May 2014
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contents 14
28
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk GoodNews for Teens
6
Tell Someone about Jesus
by Pastor Steve Smartt GoodNews for Kids
8
GoodWords
GoodNews on Money Matters 10 “Investing: Out of Sight,
Out of Mind”
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Him
12 Stop the Insanity! by Chris Moser
42
GoodNews for Moms
26 Keys to Living With Vision 40 Motherhood is Calling by Pastor Jarod Waldrop
by Kim Fisher
GoodNews Cover Story
GoodNews for Everyone
by David Coulter
by Kirk Bates
28 Scott’s Bike
42Letting Her Go
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Everyone
by Gayle Cobb
Holy Cross
30 Seeing God’s Beauty
44 The Royal Road of the by John. M. Thomas
GoodNews for Couples
32 Incompatibility: Ingredi-
GoodNews for Everyone
14 Moms and Daughter - It’s
by David Gray
Can Bank On!
by Oreeda Mcclure Burnette
GoodNews for Seniors
GoodNews for Parents
by Esmerelda Lee
GoodNews for Her
Complicated!
20 Be weird
by Darlene Thornton GoodNews for Life
22 New Hope Pregnancy
Care Center
by Beth Henderson GoodNews for Health & Fitness
24 No Takeout Tonight by Lindsey Cooke
ents for a GREAT Marriage
34 Finish Well
46 Genealogical Facts You by James Richardson GoodNews for Everyone
50 Waterdogs Swim Team by Julianne Hale
GoodNews for Everyone
36 A Glimpse of Heaven Chal-
GoodNews from the Outdoors
by Kelly Hixson
by Rev. Rusty Asble
lenge
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Lessons from the Vineyard by Dave Carringer
52 It All Began There GoodNews for Everyone
54 L.A. Gangs, Guns, Home Invasions...
God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Steve Smartt Pastor Jarod Waldrop Rev. Rusty Asble Andrew Lee Chris Moser OreedaBurnette Darlene Thornton Beth Henderson Lindsey Cooke David Gray David Coulter Gayle Cobb Esmerleda Lee Dave Carringer Kim Fisher Kirk Bates John M. Thomas James Richardson Julianne Hale Kelly Hixson
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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Editors Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Wanda Griffith
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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.
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Gò0dNews from the Pastors Desk
Tell Someone about Jesus by Pastor Steve Smartt
A
s followers of Christ, we get to share the truth of the Gospel with everyone we meet. Sometimes our urging prompts a response, but other times our urging is met with opposition. When the la er occurs, we may be like the young salesman disappointed about losing a big sale. Lamenting to his sales manager, he said, “I guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” To which the manager replied, “Son, take my advice, your job is not to make him drink. Your job is to make him thirsty.” Let’s do the math. More than our need for food, we need Christ. More than our need for water, we need Christ. More than our need for oxygen, we need Christ. Take away food, water, and oxygen, and you still have life eternal through Christ. Take away Christ, and you have only temporary pleasure at an eternal cost. Here is a common illustration: Imagine yourself walking down the street and suddenly approaching a burning house. On the front porch the family is gathered together having a great time, laughing and singing, eating boiled peanuts, and drinking sweet tea. How do you respond? Do you turn your head and imagine that you never saw them? Just ignore the flames? Do you walk away in fear that you might interrupt their fun and routine at the expense of your warning? NO! You run to the house screaming with alarm that their lives are in danger. You pull them frantically out of harm’s way and beg them to heed your warning of the looming flames. This was Paul’s intent when he instructed the church
at Corinth: “We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). Rather than responding in that passion, however, we often make excuses that cause us to retreat. We convince ourselves that our circumstances will not allow us to witness for Christ or that our audience is just too unreachable. Perhaps there is someone in your life who seems so far from righteousness that you’ve convinced yourself that they would never give in to God’s call. Maybe you’re fearful that others will ridicule you or make fun of you for your faith. Bear in mind the words of Christ: “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). One author put it this way, “As an act of His gracious love, the Lord at times calls His people to declare even to rebellious and hardhearted people His truth about judgment and His provision for redemption.” We all carry the joyful burden to share our faith in Christ with others. We must therefore declare with the prophet, Ezekiel: “’Thus says the Lord God, whether they hear or refuse to hear” (3:11). Let’s all go tell someone about Jesus today.
Pastor Steve Smar is the senior pastor at Westwood Baptist Church.-
6
May 2014
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Good Words Proverbs 15:1-2
was happy when he came home from school. Jimmy His mother was waiting for him. "Do you have a note from the teacher for me today, Jimmy?" his mother asked. "No," he answered. But he remembered the note he had brought home the day before. The teacher had told his mother he had used bad words in school. "I wasn't expecting another note about bad words today," his mother said. "But we said we'd talk about something else today, remember?" "Today we talk about good words." "Right!" his mother said. "If some words are bad because they hurt people, why are some words good?" "Because they help people," Jimmy answered. "Yes," said his mother. "Good words make people happy. What words make you feel good?" "Dinner's ready," said Jimmy. "Those are happy words for me, too," said his mother. "Those words tell us God has given us food to eat. I'm also happy that we can eat together as a family." "I know another good word," said Jimmy. "What is it?" his mother asked. "We," Jimmy answered.
8
May 2014
"Why is we a good word?" his mother asked. "Because it means I'm not alone. When I say 'we; I mean someone is with me." "You're right, Jimmy," said his mother. "We is a happy word. Love is also a good word." "And help is a good word. So is sunshine." "But rain is also a good word," said his mother. "Most words are good words when we use them the right way. I think Jesus is the best word of all. Do you know why?" "Because he loves us and helps us," said Jimmy. "Right!" his mother said. "When we know Jesus is with us, we use words that are good. That makes other people happy-and it makes us happy too. It's more fun to be with people who use good words." "Did you use good words at school today, Jimmy?" "Yes," said Jimmy. "School was more fun today than yesterday."
Some Questions 1. Do you know people who always use kind words? Who? 2. What words do you use that make other people happy? 3. Would you rather be with people who use good words or those who use bad words?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank you for giving love to others so that they can say good words to me. Help me say good words to others. Amen.
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Gò0dNews on Money Matters
“Investing: Out of Sight, Out of Mind” by Andrew Lee
T
he phrase, out of mind, is usually intended to be negative when we disagree with someone, as in “you’re out of your mind.” But there is a sense when “out of mind” can be positive, especially when it comes to reaching long-term financial goals, as in the cliché “out of sight is out of mind.” In other words, we won’t obsess over something if we can’t see it and aren’t reminded of it every single day. Let’s consider the topic of investing, for instance. Many people don’t invest because they claim they can’t afford to invest right now. This problem is usually fixed by forming a wri en budget and tracking where every dollar goes each month, so that after paying bills, one still has money left over to save or to invest for future prosperity. But then many people won’t take the time to mail in a check every month or every quarter to invest in stocks, bonds, and so forth. Rather, they come up with so many reasons why they need that money for something else. So years and then decades pass and when retirement comes rolling around, many are left with li le resources to rely on other than a meager Social Security check. The other challenge that prevents many people from investing money successfully is that they try to micro-manage their investments by obsessing over every daily or monthly swing in the stock markets, always pulling their money out of the market at the wrong time, hoping to get lucky by trying to time the market. One tried and true solution for these challenges is to put your investments on “auto pilot” by having 10
May 2014
money deducted from your paycheck automatically every month in order to invest in a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) with your employer. The other option is to have money taken out of your checking account like clockwork every month and invested in mutual funds or stocks inside a Roth IRA or other retirement plan. By doing this, you can forget about the hassle of mailing checks to brokerage firms or mutual fund companies, and you can stop making excuses for why you can’t afford to invest right now. Many financial planners recommend this type of investing to remain invested for the long term so that families can meet their financial goals such as retirement or college savings. Another term for this is dollar cost averaging because one need not worry about trying to time the market. With dollar cost averaging, one doesn’t need to obsess about the stock market’s daily, weekly, or monthly ups and downs because one is investing the same amount of dollars every month. In the long run, the results will be be er using this method since no one can guess right most of the time. “Out of sight, out of mind” is one key to long-term financial success. Make a plan, put it in motion, and then don’t worry about it.
