lens to continue in sin, but to instill in ourselves hope so even in our mess we can rely upon a perfect God. This lens gives us the confidence we need and makes us Godconscious and not sin-conscious. The more you focus on your shortcomings the more you will come short, but if you focus on what God says, your life will align with His will! Your interpretation is a result of your focus.

• There will always be a daily battle to counter faulty interpretations. Paul gives the admonishment in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Your mind needs to be reminded daily of God’s word because according to Scripture, your mind is being saved. Your mind isn’t full of heaven, so you need to be intentional about feeding your mind with the word of God. Always remember hopeless situations only need a different interpretation based on God’s word.

Samuel Burger is Pastor of C h e s t u e e Wor ship C e nte r .

Athens Rd Calhoun, TN 37309

Gò0dNews for Women

Be Not Depressed!

by Terri Ruff

“Be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.” Nehemiah 8:10

I

had just received news that I wasn’t expecting

and I was hurt, disappointed, and shocked.

As I reviewed the information over and over in my head, I became more and more upset to the point of tears. I was at work so I was trying to maintain my cool and not breakdown until I could get to a more private place. I was in my office absent-mindedly looking around for something or someone to help me out, but I just couldn’t find anything or anyone. I took a few deep breaths and tried to refocus on the work at hand; still, I did not feel peace. As a matter of fact, I was beginning to feel worse. I was feeling down…I could feel the presence of depression invading my space.

As I tried to push through, I cried out to God; not audibly, but in the

14 // June 2016

quietness of my heart, came my desperate plea, “help!” I continued working on documentation and preparation for my next therapeutic group and felt impressed to stop and read a devotional book my now ex-husband had given me years ago. I decided to read through the weekend since it was Friday and I didn’t want to be behind on my reading when I returned to work Monday. And there it was, God’s response to my silent cry: “Be not grieved and depressed…” I almost fell out of my chair. It was as if He were in the chair next to me in my office. I was amazed and overwhelmed at how quickly and precisely He had addressed my very need. As I continued to read I began smiling and the sadness that was entering my space, was quickly evicted! God is powerful and as I am preparing to end my work day, I feel God’s presence, joy, peace, and strength.

He is my stronghold and there is nothing that can take His joy away from me. I still don’t like the news that I received today, but you know what? That’s life. I have God; He’s all I need, and because of Him, I’m not depressed!

Depression is real! When feelings of sadness come, pray, talk with family and friends, and if necessary, seek professional help. Joy can come again.

Terrie Ruff is originally from South Carolina but has been in Tennessee for approximately 23 years. She is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW). You can email her at Terrieruff@yahoo.com.

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Cleveland Church Directory

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

Baptist

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church 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) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 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 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

16 // June 2016

(423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church 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 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 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. Cleveland, 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 Pastor Steve Gilbert 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 Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E.

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland Church of God Pastor Mitch Maloney 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 Chris Moody 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 Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

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

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 God’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 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

Assembly of God

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

Baptist

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

18 // June 2016

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

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

Christian

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

Church of God

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

Community

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Nazarene

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

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

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

Methodist

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

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

Non- Denominational

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

Pentecostal

Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197

Presbyterian

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

Seveth-Day Adventist

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

Broad Street UMC

Church VBS 2016

Waterville Baptist Church

(423) 476-5586 July 17 9:30am- 10:30am July 18-20th 5:30pm – 8:30 pm

June 6-10th 9am – 12:15pm Ages: 3 y/o – 5th grade “Submerged”

(423) 479-3731 June 20-24th 9am – 12noon Ages: 4PreK – 6th grade “Egypt- Joseph’s Journey from prison to palace”

(423) 476-4504 June 19- 23rd 9am- 12noon Ages: PreK-5th grade “Catch the wave of God’s amazing love”

Candies Creek Baptist Church

Church at Gracepoint (423) 728-505 July 10-14th

Clingan Ridge Baptist

(423) 472-3511 June 5-9th 6:00pm All Ages Elementary:“Cave Quest” Middle School: “Contagious” High School: “Your Choice Bible Study”

First Baptist of Cleveland (423) 709-9100

First United Methodist Church

North Cleveland Baptist (423) 476-8524 June 13-17th 9am- 12noon Ages: 4 y/o- 5th grade “Project R.Y.M”

(423) 476-6382 Young Teen Camp (Grades 6-8) June 20-24, 1pm- 5pm Intermediate Camp (Grades 4-5) June 27-July1, 1pm- 5pm Junior Mini Camp (Grades 1-3) July 4-7, 1pm- 5pm

June HOLY 20-24thLAND 9 amADVENTURE – 12 pm

@ Candies Creek 294–Old th JuneBaptist 20-24Church 9 am 12Eureka pm Road For more information or @ Candies Creek Baptist Church 294 Old Eureka Road to Register online candiescreekchurch.com For4PreK more information or AGES: – 6th grade

Wesley Memorial

(423) 472-9578 July 11-15th & 17th 5:15pm - 6:00pm Free Dinner 6:00- 8:30 VBS Music Camp Ages: 3 y/o- Rising 5th Graders “IT’S COOL IN the furnace”

Westmore Church of God

South Cleveland COG

Join us in a... n us in a HOLY LAND ADVENTURE

(423) 476- 0263 July 18-22nd 10am- 1:30pm (lunch provided) Ages: 4 y/o – 5th grade “Ocean Motion”

(423) 479-3415 June 12-14th 6pm Ages: High5 Kids “Pets Unleashed”

Westwood Baptist Church (423) 472-1534 June 1 – Aug 31 Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm Ages: PreK- 5th grade “Ocean Commotion”

Wesley Memorial United Methodist VBS Music Camp

to Register online candiescreekchurch.com

July 11 - 15th & 17th 5:15pm - 6:00pm Free Dinner 6:00pm - 8:30pm VBS Music Camp July 17th Musical Performance Ages 3 - Rising 5th Graders

AGES: 4PreK – 6th Grade

Register Online at: wesleymemorialchurch.com

Gò0dNews for Parents

Terms of Endearment by: Mark Aitenhead

F

The importance of the names and nick-names we give our children

ace it, we call those we love by love names, specific to them. Some are really endearing, and some are just down right embarrassing. You know what I mean. I had a friend who called his wife his “Pumpkin Pip.” One of the worst I have heard from a parent to a child is “Snot nose” and “Little Booger.” While they may seem cute, they really show our respect toward that little person, and yes, our kids need respect too.

