December 2013

December 2013

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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

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December 2013

G ò0 dNews

Christian Magazine

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About Us GoodNews From the Pastor’s Desk A CHRISTmas Thought!

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GoodNews for Kids Christmas

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GoodNews on Money Matters The Happiest Season of All

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GoodNews for Him Directionless Cleveland Church Directory GoodNews for Her Christmas Presence

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GoodNews for Parents Raising Independent Children

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GoodNews for your Taste Buds Gingerbread

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GoodNews for Health & Fitness The Eating Season

The Houls

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GoodNews for Teens What a Gift!

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Ooltewah/Collegedale Church Directory

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GoodNews for the Outdoors Before!

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GoodNews for Everyone Be Excellent to Each Other!

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GoodNews for Couples Grandpa’s Gift

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GoodNews for Seniors Courage at Christmas GoodNews for Everyone Our God: The Gift Giver GoodNews for Writers

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GoodNews for Everyone Home For Christmas: Surviving Holiday Family Dynamics GoodNews for Everyone Eat, Drink & Be Mary

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.

God Bless You and Thank You! Photographer Melinda Nicodemus

Writers

Pastor Frank Evans Pastor Mike Shreve Andrew Lee Esmerelda Lee Michael McCant David Gray Teresa Norman Julia Wilson Rev. Rusty Asble Deana Thomspon Craig Thompson Amber Mullins Chris Moser Beth Houle Emily Stone

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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer!

We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

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G ò0 dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

By Pastor Frank Evans

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uke 2:10 “Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

Freedom Fellowship Church

Great Joy to whom? To some people? No, to all people!

Then why does this time of year seem to bring so many to a place of depression?

If you could use a single word to describe Christmas, what word would it be? Some may use words like headache, stressful, expensive, or even bothersome. To many people, Christmas is just another day, only a little more expensive and a lot more trouble. I have even heard Christians use these words to describe the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. How sad is it, that an event which brought so much joy in Heaven should bring so little joy here on Earth? What are we thinking?

I would like to suggest to you as we begin this beautiful season of the year, that this Christmas season can be a time of peace and joy, no matter how broke you are or how busy you are. Joy is like love-- it is not merely an emotion, but a decision, and I believe you can be as joyful and peaceful as you want to be. It’s all in where you choose to put your thoughts. If you really want to have peace and joy this Christmas season, let me suggest three places to focus your heart and mind.

First of all, we need to FOCUS ON JESUS Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” I believe we have forgotten that Christmas is not primarily about us-- our family, friends, church, presents- but about Him? If you are a Christian, focusing on Jesus means that you not only remember the Savior in the manger, but remember the Savior in your heart. Remember that this baby grew up and went to the Cross to pay for your sins, and that He rose again to give you a new life, and that He lives in your heart today. That alone should give you joy.

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is truly the Lords desire to give you peace and joy.

Secondly we should FOCUS ON OTHERS Focusing on others should also help us develop the attitude of joy. Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.” And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Paul quotes Jesus here to point out the joy of generosity. Christmas is the time we celebrate the most wonderful gift God has given us: Jesus. His focus in giving Christ to the world was His love for others, and He gave us an example that we too, should be willing to follow.

Joy does not come from getting all that we can get from others, but in giving all that we can give to others. It is this focus on others that will bring us joy. If you want to know joy at Christmas, then discover the December joy of giving. Jesus said whatever you do to the least of

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these, you do for Him. If you want joy this Christmas, find someone in need, and in the name of Christ, give to them your time and your treasures. There are plenty of lonely, needy people right here in Cleveland, Tennessee, and the Holy Spirit will show them to you if you will let Him.

Thirdly, There is a Need to FOCUS ON YOURSELF Yes, there is a sense in which we are to focus on ourselves. Your own attitudes determine whether or not you will experience peace and joy this year. You can let worry, stress, unforgiveness, or discouragement rob you of the peace and joy of Jesus. Everyone struggles sometimes, but please understand - attitude is not automatic. You choose to allow these attitudes to rule you. How do I know? Because the Bible commands us not to allow these things to rule our lives, and God would not command us to do what we cannot (in His strength) do.

Worry and stress?

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Unforgiveness?

Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Discouragement?

2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.”

The fact is: you can be full of faith, or full of doubt; full of peace and joy, or full of the world’s woe. Consider your thoughts- listen to your words- watch your actions and ask yourself-- do I have the peace and joy of the Lord, or am I wallowing in the sorrows of this world?

“Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man--His unspeakable gift of His Son, and the gift of man to God--when we present our bodies a living sacrifice”.

- Vance Havner You are the only person who decides if you can be joyful this year! God has a gift for you this Christmas- it is the peace and joy that you unwrap by focusing on Jesus, Others, and then Yourself. Don’t wait until Christmas day to unwrap that gift-- open it now and enjoy it!

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G ò0d dNews for Kids

Christmas Luke 2:1-20 If Mary and Joseph would have come to our house, we would have had room for them,” Kyle said after his father had read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2.

“I hope so,” said his father. “But would we have put them in the garage like the innkeeper put them in the stable?”

“No,” said Kyle. “They would have the bed that Grandma uses when she comes to visit us.”

“But what if Grandma were here visiting us?” said his mother. “There were many visitors in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.”

“Then they could have my room,” Kyle said.

“I like that idea!” said his mother.

“And in one way that’s what happened,” his father said.

“How?” asked Kyle.

“Jesus is in your room,” said his father.

“No,” said Kyle. “He lived in Bethlehem of Judea.

That’s the part I said in the Sunday school program.”

“That’s where Jesus lived then,” his father said. “But now he lives in all of us. When you go to bed, you pray to him. Do you think he hears you?”

“Of course!” Kyle said.

“Is he there with you?” asked his father.

“He’s always with me because he loves me,” said Kyle. He remembered that from the Sunday school program too.

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“That’s why the Christmas story is such a happy story for us,” said his father. “It tells us that God wants to be with us.”

“And God even lived in a stable for us,” said Kyle.

“Yes,” his mother said. “But the stable is not the important part. Jesus came to be our Savior so that he can be with us always. Now he can be with us wherever we are.”

“Like when we ride in the car,” Kyle said.

“He’s also in the hospital with people who are ill,” said his father.

“And in school with you,” his mother said.

“And Jesus is with us as we open our presents right now,” said Kyle.

Some Questions 1. Where is it easy for you to know Jesus is with you?

2. Where is it difficult for you to know Jesus is with you?

3. How can Christmas help you know Jesus is with you?

A Prayer Jesus, thank you for coming to live with us and to save us. Please be with us always. Amen.

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“On your mark, get set, GLOW!” and the United Christian Academy 5K Glow Run and Fall Festival was off to a great start. Complete with a variety of games, live entertainment sets, delicious food, a bouncy house, and hayride, this 11st annual community event was a success, drawing in not only families from the school but also from all over Cleveland and Chattanooga. With the UCA ram mascot in the lead, the runners and walkers alike were decked out in their glow in the dark t-shirts and glow gear as they raced on the Greenway, lighting up the night. We would like to congratulate the three top placements Michael Walker (15.44), Johnny Clemons (15.49), and Chastin Kim (20.48). United Christian Academy plans to make this event an annual tradition in the community.

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G ò0 dNews on Money Matters

THE HAPPIEST SEASON OF ALL

By Andrew Lee ast year at this time, I wrote an article sug-

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December 2013

gesting how to budget for Christmas gifts by writing a special Christmas budget and actually sticking to it. I suggested such tips as carrying Christmas cash in envelopes so that when the limit for each gift is reached, it’s paid for in cash, with no remorse (i.e.—credit card bills) haunting us for weeks and months after the holidays like the ghost of Scrooge or Jacob Marley. For this year’s December column, I wanted to briefly examine the difference between Christmas “traditions” and Christmas “routines,” with an eye to how the latter notion many times takes precedence over the former, often to our financial detriment.

By Christmas “tradition,” I mean all of the positive, wonderful memories, often dating back to our childhoods, which we carry on in our adult lives and with our own families. Maybe it starts with a game of touch football before the holiday meal with all of the nieces, nephews, and grandkids, followed by caroling or eggnog or watching a favorite Christmas movie as a family. Notice how these traditions are often non-financial in nature.

Sure, the dinner costs money to buy and prepare, but other than that, most enduring Christmas traditions aren’t about money at all, but rather about quality time together with those we love, sharing life experiences, remembering the birth of Jesus, and counting our blessings.