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
Stop the Insanity! by Chris Moser
I
s it just me or is bedtime the best time to make plans to change your life? Every night I say to myself something like this, “Okay, Chris, tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow I am going to eat right, exercise, and stop watching so much Korean TV drama.” The next day rolls around. I have overslept so no workouts for the day, and by noon, I have already had too many calories for the week, let alone what I should have for the day. Then I come home from work, have even more calories, and then help the bride put the kids to bed. Then I set in for another marathon of Korean TV drama. Unlike American shows which are usually only forty-two minutes long, each Korean show is one hour and ten minutes long. I watch two episodes, look at the clock and say, “Hey, it’s only 10 o’clock; I will watch just one more and then go to bed.” Three more episodes later and it is now 1:30 a.m. I say, “What the heck happened to the time? I guess I will go on to bed.” For those keeping count, that is over five hours of continuous television viewing, I know, like I said obsession! As I am laying my not-so-bright noggin on the pillow I say to myself, “Okay, Chris, tomorrow is a new day. You are going to get up early and exercise, eat right, and stop watching 12 May 2014
Korean TV drama.” The next day, I oversleep since I got to bed so late and miss my work-out again. Can you guess how the rest of the day goes? There is a saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over each time expecting a different result. One day I realized I have somehow become the very definition of insanity! How in the world am I going to change anything in my life if I keep doing the very things that are not working in my life and each time wondering why I have not changed? Once I realized this truth, I got into what I call a “serious funk.” Ironically, once I get into these funks, can you guess how I react? I drown myself in self-pity, food, and Korean TV. How crazy is that? The very things I hate myself for doing, I immediately turn to when I am feeling sorry for myself! Insane! But then I read this in Romans 7:15: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (NIV). Here I am thinking that I am the only person in the world feeling this way and then BAAMM, I find out that Paul, writer of much of the New Testament, felt the same way. I know that this passage is mainly talking about sin and while missing a workout may not be a sin, glu ony and idolatry surely are. If you read the rest of the verses in this chapter, you find out something
interesting. Paul is saying that if you are a Christian, there is a war going on inside you. The evil that you are born with is in constant struggle with the spirit of God that is also in you. I take this to mean that I am not insane, I am just a sinner saved by grace. This is going to be a lifetime struggle and I should not lose heart. So friends, the next time you are lying in bed making those awesome life-changing plans for tomorrow and you fall on your face by noon the next day, don’t fret. Instead, maybe think about the fact that you are a sinner and you are going to mess up, but God loves you anyway. So get up off your face and try again. Maybe this time, try doing one thing different. As for me I think I am going to work on cu ing out the Korean TV, or at least be self-disciplined enough to only watch one episode and get in bed. It is much easier to get up and work-out if you go to bed on time. Now if only I can convince my brain that salads taste good.
Chris Moser
is a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Lee University graduate and Court Liaison Team Leader at The State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service.
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Gò0dNews for Women
MOMS AND DAUGHTERS IT’S COMPLICATED! by Oreeda Mcclure Burnette
“M
y mom was born a million years before me”—at least that’s how I felt as a teenager. She had Holiness hair, Holiness clothes, and Holiness rules. Although I considered myself a Christian and I wanted to live “right,” I wanted to live according to my convictions. After all, I did know everything! I guess my first moment of reality flooded my entire being when I came to myself in the labor room before my daughter was born. I realized that until that moment, I had been in some sort of trance. I remember thinking, why in the world am I in this hospital? Well, there’s nothing I can do about it now. I suddenly knew what “the deal” was. There is nothing like a baby to clear up a confused mind. Now I know when my mother grabbed my face and washed it or grabbed my nose and tried to squeeze it off, she just wanted me to have a pre y li le clean face. When she made me wear those frilly, itchy dresses, she wanted me to look great. When she grabbed my shoulder in the middle of church service to get me to stop yapping and start listening, she really did want me to hear the Word that was coming forth. Now I also know that when my mother said, “I prayed for you while you were gone,” she wasn’t just trying to irritate me. One night, I was at church and stayed late to talk, of course. On my way home, I stopped at a traffic light. When the light changed to green, for some reason, I hesitated. Just as I started to proceed, a car ran the red light driving so fast it was just a blur. I
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May 2014
realized that had I driven through as soon as the light had changed, I would have been killed. When I arrived home, my mom was up waiting for me. I was all hyped up about my near catastrophe when her first words stopped me cold. “The Lord prompted me to pray for you about five minutes ago. I don’t know why,” she said. But, I knew. I know I am here today because of my mother’s prayers— prayers before I was born, prayers throughout my childhood and still today. There’s a song that says, “If I could hear my mother pray again.” I really have never heard my mother pray for me. She always entered into her “prayer closet” to pray. But the effects of my mother’s prayers have been evident through the many “dangers, toils, and snares” I have come through. Today my mother, Bonnie McClure, is still praying for me at age 98! What a blessing to have a praying mother.
Oreeda Burne e is the church secretary at United Christian Church, Cleveland, Tennessee.
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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 John Bivens 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church Pastor Wally Varnell 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church Pastor Johnny Moore 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point Pastor Phil Griffin 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point. com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653
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May 2014
Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, 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 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 Dwelling Place Church International Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.5200 www.iwilldwell.com Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Larry Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or Thelovingchurch.org Norvel Hayes Ministries 24 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-650-9572 www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311
423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 Triumphant Living “The Sanctuary” Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries. org United Christian Church 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 Church 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696
Presbyterian
Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian Church 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd., NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian Church 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595
Seventh Day Adventist Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 East Cleveland Seventh-day 801 Howard Cir SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312
issuu.com/goodnewscm
17
Athens Church Directory Assembly of God Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0350
Baptist Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd
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May 2014
Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193
Catholic St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277
Christian Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791
Church of God Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Avenue CoG 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN37303 423-745-1618
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 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 May Events North Cleveland CoG 6 May- Chick-fil-A Spirit Night 4–8 p.m. 20% of your bill for missions 11 May- Mother's Day Recognition All Mothers receive a special gift 30–31 May- Pure Garments Conference http://www.nccog.org/ 16-18 May- If you need more information, contact Pastor Chris or Sarah Goff at sgoff@nccog.org.
North Cleveland CoG http://www.nccog.org/ 16-18 May- If you need more information, contact Pastor Chris or Sarah Goff at sgoff@nccog.org.
Get Listed!
VBS Submit VBS Event info to Goodnewstn@gmail.com
Gò0dNews for Parents
Be
Weird by Darlene Thornton
M
y daughter has always had a soft spot in her heart for the Lord, and her faith is strong. I believe this is because she has been surrounded by people who have taught her to put the Lord first in her life and to do right. She loves to do what’s right. Don’t get me wrong, she is still a kid. She fights with her brother and disobeys like the rest of them, but for the most part, she makes good choices. Throughout this school year, my daughter has struggled with finding her place in her seventh grade homeroom class. She would come home at least once a week complaining about how she didn’t have any friends in her class and that she wanted so badly to be moved to another class. Thinking that she was just being shy or overly dramatic, my husband and I told her to try to make new friends"to talk to them. The more she complained, the more questions we asked. We quickly found out that her classmates were bad-mouthed, dirty-minded kids. This worried me. I was afraid that 20
May 2014
she might fall into some of their same ways. I wanted to trust her. By this time, it was too late in the year to get her transferred to another class"plus we try to teach our children to handle the situations they are given. Every day I prayed for her. Every week I cried. What can I do to protect her? I was given the opportunity to speak to Annie Downs, author of Speak Love, a book that is wri en to teach girls how to use their words to make a difference in the world. I told Annie about my daughter and what she was facing at school. With tears in my eyes, I asked her what I should do. She said, “Tell her to be the light.” Wow! Was it really that simple? I talked to my daughter about Annie, gave her the book (which she loved), and told her that she needed to “be the light” and to stand up for what she believed. That was three months ago. Last week she came home complaining about her classmates again. She told me that they are mean to her and talk about her. Surprised, I
asked her what happened, and this is what she said, “Mom, they are always saying really bad words and I don't like it. UGH, I can't stand it! So I asked them, ‘Why do you talk like that?’ and they said, ‘Cause it’s fun.’ I told them, ‘Well, it’s not right and you need to stop.’” I can't lie, I felt a li le bit of pride bubble up in me. She went on to say that the kids turned away and said something about her being weird. WEIRD!? Are you kidding me? It’s so sad that doing what’s right has turned into what’s weird. Parents, we need to teach our children from early childhood to speak love, to act morally, to have clean thoughts, to dress modestly, to love God . . . to BE weird! “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Pro. 22:6). Darlene Thornoton
A co-manager at White Wing Christian Bookstore. She and her husband Troy have two children.
