March 2015

Gò0 ò0dNews dNews March 2015

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

• Building Bridges p. 6 • Identity p. 14 • Ott DeFoe p. 52

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God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Craig Mosgrove Pastor Joel Barker Rev. Charles Harrison Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Angie Parris Ashley Smith Brian Conn Catherine Marcum Darren Schalk David Gray Esmerelda Lee Dr. James Marcum Jamika Walker Kelly Hixson Kelly McDonald Mark Grissom Mark Wells Rhiannon Skeen Samuel Burger William Lamb

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

contents 6

30

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk GoodNews for Teens

6

Building Bridges

by Rev. Charles Harrison

GoodNews for Kids

8

I Only Asked for a Single

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 A Day Late and a Dollar

26 Whats the Rush?

by Jamika Walker GoodNews Cover Story 28 Grissom / Serenity

by Mark Grissom GoodNews from the Physician

30 New Weight Loss

Short

Medications

by Andrew Lee

by Dr. James Marcum

GoodNews for Him

12 Father Knows Best

by Darren Schalk GoodNews for Her

14 Identity

by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Parents

20 Grace Walks a Two-Way Street: Parent - Child

by Alicia Klepper GoodNews for Life

22 Healing One Journal Post at a Time

by Kelly Hixson GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 Carpe Diem

by Catherine Marcum

GoodNews for Couples

32 The DVR Saved Our Marriage

by David Gray GoodNews for Seniors

34 “Is the Glass Half Full, Or Half Empty?”

by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone

36 Are You Responding?

by William Lamb GoodNews for Everyone

38 A Stormy Transition Brings a New Season

by Pastor Joel Barker

50

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Morning Dove

by Brian Conn GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42Salted Carmel Banana Bread or Muffins

by Angie Parris GoodNews for Everyone

44 The Beauty in Waiting

by Ashley Smith GoodNews for Everyone

46 Spiritual Drifting

by Kelly McDonald GoodNews for Everyone

50 Three Thoughts on the Discipleship Mandate

by Pastor Craig Mosgrove GoodNews from the Outdoors

52 Ott DeFoe

by Mark Wells GoodNews for Everyone

54 God Wants the Best for You

by Samuel Burger

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Building Bridges!

by Charles C. Harrison

O

nce upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in forty years of farming side by side without a hitch where they shared machinery, and traded labor and goods as needed.

Then the long collaboration fell apart.

What began as a small misunderstanding, grew into a major difference. Finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words, followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door.

He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days of work.” he said.

“Perhaps you have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?”

“Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor; in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us, and he took his bulldozer to the river levee. Now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence eight feet high so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the posthole digger and I’ll be able to perform a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer re-

6 // March 2015

turned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge—a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other!

It was a fine piece of work with handrails and all, and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across with his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand and embracing.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have many more bridges to build.”

We in the church are called to be bridge-builders. We need to help mend relationship between people so that they might live life as God intended.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers [bridge builders, Charlie’s version] for they will be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9 KJV).

In the world in which you and I live and worship, there is still too much hatred. We who represent Christ need to be bridge-builders, showing the love of Christ—not just for the world but also for one another. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35 NIV).

Start building some bridges this week!

Reverend Charles C. Harrison is lead pastor at Tyner United Methodist Church.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

I Only Asked for a Single

T

Hebrews 10:35-36

he first year Dirk played Little League baseball he was the youngest player on the team.

When he got to play in a real game he was always in right field. Very few balls were knocked to right field.

When one did come his way, Dirk seldom caught it. When Dirk got to bat, he almost never hit the ball. When he did hit it, someone always caught the ball and put him out.

"Dad," said Dirk as they walked home from a game, "I learned a Bible verse in Sunday school that is not true."

"Which verse, son?" his father asked.

"Jesus said, 'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you' [Matthew 7:71," quoted Dirk. "But when I prayed that I would hit the ball, I didn't get what I asked for."

"I'm glad you prayed for help," said his father.

"Maybe God has a different way of answering your prayer."

"But I don't want a different answer," said Dirk. "I want to make a run. And I asked."

"Don't quit praying just because God doesn't answer the first time," his father said. "I still believe what Jesus said."

8 // March 2015

Dirk and his father talked about prayer several times during the year as the boy continued to play ball-and Dirk became a much better player.

Three years later Dirk was one of the older members of the team. He was one of the team's pitchers. At the first game of the season, all of the teams were there. The seats were filled with parents and friends.

When Dirk got up to bat, the bases were loaded. He missed the first pitch. But he hit the second, and he hit it hard. It was a home run!

The coach awarded the home-run ball to Dirk. All his teammates had signed it. As he and his father walked home, Dirk said, "Dad, I only prayed for a single!"

Some Questions

• Have you ever asked God for something that you did not receive?

• Have you ever asked Cod for something and received more than you asked for?

• Does God answer some prayers in ways you don't expect?

A Prayer

Thank you, God, for listening to all my prayers.

Help me keep my eyes and ears open so I can see and hear the wayYou answer prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

A Day Late and a Dollar Short R ecently, while listening to “On the Money,” a financial radio talk show, I heard a cautionary tale that I’d like to share. The host was interviewing a realtor in Florida who told about a client’s experience while buying a home. This client thought he had crossed his “t’s” and dotted his “i’s” in terms of getting his finances in order so that he could close on the purchase of the home he desired.

But one little mistake turned into a huge headache. Here’s what happened.

The man wrote a check to pay off (in full) his monthly American Express credit card.

But he inadvertently wrote a check that was $1.86 too short.

You read that right—the check he mailed in to pay the bill was $1.86 less than what he actually owed. The man had no idea he had written the wrong number and had unintentionally failed to pay

10 // March 2015

by Andrew Lee

the credit card bill in full.

As a result, American Express deemed his account payment to be “late” since it wasn’t paid in full but still had an outstanding balance of $1.86. So the AmEx folks immediately charged the man a $35 late fee, making his current balance now $36.86.

But that was only the beginning of this man’s troubles. The late fee caused his FICO credit score to drop from a score of 711 to 640. (My article from last month gave an overview of the FICO score, but I confess I am baffled how one minor transaction like this could lower one’s credit score by so much so quickly).

Can you guess what happened next? As a result of his lowered credit score, the man received a call from his mortgage lender saying they had changed their mind and were denying his mortgage loan.

As a result, he was unable to purchase his dream home—all because of $1.86.

If this sounds a bit like an episode of “The Twilight

Zone,” it should give us pause as consumers. Because I am a Dave Ramsey advocate, I would discourage the use of credit cards entirely. But if you’re determined to use credit cards, be aware of how late fees or other inadvertent, seemingly minor transactions, can affect your financial situation. When I was leading a Financial Peace University class at my local church, I had a couple describe how their credit card company imposed a $35 late fee because, according to the customer-service person, their check had arrived in the company’s mail room thirty minutes late. They had mailed a check to pay off the balance in full, which was only $6, but they were slapped with a $35 late fee for being thirty minutes late. In this case, the couple swallowed hard, paid the late fee, and immediately cancelled their credit card.

