November 2015

Gò0dNews November 2015

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• Blessed with Diversity p. 6 • Go Ahead and Quit! p. 20 • Just One Touch p. 50

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Writers

Reverend Karyn Bogert Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Ashley Smith Cathy Yaun Charlton S. Lewis Dave Carringer Deanna Thompson Delaney Walker Deven Wallace Esmerelda Lee Glenda Prichard Gracie Hixson Irina Miller Jonathan Cantrell Kelly McDonald Mindy White Nick Poole Nicole Wiley Rob England Thomas Morrison Wesley Choplin

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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication.

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

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

Letter from the Editor

T

his month’s issue is a harvest of articles about thankfulness, gratitude, contentment, frustration, blessings of preschoolers, keeping finances separate, depression, and eating pecan pie. My addition to the mix is an experience I had years ago in overcoming fear.

Years ago I learned that one of the greatest roadblocks to courage is fear. Along with fear comes a kind of paralysis that makes us think we have to wait until the fear is gone before we do whatever we need to do. This was demonstrated in an experience I had in Omaha, Nebraska, when my son was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.

The lights in the cockpit flashed. The pilot—calm, cool and collected— read instruments, adjusted gadgets, preparing for takeoff. Strapping into the copilot’s seat, I wondered, Is this really happening? Am I the copilot? Am I courageous enough to fly this plane? The goose bumps assured me I was not dreaming. Flying this gigantic computer with wings registered exceptionally high on the experience-of-a-lifetime scale.

“Now, I’m going to lead you through the takeoff, step-by-step,” the young, confident pilot instructed.

“But you are going to bring us in for the landing all by yourself,” he continued, showing me the sensitive steering mechanism.

Me? Land this plane? With my colorful history of minor car accidents?

“Okay, if you won’t let me make any mistakes,” I muttered.

The engines revved up and off we zoomed down the runway, cruising about 200 miles per hour . . . or so it seemed. Actually, this flight took place in a simulator at Offutt Air Force Base when my son was stationed there. I could not believe the realism. Every sensation—sight, sound, movement (and fear) was just like sitting in the cockpit of a modified 757.

My big question was, “Can I crash this plane?”

“Of course, but I’m not going to let you crash. I will correct any errors you make, so just sit back and relax.”

Relax? I was not capable of relaxing, but I learned two important lessons during my flight that are applicable to life’s situations: To stay on course, I must listen intently to my “Pilot”; stay focused on the flight plan (God’s Word), which leads me straight to the heart of God. There I can trade my craving for understanding for a big dose of courage and a willingness to trust His wisdom.

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 14

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6

Blessed with Diversity

by Reverend Karyn Bogert

GoodNews for Kids

8

Wandering with Jesus

by Nick Poole

GoodNews on Money Matters

28

GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews for Men

12 This Thanksgiving, Let’s

Invite Contentment Over

by Rob England

GoodNews for Women

14 Thanksgiving

by Deven Wallace

GoodNews for Parents

20 Go Ahead and Quit!

by Alicia Klepper

GoodNews for Life

22 Repurpose

by Delaney Walker

GoodNews for Everyone

24 The Basic Tool for Success 40 THE KINGDOM COMES . . . in Fitness . . . and Life!

by Thomas Morrison

GoodNews for Teens

26 You Are Enough

by Ashley Smith

Cover Story 10 Together but Separate—A GoodNews 28 Paving the Way Recipe for Dysfunction

by Andrew Lee

44

by Jonathan Cantrell

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Trauma in the Labor Room

by Gracie Hixson

GoodNews for Couples

32 Being Unified—Jesus at the Center

by Mindy White GoodNews for Seniors

34 To Serve

by Esmerelda Lee

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Dealing with Frustration

by Kelly McDonald

GoodNews for Everyone

38 The Blessing of Preschoolers

by Glenda Prichard

THROUGH YOU!

by Dave Carringer GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Maple Pecan Pie

by Deana Thompson

GoodNews for Everyone

44 Like a Bridge

by Charlton S. Lewis

GoodNews for Everyone

46 The Faith and the Fight

by Irina Miller

GoodNews for Everyone

50 Just One Touch

by Cathy Yaun

GoodNews for Everyone

52 Autumn

by Wesley Choplin

GoodNews for Everyone

54 Everything Happens for a Reason

by Nicole Wiley

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

O

Blessed with Diversity

by Karyn Bogert

ne of my favorite childhood songs has a special place in my heart. This simple song informed and encouraged my understanding of how we are to treat others in light of our identity in Christ. You might remember this children’s song as well. Won’t you sing it with me?

“Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white, They’re all precious in His sight,

challenged by the diversity of other cultures, other faiths, and other beliefs. I find this challenge of diversity a welcomed opportunity for us to examine our faith and find fresh ways to experience God’s presence in our lives. While the essentials (that is, Christ’s message) will never change, the nonessentials (the ways we experience God) will grow as we journey in faith together.

No two individuals are completely the same. Even identical twins don’t share the same thoughts and beliefs all of the time. Our uniqueness is a blessing

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

There is so much wisdom in those words, because many of us struggle to feel comfortable with much less love—people who are culturally and ethnically different from us. However, that is exactly what Christ compels us to do. Our lifelong journey with God often asks us to get out of our comfort zone and do things that we could never do alone.

Learning to love one another in spite of our differences teaches us to love our enemies. However, if we can’t love a fellow believer, even one who thinks differently and disagrees with us, then how in the world are we going to go that extra step and love an enemy?

Today, thanks to an explosion of information available on the World Wide Web, Christians are being

from our Creator. Why then, do we want others to be just like us? How boring would that be? Perhaps we have forgotten that we were created in God’s image, and not the other way around. Jesus spent time with all kinds of people. He invited people from many different backgrounds to be His followers. Jesus welcomed those who were considered unclean, unworthy, and unlovable to be children of God. Can we do any less?

The next time you find yourself silently judging someone for being different than you, remember . . .

Jesus loves every person, every person in the world.

Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves every person in the world.

6 // November 2015

Reverend Karyn Bogert is an ordained minister, a wife to a compassionate nurse, Neal, and has been blessed to serve as pastor of First Christian Church of Cleveland for eight years.

