October 2016

Gò0dNews October 2016

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

Cleveland

• The One Who Never Changes p. 8 • So Long, Summer! p. 36 • Tarrying Until the Harvest p. 52

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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Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Beth Houle Brooke Hale Chris Isbill Darlene Lofty Delaney Walker Destiny Hope Shreve Don Smith Esmerelda Lee Glenda Prichard Gracie Hixson Jacob Anderson John Garrod John Mannone Kelly McDonald Jr. Kelly Wells Mindy White Patty Lauren Turpin Samuel Burger Tammie Lowry Terrie Ruff Wanda Griffith

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

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!

Letter from the Editor

M

odern technology supposedly makes our lives easier, but in many ways it has added to the frenetic pace of our lives and has become the source of unhealthy stress—especially during the up-coming

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holiday seasons. As we rush through the day with a cell phone in our hand and

Caleb Prytherch Matt Green

Photographer Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

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an iPad nearby, we have allowed behaviors into our lifestyles, finding it difficult sometimes to see God’s hand at work in our lives.

We also experience other distractions—nagging negatives, petty prejudices, exasperating expectations, desperately sought-after desires, and ferocious fears that I call hang-ups. These hang-ups can steal our joy and rob us of peace, weighing us down with a burden too heavy to see beyond ourselves. But God did not create us to become subject to our hang-ups. He wants us to be free—free to be creative, to grow, and to reach our highest potential in Him; free to overcome everyday struggles and live a victorious Christian life.

Creating something concrete can symbolizes the “letting go” of an offense or hang-up. I heard a woman speak on forgiveness who said: “About twice a year I take out my yellow pad and ask God to show me if there is anything I am holding against anyone. Then I let my pencil

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do the talking. When He brings something to mind, I write about the pain I feel. But I don’t stop

Editor

paper into a dozen little yellow pieces and go about my day. It’s like taking a cool shower after a

Emily Dawe Wanda Griffith

Publisher

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

Website

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there. I make a decision to give the pain to God—to let Him carry this for me. Then I tear the long walk on a hot summer day.”

It doesn’t take most of us long to realize we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. This realization comes early with some, but, sadly, much later with others. Early or late, He promises help with our hang-ups. His Word instructs us: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Heb. 12:1 NIV). What a great solution to hanging up our hang-ups. I’m running; how about you?

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 8

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Follow Through...

by Samuel Burger

GoodNews for Kids

8

The One Who Never Changes

by Mindy White

GoodNews on Money Matters 10 “FINANCIAL HEROES or

ZEROES?”

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 Easy with That File!

by John Garrod

GoodNews for Women 14 “Back Off, Martha”

by Alicia Klepper GoodNews for Parents

20 Lingering Days of Summer and Hints of Fall

by Glenda Prichard GoodNews for Life

22 A Light in the Darkness

by Delaney Walker

28

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

50

GoodNews from the Tech Shop

24 Feeling Victorious on Your 40 Renew Your Mind Way to Better Health

by Patty Lauren Turpin

GoodNews for Teens

26 The Challenge of Change

by Destiny Hope Shreve

GoodNews Cover Story

by Chris Isbill GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Stuffed Green Pepper Soup

by Brooke Hale

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

28 Senior Insurance Solutions 44 Thirty One Years of Pink

by Jacob Anderson

GoodNews for Everyone

30 “Hush, Terrie.”

by Terrie Ruff

GoodNews for Couples

32 You want me to what?

by Don Smith GoodNews for Seniors

34 Staying Healthy

by Esmerelda Lee

GoodNews for Everyone

36 So Long, Summer!

by Kelly Wells GoodNews for Teachers

38 Devotion for All Teachers This Year

by Gracie Hixson

by Tammie Lowry GoodNews for Everyone

46 Commercialization of Christmas

by John Mannone

GoodNews for Grandparents

50 Praying for Your Grandchildren

By Darlene Lofty

GoodNews for Everyone

52 Tarrying Until the Harvest

by Kelly McDonald Jr. GoodNews from the Outdoors

54 Tattered Leaves

by Beth Houle

Gò0dNews from the Pastor's Desk

FOLLOW THROUGH . . .

To receive all that God has promised.

I

by Samuel Burger

remember playing basketball and my friends would tell me to follow through on my goal-shooting. They said if I would learn to follow through, I would have a better chance at scoring. The “follow-through” involves continuing your arm movement after the ball is thrown. I played a better game because of it. My scoring was consistent because I didn’t let go of the ball too soon. I followed through.

When we are not confident in what God has called us to do, or we halfway trust Him; we don’t follow through. We let go too soon. We give up too soon.

Consider the scriptures urging us to be consistent.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) “Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is

6 // October 2016

ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) “As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NLT) “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.” 2 Corinthians 4:1 (NLT) “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.

Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT) Imagine being in Noah’s shoes. Noah was told to build a big boat because the earth was corrupt and filled with violence and God was going to send a flood. Noah did everything God told him to do. God actually told Noah that he alone was righteous. Noah led his family and was consistent in the will of God. His consistent relationship with God allowed him to follow through.

Abraham and Sarah were considerably old when Sarah gave birth to Isaac. However, Abraham didn’t waver at the promise of God. It was through Isaac that Jesus would be born. Abraham cooperated with the redemptive plan of God before Jesus was ever born. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.” John 8:56 (NLT) Abraham was consistent.

Daniel kept praying after the government decreed that no one could pray to Daniel’s God. Daniel followed through, and he reaped a harvest of blessings. Daniel was consistent and intentional with his relationship with God. Jesus followed through with the Father’s will by taking our sins and giving us His righteousness. If we follow His example, then we will reap an untold harvest of blessings.

Samuel Burger is pastor of C h e s t u e e Wor shi p C e nte r .

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Gò0dNews for Kids

The One Who Never Changes Even when our lives change, trust the One who is always the same.

by Mindy White

D

o you ever go outside and look at the trees when their leaves are changing colors? The leaves change from green to different shades of red, orange, and yellow. Sometimes we can see when the trees are changing, other times we don’t always notice the changes.

You are always changing too, even if you don’t always see it. You are changing both on the inside and on the outside. Some changes you can see right away, like a new haircut or new glasses. Other changes you don’t always notice at first. Maybe you are taller now, but you didn’t really notice until you put a pair of pants on, and they were too short.

You have probably changed on the inside too.

You are learning to do things on your own without someone else helping you. You are learning to follow instructions and rules. You understand that you can’t always have everything you want, and you don’t cry and get mad about it anymore. You are growing up.

Sometimes change is easy, but sometimes it is really difficult. You might be going to a new school, living in a different city, or maybe your family has changed. These are some changes that can be hard to get through. There is someone who can help you when you are facing tough times in your life. If you don’t know who it is yet, His name is Jesus.