I wonder if the fellow who lost out on buying his dream home did the same by canceling his AmEx card? We might do well to remember Christ’s words in Matthew 10:16: “Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves . . .” (NKJV).

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

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Gò0dNews for Men

A

by Darren Schalk

Father Knows Best: Four Parenting Tricks I Learned from My Dad

s I was putting my son to bed recently, he looked up at me from under the covers and asked, “When can we spend more time together, just you and me?” Although I quickly realized that he was trying to manipulate me into letting him get out of bed so we could play video games together, the question still rang loudly in my ears.

I have three kids. My son is ten, and my identical twin girls are eight.

I work full time in a ministry position that requires a bit of travel that at times can be time consuming, and I have a book out with a major publisher. I’m learning to navigate the waters of job, travel, family, and book promotion as best as I can, but at times I’m certain I don’t find the right balance—especially during the summer months when my kids are home every day and they realize that I’m not.

So, how do I make sure my wife and kids get the time they need and deserve?

My dad was a pretty busy guy.

He was a pastor, so he was always on call. He was a good shepherd of his congregation, and when someone needed something, he was there to help. Although I recall him being gone quite often from our home, I never felt left out or abandoned in any way whatsoever. So I’ve considered how he managed to balance his time, and realized a few things that I’m trying to implement with my kids, as well.

1. If it was important to me, it was

12 // March 2015

important to him. I was involved in a lot of sports, and Dad attended every event he possibly could. If he missed one every now and then, he would be sure to find out all the details of what happened. And he rooted me on. He even coached many of the teams I played on over the years.

2. He invested time in helping me be better. I remember Dad often dragging my brothers and me out of bed on Saturday mornings to haul us over to the ball field and hit a few grounders our way. Some days I would moan and groan about it, but looking back, it meant a lot for him to take the time to do that. It was only a few hours on a Saturday for him, but I still carry the memory.

3. At key moments, he showed me I was number one. We attended church every time we had the chance (but we didn’t have much choice considering Dad was the pastor). But I can recall a few times when Dad let me skip church for a game or even a night out with friends. This may not sound like much now, but there was a different mindset when it came to church attendance back then. This simple act that happened only a handful of times over my younger years let me know that the church (ie, Dad’s employer) was not more important than me.

4. When he did wrong, he apologized (once). There’s no doubt Dad made his fair share of mistakes, but the one that stands out the most isn’t because of the mistake, but because of the apol-

ogy. We were an avid hunting family, and one year I received a permit to turkey hunt and Dad did not. He took me hunting and I got a turkey, but in his eagerness and desire to hunt, he also got a turkey. Thus, we ended up with two turkeys—one legal, one less than legal. (There’s a good joke in there somewhere.)

Later that afternoon he called me out on the porch and apologized for his actions, informing me that in his excitement he had acted improperly. I would have never thought twice of the incident, but that apology taught me a huge lesson. When we make mistakes (and we all will) be sure to right the wrongs. It also made me feel pretty important—DAD apologized to ME. These are just a few things I’m trying to do with my kids. I fail regularly, but, hopefully, I can let them know over these few years that I have with them that they are truly important to me, and I value every second I have with them.

We’re all busy, and time is fleeting, so pick your moments wisely and intentionally. Make sure the memories they have aren’t of the times you were gone, but of the times you were present—not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.

“Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days” (Eph. 5:15 GWT).

Darren Schalk is curriculum editor (One Accord Resources, Inc.) at White Wing Publishing House, Church of God of Prophecy International Offices. dschalk@cogop.org

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Gò0dNews for Women

Identity

I

by Rhiannon Skeen

Embracing our identity in Christ instead of our culture

dentity can be a loaded word. It can describe so many different things about a person. What does this word mean for a woman of God? What is our identity in the family of God as daughters of the King?

In a society where women are told who to be, how to act, and what to do, it is hard to find our true identity. We often rely on others to shape who we are instead of relying on God. God has so much more in mind for us. We were not created to rely on others; God created us to find our identity and our purpose in Him alone.

Life can be hard enough without giving in to the idea that we have to let society dictate our identity and our standards. Imagine how much better our lives would be if we made a conscious decision to live up to God’s standards alone? What if we put down the Cosmo and picked up the Word for direction on how to love our husbands? What if our children saw us seeking God instead of seeking other’s approval?

How different would we look if we looked in the mirror and saw God instead of all of our imperfections? What if we embraced our identity in Christ instead of culture?

A Great Example

Esther was not a queen when she was taken to the palace. She probably never thought of becoming a queen, but once she got there, she did not

14 // March 2015

maintain the same actions or manners from her life before. She embraced her new life in the palace, which is what God wants us to do. God has created us for life in the palace, which requires a change in manners, actions, and thoughts. Our identity is not to reflect that of the world; it should reflect that of our Father, the King of Kings.

As women, we have been degraded, insulted, belittled, walked on, shut down, and shut out for years, but that was not what God created us for.

Our identity in God is royalty. We were designed to do great things for the kingdom of God. Some of us may fulfill our call by being amazing wives and mothers, others by becoming missionaries, and some may be called to the corporate world. Whatever God has for us, let’s embrace it knowing that our vocation is not our identity; our identity comes from who we are, daughters of the King.

Let’s begin to let our lives reflect a “kingdom” mentality and step into our identity as royalty. First Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (NIV).

Rejoice women of God, for we are called, chosen, and loved!

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

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Cleveland Church Directory Assembly of God

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

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

16 // March 2015

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

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

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

Catholic

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

Charismatic

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

Church of God

Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 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 www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy

McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue COG Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com/

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

Episcopal

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Pentecostal

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

Nazarene

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

Non-Denominational

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 423.380.9160 cfctn.net Dwelling Place Church Inter.

Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.5200 www.iwilldwell.com Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or Thelovingchurch.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 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries. org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 37312 423-473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

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

151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

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

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

Assembly of God

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

Baptist

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

18 // March 2015

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

Catholic

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

Christian

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

Church of God

Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Avenue CoG 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN37303 423-745-1618

Community

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Nazarene

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

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

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

Methodist

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

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

Non- Denominational

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

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

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

Seveth-Day Adventist

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

Church Activities & Events

Peerless Road Church

Cleveland Cowboy Church

Mar 7 : Serve Ministry Food Distribution 11 a.m. in the Gymnasium

Cowboy Gospel Jubilee Fri, March 6,13,20,27 7:00pm – 8:30p.m.

Mar 21 : Serve Ministry Food Distribution 11 a.m. in the Gymnasium Westwood Baptist Apr 5 : Easter Sunday 10:45 a.m. Encounter

Apr5 :Easter Sunrise Service 7:00 a.m.

North Cleveland Church of God - March 6th - 7:00 p.m.

March 14th - 9:00 a.m.