I want to encourage people to use terms of endearment that have meaning and character. In the Old Testament, a name meant something. That something had to do with situations, circumstances, faith, or another pertinent process. Even the name “Christ” has a meaning that applies to each one of us. We really should be looking at what we call our children in all seriousness.

When a name is chosen, surely we should use it. My heart is so warmed when I hear someone call their child “Love” or “Darling” or “Sweet Heart.” Why? Because it demonstrates the true heart of that person toward their child.

When a child begins to demonstrate who they really are, the true person, we sometimes want to call that out. A boy may have a strength of character demonstrable from a young age and an endearment might appear like “Tiger” or even a name used from a favorite sports hero.

I called my daughter “Princess” for the longest time, and still do. The tens of thousands of “Princesses” out there are remarkable but really show the love

20 // June 2016

of the parents. I can also tell you that there are many “Princesses” that need help in manners, etiquette, and just good behavior.

Many times people call their children by names that actually curse the child instead of bless the child. In Mark 11:23, the Bible clearly tells us that we will have what we say. Mark 11:23 King James Version (KJV) says, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Calling your child a “Brat” may actually bring the brattiness of the child to the forefront. When I was younger I would call my children “idiots” without realizing that they were too young to understand. Of course, I repented and asked their forgiveness, but my children are anything BUT idiots. They are brilliant people!

So, to sum up, let’s make the endearments we call our children blessings instead of curses. Let’s seek out the character and morality of the child and find the word of endearment that would bless God and the child. After all, God is going to give us a new name (Revelation 2:17).

It’s probably going to be a term of endearment and we would expect it to be a blessing, right?

Dr. Mark Aitkenhead is a pastor, business owner and family man.

He loves God with all his heart and loves people.

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Gò0dNews for Life

Braver. Stronger. Smarter. by: Delaney Walker

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -A.A. Milne

T

hese words will soon be on the wall of our exam room in New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

Our exam room is used for pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. It is also the place where our clients fight their fiercest battles. Many are in the midst of a crisis, and choosing life for their child means mustering more strength, courage, and determination than they feel they have.

Sometimes this means breaking the seal on untapped emotional and mental reserves. Have you ever considered how difficult choosing life is for some of our clients? Let me paint you a picture.

At this point, a majority of our clients have grown up in a world where abortion is readily available. In fact, abortion has been painted as an almost loving option: why bring your child into a world if you are not ready to be a mother? It’s better their life be ended in the womb than face a disappointing childhood.

Aside from the poor logic, the main problem with this argument is how the woman is urged to take an “easy out.” There is no reminder she is ending the life of a unique human being, her child. There is no explanation of how damaging an abortion will be for her physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There is no grace for either mother or child.

If you ask someone what New Hope does, they will probably say something along the lines of, “they save babies.” While we do help to save babies, it is not the entirety of our mission.

Our goal is to touch the life of the woman who ultimately makes the decision. We love her. We care for her. We want to empower her to choose

22 // June 2016

life for herself and in doing so ensure the life of her child.

Our job is not to use any tactic necessary to convince her life is the right path. Our privilege is to offer her support, show her God’s love, and pray her eyes are opened to the truth. We know, without a doubt, these ladies are braver, stronger, and smarter than they could ever imagine. Whether or not the battle is won for life, we want each one to leave with the knowledge we believe in her, we love her, and we will be here should she ever return.

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.

Haiti. Costa Rica. Guatemala. Peru. Thailand. Colombia. Uganda.

India. Cambodia. Jordan. Philippines. Kenya. Nepal. USA. All across the globe, the stories are repeated: Women without hope. Discarded. Abused.

Our #GiftsWithaStory collection helps empower these women to escape poverty, abuse, and slavery. Driven by the love of God through missions-oriented organizations, these women are rescued, trained, and given a fresh start.

Stop by to learn their [love] stories. Then buy and gift and create a [love] story of your own.

Life from a new perspective

1807 Keith Street in Cleveland

Candies Creek Academy

Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure.

We offer services to keep you healthy and active.

• In- & Out-patient Rehabilitation • Specialized Therapy Programs • State-of-the-Art Equipment • Skilled & Intermediate Care

A Christ-Centered Classical Education Enrolling K4-12th 2016-2017

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Some People Make Running Look Easy

By John Garrod

Y

Join that pack of crazy runners. They’re going somewhere you want to go.

ou know those people? Those Runner People? The ones you see running along the side of the road, along the Greenway, along the sidewalks, in rain, snow or sunshine?

I’m not one of them.

I don’t run unless something awfully big is chasing me, and that doesn’t happen much. I’ve never been a runner, and I don’t see it in my forecast. I even have a Bible verse as justification: Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is brave as a lion.” If I did take up the discipline, it would not be a sight for those with a weak stomach. Environmental Impact Statements would have to be filed, and then there’s the matter of those ambulances that would have to follow me. It would be a disastrous 100 feet.

But then there are those other people. They have conversations while they run. (Not gasping, wheezing, and groaning; they actually TALK to each other) They glide along smoothly. They talk about 6-ounce shoes, and 5Ks and 10Ks, and marathons and plateaus. And they’re everywhere; even my pastor is one of “them.”

I have a confession to offer: I have to work hard to like them.

If we’re not careful, it can be easy to resent people whose walk with God resembles a pair of

24 // June 2016

gazelles sprinting across a wide plain, mocking the cheetah, while our walk feels like that of a blind 3-legged buffalo trying to keep up. We can choose to resent the gazelles and envy their speed, but that will never keep us from getting our hind legs bitten.

If we are to run and run well, then we must decide to do what runners do. We must resolve that we are going to run, and then we must run. Those friends of mine that run, run. They are constant. They don’t carry backpacks full of donuts & soft drinks, either.

If they don’t need it, they don’t take it. It’s good wisdom, even for those of us who only run in the figurative sense. Make no mistake: There’s a race to be run for all of us. Just listen to the writer of Hebrews.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Whatever doesn’t help you get to the finish line must be laid aside. Fear, resentment, addiction, bitterness, pride, lust; whatever is in your backpack, put it down and leave it there. Join that pack of crazy runners. They’re going somewhere you want to go.