No matter what changes are happening in your life, Jesus will always be there for you. You can always count on Jesus because He never changes, He is always the same. If you look in the Bible, Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (NIV).

This verse means that even when we change, even when our lives change, Jesus always stays the same. That means you can count on Him to take care of you. He will always be there for you no matter what; you can depend on Him. His love for

8 // October 2016

you never changes.

If you are going through a time of change in your life right now, or maybe you know someone else who is, ask Jesus to help you both. You can trust Jesus to take care of you and help you. Don’t be afraid to ask Him for help. He loves you more than anyone else—even your own parents. He wants to help you and He wants you to ask for help if you need it. Sometimes our lives are hard, but Jesus is always there for us when we need Him. That is one thing that will never change.

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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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. ecently on the Dave Ramsey radio show, the show segment was dubbed as a “Millionaire Theme Hour” where the host spokeby phone to people who have a net worth of at least one million dollars. This time, he spoke with a lady named Terry who is a retired grade school teacher in hersixties. Terry described how she started her teaching career forty years ago making a salary of $5,000 per year, and by the time she retired, she was making her top salary of $50,000 per year.

This latter number is very close to the average U.S. household income today, making Terry very “average” or even below average over the course of her career in terms of her income. So how did she turn out? Today she has a net worth of $1.4 million dollars. Most of that money is in mutual funds invested in the stock markets, through her teacher’s retirement accounts. The rest is a mixture of cash and checking accounts, as well as the equity in her home, since her home is paid off, free and clear. I don’t know whether Terry had a husband or children, but her fiscal situation is impressive by any standard. This is a lady who was disciplined over many decades, an inspiration for all of us in terms of money management and staying the course. She explained how, as a college student, she had failed some of her teaching examinations, and learned later that she had dyslexia. But through determination, she adapted and persevered.

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10 // October 2016

On the other end of the spectrum, the next day a couple phoned Ramsey’s radio show to explain that they were having trouble paying their bills.

They were behind on everything from credit cards to car payments to student loan payments.

Here’s the kicker—they made “only” $145,000 per year and were, in their own words, “struggling.”

Clearly, this couple may not elicit much sympathy from many people. Not only had they failed to accumulate, save, or invest anything for their future and their children’s futures, but they weren’t even keeping up with their monthly obligations to date.

These two starkly contrasting portraits—a middleclass school teacher who became a millionaire, versus an upper-income couple barely making ends meet—should serve as both a guiding beacon toward hope, and an ominous warning to avoid.

Terry proved herself to be a good steward way back when she had very little in terms of financial wealth, and God blessed her with more. The other couple apparently had not followed this principle.

In Luke 16:10, Jesus clearly tells us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” I share this scripture with students in my college classes, and I challenge them to follow biblical principles of money management now, when they’re virtually broke, and then see what God will do.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Easy with That File!

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”—Proverbs 27:17

S

by John Garrod

o, there you go. License to file, or be filed.

Even as Christians, we men can be direct, abrupt, even brash. That’s especially true when something or someone needs fixing. It’s in our DNA. If it’s loose, get a wrench and tighten it. If it squeaks, oil it. If it comes apart, duct tape it. If it’s dull, take a file to it. If it pops up, hammer it down.

Whatever it takes; get’er done.

Unfortunately, sometimes we take the same approach to people around us. We see flaws, problems, shortcomings, and we jump into our Mr. Fix-it overalls (thick skinned for our protection), strap on our tool belt, and proceed to hammer and file on each other. “Just gonna fix you up a little, brother. Now stand still.”

This is done all under the umbrella of this verse.

The problem is, people aren’t mower blades or rough-hewn lumber. They bleed, they hurt, and they probably never asked you to fix them in the first place. And honestly, with those tools, you’re not

12 // October 2016

going to be able to fix them—that’s God’s job. Our job is to be the tool that He uses, gently and slowly, to provide the motivation to change. God’s an artist, not a demolition crew.

No man could have compelled me to change by force—not before I accepted Christ and not now. I was led to Christ by a man who reflected to me what a godly man was really like. I contrasted what he had and what I had and found myself lacking. He then led me with patience, with encouragement, and with selfless love. When I needed correction, when my choices needed to be challenged, he did so in a way that led to sanctification. That’s the way we are supposed to do this brotherhood thing. See how the apostle Paul says it: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29 ESV).

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col. 3:12-13 ESV).

So before you set to fix that person, take some time to love him or her. God gives us two ears, one mouth. Use them in the proper ratio. Listen to those God places in your path; listen to their dreams, their fears, their nightmares. Ask them how you can bless them. Don’t ask yourself what you would change in them; try to see what God sees in them, and show them an image of what God can do in them. Leave the tool belt in the truck.

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 Women

“Back Off, Martha!”

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”—Luke 7:3 NIV

by Alicia Klepper As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha, welcomed Him into her home. Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught, but Martha was distracted by the dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38-42 NLT).

M

artha! Martha! Martha! When most of us read this story, we want to relate to Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus. But, if we are honest, we’ve spent a moment or two (or hundreds) as Martha, points the finger at a sister in Christ—only after pointing out the gold star on our own report card. If you will, grant me some license and let’s imagine this kind of moment in today’s society.

• “Lord, I delight in modesty. She’s wearing yoga pants!”

14 // October 2016

• “Lord, I have raised my children to behave a certain way. Her kids run around like animals!”

• “Lord, my church attendance is stellar. She is absent!”

• “Lord, I volunteer in ministry. She doesn’t do anything!”

We point our finger at her appearance, her marriage, how many children she has, what she feeds them, how she disciplines them, her choice of education for her children, the cleanliness of her home, how she worships God, her career choice, her body shape, her financial class, and on and on. We have a wagging finger for all of it.

In Luke 10, Jesus is gentle to teach Martha, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” King James Version states, “But one thing is needful.” And the needful thing is time in the presence of God and His Word; Mary had discovered the needful thing.

Have we? If we had, we wouldn’t be trying to push each other down. There is nothing needful or necessary about our opinions, finger-wagging, sneers, and smirks at our fellow woman, Christ-serving or not.

When we are truly in tune with the one thing that is needful—Jesus Christ—we will do what He does.

• Love like He loves.

• Build up like He builds up.

• Spread encouragement, not condemnation.

• Offer a hand, not an opinion.

• Be a friend, not a critic.

• Extend compassion; withhold coldness.

Mary was not without her faults, but in this moment she earned her gold star.

“So encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11 NLT).