On the other hand, and often at odds with Christmas traditions, we have the banal, whiteknuckled, often anxiety-producing Christmas “routines.” These are more often than not associated with financial stressors, like sleeping in the car in order to be first in line on the “Black Friday” shopping frenzy, or racing from mall to mall to guarantee that “Junior” gets the high-tech gadget he says he’ll simply die without. Sometimes these “routines” involve spending money we don’t have to buy gifts for people we don’t like, simply out of a sense of obligation or shame. In these routines, “budget” is often treated as a profanity, never to be uttered

or even given a moment’s consideration. Thus, we become consumed with the quest to buy all of the obligatory gifts, mark them off our check-list, and then heave a sigh of relief that we’ve survived the experience, miraculously, yet again. Granted, I realize that some people actually view the insomnia of “Black Friday” as fun, and they claim that wrestling with other customers and getting them to “tap out” in order to save a few dollars on that flat screen TV is actually exhilarating. Nevertheless, most of the time these Christmas “routines” tend to rob us of the true joy of Christmas traditions, and to lose sight of what’s really important.

This year, let’s try to focus on “giving back” rather than giving gifts; giving our time and our talents and efforts toward helping those who need it— whether it’s tutoring a child struggling in school, helping a family move into their new home, serving at a shelter, or donating from our own excess of blessings to a worthy charity. Matthew 18:23“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” This holiday season, let’s show others that God is indeed “with us” as we shine the love of Christ through our Christmas traditions. Merry Christmas!

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G ò0d dNews for Men

Directionless!

By Michael McCant

P

roverbs 16:9 “A man plans his way in his heart, but God directs the steps.”

I like to play sports, most any sport; some I excel in and others I play for the fun of getting outside. Golf happens to be in the second category. As with anyone who is a recreational golfer, sometimes I have a good shot that keeps me coming back and possibly even thinking I am starting to figure some things out, only to have the next shot go array or not move at all.

As I have walked with the Lord for over twenty years, he continues to teach me things about life (both in how I live as well as how he has called me to live) and also how he has created each of us to live when we are following his heart. A man plans his way, but God directs the steps means we can have plans but if we are not attentive ive to hear the voice of the father in our hearts and lives, we will ill often find ourselves continuing to walk but in a completely letely directionless path away from the true steps of God..

In this walk with the Lord that has spanned ed over half of my life, God has used many circum-stances and analogies to speak to me while justt hanging out, spending time with him. Sometimes he hits me in the unexpected places (you think off your own places here) and other times it’s while I am out hiking, mountain biking or even golfing.

If you play golf regularly or have at least st played some, you are aware having a drive from the he tee of 200-250 yards is really good for the average rage golfer. Anyone in my caliber of playing who can consisonsistently hit a drive of this length would be happy; unless nless the inevitable happens at least inevitable for me.

Everything is set, the wind is just right and d there h iis abb solutely no one around who is talking or causing distraction (who you can blame if the shot goes bad). The hush is over the trees and the practice swings felt decent and now for the shot; just as hoped for you pull out a monster drive of at least 225 yards, one problem; the ball is 225 yards from you, however it ended up in the woods, out of bounds and now you have to take a drop shot in order to try for the fairway on your third shot instead of shooting for the green on the second.

If you play, it has probably happened and if not it most certainly will if you ever risk trying the big shot; some reading this will probably not play but you understand the analogy in terms of our walk with God. As we walk with the Lord, years will pass by and we December continue to be involved with life, ministry, work or all of

12 2013

the above, we remember vaguely the last time we asked for directions but we are not really sure when it was, so we stop. We stop to look around for landmarks, sign post or something that resembles God is still leading us. It is often at this time when we STOP, we discover not only is God not leading us, we have actually started trying to lead him. We have taken the direction which seemed right to us but have neglected making sure we are staying attentive to a voice behind us or in our hearts saying “go right, left or stay straight” Isaiah 30:21 NIV “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

This scripture from the book of Isaiah, suggests firstly the hearer is listeningg to the voice and has been in communication with the speaker.

Secondly once the t direction is heard it is written we would then get rid of the things which pull us away or distract us from the ways an and truth of God’s direction (Isaiah 30:22). We are to listen and then obey!

A friend and ministry colleague who I served with for many years use to say “God speaks, we obey, w He gives understanding MAYBE!” We are promH ised in scripture God will never leave us and another place we are instructed obedience is better than sacrifice, however we are never told we would always understand why God speaks or directs us in the way he does.

As I continue to walk with the Lord, the days of being way out in the woods and directionless have thankfully become fewer. However, this does not mean tha have it all figured out; just like the golf swing I can still I hav go awry. awry Gratefully, I have learned to hear the still small though sometimes I think God speaks much louder to voice, thou me when h needed, d d and its then I may look back to realize I am walking without direction.

Many years ago someone wrote the poem “Footprints in the Sand” explaining how after walking with the Lord they looked back only to see just one set of footprints because Jesus was carrying them. The flipside to this is when we see one set of prints only to discover we have been trying to lead God rather than be led by Him and we have gotten so far away we can no longer see him behind us.

How is our direction? First as followers of Christ, then men, husbands, fathers, business leaders, employees and so on. Are we being led by the father or have we started wandering aimlessly in the woods? If it’s the latter, let us not forget the earlier generation that tried this way; it took them forty years to get home!

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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 (423) 472-4214

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

December 2013

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 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, Cleve-

land, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jay Mccluskey 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church Rev. Shane Lawson 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church Pastor Brent Coley 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church Pastor David Tuten 4657 Spring Place Rd SE,

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church Pastor Allan Lovelace 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smartt 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

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

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

Church of God

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

(423) 614-0708 or

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www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com/

Church of God of Prophecy Cleveland Spanish Church of God of Prophecy 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road Church of God of Prophecy 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries Church of God of Prophecy 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place Church of God of Prophecy

2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood Church of God of Prophecy Bishop Winston Reid 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Episcopal

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5541

Lutheran

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

Methodist

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

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

15 GoodNews Christian Magazine

Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 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 Dwelling Place Church International Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.5200 www.iwilldwell.com Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.com Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Larry Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or Thelovingchurch.org Norvel Hayes Ministries 24 155 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 Triumphant Living “The Sanctuary” Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries.org United Christian Church 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 Church 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian Church 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 Church 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889

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Adult Groups Cleveland Christian Fellowship -Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Heritage Fellowship COG -C.O.R.E- Young adults age 18-30, Single and Married gather together the 1st Tuesday of every month at Panera on Paul Huff Pkwy.

-C.O.R.E- Sunday mornings at 9:45. Breakfast is provided.

Macedonia Baptist Church -Prayer & bible study Wednesday at 6:30 p.m Parkway Baptist Church -Bible study Wednesday at 6:00 p.m South Cleveland COG Bible studies and WOW worship Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

The Church at GracePoint -LifePoint Small Groups Contact mclark@gracepoint.com Union Grove Church of Christ -Bible study Sundays at 10:00 a.m (All ages) -Bible study Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Westmore COG -“Bridge Builders” Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-“Berean” Bible Study Sundays at 5:00 p.m.”

-Sanctuary Bible Class Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-Crossroads Bible Study Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-“Growing in Christ” Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-“Sojourners” Bible Study Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-“Growing in Grace” Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

December 2013

-“The Blessed Life” Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m -Bible study Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Westwood Baptist Church -Bible Study Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Children Living Word Church -Cereal Sunday: Last Sunday of each month beginning at 10am for elementary age children.

W.O.W. = Win On Wednesday (Discipleship program) 7-8:15pm every Wed. night For kids infant to 5th grade -Kids Town Sun.&Wed Nights Grace Point - KidStuf Sun. 9 am -C4K Sun. 10 am -UpStreet Sun. 6 pm -GP Kids Sun. 6:30 Heritage Fellowship COG -Royal Rangers/Missionettes: Wednesdays at 7:00p (K-5) Macedonia Baptist Church -Awana Club Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

Mt Olive Ministries COG -Childrens Choir (K-2 grade, 3-5 grade) Wednesdays at 7:00-7:30 p.m.

-Little Sweethearts (2-5 yrs) -Bluebelles (1st-3rd) -Joybelles (4th-5th) -Royal Rangers (K-5th) Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

North Cleveland COG -“e4Kids” Sundays 9:30-10:00 a.m.

-Big Breakfast Bonanza Sundays 10:00-10:30 a.m.

-Big City Sundays 10:30-12:00 p.m.

-Toon Town

Wednesdays 6:30-7:15 Parkway Baptist Church -TeamKIDS(k-5 grade) Wdnesday at 6:00 p.m South Cleveland COG -Little Sweethearts (2-5 yrs) -Bluebelles (1st-3rd) -Joybelles (4th-5th) -Royal Rangers (K-5th) Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Westmore COG -Childrens Choir (K-2 grade, 3-5 grade) Wednesdays at 6:30-7:00 p.m.

