May 2022

Gò0dNews May 2022

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

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CLEVELAND

Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.

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About Us WRITERS

Abdiel Medina Andrew Lee April Engstrom Beth Henderson Carrie Doyle Jones Chris Mullis Chuck Cleveland Danette Reeves Dorothy Teague Greg Grotewold Jonathon Wright Jordan Burchette Judy Hood Katie Loveless Leslie Bennett Monica Gambrell Reagan Marsh Rita Bennett Sandra Gilmore Sheneka Land Terrie E. Ruff

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Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com

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Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

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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 six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, 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!

Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use.

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

Contents M AY 2 0 2 2

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Ask the Pastor: Is Anger Sin?

by Reagan Marsh

GoodNews for Mother’s Day

8 A Joyous Memory of Mother

by Chuck Cleveland

GoodNews Money Matters

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Truth Above Insecurity

by Sheneka Land

GoodNews for Mothers

32 Am I A Good Mom?

by Jordan Burchette

GoodNews for Everyone

10 Be Average—And Become a 34 Don’t Fear Doubt Millionaire

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 Move without Moving

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Women

14 For The Joy

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Parents

18 Naked at Prater’s Mill

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews for Everyone

20 Doing Good

by Dorothy Teague

GoodNews for Life

22 Learning to Focus: Droop Teaches Diligence

by Beth Henderson GoodNews for Teachers

24 What I Learned in Kindergarten

by Leslie Bennett GoodNews Cover Story

26 Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

GoodNews for Everyone

28 Wild and Sweet, the Words Repeat

by Sandra Gilmore

by Abdiel Medina

GoodNews Business Spotlight

36 Southern Charm Boutique

8

by Carrie Doyle Jones

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Blueprint

by Terrie E. Ruff

GoodNews for Family

40 A Special Blessing with Loving Needs

by Rita Bennett GoodNews for Everyone

42 May Flowers Bring God’s Faithfulness

by April Engstrom

26

GoodNews for Everyone

44 A Story on Proverbs 3:5-6

by Danette Reeves

GoodNews for Everyone

46 Graced With a Word from The Lord

by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Everyone

48 Come To Me and Rest

by Chris Mullis

GoodNews Poetry

50 Is Your Name Written

by Judy Hood

48

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Ask the Pastor: Is Anger Sin?

A

by Reagan Marsh

s a pastor and biblical counselor, I receive many questions about the Bible’s application to life. Here’s one.

Q. MOUTH SHUT, MOUTH SHUT, MOUTH

SHUT!!! Is anger sin? Can I just throw a table at someone?

(Asking for a friend!)

A. An excellent question and a challenging struggle, for sure. I must confess that sinful anger is one of my besetting sins, a favorite way to dishonor God, so I write as one still working to put it to death by the Spirit’s grace (Romans 8:5-8, 13; Ephesians 4:22-24).

Anger itself isn’t sinful. Jesus was angry at both cleansings of the Temple (John 2:13-17; Matthew 21:12-17), God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11), and Scripture requires that in our anger we do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Unless we’re prepared to assert 1. that Jesus sinned (1 John 3:5), 2. that God habitually sins (Habakkuk 1:13), and 3. that God also commands us to sin (James 1:13), anger itself cannot be sinful.

Anger becomes sinful when it’s not grounded in “zeal for the

mourn and grieve, even passionately, over my own sinful response

Father’s house.” The sense of John 2:17 is an all-consuming desire for

to their sin against me, others, and God (Matthew 5:4)—but it is

the glory of God. By contrast, most of my anger is an all-consuming

wrong to sit there feeding my anger, stoking its fires, rehearsing

zeal for my name, agenda, or preference, but not God’s glory.

the wrong, replaying the conversation, or engaging the “if only’s”

If I’m honest, I want my name magnified. Sinful anger is my

or “if I could do it again’s.” Such activities tempt to further sin and

response to my wife, kids, or others not giving me the worship,

strengthen it (Ephesians 4:27), invariably defiling others (Hebrews

fear, reverence, and obedience owed to God alone. I respond by

12:15). I must respond by repentance, humility, and renewing my

various protests—see Ephesians 4:29-31—demonstrating my zeal

mind by Scripture, prayerfully wrestling (Psalm 57:2; 2 Corinthians

for honoring the greatness of my name. Sinful anger is ultimately a

10:5) to exercise godly self-control (Galatians 5:16-26) and godly

response to idolatry and self-worship, of having another god besides

thinking (Philippians 4:8-9).

God (Exodus 20:3)—in this case, me.

Righteous anger is God-given energy to be directed against

Ultimately, anger drives us to the Cross, because it’s there we see God’s holy anger against our sins poured out on the One who

problems, not people, so issues are handled promptly and

was righteously zealous for the glory of his Father (John 2:17). It’s

righteously (Ephesians 4:26-27); sinful anger reacts and attacks

there we see him enduring such shamefully wicked sinners so we

others directly or indirectly (Ephesians 4:29-31). We prefer a tidy

don’t lose heart (Hebrews 12:3) …there we’re instructed as to our

renaming of sinful attitudes and actions in modern psychologized

own response under unjust treatment, accusation, or suffering (1

circles, but Scripture presents a different picture. Bitterness exposes

Peter 2:21-25) …there that all my guilt must be laid on him as the

itself in irritability or manipulation; wrath reveals itself in rage

only atoning sacrifice which makes me acceptable to God (Acts

or outbursts (rage rooms, anyone?); anger presents in settled

4:12; John 14:6).

indignation; clamor rattles around the house in loud voices or brawling attacks; slander speaks in profane or abusive words, and malice nurses desire to harm. What’s common to all such sinful anger? Self-centered, godless reactions to things that displease me

From one sinner to another: there’s hope and mercy in Christ.

Let us look to Him alone to find rest for our souls (Psalm 62:5).

Feel free to submit your questions at reformationdalton.com—I’ll seek to answer them from God’s word.

or disrupt my little kingdom.

51:4) …a sobering and quieting realization. It’s not wrong to

6 // May 2022

About The Author

By contrast, righteous anger grasps that when someone has sinned against me, they’ve ultimately sinned against God (Psalm

Reagan Marsh, MATS, MDiv (eq.) is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and founding pastor-teacher to Reformation Baptist Church of Dalton, GA. An SBTS graduate, certified biblical counselor, and Th.D. student in Puritan studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998.

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Gò0dNews for Mother’s Day

A Joyous Memory of Mother

H

by Chuck Cleveland

ad she lived, she would be celebrating being

so-good news is I informed God it was a bad idea and

108 years old in 2022, and this incident, I trust,

would do no good.

would have been the highlight of those years.

It certainly was for me.

Both my parents had gone to church in their youth,

but there was no discernable evidence to suggest either

Miraculously, when Mother was brought to the phone, her mind was clear. After a short delay to gather myself, I presented the gospel as to how “we” could be forgiven. “You too?” she asked.

was born again. We went to church a few times during my teenage years, but nothing was ever said about how to be saved. Nevertheless, about a year after my father passed away, I became a Christian at the age of 24. My mother was not at all receptive to that news, and we drifted apart over the next 17 years.

The situation went from bad to worse when Mother developed dementia, whereby she became unable to think logically. I despaired of her condition, thinking she would never be able to

Her question was the key to my belief that real

understand and respond to the gospel. My younger

spiritual business was transacted. She was clear-

brother moved Mother from Florida to California

headed enough to ask a logical question—why,

(where he lived) and placed her in a nursing home.

indeed, would someone who had already become a

I called many times in the next few months, but

Christian need to do so again?

she was always incoherent. One Sunday morning,

Mother prayed to receive Christ that afternoon,

I was reading in the first chapter of James when I

but it was the last time we spoke intelligibly before her

encountered, “Religion that God accepts as pure and

death. Fortunately, we can speak again in heaven.

their distress” (1:27). The message was clear to me— call my mother. The good news is I did so. The not-

8 // May 2022

About The Author

faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.