Alicia Klepper and her husband Mark have been married for 13 years. Alicia homeschools their three children. The Kleppers are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy

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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 Candies Creek City Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 423-458-4405 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (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

16 // October 2016

(423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA at 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE,

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Rolling Brook Baptist Church 1675 Greendale Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-0612 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 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 Dr. Mark Williams 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue Church of God Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland Church of God Pastor Edwin Lipsey 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore Church of God Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly Church of God Pastor Kim Erwin 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com

Church of God of Prophecy Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal Saint 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 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or thelovingchurch.com Norvel Hayes Ministries 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE

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

Presbyterian

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

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

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

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 423-744-0940

18 // October 2016

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

Allen Memorial UMC 800 Decatur Pike Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1560 Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St

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

Non- Denominational

Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Worship Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Calvary Tabernacle of God 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Freedman Chapel C.P.C.A. 415 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-252-0159 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403

Seveth-Day Adventist

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

Church Activities & Events Peerless Road Church Family Fall Festival

3301 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 • October 30th 6 pm

North Cleveland Church of God NCKIDS HARVEST PARTY

October 28 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm EDT at the Dale R. Hughes Family Ministry Center.

NCKids Ministry invites you to their annual Harvest Party. Come enjoy food, games, candy, bounce houses, and fellowship. This event is open to the public and admission is free.

Keith Street Ministries Trunk-r-Treat October 30th

North Cleveland Baptist Church Trunk Or Treat

2815 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37312 October 26th 6-7:30pm

South Cleveland Church of God

12pm - 4pm Lunch & Auction • 4pm - 6pm Fall Carnival Games 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 • October 30th 12-6

Westmore Church of God Fall Festival

2450 Legacy Parkway Cleveland, TN 37312 October 30th 4-6pm • Inflatable’s for kids, face painting, hayride, bonfire, great food, live music

Westwood Baptist Church

Fall at the Mall Halloween Outreach

October 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Bradley Square Mall. There will be games for kids of all ages, face painting, and lots of candy!!! The churches involved are Westwood, Westmore COG, and River Hills COG.

The Church at Grace Point Community Fall Festival

Sunday, October 30. Church service 10am - 11:15am. Fall Festival 11:30am - 2:00pm. Trunk or Treat, Music, Bounce House, Obstacle Course, Carnival Games, Volleyball, Crafts, Face Painting, and More!

Feel free to come dressed un your costume! If you have questions, contact Matthew Dennis at 423-284-4174 or mdennis@gracepoint.church.

Gò0dNews for Parents Lingering Days of Summer and Hints of Fall

As you journey on the amazing path of parenting, embrace God’s guidance, and He will direct your path.

O

by Glenda Prichard

ctober is a month that lets us enjoy the last of summer weather while sliding into our mornings and evenings into that hint of fall.

I get excited each year at this time because fall is my favorite season. As I reflect on the ending of summer and the beginning of fall, I am reminded of the wonderful journey of parenting.

Recently, I had time with my adult children, and as I talked with them, I was taken back to those baby boys Phil and I brought home from the hospital. We were excited and a little anxious at the same time. Being a teacher, I thought I had an array of tools needed for this job of parenting, but I soon realized that “it takes a village to raise a child.” As we embraced family, church, and community in raising these boys, we realized we were blessed by the amazing people God placed in our lives. Now these boys are men, husbands, and fathers. The careers they have made seem so different but are so much alike. One is a baseball coach/ teacher and the other is a juvenile officer.

As parents, you have a responsibility to your children, but it’s one you can’t do alone. I am a firm believer that you are given the opportunity to chose your village, and if you do not chose it, the world will chose it for you. Allow God to guide you as you chose your village. He will place the right people in your life if you seek His guidance. God is right there going along beside you on this the biggest job of your life. So build your village, study your children, learn their love language, and encourage them as they discover their strengths and weaknesses.

As I look back on all the baseball and football games,

20 // October 2016

track meets, the school and church events, the difficult and easier times; I realize it was worth it all! These two baby boys have taught me that a baseball coach and a juvenile officer are not so different. Each one is striving to instill honesty and integrity in the young people God places in their lives. Each time I see a coach working with his team or see an officer of the court with a young person who is struggling to find his or her path, I remember they are more alike than different!

I have been so blessed! I am so thankful for all the family, teachers, coaches, and church family members God has used to impact the lives of my boys. I am thankful for my hometown of Athens. These are a part of my village that supported and encouraged us on this amazing journey. As I look back on life, I can see that even in the early years there were signs of the baseball coach and the juvenile officer careers God had waiting for my boys. I am proud of who they are and what they have accomplished. Yet, when I look into their eyes, I still see those baby boys as gifts from God! Whether you are in the beginning of the parenting journey, the midway point, or the end of the journey, God has amazing plans for you as summer turns to fall.

Glenda Prichard is a preschool and children’s specialist. She is passionate about using her skills and talents with preschoolers and children. Glenda is married to Phil Prichard and they have two sons (and daughters-in-law) and five grandchildren.

Glenda and her husband are members of East Athens Baptist Church in Athens, TN. Glenda can be reached at littlehouseinthebigwoods.pg@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Life

A Light in the Darkness

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”—Francis of Assisi

L

by Delaney Walker

ong summer days are behind us. Today’s October sun will probably lower itself to rest around 7:30 this evening. By Christmas, daylight will leave the stage for twilight’s 5:30 p.m. performance.

This is a time when smiles carry more warmth in spite of the increasingly frigid air, hugs from friends and family last just a second longer, and everyone remembers the importance of a light in the darkness.

Winter nights can seem impenetrable— especially the cloudy, moonless variety—which is why the warmth of fires, dancing candles, and gaily twinkling lights are such a relief. In fact, the darker night becomes, the more these little lights stand out.

They become a symbol of joy, hope, and fellowship.

Likewise, New Hope Pregnancy Center’s efforts to spread God’s love by meeting the needs of those affected by unplanned pregnancy makes it a light in

22 // October 2016

a darkening world. At one point, society recognized the worth of a life and agreed on the humanity of a baby in the womb. Today, you would be hard pressed to find a handful of people who agree life is not only precious, but that it starts at conception.

The Lord has blessed New Hope with three key ingredients: • His guidance, • The support of a generous community, and • His conviction.

All three ingredients are necessary to complete the mission before us: to empower those who are affected by unplanned pregnancy to choose life by providing help, hope, and accurate information. This work is not for the faint of heart, but it is more rewarding than any of us involved could have imagined.

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

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Feeling Victorious on Your Way to Better Health

T

by Patty Lauren Turpin

he song, “Rise,” by Katy Perry is the official song of the Olympic games. Because of copyright laws, I cannot quote the exact words, but the song captures the feelings of excitement felt in many of us as we watch the talented athletes compete and push themselves to their limits after spending years training for this moment. The Olympics can make the viewer feel like we, too, can achieve monumental goals if we do not doubt but fight to the end.

The lyrics to “Rise” remind me of Matthew 8:26—the stirring verse where Jesus questioned His disciples’ fear of a raging sea: “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? (KJV).”