Gò0dNews for Kids

Wandering with Jesus

P

A Story of Thanksgiving Based on Luke 17:11-19

by Nick Poole

arents and children, let’s go on

bad may happen to them. In a panic,

down to your level, looking you in the

an adventure and explore God’s

you jump down from the tree and rush

eye, he whispers, “I can go home to my

Word a little differently than

to the forbidden village. With the wind

family, my friends, my own home. I

before by using our imagination to see a

rustling through your hair, dust rising

haven’t seen them in a very long time.

world long since passed.

up from behind you, you run with your

Jesus Christ healed me and my friends

heart racing.

of a terrible disease, and now we can go

Close your eyes. Small rocks and warm dirt press against your feet, sun

You arrive at the edge of the village.

home! He loves us, and gave us our lives

shining overhead as you and your

Someone is coming; you must hide now!

back.” Can you imagine meeting Jesus

friends play around one of the trees

After sneaking around the edge of the

and looking into His eyes after being

outside your village. You are quite the

village, you see two small groups of

given the ability to return home?

climber. Placing one foot in front of

men. One group is running back toward

the other, one hand on a branch above

Jerusalem, jumping and shouting, not

come together with our families, let us

the other, you made it to the top of the

looking back to the village. They seem

remember the One who provides for

tree and are overlooking the valley. To

so happy! Looking back into the village,

us, gives us more than we understand,

your left, you see the farmer working

there was one man kneeling, crying at

and continues to love us regardless of

in his field under the hot sun. To your

the feet of one man. In the other group,

what we go through. Jesus cares about

right, you see a small village where your

a man is thanking him and kissing His

us, our lives, how we do in school, our

parents have told you repeatedly to stay

feet! Tears are falling down his face as he

families, and so much more! Jesus loved

away from—the forbidden village.

looks up into the other man’s eyes—His

us so much that He lived a perfect life on

All of sudden, you see a small

kind, loving eyes. With one last hug, the

earth, proved how much He cared about

group of men off in the distance heading

dusty, tear-stained man starts walking

our everyday lives through His actions,

in your direction. They stop at the small

in your direction and observes you

and then conquered death so we could

village first, but they are not allowed in

hiding. He smiles gently and notices the

live with Him forever. In this season of

that village! No one is permitted expect

confused look on your face. Bending

Thanksgiving, let us remember to give

As we approach Thanksgiving and

for those who live there! Oh no! If they

thanks to the One who gave everything

are caught in that village, something

for us.

8 // November 2015

Nick Poole is the children's pastor at The Church at Grace Point in Cleveland. He has a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry, and is currently working toward his masters in youth and family ministry at Lee University.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters Together but Separate—A Recipe for Dysfunction The pros and cons of separate accounts versus joint accounts in marriage.

O

by Andrew Lee ne of the most quotable

Married couples who have separate

If both spouses have careers and

lines from John Milton’s

accounts tell me that having separate

paychecks, then budgeting, saving,

1667 epic poem Paradise

accounts ensure that each partner knows

and spending jointly on shared goals

Lost is the phrase, “Confusion worse

precisely how much is in his or her

is a quicker and more powerful

confounded.” This might be an

account at all times, without having to

approach to meeting financial goals

apt description for many married

check with a spouse daily or weekly

as a couple. Most importantly, a joint

couples who try to keep their finances

in order to update debits, checks, or

account practically guarantees that a

separated.

deposits from a joint account. These

couple is in constant communication

couples also say they have established

about finances. After all, when one

challenge of getting a spouse to agree

an equitable system for bill paying,

spouse writes a check, swipes a debit,

to set a household budget and to

usually meaning that each spouse will

or withdraws money from the ATM,

work together toward achieving their

pay certain bills or a certain percentage

the other spouse is bound to find

financial goals of paying down debt

of the monthly bills from his or her

out, assuming both spouses regularly

and saving more money. This person

checking account. Often, I am told how

check the monthly bank statements

explained how they kept separate

preferable it is to keep separate accounts

(whether in paper form or online).

bank accounts for both checking and

so that “I don’t have to check with

Couples that communicate and agree

savings. When bills were due, they

anybody or ask permission if I want

about saving, spending, and giving

allocated who would pay what bills

to buy something.” True enough, but

their money tend to have a more

out of his or her own individual

this attitude, in my opinion, may end

fulfilling marriage overall.

checking account. Many couples insist

up creating many more financial and

that this method works for them, but

marital problems than it claims to solve.

recommended even if only one spouse

Separate accounts encourage

works outside the home, because both

Recently, someone described the

I am curious to know how they are

Finally, joint accounts are

defining the phrase, “works for them.”

secrecy in marriage, with neither

spouses have open communication

I suspect this means that bills get paid

spouse knowing what the other is

about financial matters and feel like

on time, but at what emotional and

spending. Maybe the bills do get paid

equal partners in the marriage. A

psychological cost to the marriage?

on time using this system, but if one

stay-at-home spouse should never be

Let’s look at the pros and cons of

is determined to live life like a single

made to feel like a second-class citizen

separate accounts versus joint accounts in marriage.

person, then why get married

or like a subordinate to the working

in the first place? The

spouse. Communication is the key, and

power of two working

shared financial accounts help to foster

together is stronger

this communication. Many failing

than the power of one,

marriages began their decline like

and that is certainly

that famous line from the classic film

true of finances.

Cool Hand Luke: “What we have here is failure to communicate.”

10 // November 2015

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.

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At this special time of year, we’d like to reach out to those in need by serving as a collection point for donations. Tangible gifts may be dropped off as follows.

Please note that we cannot accept gifts of cash or checks.

Collecting for: Chattanooga Area Food Bank & The Caring Place Accepting donations of: Any non-perishable food such as the following: Peanut Butter, Fruit Juice, Dry Beans, Rice, Pasta, Canned meats (Tuna, Chicken), Flour, Oats, Grits. Edward Jones can not accept any monetary donations.

Collection hours: Now through December 11th Collection location: Our office located at 3858 Candies Creek Lane next to Fresh N Low Hosted by: Kelly L Browand Financial Advisor .

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Gò0dNews for Men This Thanksgiving, Let’s Invite Contentment Over

by Rob England Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

—1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)

I

’m writing this from a position of active learning, rather than from a position of expertise. A principle that I’m still learning is contentment. This is a good time, as we approach the Thanksgiving season, to ponder not just our level of thankfulness, but also contentment.

Not long ago I asked a friend, who is living in the U.S. after spending years overseas in the mission field, which location and way of life she preferred most. She said that God provides the contentment and peace needed for each place that she finds herself. Her answer might have you wondering if, as Christians, we are all called to strive for this level of contentment. I believe we are.

Paul had a thing or two to say about contentment in the Bible. He’s a great example of someone who knew what it meant to be content, even in the worst of circumstances (including his time in jail). Paul shares his experience with contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, where he says: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul had learned to be content . . . no matter what. And the key to doing so is shared in verse 13: It’s through Christ’s strength.

Contentment is not necessarily having the things we want or being in the situation we’ve always desired. Contentment can, and should, be found wherever we are.

Whatever circumstances we are currently

12 // November 2015

in, there is room for contentment. Contentment is not circumstance-dependent. It’s Godly-attitude-dependent and it requires the following: 1. The realization of who we are, compared to who He is.

2. The understanding that we deserve nothing (except hell) yet, despite this, He gave everything. He gave us physical life, all of the countless blessings we each have, and, most importantly, He’s provided for us eternal life, love, friendship, and fellowship with Him, all made possible through the giving of His only Son as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

3. Faith that God knows fully well what our current situation is, what our needs are, and how much we can handle (in His strength). It requires the acknowledgment that He’s “got this.” Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”(Heb. 13:5 NKJV).

This Thanksgiving, let’s put some thought into our current state of contentment, as well as thankfulness. The two go hand in hand, with each leading to the other. By actively being thankful for what God has blessed us with, we can be more content.

And, conversely, by being content in Him, we can be more thankful.

Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters. He volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and is a member of First Baptist Cleveland. You can contact him at englandr1@yahoo.com or at Facebook.com/RobEngland.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Thanksgiving

H

An opportune time to build a culture of thanksgiving in our families and an atmosphere of gratitude in our communities.

by Deven Wallace

arvest time is a reminder of God’s faithful provision and the reward of process. It is easy to be thankful for the pumpkins on the vine while eating your grandma’s pumpkin pie, or the potatoes in the ground as you eat your second helping of buttery mashed goodness.

However, can we be thankful in the midst of the process?

Can we be thankful for mashed potatoes as we dig up the ground to harvest the potatoes? Can we thank God for the hot corn on the cob while we are shucking the husks and picking out the bugs? It is easy to be thankful for the sweet result of a long process, but so many times we find ourselves complaining about the very circumstances necessary to reach our desired goal.

In this season of gratitude, may we gain mature faith that embraces the painful processes life sometimes bring to produce the character, anointing, and potential in our lives. God sometimes applies pressure and heat in life in order to surface the faith that is refined as gold in our spirits. Remember, the costly diamond begins as a lump of coal and the pearls begin as an irritant in a slimy shell.

Never see a seed for the little piece of mass that it is, but as the grove of fruit or flowers it can be. Never look at your current circumstances and trials with the discouraging perspective the Enemy would deceive you with. That is exactly how it got Eve to sin in the first place. He convinced her to underestimate the potential behind one little bite. Let God mold your perspective to see the potential behind each circumstance working together for your good. Therefore, all things are worthy of thanksgiving. Paul said not to be anxious but thankful always.

In a moment of temporary insanity, I chose to labor naturally for our youngest child. This seemed like a cool option until the process became unbearable. In that moment, Kevin says my voice sounded like Darth Vader and my words were less than holy. My mind could not focus on the

14 // November 2015

fact that the increasing pain was a sign that the unspeakable joy was moments away. All I could think of was my misery and that I would not survive to breath my next breath.

I despised this part of the process. The pain was not what I had signed up for but was necessary for the result I had desired. In that moment, God spoke something to me through my husband. He said, “Deven, let praise come forth.”

“Now?” I asked God out loud. “Seriously? Where is Your pity for me and Your soothing concern. You want me to praise You right now in the midst of this unbearable pain?”

His silence was my confirmation of His expectation.

Out loud in a labor and delivery room, I managed to force out, “Thank You, Father. I praise Your name, Jesus. I praise You with everything I have left!” In that moment of thanksgiving, my labor shifted. My season changed, and I was holding my baby girl within 10 to 15 minutes.

We appropriately named her Judah, which means “praise.”

That moment I realized true praise and thanksgiving is not our response at the end of the process, but what we choose in the middle of the most painful and trying part. That is the sacrifice of praise that gets the Father’s attention. That type of thanksgiving that will shift seasons and circumstances in our lives. It’s there where God says, “Process complete.”

Thanksgiving accelerates the promises of God and keeps our heart guarded from the downward spiral of an unthankful spirit (read Romans 1). I pray that a flood of thanksgiving will pour from you and that a divine shift will occur over your life. I declare your declarations of gratitude will testify to the Enemy that there are some of us who cannot burn, cannot drown, and whose praise cannot be silenced!

Pastor Deven and her husband Bishop Kevin Wallace, co-pastor Redemption Point Church (RPC) based in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Under their leadership, RPC has grown from a single location in Ooltewah with 34 attendees in its first service, to over 1200 with multiple locations in just 11 years.

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Cleveland Church Directory

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

Baptist

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

16 // November 2015

(423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church

224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Rolling Brook Baptist Church 1675 Greendale Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-0612 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org

West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

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

Charismatic

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

Church of God

Agape Place Church of God Pastor John and Melanie Arias 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-8691 Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship Church of God Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoraci贸n 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E.

Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland Church of God Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue Church of God Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland Church of God Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore Church of God Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly Church of God Pastor Kim Erwin 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com

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

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Methodist

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

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

Nazarene Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene

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

Non-Denominational Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 380-9160 cfctn.net Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472 2178 Dwelling Place Church Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 DPCI.TV Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or thelovingchurch.com Norvel Hayes Ministries 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 650-9572

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

Presbyterian

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

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

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

Assembly of God

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

Baptist

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

18 // November 2015

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

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

Christian

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

Church of God

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

Community

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Nazarene

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

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

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

Methodist

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

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

Non- Denominational

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

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

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

Seveth-Day Adventist

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

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Gò0dNews for Parents

Go Ahead and Quit!

Parenting in obedience to God is really tough.

P

arenting is tough stuff.

Parenting in obedience to God is really tough stuff. God never promised it would easy, but He promises to be with you. On a particularly tough homeschooling day last week when the perfect storm of frustrated student met frustrated mom who was also the frustrated teacher, I sent my sweet unsuspecting husband this text: “I quit!” (I can be a bit dramatic when I let my emotions sit in the driver’s seat). In full transparency, it wasn’t the first text of the week like that.Parenting in obedience to God means bringing up your children in a God-centered, eternally minded environment that is guided by God and His ways.

Parents who succeed declares that their children do not belong to the world, but are set apart, dedicated to the Lord for His good work and holy calling. This battle-stance provokes

20 // November 2015

by Alicia Klepper the Enemy of the soul, and because Satan fights what he fears the most, there will be battles (Satan is nothing if not persistent). What is more threatening to the plan of the Enemy than a generation army being raised to be obedient to the Almighty God? One of the aspects of our parenting in obedience to God involves homeschooling. One of the facets of your parental obedience to God may include enforcing rules that make you the mean mom or dad, when requiring church attendance, participating in family Bible devotions, filtering harmful kinds of music, movies, games, serving in the church or community, or if you’re like us, all of the above!

I know from personal experience, this is definitely not the easy way, but it is the best and most worthy way. So go ahead and buckle up, because when you roll out the map of parenting in obedience to God, you can schedule some challenges on your

journey: raging storms, violent seas, rocky roads, and the occasional desire to quit.

I never quit on the mountain, on the victory lap, on the downhill, or relaxing in the shade. It’s always in the valley, in the middle of the race, on the uphill, facing the heat when I throw my hands up. I know I’m not alone. However, today I want to encourage you to go ahead and throw your hands up. Throw your hands up in surrender to Jesus Christ. Surrender your fears, worries, doubts, inabilities, inadequacies, frustrations, losses, mistakes— everything to God. While you’re at it, go ahead and quit. Quit trying to be in control. God is in control. Quit shaming yourself for your mistakes. The blood of Christ purifies you. Quit raising your children like they don’t first belong to God. They are His creation. Quit fighting like it’s your battle to win, and rest in the fact that the Lord has already won for you. Stand in His victory, for He fights for you, and He is with you.

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions, and then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you. “O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chron. 20:17 NLT).