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

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Gò0dNews for Teens

Teens Doing Good

by Kristy Adams

T

Volunteering to give back to the community

eens are not only valuable resources of good energy, good will, and abundant creativity, but they are also the key to our future. In this technology driven culture that is wrapped around wants and our own needs, it is very easy for our teens to grow up without the understanding that they have the ability to do for those less fortunate. Volunteering and giving back to the community can be very fulfilling. There are many service projects available to teens locally, and even state wide. Volunteering can also be a very important part of high school graduation requirements, college application and scholarship requirements, and looks fantastic on a resume. Volunteering helps teens gain necessary skills for the job market such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time management, and even decision making. Although all of that is very important, the idea that you are instilling a passion and a desire for helping and “doing good” for others is, by far, the most rewarding. Developing a strong, giving teen will make for a strong, giving adult.

There are many amazing organizations that are desperate for volunteers. Choosing the right service opportunity can impact how your teen feels about volunteering going forward. Think about your teen’s interests and abilities, and make sure that your teen participates in researching the opportunities available in your community.

Some Volunteer Ideas and Projects for “Doing Good”: •Animal lovers: Volunteer at a local animal shelter or vet clinic. Most shelters are always needing someone to help feed, love on, and walk their animals. They are always in need of volunteers that are not afraid to get dirty and clean out cages.

•Social butterflies: What better way to utilize that social, fun loving personality than to volunteer at a local nursing home. Most nursing homes have a person on site that specifically develops activities and programs for their residence. The Activity Directors are always looking for people to come and spend an hour or two playing games, having coffee, or just sitting down and visiting with the

26 // June 2016

residents. What better way to learn about the community than to chat with those that know it best.

•Aspiring educators: Teens that are showing interest in teaching can check out volunteer opportunities at local preschools, summer camps, and daycares.

•“Do Gooders”: Are you leading by example? Do you volunteer? Are you paying it forward? Sometimes simple acts of kindness are all that a teen needs to do to get that volunteer inspiration. For the past 6 months, Alliant Health Plans has promoted random acts of kindness performed by fellow citizens through the #DoGoodGA campaign. Some of those random acts of kindness were as simple as gloves left on park benches for the homeless.

Centers for Creative Learning participated in the project by visiting a local nursing home and giving out Valentine’s Day cards, and then again to pass out Easter eggs. The campaign was all about giving back. Doing good for others, just because. What an amazing idea, and why not keep the campaign going? What can you and your teen do as a random act of kindness? Make a list and get to it!

Happy volunteering!

Kristy Adams is an Educational Therapist, Dyslexia Specialist, and t h e ow n e r of t h e C e nte r s f or Creative Learning

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Surf’s Up Carwash

by Emily Dawe Keeping Chattanooga and Cleveland clean, one car at a time.

I

n 1995, Jon Woodward and his wife, Sandy,

listen to as they clean their car. Even their customer service

moved to Tennessee from Tucson, Arizona.

office is 50s themed, with their walls being covered with

Their daughter had a music scholarship to Lee

automobile memorabilia, including an old gas pump.

University, and they wanted to stay close to her. Later

Surfs Up Carwash is an express carwash, meaning

that year, they opened Express Shuttle, a transportation

the customer pays at the pay station, and stays in the car

service for bringing passengers to and from the Atlanta and

through the wash. Vacuums are free, and are always on

Nashville airports. They ran Express Shuttle for 10 years,

and available. Surf’s Up Carwash goes the extra mile by

and then they sold their business to Groome Transportation

providing their customers with towels, window cleaner,

in 2005 after a long and successful run.

and fragrances at no extra charge. Many other carwashes

Just four years later, in January 2009, they opened

charge extra for the interior cleaning materials, but Surf’s

Surfs Up Carwash on Signal Mountain Road. Since their

Up Carwash knows that the customer comes looking for a

entire family loved cars, they decided to take a little bit of

clean car and that includes the inside of the vehicle, not just

a different approach to the express carwash concept. They

the exterior. They want to make sure the customer receives

hired an architect to design a very unique 50s style building.

quality service and a thoroughly clean car.

After the architect designed the structure and form, they

Their focus is to provide exceptional customer

added purple and pink neon colors to complete the look.

service. They go out of their way to be sure that all of their

Still today, they get a lot of compliments on their special

customers have a great experience. And if they don't, they

design and theme. Surf’s Up Carwash plays 50s music in

do whatever it takes to make it right. One customer came

the parking lot and the loading area for their customers to

in from out of town and met the owner and she says,

28 // June 2016

“The owner is very personable and giving. He made my

Surf’s Up Carwash proudly serves the Police and Sheriff’s

experience pleasant and relaxing in this new city. I came to

Departments, and Highway Patrol that serve their

visit my daughter at college and after my visit, I bought her

community by keeping the area safe. Surf’s Up Car Wash

a gift card so that she could experience the same service I

is very involved in every area of the community. They

did while I was there.”

support all of the area schools fundraising efforts, along

Surf’s Up Carwash offers 5 affordable car wash

with churches and other civic organizations. They sponsor

packages for their customers to choose from, starting at $6.

the Disabled Veterans car show and support their cause.

Each package guarantees a sparkling clean and dry car in

They try to help the community in every way possible.

less than three minutes. With their speedy process, they are

They also help the environment with the washing

still able to provide a wash that will protect your car and

technique that they employ. Their environmentally

leave it looking sleek and clean.

friendly wash system uses recycled water and

Their speed pass membership program has been extremely popular. Even the mayor, Tom Rowland, is a

biodegradable cleaning agents.

Since Jon and Sandy moved to Ooltewah over 20 years

member! They use RFID technology for the speed pass

ago, their two daughters have added eight grandchildren

membership. When a customer buys a membership, they

to the family. Two attend Silverdale Baptist Academy,

install an RFID tag in the windshield, so that when the

three attend Hunter middle school, and the rest are

customer pulls up to the pay station, it reads the tag and

preschool ages.

opens the gate for them. For one small monthly payment,

Their older daughter Ursula, and her husband James

they can come as often as they would like, limited to once

Matchack, were music ministers for several years at North

per day. The memberships will work at both of their Surf’s

Cleveland Church of God, and their younger daughter,

Up Carwash locations.

Leianne, and her husband, Phillip, have been in Orlando working with the youth at a church there. They are moving back to Cleveland to run the newest location of Surf’s Up Carwash.

Surf’s Up Carwash considers themselves extremely blessed to live in such a great community, and they are so excited to have all of their family together again!