Often times, life can feel like a raging sea and distract us from our potential to be victorious.

We are in awe of the streamlined perfection Olympic athletes possess, but, they know the truth behind their victories.

They know the value of the countless hours of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and the small decisions they make every day that will impact their path to success.

Look at these four ways to help keep you encouraged by remembering your daily decisions are far more rewarding than the fleeting feelings of fear or frustration.

1. Set small, attainable goals. Be realistic in setting goals for long-term success. The path to success is lined with small achievements. What is a goal you can set for yourself that does not make you feel overwhelmed? It can start by taking a brisk walk every day for 30 minutes, joining a gym, taking a new exercise class that seems daunting, or cutting one bad habit from your daily routine.

24 // October 2016

2. Encourage yourself daily! What makes you feel encouraged? For me, I love to read motivational books and quotes to keep posted around the house. These small, powerful reminders keep me feeling encouraged when I feel unmotivated. Pep talks to yourself will work wonders. Speak to yourself like God would speak to you. You are His child and He is proud of you!

3. Get involved. Finding a workout buddy or a fitness group can improve your chances of staying motivated. You may be surprised at the amount of mental and emotional support you will find with other like-minded individuals. When you are willing to open yourself up to others and be vulnerable, the rewards you reap will outweigh the fear of not trying.

4. Feed yourself. The emotional and spiritual nutrition you are feeding yourself is vital. We can also be derailed by words we are taking into our soul which can be as damaging as eating bad food. The Bible tells us to think about things that are lovely, honest, and of good report. Are you reading uplifting material that makes you feel better about your health journey instead of promoting unrealistic results? Are you listening to people who are uplifting, motivating, and supportive of your journey?

Take a look at the outside factors in your life. If they do not meet these standards, you may want to reevaluate what you are feeding your heart.

Getting healthy and staying healthy is a rewarding, exciting venture and one you can feel hopeful about. Remember to take one day at a time and have faith in yourself, in God, and the process you are going through to get you to where you want to be. Step by step you will find yourself traveling a journey that will change your life and impact others around you in your pursuit of victory.

Patty Lauren Turpin is a certified personal trainer at Body

by Hannah in Cleveland, TN. She received her personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. A native of Cleveland, Patty Lauren graduated from Lee University with a bachelor of arts degree. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for more fitness tidbits (@pattylauren)

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Gò0dNews for Teens

The Challenge of Change

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”—C.S. Lewis

T

by Destiny Hope Shreve

he season is beginning to shift. Fall is in the air; leaves are beginning to make their switch from vibrant greens to autumn hues. Every time I look around I see changes taking place; and while I love this seasonal transition, other types of change can make me anxious and even upset. I have a love/hate relationship with change. If things stay the same for too long, I get terribly bored. But when too many things evolve all at once, I find that I am desperately seeking shelter in the familiar.

Around three months ago, my life was altered in major ways. People I thought would be friends forever suddenly deserted me. It was a chaotic week full of tears and pain. Afterwards, I understood it all happened for a reason (like the often quoted scripture, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” Eccl.

3:1 NKJV). I realized that it was actually God who took those people out of my life to make sure I didn’t follow the downward path they were pursuing.

Then I began to see change for the better. I enrolled in Cleveland High School, reconnected with old friends, and got transformed at the two church camps I attended. All of this was great, but there were times I felt like I was on a roller coaster and not strapped in well. Because I was fearful of new challenges I had never faced before, I wanted to go back so badly to the familiar. Thankfully, I pushed through.

Have you ever felt that way . . . like your life was poised at the top of a track, about to quickly plunge,

26 // October 2016

twist, and turn in unpredictable ways? That’s when you invite God into the situation; and if you believe, He will take control of every circumstance and make “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28 NKJV).

That’s when you discover that change can be greatly beneficial, and here’s a few key reasons why: Changes can make you more flexible. Being resistant to new things can make a stressful situation feel even worse. Facing changes in life teaches you to be more fluid and able to “go with the flow.”

Change can make you more intelligent. If there were no difficult demands or awkward transitions, you would never learn new things or have new experiences that awaken your hidden potential.

Change can make you grow in faith. Think of all the biblical examples, like Abraham leaving his homeland, Moses leaving his prestigious position, the children of Israel leaving the bondage of Egypt, David leaving his sheep, Esther leaving an ordinary life, and Peter leaving his fishing nets. We remember these Bible characters because of their courage to face the unknown.

Who knows? You might be next on God’s list.

Destiny Hope Shreve is the daughter of Mike and Elizabeth Shreve, pastors of The Sanctuary.

She will be a junior at Cleveland High School, and hopes to have a career in journalism..

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by Jacob Anderson

ocally owned by Jacob and Tonia Anderson, this

In 2010, Jacob started his own firm, Senior Insurance

company has a team of twenty professionally

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qualified staff members and agents who serve

from the Church of God headquarters. Jacob & brother

individuals in our community

in-law Justin Myers hired staff and brought on a team of

and in several other states by internet and phone.

agents that while not related to Jacob, became like family.

Jacob and his wife Tonia met in church in 2003 in Cleveland. They have been married for twelve years and they have two children, Benjamin and Bethany. Jacob serves on the Council of Deacons at Mount Olive Church of God; Tonia is a trustee on the board of Tennessee Christian Preparatory School where their children attend.

Jacob began in the insurance business over eighteen years ago and started out by writing Medicare Supplement policies. He was recognized as the number-one volume producer out of 40,000 nationwide representatives for Pioneer Life in 1998, a Conseco company. He never set out to start an agency, but begin the business with his brother-in-law Justin Myers.

28 // October 2016

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Tangible Benefits from an Intangible Product Insurance is an intangible product that you can’t see or touch, so it is important to deal with someone you can trust. Service after the sale is more important than the sale itself. Jacob and his team of twenty-five staff members and agents are highly qualified and respected by their industry peers, having won numerous awards by Fortune 500 insurance carriers during their nineteen-year tenure.

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matter? Imagine if you went into a tool store and the only

“Medicare and the health insurance industry have

thing they sold was hammers, do you think they would

become more complicated than ever. In Bradley County

tell you to go somewhere else if there was a better tool to

alone there are forty-one different options for seniors with

do the job? No, they would sell you a hammer. They may

Medicare. There is no way that someone new to Medicare

not even know if there was a better tool for the job; all

can navigate through that many options. They also have

they know are hammers.

a very limited time to make important decisions. The

That is the difference between a “captive” agency and

annual election period for Medicare plans only lasts from

an “independent” agency. Independent agencies are not

October 15 until December 7.

employed by a single insurance company but are brokers

We help them answer questions such as:

that can offer a range of products and services and tailor

• Do I need to sign up for part B?

it to meet the client’s needs, without bias.