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

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Gò0dNews for Life

Repurpose

This year set aside time to give deeper meaning to Thanksgiving.

by Delaney Walker

M

y family follows a simple Thanksgiving

Instead of giving Thanksgiving lip service

tradition: while sitting around the table,

this year, take a chunk of time to write down your

we each list something for which we are

blessings from 2015. Whether you sit down before or

grateful. The usual things are mentioned (family,

after the big meal, set aside time to give real meaning

friends, God, health, jobs), and then we dive headfirst

to the holiday. Break out a journal for a personal

into the platters, bowls, and baskets. Your family or

recollection or burst out the markers and poster

group of friends might follow a similar tradition.

boards so the whole family can join in the fun.

I think Thanksgiving gets a bad rep. Most

Now I must admit I ripped this idea from the New

people use the holiday as an opportunity to pack

Hope Pregnancy Care Center retreat. Every year, the

their stomachs with more food in one sitting than is

staff gathers to write down how the Lord has blessed

normally accepted by society. We throw a passing

the nonprofit on the Wall of Wonder (aka a poster-

glance at the meaning before diving headfirst into the

sized post-it note). Everyone grabs a marker, circles

casseroles. Honestly, we are missing out on a

around the paper, and then gets to work. We say aloud

brilliant opportunity.

what we are thankful for (i.e. a new building) and then

Life is hard, and to make it, you need a battle plan.

Picture the year spanning from Thanksgiving

write it down.

My plan is to repurpose this activity for

2015 to Thanksgiving 2016. I am not a pessimist, but I

Thanksgiving. Whether my family joins in or not,

guarantee there will be difficult days. They may not be

I know the list will help me until it is time to make

devastating or heart-wrenching, but chances are you

a new one in 2016. I need to be reminded of the

will cry, you will rage, you will be scared, and you

challenges I have overcome, the goals I reached,

will feel lonely. You are going to need ways to fight

and the unexpected blessings the Lord sent my way.

back. You are going to need foxholes and bunkers to

Thanksgiving deserves a little more depth, and I

retreat to when the going gets rough.

deserve to give myself a fighting chance as I head into another year.

22 // November 2015

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

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness The Basic Tool for Success in Fitness . . . and Life!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

—Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

T

by Thomas Morrison

here is a miracle waiting to be unleashed, and

A slice of lean turkey? An apple and some brown rice

the secret lies right under your nose! Literally!

perhaps? Of course not. You thought about chocolate!

Most people can upgrade the quality of their lives

Why? Because your mind does not process a negative

dramatically by simply harnessing the power of their words.

command before it introduces the subject to your thinking.

Proverbs 18:21 is just as relevant for us today if we are ever

And now, the very thing you are trying to avoid is at the

going to experience the power we need to reach our goals!

forefront of your thinking! This is why you want to focus

When Words Become Worlds

Let’s start by asking a simple question: What were you

thinking just before you got that last piece of pizza, or went through the drive-thru for a fast-food burger? Were you

your statements in the positive. Focus on what you want— not what you don’t want.

The Power of Truth

Do any of these sound familiar?

focused on obtaining a flat, firm stomach and a healthy meal

• “I’m fat.”

after your workout? I doubt it! We don’t need to wonder

• “I’m dying for a piece of cake!

why we drive through the Golden Arches. Our thoughts drive us. So how are you going to focus your mind to

• “Nothing ever goes my way!”

They are just simple examples, but they illustrate

drive you to the true goals you have in your heart?

how prone we are to exaggerate (lie) when

The easiest way is to simply use the basic tools of

expressing our feelings. The problem is, if speaking

the mind that you have at your disposal. And those

like that becomes a habit for us, we start to never

tools are words.

Life or Death, Positive or Negative

feel good anymore. Our words (the building blocks of our thought) are charged with negative emotional connotations.

State what you want when you talk much more than what you don't want.

Unfortunately, we live

"I want to be leaner and more alive" is

in a negative world, and many

much better than "I'm tired of being

of us compound the problem by

fat and feeling like my life is slipping

speaking negative about ourselves!

away." See the difference? Comprehend

Positive or negative, the principle

where your mind goes when you make

works the same. You must be very

each statement, and understand that

careful about what you look at and focus

your mind is creating the reality you

on in your thought life. And you mustn’t seek to

experience. This is not Voodoo—it is

drive away the negative things by complaining about them, cursing them, or rededicating yourself to stand against them. It’s like the old saying: “Don’t curse the darkness, light a lamp

God-given responsibility.

So you see; change your thoughts (words), and you can change your life.

instead.” Say this to yourself: “I will not think about a piece of chocolate.”

Now, with that piece of determined dedication, what have you thought about?

24 // November 2015

Thomas Morrison is the fitness coordinator and a personal trainer at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 15 years. You can find out more about him and his writings at www.bradleywell.com.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

You Are Enough

I

Stay in the Word and remember the purpose God has for you.

by Ashley Smith t doesn’t matter if you’re twelve or seventy-two,

more about the plans He had for my life, and how

rejection is always hard to deal with. When it

they were so much more than what I could envision.

comes from our peers, we automatically assume

I could also see how He had a purpose in my life, and

that there is something wrong with us, that we are

how I crossed paths with the very people who were

lacking something that keeps us from being enough.

meant to be in my life. I began to see that He created

We may think we are weird or different, and that can

me to be just me—weird personality, quirks, and all.

cause us to try to hide part of who we are to fit in with others.

For several years, I was that girl—the one who

Psalms 139:14 says “I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (NKJV).

wanted everyone to like me. I was always sort of shy

Once I truly believed that verse, I could fully become

and reserved, viewed as a girl with

the person God had wanted me to be all along. When

a weird personality. It kept me from

I stopped trying to be like everyone else, I realized

opening up to a lot of people unless

that people actually do like me for who I am.

I truly knew them. Otherwise, I would just agree with the crowd and follow along.

This need to be accepted by the majority followed me through high school, and partially into college. Through that time, I lost some of my shyness and became more outgoing, but I still wasn’t very confident in who I was. My

When you think about it, everyone is different. We aren’t meant to be cookie-cutter people with identical lives. How boring would it be if we all had the exact house on matching streets and cars that looked alike? Personally, I like a little flair to life, and that would just be so dull.

The most important thing to realize is that the only opinion that truly matters is God’s. People will still reject you because Jesus was

personality is kind of loud and

rejected, but that doesn’t lessen

different, but not the cool type of

the purpose that God has for

different (if there is such a thing);

you. To learn more about who

it’s just weird. Because of that, I was

God created you to be, read His

so afraid someone might think poorly

Word and develop a daily time of

of me.

prayer with Him. The more you

Then something awesome happened. I started to learn who

seek Him, the more that He will show you.

I was in Jesus. I started to learn

26 // November 2015

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

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Paving the Way

by Jonathan Cantrell

I

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor better than silver and gold. —Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV).

n 1958 my grandfather, Roy Glen Caldwell, established

nine and left our family wondering what would happen to

Caldwell Paving. He was from the generation where a

a business that was established in a community that had

handshake was good as your word, and your credibility

counted on and supported us for so many years? I loved the

could stand on its own if you operated a business with

business, but I had to choose between playing ball or staying

integrity. He was the kind of man who gave all he had to his

close to home to attend a local college.

work, his family, and his community.