More Details at: firstbaptistcleveland.com

Gò0dNews for Parents

Grace Walks a Two-Way Street: Parent - Child

by Alicia Klepper

I

think most would agree that one thing humanity is increasingly lacking is grace. We talk a lot about (and abuse, but that’s for another time) God’s amazing grace extended to us. However, we as believers, Jesus-followers, Christ-likers are in short supply of grace for each other. We hoard grace from God and keep it ourselves.

Jesus tells us in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you.”

He didn’t specify what “it” is, so we have the freedom, and wisdom, to apply that scripture to all areas of life; and we are past the time of giving unto our fellow man. I believe God’s design is that He pours into us, we pour into others, He pours into us again, and the cycle repeats until the day we are united with Him. Don’t be a grace hog.

Where does the necessary practicing of extending grace begin? Most of us learn it as adults with trial and error. The lifelong process of perfecting our grace has cost us marriages, friendships, jobs, and opportunities. I’ve walked that road. However, I want to set my children up for great success in the area of being a grace-giver. So as a parent, my children’s walk of grace begins with me.

Hi, my name is Alicia, and I am an imperfect parent. My children will attest to this, and not just because they think it so, but also because I openly, verbally admit it to them - occasionally, that’s a fib…often…okay, very frequently. And these moments are among the most coveted moments that I will ever receive grace from another human being.

When I blunder a parenting moment, and I allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to me this fumble, I seek forgiveness from my children. I say, “I’m sorry”, and why I’m sorry and ask them to forgive me. I am asking them for grace. And in this moment,

20 // March 2015

the opportunity has arisen for both my children and me to be not just hearers of The Word, but also doers (James 1:22) - I as the trespasser seeking forgiveness and they as the forgiver of trespasses.

(Matthew 6:8-15) Disclaimer: Parents, your moments of seeking forgiveness from your child will look completely different than mine as our faults and mistakes are not the same. Also, a parent with the heart of repentance toward a child they have erred does not mean you are without discipline of your children, Proverbs 13:24 clearly tells us to discipline our children, which this scripture equates with loving them. However, there are correct and incorrect ways of discplining, and in all transparency, even with 14 years of experience, I still get it way wrong.

A lot.

Discipline is not mean; it does not disregard feelings of another; it is not impulsive and overreacting; it is not harsh, loud, and hysterical; it does not shame and ridicule.

Discipline is a parental love language; it is consistent; it is fueled by love; it is rational; it thinks before it speaks; it teaches; it sets the example.

The need for grace among humanity is indeed great. However, the need for grace to flow freely from parent-to-child and also from child-to-parent is crucial. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9); there is plenty to go around. The moment you pour grace onto others, God will refresh your supply. Extend grace deliberately to your children and purposefully seek it from them so that their grace may begin being perfected by a God so rich in it.

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

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Gò0dNews for Life

A Glimpse of Heaven to Me Today . . .

Healing, one journal post at a time.

by Kelly Hixson

I

t was exactly a year ago that I began my healing

ing in that same pit I was in, there is hope for you.

process for depression. I had allowed Satan to

Start looking for Him in each day, and you will

steal life from me. Little things such as the green

find Him. He will make you smile.

grass, the blue sky, a sunny day, or from the big

Here is my first post on my Facebook page

things, such as my children accomplishing some-

that started my healing.

thing great or needing me just to be a Mom. I was

February 4, 2014—A Small Glimpse of heaven to

so deep in that dark pit of despair that I never saw

Me Today. I was helping a child read today, and

a way out until one day during my prayer time,

she was coming up shy of meeting her goal each

the Lord spoke to my heart. He said “Enough! I

time she read. I could tell she was getting a little

have a purpose for you and if you don’t stop, you

discouraged, so I looked at her with a smile, ad-

will miss it. Start looking for Me in each day.”

justed her hair back in a head band, and fixed her

So I did, I stopped wallowing in my muck and

glasses, and said, “You look so beautiful today.

mire and obeyed. I began journaling about one

She said, “Do you like my shirt?”

good thing that happened to me each day, and I

“I love your shirt! I believe in you. Do you

used my Facebook page to hold me accountable.

believe in yourself?” She shook her head yes with

Little did I know that my first posting would be

a smile!

the gateway to my healing, helping others and

“Okay, let’s read and pass your goal.”

realizing I had the gift of writing hidden deep

She began to read, and as she realized she

inside me I never knew I had.

God did have a purpose for me, but Satan

was getting close to passing her goal, she had the biggest grin on her face as she was reading! She

had a plan as well. God’s purpose was to use my

passed her goal, and we celebrated with hugs

depression to help others through my writing and

and a piece of candy! Her smile is “heaven” to me

Satan’s plan was to keep me in my muck, stealing

today!

my life. Today I am so grateful God gave me the

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out

strength to obey His command, and I can write

of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid

this article as just another girl hanging on to the

ground and steadied me as I walked along” Ps.

hem of His garment set free, smiling, laughing,

40:2 (NLT).

and enjoying the ride. If you find yourself suffer-

22 // March 2015

Kelly Hixson is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary. You can follow her “Glimpses” on Facebook or email her at kellyhixson2@gmail.com

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Carpe Diem

by Catherine Marcum

A

s I embark on this new year, I have asked God to change me for the better. Perhaps many of you have similar resolutions, and perhaps this is not the first year you have laid such requests at the foot of our Savior! This year is different for me, though. The Lord has impressed on me that now is all I can control. I have spent the better part of too many years wondering about things that happened yesterday—things I cannot control now. On the opposite side of the same coin, I have been consumed with the future, with tomorrow and all its uncertainty. I have been robbed of the joy of today!

A New Revelation This year, the Lord has opened my eyes to a verse. My verse isn’t a new revelation, but its impact is a new revelation. I have committed to start each day

24 // March 2015

Start Today

in 2015 with the familiar scripture: “This is the day which the Healing is a process that Lord hath made; I will rejoice starts simply—just as living and be glad in it (Ps. 118:24, abundantly starts with now and paraphrase from KJV). Carpe today. As I tell my patients, it is means “to enjoy,” “make use of” not overnight that one becomes or “use.” In Western parlance, unhealthy; accordingly, health this scripture means to take adcomes slowly. Just as changing vantage of the opportunities that my mindset will not occur in arise each day. This is congruent an instant, the journey to health with what the Lord calls us to do begins with simple steps. in Psalm 118:24—to enjoy today, Experience tells me it is not to seize every opportunity today, the drastic changes that result and to live for Him and bring in a healthier life; it is the accuglory to His name. mulation of small steps that lead Today is all we have, and me there. As we look for health, really, only the now of today. whether physically or spiritually, Scripture reminds us that today’s let’s remind ourselves that now worries are sufficient (see Matt. is the time—today is the day.