-Little Sweethearts (2-5 yrs) -Bluebelles (1st-3rd) -Joybelles (4th-5th) -Royal Rangers (K-5th) Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Westwood Baptist Church -“Kid Connection” Sunday School 9:30-10:40 Worship Hour 10:40-12:15 -Story Craft Hour (July) Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 -Awana (Aug-May) Wednesdays 6:00-8:00

Couples Groups North Cleveland COG -“Twenty Something” Couples Fellowship For engaged and married couples in their 20’s.

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

-“Covenant Couples” Couples 30’s – 50’s Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Westmore Church of God -“IMarriage” Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

Family Groups Living Word Church - Living Word Church Family Life Groups (Call 423.339-3028 for more information) - Thursdays, 1:30pm - Thursdays, 6:30pm - Sundays, 5pm

Westmore Church of God -Visionary Parenting Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-“Secrets of Your Family Tree” Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Food Ministries Macedonia Baptist Church -Living Bread- gives out non-perishables first Friday of each month 12 - 1 p.m.

Men’s Groups First United Methodist Church -Men’s Breakfast 1st Saturday Morning at 8:00 a.m.

Living Word Church - Living Word Church Men’s Life Groups (Call 423.3393028 for more information) - Sunday 6pm - Monday 7pm - Saturday 8am Mt. Olive Ministries -Men’s Ministries Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m The Church at GracePoint -Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 a.m First Saturday of the month in the Grace Point Café.

Westmore COG -Wednesday Morning Prayer 6:00 a.m.

Prayer Groups Cleveland Christian Fellowship -Prayer meeting) Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.

Living Word Church Pre-Service Prayer Sunday Mornings. 9:30-10:20am.

Prayer Room.

God-Seekers (Noon Prayer).

Freedom Prayer Room.

M-Th 12:00 - 1pm City-Wide Prayer. Every

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Friday. 12:00 - 1 (Calendar available at www.clevelandnet.org) House of Prayer. 1st and 3rd Fridays each month.

7-9pm. East Wing Go Prayer / Evangelism. Every Friday. 7pm. East Wing Fast Lane (Prayer and Fasting) 1st Mon, Tue, Wed of each month. 12 Noon.

Sanctuary Healing Rooms (Healing Prayer Ministry). Thursdays 1-3pm. (By Appointment 423.339.3028) 1st and 3rd Fridays 7pm The Church at GracePoint -Prayer Service Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Westmore COG -Missions Prayer Movement Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Senior Adult Living Word Church Embers (Senior Adult Ministries) Sept. 30, 1pm. Picnic at Fletcher Park Call 423.330.3028 for more information Macedonia Baptist Church -Fellowship Lunchon-Every 3rd tuesday -Quilters groups that meets ever 2nd. & 4th. Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m North Cleveland COG -“Peacemakers” Senior adult ministries Contact Travis Porter (423) 476-5513 South Cleveland COG -“Prime Timers” 1 Friday a month

SingleAdult Groups North Cleveland COG -“Oasis Singles Ministry”

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Westmore Church of God -“Single Friends” Meet the second and forth Saturdays of each month for a variety of events.

Contact Tammy Taylor at (865)617-7715.

Support Groups Westmore COG -“DivorceCare” Thursdays Contact Rick and Rhonda McClure (423)596-1003 -Grief Care Mondays at 6:00 p.m.

Womens Groups Living Word Church Life Groups (Call 423.3393028 for more information) - Sunday 5pm, -Sunday 6pm, -Thursday11:30am - Thursday 6pm - Friday 10:30am Mt. Olive Ministries -Women’s Ministries Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m North Cleveland COG -Women’s Ministries Contact Nelda at (423)4765513 ngeorge@nccog.org The Church at GracePoint -Women group meets weekly For more info contact mclark@grace-point.com Westmore Church of God -Women’s Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

-Yada Yada Book Club Third Thursday of each month 7:30-9:00 p.m Contact Emily Stone at (423)331-1474 Westwood Baptist Church -“Sisters Inc.”

17 GoodNews Christian Magazine

For more info contact Terry Johnson (423)4721534 tjohnson@westwoodlife.org

Youth Cleveland Christian Fellowship -CCF Jr. Youth(10-12) Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

-CCF Teens(13-18) Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Grace Point -IGNITE Youth Ministries Wednesday The U. 6:30pm Sunday Verticle Café 7pm Heritage Fellowship COG-ROOTS Student Ministry: Wednesdays at 7:00p and Sundays at 9:45a.m. (breakfast provided!)

International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración -Youth Ministries Wednesday 7pm Friday 7pm Living Word Church -IGNITE Youth Ministries Wednesday IGNITE U. 7pm Sunday IGNITE Service 6:30pm -Fuel: Ages 18-29 Thursday Nights at 8pm Macedonia Baptist Church -Y4C Youth Group Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

Mt. Olive Ministries COG -LH2O Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

North Cleveland COG -“Altitude Middle School Ministires” Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

-“Elevation” Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Parkway Baptist Church

-Student Ministries(6-12 grade) Wdnesday at 6:00 p.m South Cleveland COG -“Fusion” Youth Group Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Westmore COG -The Element Root work Electives Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

-The Element Service Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Westwood Baptist Church -“Refuge” Youth Group Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m.

Call to have your CHURCH ACTIVITIES and EVENTS listed for free in our next issue.

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G ò0 dNews for Women

By Teresa Norman

“F

or God so loved the world that He gave…. e ” Loving and giving go hand in hand. I love my four grandsons and they sit at the top of my gift list. They tell me months before Christmas exactly what they want and the list changes with every television commercial and trip to Walmart. Christmas and giving are inseparable; God intertwined the two, Himself. He loved…He gave!

It is no surprise that the ones we love and cherish the most in our lives are the very ones we want to lavish on at this time of the year. I’ve had to ask myself some very important questions over the years.

Which is more important: tangible gifts or quality time, presents or presence, overspending or financial peace.

We all know the correct answers but we live the opposite. When asked the question, “What do you really want for Christmas?” children and adults answer from polar opposite positions. Children want the latest and greatest; however, adults want to give and receive gifts that are not tangible. Most women desire adult children to come home, for their husbands to love them more, a united extended family, mending of broken relationships, healing or health, and most of all love and peace.

Peace does not depend on the most beautiful Christmas tree, the largest turDecember key on the table, or the most expensive 2013

18

giftss in the store. In fact, peace can be lost immediategift ly when we receive the after Christmas credit card bills or broken toys that didn’t last through the Christmas season. Jesus told his disciples this truth in the book of John. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Don’t be troubled, or worried, or anxious (fearful)…These things I have spoken to you, that in Me y may have peace. In this you w world you will have troubles, b take courage, I have overbut c come the world.” Our peace i not based on circumstances is o life, but in a right relationof s ship with God. We must not let l our peace be dependent on t tangible presents, but on the u unseen presence of God in our l lives.

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4 :18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

When Christmas 2013 arrives, will we remember the tangible gifts we received this year? Maybe.

But, without a doubt, we will remember acts of kindness, time spent with loved ones, serving others less fortunate, kinds words, hugs and kisses and… Peace!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Invite Him into your Christmas this year.

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Operated by Michael Le, Previouse working at Perfect Nails and Tan. He took his time while designing Bella Nails & Spa to make it a beautiful, relaxing place that people would want to come back to again and again. Michael’s careful planning and attention to detail and customer service have paid off. Bella Nails & Spa opened in April and business has been growing steadily since. Michael estimates that 85 percent of their business is repeat customers. He loves getting feedback from his customers and wants to make sure that they are offering the services their customers want.

When you first walk in to Bella Nails & Spa, you can tell that it is a step above your average nail spa. In addition to calming colors and relaxing music, the manicure and pedicure areas are separated which allows the pedicure area to be a quieter, lower lit area where you can relax. The spa pedicures have a liner for cleanliness for each client. The state of the art AC and fan system Michael had installed removes stale air and blows clean air into the salon to keep it fresh and unpolluted.

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G ò0 dNews for Parents

Raising Independent Children: When to say “No” and when to say “Let’s talk about what just happened.”

By Julia Wilson I have had quite a few parents in my office who struggle with kids who don’t listen. Whether it is a three year old who is stubborn and obstinate, or a thirteen year old who is developing their own sense of identity, they all have the same question: “How do I get him/her to listen?”

How do we impress upon our children the importance of listening, following directions, being respectful, and making good decisions?

Erik Erikson details in his stages of development that children begin learning independence as early as two years of age. If caregivers can lead their children to feeling successful and independent at this early age they can go on to be successful in future endeavors. If they can achieve autonomy over their actions this will lead to a greater ability to distinguish between right and wrong, this can allow them to be successful in future peer relations, and eventually can lead them to being mature, independent adults.