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Be Average—And Become a Millionaire MONEY MATTERS

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

I

n the book Lake Wobegon Days, humorist Garrison Keillor created a fictional place where “all of the children are above average.” Setting aside the stark reality that the word “average” suggests that the majority fall into this category, many Americans resist the suggestion (even the implication) that they are “average” in any way. In numerous surveys, men and women report that they are “above average” in nearly every category—driving, physical condition, intelligence, romantic relationships, you name it. Who wants to be average? But maybe we could benefit simply by being average.

First, let’s substitute the word “average” for the more accurate term “median” which means “in the middle.”

Median income is a more accurate measure of the majority, because “average income” includes the income of the super wealthy, thus artificially inflating the numbers. In 2022, the median household income in Tennessee is roughly $53,000 (and most states in the South fall in the $50,000-$58,000 range for 2022). In addition, the median price for a singlefamily home in the U.S. as of this writing is approximately $270,000. Some areas of the country will be lower than this home price, while some areas will be much higher, but let’s use this median home price for our example.

Let’s say you earned a median household income of $53,000, and obtained a mortgage (loan) of $270,000, and let’s say you’re 25 years old. What if you don’t believe a $53,000 household income is realistic at age 25? By age 25, many who enroll in college have earned their bachelor’s degree and launched into a full-time career. If they didn’t attend college, they most likely entered the labor force earlier than age 25, including opportunities for promotions and raises (especially in today’s red-hot labor market where

10 // May 2022

wages and salaries are rapidly rising). And remember, “household income” includes two adults if they’re married.

Earning this median income of $53,000 would mean each spouse is earning $26,500 per year—this is realistic and achievable for nearly anyone working full-time today. So, you earn the median income and live in a median-priced house—now what?

Now you invest ten percent of your gross monthly income into your employer’s 401k plan, or into a Roth IRA account if you have no retirement plan where you work.

Since your modest plan is to just be “average,” you invest your retirement money into inexpensive stock index funds; you’re not trying to “beat the market” with expensive, actively-managed funds. You just want that average 10% yearly return of a broad stock market index. If you started investing at age 25 and continued for the next 40 years, by age 65 you’d have $2,127,000 with this “average” plan.

Even if you stopped working and investing after 30 years at age 55, you’d have $787,000. What about that “average” home you live in? After 40 years of appreciating just 2.5% per year, when you’re age 65, your home would be fully paid off and worth $724,000 after 40 years. If you stopped after 30 years when you’re age 55, your home is paid off and worth $566,000. Combining your retirement investment accounts and your paid-off home, your net worth will be $2.8 million at age 65, or $1.35 million at age 55. By being totally “average,” you’ve become a millionaire without really trying! And these numbers are based on you never getting a raise during your entire working lifetime! “I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Be average and become a millionaire.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Move without Moving was convinced she was violating the Eighth Amendment’s cruel and unusual punishment clause. If this wasn’t the type of torture the nation’s founders were trying to mitigate when drafting this key component of the amendment and adding it to the Bill of Rights, I don’t know what was. Indifferent to my civil liberties as a citizen of this great country, Mrs. Elliot (a fictional name to protect the true identity of the guilty) mercilessly forced me to sit perfectly still for sixty minutes as she day in and day out spewed the central components of proper English composition. What in the world does subject-verb agreement have to do with hunting, fishing, and baseball, the cornerstones of this prepubescent’s life?

Nothing, I concluded with uncompromising resolve and conviction. Absolutely and unequivocally nothing! Any form of outward civil disobedience on my part, however, would have landed me in big trouble both with the principal and my parents. Consequently, mine was a silent resistance. I was able to perfect a posture and a particular rotation of facial expressions that made it appear as if I was listening when in fact I wasn’t. As she spoke her pronoun and preposition propaganda, the façade allowed me to go to my happy place and joyfully run through in my head a myriad of tapes from past baseball games and hunting/fishing trips.

There’s a bit of irony in my so-called righteous indignation as a youth. I spend a considerable amount of time as an adult trying to achieve the very thing Mrs. Elliot was attempting to teach. Avoiding unpleasant but necessary things was a pattern of mine as a kid. Rather than endure and remain engaged, I emotionally escaped only to return once the dust settled. Unfortunately, the pattern carried over into adulthood. As you might gather, this raised (and continues to do so to a degree) all kinds of challenges given the increased gravity of what constitutes as an adult an “unpleasant but necessary” circumstance.

But I’m hopeful. If you believe that the Lord superintends all of life, and if you believe that everything which happens to the blood-bought believer is for their

12 // May 2022

ultimate good, there’s no reason to run. There’s a better way to deal with hard realities. It requires, however, being present. We must wait, hold tight, and stay in the moment. But what does active stillness look like?

While I’m not sure I completely know—as my poor track record proves—I am starting to catch on to a couple of key components. One of them is a daily acknowledgment of my utter dependency upon the Lord. I find the more readily I admit such helplessness, the more readily I surrender to His care. Moving without moving also requires me to lean on, abide in, and cling to Jesus.

When I do these two things—acknowledge and pursue—it tends to reframe how I look at the circumstance.

I am more inclined to see God in the midst of the difficulty.

This is vital, for it tells me there is purpose in the pain.

While I may not know God’s exact aim, recognizing the fact that He has one springs a sense of hope.

If your bent is like mine, I want to encourage you to resist emotionally vacating the next trial you face. Running does absolutely nothing. While the blessing attached to any difficult situation may not take shape in the manner or timing you expect, it will take shape. The Lord is a promise keeper, and He will sovereignly use the trial for His glory and your benefit if you wait for Him with an active stillness.

May our hearts take courage as we move without moving.

About The Author

I

by Greg Grotewold

Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

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Gò0dNews for Women

For The Joy

G

by Katie Loveless

reat conversations happen in our family van. I

Just this week, God drove His point home to my heart

marvel at how organically they come about. Often,

again. Once more, we were on the road to the elementary

the most productive conversations are the ones

school when another cross came into view. This time, the

I don’t plan. In this wilderness season of my life, God is

cross was made of more than just emissions. It was made

showing me His wonders all around like treasure just

of wood, fashioned together with nails, and had a purple

waiting to be discovered. These great conversations are like

scarf draped over it. The cross at the end of my road came

manna from heaven. They nurse old wounds back to health

into view as I rolled up to the stop sign across from it.

and serve as reminders that God still has a plan and we are part of His wonderful plan.

One such conversation unfolded as I had all five boys in the van and we were off to our first stop. It was unseasonably warm this particular winter day and the sky a magnificent blue. One of my sons commented, “The sky looks like water.”

This, of course, drew our attention upward so that the next little miracle came into view for all of us to see. Right in front of us appeared a beautiful cross etched in the sky by a pair of airplanes. I had been longing for some sign of encouragement as I walk my personal wilderness with the future so unclear. My heart had been asking the question, “How do I keep going?” And there the answer was, right

Again, I heard, “For the joy.” By coming to a complete

in front of us. Like a whisper that comes from a dear

stop, I took in the beauty of the cross, and its message

friend, I heard “For the joy set before you.”

encouraged me to the core.