Bibles, books, music, t-shirts, cards, gifts and a whole lot more. We are your full-service Christian Bookstore!
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We are located at 3750 Keith Street and also at a kiosk in Bradley Square Mall (423)559-5425 You can also shop online at www.WhiteWingBookstore.com and join us on Facebook to be notified early of special sales - www.Facebook.com/WhiteWingBookstore
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Exp: 6/1/2014 William T. Bates, III, D.O. Some of the nation’s finest doctors can be found right here in Cleveland. Even better? Now, they can be found right in your neighborhood and bring the promise of superior medicine closer to you. Where you need it. When you need it. So, while its not quite a house call, it’s one giant leap in a healthier direction. To find Dr. William Bates,III, call 423-472-4677
Bates Family Medicine, PLLC 2401 North Ocoee Street, Suite 102 Cleveland, TN 37311 Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 8 am - 4:30 pm, Friday 8 am - 12:00 pm
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Smoothie King 2520 Keith Street Cleveland, TN 37311 Good only at participating locations. Not good with any other offer. Limited one per person per visit. Some restrictions may apply. Excludes Malts, Power Meals, Shakes and Kid’s Kup.
Gò0dNews for Life
NEW HOPE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER
by Beth Henderson
“I
need to know where I can get g an abortion.” My heart stopped beating right then. I knew this day was coming"the day I would personally be confronted by someone who wanted to end the life of an unborn child. When I heard that voice, I knew firsthand what it was like to hear the plea of another desperate life. As a new staff member (but long-time supporter) of New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, I knew there were options for this young lady that would provide help for her situation and the life of her child. I asked one of our trained counselors to speak with her on the phone and pray with her that day. I don’t know what decision she ultimately made, but I do know that because of the ministry of New Hope and other pregnancy care centers across the country, lives are being saved. That’s good news! Women give many reasons for seeking abortion, and admi edly some situations are more difficult than others, but the good news is that for each circumstance, each heartache, and each heartbeat that has yet to be heard, there is a Savior and His people who care enough to help. It is not unusual at New Hope to encounter situations we have never faced before. Each day is new; fortunately, so are God’s mercies. He has placed us in a remarkable community of people who are 22
May 2014
g to help p their neighbor neig ighb hbor or willing a stranger who has just stepped off the narrow path a bit too long. When the unusually difficult situation is presented, our God provides an equally unusual way to help. How often do we read in Scripture where God has simply asked someone to act in a small way so He can work through them in ways that are much grander than they could ever imagine? Hasn’t He said to stretch out your hand? Step out of the boat? That is the work of New Hope. We simply speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (see Pro. 31:8) and we defend the weak and fatherless (see Ps. 82:3), but we do not do this with words alone. The body of Christ is at work in everything we do at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. Every time prayer warriors lift the name or situation of one of our clients to heaven, they are making a difference in someone’s life. Every time our financial partners donate to the ministry, they are making a difference in someone’s life. Each donation of baby and maternity
cloth l hes,, formula, car seats, and clothes, m cribs makes a difference for life. There is no minimum agelimit for those who can participate in the Lord’s work at New Hope. All that is required is a willingness to obey God and to love others. So how do you begin to be involved at New Hope? (1) Pray, (2) Ask questions, (3) Take one step toward what the Lord is calling you to do. That’s how the ministry was built, and that’s the only way it will continue. We saw over 300 new clients in 2013; the Gospel was shared 170 times in our counseling rooms; and we know the names of forty-two babies born to New Hope clients who would not be here today but for the willingness of this community to speak the truth with both words and actions. For more information about New Hope Pregnancy Care Center and how you can get involved, please call 423-479-5825 or email info@newhopepcc.org.
Beth Henderson is the Development Director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
No
Takeout Tonight by Lindsay Cooke
U
h oh. It’s that time again. You have been thinking about it all day long and you still have no idea what you are going to do. You want something healthy so you don’t mess up all of the hard work you’ve put into your diet and exercise routine. But the family wants something that tastes good and is fun. It can’t take all night to fix, and you just want to run into the grocery store and pick a few things up. You’ve looked all over, but you just cannot seem to find what it is you want. So, what do you do? Finding healthy, family oriented meals can be a tough thing. You get tired of eating the same things all of the time, but when you try to find new recipes, it always seems like you search and search, and the nearest pizza place ends up on the table. Kids may not like certain vegetables, or if they are like mine, they are just picky eaters. Making sure that the whole family gets fed a good and healthy dinner isn’t always as simple as all of the televisions shows seem to make it. And, if I have learned 24
May 2014
one thing about making a lifestyle change with a four year old, it is that sometimes, you just have to compromise. A few of my favorite go to items that I keep my freezer stocked with are chicken breast and fish. These are easy to thaw out in a few minutes, and cook very easily. And, they taste great any way you cook them. For my son, I will fix him the chicken nuggets or hot dog that he wants, but he will have the vegetables that I fix as well. From corn to green beans and broccoli to carrots, I have tried all of them. While he does not like some, he will eat them, with a few exceptions. I will also use the same fish and chicken cooked however I like it and put it in a salad or pasta. It’s quick and easy, and pretty delicious too. One key that I have found that helps me is making sure that I have the
items that I use regularly at hand. That way, I don’t end up scrambling to get dinner together, the kiddo fed, bathed, and to bed by bedtime. And another is having a few go to websites that I know I can find something pretty quickly. One such website is www.fitnessmagazine.com. A few of my favorites include pasta rosa verde, the chicken BLT salad with buttermilk dressing, and the lemon thyme chicken with sautéed vegetables. And of course, if you have the time or are just really good at not being pulled in, pinterest. com has some wonderful ideas, as well. Remember, ““Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2).
Lindsey Cooke is the Admin Assistant for Cooke’s Food Store & Pharmacy
Primary Care
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Join the Fight!
Fair Trade has been successfully fighting world poverty for over 60 years. Every Fair Trade purchase helps lift a third world artisan and their family out of poverty. Shop the World Gifts is the largest Fair Trade store in East Tennessee. We have Fair Trade items from over 40 third world countries.
Just a few of the many types of items in our store: Jewelry Purses Metal Art
Wood Items Nativities Baskets
Scarves Soapstone animals Skirts Pottery Musical Instruments and more
Shop the World Gifts A Fair Trade Ministry Fighting World Poverty and Hunger 3230 Highway 411 Englewood, TN 37329 423-887-5048 Open Monday– Saturday 10am—5pm
Churches:
Bring a Fair Trade Festival to your congregation. There is no cost or obligation. Call Bill Cochran at 423-887-5048.
Gò0dNews for Teens
Keys to Living with Vision by Pastor Jared Waldrop Youth pastor at Westmore Church of God
I
n the swirl of life’s activities, it’s easy for school, friends, money-making, and relation-ships to cloud your direction. Allow God to give you some corrective lenses through His Word, prayer, and having the right people in your life.
Godly Vision Vision is defined as “the act or power of sensing with the eyes; a vivid, imaginative con-ception or anticipation.” I like this definition from Andy Stanley: “Vision is a mental picture of what could be, fueled by a passion that it should be.” Key Thought: As you seek to read, pray, journal, and worship throughout this year, God is going to give you vision. Vision gives purpose. Vision is what makes life vibrant. Vision brings focus. Vision is what God gives to believers who set the stage for Him to do incredible things through them.