They are in the process of finalizing a third location, and the second Surf’s Up Carwash location in Cleveland. It should be operational by the end of June 2016. It is located near the Walmart off APD 40, and behind the Walgreens.

They will be adding new equipment, new lights and colors, and new wash packages to their current locations, and these improvements will be completed by the time that the new carwash opens. They will also begin providing free microfiber towels and free rug beaters at both locations.

One of the ways that Surf’s Up Carwash is actively involved in the community is by providing the Cleveland Police Department, Bradley County Sheriff’s department, and Tennessee Highway Patrol with clean patrol vehicles.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Daily Living

How To Be A True Friend - Pro. 18:24b by: Alice Marie Abbott

H

Friendship – intimate association of familiarity and companionship

ave you ever stopped to think, “What does it

really mean to be a friend”? It is often said that “friends are the family that you get to choose.”

However, all too often we seem to put friendships on the back burner, so-to-speak, as the cares of our lives start crowding out those friendships. Before we know it, long periods of time pass and we suddenly realize that we haven’t heard from Jim or Jane in ages while we wonder what has happened to them. This creates distance in our relationships and a breaking down of friendships. Before we know it our friend is no longer a part of our life.

We live in a world where business almost consumes our everyday lives; therefore, we have to make a conscious effort to reach out to others on a regular basis. We have to make a purposeful effort to set aside time to cultivate our relationships. Living in such a mobile, instantaneous society makes it a great struggle to maintain our friendships, but it can be done. It must be done to have a more fulfilling life.

Let’s look at some of the qualities of a good friend: 1. A good friendship is selfless. Pro. 17:17. True friendship is not based on changing conditions.

Regardless of what you are going through, be it good or bad, a real friend is going to be right there

30 // June 2016

with you. They love you at all times, not only when it is convenient.

2. Genuine friendship is steadfast. A true friend is one who comes in when the world has gone out.

Every one of us goes through times of difficulty in our lives. Those are the times when it is extremely important to us that we have that Proverbs 18:24 friend standing by our side. One who rejoices with us in the good times and weeps with us in the bad times.

3. True friendship is sacrificial. True friendship is costly, but it is worth it. A sacrificial friend is one who carries your sorrows on his back. So to be a true friend, we have to live sacrificially to the one who is receiving our friendship.

4. True friendship is sanctifying. Pro. 27:17. A real friend will make you a better person. It will not dull your influence or spirituality. A real friend cares enough to confront you when you are wrong just like Nathan did to King David in 2 Sam. 12:1-7.

The Bible says in Pro. 27:6, “The kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wound of a friend.” Flattery is not friendship. A true friend is honest with you and with others. Now more than ever, we need this honesty in our lives even though it may hurt to hear the truth. A real friend will “speak the truth in love” to you. And such a person is rare in our society today. I would rather have my best friend tell me that I had broccoli on my teeth, then to let me go around all day smiling at everyone while all those I meet see the broccoli on my teeth. Better the humiliation in the company of one than among many.

So let’s go forward in our journey through this life taking special care of our friendships, and loving those with the love of Christ that God brings into our lives.

Alice Marie Abbott is a licensed ordained minister with an honorary doctorate of divinity degree through World Christianship Ministries. Also a certified crisis pregnancy counselor through the AACC. She is an office manager for At Home Health Care and attends church at The Sanctuary.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Are You A.L.L. in With Communication? by: Rhiannon Skeen

W

Ask. Listen. Learn. hen my husband and I were engaged questions about what they have to say? and couples would offer us advice, we 3. Am I listening intentionally? often heard about the importance of 4. Am I on my phone? Am I making eye contact? communication. It is not a new concept to hear Am I focusing on this person or letting my that communication is key in marriage, but are mind wonder? we really committed to our communication?

5. Am I learning about this person and what One aspect of communication that my husband they are talking about? and I have had to work on over our few years of 6. As I ask and listen, am I learning about what is marriage is being attentive to what the other had important in this conversation and to my spouse? to say while we were trying to communicate. I Marriage is a wonderful journey, and it can be a remember getting so frustrated because I felt like he very happy journey if we choose to invest our time was simply responding and not really listening. I and our energy into loving another person. One of would even quiz him on what I had just said simply the best ways to show your spouse you care is by listening. to see if he could tell me what I had just said.

Actively Involved As we have grown in our ability to listen to each Something many people don’t understand is that other we have learned to be A.L.L. in when the other listening is not a passive activity; it is something that is speaking. I have to give my husband credit for should be very active. When we passively listen, the this communication acronym. We were discussing other person is very aware. They feel as if what they what makes up a good listener and he said you are saying is unimportant, and the long term effect “ask, listen, learn” and bam! It stuck. is that the person stops trying to communicate.

Time for Our A.L.L. When we take the time to ask, listen, and learn These are three easy questions to ask the next we are conveying that we care. time you are communicating with your spouse.

The next time that you and your spouse get a 1. Am I asking questions? chance to be open with each other, take the time to 2. When your spouse is talking are be A.L.L. in, and stop to ask, listen, and learn. It is you engaging by asking specific always worth it to be all in and be actively involved.

32 // June 2016

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

Gò0dNews for Seniors

Caregivers by: Esmerelda Lee

A

It is time for us to celebrate the beauty and courage of a life spent in service to others.

s a nation, the United States is experiencing a crisis when it comes to retaining direct care staff. Most people in the industry call these amazing individuals “caregivers.” Whether, you require a caregiver in your home, senior living community, hospital, or home care agency, it is very apparent that hiring caregivers is becoming more difficult.

I began my career as a caregiver, and daily when I am tasked with interviewing potential new hires as caregivers, I have asked myself these questions: • Is our nation aging at such a rapid rate that we are unable to recruit and retain caregivers?

• Are providers conscientious of the gift they are given daily by compassionate caregivers, and are they working diligently to retain these caregivers?

• Would an increased minimum wage be the answer to this epidemic of a shortage of caregivers?

America is aging. We continue to change the face of aging through technology, artfully constructed senior living communities and subdivisions, yet we have done nothing to change the problem or bring recognition to the people that continue to be the foundation of an aging crisis—the caregiver.

We continue to recruit caregivers merely by using signs on the side of the road, or cursory advertising in the newspaper and internet, and we somehow expect to attract compassionate caregivers. I have asked myself, “If we needed physicians, would we go about recruiting them in this same manner?”