• What is a “Doughnut Hole”?

• Should I purchase a plan with part D drug coverage included, or buy it separately?

• Which plans will my doctor accept?

If they don’t meet the Medicare requirements and miss the enrollment deadline, they can be penalized unnecessarily for their lifetime. It doesn’t cost extra for these Medicare beneficiaries to have a licensed, certified agent help them through this process, so there is no reason to try and figure it out on their own. For those under sixty-five, having health insurance is now a requirement. Unfortunately for those who don’t have coverage through an employer, the costs can be so great

Senior Insurance Solutions has been a Salavation Army

to carry the minimum coverage that many people are

Angel Tree drop-off location, where disadvantaged seniors

choosing to pay the penalty and do without coverage.

and children under twelve are given gifts at Christmas.

Those that call us are pleasantly surprised to find out they are eligible for a subsidized rate in many cases, with their premium ending up very affordable. In some cases, it is under $25 per month, which includes office visits and drug coverage.

Those who are retiring and need to find a safe place to put their retirement funds also have options through high interest CD alternatives offered by Senior Insurance Solutions. These guaranteed accounts guarantee a monthly check for the life of the retiree, with

About the Team Key members of the team include Jacob’s brotherin-law and sister, Justin and Rebecca Myers. They are licensed in more than seven states and help many clients over the phone, as well as locally. Stephanie Ochoa, a licensed agent, is the office manager. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the company, she quotes individual health insurance as well.

For more information, call 423-559-5274 or 1-888-288-3714

no risk to the principal.

They also write permanent and term life insurance policies, from ages 0-89, which can range from burial coverage of $10,000, up to $500,000 or more. Coverage typically begins from day one for those who qualify.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

“Hush, Terrie.”

”In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” —Isaiah 30:15 NKJV

M

by Terrie Ruff

y brother recently completed his doctorate of ministry degree! It’s such an amazing accomplishment for him and his family. I have stood supportively on the sidelines of his journey, cheering him on, and watching how carefully and strategically God has orchestrated the events of Mack’s life to come full circle to this successful moment in time.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

I remember visiting Mack shortly after he was married when he was trying to figure out his life’s purpose. He had been a star athlete in high school, received scholarships for college where he played basketball while serving in the army. Even with these experiences, I sensed that something was missing in his life. I was concerned about his walk with the Lord and confronted him about it, reminding him (like a good Christian or big sister should) of our upbringing. He listened impatiently and continued doing what he was doing (reminding me that he was a man and that I wasn’t his mama). Confused, I returned home determined to share more of my wit and wisdom with my wayward brother. But that wasn’t what God had in mind.

The next time Mack called, I was armed and ready

30 // October 2016

to say what I had to say when I heard God speak to me, “Hush, Terrie.” If it hadn’t been God, I would have been offended. After all, I was doing good. I was trying to build up God’s kingdom. As I rationalized and justified what I was about to say, I could hear the distinct voice again, “Hush, Terrie.” Wait a minute! Is God telling me to be quiet? I was then instructed to simply love my brother, period. Salvation was God’s work; conviction was the work of the Holy Spirit; and my work by God’s power was to love.

A few months after that phone call, my brother began sending his tithe offering to me. Each time I returned it on his behalf, I could hear God saying, “Hush, Terrie; continue to love.” Then Mack visited me while interviewing for several jobs in the area and attended church with me. Where when the appeal was given, he was one of the first to stand up in full surrender to a life of service for God. On baptism day, he and his wife Kim were baptized together and continue to serve God in full-time ministry!

“Hush, Terrie” were initially shocking words coming from my Creator. But the Giver of life knew in His wisdom that Mack needed my love—not my words. Now Dr. Mack Ruff, who is also my pastor (I love God’s ways!), is on fire for the Lord, and I’d like to think that a small part of that is because his big sister humbled herself enough to be obedient to God’s command to “Hush.”

Has God ever told you to hush? He does in His Word! Do you talk too much and listen too little?

Try listening more to what God has to say. Trust me, you’ll be surprised and blessed by His words of love, encouragement, and guidance. Hush!

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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Gò0dNews for Couples

You Want Me to What?

Keep your eyes on the goal.

W

by Don Smith

hat would you do if you had a “Story Book” relationship with your spouse?

You would probably pinch yourself because you know you’ve got to be dreaming.

Story book relationships and Hollywood romances are just that—dreams. If you’re honest, you know you have flaws and your spouse does as well. I guess the question boils down to what do you do with those flaws?

The thing I like about the Message translation of 1 Corinthians 13:3-8 is this: “If I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies.”

32 // October 2016

If your love resembles this—praise God! If it doesn’t, what is your plan to become more like this?

Do you think yours will become this kind of love?

Hopefully, it will. But one thing I’ve learned is this: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back” (Phil. 3:12-14 MSG).

Writing on this subject is very difficult for me.

I want all of 1 Corinthians 13 to show forth in my life and my marriage, but I am not there yet. Am I where I used to be? No, but I’m not where I want to be either. We are encouraged to press forward, keep moving on toward the prize, the prize of our ultimate relationship with Christ, our Redeemer. I thank God because He hears me and knows me, and keeps prodding me onward. Thank you, Daddy.

My prayer is: Daddy, I am so thankful for Your unconditional love for me and my family. Thank You for keeping us together even when it would be so convenient to walk away and say, “Enough is enough.” But You encourage us to fulfill Your Word.

Thank You for showing us the way. Help us walk in it as You would have us to.

Donald E. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Deborah are cofounders of Hearts Set Free in Cleveland, TN of which he is also the Executive Director.

Gò0dNews for Seniors

Staying Healthy

Embracing the Senior Years with a Clear Vision

P

by Esmerelda Lee

eople in America today can expect to live longer than ever before. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once you make it to age 65, the data suggest that you can live on average another 19.3 years. For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions in order to stay healthy. In fact, recently I attended a conference, and the topics included . . .

• “How to Finance Your Senior Living Housing,” • “How to Manage Dementia and Alzheimer’s,” and • “Dealing with Chronic Conditions.”

As I looked at some of the topics, I had to wonder, Is this all there is to growing older? If we are expected to live longer and encounter so many challenges with finance, declining health and cognition, and watching those we love pass away, where is the joy, the fun, and the excitement of growing older? Is this all that awaits?

Each Tuesday morning, I hold a small inspirational moment for our residents at Garden Plaza.