Five Keys to Chasing Vision 1. Get up; get after it. Psalm 63:1: “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my body longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” (NIV). Mornings are the gateway to your day! Set the tone for it physically and spiritually by ge ing up and ge ing your head in the game through prayer, praise, and focusing on what’s ahead! 2. Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Why guard you heart? Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful beyond all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” How many times have we asked, “Why did I do that? What was I thinking?” Our hearts can be deceitful and misleading. Don’t follow your heart; trust the Lord and make Him the Lord of your heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 says this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will 26
May 2014
Key Scripture: Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no revelation [vision], the people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Vision can (and should) do two things in your life: propel your life forward by reading the Word, praying, journaling, and worshiping; and, vision should hold your life back from the wrong friends, the wrong entertain-ment, the wrong activities, the wrong way to spend your money, and the wrong option when it’s just you by yourself. We all need godly vision to propel our lives forward and to hold our lives back from wrongful choices.
make your paths straight.” 3. Fuel your vision. Be involved with activities and people that feed your vision! Iron sharpens iron. Focus on being with the right people, hanging out in the right places, doing the right things, and have fun. Do what you love. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind of life. Take time to do the things you are passionate about! 4. Flee vision-killers. Vision-killers are people you shouldn’t be with, places you shouldn’t go, situations you shouldn’t get into, and choices you need to weigh the consequences before making. Be heads up! Like is says in 1 Peter 1:13; “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober.…” (KJV). 5. Get to the root of issues that hold you back. Read about Elijah’s showdown on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18:16-40). Notice at the end of the passage, he kills the prophets devoted to Baal. He gets to the root of the issue. We can have plenty of mountaintop experiences and still be stuck in a cycle of destructive habits, a itudes, sin, and so on. Get to the root of issues in your life now! Your vision and destiny depend on it.
The Church of God in Tennessee is proud to present one of its greatest treasures. Situated on almost 100 gorgeous acres on top of the beautiful Signal Mountain you will find more than just a retreat center. This facility offers any church group, whether it’s your senior citizens, college and career or any size youth group an incredible place to grow and learn both physically and spiritually. The property consist of 26 cabins, each cabin has the capacity to sleep up to 20 people. As well as, a newly renovated staff building with the ability to sleep up to 100, bringing the maximum capacity to sleep over 600 people. Along with the sleeping quarters, our facilities also consist of a multipurpose gymnasium which is perfect for games and activities but with the state of the art lighting it is best suited to host all your sessions including a church style setting. Also available is the newly renovated cafeteria with the latest full commercial kitchen with two serving lines along with an attached pavilion for additional seating, a newly renovated recreational building with a multimedia matrix system with three large flat screen TV’s above a beautiful stone fire place. This room is perfect for breakout sessions or smaller groups looking for a meeting space a little more intimate. Activities available at our facility seem to be never-ending. We offer a wide range of activities that any group large or small can enjoy. Activities include; a paintball course, go karts, paddle boats, basketball courts, sand volleyball, an Olympic size indoor pool, horseback riding, a fully stocked bass and catch fish pond (catch and release only), softball fields and lastly we offer a 2 year old state of the art High and Low ropes course designed as an incredible tool for your group to work on teambuilding or a great outlet for youth groups or corporate groups that desire a unique and challenging experience. Whether you want peace and serenity or fun and challenging in a unique setting for your event, the Signal Mountain campground is the perfect place for your next event. It is our desire that Signal Mountain Campground be a place where people young and old are discipled. We cater to churches and corporate clientele. If you are interested in knowing more about Signal Mountain Campground or to set up a site visit, please call our office at 423.892.4831 x 2 or visit us on the web at cogtnyouth.org.
Free Queso Dip With purchase of $25 or more! 6215 Spring Place Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323
Dine In Only Not valid with any other coupons or offers, does not include tax or alcohol. exp. 6/1/14
Cleveland Locations!
Phone: (423) 478-2724 Tents, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Air Toys, Catering, Concessions, Party Lights, Dance Floors, & Wedding Supplies
2507 N. Ocoee Street - Suite 6 Cleveland, Tn 37312 423-614-5333 Fax 614-5774
1647 25th Street, NW (Located behind Hardee’s) Cleveland, Tn 37312 423-614-8855 Fax 614-8866
FEATURED COVER STORY
Come Ride with Us! by David Coulter
co ’s Bicycle Centre has been serving families in Cleveland and Cha anooga since 1978. They offer 24-hour turn-around on most repairs and boast the largest selection of bicycles, accessories and parts of any shop in the Cha anooga region. They have what they believe is the best support and sales staff-topped with a tremendous knowledge and the most experience. My brother, Doug, bought the shop from our father in 2000, after having worked in the industry for most of his life. What began as a job for us, however, has turned into a passion through the years as we discovered the physical and mental benefits - and the the joy of riding. “As children, we saw the bicycle shop as a business, not as a means to a be er, healthier, more fulfilling life. Having discovered the fun that cycling offers and all of the benefits that it can provide, we are riding more and more as time goes on; looking for ways to spend more time on our bikes,” states Coulter. “We ride mountain bikes on the ever-increasing number of trails in the region. Enterprise South and White Oak
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Mountain are family favorites, but Raccoon Mountain, Harrison Bay, Booker T. Washington, Brush Creek, the Whitewater Center, Chilhowee Mountain are also great fun! We are also looking forward to the new trails being built at Johnson Woods here in Cleveland!”
The Attraction Riding mountain bikes is a ractive to cyclists because of a lack of motorized traffic and the protection from the elements in the woods. Most importantly, the shear exhilaration that you feel as you float along the trails is like flying without ever leaving the ground! Because of the elevation variations found on most trail systems, it is also the easiest for beginner cyclists, allowing riders short climbs with recovery sections that allow them to quickly recover before hi ing the next climb. This type of exercise builds powerful legs with quick bursts of exertion interspersed with short rests. Riding road bikes is also a lot of fun, allowing for longer stints of exertion than most mountain biking. Bradley County has some awesome road routes with incredibly beautiful views-especially in the southern part of the county near Red Clay Park. Road riding
requires longer periods of exertion, building a cyclist’s stamina. Bradley County routes that run north and south are generally fairly flat, while the connecting roads running east and west will typically take a cyclist over big hills.
The Schedule The awesomely cool thing about knowing the terrain of Bradley County is that when you go out for a ride, you can choose to punish your legs and push yourself, or you can select a route that is more relaxing and gentle. Every Tuesday evening, all year round, mountain bikers from all over the Cleveland/Cha anooga area converge on one of the local trails to ride. Sco ’s Bikes has been hosting this weekly ride event for more than a decade and will often see more than fifty riders out to enjoy the camaraderie on the trails. These rides are great for beginner riders as no riders are left behind and awesome for the more experienced riders as they jump in with a more advanced group for a “blisterfest!” Every Thursday evening from spring to fall, road bikers come in from as far away as Georgia to join in our shop’s road rides. There are four groups ranging from beginner to racer, riding distances between twelve and sixty miles. Riders range from housewives to doctors, from salesmen to mechanics, from lawyers and students, and from ages ten to those who are more than eighty!
The Benefits What activity is good for you, is supremely fun, makes you feel good physically and mentally and will improve your relationship with your family and friends? If you guessed riding your bike, then you are absolutely correct! Time on a bike is time not spent in front of the television or computer. It is time spent exercising, building muscle, improving aerobic ability, conditioning your heart and vascular system, and most notably, it is the greatest stress-relief that you will ever experience! Regular exercise also raises your good cholesterol, improving your lipid profile, greatly reducing your risk of coronary disease. All week long you put in the hours at work, maybe in front of a computer, maybe on an assembly line, but it is hours spent away from your family and friends, increasing the need for quality time to build and maintain those relationships. While many people come home and unwind in front of a screen, studies show us now that the artificial light from these devices reduces the amount of melatonin that our body creates. This leads to poor sleep, contributes to obesity and diabetes, as well as other disorders. Riding your bike burns calories, increases your baseline metabolism, builds muscle, improves coordination, oxygenates your blood, allows your brain to reset, and, when accompanied by friends and family, provides for shared experiences and interactions not possible by sitting in front of a screen. If you are curious about what cycling can do for you, come by Sco ’s Bikes and talk with us. We have a huge selection of demo bikes if you want to try it out before pulling the “trigger” on a purchase. We love to share cycling and look forward to riding with you!