As a healthcare provider, how do we constantly retain caregivers that give so much to the sick, the disabled, and the aging? Is it enough to give a gift during a designated caregiver appreciation week? How do we continue to court these conscientious souls after they choose to give us the gift of their time, their energy, and their heart? If I paid them what they are really worth, what would it look like, and could I even afford

these courageous individuals?

As a nation, it is long past time for us to celebrate the beauty and the courage of a life spent in service to others.

Caregivers, in all their forms, should be respected and celebrated for their choice in becoming one. In fact, high schools, technical colleges, and universities should offer caregiving courses as part of their healthcare curriculum.

Caregivers should be encouraged to continue their education through attending classes, through online study, and through hands- on continuing education. Providers and families who are blessed to recruit a dedicated caregiver, should be able to offer the support needed for people choosing caregiving as a career.

When recruiting caregivers, people should seek creative recruitment methods, similar to that of choosing a life partner or long term date. I have witnessed people place more effort into finding a date online than in finding a caregiver for their mom and dad. Why shouldn’t providers and families creatively offer themselves as “the place to work”, instead of simply listing the position needed? If I were looking for a date online, I would list my qualities, characteristics, and interests, and hope that someone with similar characteristics and interests applies. In the same way, providers should sell themselves about why the caregiver would be a perfect fit for their unique hospital, community, and family.

Caregivers, by nature, are caring human beings. They would appreciate more compensation, but never demand more. Their pay comes mainly from the intrinsic rewards they receive daily through executing their job. However, raising the bar in how we recruit them, retain them, and care for them will not only change the manner in which they see their chosen profession, but it will also improve the face of the healthcare industry in making caregiving a highly sought after position. Florence Nightingale brought respect and repute to nursing as a career path. But it will take a collaborative effort of professionals with her heart and character to elevate the platform for the caregiving Certified Nursing Assistant, Resident Assistant, and Home Health Aid. Happy Care Giver Week to all of you who courageous enough to step into the illustrious world of caregiving.

34 // June 2016

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Leaving the Treasures of Egypt

by Kelly McDonald Jr.

It requires that we change our focus – from self to Savior “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV)

T

hough Moses was born a Hebrew, he was raised as royalty in Egypt. He had access to all the wisdom and treasures of Egypt. He had the best (in the natural) that life had to offer. His every need was assured. In fact, he could have lived his entire life this way. This was not enough for him.

Moses knew that there was something more to life than just these earthly treasures and pleasures.

When we lived our lives in disobedience to God, there are things that we treasured. These treasures brought us fleshly pleasures. These things are not always material. Sometimes it is an idea or a desire.

Our imaginations can take us all kinds of places.

We treasured being “liked” by the crowd. We liked the attention. It made us feel important and as if we belonged somewhere.

Even after we are saved, we may still have things we are passionate about that prevent us from serving God in a fullness of His will for our lives. I will give you an example from my own life.

I was saved at age 6. I also started playing baseball at an early age.

36 // June 2016

As I got older, playing baseball was more than just something I did. It was part of my identity. I took great pride in this fact. I had a series of injuries from 2003-2005 that ended any chance of playing baseball. One of them in particular was a knee injury. I could have had surgeries and rehab to recover from all of this, but I decided that I would just give it up.

My focus for many years up to that point was baseball. Once I was injured, I began to seek God in a much deeper way. During this time God revealed His purpose for my life. If I was to serve Him in ministry, I had to forsake what I treasured most: my identity as a baseball player. I left my Egypt and my vain imagination behind me. I pursued a walk with the living God. Now, I have more joy than ever.

What do we treasure most? We live in a society that is so “me” and “I” focused. We have i-pads, i-pods, i-phones, and wii’s. Do we ever stop to thank the Great “He”; The Great “I Am”? If there is such a thing as replacement theology, it is this: we must replace the desire of the world with the desire of God. It requires that we change our focus – from self to Savior. It requires that we leave the treasures of Egypt.

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

EXPECTATION or LIMITATION by: James Hawkins

G

We should never allow our expectations to put limitations on God’s provisions.

od is limited only by our expectations.

Expectation is eager anticipation. The absence of expectation leads to limitation.

When we fail to faithfully expect God to intervene on our behalf, we impose limitations on God’s response. Let’s ask a few who chose expectation over limitation.

Ask Abraham, who held the sacrificial knife just inches from Isaac’s heart. He would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do. Just when it looks like your promise is about to perish, God will provide a ram.

Ask Moses, who found himself trapped between the devil and the deep Red Sea. He would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do.

When defeat seems certain, God will part the seas of your circumstances and let you walk through on dry land.

Ask Daniel, who found himself about to become dinner for a den of hungry lions. He would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do.

God will turn the hardness of your personal hell into plush pillows on which you may place your head in perfect peace.

Ask the three Hebrew boys, who were thrown

38 // June 2016

into Nebuchadnezzar’s oven. They would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do.

God will walk with you through the fiery furnace of your affliction and bring you out without being so much as singed by your situation.

Ask the Prophet Elisha, whose calling was in question when his mentor meandered off in the chariot of the Chosen. He would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do. When your reason for existence is carried off in a hearse of heartbreak, God will manage to provide a mantle of anointing that will let you accomplish much more than you expected.

Ask long, lanky Lazarus, whose body was debilitated by decay. He would tell you that there are no limitations to what God can do. God can resurrect your dead dreams and turn what appears to be your final futility into a fantastic future.

We should never allow our expectations to put limitations on God’s provisions. He can, and will, do all these things, and more, if we will only expect Him to.

Dr. Hawkins is a 34 year veteran of pulpit ministry having served as Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor and Evangelist. He and his wife, Jennie, reside in Cleveland, Tennessee, and are the parents of three adult children and seven grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

“Striving Is a Sin” by: Teresa Mustar

G

2 Timothy 2:24-26

o to the hospital and what do they ask? “What is your family history?” High blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, cancer, anxiety, depression?

Each family line is different.

Whose family members are without disease?

Think about that word, “disease”. Dis-Ease. Lack of ease. Not being at peace with yourself, your fellow man, and with God. Striving.

Striving becomes an idol. Idolatry can take many forms including making something a priority that takes the place of God. It is 3:16 am. I am on the heart floor of Parkwest Hospital. My little Momma is sleeping now, but less than 24-hours ago, we were fighting for her life.