While sparing you the details, joy has been quite

I can stop and go, all for the glory of God. I can keep

evasive for me for the last few years. So, that sweet

it moving when it hurts to walk. I can look up as the tears

whisper caught my attention in a big way. As I continued

fall. I can praise God when my heart is heavy, and I can

to meditate on that truth, God, once again, used the sky

say His sweet name as my single, desperate plea over this

as His chalkboard. My four-year-old marveled that we

wilderness I am walking in. I can trust Him totally and

had come to a stop at the stoplight and yet the airplanes

completely with everyone and everything. I can trust Him

overhead did not. He wanted to know, “Why aren’t there

as I remain in flight until I reach a place to land. I can do it

stop signs in the sky?” We discussed that mid-flight would

all—for the joy. Doing so brings me just that—utter joy! Joy

not be an ideal time to come to a stop. I declared with

unspeakable and full of glory.

certainty, “It’s important to keep going once you are in flight. It’s not a stop-and-go kind of journey.” And I heard

Why is all this happening, you might ask? Perhaps, for the joy.

14 // May 2022

About The Author

again, “For the joy.”

Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

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Cleveland Church Directory Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 The Collectives Church 3925 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-0193 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Berean Baptist Church 2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932 Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511 Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653

16 // May 2022

Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100 Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 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 New Salem Baptist Church 175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 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 Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405 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 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292 Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 West Cleveland Baptist Church

1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 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 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642

Church of God

Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143 Cornerstone Church of God 1826 SE Dalton Pike Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 Heritage Fellowship Church of God 4635 South 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 Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400 Lakeview Church of God 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381

Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528 Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939 South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (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, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584

The Church of God

The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597

Community

Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

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

Latter-day Saints

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

(423) 503-6394

Methodist

Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 Mount Zion UMC 7223 Germantown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 Pleasant Grove UMC 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311 Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413 South Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Pentecostal

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

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379

Non-Denominational

Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE,

Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133 Cleveland Community Chapel 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178 Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871 Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Fairhaven Ministry Center 1807 Blythe Ave. SE, Cleveland TN, 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490 Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100 Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072 Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-2705 The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE

Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802 Tri-State Cowboy Church 200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954 United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

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

Seventh Day Adventist

Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 400-7054 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299 Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889

Zion Assembly

Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Naked at Prater’s Mill

W

by Monica Gambrell

hen I had my first child in 1985, the fabulous

men…” (from a poem by Robert Burns). Things sometimes

Prater’s Mill Arts and Crafts Festival was

go topsy-turvy. How do you and I deal with things when

happening the first weekend of every May and

they go awry? How should we? It depends. Do we believe

October. People in Dalton, Georgia, know all about it, and

that God is God? In other words, do you believe that He

it has always been one of my favorite things to take part

has it all under control? You see, if He is God, then that

in. Every mother knows that with the first child, things are

demands and necessitates that He is in control at all times,

different than they are for subsequent children. I remember

and of all things. If God is in control, why fret when things

being very diligent to pack every possible thing that might be

go in a completely unexpected direction? Whether we

needed into that huge diaper bag before heading out. Rachel

acknowledge it or not, absolutely nothing ever takes God by

had been born in February, so she was only about three

surprise. Nothing! Not even when everyone is staring at my

months old for this outing. I knew it would be challenging to

poop-crusted, stinky-hot, naked baby on the way out of a

tackle Prater’s Mill with an infant, but I felt I had prepared

crowd of people probably judging me. Not even then.

well. I had nursed Rachel before we got to the admission gate and was in great anticipation of what I knew would be a fun-filled day. Let’s just say that things didn’t turn out exactly as I had planned.

I had packed extra changing pads, extra burp cloths, twice as many diapers as needed, and four extra changes of clothes… of course, I was ready, right? Ummm, guess not. Rachel was the poopiest baby I had ever heard of, and she seemed to be on overdrive that day. It was hotter than the normal May day in Georgia, and that didn’t help matters.

Normally, I would have stayed from midmorning until just before dinner, enjoying the wares of craftsmen from around the country, the old grist mill, and some amazing food vendors. But

“…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of

the unexpected challenges of meeting Rachel’s needs cut

God has been poured out within our hearts through the

things short. I had literally been through every diaper and

Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).

every outfit that had been packed in only a few short hours.

Rachel left there in my arms naked and wrapped in the last clean changing pad. Whew! I never tried that again!

Someone once said that one of the only constants we can

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Father God, our circumstances may sometimes disappoint us—but hope in You never disappoints. You are

count on is change itself. How true! And how strange! You

more constant than the change in our lives because You exist

know the old saying, “The best-laid schemes of mice and

outside the realm of time, space, and matter. You see the

18 // May 2022

beginning from the end; You are never taken by surprise.

And because we are Yours, we need not fret about anything.

Church Activities & Events International School of the Word

Women In Ministry Teaching Conference Thursday, May 12 - Friday, May 13 340 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, TN

Westmore Church of God Creation The Story of Life

Wednesday, May 18 - Saturday, May 21 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW, Cleveland, TN

First Baptist Cleveland Parent Child Dedication

Sunday, May 22 | 9:45AM - 11:15AM 1275 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN

The Church of God International Offices Bible Training Institute—Cleveland School May 29 - June 11 197 Tillie Dr, Cleveland, TN

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Doing Good

T

by Dorothy Teague

here’s a small two-word command in the Bible that is

faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by

found over and over—Do Good. But, for two small

works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Still, it’s

words, they carry a lot of weight for what our lives

important to do good works in the name of Christ because

as Christians should be. I think everyone wants to do good,

in doing so, we are laying up treasures in Heaven, which

but the well-meaning mindset and the actual “doing” are

cannot be taken away. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 states, “Command

two different things. I’ve always sought to be a good person,

them to do good, to be rich in good deeds…in this way they

treat others fairly, and follow the Golden Rule (“Do unto

will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for

others as you would have them do unto you”). But I found

the coming age, (and I really like the next part) so that they

that I’m more like Brother Paul when he said, “For I do not

may take hold of the life that is truly life.” Treasures that we

do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do,

can transfer on ahead of ourselves can include a multitude

this I keep doing” (Romans 7:19).

of good works,

I think we all know as Christians

including leading

that there is nothing good about us

precious souls to

except Christ in us (Romans 7:15).

Him, honoring the

We can’t rely on our own strength

Lord with our gifts,

to do what’s good

sowing the Word into

and right because we

lives that otherwise

are born into a sinful

would not know Him.

world with a sinful

The command, “Do

nature. Therefore, we must depend upon God’s strength to help us follow His commands to do good. Indeed, we know that it is His command to “Do Good” as evidenced

good,” starts with a verb and requires action. Spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ is our responsibility as Christians, along with doing other good works in Jesus’ name. Those two little words look so simple on paper, but they are not so easily walked out in our

by the many scriptures instructing us to do so. Psalm 37:3

daily lives. That’s why we must depend on His strength and

tells us to “Trust in the Lord and do good.” Galatians

not our own. James 1:22 says, “But, be ye doers of the Word

6:10 reminds us that “while we have opportunity, let us

and not hearers only…” It’s a choice every day to do good,

do good to all people and especially to those who are of

and opportunities are waiting for us to seize by His design.

the household of faith.” In other words, we must love our

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “We are His workmanship,

fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Then it really gets

created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

difficult when Luke 6:27-28 tells us to “love your enemies,

beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God has already

do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,

planned out the good works that you and I should do—He

pray for those who mistreat you.” That is a tall order for me

is just waiting for us to take action and do them!

most days.

We can’t bargain our way there or try to tip the scales in our favor with good works. “For by grace are you saved through

20 // May 2022

About The Author

We know that good works won’t get us into Heaven.