As a young boy around the age of nine, I began

After I graduated from high school, my life took on a life of its own. The company basically closed for a summer.

to shadow him. Every summer I would load up in his

During those months, I decided to attend Cleveland State

Oldsmobile 98 and spend the day going from job to job

and do Caldwell Paving as a side job while in school. If my

learning the ropes of paving. I loved it, and as long as I can

parents had not helped me through this season, we would

remember, I had a feeling that this may be the career and

not have been able to sustain the new start. My dad, John

natural gifting God would call me to.

Cantrell, has a master’s degree in business administration.

My Calling

There were years in between that I was not sure of this

As a professor at Cleveland State Community College for more than thirty years, he taught business management and showed me first-hand how to run a small business. My

calling. I was a basketball player at Bradley High School

mother, Glenda Cantrell, a former school teacher, kept the

and began to get offers to play ball at several colleges in the

financial records for the business while I attended college,

southeast. This was about the time Caldwell Paving’s future

played basketball at Cleveland State, and left classes to meet

hung in the balance. My grandfather died at age eighty-

the crew and finish a job.

28 // November 2015

Back in Business

Before long, Caldwell Paving was back in business. We

started with three employees and some tattered equipment, but we had a good name. Little by little, I began to figure out the ropes of a business that I had watched from afar and started to dream about what could be? In the late ’90s, we grew to more than 40 employees and more equipment. Our work grew from little driveways to major developments, many residential subdivisions, industrial projects, retail developments like Walmart Super Centers, Home Depot, and the GE Distribution Center in Charleston (to name of few). So many mentors who came alongside me like Jim Sharp, Tom Cate, Kent Berry, Ron Barker, and Sammy Feehrer were instrumental in those years. I will forever be grateful for those who came before me and believed in me and the work of our company.

We feel that Caldwell Paving’s greatest days are yet to come. The past three years Caldwell Paving has won the “Top 50 Paving Contractors” by Pavement Magazine. We are blessed to be a part of the work of our local NGO People for Care and Learning, Chic-Fil-A Leadercast, New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, Courts for kids, Project Free to Fly, Make a Wish Foundation, Bradley County/Cleveland City Schools, numerous churches and Life Bridges.

My grandfather, also a former county commissioner, believed in giving back, and I have tried to follow his lead as the former Bradley County Republican Chairman, Rotarian, and give back to numerous boards. We are excited about

Change and Growth

In 2001 I spotted my wife on the Lee University

campus while giving a bid to Dr. Paul Conn on the old

the climate of change and growth in our region and look forward to all that God so graciously allows us to be apart of in the coming years.

Over the past ten years, we have expanded our services

Science Building parking lot. Not long after that, I met the

into grading/excavating, seal-coating and concrete to offer

mysterious girl from Houston, Texas—Sarah MaGee. We

our customers a complete service within the construction

became best friends, and after years of pursuit, God was so

industry. It’s our delight to be able to start and finish a

gracious to allow her to become my wife.

job with excellence, know our customers are happy, and

We have been married for ten years and have two

continue the good name of Caldwell Paving. The future

precious children Caroline (age 8) and Caldwell (age 6) and

looks bright for our region and for Caldwell Paving. We

two twin baby boys John Wilson and David Cass who we

hold fast to the truth that “Now to him, who is able to do

graciously gave back to the Lord in October 2011. It was

immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according

the heartbreak of our family, but we have seen God move

to His power that is at work within us. . . .” (Eph. 3:20 NIV).

so mightily through this loss. The scripture Psalm 147:3 is

We pray this for our community and for you this next year!

true that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (NIV). We worship at Redemption Point Church and love the incredible teaching we have the honor of taking part in.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Trauma in the Labor Room “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

—Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

by Gracie Hixson

O

n October 15, 2002, Kelly Hixson was a bit

Although my mom was relieved that I did not have

excited as she prepared to give birth to her baby

any life-threatening injuries, she knew that life for me

girl. As with most mothers, this was a time of

would have challenges. I could not crawl, but that didn’t

great joy, but for my mom, this night would also bring

stop my determination—even as an infant. I quickly began

great sadness. The joy came eighteen hours later when I

to scoot on my bottom and then was able to get anywhere I

was born. As doctors began to scramble, my mom could

wanted to go quickly. Then I began walking, but because of

tell that something was wrong. She knew right away that

the nerve damage in my left arm, I was a little off balance,

her little girl was in trouble.

and I fell all the time. Because I could not extend my arm to

Long anatomical descriptive terms began to fly out of

catch myself, there was always concern that I would break

the mouths of the medical staff, and all my mom knew was

a bone. Still, this didn’t stop my determination. I would get

her little girl’s left arm was not moving. The doctors soon

back up and keep on going.

broke the news of the diagnosis: Brachial Plexus Palsy—a loss of movement or weakness of the arm. It occurs when the collection of nerves around the shoulder are damaged during birth.

Months passed and the doctors knew I would need surgery if I ever wanted movement in my arm. At nine months, I was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, where a team of specialist prepared me and my family for nerve surgery. My surgery was a success, but even with surgery, the doctors told my family there would always be limitations and things I couldn’t do.

Thirteen years have passed since my injury, and I am still as determined as I was as an infant. I do not let my limitations stop me from doing anything. Things that are simple for my classmates might take me a little longer. For example, it is hard for me to do push-ups in gym class and to fix my hair. I just try to figure out a different way of doing things. I have played baseball, basketball, volley ball, and participated in cheerleading, public speaking, singing, climbing trees, and chasing my big brother. The sport that I love the most is soccer.

You might think I have a really hard life, but I still try to do my best in my own special way. I never give up, and I never let my left arm stop me from doing the things I love.

This is all just a part of who I am!

30 // November 2015

Gracie Hixson is a 7th grade student at Ocoee Middle School where she plays soccer and the trumpet. She is a member of the FCA and attends Heritage Fellowship Church of God.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Being Unified—Jesus at the Center

W

Let Christ be united with you in your relationship.

by Mindy White

e are coming up on my favorite time of the year—a wonderful time of year to celebrate, reflect, make new memories, and to be thankful for all that we have. On the other hand, sometimes we can get so busy with work, family, friends, and church activities that we feel like we are in a whirlwind. The months of November and December are usually the busiest and the most stressful holiday seasons.

Many times I have felt like my husband and I are in two different worlds trying to fit everything in. These are the times we have to take time to reunite as a couple.

We need to look at where we are headed and what we are trying to accomplish. I want to remind you of the possibilities that come with the power of unity and why God placed you together as a couple in the first place.

Ecclesiastes 4 tells us that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (vv 9-10 NIV). You are a team; be united in your goals even if you aren't always together for every moment and occasion in your life.

You need each other.

The Enemy tries to isolate us and make us feel like we are alone. God has put you together to help each other make it through this life. You are together for a reason, so focus on that togetherness.

If one of you is having a hard time in an area of life, then the other is there to pick you up and help move you forward or help you finish the tasks for the day. Think how quickly you can make it through your daily to-do lists when you are both working at them. Get that good return

32 // November 2015

for your labor spoken about in Scripture. Be united in your effort and don't leave one person to do everything.

The other side of that is accepting help and not taking everything on as your own responsibility.