She awoke with fluid filled lungs and then a second ambulance trip this week.

A heart catheter is scheduled for tomorrow. This heart fuels a woman that cares for others without concern for herself. Try being 67, in poor health, raising a 7-yr-old and caring for an ailing husband.

Let’s break this down on a spiritual level. Caring for others: good. Undervaluing oneself: not good.

Self-worth has been depleted by years of voiceless activity. Voiceless activity equals striving. Striving until striving is a lifestyle. I must do this, I must do that constantly. No rest. No peace. Years of striving becomes an accumulated mess of resentment, bitterness, and anger buried by works. Sickness intervenes.

The devil loves to make people strive. God’s people are caught in between being good, doing good, and a whirlwind of activity. Dr. Henry Wright with Be in

40 // June 2016

Health Ministry in Thomasville, GA says, “The devil drives, God leads.” My husband and I LOVED a week at this ministry in 2014. The teachings covered many poignant topics, but striving especially, cut as a twoedged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

I left the first day feeling better than I had in years.

I had cut the spiritual ties between myself and the controlling spirit of striving. I was no longer irritated with slow, non-driven people. The “pushing” button within me had been disabled. I was learning to breathe all over again. Life as I had always known changed, at least temporarily.

I returned to a demanding career that I loved. I gradually fell back into the devil’s trick of striving. Not trusting God’s ability to manage the world without my help. My health failed from this striving.

How can generations of sin, including striving, be stopped? The answer is R-E-P-E-N-T-A-N-C-E! Repent for your sin of striving; not resting in God’s capable hands. Tell God you are sorry for not trusting Him and for your family line not trusting Him. God is timeless. God waits on someone to repent and to return to Him, so He can restore.

The law of sin and death is broken through repentance (Romans 8:2) through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ. You and God win! The tiny-weenie devil loses! You and the generations after you are recovered out of the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:26)! This is salvation---healing, deliverance and eternal life!

Teresa Mustar is the founder of www.personalvictory.org, a web site where Christians can share God’s good news of spiritual, physical, and financial victories with the world. Also, download teachings, videos, and submit prayer requests.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

Driving: The Every Day Health Risk No One Talks About

by Dr. Jay Marcum

R

98% of drivers have less than 10 minutes of defensive driving instruction

ecently, I have been intrigued by the benefits of good inputs as well as the relative risk of bad inputs. Little data is available on whether drinking water or eating fiber at age 55 is more useful than exercising and avoiding processed foods. We just need more data, but until then, common sense will have to do. Of course, we want to address the greater risks and adopt the inputs with the greater benefits in a stepwise improvement of health.

In the 16-20 age group for instance, the number #1 health risk is driving. 80% of accidents are attributed to “distracted” driving. Distractions are classified as: visual, kinetic, and cognitive. Over 500,000 deaths and injuries occur in a motor vehicle each year due to cell phone usage. There is a 6 times greater risk of an accident if on a cell phone and an 8 folds increase in risk if on a “blue-tooth”, “speaker-phone” or “hands-free.”

If texting, the risk of an accident increases 23 times. In addition to encouraging individuals, especially those in the 16-20 age group, to drink water, exercise, eat more fiber, and limit media exposure, we also need to emphasize safety in driving and give them the advantage of driver’s education, accident avoidance workshops, and hours of supervised practice.

My 15 year-old son is currently taking an accident avoidance workshop. I never thought the process of learning to drive, defensively, and safely, to be just as important to his health, as learning to eat well, rest, exercise, or drink water. In fact, 16 year olds are 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash. With other teens in the vehicle, the likelihood of a fatal crash doubles.

42 // June 2016

However, the evidence says that spending time on this health factor, is just as, if not more important than, developing other favorable health habits.

98% of drivers have less than 10 minutes of defensive driving instruction. With this in mind, I want to leave 8 thoughts for all those who have the health risk of being in a car, especially for those less than twenty years of age.

1. Find a safe car to drive, including one that is properly maintained.

2. Never drink and use mind-altering substances while driving.

3. No cell phones. This covers texting and hand free devices.

4. The first year of driving, avoid the radio.

5. No romantic interest or other peers in the car during the first year of gaining experience in the car.

6. If possible, avoid driving late at night.

7. Avoid driving when fatigued or tired.

8. Consider taking a defensive driving course.

In thinking about health, remember, all inputs will either improve or worsen chemistry. Try to identify the inputs, which place is your health at greatest risk.

Also, identify the habits that may improve health. If possible work on the greatest risks and the factors with the greatest benefits first. If less than 20, definitely think about the risk of being in a car especially if you are in the driver’s seat. Also, do not forget to pray for health and protection as we drive through life.

Dr. James Marcum is speaker/director of Heartwise Ministries. He is a cardiologist practicing with the Chattanooga Heart Institute. He is very active in the television, radio, and print arm of Heartwise Ministries. He is married to Sonya and has two children, Kelli and Jake. He enjoys music and outdoor activities.

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Visit StarrRegional.com to find a doctor or learn more about our services.

www.starrregional.com 1114 W Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303 886 US-411, Etowah, TN 37331

Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

by Angie Parris

An entire meal in one dish Casserole? I cannot remember eating a “casserole” of any kind growing up. My Mom didn’t make them. My Granny didn’t make them (and they both cooked a lot). And I don’t remember seeing any at our church homecomings. I can imagine what my Daddy would have said, or maybe even would say now. I’ve been thinking about this for days now, maybe they were there as I grew up and I just didn’t partake.

As a young adult, I remember eating chicken casserole at a company dinner and thinking that was the next best thing to fried eggs (and I love fried eggs)! I eagerly asked for the recipe and could not wait to make this lovely new invention. Over the last 30 plus years, I have made many casseroles. I just love them! Maybe it is the thought of pairing and hiding likable and unlikable ingredients, but they are just magical. Maybe it is the thought of using a few ingredients and feeding many mouths, stretching things out to make it work. Maybe it is the feeling of an entire meal in one dish, the ease of it all. For whatever reason, I love casseroles and this is one of my most recent favorites! Enjoy!