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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Gò0dNews for Life

Learning to Focus:

Droop Teaches Diligence ’m pretty sure God gave us animals to teach us about Himself (see Romans 1:20). At least, He recently revealed “His power and divine nature” to me one day as I watched my dog, Roscoe, and his friend Droop.

God knew I needed a lesson, a reminder, an encouragement this particular day because I’d been feeling like I had a lot on me. It feels like I’m living in a pressure cooker right now. I’m sure you’ve been there, too. Every time you turn around something else is broken, someone else is sick, some effort you’ve made has failed, the world is doing what the world does, etc. I was dwelling on these things this specific morning as I was leaving my house for work, and God showed up to remind me I needed to be dwelling on something—someone—else entirely.

You see, I keep dog treats in my car, because…well, why not? Our dog knows this, and he has trained me to give him one each time I enter my car, and each time I exit my car.

It’s a wonder he’s not fat. This morning he arrived faithfully beside me, half his body inside my car, head bobbing as he sniffed excitedly for the promised treat. True to form, I retrieved the treat from the package and handed it to my anxious pet. He promptly dropped down beside the car onto the driveway and began to eat.

About that time, I saw Droop. Droop is the old Basset Hound that lives next door. Understand, for Droop to reach that point in my driveway is no small accomplishment. My driveway is about 400 feet, most of it straight up. Plus, in addition to the trip down the road, the steep climb up my driveway, his advanced years, and his low, heavy body, one of Droop’s legs is crooked with arthritis, and his little paws are knotty. It seems like just getting around is a challenge.

Climbing that big hill is nothing short of miraculous. But there he was. And he was headed our way.

Roscoe, who is young, noticed Droop about the same time I did, and immediately left his resting place beside my car and ran to rescue some favored toy lying in our front yard. He was clearly afraid Droop might want what he had. Droop just kept coming, though, with no more than a sideways glance at Roscoe and his toy. Ah, I thought,

22 // May 2022

he wants a treat. Apparently, he has me trained, too. But he never even shifted his eyes in my direction. He never stopped looking toward his destination.

Droop’s gate was steady. Determined. Unwavering. He was not anxious, although I’m sure he was hurting. He’d just about have to be. I never actually saw where he ended up.

It’s strange, isn’t it? How the Lord brings scriptures to mind just when you least expect them. I could not help but think: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18).

What is it for you today? Will you run to keep what this world offers held tightly in your hands? Will you let the aches and pains and pressures of life distract you from that “for which God has called you heavenward?” Or will you take the next step, and then the next, toward Jesus?

About The Author

I

by Beth Henderson

Beth Henderson is a lifelong resident of Cleveland and has been on staff at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center for 8 years. She currently serves as director of operations, and is a certified Life Affirming Specialist. She has been married to her husband Philip for 26 years and they have two daughters, Jamie and Jessie.

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Gò0dNews for Teachers

What I Learned in Kindergarten

by Leslie Bennett

I

n 1989, I began my journey in the world of

will never forget. You just never know what kids are going

kindergarten. My first seven years were spent as a

to say. It is always an adventure when you are dealing

special education assistant at Trewhitt Elementary. I

with children.

was blessed to work with several children with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

Many days were challenging, but children are a

Now let’s get back to the things I have learned. Number 2: The kids who are the most challenging are often the ones who need to be loved the most. Children who are in

blessing from God, regardless of their special needs. Often

desperate need of attention often act out. It is a teacher’s job

people would ask me how I did it every day. I always told

to give them the love and attention they need.

them that I treated the children just like I would want my own children to be treated.

My next twenty-six years have been spent in kindergarten at Michigan Avenue Elementary, where I attended elementary school myself. I have had the privilege of getting to know the children in thirty-three classrooms, many of which I have kept in touch with over the years.

There are a couple of things I have learned about children during my career.

Number 1: They are brutally honest.

They say exactly what they think. No filter! Like the time I was giving one of my students an AR test on the computer and she told me I smelled like her grandmother. I wasn’t sure

I am always reminded of the quote by Carl W. Burhner:

if her grandmother was in a nursing home, but I later learned

“They may forget what you said—but they will never forget

that her grandmother wore the same perfume I wore.

how you made them feel.”

On another occasion, one of my students asked me what

Teachers have the wonderful opportunity to make

was wrong with my eyes. I went to the restroom, looked

children feel loved and cared for daily. I am blessed to

in the mirror, and realized in my haste to get ready that

spend my days with the gifts God has placed in my life.

morning I had not put mascara on my bottom lashes. I did

I have been rewarded with many children over the past

look a little strange.

thirty-three years and I am better because of them.

And then there was the time a colleague told one of our little guys that he had his shoes on the wrong feet. He

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).

said, “But these are the only feet I have.” Epic. That’s one I

24 // May 2022

About The Author

looked down at his feet and looked back up at her and Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.

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elcome to Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid

Dr. Lynda Klee joined Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg as a provider at

to have served the Cleveland area with their hearing needs

of combined experience in audiology. Ahlberg Audiology is

since 2015. Founded by Cleveland native Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg,

excited to have Dr. Kelsey Brittingham joining the office in the

Ahlberg Audiology has become the premier hearing destination

summer of 2022. Dr. Brittingham is native to East Tennessee

for hearing and tinnitus patients. Dr. Ahlberg’s passion for

and received her Doctor of Audiology from the University of

audiology was sparked many years ago by a close family

Tennessee. Ahlberg Audiology providers combine their vast

member who was born with a severe hearing loss and received

experience along with staying current on the latest and most-

hearing aids at a very young age. Ahlberg Audiology and

up-to-date technologies to provide their patients with the

Hearing Aid Services are proud to provide the highest level of

best care available. Patient services are provided by Practice

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Manager Beverly Stevison and Patient Care Coordinator Hope

As part of her lifelong commitment to hearing, Dr. Ahlberg

Stephenson. Donny Ahlberg recently joined the practice as

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is. An audiologist is a hearing professional with a clinical

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doctorate (Doctor of Audiology, Au.D. degree) obtained from

and patient care. Their services include diagnostic hearing

a university. Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing, balance,

evaluations, custom earmolds and earplugs (for musicians,

and tinnitus issues.

hunting, flying, etc.), cerumen management (earwax removal),

26 // May 2022

hearing conservation, central auditory processing screening, tinnitus treatment, comprehensive hearing device services, and cochlear implant programming. The office is proud to be Cleveland’s only Lyric provider. The Phonak Lyric is the world’s smallest hearing device and is often called the contact lens for the ear. It is inserted by an audiologist and can stay in the ear for up to three months. The patient that wears the Lyric can sleep and shower in the device, and there are no batteries to change.

Audiologists at Ahlberg Audiology employ the highest standard of care for each patient, including Best Practices which include individualized programming and Real-Ear Measurement verification to ensure optimal technological performance for hearing aid patients. Ahlberg Audiology is the only facility in Bradley County that contracts with the Veteran’s Administration to provide veteran care for audiology services.

Offering many different product lines sets this practice apart from others and allows patients the most hearing options based on their individual hearing needs. There are hearing devices available for everyone. According to Dr. Ahlberg, “Some people are most interested in price, while

the quality of a person’s life, including economic health

others want a superior product for hearing background noise.