Recently I ran into a new situation with my own child.

He has started a new Sunday school class with older children and until today he has been well behaved, listened, been respectful, etc... However, today there was a new temptation for him: a child, a couple of months younger than my own, who wanted to run and play, and wrestle. My boy was distracted, equally as disruptive, and I was not a happy mom when I heard all of this. As we left church I knew I had a choice, I could fuss at him, shame him, and tell him he knew better or I could wait until I could have a face to face conversation with him. I waited and our conversation was calm, and gave me a much clearer picture of what happened than if I had simply been angry with him in the car. He may only be three years old, but listening to his side of the story and giving him space allowed him to explore his feelings about getting in trouble at church. Instead of fussing, I asked how he felt about what happened and I was given the opportunity to hear him work through what he did right and what he did wrong. I was able to hear his autonomy over his actions, and empower him to have a desire to make better decisions in the future. This isn’t to say we haven’t had our fair share of “I’m taking you to the car right now”

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December 2013

moments. We have! However, I hope these times when I am able to calm myself down until I can have a clear and open discussion with my son stick with him, help him learn, and impress upon him the importance of making his own good decisions.

As a society, I feel we are doing a disservice to our children by forgetting to explain “why” and instead simply saying “no.” For example, a child says something her mother doesn’t like; the immediate response is “No! You don’t say that!” Or a boy takes a toy away from another child and his dad yells “No! Give it back to him!” Why shouldn’t the girl say that word, or why did she say it in the first place? Why shouldn’t the boy take toys from others? Why shouldn’t my son wrestle during Sunday school and disrupt class? How do I teach him why?

It starts early. It starts as they scream for more food, as they pinch and grab at the toys they want. It starts when they are infants and we use words to describe what they desire instead of yelling “No!” No is, or should be, a safety word.

The word, the insistence of “no” should be reserved for serious situations. If a boy is about to run into a street, a mother should yell “No!” If a small girl is about to drink a hot glass of tea, the caregiver should yell “No!” Using “no” with discretion increases the likelihood that they will respond to it when we really need them to.

As for independence, let your kids help with household chores. Instead of correcting the way they wash dishes, tell them you can see they are trying really hard. If they don’t make the bed perfectly, tell them you are proud of their effort, and ask them to help you smooth out the wrinkles. Acknowledge their effort, acknowledge their room for growth, and encourage them to keep trying.

Let your children know what is important to you and why, let them see your independence and feelings, tell them when you a trying hard to achieve a goal. Choose your battles, remember that sometimes children have to have a little room to make their own decisions about how they want to walk through this journey of life. Above all, always remember to love them through their journey, wherever it takes them.

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G ò0 dNews for your Taste Buds

d a e r b r e g n Gi n

so mp

e

o Th a an

By D

C

hristmas is a time that is so full of tradition. People do the same things year after year that families come not only to expect but also to associate with Christmas. Christmas trees and the smell of pine needles. White lights entwined in garland or outlining a rooftop. Carols sung around a cozy fire or outside a neighbor’s door. The Nativity scene alit in a warm glow. When it comes to food, however, the universal traditions are usually tossed out for more personal traditions that are based on a family’s background, ethnicity or lineage. A cookie recipe made by your great-grandmother. Sweet breads from your native country. Side dishes that are a favorite with the family. One taste, however, that most families in America experience at Christmastime is ginger and molasses. Most children have cut out gingerbread men and decorated them with icing and candy. Some have even gone a step further and constructed gingerbread houses.

At a time of sweets, sweets and more sweets, here is a healthy version of the same gingerbread cookies that can be just as fun to make and decorate. As well, if you crave the ginger and molasses but want something different from the cookies, the gingerbread cake brings the spices and sweetness with a tang of lemon sauce on the top.

Gingerbread Cookies Yield: 30 cookies ¼ c. unsalted butter, softened ¼ c. honey 2/3 c. molasses 1 egg 3½ c. freshly-milled soft white wheat flour, or 3 c. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt

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December 2013

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

2. In a large bowl, combine the butter, honey, molasses and egg with an electric mixer. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt.

3. Roll the dough ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.

(If the dough seems too sticky, you can pat the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so. Then roll it out as above.)

4. Cut the dough into the desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.

5. Prepare the Baked-on Decorator’s Frosting. Outline, write or make designs on the unbaked cookies with the frosting.

6. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until no indentation remains when touched.

7. Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack.

Baked-on Decorator’s Frosting In a small bowl, combine ½ c. freshly-milled soft white wheat flour (or 1/3 c. all-purpose flour) and 1/3 c. softened unsalted butter until smooth. Stir in 1½ tsp. hot water and 2-3 drops of food color (if desired). Spoon the frosting into a decorating bag with a writing tip, or into a strong plastic bag with a tiny tip from one corner of the bag cut off.

Gingerbread Cake ½ c. unsalted butter, softened ½ c. honey 2 eggs ½ c. molasses 1-2/3 c. freshly-milled soft white wheat flour, or 1½ c. allpurpose flour ¾ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. ginger ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt 1/3 c. buttermilk 1. Preheat the oven at 325F. Grease and flour a 8” pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and honey on high speed with an electric mixer. Add the eggs and molasses. Beat until well blended.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, and mix on low speed until well combined.

4. Add the buttermilk and combine thoroughly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

6. Top with Lemon Sauce.

Lemon sauce: 1. In a small saucepan, bring 1 c. water to boil. Add 1/3 c. honey.

2. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp. cornstarch and 1 Tbsp. cold water, stirring until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add this to the boiling liquid and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

3. Add 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, 1½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp. lemon flavor, and the zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp.). Stir until combined.

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When God is Silent

By Beth Houle

T

his year was a trying year for our family. At 21 weeks pregnant with our baby Lily, we learned that I was having major complications which could be life threatening for her and for me. Our lives turned upside down as we tried to balance life with two young boys and an unknown future. We were scared, confused, and angry. We prayed and tried our best to trust that God had a plan. But God seemed to be silent. Word spread of our situation and an outpouring of love and help from those we knew and some we didn’t know flooded toward us. We felt a community of believers supporting us, holding us up when we couldn’t stand on our own.

We were all praying the same prayer: Grow Lily, Grow! We prayed that I would be healed, that Lily would make it to term, that she would be healthy. We wanted a sign, a feeling, something that would give us assurance that it would all be ok, that it would turn out the way we wanted. But God was silent. We celebrated each week as it passed, striving to make it just one more. The weeks passed with ups and downs, good news and bad. Uncertainty surrounded us. At 33 weeks, I went into labor. I was admitted to the hospital to stop the labor. The interventions that they used seemed to be causing dangerous complications for me, so they quickly had to discontinue efforts to stop the contractions and we were left to see if the labor would stop on its own. We prayed. Our friends, family and the community prayed for a miracle. Still, He was silent.

Labor seemed imminent and my doctor was not working and not on call but the hospital was keeping him updated. Around 9:00pm, he called the hospital and said he was coming in to do an “urgent” cesarean-section. Things began to move quickly around us and we tried to digest the news that our baby was coming and would be nearly two months early. Still, He was silent. When my doctor arrived, he explained to us that he wasn’t sure what was going on, but he couldn’t shake a feeling in his gut that he needed to deliver Lily now before we were both in an emergency situation. I was rolled to surgery and our precious Lily was born. She was beautiful and arrived weighing 4lbs 15oz. She was taken to the NICU and a new journey of ups and downs began. There were days of progress, days of decline. There were days of growth, and days of regression. The days were filled with both excitement and fear. We experienced joy and anger at our situation. Still He was silent. My husband was able to stay with us the first week in the hospital, and then had to return to work the second week. That second week was the hardest of my life. I was alone in a hospital feeling so scared and isolated, missing my boys and longing for the way things were supposed to be: all of us healthy and at home. I wondered if we would ever know life as it was “supposed to be”. Still, He was silent. Finally, one afternoon as I sat in the NICU rocking my precious baby girl, I was singing to her and found it impossible to come up with

the words to any song other than “Amazing Grace”. So I sang it to her softly: ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares [You] have already come; Tis grace has brought [you] safe thus far And grace will bring [you] home.

For the first time, I knew that this was the Lord speaking to me; to us. His grace would bring us safely home. He had promised that to me, sitting right there in the NICU. Fresh tears fell that day. I understood now that He had not been silent through this process. His words of encouragement, of faith, were coming through those He brought along our path.