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Seeing God’s Beauty By Gayle Cobb
The Reveal For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1 Cor. 13:12). I was a guest in someone else’s home on Christmas Day when I wandered past a room and my eyes caught a glimpse of a young lady crying because she had just seen a photo of herself. My babbled response was lame as I recognized I had never dealt with the displeasure of my own appearance. In a culture that values appearance more than character, how could I, one who seemed lost in believing the same lie, help her? God gave me this poem in response to the incident. As I penned it, I knew the words weren’t just for the nineteen year old and me. Whether you are young or old, male or female, I believe this is for you.
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I looked in the mirror this morning And didn’t like what I saw. The image staring back at me was short and stout, Not thin and tall. The eyes, green as envy, Weren’t the brown eyes I’d always hoped for— They didn’t offer the warmth and shine of the brown ones I so adored. I shook my head and told her, “Be happy with what you have,” Trying to dismiss my thoughts and moving to another path. But when I looked back up, it was still there— The discontentment of my freckles, my eyes, and my hair. How can I ever be beautiful? Why do I even care? Then a sweet voice told me I’d been robbed here on this earth. I’d let the world take my view and determine what beauty is to me. That voice, like a warm blanket, soothing and sweet, reminded me of His Holy Word, And how it could make my thoughts on beauty complete. I pondered on that, versus my own way of thinking:
One side said long, brown hair, brown eyes, and flawless clear skin was the beauty defined around the globe. The other boasted of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The la er were features with longlasting effects— Not physical, temporary, and completely out of my control. And I thought of the Book of Colossians And of keeping my mind on heavenly things. I knew this life, this look, was but a vapor, So I vowed right there with the help of my Creator To do the best I could with what He’d given me. I’ll clean it, dress it up, nourish it, and keep it fit. That’s my very best and exactly what He would want for it. And now with new perspective, I asked that voice to help the deeper part of me, For I knew beauty from Him was more than the skin He’d given me. I looked back in the mirror to adjust my bangs and rub my eyes. The image was much clearer now
that Christ had adjusted my mind. I walked toward the door, turning to take one more look. The image I’d hated moments ago now had me hooked. You see, it wasn’t me anymore— that sight I couldn’t bare. It was Jesus, the One I’m supposed to be looking like, that had me in a stare. And I realized with a sudden gasp of shock, That if people saw Him instead of me, their own worlds would be rocked. The beauty from Him doesn’t cause discontentment or strife. Beauty from Him only adds contentment and peace to life. The love, joy, peace, and so on would be the result of His cosmetic upgrade And earning a second look would no longer be a concern day to day.
It’s clear He put in my heart and mind this day That the beauty I share with others won’t adjust their eyes, but their hearts— The love when a roommate doesn’t deserve it, The joy in the midst of despair, The peace amid my family dysfunction as I rest in no longer “pu ing on airs.” Oh, I knew it wouldn’t be easy and wouldn’t come naturally, But the supernatural is up to Him . . . thankfully! My choice to participate is all I really need. This won’t be my last revelation about this topic. I suspect with every reflection I’ll repeat this perspective often. Every store window, every mirror that hangs, Will give me a chance to ask if I look like Him today.
And every family member, fellow student, and stranger I pass Will send me a gaze that will, more often than not, fail to last. But after I’ve shared a smile or lavished them with unmerited forgiveness, They’ll do a “double take.” No doubt. And they’ll see Jesus. That’s beauty.
Gayle Cobb is a homeschool mom of teen daughters, Sarah and Rachel. She and her husband, David, have been back in Cleveland since 2001.
Gò0dNews for Couples Incompatibility: Ingredients for a GREAT Marriage by David Gray
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ow many times have you participated in this conversation?
Husband: Where do you want to eat tonight? Wife: I don’t care, you decide. Husband: Okay, how about Panera Bread? Wife: No, I’m not in the mood for Panera tonight. Husband: Alright, how about Cracker Barrel? Wife: Well, I don’t wanna eat heavy. Husband: Uuuhhhh … Okaaaay …. Then let’s get Mexican. Wife: Oh Babe, I just don’t wanna eat anything greasy. Husband: Fine! Honey, why don’t you just pick the restaurant since you clearly already have something in mind. Wife: No, no. I told you I don’t care where we eat. You decide. Husband: ???!!! (For the record, my wife and I have never, ever had this conversation ….. ever). There are times in every marriage where it feels like no ma er how hard you try, the two of you just cannot seem to get on the same page. Why is it that you seem to see the world so differently? She likes social events – he likes to stay home. She wants everything neat, clean and put away – he kicks his dirty socks off in the living room. During a movie she asks questions and wants to figure out where she has seen that actress before – he wants to focus on the story and not miss a single line. She wants to give the kids mercy – he wants to punish them. She likes to shop – he wants to buy. Sometimes it feels like God may have made a mistake when He paired the two of you up, or maybe you did. Maybe your differences are so pronounced that you have come to the conclusion - the two of you are simply not compatible. Seriously, you can’t even decide on which restaurant to go to. It is true that your differences can cause conflict. But, it is those very differ32 May 2014
ences that highlight your need for each other and should cause you to celebrate each other. What I have learned to love about my wife is precisely that she is so different than I am. She is sensitive when I am obtuse. She is fun-loving when I am tense. She is outgoing when I would tend to shy away. She is caring when I am self-centered. The story of creation reveals that when God created the woman He did it by taking out part of the man. From the moment God put Adam into a deep sleep and performed supernatural surgery, Adam was incomplete (Gen 2:21). Suddenly Adam was missing something, part of him was absent. What he needed to complete himself was the part of him that was made into a woman. The woman was also incomplete. What she was missing was the part of the man that remained. Of course the two of you are completely different – you are the missing parts of each other and you provide what the other lacks. Rather than being a source of con-
flict, differences should be a source of celebration. My wife provides what I lack. She will never see the world the way I do because she is DESIGNED to see it differently. This same concept is what makes great sports teams great. If the whole football team was made up of only quarterbacks I can guarantee they will not make it to the Super Bowl. Does the quarterback get angry because the center doesn’t do or see things the way he does? No, both players understand they NEED each other. And, they NEED each other to see the field from a different perspective and subsequently react differently. If they are wise, they will celebrate each other. Only when we celebrate our spouses are we in agreement with God. God celebrates each one of us. When we resort to accusation and criticism we actually align ourselves with the enemy who is the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). God celebrates the unique gifts, talents, and abilities that
He, Himself, placed in each of us. In fact, the scriptures declare that God will “take great delight in you” and that He “rejoices over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17). And, God celebrates your spouse. He celebrates that they view the world differently than you. That’s why the Lord placed them in your life, to help you. We should do no less with our spouses, and when we do, we are no longer in agreement with God. When there is conflict, we have a choice: we can criticize or we can celebrate. Imagine what would happen in your marriage if when conflicts arose you paused long enough to thank God for your differences. My guess is most conflicts would quickly dissipate. And, you would come into agreement with God. Incompatibility is a necessary ingredient for a great marriage.