6:34). That being said, today is Let’s seize every opportunity the for living and living abundantly. Lord allows and become healthiLive life so that it is over-suffier, both physically and spiritualcient, abounding, and overflowly. Here’s to your health—Carpe ing . Live to overflowing so that Diem! others will see Christ in you and Catherine Marcum is a board certified nurse desire what you have. practitioner and lifestyle practitioner with 30 years experience in the field of critical-care nursing. She is a 2014 graduate with two doctoral degrees, adult gerontology acute care and lifestyle therapeutics from Southern Adventist University. Catherine resides in Cleveland, Tennessee. She is married to Dr. Robert Marcum, and is the mother of three grown children.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

What’s the Rush?

A

by Jamika Walker

s I dropped my daughter off at the skating

If you are a person in the age range of 8-17,

ring to join a party with her friends, I no-

there is a possibility that you may be raising your-

ticed there was a lack of parents there with

self. Make sure you know what you are and who

their kids. All of the kids at the skating ring were

you belong to. Being a child of God requires that

no older than seventeen. My daughter’s friend

you allow Him to direct your path and that you

was having a small get-together and wanted her

make the right decision for living a life for Christ.

friends to help celebrate her big day. My daugh-

He expects you to live a life of holiness, which

ter’s friend’s parents were there and encouraged

mean that His plans become your plans, and you

my husband and me to leave and enjoy

turn to Him to help you make all of

ourselves.

your decisions. He loves you that

My husband and I made

much to never leave you or

sure to talk to our daughter

forsake you. He wants you

about what we expected

to remain His child, and

of her. While we walked

talking to Him daily

our daughter into the

will help you hear His

skating ring, one of

voice. I suggest that

my third-grade stu-

you dig deep and

dents walked in with

search your heart. Re-

no parental supervi-

pent of your sins and

sion. He had his roller-

allow God to save you.

blades, wallet, and cell

Once you repent and

phone in his hands. I was

make the decision to fol-

so baffled at how parents

low Christ, you can share

could leave a small child to

in the promise of eternal life

fend for himself. This is the same

with our Master.

student that has had behavior prob-

Today, I want you to look for a

lems in school. This is the thing that gets me. In

church family that has a youth ministry. The youth

this generation there seems to be a lack of parents

ministry will allow you to form relationships with

who do not take care of their responsibility. They

students like you. There you will find a youth pas-

expect the kids to be a kid, say no to bad peer

tor in which you will be able to confide. He will

pressure, make mature decisions, and receive good

be able to give you spiritual guidance to help you

grades in school. The only thing the parent has to

make wise and Christ-like decisions on matters

do is provide financial support. There is no nurtur-

that count.

ing, parenting, or guiding the child.

26 // March 2015

Jamika Walker is a senior education major at Lee University. She is a wife of 12 years and mother of an 11 and 13 year old. She is a part-time employee at the Hamilton YMCA and a current member of Resurrected Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN.

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It’s Not Just a Business; It’s a Calling

by Mark Grisson

T

his past year has been a year of change for what was once Grissom Funeral Home.

Changes that have transformed the funeral home both physically and mentally-changes that are all good as far as Mark Grissom is concerned.

Changes The most obvious change is the name; Grissom Funeral Home became Grissom-Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A new entity with a new name was created as Grissom Funeral Home acquired Serenity Funeral Home. “The economy has been tough on people, and I saw a need to be able to provide funerals at a more affordable cost. I wanted to provide a service to everyone. That’s why I acquired Serenity Funeral Home, from the West Tennessee

28 // March 2015

company that owned it, in order to be er serve our families,” stated Mark. With the addition of Serenity Funeral Home, Grissom-Serenity Funeral Home can now offer some of the lowest prices avalable for cremation and funeral services.

The next very apparent change is the new look. The remodeled funeral home has an entirely new and fresh look inside and out with a new building color, new awnings, a resurfaced parking lot, new kitchen facilities, a new showroom to accommodate funeral services of any kind, and pricing to accommodate the needs of any family they serve.

A Calling The not-so-obvious change is with Mark Grissom himself. “I’ve been in the funeral home

FEATURED COVER STORY

business over thirty years, and in that time I never realized it’s what I’ve been called to do.

It’s not just a job; it’s my calling! I don’t know what else I would do. I almost became a minister like my father, but slowly became interested in the funeral home business. I feel privileged to serve. I am drawn to families that are in need,” stated Mark.

Mark and his dad are in their fifth year of working together after the loss of his mom to Alzheimer’s. This past year, Mark raised $22,000 on his morning radio show that he hosts, for the Southeast Tennessee Alzheimer’s Association for research and to help families dealing with the disease. “My dad and I are passionate about doing all we can to raise awareness and dollars to help combat the disease that eventually took my mothers life. We appreciate everyone who donated,” commented Mark.

Faithful Friend Pet Crematory Mark is also excited to announce they are now able to assist pet families through their affiliation with Faithful Friend Pet Crematory and Funeral Home in Cleveland. “We know that pets fill an important role in families lives and we are now able to help them deal with the loss of a pet,” stated Mark.

GSFH is blessed to have good people working for the company. Tom Grissom is a respected Church of God minister who is now retired. His ministry and his life have been centered on helping people, and his foundation is based on God, his family, and his friends. Tom is a member of North Cleveland Church of God and is always available to serve families who have lost loved ones.

Jim and Frances Swafford are funeral assistants and are members of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They have worked at GSFH for the past fourteen years.

Mark is pleased to announce the most recent addition to the staff, Samantha Phillips as Office Manager. Samantha resides in Cleveland and has three children that a end local schools. In her

spare time, Samantha loves to go four-wheeling in the mountains.

The staff of GSFH has the ability to serve all faiths and cultures by offering a caring and personalized service in a comfortable se ing. GSFH can work with anyone’s budget to help them have a fi ing funeral and tribute for their loved one. They are big enough to serve you and small enough to keep that personal touch. The belief is that a funeral service should honor the life of the deceased and comfort the needs of loved ones.

They have a licensed preplanning counselor to assist you with your entire funeral planning needs.

Best Funeral Director One most unexpected accolade came to Mark Grissom this past year. He was voted the Best Funeral Director in Cleveland by the Cleveland Daily Banner in their Voters Choice Awards. “I am humbled and honored to receive this award.

Although I do appreciate this honor, I’m only doing what I’ve been called to do,” stated Mark.

Mark Grissom has been funeral director for thirty years. He and his dad a end the North Cleveland Church of God. For more information on how Mark and his staff may assist you, call 423476-8575 or grissomserenity.com.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews from the Physician

New Weight-Loss Medications

by James Marcum M.D.

I want to lose weight fast. What do you think about the new weight-loss medications? wo new weight-loss medications have recently been approved by the FDA. Qsymia was the first, and the second release, Belviq, was released in July 2012. There are other non-approved substances released for weight loss. It is no wonder that pharmaceutical companies would want to release more weight-loss drugs. In America, approximately 30 percent of the population are now obese and a total of 60 percent are overweight.