His provision was evident as He used his people as His hands and feet. He had not been silent. We began learning more

and more about how dangerous the situation with Lily had become. I was in the midst of a full placental abruption when I went into surgery. Lily was delivered safely and perfectly before the abruption was complete because my doctor had moved on his “gut” feeling. It wasn’t a “gut” feeling at all. God had not been silent. He had spoken to and moved my doctor to action, protecting us in His perfect timing while allowing Lily to spend every possible second inside growing as we had prayed. Weeks later as we left the hospital, a wave of relief and peace flooded over me. The anxiety at home that I expected to feel never came. Grace had brought us home. He had given us our miracle, provided our every need, and His timing was perfect. He had not been silent.

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ, the One whose timing is always perfect, remember that He is in the midst of your situation. He is in the darkest of night.

Look for His hand in ordinary situations. Look for His touch in the kindness of a stranger. Be His hands and feet. Follow his prodding. He is always moving, always working for your good. Because our Savior is never silent.

G ò0 dNews for Health & Fitness

The Eating Season

By Amber Yates Mullins

H

ere we go again. The Eating Season is upon us. We cast away all our dietary caution. After all, the holidays only come around once a year and we should eat, drink, and be merry. The slippery slope begins in October with Halloween candy. A few pieces here and there won’t throw us off, right? Then before we know it, we are feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie. By the end of Thanksgiving week the turkey is not the only thing that has been stuffed.

Soon after, Christmas is a week away and we promise ourselves WE WILL NOT OVER EAT LIKE THAT AT THANKSGIVING! However, before we know it we have overindulged again and resemble a roasted pig with an apple in its mouth.

We end the three-month binge of treats with New Years after completely blowing Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas out of the water with nothing but sugar from daylight to dark. Between October and January we consume an unhealthy amount of starch and sugar resulting in a gain of 5-10 lbs. of fat that we could have avoided. We declare we will not touch another treat until next October!

The fact of life is we can’t avoid family gatherings, office parties, girl’s night out, birthdays etc. A more practical way of living is to get off your diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t give us strict rules to follow.

1. Plan your day by pinpointing your eating activities. If you know you are going to a holiday party at 7 pm, do not skip lunch so you can eat whatever you desire at the party. Instead, have a filling lunch and sneak in a small healthy snack 30 minutes prior to the party. This will give you a satisfied feeling and you will be less likely to devour everything in your sight.

2. Practice willpower challenges. Before you get to deep into the Eating Season, practice being around sweet treats without consuming 100% of them. French women practice only eating 1-3 bites of their desserts.

3. Don’t be in the frame of mind “I only get this once a year”. That statement might be somewhat true, BUT we all know you can fix that food any time of the year.

4. Focus on eating high quality foods. Look for the lean meats without gravy, replace mashed potatoes with a small serving of sweet potato, look for the raw vegetable and fruit tray, and drink water instead of punch or sweet tea.

5. Relax, enjoy your family and friends, and try to exercise. If you do not have access to a gym over the holidays try to squeeze in a walk whenever you can. Walking is one of the most underrated exercises there is.

If all of the above doesn’t help you with your desire to consume everything sugary, deep fried, or coated in chocolate then think about this. Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. If our body is a temple God gave to us as a gift, why would we put poor food in it? Romans 12:2 tells us to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Studies have shown that when a person starts to consume whole foods which are in their natural state, their mind becomes more clear, their energy increases, and overall wellness is experienced. Remember God is in control and we are here to worship Him, not food.

December 2013

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G ò0 dNews for Teens

What a Gift!

Ready:

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" -2 Corinthians 9:15 Set: Chris Tidland is a very good golfer. However, for six straight years he missed the final cut in q-school by a couple of strokes. In 2005, it came down to the final hole, and he missed it by one stroke. Many athletes would stop trying after all those years, but knowing Chris, he never gave up. The following year, Tidland again found himself in the top 30 players on the leaderboard in the final round. Only the final 30 would advance to the PGA Tour the next season. Would he finish strong and get an early Christmas present?

As we approach Christmas this year, we see that the stores are busier than ever. Families are preparing for huge celebrations.

The decorations are out, the trees are being trimmed, everything is ready for the celebration except for one thing: the guest of honor is not invited to most of the parties across the country.

Over 2,000 years ago, God sent his Son as a gift to the world.

Paul described it as God's indescribable gift. Jesus Christ was the best gift ever. However, as people celebrate this year, will they invite Christ to be a part of their festiviDecember ties? Those who know

28 2013

Christ know what a wonderful gift He was to us.

Tidland approached the final hole. He needed to make a par to make the top 30. And that day, Tidland earned his gift. He made par, and he well earned his PGA Tour card. Have you received God's free gift to you? Make Christ a part of your holiday celebrations instead of being more concerned with the latest video game machine, clothing fashion or DVD. Accept His gift, enjoy Him as a gift, and introduce Him as a gift to others. That is a gift that will be remembered eternally.

Go: 1. Is Christ a part of your holidays?

2. Have you introduced others to this great gift?

3. Today, am I truly thankful for God's great gift to me?

Workout: Luke 2 John 3:16 Ephesians 2:8

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Athens Church Directory Assembly of God Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0350

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

December 2013

197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 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 Avenue CoG 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN37303 423-745-1618

Nazarene Athens Church of Nazarene 250 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3087 First Church of Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017

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

Episcopal St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224 Lutheran Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419 Methodist Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St

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

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

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

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

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

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December Events!

Keith Street Ministries Christmas Dinner Theatre December 14th & 15th.

6:00 pm Come enjoy a wonderful night of delicious food and the holiday musical drama, “A Christmas Tale”—a timeless tale of a troop of storytellers who gather to communicate a miraculous true story—a story entitled, "Christmas." The menu will include Olive Garden’s lasagna and a side of spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, dessert and a drink. Tickets are $15 each and Child/ Senior Chicken strip meals can be ordered for $8 each.

For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Melissa at 423-310-1159. Keith StreetMinistries is located next to Logan's Steakhouse in Cleveland.

Peerless Road Church --Advent Service December 8 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary --Seniors Chrismas Dinner & Program December 13 5:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Room --Family Christmas Musical December 14 & 15 6:00 p.m. Saturday Night 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning --Christmas Fellowship December 15 6:00 p.m. Potluck in the Gymnasium

Westmore Church of God --55+ Seniors Banquet ($15) December 5, 2013 6:00 p.m.

Cleveland Country Club --Childrens Christmas Musical We Three Spies December 15,2013 10:00 a.m.

North Cleveland CoG

G ò0 dNews from the Outddooors

Before!

By: Rev. R.G.O. (Rusty) Asble

Y

Y

ou never really think about words that would devastate you. Spoken words that would rock your world and leave you numb. You think maybe something bad will happen when you get older, much older. Never do you think that at 23 years of age, in the prime of hope, life and love would you be told you have cancer. This is not just any cancer, but angiosarcoma. A cancer of the blood vessels that only has affected 10 or less people in the United States in 2006. This is what happened to my friend, colleague, and fellow sportsmen Michael Schwarz. Michael worked and ministered with me at Central Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida. We found a mutual friendship in sharing and loving Christ, playing softball and enjoying God’s great outdoors together.

Michael and I began to hunt during our time off. He assisted me in doing many Sportsmen For Christ hunting retreats as a guide.

During our down time from both ministries and families we were in the woods of Volusia County, Florida. There we pursued Cypress swamp wild hogs, pineywood whitetails, dodged hidden rattlesnakes in palmettos and watched the wiley Osceola turkey meander across the open flatlands. It was a great place to experience the outdoors. This place allowed Michael to harvest his first 200+lb wild hog and trophy Osceola turkey.

However, over my three years in Florida, we just could never connect with a Whitetail. It seemed like an impossible task to put both deer and Michael together.

In the winter of 2005, God had plans and moved my family here to Tennessee. That next year, our dear friend and landowner, Decemberr Robert Hirt, passed away from

2013

his own personal fight with cancer. It was devastation for both Michael and I in the loss of Robert. We both let go of hunting for that year. With the move and the loss of Robert, it just did not seem right.

Michael and I kept in contact and when I found out that he had an illness concern we were not too alarmed. He’s strong, young and of good health. Then the news came. CANCER! A rare and deadly cancer. It quickly took its toll on him. Repeat treatments, change in treatments, loss of weight, low iron, high potassium, multiple hospital stays, loss of hair and financial burden.

Life quickly changed and dreams were dampened.

In between one break in treatments Michael came to Tennessee to visit his family. His parents were then working with me in ministry.

They thought it would be a great break to come and just get away. I sat in their living room with him one night, just the two of us. We chatted about meaningless stuff until he asked me one question, “Do you think we can get me a deer… before…?” I immediately said, “Yes” not wanting him to finish the sentence. The feelings of loss over came me. My young friend was talking about death. I knew I had to do my part to see his dream fulfilled. “Yes, we can get you a deer and this season we will try”.