It’s something I look forward to each week, just a small pocket of time when thirty to forty people gather, share stories, talk about the Lord, and sometimes laugh uncontrollably as we enjoy each other’s company. We also cry. We remember people, sometimes revisit painful memories, but no matter what we share during these moments, we always end with holding hands and praying. I have learned

34 // October 2016

through my seventeen years working in senior living that there are many things that change. In fact, today’s great idea may become yesterday’s mistake. Today’s hero or heroine will be a faint memory. Despite changes in federal and state law, and the ebb and flow of our health and wealth, the human spirit can transcend any change. It has the ability to transform a ninety-year-old person into a nineteen-year-old teen, and defy our expectations and presuppositions. That human spirit for many, especially when their backs are against a wall, is attached to a higher power. In my experience, only a minority of senior adults face their final hours on earth by denying the existence of God. Most older adults cling to Him, speak to Him, and are able to maneuver through this season of their lives with complete dependence on God. Having sat at the bedside of countless people, I am convinced that though we are faced with many changes on this earth, God never does change. He is the one constant, the only sure certainty, and the reason each person can embrace the coming years with clear vision. He gives joy in the midst of any storm; He gives laughter, even when we can’t explain it, and He will supply our needs in any circumstance. This topic is rarely discussed in senior living, but don’t be fooled; it is a huge part of life and death because He is real.

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

So Long, Summer!

God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. — Hebrews 6:10 HIV

A

by Kelly Hixson

s school was coming to an close and the latest buzz in the hallway was about the wonderful fun-filled trips everyone would be taking, I would start to feel a little bit of jealous.

Then here came the pictures on Facebook with toes in the sand just to make things worse.

Let me go back a couple of years ago when my family decided to get out of debt and start paying for everything with cash. It hasn’t been easy, and some days were tougher than others, but this change challenged us to be more creative as a family. I don’t have any of those cute toes-in-the-sand pictures to share with the world, but we did decide to make this a meaningful summer—a summer that left our hearts full while the jealousy diminished.

We started the summer in a local nursing home visiting my grandmother. Then we were able to adopt another friend there. We took flowers, cards, and chocolates to share with our new friends and nursing staff.

The next adventure was a trip to Lake Chickamauga. We volunteered with a ministry that took children with special needs out on the lake for a day of fishing. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the children left us talking

36 // October 2016

about this trip for days!

We didn’t stop there. One day we decided to surprise my mother at work on her birthday. She worked at a local summer feeding program, so when we surprised her with cake and ice cream, we decided to let everyone take a break and eat cake while we made sandwiches for kids in our community. I believe the members of the program made over 600 sandwiches that day. It felt great knowing kids wouldn’t go hungry over their summer break!

Is summer over yet? Not yet, because then it was time to purchase school supplies! My church partners with a local school to supply new backpacks and school supplies for all the children. We had fun loading up buggies of school supplies and passing them out to the children at the teacher meet-and-greet day. The experience was PRECIOUS, just PRECIOUS! We did sneak in a few fun trips, swimming days, and movie nights with homemade popcorn.

We had a great summer and payed for everything with cash and tackled debt. This summer will be the most memorable because we had so much fun making others smile.

Maybe this upcoming year you will decide to save money, get out of debt, and make some memorable moments that leave your hearts full too.

Be creative!

Kelly Wells is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary School and a member of Heritage Fellowship Church of God. She is involved with “Do Missions” and Catch Ministry.

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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

Gò0dNews for Teachers

Devotion for All Teachers This Year

I

by Gracie Hixson

n the Book of Jeremiah, one of the most quoted scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Although this scripture is often quoted to give encouragement, let’s look a little deeper at the life of Jeremiah.

Being a teacher, how would you feel if no one listened to you for forty years? Talking about teacher burnout; that was the life of Jeremiah. For forty years, he was a spokesman for God and nobody listened. Jeremiah was not a success by most standards. He was not rich, he was rejected by neighbors and friends, and did I mention nobody listened to him? But in God’s eyes, Jeremiah was a success. How could he be a success if nobody listened? The reason is because Jeremiah was obedient. He was obedient because he did what God called him to do.

38 // October 2016

Using my advanced learning skills, I’m guessing teachers have a calling as well.

Like Jeremiah, you don’t do it for the fame or fortune; you don’t do it for the prestige, or even because you like getting up at 6 a.m. every morning. So when I look at the life of Jeremiah compared to the teachers around the world, there are a lot of similarities. Why would Jeremiah keep telling the children of Israel to return to God? He did it because he loved them and God’s love was evident in his life.

Why do teachers continue to teach? In my opinion, it is because they love their students and they are obedient to God’s calling in their life. So I hope this is an encouragement to you, as much as so many of you have been an inspiration and encouragement to the students who walk through your classroom door year after year. This year I pray that you feel like someone is really listening to you! May God bless this school year.

Gracie Hixson is a student at Ocoee Middle School where she is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and band programs. She is a member of Heritage Fellowship Church of God who is involved with “Do Missions” and Catch Ministry.

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Gò0dNews from the Tech Shop

Renew Your Mind . . . and let God refocus the calling on your life.

S

by Chris Isbill

eptember ends, hot humid days fade into cooler nights, fall officially starts, and October rolls around. All of a sudden you start to see it more and more: purples, oranges, blacks, and candy bags filling up every store. Costumes and makeup on every other aisle. This could only tell us one thing, and by now you already know that the holiday is coming. It’s Halloween!

Before long, there will be pumpkins on doorsteps with skeletons hanging from trees, lights shining on houses with all kinds of monsters floating in circles on garage doors. Chances are by now that you are remembering your childhood well. I do, “Knock, Knock, Knock.” Trick or Treat. Then comes the candy, and maybe if it’s not too late for a good monster movie to finish off the one night a year that it’s okay to be scared. Seems so long ago, doesn’t it?

As our society has progressed and gotten older, I am seeing that monsters become more a part of our very vivid reality. It seems as though costumes have come to play a part in everyday life now too. Think about it. How many times do we wake up in the morning and it is all we can do to get up, show up, and put a smile on? We laugh through discomfort; we fight through pain. We shine a dull light through the adversity. We run even though we are exhausted.

It actually feels a lot more like a masquerade and

40 // October 2016

charades then it does an abundant life.

You see, though, God is so wonderful and He doesn’t want us to just go through the emotions of everyday life. He doesn’t want us to feel like we are drowning in a life of hiding who we really are underneath a mask. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance (ESV).” All you have to do is claim the peace that God promises day in and day out. Don’t let the monsters come into your life and steal your joy and destroy the beautiful life God has given you for the short time you are on Earth. Stand up and shout out that today is the day you lay down your troubles and trials at the foot of the Cross. Tell the devil to get behind you and move forward in the abundance of God’s wonderfulness by allowing Him to renew your mind and refocus the calling on your life to His will and plan that was set in motion before the beginning of time. Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (HCSB).

Chris Isbill is the owner of Isbill Tech Services and enjoys spending time with his wife Chelsie and their dog Maggie.