Extra weight is a worldwide problem as well. This amounts to many potential customers. At an estimated $6 a pill, there will be much money made.

Obesity not only affects adults, but the rate of obesity in children is also growing (excuse the pun). This market could be a gold mine for the pharmaceutical industry, but does taking medications or chemicals for weight loss for obesity make sense?

Fat cells are an organ in and of themselves.

This system is called the endo cannabinoid system.

Fat makes a host of chemicals that make us hungry, increases stress chemicals, makes estrogen, which increases the risk of cancer and makes inflammatory chemicals that damage the entire body—including the brain. As you can see, extra weight is not good. Many of our chronic medical problems have extra weight as the cause. As the world’s population gains weight, it is only natural to want a quick fix.

T

30 // March 2015

Previous medications for weight loss have been removed from the market. Ephedra-based weightloss medications have been removed as ephedra has increased the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

The first weight-loss medications in the ’50s and ’60s were amphetamine-based compounds. Amphetamines speed up the metabolism.

The combination of Phentermine and Fenfluramine has been removed from the market because of the concern for heart valve abnormalities. Both Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine were removed in 1997. Sibutramine (Merida), another weight-loss medication, has been removed form the market. So far, there has been no quick fix.

Qsymia, one of the new weight-loss medications, has as a component called phentermine. The other component is a medication used for seizures, topiramate. Some of the known problems are increased heart rate, birth defects if taken during pregnancy, and cognitive defects.

Thus far, in the weight-loss world, there has been no quick fix. Extra weight changes the metabolism of the body. Now we are throwing in another chemical to “fix” the problem.

It just does not make sense to me. I expect these new medications to have a greater risk than a benefit. As to your question, I do not think these new medications will be the answer.

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

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Gò0dNews for Couples

The DVR Saved Our Marriage

I

don’t know how we survived before DVR technology. For all you youngsters out there, back in the day, we actually had to watch commercials! That’s shocking and slightly unbelievable I know, but it’s true. And, if we thought we were going to miss our favorite show, we had to program our VCR’s ahead of time to record it. This task was fraught with difficulty. And even if we had the technological prowess to figure it out at all, it would rarely catch the whole program.

Then, one glorious day, someone invented the DVR. Press a couple buttons on the remote and presto, favorite program lodged into the mechanical memory banks forever. The DVR had another consequence. Before DVR, husband and wife both come home from long, stressful days at work. Husband wants to plop down in front of the TV to hide in his mental cave and destress. Wifey wants to share—every detail of every conversation and every emotion of the day.

Unending details of the lives of people husband has never met and doesn’t care to know.

32 // March 2015

by David Gray

All seems well and good until you realize, these are happening at the exact same time.

Husband gets frustrated because wife talks over the TV. Suddenly, he feels his wife doesn’t respect him or doesn’t care that he’s had a long day. Simultaneously, wife assumes he is selfish, especially when he doesn’t even turn his head to look in her direction. She feels ignored, uncared for, and unimportant.

How does a couple solve this great dilemma? Enter the DVR? Οne of the greatest things that has ever happened in our home was the first day that I simply paused the TV when my wife wanted to unload. Now I can give her my full attention without feeling like I am losing anything. But, the DVR is not even the point. The truth is that my wife is far more important than whatever is on the TV. She is the most important person in my world, the one I’m committed to spending the rest of my life with.

She deserves my undivided attention.

The point is that listening communicates value, comfort,

affirmation, and understanding.

Paul Tillich mused, “The first duty of love is to listen.” James put it like this, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19).

Our spouses deserve our best. Listening isn't necessarily about agreeing with the other person, it is about understanding them emotionally. Listening might be the most powerful way to say, “I believe in you!” Listening is the best way to get your spouse to open his or her heart and be vulnerable. The opposite is also true: Not listening is the quickest way to get your spouse to close off emotionally.

So I challenge you today, pause the TV, maybe even shut it off. Put the kids to bed. Put away the smartphones. And listen—really listen. Listening communicates value, love, and care far more than a few flowers or a box of chocolates. Taking the time to simply listen, might be the most important thing you can do for your relationship.

David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

“Is the Glass Half Full, or Is It Half Empty?”

by Esmerelda Lee

I

recently read an article published in the New York Times titled “Mean Girls in the Retirement Home.” The article was written by a family member whose grandmother had recently entered an independent living facility. It described feelings of conflict, exclusion, loneliness, and isolation experienced by the author’s grandmother. The article described a conversation where Jennifer telephoned her grandmother to ask, “How was it going in the new facility?”

“Well,” her Nanna began. “My apartment was lovely. The food was just fine, and there were all kinds of classes and courses to while away the hours.”

“Have you made any friends?” she asked, in the same chipper tone she used when her own younger child returned from her first day at kindergarten. There was a pause. Then her grandmother replied, “They won’t let me sit at their table! You try to sit and they say, ‘That seat is taken!’”

The article went on to say that whether one is brawling on the playground at middle school or battling over the best seats in “Chair Sitter-cize” in a retirement facility, “bad behavior is constant and the rituals for trying to join with the in-crowd don’t change much.”

As I read this article, I realized that even at church, members experience the same challenges.

In fact, for years, I have wasted time trying to crack the secret code of belonging. However, I have learned from the residents I surround myself with that, “It is okay to not belong.” People are different

34 // March 2015

in so many ways. We are attracted to like mindedness, and we are equally attracted by the ones who oppose us in every way. There is no method to the madness.

Residents here at Garden Plaza have taught me that it is okay—if that seat is taken, there is always one available for me. I have learned through them that in choosing the seat just right for me, I have challenged myself, discovered new things about me, and I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Belonging to every group, finding fulfillment and acceptance in others is a very tall demand to place on anyone. We are learning here to be the change we expect in others, and open ourselves to new people and be comfortable just being ourselves.

In all social settings, there are always going to be special cliques, special clubs, and people that just migrate to one another. But, for me, and so many around me, it is just fine being the rebel. Every time that I make myself move to a new seat in the room, I experience the room from a whole new perspective. And I choose to see life from all sides; it is far more interesting that way.

I urge people to not give the “mean girls” so much attention in their lives. Whether you are a teenager or a keenager, the mean folks will always be there, but they are only just a miniscule portion of the scenery if you choose to remain on the periphery for a better and more comprehensive view of life.

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Are You Responding?

T

by William Lamb

he word service has a variety of meanings.

The person on the other side of the counter preparing your food is serving you. The telephone, cable, satellite, and networking companies each provide you with a necessary service. When you visit the doctor or stop by the pharmacy to pick up your medication, each exchange is based in service. In fact, the law enforcement officer that writes your traffic ticket or the judge that holds you accountable for erring ways is performing a public service. The greeters welcoming you into their store or those persons holding the door as you enter your favorite Saturday morning breakfast place also reflect an act of service. It seems difficult to go into any public exchange environment without experiencing some kind of service.