(reduced occupational opportunities and income), psychosocial

Some specifically need Bluetooth capabilities, and some want

health (withdrawal and isolation), and mental health

rechargeable devices. Some want tiny, virtually invisible, in-

(cognition, depression, and even suicide), among other social

the-ear devices, and others choose to keep the ear canal open

determinants of health, in addition to harming patient-provider

with the unit behind the ear. There are options in technology,

communications and patient compliance with healthcare

price, and performance for everyone.” Our audiologists

provider treatment plans.

conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature

Although many insurances cover hearing testing, coverage

of an individual’s hearing problem and present a variety of

for hearing devices or hearing aid-related services continues to

treatment options to patients with hearing impairment. When

evolve. Ahlberg Audiology participates with most major health

appropriate, they dispense and fit hearing aids and provide

insurances including Federal Insurance. Most Federal plans

hearing rehabilitation training.

have hearing aid coverage as a benefit. Many other insurances

Hearing loss is the second most prevalent health issue

have hearing aid benefits, and most of the time, people are

globally, with the number of people with hearing loss being

unaware that the coverage is available. Our staff can verify

more than those with Parkinson’s, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and

benefits for individuals in advance of their appointment so that

diabetes combined. The number of Americans with hearing loss

patients know what to expect before their visit.

was up by 44% over the five years from 2000 to 2015. That’s 48

Ahlberg Audiology is conveniently located at 4220 Ocoee

million Americans and 360 million worldwide with hearing

Street North in Cleveland, Tennessee. The hours of operation

loss. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health

are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Friday,

condition in senior citizens, exceeded only by arthritis and

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. If you or someone you know would

hypertension. The risk of dementia may be up to five times

benefit from the services of Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing

greater and the risk of falling three times greater among people

Aid Services, call (423) 641-0956 for an appointment. You can

with untreated hearing loss.

find more information about Ahlberg Audiology by visiting

Hearing loss is a pervasive public health concern with

the website at www.

potentially significant negative consequences if left untreated,

ahlbergaudiology.

which makes audiology an essential part of health care.

com or visiting them

Unfortunately, hearing loss can be left untreated for a variety

on Facebook at

of reasons and this lack of treatment has significant adverse

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ahlbergaudiology.

goodnewscm.com // 27

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Wild and Sweet, the Words Repeat

A

by Sandra Gilmore

s the calendar sheets for the first months of the year

its noshes still in the fridge or if the countdown days convoy

are torn away, can you believe a third of our year

ahead in triple digits.

is already spent? Buds are blooming. Temperatures

Longfellow was a man of words. He chose them not only

are getting warmer. And with expanded daylight, out come

for rhyme and rhythm but as concepts and containers. He

the flip flops and alfresco dinners. Activities move from the

stored a message to keep it fresh for generations to come.

haven of our homes to the openness of the outside. Those

He must have chosen wild and sweet deliberately. Webster’s

sounds steal the spotlight from the haven-y sounds we’ve

Dictionary defines wild as “occurring, growing, living in

been accustomed to in the past season.

a natural state, not domesticated, cultivated, or tamed.”

Longfellow points us to the natural state of the Christmas message. The message that lives in another realm outside of ours, untamed, undomesticated, if you will, living beyond a prescribed season of the year.

With the phrase wild and sweet, this poet ironically invokes an image beyond the fireside of Nativity season. He hints at the sweet smells of springtime blossoms churned into the sweet taste of honey by instinctively skilled hive-workers. (Is their buzz a hum of Christmas carols?)

The message of Christmas, wild and sweet, repeats each season: Immanuel, God with us. From the edge of Eternity, Isaiah 57 dispatches this insuppressible message:

And still, Christmas continues to influence our days more than we realize. Have you been following this series?

Check each month as we explore more often-overlooked connections to this sacred event.

As the season shifts our focus to outside our home, a familiar poem grabs my attention. In the first stanza of his uplifting poem written against the downtrodden backdrop of war, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow relates a message from the chapel bells of the Nativity season: I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!

A Message from the high and towering God, who lives in Eternity, whose name is Holy: “I live in the high and holy places, but also with the low-spirited, the spirit-crushed, And what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again. . . I decided to heal him, lead him, and comfort him, creating a new language of praise for the mourners. Peace to the far-off, peace to the near-at-hand,” says God— “and yes, I will heal them.”

The God who lives in a realm where neither blessings nor time is tamed steps into our earthly confines to live with us, heal us, to bring us peace. Wild, isn’t it?

Christmas, no matter if the season has recently passed with

28 // May 2022

About The Author

Yes, it is both wild and sweet to hear the message of Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Truth Above Insecurity

T

by Sheneka Land

he middle-aged mom was excited about her new

saddened that she had lost trust in one she had thought

friendship. Her husband’s career transition had

would become a trusted friend and soulmate.

required relocating far away from their beloved

While it is easy to judge in haste, I wonder how often

church and a trustworthy network of friends she had shared

our bouts with insecurity steer us toward pretension and

life with for more than twenty years. Finally, through an

compromise…? After all, who doesn’t want to feel more

invitation into a ministry project, she had met another

important? Who doesn’t want to prove one’s own value

woman who held a similar life story, and the two of them

and worth? Who among us has not been guilty of telling a

shared related interests. Maybe this person will become the

“white lie” or adding a little “tidbit” to bring a little more

first in a new trusted inner circle, she thought to herself. A

adventure, or oddly enough, “credibility” to our stories?

friendship that will offer mutual prayer support, accountability,

Have you ever been to a gender reveal party or baby shower

and encouragement.

and it seemed as if every mother present had a pregnancy, labor, and delivery story just a little bit bigger than the next? Maybe just over in the next room, the men were also being a bit bombastic as they shared their own fishing and hunting expeditions. Humanity seems to invite us into these insecure spaces where we feel our identities need a little boost of importance.

The caveat is to realize that small things tend to grow. Our telling of small untruths will likely grow into habitual patterns that will discredit our reputation and prove us undeserving of trust.

Additionally, we can become self-deceived, not even mindful that others are more aware of our inconsistencies than we are. Further, if we represent a faith community, our misrepresentation of truth

Within the first few weeks of working together,

can create a scar that will reflect negatively upon a group

the newcomer noticed elements of inconsistency in

who endeavors to gain loyalty and trust as they minister to

conversations with her new friend. Oh well, maybe she’s just

others. Not only do we hurt ourselves, but we may hinder

forgetful, she surmised. However, as the weeks and months

kingdom work as well.

unfolded, she noticed an unsettling pattern in conversations

Temptation to be pretentious has come to all, but we can

with her newfound friend; the exact same stories or events

walk the road of truth and authenticity so we become true

were often repeated, but details of the events became

and loyal friends. “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

different with each retelling. Time frames of the retellings

whatever is right…” (Philippians 4:8a, NASB).

clearly didn’t align with the whole story, and in some changed. Disappointed and disillusioned, the lonely newcomer slowly removed herself from the relationship,

30 // May 2022

About The Author

instances, major portions of the story had been radically Sheneka Land is an ordained minister, community service chaplain, and a graduate of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary where she earned her MDiv. She is co-author of From Rejection to Validation (pathwaybookstore.com). She and her husband, Jon, currently reside in Cleveland, TN. Sheneka can be found on Facebook at Strokes of Hope.

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Gò0dNews for Mothers

Am I A Good Mom?

M

by Jordan Burchette

other’s Day is quickly approaching, and it has caused me to reflect on a crucial question when it comes to my mothering.

When I am sipping delicious coffee with a fellow mom or thinking about the wonderful mothers in my life, I can’t help but think of this question we all ask ourselves.

Am I a good mom?