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Gò0dNews for Your Taste Buds

Stuffed Green Pepper Soup Who doesn’t love soup in the fall?

by Brooke Hale Serves: An army or eight generous portions 45 minutes 1 ¼ c. uncooked brown rice 1 lb. lean ground beef 4 green bell peppers—diced 1 inch pieces 1 large yellow onion—diced ½ inch pieces 4 c. cooking stock—beef 1 tbsp. garlic powder 2-3 tbsp. Better Than Bouillon—roasted beef base 1 tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. ground allspice ¼ tsp. dried thyme 3 c. V8 spicy hot 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1- 6 oz. can tomato paste 2 tbsp. light brown sugar Start cooking your rice. After you start your rice, start browning your ground beef in a soup pot. While all that is cooking, dice your green bell peppers and onion.

42 // October 2016

After you have browned the beef, add in the peppers, onion, cooking stock, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon, pepper, allspice, and thyme and let it simmer on mediumlow, partially covered for 25 minutes.

Add rice and the remaining ingredients. After everything is mixed in and has heated through, taste it! If you need a little more of something, feel free to add it! I added an extra tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon because I personally like it salty!

Let cool and serve! Will thicken upon standing.

Enjoy up to three days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to two months!

Tips: The V8 spicy hot is NOT very spicy. But if black pepper makes your eyes water, get the regular V8 vegetable juice!

If you would like it spicier, add in cayenne pepper at the end, not the beginning. The longer you cook cayenne pepper, the spicier it gets, making it hard to judge how much to add.

Brooke Hale is the Operations Manager at GoodNews Christian Magazine. She is married to Kraig Hale and together they have two dogs, Mia and Millie, and a cat, Mario. Brooke loves watching movies, cooking, and reading in her spare time.

Our Community.

Our Hospital.

Starr Regional Medical Center brings a growing list of professional healthcare services to the communities of Athens and Etowah so you and your family don’t have to travel to a big city to receive the very best in compassionate, high quality care. From emergency services, to routine care, to long-term capabilities, our services stand out: • 24/7 Emergency Services • Diagnostic Imaging • Lab Services • Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy • Surgical Services • Diagnostic Sleep Center • Senior Care - Geriatric Psychiatry • Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation • Advanced Wound Center and Hyperbarics • McMinn Memorial Nursing Home & Rehab Center • Labor & Delivery / Women’s Services We also offer many more services to keep our communities healthy.

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 from the Physician's Desk

Thirty One Years of Pink Raising Awareness of Breast Cancer

I

by Tammie Lowry

n 2016, nearly 232,000 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. They will become part of more than 2.8 million persons living with breast cancer or who have a history of the disease. Frankly, that’s 2.8 million too many.

At Starr Regional Medical Center, we want to do our part to decrease the incidence of breast cancer and help make our communities healthier. We want all of the women in our communities—our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and friends—to know their risk, to recognize the signs and symptoms, and to understand the importance of self-checks and early detection.

This October, Starr Regional will proudly join hundreds of other businesses, organizations, celebrities, and even professional athletic teams in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Launched in 1985 through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, the goal remains simple: to raise awareness of breast cancer and fight the disease through early detection.

To do this, we are collectively and eagerly committing our time and energy to raising awareness of the disease by educating women about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors, and urging women to get screened. We encourage our patients and visitors to “think pink” and be aware of this disease and the ways they can

44 // October 2016

prevent its occurrence. We do all of this because study after study shows that early detection is key to survival.

In fact, after thirty-plus years of unrelenting work, breast cancer incidence rates are steadily declining, and, thanks in part to advances in medicine and earlier detection, survival rates are increasing.

It is recommended that women over the age of forty have an annual mammogram to watch for any changes in the breast. Throughout October, Starr Regional will continue to offer these regular mammograms, as well as a number of special programs specifically designed to raise awareness of the disease and promote regular screenings.

For more information or to schedule a mammogram, contact the Starr Regional Breast Center at (423) 744-3244.

Thank you for joining me and my peers at Starr Regional Medical Center in our efforts to prevent this deadly disease that has impacted so many of our loved ones’ lives.

Tammy Lowery is supervisor of Starr Regional Breast Center.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Commercialization of Christmas It might not be a bad thing after all.

H

by John C. Mannone

ow often do we complain about how the materialistic world steals the joy from the Christmas season? Each year it seems “commercial Christmas” begins earlier and earlier. As a kid, Santa Claus and his reindeer sled ushered in the Christmas-buying season on the rear of a Thanksgiving Day parade. Over the years, merchants have edged the holiday sales closer to Halloween—first, just after, then just before— and now, well before Halloween. This might outrage some of us, but this is actually an excellent opportunity to share the “reason for the season.”

Christians celebrate Christmas to commemorate Christ’s birth. Most of us know that Jesus was not born on December 25; the Roman Emperor Constantine set that date for political convenience in the fourth century B.C. So when was our Lord born?

Dr. Luke’s compressed language speaks volumes.

He writes that Zacharias, the soon-to-be father of John the Baptist, was burning incense in the Temple during the course of Abijah (see Luke 1:5, 9). It’s the eighth of 24 priestly duties, one for each week and repeated in the second half of the year (see 1 Chron. 24:1-19). (During the other times, the high priests would come together to celebrate the feast days.)

The Hebrew calendar points to the course of Abijah occurring in late June/early July or six months later in late December/early January. (The differences arise from a 360-day Hebrew calendar and a variable year sometimes having a thirteenth month.) Zacharias had to travel only thirty miles from the Temple to the high country where he lived with Elisabeth. It is reasonable to assume that his wife conceived John the Baptist shortly after Zacharias arrived home a couple days later.

There are only two possibilities when this happened:

46 // October 2016

late June or late December. Let us, for the moment, argue that it was late June. Six months later, Gabriel visited Mary, and she miraculously conceives the Christ (see Luke 1:26, 38). Notice this could have been December 25. Assuming a perfect gestation period, Christ would have been born late September or early October. What a wonderful coincidence if that were on Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) or Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) or even during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)! Note also that Christ is our “first fruits” (1 Chron. 15:23). He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, He died in the spring; how fitting that He would be born in the fall.

Let’s examine the other possibility—a spring birth. Sheep were kept close to the city and enfolded at night during the spring and summer because of the lack of grass in the fields and the increased threat from predators. However, during Christ’s birth, the shepherds were in the field (see Luke 2:8). The latter rains of fall ensured good grazing. A fall birth for our Lord is arguably more convincing.

So let’s rejoice to talk about Christ this time of year, but also in December because of the wonderful ironies of Christ’s possible conception on or near December 25, a possible arrival of the Magi on that day (some countries celebrate the Epiphany on January 5). Christ was a toddler during that visitation (another topic for another time).