However, these acts of service I mention are rendered for payment. It is how the economy works. One pays and the other delivers. Either way, service is part of the core of our culture.

For a few minutes, I want you to think about a different concept of service; service that is not based on dollars or an exchange system.

Instead, contemplate the kind of service that is unexpected or slightly noticed, rarely talked about, and less often promoted, but is life-changing.

Examples of this kind of service could include: visiting the widows, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving the prisoner, caring for the sick, embracing

36 // March 2015

the rejected, being a big brother or big sister to a struggling teen, building a ramp for the wheelchair bound, teaching others to value the least among them, reading a book to the blind, preparing free tax returns for the low income families, cooking dinner for the homebound, doing free car repairs for single mothers, adopting a grandparent, coaching a young music student needing your expertise but unable to pay for it, volunteering on the front lines with a community agency, or giving of your time when nobody else sees.

Each week, I invite students to make commitments of service that are meaningful, engaging, and related to their gifts and callings. I challenge them to look beyond themselves to recognize needs and to use their talents and abilities to meet those needs. Whether you are in a profession of service, serve as a public servant, are engaged in an act of community service, or serving with houses of faith, I believe that everyone is called to serve. Furthermore, I believe that everyone is capable of serving and everyone is gifted to serve.

I want you to try something. First, think of the needs that exist around you. Second, think of ways you can meet those needs. Third, set a time goal to begin serving. If everyone reading this article accepted this challenge, imagine the changes we would witness. In the words of Jesus’ mother at the wedding in Cana, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). The need is there. God is speaking. Are you responding?

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Stormy Transition Brings a New Season

S

by Joel Barker

pringtime is just around the corner. Blooming flowers, fresh green leaves, dogwoods, and perfect temperatures are welcomed signs after a winter of polar dips, snowflakes, and black ice.

While we always look forward to this wonderful respite from the harshness of winter, the time of transition between the seasons is often quite extreme. Polar dips and icy streets give way to severe storms and tornado warnings. Many times the transition period between the seasons is worse than what we experienced throughout the entire previous season.

Just as the seasonal transition from winter to spring can bring storms and unsettled weather, managing the tension between the old and new seasons in our lives often prove to be an anxious task.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read of the miraculous exploits that the apostle Peter performed throughout the years immediately following Jesus’ ascension. Flip backward a couple of books, however, and you’ll see

38 // March 2015

a different picture of the same man—a disciple referred to as Simon. To call his transition tumultuous from Simon the fisherman to Peter the apostle would be an understatement.

After answering the call of Jesus, abruptly leaving his business as a professional fisherman, Simon became one of the Messiah’s most devoted followers.

Simon was, in fact, the first of the disciples to publicly recognize the deity of Jesus. Simon was also the first and only disciple to actually get out of the boat to walk on the water in the midst of a howling rainstorm. However, his focus on the overwhelming height of the waves rather than the beckoning hand of the Master caused him to sink underneath the weight of his immature faith.

Simon Peter rebuked Jesus.

He misunderstood the significance of The Transfiguration. He fell asleep in the Garden when he was supposed to be praying. His sword-wielding bravado turned into sheer terror when he strongly denied even knowing Jesus three different times following the Messiah’s arrest. Regardless

of the storms Simon Peter faced as he walked with Jesus, he was ready when his springtime came.

The same outspoken, mistake-prone Peter became the keynote speaker on the Day of Pentecost, leading 3,000 souls to salvation. This fisherman-turnedapostle went on to heal the blind and the lame. He became one of the primary builders of the new community of believers and stood at the forefront of the new “Christian” movement.

Do you see yourself in the story of Peter? Maybe you’ve buckled under the weight of changing seasons or you’ve had immature faith at times. Maybe you have completely blown it a time or two and you feel like you’ve taken a step backwards.

Your journey is not in vain. The missteps served a purpose. The weight of your changing seasons only helped to build strength for the challenge of the next season.

Be encouraged in the transition. It may be stormy now, but it will be worth it later.

Joel A. Barker is the worship pastor at the Joyful Sound Church of God in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Morning Drive

I

n fall of 2009, I had an epiphany. It was the last year that both of my kids would be attending the same school and neither would be driving. So I had this time driving them to school, and I’d have them all to myself before they began their day­—the last year with a captive audience.

I decided to impart to them some wisdom that would revolutionize their lives and set them up for dazzling success. Unfortunately, this idea occurred to me while waiting in the line for drop-off, and my wisdom generator wasn’t awake yet.

Seizing the moment, I gathered their attention and delivered the shiniest gem of fatherly advice that I could muster. “Kids,” I said soberly. They waited intently, almost like they knew their worlds were about to be rocked by a new and fabulous truth. “Be kind, and learn a lot,” I said.

Brief silence. “Okay, Dad.” They popped out, and I was left to drive alone to work and think about what a dud that was. Come on Brian, you can do better than that! It lacked poetry or power.

I beat myself up for a while, waiting for “what I should have said” to occur to me, five minutes after the moment had passed, which is when it usually happens.

This time, it didn’t. The more I thought about it, the more I thought it would do just fine. It had its problems. I think I just threw the “learn-a-lot” part in since I was dropping them off at school. If I had been taking them to soccer camp I might have

40 // March 2015

by Charles Brian Conn

said “Be kind and kick the ball often.” Equally clunky, but the kindness part rang true.

Driving away, I asked myself if I could choose one thing for my kids to be known for, to set them apart, it would be that they were kind people. Not just kind to Judy, Fred, and Bobby, but kind to everybody—kind people. Why did I want that?

In Ephesians 4:32, Paul says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” He tells the Galatians (5:22) that kindness is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rocked the multitude with a new and fabulous truth. He said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:43-44 NIV).

He added a little later, “And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” ( 5:47).

It’s how we set ourselves apart. We become known for this love, for this kindness, even to those who mean us harm. And just maybe someone will ask why we’re different.

So I kept saying it to them, every time I dropped them off. The last sentence they heard from me was the same for that year. I hope they’ll remember it forever.

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

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Salted Caramel Banana Bread or Muffins

by Angie Parris (Not Nut Bread)

Bread:

• 2 cups all purpose flour (do not use self rising) • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup packed light brown sugar • 2 eggs • 3 ripe bananas, mashed • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream • 1/3 cup confectioners sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X5 loaf pan or muffin tins with pan spray.

Whisk flour, baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt together in a bowl. set aside..

Beat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar together

42 // March 2015

in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating just until combined. Beat bananas and 1 tbsp vanilla into butter mixture. Gradually add flour mixture on low just until incorporated.

Pour into prepared loaf pan or muffin tins.

Bake loaf until a toothpick inserted comes out clean..approx 45 minutes. Bake muffins approx 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool loaf in pan for 20 minutes...run a knife around the edges and carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Cool muffins on a wire rack.

Glaze...

Heat 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over med heat: bring to a boil. Cookstirring constantly with a whisk, until sugar is dissolved...about 1 minute. Stir cream into brown sugar mixture and remove saucepan from heat.