Even if you’ve never audibly asked yourself this question, I am confident that you’ve thought about it. Perhaps you’re worried you’re simply failing your children. When everyone is peacefully sleeping at night, and you’re struggling to fall asleep, you worry about them. Did I feed them meals that were healthy enough? Did I listen to them enough? Did I spend enough time with them today? Did they get the fully present or just a watered-down frazzled version of me? Our wandering minds cause our hearts to palpitate faster as we start to doubt our abilities as mothers. The guilt begins to knock at the door of our soul, threatening to take us under for the I believed that I was only a good mom when I did all of the “mom things” right. If I prepared the best meals, planned the best activities, and followed the fantasy Pinterest Mom recipe for a good mom, I felt as if I could confidently say I was a good mom. On the days when everyone ate boxed macaroni and cheese, I raised my voice too many times, and no one could find a clean pair of underwear, I was convinced that made me a bad mom. Perhaps you’ve placed this pressure on yourself as well?

I have come to learn the longer I mother my children, the more I realize that even my best day as a mom is only possible because of Christ. The days where we are preparing the best meals, pointing them

32 // May 2022

to Jesus, lending a listening ear, and parenting without an ounce of frustration are only made possible because of Christ in us. Even when we climb on our pedestal, convinced we have motherhood figured out, we must remember we are only good because of Him. He gives us the wisdom and grace to parent our children the way He instructs us to in His word. So, to answer the question, yes. You’re a good mother. But not because you do everything perfectly but because you’re doing your best and trusting God to give you grace each day.

About The Author

second time this week.

Jordan Burchette writes stories to encourage, inspire, and challenge others. When she isn’t writing, she is running her small business, enjoying time with her family, and drinking coffee. You can follow her blog at www.thewordsofjordannoel.com.

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Thehas servant/ founder is Dr. Rita Carr,Home a licensedSeries.” counselor providing a host are: My Journey which are the “My Journey These books of services to these precious families. Dr. Carr is the author of Home: There is Hope Single and Hurting Women, Jesus the “My Journeyfor Home Series,”Parent for whichFamilies she gives Jesus Christ all the glory.of This series, available at Lifeway Christian Store My Hope in Grief Christ the Rescuer Wounded Emotions, Jesus Christ and Barnes & Noble, provides Christ-centered tools through a DAILY DINNER SPECIALS and Lord, Idevotional, Surrender.

Byguide God’s lovingly she is completing a study and two books thatfaithfulness, tell the story of her own, personal journey as a single parent, including the eternal a Book and Study Guide for adolescents. Dr. Carr also has experience in CAN EAT SUSHI LUNCH ALL YOU journey of her Gentle Giant: Victor Carr (John 3:16). years of counseling through various counseling credentials, education and employment. Her love for423.493.0288 Jesus Christ is exemplified in her service to Single Parent Families and reaching a hurting, lost and dying world. hopeunlimitedministries.org Hope Unlimited Ministries is a ministry for Single mothers and their “If your car needs fixin’, go to Hixson Transmission.” children. We provide these Single-parent families with the spiritual and Matthew 28:16-20 educational tools needed for Christ-centered living through our various LOCATED ON THE NORTHSHORE Lord, å programs. Hope Unlimited 330 AVE, SUITE 124 | CHATTANOOGA, TN I Surrender Ministries services areFRAZIER at no cost 423.508.8898 | TOTTONOOGA.COM to those seeking our services.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Don’t Fear Doubt t is inspiring to see that throughout the Bible doubt does not stop God from working in people’s lives. Abraham doubted God upon His promise to make him a father of a great nation, but God remained faithful to His promise with the birth of Isaac. Moses doubted his ability to bring the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt, but God provided Moses with what he needed to fulfill his calling.

Gideon doubted God’s calling in his life to rescue Israel from the Midianites, but God empowered and led Gideon to defeat the Midianites.

Throughout these accounts and others from the Bible, God was not intimidated by the questions the doubtful men asked God. Instead, He answered their doubts and remained faithful in helping them fulfill the calling He had for their lives. Like the Biblical leaders from the Bible, in order to resolve the doubt that we are experiencing, we may need to be honest with God about it.

Additionally, I believe that it helps to share your doubts with fellow believers in Christ.

When we share our doubts with other believers, it is an opportunity to help carry each other’s 34 // May 2022

burdens and recognize that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Sometimes, we may not get immediate answers to our doubts. However, it is also important to note that despite our doubt, God has proven that He is still able to do His work through us. After all, it is like what God

declared to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In our weak moments when we have doubts, God can move in mighty ways and receive the glory He deserves. Therefore, if you are experiencing doubt, remember that you are not alone in your struggle and that your doubt does not inhibit you from fulfilling the calling God has in your life.

About The Author

I

by Abdiel Medina

Abdiel Medina is a 19-yearold writer and a local in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews Business Spotlight

Southern Charm Boutique

I

by Carrie Doyle Jones

n 2010, I started my own business called Southern Charm.

downtown location. We are very

It started with a bottle cap and a dream. Our mission was

blessed and thankful for the

and continues to be to provide clothing and accessories to all

ongoing support of Cleveland and

people in a Christian environment.

I started making bottle cap necklaces and earrings at home

and selling them at local flea markets and craft shows. To my surprise, I was selling out. I was up at all hours of the night

Chattanooga residents. Southern Charm is becoming more than just clothing and accessories.

Southern Charm is more than

making bottle caps to sell. Many people have asked, how did

just a boutique. People from all

you come up with a bottle cap? I have no clear answer other than

walks of life walk through our

I just knew how. Some people have said that God gave me

doors and feel the peace. It is funny

the knowledge, which is true. I quickly realized that I was not

how God works. He turns the

going to be able to make enough bottle caps because I was just

boutique into a place where people

one person.

can experience the presence of God. You never know when you

I don’t make bottle caps as I used to. I don’t have them for

walk through our doors if you will enter a hallelujah moment

sale in any of my locations currently. I do have a bottle cap at

or prayer meeting. A hallelujah moment is what some people in

each location because I always want to remember where I came

our neck of the woods call a praise report.

from and where God is taking me.

Southern Charm is a licensed trademark in Tennessee.

I expanded into clothing and accessories. Southern Charm specializes in plus-size clothing, but due to high demand, we carry small to 3XL. We know that looking stylish can make your whole day better, so that’s why we’re committed to being your source for the newest trends—but with Southern flare.

I am not afraid to stand on the Word of God and praise Him for all He has done for me, my husband, Dr. Shawn R. Jones, and the people I encounter. I will not allow society to tell me that I can’t praise Him and pray for people who walk through our doors. Southern Charm was built and will remain focused on our primary principle of God. I am grateful for the success of my boutiques, and I am looking forward to the Due to the success of my first location inside Debutante Salon and Day Spa, we opened in Chattanooga Wellness

future of Southern Charm.

As you plan for your spring and summer wardrobe, come by

Centers of Cleveland. Our third location soon followed at the

one of our four locations. Our locations include 266 Broad Street,

other Chattanooga Wellness Centers in Chattanooga due to my

Cleveland, 2245 Chambliss Ave NW, Cleveland, 2563 Georgetown

success in helping people fulfill their fashion needs. We opened

Rd NW, Cleveland, and 6016 East Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga.

our fourth location in 2021, located in the heart of Cleveland on

Carrie is publishing a Christian lifestyle book called Life

Broad Street. Currently, we are expanding our

Lessons: Daring to Say “You Can” When Others Say “You Can’t.”

36 // May 2022

You can find Carrie’s book out this spring!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Blueprint

“I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8).

N

by Terrie E. Ruff

ine months ago, everything changed as I was

the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud

informed that my brother Mack had died

command, with the voice of the archangel and with the

unexpectedly on the eve of his fifty-fifth birthday.

trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

The shock was incredibly intense, as was the pain. I had to dig deeply into the resources of God’s grace.