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
Finish Well by Esmerelda Lee
L
ast Saturday, at Lee University during the 65 Roses 5K Run for Cystic Fibrosis, I found myself in the middle of a pack of other runners, some of whom were friends of mine. As we neared the last kilometer, one of my close friends running alongside me began to have stomach cramps. I could tell by the agonizing grimace on her face and by how she was clutching her side that she was in severe pain. She took a momentary pause to catch her breath but quickly resumed her pace with the determination to finish the race with our group of friends. I was amazed and inspired by her courage and tenacity. Recently, our Cleveland and Bradley County community has been galvanized by the diverse group of local citizens who have been running to Boston to raise money for those who were hurt in the tragic bombings at 34
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the Boston Marathon last year. we all share some of the same Like many others, I have kept up landmarks and obstacles along with the group’s progress north- the way—jobs, decisions, crossward by reading stories in the roads, triumphs, and tragedies. Cleveland Daily Banner and by It is important to finish well by monitoring them on Facebook. doing all we can to achieve our As I think about the goals and to help others at every hundreds of miles these admiturn along the way. rable men and women have run We should run the race to support such a noble cause, I like one who runs to gain the cannot help but think about the prize depicted in 1 Corinthians amazing “race” that has been 9:24, so that when we finish, we run—and is still being run— can say like the apostle Paul, “I by the diverse group of senior have fought a good fight, I have adults I am surrounded by finished the race” (2 Tim. 4:7). In every day in my job as Campus the end, that is what truly matManager for a retirement living ters. community. By observing these remarkable individuals, I see up Esmerelda Lee close what it truly means to finis campus manager ish well in the race called life. for Garden Plaza of We all begin this race in different places; some have nothing at Cleveland, an indethe start, while others begin with pendent and assisted the benefits of having help and living facility for sesupport from family and friends. niors. She and her husband Andrew But no ma er how we start, have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Glimpse of Heaven Challenge by Kelly Hixson
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ow would you like to experience a glimpse of heaven for yourself? Have you ever tried sharing your faith? It can be a li le scary, not knowing how the person will react or if he or she will ask a bunch of questions you will not know how to answer. These are just natural feelings, but sometimes we meet someone and feel the Holy Spirit saying, “Share your faith.” It is usually for a reason, and God is wanting to use you and your words to make a life-changing decision that will last eternally. After all, it is about His Kingdom. Wouldn’t it be great to take as many people with you to Heaven? Have you noticed lately our time on earth is coming to an end? Luke 21:25-28 says, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” My challenge is simple. Ask God to show you who He would
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like you to share your faith with. Then all you have to do is step out, knowing God is with you, and share. The joy you experience in your heart is so overwhelming, you will believe you have just experienced a “Li le Glimpse of Heaven!” Let me share with you my experience of sharing my faith. I decided to check out a ladies’ boutique. As I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly face and an array of spring colors to choose from. I was really desiring to find a new dress, but for some reason nothing fit right. So one who saw me from afar might think I left the store empty-handed. But it was quite the opposite It wasn't about ge ing a new dress at all. The time it took me to try on dresses was time enough to share my story. I spoke about my life before I was a Christian and my life after receiving Christ and about my struggle now. The difference is now I have Christ and His joy even in the middle of a struggle. Maybe by sharing my story, her life will be touched. Just maybe I did give her something today; it just wasn't a sale. I walked out of that store empty-handed but with my heart so full of joy! So go ahead receive your “glimpse” today. Share your story!
Revelation 12:11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
Kelly Hixson is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary School
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Lessons from the Vineyard by Dave Carringer
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hile Kay and I were in California, we toured four premiere vineyards. The wine they produce is not the cheap stuff sold in the grocery or liquor stores. It is exquisite, limited stock wines that are documented for being enjoyed by presidents, royalty, and dignitaries worldwide. We had an amazing guide, but it was Holy Spirit that tutored me with deep revelation of truth hidden within the Vine. The first thing that stood out to us was the meticulous passion that was so obviously involved, as the vines were planted, tended, nurtured, and groomed with the ultimate love, care, and sensitivity of the “Farmer.” The Farmer’s life is totally devoted to providing HIS CARE to see the ultimate harvest He knows the Vine is capable of producing. We got there at a time called Bud-Break, a time when there is no visible fruit at all. The initial pruning has cut everything back to mere stubs, and with loving care, the Farmer lifts up the fruitless 38
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shoots and gently ties them to a support where they will stay clean and free of the dirt and debris from the ground below. Our guide told us that pruning to the vines is like someone shaking them out of a deep sleep and saying, “Wake up! It’s time to grow!” John 15:1-3 in The Passion Translation says it like this: “I am like a Sprouting Vine, and the Farmer who tends the Vine is My Father. He cares for the branches connected to Me by lifting and propping up the branches that are fruitless, and pruning every fruitful branch to yield even a greater harvest. The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed you.” Our connection to the life of Jesus (the true Vine) comes with His promise that nothing can separate us from the Father’s (Farmer’s) love, and that the work He started, He will be FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE IN US! (see Phil. 1:6). Dave Carringer is the owner of Abundant Living Organic Foods.
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Gò0dNews for Moms
Motherhood Is a Calling By Kim Fisher
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cripture is filled with examples of godly women and mothersEsther, who bravely broke with custom to save her people; Mary, who quietly pondered as she watched her Son live an exemplary life and die to save our souls. The definition of perfection is found in Proverbs 31, the woman whose children “arise and call her blessed” (v. 28). By comparison, I find myself greatly lacking; yet, no calling is as great as the calling to be mother. First Timothy 2:15 says: “[women] shall be saved through childbearing.” This may have many theological meanings, but the day that I became a mother, I changed. I had already given my heart to Christ, but when I held Emily, I was filled with a passion to do well for this beautiful gift God had given me. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do ma ers very much.” While none of us raise perfect children, and we all watch them make mistakes, I tend to agree with her statement. The is a calling, a mission, a supreme quest that can only be figured out by being a mother. As I look at those mothers I want to emulate, one is my personal favorite-the mother of the boy who had “five barley loaves and two fishes” (see John 6:1-14). Nobody knows her name, her nationality, or where
she lived, but she did three specific things well. First of all, she sent her son prepared. Out of thousands, he was the one who had been sent with his lunch. The mother in John 6 didn’t send her child hoping that others would share with him; she sent him with what he needed to make it through the day. This child was in the right place, at the right time, with the right tools to be used. Secondly, she taught him to share. I have told this story in children’s church, and we discuss what would have happened if the li le boy had snuck away when he got hungry and devoured the food. No doubt there were those in that multitude who did that very thing, but this li le boy was willing to share. The a itude of caring and sharing with others is taught at home. I remember when Beanie Babies were all the rage. I had a student in the second grade who had difficulty making and keeping friends. One of my students felt that if we gave this li le girl a Beanie Baby, it would fix everything, so she set out on a mission. On Valentine’s Day, that li le girl received a Beanie Baby from every girl in the class. And guess what? It fixed everything. I praise God for a sweet girl from a Christian
Kim Fisher is the principal of Black Fox Elementary School.
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home who came to school prepared to share. Children can make a difference if they are taught to share. Finally, this mother sent her son after Jesus. If our children make straight A’s, win all the school awards, make all the right teams, have all the right friends, never take drugs but do not follow Jesus, they are doomed. As an educator, I was no fan of the NCLB law, but I love the phrase, “No child left behind.” The child left behind is the one who never hears a mother’s prayer, never learns scripture, and thinks that Jesus is only a swear word or a final resort when trouble arises. While I would like every child I meet to find Jesus, I know that godly mothers are the key. This Mother’s Day, let us determine to be the mother God intended for us to be. It does not ma er if we get the credit for feeding thousands; it ma ers that we never give up on the beautiful gifts God entrusts into our care.
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Black Fox Elementary “Investing in Futures�
WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY?
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Black Fox Elementary has faithfully served the families of southwest Bradley County since 1898. For more information, call 423-478-8800. www.blackfox-es.bradleyschools.org
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Letting Her Go A Father’s Journey with his Drug-Addicted Daughter By Kirk Bates
T
wo and a half years ago, my 22-year-old daughter, Meesha, walked into our house, sat down on the couch, and began to weep. Through her tears she explained that she was “completely addicted to prescription drugs” and that she had been addicted for some time. In that moment, I thought my heart would break in two. Meesha had come, not only to share her struggle with us but also to drop off her 18-month-old son, our precious grandson Andrew, because she and her husband had spent all of their money on drugs. They had no electricity, no food to feed Andrew, and they were being evicted yet again.