Stir 1/3 cup conf sugar and 1/4 tsp kosher salt into cream mixture until glaze is smooth. Drizzle over loaf or muffins.

Enjoy!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Beauty in Waiting

by Ashley Smith

W

aiting, the word that has such a negative connotation. You wait in the waiting room while a family member is in the hospital. You have to wait on test results, to see how those results are going to affect your life. Even on Sundays, you have to wait an hour at the restaurant to get seated. It’s a word most people don’t really care to hear, much less do.

I understand that waiting time, the frustration, the heartache, believe me. I have been in a season of waiting for the last four years of my life. I graduated college in 2010, and since then, I’ve been waiting for that door of opportunity known as my career to open up. This isn’t to say that I’ve just been sitting around, literally waiting on God to drop something in my lap. No, I’ve sent out hundreds of resumes, even had a few awesome interviews, only to hear the dreaded rejection line that sounds something like, “We appreciate the time you took to apply, but we’ve found someone 44 // March 2015

more qualified than you.” Yes, it hurts.

Waiting is rough. At times, it can be so incredibly painful you just want to give up, and yet in that moment, God always shows me the hope that I have in Him. That hope that gives me strength, that tells me that God knows what He’s doing, and He is working it all out for my good and His glory. And through the tears and hurt, I’ve also found there is something beautiful in waiting.

There is something beautiful about surrendering my future into my Father’s hands and allowing Him to do much more than I ever could imagine. There’s something beautiful about the sweet lessons that God shows me as I learn to trust in Him, totally and completely surrender to Him. There’s something beautiful about knowing that when those promises do come to fruition, I will know that God ordered my steps and brought my life together as He saw fit.

We sing a song at church

called Counting on God, and the last time that we sang it, it hit me that I am truly counting on God. I’m counting on Him for everything in life, my future career, my future spouse, what He’s doing in my ministry. What better place to leave all my dreams and desires than in the hands of Jesus and allow Him to show me what He’s capable of doing. I’m a human, I’m super limited to what I can do, even if I’m hustling my hardest, but man, my God is not limited. That’s the best thing I’ve learned in waiting is that once you take the limits off God in how you expect things to turn out, He will blow your mind with what He can do.

If you’re in a waiting season, I encourage you to lay it all at God’s feet. Let Him teach you and amaze you in ways you never would have imagined!

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Spiritual Drifting

by Kelly McDonald

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Heb. 2:1 NIV).

H

ave you ever been on a boat? When a boat does not have an anchor in place, the boat slowly begins to drift away. Before you know it, the boat is far away from its intended location. In this specific verse from Hebrews, the Greek word translated as “drift away” refers to this kind of drifting. It is easy for us to allow our spiritual walk with God to drift away from where we should be. Sometimes we receive a powerful Word from God about our prophetic destiny, but as time goes on, we forget about it. We fail to act upon the assignment we received from God. We put our assignment on consignment!

Sometimes we start out strong and on fire. We are reading our Word, studying, seeking God, and taking the right steps. But as distractions come into our lives, we slow our activity. We begin to drift.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to pay careful attention to the things that we hear from God. This means both the spoken and written things of God. This requires action on our part. As believers, we are called disciples of Christ. One of the roots of disciple is discipline. We tend to think of discipline as being punishment, but this word can also mean a narrow focus of study. Being a disciple of Christ means following Christ in the focus of our assignment from Him. Your assignment is part of how Christ is manifesting Himself through your life to

46 // March 2015

everyone around you.

The apostle Paul had a spiritual son named Timothy. Twice, Paul reminded Timothy of the prophesies once spoken over His life. “Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well” (1 Tim. 1:18). “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you” (4:14 NIV).

It is important that we remind ourselves of God’s promises to us so that we can fight the good fight of the faith. The Enemy brings distractions and the cares of life to quench the Word of God that is in you through the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to write down prophesies and promises about your life and put them in prominent places in your home—like a mirror or on a door. These will be reminders to you. Ask the Lord to help you take forward progress toward obeying His Word. God’s promises are an anchor for our soul (see Heb. 6:1319). As we act on those promises, we are tending to the spiritual anchor to keep us going in the right direction. These are practical ways to avoid spiritual drifting.

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

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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.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world

Writer Guidelines: Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to goodnewstn@ gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Craig Mosgrove

Three Thoughts on the Discipleship Mandate O ur resurrected Lord appeared to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (NIV).

This is known as “The Great Commission” because it was Jesus’ final mandate to the Church. It displays, in essence, the heart and DNA of God for His Church. It is the discipleship mandate.

1. To make a disciple, one must first be a disciple. Only disciples can make disciples. We reproduce what we are.

Only growing leaders grow leaders. As with anything over time, words change. The weight of a word may increase or deteriorate depending upon the culture in which it is used. So scripturally what is a disciple? The literal meaning of the word disciple as used in the New Testament is “learner or pupil.” Jesus said in Luke 6:40, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher (NKJV).” Making disciples therefore necessitates training and learning.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (NKJV).” This is known as the Great Commandment. Most Christians today are content to love God with heart and soul dismissing their minds from the pursuit. But true disciples love the Lord with all they have, including their minds. Being a disciple then means that knowledge is required, and knowledge is the fruit of the mind. It can thus be stated then that “The Great Commission” can only effectively flow out of the life of one practicing “The Great Commandment.” Love for God with heart, soul, and mind compels one to impart the knowledge that is gained to others who are seeking out the truth.

2. The discipleship mandate as it relates to youth ministry is in dire circumstances in our nation. What disturbs me so much about youth ministry today is that few youth pastors ever really teach the Bible. Most contemporary preaching and writing accommodates Christianity to “me and my world,” applying Scripture to personal

50 // March 2015

needs before making sure the Scriptures are actually understood. Application of the Scripture is always essential, but it does not benefit us at all if people never learn the real truth that they should apply. It is impossible to live Christianly without even knowing Christianity.

Likewise, one can’t live as a disciple when ignorant of a Biblical understanding of a disciple. We can’t apply what we do not know. Do we really believe that Christianity will survive the attacks of this world when we are failing to teach even the basic tenets of the Christian faith to our students? A truth system will never survive when its adherents are ignorant of its foundational beliefs. And passing on truth is not solely the Holy Spirit’s job. The Spirit of God will indeed do His work even when we do not do ours, but to use the Holy Spirit as an excuse for our lack of discipleship and teaching in the Church is not what He wants. As someone has said, “The Spirit was not given to make study unnecessary, but to make study effective.”

3. The discipleship mandate is more about men than methods. Robert Coleman once said in The Master Plan of Discipleship, “It all started with Jesus calling a few men to follow Him. This revealed immediately the direction His evangelistic strategy would take. His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes, but with men whom the multitudes would follow. Remarkable as it may seem, Jesus started to gather these men before He ever organized an evangelistic campaign or even preached a sermon in public. Men were to be his method of winning the world to God.” Currently serving as a student pastor, I see youth pastors everywhere frantically searching for a new method from the latest, most popular youth pastor living. Our churches are eaten up with church-growth models, new initiatives, seeker services, and powerless fads. And in most cases, the problem is not finding a better method at all. We severely need to learn to make better men and women—disciples who are sold out to the commandment of making disciples of all nations.