This applies to everything in your life—big and small. Those small tasks are training ground for the big events in your life and your relationships. Some are good and some are not so good. How you handle the little things gives you practice for when the tough times hit. You may feel like those small items don't matter in your relationship, but they do. Your relationship is strengthened and unified when you work on those life events together.

Verse 12 goes on to say: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Make sure Christ is the third person in your relationship and that He is at the center of it all. If He isn't, you need to stop were you are and get Him there.

The Enemy is after your relationship with each other and with Christ. Don't give him an inch because he will take a mile. Stop him in his tracks and remember the cord of three strands isn't easily broken. You want a strong cord and one that is dependent on Christ as the strongest thread. Try as you might, you will never make it without Him personally or as a couple. Don't let that even be an issue. Put Christ first and keep Him there.

Mindy White and her husband Robert have been married for 20 years. They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

To Serve

I

Mastering the art of communication, life skills, and the “road map” for success.

by Esmerelda Lee

n college, I had the honor of working in the

hire students from Cleveland High School, Bradley

restaurant industry as a server. One of my favorite

High School, Walker Valley High School, Denning

places to work at was J Alexander’s. Every week J’s

Center, Lee University, and Cleveland State Community

ran specials. As servers, we were encouraged to sell as

College. The vibrant and optimistic perspective of

many of the specialty items as possible, and we were

youth has brought a fresh outlook to the lives of seniors.

rewarded accordingly.

These servers remember drink orders, favorite foods,

Since competition was something I enjoyed, I

and names of each of the residents, which creates a

remember the fun I had learning every ingredient that

warm and welcoming environment. Residents also

went into each specialty item, watching how it was

love encouraging, sharing memories, and laughing

cooked, and then tasting it so that I could render a

at and with the young servers. In a normal restaurant

savory winning sales pitch. My friends were rewarded

environment, teaching and mentoring can only be done

by eating at J Alexander’s with gift certificates earned

by peers and dining staff; however, in a senior living

from my weekly winnings.

environment, these are daily ingredients to a great meal

Dining is always the social event of the day in

service. Servers are not just learning the art of serving,

senior living. People cling to the tried-and-true recipes

but they are also learning the art of caring, customer

of cornbread, meatloaf, and pinto beans, and they bring

service, life instruction, and the “road map” for success.

their culinary experience to each meal service. And

On some occasions, I receive complaints on the

just like the patrons of J Alexanders, they too expect to

food; however, seldom do I ever receive complaints on

be sold on each night’s specials. However, unlike the

service. This is not because our servers have mastered

patrons of J Alexander’s,

the art of restaurant-style dining; it is because they are

our residents are

mastering the art of communication and life skills. As

honored to eat in their

a mother of two teenagers, I have come to value the

dining room daily.

lessons learned in our dining room. Each evening at

Garden Plaza at

approximately 4:30 p.m., generations intersect, and

Cleveland has been

rather than voice frustration and lack of understanding,

fortunate to recruit and

a cataclysmic point of service becomes a classroom. The reward for each young server is not a monetary gift certificate to an expensive restaurant but a priceless gift toward their future.

34 // November 2015

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Dealing with Frustration

by Kelly McDonald Jr.

“Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.” —Ezra 4:4-5 (KJV)

L

ife has frustrations. The dog is

There were delays. This frustrated

important is the phone call or text

barking, the baby is crying, and

the work. These distractions were

message? Many times it can wait

the phone is ringing constantly

an attempt by their enemies to make

until later. The dog will always bark.

them give up.

When we are busy, it is easy to make

with calls and text messages. You are also late for an appointment. To

A frustration is something in

mountains out of mole hills. Focus

make matters worse, your boss has

life that disrupts our daily routine

on the things that must be done right

been pushing you to produce more

or causes us to have feelings of

now. Some things can wait, and some

work. People have been picking on

helplessness. We feel like we are

things are urgent.

you for your faith. Moreover, you

not in control of our own life. From

have personal concerns about your

Satan’s perspective, a frustration is

frustrations that are especially hard

finances, family, and even your

used to make us give up our faith

to handle. First, there are things we

own self-image. We all have these

in God. The Enemy wants us to

don’t understand. You may have

moments. At times you just can’t

surrender our confidence in the

electrical problems, but you know

seem to get a hold of your situation.

Creator God. How did the children

nothing about electrical work.

It seems like things are spiraling out

of Israel handle their frustrations?

Talk to someone who is a reliable

of control.

They overcame their frustrations by

expert in that area. You are putting

going forward. They had delays, but

your frustration into the realm of

to the Promised Land from Babylon,

they finished the work. They did not

their expertise. Secondly, there

they began to rebuild the Temple of

stop pursuing the will of God.

are life events that are beyond our

When the Jewish people returned

God. The Books of Nehemiah and

When you have frustrations,

There are two types of

control, such as how others treat us.

Ezra record these events. As soon as

always remember to keep going.

Some situations do not require our

the work started, the neighboring

While you are a child of God, you

attention and effort; they require that

peoples tried to discourage them.

are still human. You have limitations. Learn to prioritize your frustrations. How

we bring them to God's attention. His efforts will go much farther.

When frustrations arise, ask God for direction. Relax, prioritize, and realize that God is still on the throne.

What your hands cannot handle, His hands will provide.

36 // November 2015

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Blessing of Preschoolers Be grateful for the little ones God places in your life.

by Glenda Prichard

P

reschoolers. What do you think of when you hear

“That’s Okay, he replied, “you were busy putting

that word? Most would say loud, messy, selfish,

the buggy where it doesn’t belong!” I vowed that day

and time consuming. For me as a preschool

to always put the buggy up after loading my shopping

teacher and lover of preschoolers, these three to five

bags in the car. God used this to remind me that people

year olds bring out the best in me, keep me on my toes,

are watching me, even little people are watching what

and make me a better person. That makes preschoolers

I do. It’s important that I exhibit Godly guidelines and

a blessing!

wise choices in all I do, in all my dealings, in every

My life has been blessed by so many preschoolers.

I had the privilege to teach pre-kindergarten for fifteen

aspect of my life.

My heart is so full of gratitude for these little ones

years in a private Christian preschool. During that

God has placed in my life. They have taught me so

time, God used these preschoolers to bless me, to

much more than I could ever teach them. I’m also

encourage me, and to convict me. On one occasion,

thankful that God planned that my life would be spent

we were studying a unit on weather. I was sharing

teaching these little lives, because it is through them that

how I was afraid of storms and one of the little boys

He breaks me, melts me, molds me, and uses me for His

came up to me, put his arm around my neck, and said,

kingdom purpose.

“Ms. Glenda, have you ever thought about talking to

Thank You, God, for this gift of teaching. It’s a

God when you are scared?” Ouch! I should have been

calling rather than an obligation, a privilege instead

sharing that nugget of wisdom with him!

of a responsibility, a challenge rather than a chore, a

Another event happened as we were beginning our morning. This little boy came to class and announced to me that he had seen me the day before. He said, “Ms. Glenda, I saw you at the store yesterday.”

ministry rather than a job, trust rather than a task. I call that a blessing!