Michael headed home and finished this series of treatments. He was running a liferace. The cancer was taking an incredible toll on his body. My friend had lost over 50 lbs. He was pale, weak and tired. I remembered…that I promised to do my part. So plans were made.

Our dates were set for the last two days of muzzle loading season and the beginning of gun season in Alabama. There, we would be in a stand hunt-

ing with a dear brother in Christ, Emory Steedly, on his brother’s, L.C. and Kaye Steedly’s, famous farm. It was a place for hopes and dreams to come true.

On the second night of our muzzleloading hunt, it was still, cool and quiet. Michael was placed in a box blind overlooking a small green field that meandered back into a hardwood swamp. We both knew he had one shot – one chance this night. I left him there and headed up the hill to a small field overlooking the bottom area. I knew if he shot I would definitely hear him from that vantage point. It was about 30 minutes; just good enough to get settled in when the quiet was broken with a “BOOM” from the bottoms. It was Michael. I bolted from my stand back down the hill to the entry road to his location. As I quietly walked towards his stand, there he was standing – waiting for me. He confirmed he had hit it but lost it in the muzzle smoke. As we walked to the spot, we saw great dig marks in the mud and dark blood on the grass. It was an easy trail 30 yards deep into the hardwoods. Just a couple steps further and there she laid…a great doe with a perfect heart shot from 50 yards. Michael and I hugged, cried and celebrated. Finally, his first deer to harvest. It was a great feeling of celebration and accomplishment for both of us pulling his deer out of the woods.

On September 21, 2008 Michael lost his earthly fight with cancer. He fought a great fight. He is truly missed daily by family and friends. There isn’t a day that goes by when I can be in the woods that I don’t think about his ministry and our experiences together. I truly thank the Lord for teaching me about hope, determination and opportunity through Michael. May we all remember and also be a catalyst…Before!

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G ò0 dNews for Everyone

Be Excellent to Each Other!

By Chris Moser

A

s part of my job with The Department of Children’s Services I often have to transport juvenile delinquents to placements across the state. I had been on the road for my 13th hour of what would end up being a 21-hour day. I had traveled about 400 miles. Needless to say I was getting kind of tired. We had stopped at a gas station to get some caffeine and use the restroom. As I was standing in line to purchase my ever-needed Diet Dr. Pepper I noticed that the cashier was having a hard time. She was having difficulty ringing something up and the customer was getting irritated.

She finally fixed the problem and the customer stormed out like she had held him up on purpose. She moved on to the next guy and asked how his day was.

She had asked everyone how they were doing as she rang them up. Everyone just gave her the polite “fine” or “ok”. Then she came to me. She asked me how I was doing. I told her that I was Excellent and that I hoped she was too. She said, “That is the best answer I have ever gotten!” You could see in her face that her mood immediately brightened and she smiled and talked happily for the rest of the transaction.

Admittedly, I was not feeling very excellent when I told this young lady how I was doing. However, I wanted to share if only briefly the Joy I have in Christ. I could tell that this young lady had been working hard, she may have even been there all day as it was a small mom-andpop type of establishment. She did not need to hear about how rough my day was or how long I had been on the road. She didn’t even care, like most of us, when she asked me how I was doing. She was just trying to use that stuff called southern hospitality. We ask how you are even if we could care less. We bless hearts and call people precious like we December

34 2013

were running for office.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:13 that we are the salt of the earth. In the following verse, we are told we are the light of the world. I believe that the way we speak to people in everyday situations are good chances for us to share that light and be the flavor of Christ. I have tried not to ask people how they are doing unless I have the time to actually listen to the response. Most people usually just say “fine” but I know that if they choose to share their heart, I am ready. When people ask me how I am, I really try and say something besides “fine”, “ok”, and “good”. I try and mix it up. Sometimes I am “Fantastic!”, other times “Outstanding!” but mostly I am “Excellent!” I am not these things because I am having a great day. Most of the time I am tired and stressed about all the little things life has going. I don't share these things with people during “small talk” because there is no reason.

I have recently decided that these brief encounters are going to be small opportunities for me to be the flavor and the light that God has called us to be. This is a small window to show people that even though I am dealing with the same things in life as everyone else, there is something different about me.

I am not perfect. I am still trying to incorporate this into my life. Now that I have put this out there, I am sure people are going to test me because that is what we as humans do. I may still ask you how you are as a courtesy and not really care. For that I am going to apologize in advance. If you ask me how I am, I might just say “fine”.

The point is that the next time someone asks you how you are, be Excellent! They might just ask you why. And if they do, you can share the light of Christ and the flavor of His love with them.

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G ò0 dNews for Couples

Grandpa’s Gift

By David Gray

W

e were on one of our many treks up and down the I-75 corridor. Living in Cleveland, Tenn. but hailing from central Michigan was the impetus that lead to miles of familiar highway being traversed once again. We had one great advantage - my wife’s grandparents lived in Muncie, Indiana, which was just slightly more than the halfway point of our 12-hour journey to the homeland if we made a slight detour. Her grandparents were incredibly loving, generous and kind people. So, even if we could not stay long, we always tried to map out our trip in such a way that warranted a visit. This halfway stop provided a much needed reprieve from the road as well as a fun break for the kids. No matter how short the visit, we still managed to squeeze in a game of croquet or a couple hands of euchre. Grandpa could always make the kids giggle by allowing them to yank on his earlobe so that his hearing aid would emit an extended beep. And I’m confident Grandma planned for our visits by stocking up on fresh grapes before our arrival knowing our kids would devour every one of them.

There was always something special about their home.

Each visit was full of laughter, playful picking on each other, and a lot of love. One visit in particular I saw something that was a little shocking to me. Her grandparents were in their late 70’s at the time.

I remember Grandma went into the living room where Grandpa was relaxing in his favorite chair, promptly sat on Grandpa’s lap and threw her arms around his neck. Now, this type of behavior may be normal for others. But for me, it was a poignant moment. It’s not simply that my wife’s grandparents were still affectionate after nearly 60 years of marriage. Somehow, through all those years, with all of the inherent difficulties normally associated with marriage, these two lived out a deep and abiding love for one another for all to see.

With this image still fresh in my mind, the next morning I asked Grandma and Grandpa a simple question, “What would you say is the secret to your long-lasting, loving marriage?” Grandma immediately responded with some sage advice, “You have to remember, marriage is a 50/50 relationship. There has to be give and take and compromise.” I remember thinking to myself, “that makes a lot of sense.”

With his continual half grin, Grandpa interrupted her discourse by saying in his mildly raspy voice, “no, no it’s not.” Everyone in the room was a little surprised, including Grandma. It seems Grandpa had a philosophy even Grandma didn’t know about. He continued, “It’s 100/0. Give 100% and demand nothing in return, and you will have a happy marriage.”

This may be some of the most profound advice I have ever received. At first glance this principle doesn’t seem to make sense. Surely, a marriage involves give and take, right? Isn’t a marriage about mutual fulfillment and meeting each other’s needs? Of course it is. It’s not that Grandma was wrong. It’s simply that Grandpa had tapped into a deeper principle. It is true that Jesus made the well-known statement, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NASV). But, three short verses prior he made a difficult stateDecember ment that brings

36 2013

some clarity to this verse. Jesus declared, “But … do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:35 NASV).

At its core, our attitudes, actions and responses toward our spouses are an issue between us and God. If our motivation moves from pleasing God to expecting something from our mate, we will probably end up disappointed. At some point our spouse will not respond in the way we had hoped, leaving us hurt or frustrated in the process. In that moment we place in our spouse’s hands the power to determine how we feel about what we are doing. What Jesus is saying is, “Interact with others in a way that pleases me regardless of what they say or do. Do good, expecting nothing in return. When you do, you reveal who you belong to.” When my head hits the pillow at night I want to know that regardless of how others acted or reacted, I lived my day in a way that pleased Him. I want to live in a Christ-like manner regardless of the behavior of others. I’m not always successful, but this is my goal. Realizing my reward comes from God and not man takes the pressure off of my relationship with my wife. It is liberating, for both of us. It frees my wife up to love me back in her own way.

When both partners are giving and serving, expecting nothing in return is when God pours out His blessing and gives back to us “a good measure, pressed down, and shaken together.” Thank you, Grandpa, for incredible godly insight that has forever changed my marriage and my family.