44 // June 2016

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

2 lbs chicken, cooked and diced (this is also good with leftover or rotisserie chicken) 1 lb honey ham, chopped 1 lb swiss cheese, shredded 6 tbsp butter 4 tbsp flour 1 tbsp chicken base or bouillon 3-4 cups whole milk or heavy cream 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp pepper 2 tbsp brown mustard 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 2 cups breadcrumbs (I prefer panko) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, and set aside. In a pot or skillet, create a rue with 4 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp chicken base. Stir over medium heat; do not let brown. After about 2 minutes, pour in milk (start with 3 cups), and stir until thickened. If too thick (should be like gravy), add a little milk until it reaches the right consistency. Remove from heat, stir in garlic powder, thyme, pepper, mustard, and Parmesan cheese. I do not add salt to this because the chicken base/bouillon and the Parmesan cheese are all salty. Mix sauce with the chicken/ham/swiss mixture. Spread out in (sprayed with Pam) baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. While the dish bakes, toss 2 tbsp melted butter with breadcrumbs. After removing from the oven, top with breadcrumbs and return to oven. Bake until topping is toasty, but not too brown. Remove and allow to sit for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Angie Parris is director of food services at Broad Street Methodist Church and has been with BSUMC for 21 years. She is Mom of 4, Nana of 9. Angie and Jackie Parris have been married 35 years and are active members of Clingan Ridge Baptist Church in Cleveland.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

We Are His Workmanship, His Poetry

by John Mannone

I

My Creator is a Physicist and an Artist

’ve been blessed with a left-brain, analytical mind, but often jest that my right-brain came out of comatose when I began to care about people more—right after my conversion to Christianity in 1997. Only then did I grow passionate about poetry.

Paul’s insightful words (Ephesians 2:10) provide one reason why: we are Christ’s workmanship—His ποíημα/ poiema, His poetry. This adds a whole new dimension to our being. As physicist and poet, it pleasures me to know that (i) my Creator is a physicist, in fact, He ordained the laws of physics (Job 38:33) and (ii) He is an artist, even a poet, as He reminds us how remarkably we are made (Psalm 139:14)—a gift.

We are reminded of our obligation to use our gifts for His glory (1Peter 4:10-11, 1Timothy 4:14, Matthew 25:1430). I am compelled to use my gifts of science and poetry to help disclose His awesomeness to the world and as declarations of my faith; as a collateral blessing, I also lift up my brothers and sisters in the Lord. I do these things through PoeticWord Ministries (established August 2005, a year after I began to study the craft of poetry). Here are some examples 1. I worship at Abundant Blessings Assembly of God (Athens, TN) and my pastor, Norm Beetler, encourages me to share poetry with the congregation every Sunday before his sermon. Also, I’ve been privileged to share poems in other churches during every noonday services during Holy Week in 2015 and 2016. (Gratitude is extended to the Athens Ministerial Association.) I enjoy blessing churches and community groups with audiovisual presentations, lectures, and readings.

2. Since 2012, I have served on the faculty of New Life Bible College (Cleveland, TN), with ample opportunities to complement theology with poetry, a useful tool because poetry tries to express the inexpressible. The

46 // June 2016

Psalms set a brilliant example of how poetry does this.

In regional Christian colleges when I teach physics and chemistry, I often meld science with history, literature and culture, often with a Christian subtext.

3. Similarly, my public astronomy lectures are infused with poetry—it’s easy to acknowledge my Creator to the world when the “heavens declare His glory” and when physics asks the big questions (even the ones it can’t answer about purpose of existence and life after death. Read “Beyond the Stars,” published in Mystic Nebula (http://mysticnebula.com/2013/01/17/ beyond-the-stars/). I shared it a science fair in Pueblo, CO where I was the keynote speaker and lecturer on radio astronomy. More recently, “The Psalm of Trees” and “There’s a Howling Among the Stars” in Eye To The Telescope, could drive the reader into the Scriptures (see http://eyetothetelescope.com/archives/018issue.html and http://eyetothetelescope.com/archives/019issue.html, resp.

4. Other recent ministry-related publication distinctions: “Butterfly Effect” (Tupelo Press), a long poem on prayer, receives a 2015 Rhysling Poetry Award nomination; “On the skyline, there are stars”—finalist for the 2016 Songs of Eretz Poetry Review poetry prize ($1000)—a 911 poem with Judeo-Christian sensibilities; “el amor de la noche” (adjacent to Holy Week page: 2016 Texas Poetry Calendar); “Her Name Was Pelotit” (Artemis, a Sodom & Gomorrah poem in same issue with Nikki Giovanni and former U. S. Poet Laureate, Natasha Trethewey); “Golgotha” (Arc-24, an Israelibased journal).

5. My project—POIEMA: A Collection of 100 Biblically Inspired Poems—is nearly complete.

John C. Mannone has published 500 poems and prose. He lives in north McMinn Co. Visit The Art of Poetry: http://jcmannone.wordpress.com

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

What is Christian Success?

by Julius McCarter

S

That is what Christians call resurrection.

uccess – who doesn’t want it? In leaders, the desire to succeed seems to be nothing less than hard-wired.

Of course, some success brings with it unwanted complications – increasing busyness, for example – but by and large, the choice between succeeding and failing is not one that leaders have to think hard about. St Paul, for example, saw setback after setback but was indomitable in his quest to put Christian roots down throughout the Mediterranean world: “I press on,” he once said, “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3.12). Part of Paul’s drive to succeed in his mission was his personality. But a more significant aspect of his resolve was his faith in God’s ability to bring life from the dead. He learned this from thinking through the basic dynamic of Jesus’ own life: For Jesus, success was resurrection by God from his death.

Such a view of success is not easily translatable into a formula for Christian leadership in America today. Type into Google some combination of the words “Christian” and “success,” and dozens of pages of platitudes, drivel and kitsch appear before your eyes. Bible verses, random “uplifting” quotations, and promises of admiration and material wealth are all put together in packages that have little or nothing to do with the historic roots of Christian faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The early Christian martyrs, though, knew well that they would have to die to succeed as Christian leaders.

Their chief witness was their faithful perseverance in the face of certain demise. They also knew that in the eyes of the world, such success would look much more like failure.

And that is the first lesson of Christian success: It can, on first glance, or to the world, look like failure.

My first church in North Carolina, while still a seminary student, was one filled with arguments and pettiness. The fights in the parking lot were infamous. On one occasion, we even had to call the sheriff to mitigate. It was tough, and by the end of my time there, I was glad to leave. I knew, in a

50 // June 2016

matter of years, that church would be closing.