Find a preschooler and let God show you how amazing these little people are. Your life will be changed!

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t see you.”

38 // November 2015

Glenda Prichard, a preschool and children’s specialist. Her favorite people are preschoolers. She has used her teaching skills in a private Christian preschool, teaching preschool choir and teaching preschoolers and children in her church.

Glenda is married to Phil Prichard. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and one middle school granddaughter, Morgan, and four of their own preschool grandchildren— Brody, twins Beckett and Grant, and Carlee. Glenda can be contacted at Littlehouseinthebigwoods.pg@gmail.com

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Gò0dNews for Everyone THE KINGDOM COMES . . . THROUGH YOU!

by Dave Carringer

“A

nd whatever you do,

around us. It reminds us that we have

It doesn’t matter if you’re an

in word or deed, do it

been made one with Christ Jesus. It

astronaut, an accountant; the CEO of a

all in the name of the

reminds us that Jesus wants to be

billion-dollar corporation, or a stay-

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the

intricately involved in every word and

at-home-mom. It’s really not as much

Father through him” (Col. 3:17). What

action we take part in today! It reminds

about what you’re doing. It’s about who

an amazing verse to start each day!

us that He has given us the authority

you are reflecting as you do it! The

This is not talking about us searching

to use His name to do the works of

entire third chapter of Colossians has

for “churchy,” religious activities to

the kingdom, as well as the ability,

to do with the character of our “New

be busy with, in effort to please God;

by His Spirit, to be a literal, tangible,

Man” in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds us

and the context really doesn’t have

manifestation of His character, love,

of this redeeming truth in Galatians

anything to do with what others are

and power as we do it. It’s possible to

2:20: “It is no longer I who live, but

doing at all. Look again at the first

actually change someone’s life forever

Christ who lives in me.”

four words and let them sink in: “And

by simply giving them a glass of water

whatever you do.”

in the love and Spirit of Christ. (see

personality, are the very expression of

Mark 9:41).

God’s own heart, and He made you the

We should be encouraged with this each morning as we start our day. This

The Message translates Romans

Friend, your gifts, talents, and

way you are on purpose. Tomorrow

isn’t some religious command we’re

12:1 this way: “So here’s what I want

when you wake up, remember this;

required to do to please God; for if we

you to do, God helping you: Take your

Somewhere in the course of your day,

have faith in Christ’s finished work

everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping,

there is someone God wants to touch

and have made Him our Lord, then

eating, going-to-work, and walking-

with the love of His Kingdom, and He

God is already pleased with us and

around life—and place it before God as

wants to do it . . . through you! As you

has fully accepted us in His beloved

an offering. Embracing what God does

start your day, remember Jesus’ words:

Son. Friends, this is an empowering

for you is the best thing you can do

“Behold, I am with you always . . . and

invitation of honor from on high, to

for Him.”

just as my Father has sent me, I also

share the kingdom of God with those

send you” (see Matt. 28:20; John 20:21).

40 // November 2015

Dave Carringer is a minister of the Gospel. God called him behind the bars in 1997, where he and his wife, Kay, share the Good News with thousands of state prison inmates each year.

They also own Abundant Living Organic Foods and FRUITION Juice and Smoothie Bar.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

“O

Maple Pecan Pie

by Deana Thompson

h, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Ps. 107:1 NKJV). Thanksgiving is not just a time of family, turkey, and pecan pie; it is also a time to give thanks to God “for His wonderful works to the children of men” (v. 8). It is not about merely thanking God for all the stuff He has blessed us with over the

past year. It is about thanking Him for His wonderful works—His creation that surrounds us, the miracles He has performed in our lives, the beauty of a newborn baby, and the gift of salvation that has been accepted by family or friends.

In this time when corporations are pushing for more stuff and better sales, Thanksgiving Day is in jeopardy of becoming consumed by commercialism. Let our hearts cry out like David’s and say, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord!” (v. 8).

As you eat your pecan pie and chat with Grandma about her life and yours, remember to also share about the wonderful works God has done in your life this past year.

Pie Dough

• 1½ c. freshly-milled soft white wheat flour, or 1¼ c. all-purpose flour • ¼ tsp. salt • ½ c. cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size slices • 1 chilled egg • 2 Tbsp. ice cold water • ½ Tbsp. cold raw apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar

Pie Filling

• 2 c. pure maple syrup • 2 eggs, slightly beaten • 3 Tbsp. honey • 1/8 tsp. salt • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1½ c. pecan halves

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt.

Using a pastry blender, or two knives, cut in the butter until it is reduced to small bits and looks like coarse meal.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar.

Slowly add the liquid to the flour mixture, and gently toss the mixture with a fork until the ingredients are moistened. If the dough seems too dry, add extra water, one tablespoon at a time Using your hands, mold the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap, slightly flattening it. Refrigerate it about 15 minutes or until slightly firm.

Meanwhile, begin making the pie filling. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, boil the maple syrup for 8-10 minutes to reduce it. (It boils very high so make sure it is in a large saucepan.) Pour the syrup into a heatproof

42 // November 2015

measuring pitcher (it should be reduced to 1½ cups). (If not, return the syrup to the saucepan to boil until it is at 1½ cups).

Let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and roll it into a 12-inch circle between two squares of waxed paper. Remove the top sheet of paper and invert the pastry over a 9-inch pie pan, easing it gently into the pan. Remove the second sheet of waxed paper and fit the pastry firmly into the bottom and sides of the plate without stretching.

Trim the pastry along the edge of the pie pan, leaving a three-fourths inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and press the edge firmly against the pie plate rim to seal. This can be done with the tines of a fork, or by fluting the edge with your fingers and thumb. (For a flakier crust, brush the edge with cold water.)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the pie filling, stir together the 2 eggs, honey, salt, melted butter, vanilla, and cooled maple syrup. Add the pecans and stir well.

Pour the filling into the pie shell, distributing the pecans evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is slightly puffed and firm to the touch. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for about 45 minutes until it is just slightly warm.

Serve with whipped cream. (In a small bowl, beat 1 c. heavy whipping cream, 2 Tbsp. honey, and ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff.)

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Like a Bridge

When we face life’s raging waters and rivers, God will never leave us.

by Charlton S. Lewis

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon

W

though the waters, I will be with you; and when you

and Garfunkel. The writer proclaimed all

pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you”

hen I was in college, a popular song was

Scripture says, “Do not fear. . . . When you pass

the things he would do for his friend including this

(Isa. 43:2 NIV). What could be more reassuring than that

statement: “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay

promise? Surely, He can dry the water and He can build

me down.” What a nice idea to place himself in harm’s

a bridge, but he may choose for us to go through the wa-

way to become the means to span difficult times over

ter. Either way, we know for certain He will be with us.

“troubled water.”

How many times have we faced problems we would

When Moses was giving his farewell speech to Israel and Joshua, he told them to be strong and courageous

like to skip over or troubles we would like to miss? A

and not be afraid “for the Lord your God goes with you;

bridge is a means for travelers to pass over hazards in

he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6

their journey. Simple or grandiose, the common factor in

NIV). God created us and He will never leave us—in-

bridges is the ability to carry travelers across whatever

cluding when we face raging waters and rivers.

stands in their way.