I love the Lord and His sense of humor amidst His extravagant love for us. The ultimate irony is that He came and gave Himself to us—the greatest present for all mankind for all time.

John C. Mannone has published over 550 poems and prose and shares his Christian work through PoeticWord Ministries. He lives in north McMinn County. Visit The Art of Poetry: http://jcmannone.wordpress.com

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Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

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48 // October 2016

Gò0dNews for Grandparents

Praying for Your Grandchildren “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”—Colossians 4:2 NIV.

P

by Darlene Lofty

rayer is probably the least utilized weapon we have access to, yet it is the single most important thing we can do for our grandchildren. It is free, it can be done at any time and any place. Unfortunately, many of us only turn to prayer as a last resort when it should be our first defense. I cannot stress enough the power of prayer and the impact prayer can have on our grandchildren.

Pray for their protection. There are so many things our grandchildren face today that we could not have imagined when we were growing up or even when we were raising our children. Pray that God will protect them from the temptation of drugs and alcohol and the lure of sexual predators. Pray for their safety at school, not only from physical injuries, but also from the threats of

50 // October 2016

bullies. Pray that God will protect their eyes and ears from the evil the world offers.

Pray for their provisions. As grandparents, we want to make sure our grandchildren have everything they want and need, as we should. However, it is the parents’ primary responsibility to provide for their children. Pray that God will provide for their needs through their parents. We can certainly step in and help, but not to the point where their trust is in us instead of God. Pray for their parents. A strong, loving, Christian home will give your grandchildren a foundation for success in all areas of their lives. Pray that God will bless them in all areas of their life—financially, physically, and spiritually. Pray for their individual needs and for the needs of them as a couple. Pray that God will place a desire in their parents to have God first in their lives and in their homes.

Pray for their salvation. Our pastor often says during a child’s baptism that the child is not only saved for eternity, but from many of life’s problems by coming to faith at an early age. I believe that. It’s not a guarantee that they will never fall into temptation, but it is certainly better than the odds.

Make prayer a part of your time with your grandchildren. Let them see and hear you pray, and let them know you are praying for them. Let them know that prayer is an important part of your life by praying at times other than meals and bedtime. By setting the example, you will make prayer a part of their lives too.

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

Tarrying Until the Harvest

“Let us not become weary in doing good,for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

—Galatians 6:9 NIV

I

by Kelly McDonald Jr.

n life, we become weary when we do not see results. For instance, you may be praying for your children to return to God. Your prayers are offered up, but you may not see the promise coming to pass at this moment. This can cause discouragement whether it is in our personal walk with God or our ministry work. It can also happen in business. You see yourself putting forth so much effort and you can’t see the results. Your expectation is so high, but the harvest seems so small.

The Greek word kairos translated as “proper time” in Galatians 6:9 refers to God’s timing. The harvest is coming, but not in our timing. The key is that we must not give up. We must learn to tarry (tarrying is an old English word that means “linger or patiently wait”). Throughout the Bible, the language of sowing and reaping is used. We see this in Galatians. When you plant seeds in a field, does the seed produce a crop overnight? Of course not! God uses the language of a harvest in the Bible for a reason. There will be delayed results and delayed gratification. In a world where there is instant gratification with email, Facebook, and text messaging, it can be tough for us to tarry. God wants us to learn the art of expecting the harvest before it comes. He wants there to be a delay so that we learn to trust Him. When it comes in God’s timing, then you will know that only God made it happen. God will

52 // October 2016

receive the glory!

The original promise of God is so exciting; the thoughts of a great outcome are exciting, but tarrying for the harvest is not. Tarrying does not mean inaction; we continue to serve God. We can always prepare for the harvest practically. If you are praying for a financial increase, are you a steward of what you have now? Have you prepared to receive the increase?

When you sow seeds in the ground, they begin to grow beneath the surface. They have to develop a root system to absorb nutrients so that they can grow upward. Even though you cannot see the initial growth of the seed, it is still there. While we tarry for the harvest, the character of God is built in us. This is the root system. That is where God prepares us to receive the harvest. God knows when your character has reached the level where it can handle the harvest that is coming.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Pro. 13:12 NIV). As humans, we have to experience difficulties and delays. It makes the harvest much sweeter and our relationship with God much closer. When God gives the vision, He will provide provision.

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 from the Outdoors

Tattered Leaves

“In the whisper of the leaves appears an interchange of love.”—William Jones

O

by Beth Houle

ne morning recently, I took our family dog on a walk. It had been a very stressful few weeks both professionally and personally, and I was tired mentally, physically, and emotionally. I felt broken, and even though I was out walking, it was difficult to clear my head and lower my anxiety. I began to use a simple anxiety-reducing strategy I teach my clients. As I walked (although you can do this anywhere, anytime), I focused on one of my five senses at a time.

What do I hear? Birds chirping, wind blowing in the trees, squirrels jumping through the branches, cars in the distance.

What do I smell? Lavender flowers, a flowing stream, the smell of the woods, my dog who needs a bath.

What do I taste? My coffee from my breakfast, salt from my upper lip.

What am I touching? The hard pavement under my feet, the sole of my flip flops, the breeze on my shoulders.

What do I see? Birds flying, trees swaying, children playing.

And then I see a leaf. This leaf that is laying perfectly on the path, that I would I have stepped on had I not been tuned in. This leaf that had been nearly destroyed by disease and pests.

This leaf that was withering in the hot sun and the unforgiving elements around it.

I was intrigued by the leaf. I felt like the leaf: torn and ravaged. I reached down to pick it up. . . .to get a closer look.

54 // October 2016

I began to see the beauty in the leaf. The intricate patterns the climate had created. The unique lace-like beauty that I had initially seen as destruction. The veins of the leaf bring water and minerals from the root to the leaf had remained completely unbroken–still able to carry life to the leaf. Despite the damage to the leaf, it was whole. It was strong!

I was the leaf. Formed by experiences and pain that feel disfiguring but instead create beautiful, unique patterns that are fed by the veins of my faith, my family, and those around me when I need life and energy to continue.

You are the leaf. Your neighbor is the leaf. Laying in the hot sun on your path, needing to be noticed and lifted up in admiration of their unique strength.

Who are we to the leaves around us? Are we the disease? The pests? Do we even notice the leaf or walk by it? Does it look too different from us? Too far gone? Too unimportant or hopeless? Or are we those veins speaking life and love to a broken leaf? The leaf reminded me today: To see what’s on my path To appreciate uniqueness To be thankful for the veins of life and hope To acknowledge that even the pests and disease create artistry to be cherished.

Beth Houle has her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and owns a private practice in Cleveland, TN. She focuses her work with clients on relationships with self, others, and society. To find out more about her practice or to schedule an appointment, contact her at healingbonds.com or call 423-650-7543.

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