Path of Rebellion It’s a difficult thing for a father to hear that his daughter is addicted to drugs. Words cannot express the hopelessness I felt in those moments. When Meesha was a child, she was happy and energetic, but during her middle school years, something changed. Her heart began to grow bi er and every day was marked with arguments and angry words. By the age of 14, Meesha was on a path of rebellion that would last for the next seven years of our lives. Those years wore heavily on my wife and me. I’ve had many 3 o’clock morning meetings with Jesus over her. That’s how I survived. When the world seemed at a quiet standstill, the Lord would wake me up around 3 a.m. to pray for my daughter. I’d crawl out of bed and make my way to the dark living room where I would fall on my knees and beg God to bring our daughter back. Even though those were some of the darkest days of my life, it was also a time when I felt close to God and truly understood 2 Corinthians 12:10: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV). Meesha’s rebellion eventually led her to leave home one month before she turned 18. It wasn’t long before she ended up sleeping all over our city"couch to couch and house to house with no plan, no money, and no future. Sometimes we would go for months without hearing from her. I cannot begin to tell you how helpless it feels to watch your daughter throw her life away.
Letting Go Eventually, I came to a place where I had to let her go. That’s a really hard thing for a Dad to do. As men, we like to fix things, and I desperately wanted to fix Meesha. I will never forget the morning I handed her over to our heavenly Father. As hard as that was, I knew that I could do no more for her, and there would be no be er place for Meesha now than in God’s hands. Things didn’t get be er. Meesha eventually married a man who only perpetuated her downward spiral. He introduced her to 42 May 2014 more drugs, and things
quickly went from bad to worse as her relationship turned into a physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive nightmare—both for her and for Andrew. I am so thankful that she decided to bring our grandson to us. I have been struck a thousand times with the idea that God rescued that li le boy.
Seeking Help At the age of 22, Meesha gave her heart back to Jesus. She also decided that she was ready to go to rehab. Through the amazing help from a local ministry called Anchor Point Ministries, we found a Christian facility for her in Texas. I tell people that one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen anyone do was the day I watched my daughter walk away at the airport with tears rolling down her cheeks, as I held her beautiful blue-eyed son. The realization was that if she did not leave and get help, she would never be able to be the mom she wanted to be. If you are a dad or a mom and you are experiencing anything close to what I have just shared, may I offer you hope in the name of our Savior? May I tell you from experience that God is able to rescue you and your child? Psalms 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). If this is where you are, I want to encourage you to fight your ba le through prayer, for our God is a Mighty Warrior! (see Jer. 20:11).
Addiction Free I shared with you about the day when I had to let Meesha go. It seems like that event took place just yesterday, even though Meesha has been addictionfree for more than two and a half years. And now, in less than two weeks, I will have to let her go again. However, this time it is with a heart of thankfulness that I’ll be giving my daughter away in marriage to a young man the Lord has brought into Meesha’s life"and who we have come to love and will soon call our son-in-law. To God be the glory for all He has done!
Kirk Bates is the president of Martket 248 in Cleveland.
Companion Funeral & Cremation Service is a single family owned and operated funeral home serving this community since 2011. We are honored to be able to serve the people of Cleveland and Bradley County with professional, reasonably priced funeral services. Call us today for prearrangements or for information about transferring existing arrangements! “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.� (423) 473-2620 www.companionfunerals.com
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross by John M. Thomas
M
a hew 16:24:“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ ”There is no brightness or joy in taking up your cross and following Christ. The cross is (or was) an instrument of punishment and death. It is not likely that any would happily reach a hand to bear it; but our Savior did; and so should we. Why? Following Him is the way of discipleship. We are called to imitate Christ as He leads us in “the way everlasting.” This royal life is marked with passion, testing, and surrender. Even Christ our redeemer learned obedience, through suffering, as He . . . “for our joy set before him endured the cross” (see Heb. 12:2). Hebrews 5:7 says, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered.” The suffering that is borne in bearing one’s cross serves as a check to the impulses and temp44
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tations of our flesh. The cross bleeds our carnal nature and yields us to faith in Him. Consider it pure joy when the cross of suffering is upon you; knowing that the trying of your faith will teach you the all sufficiency of Christ; adding perseverance. Bear your cross gladly for Him. Ask for the same strength that came to our Lord in the garden. Seek not your will but Thine be done. Join Him in the fellowship of sharing in His suffering. The royal road of the holy cross is the way of glory unimaginable; to humble yourself before God; bearing His shame; to know Christ; to be exalted in His presence. The Father sees and knows those upon whom the cross rest. May His strength and grace uphold you and may He supply all your needs with His riches as you daily trust in Him.
John Mark Thomas is a former pastor and currently a clinical pastoral and bereavement chaplain. He and his wife Angie serve in the middle Tennessee, Clarksville and Nashville area.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Genealogical Facts You Can Bank On! by James Richardson
C
redibility is usually challenged whenever truth is accompanied by information that seems outrageous or just plain impossible. For example, many in today’s society accept evolution as a theory over Creation by a higher power as a fact. Personally, I can comprehend a Creator as a cause for all of creation, but to accept evolution over time as a viable alternative theory . . . now that takes faith. Are unexplained mutations, natural selection, genetic drift, and general disorder all simultaneously progressing toward a sustained progress of order as we observe our present creation today? I think not. I rather prefer to live in “Realville” and am overwhelmed by the fact that I have a record containing the origins of Creation available at my fingertips . . . and so do you. Today, as sites like ancestry.com make evident, genealogies can reveal amazing truths about people and ages long since past. What’s really cool to me is that the heritage of our ancestors helps lend credibility and provides the proof many are seeking regarding the origins of Creation. For example, the very thorough record of the genealogies of Jesus Christ found in the New Testament writings of Ma hew and Luke contains a historical record of a list of real people who lived real lives. Yet, like any genealogy, for it to have any significance, the first person on the list has to be just as historical, or real, as the most recent on the list. Remember this the next time you happen to read the account of Creation or of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin and their subsequent banishment from Eden, or the extraordinary ark Noah built to survive the great flood. As surely as Jesus Christ is the one historical person who impacted the world for all eternity, these events 46
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and the people who endured them are just as historical. Scripture itself specifically indicates the importance of these genealogies in Romans 5:13-14: “For until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come” (KJV). Notice that Adam, the same who was in the Garden of Eden, is the first person on this list. Interestingly, Luke traces the line of Christ through His mother, Mary, all the way back to Adam. That is why verse 23 reads, “Jesus . . . being the son (as was supposed of Joseph) of Eli. . . .” Likewise, Ma hew traces the line of Christ through Joseph even though this was not biologically the case. There are also many places in the Old Testament, including the Book of Chronicles, from which these genealogies are also listed. Even though Adam’s sin was accredited to all, and therefore all were made sinners, there is great hope: “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19 KJV). This passage neatly sums up my intended point: In Adam, we all died. In Christ, we can all live. These are genealogical facts you can bank your eternal destiny on. Remember this the next time you read some of those old Bible stories and wonder if they really happened. They did!