I leaned on Him, and I never asked why? —I asked what? What is the lesson? What do you want me to do? As I prepared for Mack’s funeral, God gave more clarity to my question. The what: tell everyone I meet about the good news of the gospel and its power to carry us through any loss we experience! And I did!

As I talked with my nephew a few days after his father’s funeral, he said something so profound and powerful to me, “Auntie, my father left me a blueprint, now it’s up to me to follow it.” Spencer was also answering the what question. As my prince of a nephew spoke about his father, I smiled with pride as I knew He would follow Mack’s Godly blueprint.

And he is!

Here is Mack’s Blueprint: Man of God: love/commitment/witness (Matt. 28:18-20)

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught

Affectionate & Attentive: love for family (1 Cor. 13)

up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in

Caring: fun loving-laughter/love for people/helpful

the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore

(Prov. 17:22) Kind King: gentle giant/example of manly strength and tenderness (Prov. 11:24-25) “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do

encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4: 13-18).

Our hope! Our challenge! If we live consecrated lives, obedient to God’s calling, we will see Jesus and we will see Mack again!

During challenging times, I invite you not to ask why?

not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For

—but to ask what? I guarantee that you will be surprised at

we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe

what God has in store for you. If you allow Him, your life

that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep

will be a blueprint of His love for others to follow.

who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For

38 // May 2022

About The Author

in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga.

Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

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Gò0dNews for Family

A Special Blessing with Loving Needs

by Rita Bennett

I

was the last born into a family of eleven children on a rural

Our mother was a devout Christian, she read the Bible

farm in Hamilton County. In the early 1900s, we were

aloud to us daily, and we were very attentive to all the stories.

considered a poor family, according to financial value,

And to this day, in my eighty-six years of life, I understand

but rich in a large, loving family. Our father was a very hard worker and stern parent, our mother was a Christian loving

God’s word better when it is read aloud.

I graduated from school in 1953 and had met my future

homemaker. Our father worked at public works and retired

husband. We were married and soon to start our family. Clyde

after twenty-eight years but farmed and grew the food needed

was still a huge part of my life and he really liked my husband.

for his family also.

Our mother became ill with cancer in 1960, very shortly after

My family consisted of seven boys and four girls. The tenth of the family, a boy named Clyde, was a special child with Down’s Syndrome. By this time in life, both of our parents were

my son was born. We remained with my parents, caring for my mother until she went home to Heaven in June 1962.

Shortly thereafter my husband and I purchased a home

up in years, so I don’t know if they felt the need for another

in Ooltewah in 1963 and moved. Dad and Clyde remained in

child or if it was God’s will for one more. In 1936, I came along

the homeplace. They were able to care for each other until 1966

as our mother had reached her forty-fifth year.

when our father became ill. We brought both of them into our

Clyde and I were very close, and I felt he needed me to be

home. My daughter and son grew to love Clyde, and he loved

his guiding hand and help him to develop. All our other brothers

them, and they grew to be adults with him. All was going well

and sisters were busy starting their own lives, and our parents

until February 9, 1967, when I went to awaken our father, and

had their hands full providing for the ones still at home.

he had passed away in his sleep.

When Clyde reached his eighth birthday, the Hamilton County Board of Education notified our parents as to why Clyde was not registered in public school.

There were no special education schools in the 1930s and 1940s. My parents visited the then

Clyde remained with us. There was a feed store located two blocks away, and he was allowed to walk and visit there often. They loved him and gave him a little job (not a payroll employee) for tips. He carried out bags of feed—going by the pictures on the bag—and

principal of Snow Hill Elementary School and

bales of hay, but someone had to oversee the

made him aware of Clyde’s situation. They

amount the customer bought. He stayed at this

asked if it would be possible—since I was only five years of age—if I could attend school early to watch over Clyde?

He agreed I could start early. Clyde and

feed store through three owners and eighteen years when the store closed.

Clyde attended our church Ooltewah Baptist from 1970 forward. He loved

I attended elementary school for six years

his Jesus and wanted everyone to

together, Clyde being passed on condition,

know his Jesus. His health stayed fairly

not having higher learning capabilities. He

normal until mid-1994. He began having

was taken out of school, and our mother and

balance difficulties, hearing loss, and

I taught him as much as his mind could

dental problems. He then became very

achieve. Clyde was exceptionally good at

confused and wheel-chair bound. God

never did understand why he could not attend what he called “Big School” with me.

40 // May 2022

called him home on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. 1995, at the age of sixty-two-anda-half years old.

About The Author

learning all common knowledge, but he

Rita Bennett is eighty-six and lives in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

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May Flowers Bring God’s Faithfulness

“A

by April Engstrom

nd which of you by being anxious can add

Faith. Jesus lays it on pretty hard, “O you of little faith!”

a single hour to his span of life? If then you

I know each year I can count on one thing time will pass,

are not able to do as small a thing as that,

seasons will come and go. Often in the chaos of getting

why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how

ready for school in the morning, I have to remind my 6-year-

they grow: they neither toil nor spin…But if God so clothes

old son that we cannot get wasted time back. If he chooses

the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is

to spend his time not getting ready, then I cannot give him

thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O

more time. Time will pass, we cannot change that. We can

you of little faith!” (Luke 12:25-28, ESV).

anticipate what will happen in the future, school will end

One of my favorite things about spring is the flowers.

and Mom will no longer have to drag him out of bed, but

The roads, once surrounded by dead branches and brown

that doesn’t change the truth of today. God has given us

leaves, are slowly crowned by fresh blossoms of life.

the gift of today. He has a plan for your today and a calling

My personal favorites are the daffodils, dogwoods, and

for your life. He wants you to know Him intimately so that

redbuds, as they are the first indicators that spring is

He can get the most out of your todays. I think that’s why

officially here.

He’s so harsh in His admonishment of our wasting time.

I wrote previously about how we can be called out of

He who is outside of time knows just how fleeting our

our winter. How sometimes it takes the roar of a lion, but

time on this earth is. He knows how much He needs all of

we need to look to spring and the new growth God has for

our todays, and that’s why it hurts Him when we worry

us. Now, I want to address the anxiety that comes with new

about tomorrow. He is calling you to a life of faith, full

life and new growth.

dependency on Him and His truth in your life.

Anxiety. A word that plagues so many people, both

By the time you read this, the daffodils will have

believers and non-believers alike. I remember when I was

withered away for another season, the dogwoods will

first diagnosed with anxiety, it literally felt like my world

have lost their blooms, and the colorful redbuds will have

was closing in. One of the worst things to tell an anxious

turned green. Seasons change, time comes and goes, yet God

person is that they have anxiety. I have struggled, prayed

continues to provide. This is the truth that you can cling to

for forgiveness, and full-on battled with God over the verse

no matter what the season of life you are in brings you. Even

above. Why God, why when you promise a way without

though the lilies and the grass die, God still provided for

anxiety does it continue to be such a deep struggle?

them in their time, and He will provide for you too. Trust

42 // May 2022

About The Author

Him with your today and lay your anxiety down at His feet.

April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation. You can follow April’s blog at everlasting-evergreen.weebly.com.