In loving memory of Charles & Cleota Reece

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Wednesday Oven Fried Chicken Breast Kraut & Weiners Whole Potatoes Steamed Cabbage 2 Hot Dogs & French Fries

Friday Chicken & Dumplings Broccoli & Cheese Hamburger Steak w/ onions (until 4 PM)

Tuesday Meat Loaf Pork Tenderloin Chicken Livers Steamed Cabbage Fried Potatoes w/onions

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G ò0 dNews for Seniors

Courage I

t’s Christmas time! One of my favorite things to do during Christmas is to watch Hallmark Christmas movies. I love the fact that at Christmas, people are falling in love, telling those they love how they feel, and the spirit of goodwill and charity is so strongly felt. For older adults however, these feelings, while evident, are sometimes accompanied with feelings of loss and despair. Christmas brings back memories of a table surrounded by family and friends, laughter, good-natured chaos, the smell of fragrant Christmas cookies and so much more. Now most are faced with visiting their children and friends in order to experience a “full table,” and having lived long enough to experience loss, most older adults undoubtedly will face “empty seats” at their table of life. In place of chaos and laughter, stillness and large spaces of time pervade, and the smell of Christmas cookies are too much of a temptation for the adult-onset diabetic. As a wise man once said, “Growing older is not for sissies.”

I am learning every day from the wonderful people around me that life evolves rapidly. With changing seasons, people should be willing to change also. My mother-in-law, Glenna Lee, has shown me great courage in her ability to adapt and still love through tremendous loss and change. Her “holiday table” has changed over the years; in fact, on most holidays, she along with my father-in-law, choose to celebrate Christmas at our table. She used to pride herself with cooking the turkey; now she kindly relinquishes this task to me, and offers her help if needed. There are always empty seats in the table of her life; in fact, in a short span of several years, she lost three of her siblings. Glenna Sheppard Lee was raised by her siblings having lost her parents at a young age, so in many ways she lost more than just brothers and sisters. Due to health challenges, Mom has to watch what she eats, and at times is very ill during celebrations. However, the courage that she shows through all this has spoken volumes to me. My mother-in-law is just as at home with “new friends” at our table each year, and chooses to celebrate them rather than being saddened by what she has lost. She always finds something to be thankful for even amidst insurmountable loss. Her words, “Tell me where you want me and what time, I’ll be there”, shows me that Mom has learned the art of love more than many people. Christmas is a time for loving, and loving always involves change. People change, situations change, and love is fluid in that is evolves and grows, and that in itself makes it such a special gift. The idea of Christmas traditions always remaining the same is limiting, and not realistic. I hope that more older adults will choose this time to show others that Christmas is not just a time for loving but changing as well. Even though it may be difficult and challenging to join another “table,” it’s worth the effort. Even if it takes you out of your comfort zone to be with “new friends, and new family” at Christmas, celebrate them like you did your lost loved ones.

And always remember, Christmas was never about the decorated table or Christmas cookies. So even if you are eating something different due to health constraints, remember the courage and love it took for that that very first Christmas in Bethlehem.

He came so that YOU CAN HAVE LIFE!

38

December 2013

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G ò0d dNews for Everyone

OUR GOD: THE GIFT-GIVER

In this world, gifts are usually ll tangible t ibl expressions of things that are intangible—like love, devotion, respect or gratitude. The exchanging of gifts is part of the bonding process in a relationship that is already established. Yet God did not wait to receive loving commitment from the human race first. Quite the contrary, in His magnanimous love, He gave us the most lavish and costly gift possible—when we were yet in our sins and separate from Him. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) God gave the best He had. He gave His only begotten Son. He gave precious, sinless blood. No greater love could have been expressed. No greater sacrifice could have been made. No greater gift could have been given. Such selflessness is only to be expected coming from God. With Him, loving and giving are inseparable—just as living and breathing are inseparable to us.

WITH T WITH THE HE F FATHER—“And ATH AT H the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one, I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one ….” (John 17:22-23).

SEVEN OTHER PRIMARY GIFTS There are at least seven other primary gifts that the ascended Messiah received in order to distribute to those who yield to His Lordship: (1) The gift of grace—“But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Eph. 4:7 MKJV).

(2-3) The gifts of faith and salvation—“For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8 MKJV).

(4) The gift of righteousness—“For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ” (Ro. MKJV).

(5) The gift of the Holy Spirit—“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Ac. 2:38, See also 8:20, 10:45, 11:17.)

(6) The gift of eternal life—“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD” (Ro.6:23 KJV) (7) The gift of Christ—“But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Eph. 4:7 MKJV).

It appears that the last gift mentioned is a comprehensive term which includes all the other gifts: for “the gift of Christ” probably contains the gifts of power, peace, joy, the Word of God, glory, oneness with the Father, perfection, grace, salvation, faith, righteousness, the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

Moreover when a believer receives “the gift of the Holy Spirit” there are nine more associated gifts that can potentially be received: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4, 9-11)

By Pastor Mike Shreve

One of the most powerful Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Son of God is found in Psalms 68:18 (KJV). It foretold His ascension and what would result: Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

In the New Testament Paul mentioned this passage, repeating to the Ephesians how Jesus “ascended on high and gave gifts unto men.” But then he mentioned specific gifts the ascended Messiah imparted: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

(Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV) So He gifted the world with a succession of empowered leaders who would be used of God to bring dramatic cultural change that would endure and grow exponentially for the next two millennia.

But the resurrected Savior also imparted wonderful gifts to all individual believers, as revealed by the following scriptures. After coming out of the grave, He boasted: “…All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18) Yet the Son of God did not hoard this hard-won power to Himself; rather, He rejoiced to give it away, urging His followers: “…Tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) The “power” came on the Day of Pentecost. It sounded like a rushing, mighty wind and appeared as flames of fire over the heads of 120 believers in the upper room. The church was electrified with a heavenly, supernatural dynamic that gave them an ‘edge’ of authority in swaying the masses toward truth. They received power over sin, power over the flesh, power over satanic spirits, power over sickness, power to witness, power to change the world and ultimately, power to conquer the curse whenever they would one day pass through the portals of death.

He has also given amazing gifts like the following: HIS PEACE—“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:26).

HIS JOY—“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn. 15:11).

HIS WORD—“For I have given to them the words which You have given Me” (Jn. 17:8).

HIS GLORY, HIS PERFECTION AND HIS ONENESS December

40 2013

Romans 12:6-8 further expands the list of “gifts of grace” (Greek charisma) explaining: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Think of that—even “liberal giving” and “cheerful mercy” are referred to as gifts of God, manifestations of His grace. But notice that all of these aforementioned “gifts” are actually empowerments to continue the cycle of giving. We receive a gift in order to give it away. For instance, we receive the gift of mercy in order to give it away to the guilt-ridden, those who think they are hopelessly lost. This is the way the KINGDOM OF GOD functions—by the spirit of giving. God’s main requirement of us is to humble ourselves in repentance and have faith to receive.

If Jesus “ascended” to give all these gifts away, let’s make an effort to distribute them in His name—and not just during this upcoming Christmas season, but every day of the year.

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Mission Statement: We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.

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G ò0 dNews for Everyone

T

he holiday season is upon us and d whether h th you will ill stay t near or go far f chances are that you will be spending time with loved ones. For some that is a small, close knit group of friends, for others it is a large hardy gathering of extended family members and for the rest of us it is somewhere in between. No matter what the type or size of gathering many people indicate that navigating family dynamics can be challenging at times.

So, what do you do? Is there any way to successfully approach these situations? How do you make it through this wonderful time of year that also brings family time to another level of intensity?

Here are some ideas that just might help you follow through on that song “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.

1. Get real…with yourself.

Christmas sitcom episodes, movies, and books become family traditions. That is ok as long as you remember that not every Christmas will be as touching as the movie, The Christmas Shoes.

Give yourself permission to have a sweet, tender, quiet (or loud and messy if you have a lot of kids like me!) imperfect holiday. If you start thinking that all of your friends have perfect Christmases get off of Facebook. If you are anxious because you cannot get all of the crafts done on your Christmas Pinterest board take a break from Pinterest. Facebook, Pinterest, Christmas movies…none of these are bad things unless you approach them as the picture and definition of YOUR holiday experience. You might want to read more here and there.

No one knows the definition or picture of your holiday season.

You are making that right now. Make it yours and no one else’s.

2. Don’t catastrophize…normalize.

Here’s the reality. It wouldn’t be Christmas without Cousin Eddie.

Most families have a topic that everyone knows to avoid, a relative that will drink too much, another that tells you the same stories every year, and one that tries to get you to talk everyone else into going to Aunt Sue’s for dinner rather than Grandma’s. You are going to get stressed. You are going to get tired. You probably will get annoyed. You might even get a little depressed.

Is that the end of the world? Are you the only person on earth dealing with family and friend dynamics? Nope. And, you won’t be the last either.