This is the discipleship mandate.

Craig Mosgrove is the high school and college and twentysomethings pastor at North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, TN. He is married to Meredith Mosgrove, and they have a son named Knox and a daughter named Marlee.

His passion is to train and empower next generation leaders for the discipling of all nations. disciplemakingdisciples.com

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Gò0dNews from the Outdoors

Ott DeFoe A

ccolades in professional sports are hard to come by and in the sport of bass fishing the competition for them is fierce. For Arthur “O ” DeFoe, from Knoxville, TN, placing in the Bassmaster’s tournaments has paid big dividends but it is his walk with Christ that has a racted many to him rather than the success he has had on the tournament trail. I had the honor of interviewing him as he prepares to be the keynote speaker at the Ba le of Chickamauga to be held on March 28th in Dayton, TN. This tournament will be comprised of high school teams from all over the state of TN and is expected to field over 100 boats.

Mark - Other than the big win in 2011 (First place $100,000) at the Bassmaster All Star Championship what do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments both within fishing and outside?

O - Winning the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Douglas Lake in front of my family and friends and qualifying for the Classic the last four years and of course certainly my three kids and my marriage to my wife Jennie. Abbie is 7 ½ and the twins Parker and Elizabeth are 3 ½. They are almost exactly four years apart.

Mark - In 2013 and 2014 you hosted the Goodwill Industries Bass Tournament in Knoxville to raise awareness for Goodwill. How did that come about?

O - Until we met with them I had no idea what all they did for people with special needs and disabilities.

If we all looked at what all they do and the impact on the community that they have…we would all give more freely.

52 // March 2015

by Mark Wells

Mark - The Ba le of Chickamauga will be huge for the high school sport of bass fishing. With CATCH Ministry having the freedom to present the gospel to these students during this tournament, you as the keynote speaker have an awesome oppurtunity, what is the Lord leading you to tell them?

O - My story of how God has put me in the place I am in. He is the one driving the boat and He will take us where He wants us to be whether it’s family, financial, or spiritual it’s His plan and how He loves us much greater than we can ever imagine. If the seed is planted and someone accepts Christ…well, that would be just great.

O a ends Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and while talking with him I could tell that I was talking to a man with integrity. With all that is happening in the world of professional sports it is refreshing to talk to someone that maintains biblical morals and values. As I was researching on the web I came across this quote from O … “I’d like for people to know that I was a Christian and that I always played the game honestly and tried to grow the sport.”

O is obviously a family man and a man of faith. If all professional athletes had the same integrity as O just maybe the drama that we see unfold on the news with regard to scandal and dishonesty would disappear.

Mark Wells is a member

of CATCH Ministry and works at Cleveland Utilities.

He loves to give his testimony and can be reached at: mark_ wells@bellsouth.net.

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Heart of Florida Youth Ranch Needs List Kitchen Products Aluminum Foil Plastic Cling Wrap Ziploc Bags (Assorted Sizes) Paper Towels Dish Detergent Dishwasher Detergent Kitchen Towels/Dish Towels Disposable Products (Plates, Cups, Bowls, Utensils, Etc.) Toilet Paper Cleaning Products (Pledge, Windex, Bleach, Tile Cleaner,Soft Scrub, Bathroom Cleaner, Clorox Wipes) Laundry Detergent Garbage Bags (Small, Tall Kitchen, & Contractor) Mops (Industrial) Brooms Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner Liquid Hand Soap Toilet Brushes

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Donation Deadline: May 18th Trip Date: May 21st-24th. catchministry.net

Gò0dNews for Everyone

God Wants the Best for You D

id you know God wants you to succeed in life? You may say, “I’m not sure about that. If you knew the bad things I have done, you wouldn’t say such a thing.” Actually, I would say such a thing because where sin increases, grace increases much more! (see Rom. 5:20) Friends, God wants you to succeed in your relationships, finances, family, and career. What if you made the decision to start believing God’s definition about you? I know what would happen!

You would experience the goodness of God in your life. See, when it comes to God, you have to believe how He really sees you!

You don’t have to work your way up the ladder with God. Jesus did that for you! What you do will never obtain God’s best for you. Only what Jesus has done will release the best God has for you.

Did you know that if you try to get God’s best with your works, you will become tired mentally and physically? In your effort to get God’s best, you will fall short every time.

God judges you based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. You need to realize that God’s best is so valuable; He doesn’t want you working for it! Hallelujah! You may say, “Isn’t what I do important?”

Of course it is! But did you also know that works are the opposite of God’s best? Romans 11:6 reminds us, “But if it is by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no

54 // March 2015

by Samuel Burger

longer grace” (11:6 NKJV).

God’s best is not about what you do, it’s about Jesus and the free gift of His over-abundant favor! God does not define you by what you do; He defines you through what Jesus has done. I know it may be hard for some of you to grasp this point, but God looks at you just like He looks at Jesus. That’s why the work of Jesus is so powerful!

We don’t need to work harder, we need to have greater gratitude of God’s over-abundant favor which is God’s best! You can be at ease because as Jesus is, so are we in this world! (see 1 John 4:17) I have three questions for you:

1.

Do you get God’s best by what you do before you get saved?

2.

Do you get God’s best by what you did when you got saved?

3.

Do you get God’s best by what you do after you get saved?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have missed God’s desire for you. God’s best for you is received by faith alone. His best is Jesus, and Jesus wants to have a relationship with us and make us a success! So what’s the application?

1.

Believe how God defines you without your works.

2.

3.

Confess God’s opinion of you.

Feed on God’s promises instead of negative self-talk Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Baptist Church. Feel free to contact him via email samuelbrgr@yahoo.com.

Women Build 2015

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Women Build 2015 unites 40 teams of women to build two homes for two families in need in Bradley County! We invite women who want to build homes and communities and also learn construction skills to be a part of this initiative!

Don’t miss our Women Build kickoff event, Hard Hats and Heels! We will have a silent auction, live auction hard hat fashion show, dinner and Joe-Joe Collins will perform!

•Tickets: $35/person and $280/table (8 seats) •Where: Toyota of Cleveland •To find out more info & to purchase tickets visit, •When: March 7, 2015 •6:30pm - Silent Auction Bidding | 7:30pm - Program begins •habitatofcleveland.org/clevelandwomenbuild

Give a hand up for hope & change a family’s life forever!

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When your parent or loved one is experiencing a behavioral change or facing physical challenges, it affects the whole family. Starr Regional is committed to the care of seniors in our communityin our community - with Senior Care and McMinn Memorial Nursing Home in Etowah.

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