James Richardson is a Christian freelance writer. He and his wife have two children. James also authors a Christian based blog at: www.essentiallifematters.blogspot. com/
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I heard a statement from the Lord this week concerning a friend, God said ‘derailed destiny.’ Strong words, I thought. I began to ponder that statement; derail a destiny. Not fully understanding what caused a derailment, I decided to do some research. I looked online to find out what caused a train to derail. I discovered that it isn’t as I thought; it isn’t that something on the track causes the derailment. Actually, studies show that a train can move 4,000 lbs off the track without ever derailing or even slowing it down. Additionally, there are two causes of derailment; one is going too fast and the other is failing to apply the brakes when needed. Pretty simple. I could see why God has said this about my friend and how they had derailed their destiny. -excerpt from the Motivation : Derailed Destiny
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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 48
May 2014
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 minimum. 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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Hitting the Deck with the Waterdogs Swim Team by Julianne Hale
T
he Waterdogs Swim Team began with a small group of families ten years ago. Many of the young swimmers from that first season in 2004 will return this summer as adults, supporting the team through coaching and giving of their time to make sure the Waterdog’s legacy of giving every child the opportunity to learn to swim continues. Karen Snider, beloved matriarch and founder of the Waterdogs Swim Team, began her journey into the world of competitive swimming when her oldest daughter, Kristy Snider (current Aquatics Director at the Cleveland Family YMCA), was just eight years old. Due to her asthma, Kristy wasn’t able to play sports like softball and soccer, but Karen was determined to help Kristy find her niche. She was a natural in the water, so Karen decided to give the summer swim team a try, a decision that would play a pivotal role in the family’s future. Kristy started her competitive swimming career as a sinker struggling to stay afloat, but she thrived under the guidance of her coaches and quickly became one of the top swimmers in her age group. Eager to share her love of the sport, Kristy invited several of her friends to join the team. At the time, the city of Cleveland only had one active swim team, which was full for the summer. Her friends were disappointed and Karen, her husband Ron, and about forty other families decided to do something about it. They began to explore the possibility of forming a second swim team in Cleveland. A pool was found, a name was picked for the team—The Waterdogs—named after the “war dogs” during World War I, and seventy swimmers registered for the first season. There were no tryouts and no family was turned away due to inability to pay. If a child wanted to swim for the Waterdogs, they were issued a pair of goggles and a 50
May 2014
cap and welcomed to the team. The next summer the team signed up a whopping 120 swimmers. The mentoring program, the backbone of the Waterdogs Swim Team, began to take shape as the founding swimmers grew older. Karen explains, “The kids who founded the team in 2004 stuck together and only just started graduating out about three years ago. The mentoring program started because the team had one adult coach and one assistant, and it was tough to help every child who wanted assistance. The older kids started helping the younger swimmers, and kids who were really good at a particular stroke would help others who struggled, regardless of age.” These mentors offer the younger swimmers and their parents the opportunity to interact with an endangered species!the positive teenage role model. In a culture riddled with negative role models for young people, it is a refreshing reality for parents to witness the interaction between mentors and young swimmers on the pool deck each summer. Many of the young Waterdogs will be inspired to become mentors themselves, providing positive role models to future generations of swimmers. Coach Jocelyn Fennell will coach the 2014 Waterdogs Swim Team this year. Practice will begin on Tuesday, May 27 at the South Cleveland Community Center Pool on Church Street. Registration will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. (drop-in), May 15, at the Cleveland Family YMCA. Bring a bathing suit and towel for swim evaluation. For more information, email Waterdogs03@outlook.com or visit Waterdogs.Swim-Team.us.
Julianne Hale is a freelance writer, blogger and mother of three. Her work has appeared in a variety of regional magazines. Visit her blog at AnotherGrayHair.Wordpress.com.
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Gò0dNews from the Outdoors
by Rusty Asble
I
remember the longing like it was yesterday. As a young child, I desired to go to the woods and learn the ways of the hunter. It was deep inside me, just busting to come out. I thought I had to learn to clean a rabbit in order to be a man. I sought out people who had some resemblance of hunting in their life. There were many, but one that continually stuck out in my mind was a neighbor two houses down. His name was Mr. Sheeps. He had retired to Florida from up north and had been in Florida longer than I was old. He was a man who stayed to himself much of the time working in his yard and a few times grouching at all us kids. He had two beagles next to his house in a well-made kennel. His dogs were graying older dogs that barely barked when I approached. One day, as he was working in his yard, I got the courage to approach him alone and ask him if he hunted. His reply was slow as he raised his head to look me in the eye. “Why do you want to know about that?” he asked. After I told him I was interested and wanted to learn how to hunt, he told me to come back around 3 p.m. and he would talk to me about it. That was the longest four hours of my summer vacation. At 3 p.m. on the dot, I was on his doorstep waiting. He came out of the house and we sat on his carport ledge. He held a stack of pictures in his hand. Over his 52
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arm was a tanned deer hide with a bullet hole in it. Many of the pictures were old black and white with a few faded color ones mixed in. I absorbed every picture. There was a deer across the car hood, deer in the back of a truck, many deer hanging from a tree, rabbits lined side by side with hunters behind them, and so much more. I felt the hide as I listened to every story, every word as if I had lived the adventure myself. Time passed that afternoon way too fast. Mr. Sheeps said he had to go, but before we said goodbye he turned to me and told me to stop by his house tomorrow and look on top of his trash cans. He would leave some magazines tied together for me. The next day, I believe I walked the small gravel alley behind his house at least ten times. Around noon I saw the stack Field and Stream and Outdoor Life magazines. That summer afternoon, under the big tree in my yard, I began my personal adventure of reading and learning about the outdoors. The tips, hints, and how-to’s captured me in each article. I even remember reading them by flashlight after I was supposed to be fast asleep. That lasted all summer. Almost every week, Mr. Sheeps would place a few more magazines tied together, and I would take them and devour them. It all began there, the desire, the passion, the love, and the respect for creation.
As I look back over the years . . . some thirty-nine now, from that very first talk, I realize that I also wanted to be a Mr. Sheeps. The good parts!instilling in others the adventure and opportunity to learn and live an experience in the outdoors. I often think about the many outdoor experiences I have encountered!all the incredible opportunities that have taken place with family, friends, and guests. It leads me back to one thing: My life is short and I desire to continue sharing the experiences with many more, not just for the experience itself but also to acknowledge the Creator, Jesus Christ for His creation and lead them to Him. I am 47 now; time is short, but the desire is still deep. I want to pass on this faith in the field. What about you? “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him” (1 Cor. 9:22 LB).
Reverend Rusty Asble is the associate pastor of Recreation Administration at First Baptist Church Cleveland, TN. He and his wife Stacy have three children Ridge, Garrett and Susie. They reside in Cleveland.
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I
can say by the time I was 18 I was addicted to drugs. I was already involved in Gang activity. I’ve done a lot of crimes in my time. I’ve done everything from collect money for the dope man, to armed robbery, to throwing guided missiles with the intent to kill. I’ve done home invasions. I was very, very bad person at one time. I put myself through a lot of heartache and misery, and my family along with it. About a year and a half ago, when I was si ing in Hamilton County jail, I gave my life to the Lord. It started off with the preacher man came between the two, you know, pods. I found myself ge ing closer and closer to the preacher man who was between the bars. And before you know it, I was crying out to the Lord. I surrendured that day. I totally bowed down and surrendured that day. From that point on, that’s when I started my relationship with God. I had to walk 11 hours to get to my brother’s house, because that’s the only place I knew where to go. I though I’d get some sort of sypathy, you know. When I got there—my brother, he works out of town, and he happened to be out of town. His ex mother-in-law was watching house and she looked down on me and said, “What are you doing here?” Because as far as she knew, my brother didn’t want nothing to do with me. And I’m like, “Man, I’m tired, I’m hungry, I’m cold. I’m sore.” You know. “Can I come in?” and she’s like “I don’t know. I’m gonna have to call your brother.” And I’m like, “Shoot, c’mon man, this is my brother’s house. So fi54
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nally she gives in and let’s me come in. This was like 6:00 oclock in the morning. I got out at 7 oclock the night before and it took me til 6:00 in the mornign to get to my brother’s house. I can tell you that, since I’ve made changes in my life, having that personal relationship with God, I can tell you that he’s restored my whole family, basically. After seven adn a half years, me and my wife are back together, and we get along be er than we ever have. After my kids, my brothers and sisters, my mother. Like I said, they all disowned me. But today there’s resoration. Believe it or not, they look up to me for the changes I’ve made. I’ve got a job today, where the only thing I knew to do back in the day was rob people. Literally, just take from them. Today I got my own vehicle, drivers license, insurance, all the li le things that, you know, make a world of difference, because, you know, I’m trying to be a productive member of society today. And I want to be able to give back, where as I use to take from. Where there was hate and rage and anger, you know, I try to give back by showing love, and kindness and compassion. I try to by example today for my family. Since I’ve been saved, I’ve been able to lead my mother to the Lord, my wife, my son, and my daughter. I mean, we’re all at different levels, but we’re all trying to turn our lives around. And the Lord’s using me, and I was at one time, you know, I was worthless. But I know the Lord says I AM worth something, otherwise he wouldn’t have died on the cross for me.
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