The more you do what cognitive behavioral therapists call “catastrophizing” the situation the more drama you will experience. Adopt a “it’s no big deal” attitude and go with it. Barring safety issues, practice some good, old fashioned self-soothing, remember you are adult, and follow the sage’s advice: Deal with it.

Guess what? Once you remember that so much of this is pretty normal, you are freed up to take a deep breath and just take each day of the holiday as it comes….one day at a time. The more you remind yourself that there really isn’t anything to fight here…that you are on normal, known terrain…the more you will enjoy the special moments that punctuate this inspiring season.

44

December 2013

33. Don’t D ’t speakk ffor anyone.

Family relational patterns tend to get activated in stressful situations….stressful situations like Christmas. So if your sister has a tendency to get her feelings hurt in normal, day-to-day family life it is likely she will be even more sensitive during the holiday season. Other strange family behaviors can come out. Again, (see number 2) this is normal. Intense, stressful relational encounters bring out these strange relational behaviors and dynamics.

A common dynamic that rears its head even more in the holiday season is the phenomenon of triangles. The bottom line is this: do not talk for anyone else. If your brother says to you: “Hey, will you ask Mom if it is ok for me to bring my girlfriend to dinner?” do not fall for it. I REPEAT: do not fall for it. Sure, it feels nice for a while to be the one your brother trusted and to be the one to save the day by talking to Mom, but in the end you are committing a major faux pas for healthy family relationships. DO NOT GET IN THE MIDDLE. Make it your mantra so you can simply say: “Sorry, I have made it my motto not to speak for other people. I might say the wrong thing or misrepresent you.” You can help the person think about how THEY want to talk to the other person, but do not do the talking for them!

4. Be OK with them not being OK. Whether you tell a loved one you won’t talk for them or you tell them no to some holiday plans…someone is going to be sad, upset, angry, or even just a little put off by you this holiday season. That is ok. Think of the last time someone told you “No”. It didn’t feel good, did it? Did you get over it? Sure you did (I hope so!). We all have to manage those kinds of feelings on a daily basis. It is called being an adult. If you think you can juggle and navigate all the feelings of your loved ones this season so that they never feel any negative feelings towards you…well, you must think you are pretty powerful and we need to have another discussion (see my future post on narcissism). You can also read more here.

5. Don’t assume.

Say you see your sister-in-law and she looks at you a little funny and you automatically assume she is upset with you for something… or thinks you are weird or…or whatever it is that you think people think about you! STOP…DO NOT ASSUME! Here is what happens. You assume she thinks you are weird so you act weird in return, which makes her wonder what is going on with you so she goes and talks to your mother-in-law (what’s wrong with Mary?!) and then they act funny around you making you think that you really were unwelcomed when it all started because you ASSUMED you knew what your sister-in-law was thinking when she looked a little funny walking in when actually she was thinking about a friend back home who said something that made her frustrated. WHEW. Don’t assume. Don’t do it. Don’t mind read. Don’t try to “figure out” what someone is thinking. Don’t be paranoid. Don’t be a conspiracy theorist.

They aren’t thinking about you. You aren’t that big of a deal. Seriously. And, if you say: “But, Emily, I really think that look WAS about me.”

Well, ok…but go check it out. Don’t just stew about it all day. Go to your loved one and say something like: “Hey, I wanted to check in with you and

see how you are doing. Are we ok? Did I do anything to upset you?”

Or, if you decide it isn’t worth checking into and you still think the look was about you…let it go. Don’t invest time and energy trying to figure out how to finagle the relational dynamics in response.

And, they aren’t thinking about what you think they are thinking about. You aren’t telepathic…or omniscient. Leave that up to God. 6. Don’t forget humor

Sometimes you just have to step back and see the humor in situations. It is usually there for the seeing! Humor can be a wonderful coping strategy.

7. Remember that you are not twelve anymore…and they aren’t either.

One of the most common things I see in families is that when a person approaches mom or dad (or anyone else in the family) it is easy to revert back to a younger self. Sometimes this phenomenon is ok. However, if that younger self was insecure, anxious, and hurt it can be helpful to remind yourself (and that young part of you) that you are not that age anymore. You are an adult. You have grown up. You don’t have to enter into your family 1. realm as that little child. You can enter as a grown adult.

The flipside of that is true, too. That aunt that hurt you by saying

an inconsiderate remark thirty years ago? Well, guess what? Thirty years have passed for her, too. You probably aren’t the only one who has changed and grown in that span of time. Give your aunt some credit. She has probably changed, too.

People change. Families change. They grow and adapt and develop. It is one of the reasons I love working with them so much. They are resilient. They overcome. They are incredibly amazing things.

I promise that your family this year is not the same as it was last year…for better or worse.

Give your family (and friends) a chance. Be realistic in your expectations.

Give them room to change and grow.

Take your hands off of your Christmas season. Sometimes, out of fear and a need to control, we squeeze the life out of it. Take a deep breath and let it come. In this season of taking, deal stealing, and list making, allow God to GIVE you the Christmas season that is right for you and your family…so that your relationships this holiday season do more than just survive. Your holiday relationships can thrive!

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Revealing “the deep things of God” 1 Cor. 2:10

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G ò0 dNews for Everyone

Eat Drink Be Mary and

By Craig Thompson ach year we find ourselves in the largest holiday season of the year. Each year, many of us find ourselves worn

E out.

For most of my life, I've seen the tug of war between church and commerce.

I've read sales slogan after sales slogan. I've heard sermon after skit after song on remembering the "Reason for the Season."

It's hard to deny that we are in an extra season of tension in our country. The economy has been losing ground for many people I know. Division over politics, race, religion, educational philosophies, and even whether to mention the word "Christmas" adds to the growing undercurrent of pain that I'm sensing around me.

What's a person to do? How does one keep it all in balance?

Two words: Holy Party.

The Bible has some sage advice found in the book of Ecclesiastes. There the write ponders the brevity of life, the arrogance of man, and the meaningless found in most of what we do. One of the things that he tells his readers to do is to ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU HAVE IT. That's sound advice. You don't get two trips on this ride. There is no reincarnation, no second chance. If you spend your whole life moaning about what's going wrong in the world around you, your digestive tract will be a wreck, and the people around you will wish you would just be quiet.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 tells us that one of God's gifts to us is the ability to eat, to drink and to enjoy our work -- which includes our ability to work. Simply put, there's December a time to FORCE yourself to

46 2013

celebrate for the big or little things that are good in your life.

For a mature believer in Christ, this can (and should) happen every single day. It's possible to live a life filled with joy.

But some people just need to make one step in the right direction.

I remember when celebrating meant buying a bit of beef for a meal -- anything besides peanut butter. If that's where you are, then buy the beef or chicken and celebrate that you are alive.

Now that we have children, one of the traditions we like to follow during this holiday season is to let each child pick out a food or fruit or drink that they personally really would like to enjoy and buy that food for them. Feasts -- people getting together to eat food -- were important throughout the Bible because we need times of rest, times to have a good time and to make fond memories.

Celebration doesn't have to mean going into massive debt to buy a load of imported junk which will break or be thrown away before the next full moon. Celebration is about people celebrating with people in the presence of God, the giver of life and all good things.

And that's where the "Mary" part comes in. The divine interruption into her planned future life with Joseph upset Mary's life forever. For the rest of her life, she would be known as little better than a prostitute to some people. Her reputation was ruined.

But when the angel finished telling her that she, a virgin, would have a child, Mary's response was simple faith at its best: "I am the Lord's servant. Let it happen as you have said."

In the midst of celebration, Mary was submissive to the big picture of God's

will for her life. Her loss of reputation temporarily would also coexist with all generations calling her "blessed." Her joy at being the mother of the Son of God would also have to abide with the loss of that Son on the cross. And the joy of seeing Him risen from the grave was held in hand with watching Him leave her to go back to heaven.

This season, know that bigger things are at stake in your world than a political cycle. Bigger things are at work than evil men with their truly tiny schemes.

The God of the UNIVERSE is at work! He is intimately acquainted with your life, your struggles, your plans. He wants to be the Lord over your future as you willingly submit to His plan and say, "Do whatever YOU want to do Lord! I'm willing."

You do matter. Your contributions may be seen as large by others, or they may never be acknowledged on this earth during your lifetime. It doesn't matter. What matters is knowing that you have lived a life that pleases God. Without that perspective on life, eating and drinking really cannot bring about a celebration because celebration is ultimately produced by purpose. If you have no meaning for your life, there is no reason to celebrate. But once you lay down the control of your life to God's will, life is flush with meaning.

Only then can we truly celebrate with others, when we understand that our lives have been given over to the only One who can guide, protect and receive them in wisdom and love. Only then can we understand what it means to celebrate a holy party.

This season, eat, drink and be "Mary."

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