A few years later, while visiting seminary to participate in a panel, I ran into a young man who told me he was now serving that church. My heart went out to him. Such a dear young man!

“They still remember you out there”, he said.

“Yeah, I remember them too,” I said, glumly.

“Remarkable bunch of people,” he said.

“Remarkable,” I responded.

“Their ministry to the community has been a wonder.

That little church is now supporting, in one way or another, more than a dozen troubled families around the church.

The free day care is going great. Not too many interracial congregations like that in North Carolina.”

I could hardly believe what he was telling me. “What happened?” I asked.

“I don’t know”, he responded, “but one Sunday, things just came together. It wasn’t anything particular. It’s just that, when the service was done, and we were on our way out, we knew that Jesus loved us and had a plan for us.

Things pretty much took off after that.”

But I knew. I knew what happened. Resurrection.

That’s what happened.

That church, with every measure I’d used as their pastor, had been a failure. But by the time God in Christ was done with them, someone had shown up, kicked open the door, and offered them peace. And the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of mission and forgiveness that is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, transformed them into something that the world’s measure of “success” just can’t talk about.

Our lives are not our hard work, our effort, or our planning. Our lives are not frantic activity in the pursuit of “success”. Our lives are gifts. That’s what we Christians call “resurrection”.

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.

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Dr. Johnnie Carter As the new Physician for Hospice of Chattanooga/Athens, Dr. Carter will direct the care plan for Hospice of Chattanooga patients in McMinn and Meigs counties.

Dr. Carter is supported by a wonderful team of professional hospice-trained Nurses, CNAs, Social Workers, Chaplains and Bereavement Counselors who are dedicated to providing the highest-quality hospice care for your loved ones.

The new hospice office is at 403 West Madison Avenue, Unit 2, in Athens, Tennessee. A referral to Hospice of Chattanooga can be made with one call to our referral line at (423) 333-0220.

RefeRRal fax: (423) 333-0038

www.hospiceofchattanooga.org

Gò0dNews for Grandparents

Long Distance Grandparenting

by Darlene Lofty

W

We have found ways to be involved in their lives

hen I heard that my son was expecting his first child, I was over-the-moon excited. Babies are always blessings and grandchildren are extra special. This new baby would be our fourth grandchild. We are very hands-on grandparents with our other grandchildren, but my son lives in Indiana, EIGHT LONG HOURS away. My mind quickly began wondering how this baby would ever know how much we love him when we weren’t there with him.

That baby is now four years old and has a sixmonth old sister. I’ll admit, that first year was tough. We missed so many milestones in his life. It was heart-breaking for me! I can’t tell you how often I cried after ending a phone call with my son. However, we have found ways to be involved their lives.

1. CALL OFTEN – Technology is a wonderful tool for grandparents. The cost of a smart phone or computer is well worth the investment. We are able to video chat with my son and his family at least once a week.

The children are familiar with our voices and faces so we aren’t strangers to them when we

52 // June 2016

visit. We also are able to see them grow and experience the milestones with them.

2. VISIT - We try very hard to schedule visits every 3-4 months, but sometimes it just can’t be worked out. It’s very tempting to plan a lot of activities for our visits, but that is really not necessary. It will tire the children and also can be exhausting for everyone else. Making memories doesn’t have to cost money. On our last visit my husband and grandson played with Play-Doh for two hours on the dining room table. I don’t know which of them was having more fun!

3. SEND CARE PACKAGES – I try to send a package at least every other month. Some of the things I’ve sent are bubbles, Hot Wheels, clothing items, candy and bubble bath. My son will video-chat with us so we can see the excitement as our grandson opens his box and gets his surprises.

4. PRAY FOR THEM – This is the most important way to be involved in their lives. It is not only a privilege, it is a responsibility we have been given to leave a legacy of faith for our children and grandchildren. I wrap them in prayer every morning before my feet hit the floor asking God to protect them and provide for them.

Grandparenting from a distance certainly has its challenges. There are times when I feel guilty because of the things I’m able to do for the grandchildren who live close by. I know I’ll miss ballgames and school events, birthday parties and performances. I’ve had to learn to accept that my relationship with my Indiana grandchildren will not be less, just different.

Darlene and John Lofty have been married for 16 years. Together they have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. They are members of Salem Baptist Church in Dalton where they work in the youth ministry.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Thank You, Lord by: William Lamb

R

Thank you, Lord that I did not crack my skull when I hit my head on the counter top.

ecently, I would speak three simple yet powerful words through the course of a day.

At times, I would whisper these three words, Thank You, Lord, and at other times, I would yell them out unashamedly – depending on the circumstances. It wasn’t that noticeable to me but apparently this attitude of gratitude was witnessed more by others than myself. For me, these three words were part of my daily routine and usually applied to moments when I recognized that the potential of something bad happening was replaced with the reality of good happenings. For example, I remember walking into a glass door at a friend’s office and immediately I said “thank you, Lord that I did not break that door”. I wiped the smudge off with my sleeve and hurriedly went on my way.

I want you to try something… say Thank You, Lord and see what happens. Now that you voiced those three words, try something else with me.

Either by ink or electronically, begin to make a list of each time you feel compelled to say Thank You, Lord. I started doing this a few weeks ago. Here are some of the reminders from my list which might remind you of your own moments of protection.

Thank you, Lord…

That I did not crack my skull when I hit my head on the counter top, That I did not drop my keys through the cracks in the deck, That the screen on my phone did not break when I dropped my phone – again, That my house did not burn down when I left the stove on, That I can afford to pay the water bill after leaving the faucet on for 36 hours, That my car did not drive off when I left it in gear at the gas pumps, For cash in my pocket when I found out an hour into a trip my wallet was at home, That the milk jug did not bust when I dropped it on the floor in the kitchen, That when the car that hit me in the parking lot did not run over me.

This exercise of list making and stating praises will not keep you from all difficulty and danger. At least, that hasn’t worked for me. In fact, I dropped my phone the other day and it broke the corner of the screen. Even still, I said Thank You, Lord because the whole screen did not break. I am not perfect and there are times when my flesh asks why but my spiritual nature reverts to Thank You, Lord as a general rule.

The scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” is reminder enough that saying Thank You, Lord is better than the alternatives.

Dr. William Lamb is a member of the administrative

54 // June 2016

staff at Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) where he leads a diverse and global “service-learning” program for college students. 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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