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A Story on Proverbs 3:5-6

P

by Danette Reeves

roverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all your

as closely as possible, intentionally and expressly focused

heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In

on Him. This intentionality is sometimes difficult because of

all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make

distractions, peer pressure, stress, and conflicts.

straight your paths.” We may quote this verse as often as

We finally get to the promise: “He will make your paths

John 3:16. It is essential to dissect these familiar verses, not

straight.” I wish He had said He would make our paths

just run through them, overlooking their wisdom. Only then

easy, understandable, or even clearly marked. He said

can we truly begin to properly understand how to apply

straight. When we trust Him and acknowledge Him, He will

scripture to our daily lives.

lead us straight to conforming to the image of Jesus. We will

It is imperative to understand the first word, “TRUST.” According to Webster’s Dictionary, trust is “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” We are given two commands in this verse: 1) trust in the LORD, and 2) do not lean on our own understanding. Leaning on our own understanding is in complete opposition to trusting the LORD. We cannot possibly understand why or how God does everything, but He tells us to trust Him with ALL of our hearts. Guess what ALL means. ALL means ALL. We are to not only trust Him when it makes sense to us but also trust Him when we cannot understand. Our understanding is skewed

look less like this world and more like Jesus. Romans 8:29:

by our emotions, circumstances, past experiences, and

“For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be

belief systems. We can trust in the LORD—the God who

conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might

never changes; the God who is omniscient, omnipresent,

be the firstborn among many brothers.” 2 Corinthians 3:18:

omnipotent. We can trust His character, ability, and

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the

strength. We are fickle; He is steadfast. We are limited in

Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one

our vision; He sees everything clearly and thoroughly.

degree of glory to another…”

Once we settle the trust issue, He then tells us to

That’s the straight path God has for us: Conforming

acknowledge Him in all our ways. Again, we see the

and transforming to the image of Jesus, thinking His

word ALL, not some. “Acknowledge” is to know Him, to

thoughts, living His example, being changed from one

recognize that God is the one who works in our lives with

glory to another.

Practically, how do we acknowledge God? We study His Word, and we apply it to our lives. We pray. We follow Him

44 // May 2022

About The Author

all wisdom, power, mercy, grace, love, and justice.

Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, TN. They attend The Church at Grace Point.

One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Graced With a Word from The Lord

“J

by Jonathon Wright

esus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and

May we all be like Nathanael—honest, pure in heart,

said of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom

and quick to believe in Christ. Those were the things that

is no deceit! Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do

brought more of Jesus into Nathanael’s life. They also will

you know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, Before

bring more of God into our lives. The fact that Jesus saw

Philip called you when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

Nathanael under the fig tree also reminds us that God sees

Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, you are the

us even when no one is there. He is the God who sees and

Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered and

cares for our needs. Nathanael may have had a very private

said to him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree,

conversation with God, and Christ let him know He heard

do you believe? You will see greater things than these. And He said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (John 1:47-51, NKJV) In John 1:43-46, Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus the Son of Joseph from Nazareth. This is the one that Moses and the prophets have foretold.

Nathanael very honestly and bluntly replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip simply said, “COME AND SEE.” Those words would prove to be the beginnings of a great prophetic word. Despite his reluctant skepticism, Nathanael went to see Jesus.

The very moment Jesus saw Nathanael, He gave him the ultimate compliment for a Jew. Here is an honest and true Israelite. Nathanael was very surprised by this comment, so he asked how do you know me? Jesus

his prayer. God showed Nathanael that He saw and cared

makes another shocking statement. He told Nathanael that

for him.

He had seen him under the fig tree before Philip came.

I am also reminded of another story in Genesis 21:14-19

Nathanael quickly exclaimed, “You truly are the Son of God

of Hagar and her child alone in the desert. They were about

and King of Israel.” It did not take long for Jesus to change

to die of thirst and had no hope, but God saw and helped

his skepticism into faith.

her find water and hope to survive. I am so glad the Lord

Jesus then gives him an encouraging prophetic promise.

sees and meets our needs in such profound ways. This was

His choice to believe in Christ brought even greater things

not the first time she had encountered the God who sees her.

into his life. He would see angels ascend and descend upon

See Genesis 16:1-13. And to think, some say the first miracle

Christ, the Son of Man. This seems to be a reference to the

was turning water into wine. See John 2:1-11. I say it was

Ascension that the apostles and 120 believers saw in Acts

Nathanael being graced with a word from the Lord.

referring to.

46 // May 2022

About The Author

1. However, there were many other miracles Jesus could be Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. He is currently beginning the process of writing a book on Genesis entitled, God’s Good Prophetic Plan: From Beginning to End.

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Come To Me and Rest

“S

by Chris Mullis

o the creation of the heavens and the earth

the synagogue each Sabbath. He also took time to leave the

and everything in them was completed. On

crowds and His disciples to go away to be alone and pray.

the seventh day God had finished his work of

Work is important, but working too much can be an

creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed

addiction as destructive as alcoholism. We need to rest and

the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day

worship. Worship is when we remember the wonder of

when he rested from all his work of creation” (Genesis 2:1-3).

God and His goodness and express our gratitude. Worship

We live in a hectic world that values productivity. Studies show that 60% of Americans don’t get enough sleep. Lack of sleep increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, and breast cancer. It also leads to car accidents and medical errors.

It’s not just a lack of sleep that plagues us. There is also

reminds us of our proper place in creation and opens us up to the voice of God who reveals where we need to grow.

Are you weary from carrying heavy burdens? Are you working yourself to death trying to do too much?

Are you weighed down with grief, guilt, worry, stress,

a lack of resting—a time when we just refrain from working. Studies show that 1/3 of Americans don’t take vacation time even when their jobs offer it. When people do take a vacation, they rarely use the time to “rest.” Instead, they fill the vacation with too many activities. Have you ever returned from a vacation feeling like you needed a vacation from your vacation?

In our world, the idea that God rested and that He made “resting” a Holy commandment may seem alien.

Yet, rest is essential to healthy living. God wants us to take time to “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). When we pause from our labors and other distractions, we have time to remember who we are and who God is and to just enjoy life. When we do not rest, we

loneliness, disappointments, shame, or anxiety? The grace

are less human than God wants us to be.

of God through Jesus Christ calls to you: “Come, and I will

The very first thing God calls “holy” in the Bible is the

give you rest.” Jesus wants to wash away your sins and

Sabbath rest. A weekly day of rest was so essential that it

give you a brand-new life where you don’t have to carry

became one of the most important religious laws in the

the impossible expectations of others or even your own

Bible. It was a day that God ordered teachers and priests

unrealistic expectations. Jesus wants you to use your time

and prophets to defend again and again.

reasonably. Jesus’ yoke fits perfectly and allows for work

In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” This is a reminder not to

and worship and rest so you can fully enjoy the amazing life God created in you and all around.

So what’s stopping you from coming to Jesus today?

let religious devotion to the Sabbath outweigh common Sabbath is an incredible gift from God—something we need.

The Bible tells us it was Jesus’ custom to worship God in

48 // May 2022

About The Author

sense or common decency. However, it also reminds us the

Rev. Chris Mullis is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church with a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Pastor Chris’s ministry has spanned twenty years and four different churches in Georgia. Chris is currently serving God as the senior pastor of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church located at 2701 Cleveland Hwy in Dalton, GA.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Is Your Name Written

by Judy Hood

The day had come when I stood before my King He opened the book and said, “What will this bring?”

He said, “I know on earth you had lots of strife.

But is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?”

I humbly looked at him with tears in my eyes This is a place where you can’t wear a disguise He looked at me with love radiating like none I’ve seen before And said, “Child, your name is here, you may walk through those doors I have a home prepared for you, it glistens and it shines I’m gathering all my children, not to leave anyone behind So, you go on and enjoy, for heaven is your home It is paradise, a new place for you to roam.”

50 // May 2022

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