The only human I know who walked on water was

He didn’t say if you pass through the rivers, but when you pass through them. Troubled waters will

Peter and he, in full view of the Savior, feared the wind

come, and we will stand before them and wonder how

and began to sink. But Jesus was kind and reached His

we will cross. We will look for a bridge and there may

hand out to rescue Peter. It is easy for us to criticize him,

not be one. We will want the waters to roll back, but the

but I wonder if I would have ventured outside that boat.

waves may still wash upon the shore and get our feet

Eliason wrote in another song these powerful

wet. The wind may blow so hard it causes us to stagger,

words: “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? God

and the bank on the other side may be out of sight, but

specializes in things thought impossible, and He can do

God will be with us. He will make sure the waters will

what no other power can do.” God created the universe,

not sweep over us. Whatever means He uses, He will be

and He has the means to roll back the water like He did

“like a bridge” that carries us over our troubled waters.

at the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Today, He can span our rivers with unexpected bridges, or He can carry us through the waters.

44 // November 2015

Charlton S. Lewis is a retired civil engineer from the USDA Forest Service. He and his wife Paulette have 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Faith and the Fight Your journey with pain can help others see His hand in your life and be encouraged in their faith.

F

by Irina Miller

ew things are as devastating as a life-threatening diagnosis. Recently, having gone through stage three breast cancer, I stand in awe of how God has rescued me from a dreadful fate. There was pain in the process, but God in His amazing grace, brought me through. Perhaps you know someone who is going

Jesus, they pulled apart the roof of an overcrowded building where Jesus was healing the sick? (see Mark 2:4). Shortly after that story, we find Jesus' heart being moved by someone's faith for a friend or a loved one.

through a illness or hardship, or maybe it's you. I wanted to share a few thoughts from my own journey with you.

This is a hard one. This will take everything we've got. After we've asked our questions, grieved and wept, we come to a place of reliance on Him and full surrender of our own anxiety. Sickness and suffering can't always be explained, but when we turn it into thanksgiving, we allow Him to turn our fight into something beautiful and glorious. Not only do we know Jesus as the Healer, but we also come to know Him in the suffering (see Phil.

3:10), and it takes our worship deeper.

Faith Anchor—Spirit Over Matter

Times of crisis are often when the choice we make will determine the course of our journey. Despair can come as an avalanche. Choose your reality according to what God says. The day of my diagnosis I had to make that choice to cling to His Word. It says that Jesus has put everything under His feet (see 1 Cor. 15:28). That includes cancer. Cancer doesn't have to control your thoughts. Jesus, as Your Lord and Savior, is in control over cancer and over your life. What you feed your spirit and your mind will either defeat or empower you.

Choose to turn every thought into a God-thought that is inspired by the truth of the Word of God.

You need Friends who will walk with you.

In the midst of pain, we may get weary.

We do what we can to make it through the day one small step at a time, having just enough faith for that one small step.

You need friends who love and pray with you and for you. Remember the story of a group of friends of a paralyzed man who were so tenacious and determined to get their sick friend to

46 // November 2015

Trust Him in the process.

Miracle is a journey, and it's meant for someone else.

Your story is as unique as your fingerprints. No healing story is the same. The journey He is taking you on is designed just for you, and He knows the areas in your life that need mending. He also wants to help you journey in such a way that others can see His hand in your life, and others can be encouraged in their faith.

No matter what the journey entails, we can trust Him to mold us and to hold us up. We can't always expect God to answer our prayers a certain way. Whether He heals in an instant or takes us every step as we walk through the valley, we begin to see Him more clearly as we fix our thoughts and our hopes on Him.

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Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

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Kids eat for $1 with every adult entree purchase.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Just One Touch

Freedom is available to everyone who seeks the touch of Jesus.

by Cathy Yaun

T

ouch. What is the significance of this physical,

emotional, and spiritual sensation? Touch is so vital that it is classified as one of our five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. For some, particularly for those who cannot see, the intensity of tactile pressure guides the way they perceive the world around them. So what is the true impact of a touch?

In Luke 13:10-13, Christ interacts poignantly with a woman in need. If anyone would have asked her at the time how her need could be met, she might have had a list as long as the toxic trail of tears emanating from her seemingly lifelong pain and suffering. Amazingly, she needed only one thing, and it came in the form of one touch from Jesus.

The story begins as [Jesus] “was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath and behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.

But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’

And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and glorified God” (NKJV).

What was her problem? Verse 11 makes it clear: she “could in no way raise [lift] herself up.” Have you ever been helplessness, saddled with the incapacity to lift yourself out of the quagmire of a hopeless situation? Be encouraged, for Jesus has a touch for you today. Just how did Christ lift the woman in need?

L—Love (vv. 11-12): Jesus took time to be personal; He stopped and placed a priority on her need. Your need, likewise, is urgent to your Savior—no matter how big or how small your need may be.

50 // November 2015

I—Impartation (v. 12): When Christ spoke the words, “Woman, you are loosed,” He transmitted (gave a portion of His power) into this woman a measure of His love, of His compassion, and of His authority. This same power is available to you, whatever your current state of mind or situation.

F—Freedom (v. 11): Remember: the woman could in no way “raise herself up;” thus, Jesus’ touch provided her freedom from bondage, freedom from pain, freedom from scorn and shame, and freedom from isolation. Be assured that freedom is generously and abundantly available to you as you seek His touch.

T—Transformation (v. 13): Christ dealt with her obstacle (that which was crippled within her), and she was “made straight” not eventually, but immediately.

Suddenly, she was whole and complete. As a result of her transformation, Jesus set her on a path to impact everyone with whom she came in contact as she walked away from her touch experience “glorifying God.” In spite of the darkest hour you may be facing, you too can be changed forever.

When Jesus touches you to L.I.F.T. you up, He will change the way you perceive your purpose and apply your authority in Him. And just think: all it takes is just one touch.

Cathy Yaun is a follower of Christ who counts it all joy to serve as a wife, mother, minister, and educator. She and Brian have been married for 27 years, and they have two handsome and gifted sons: Brad, age 24, and Brandon, age 17. Cathy serves as the state girls ministries coordinator for the Church of God in Tennessee, and she also served in the same position in the states of Kentucky and Arizona. One of her greatest joys in ministry occurs every summer in the Church of God Youth Camp program, which makes an eternal impact in the lives of youth and children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Autumn

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because his mercy endureth forever” —Psalm118:1 (KJV)

A

by Wesley Choplin utumn is my favorite time of all of the four

and sustaining in our lives. We each have our

seasons God has provided. Psalms 24:1 tells

interdependencies of family and friends.

us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness

thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (KJV).

We live in a beautiful region here in East

Thanksgiving Day is a time of bowing our hearts before God in praise for His many blessings we have received. Yearly, the president will pardon a

Tennessee. This past month the autumn leaves

Thanksgiving turkey, but you and I were pardon

turned vibrant colors that grabbed our attention. The

by the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus

mountain are filled with fall wild flowers blooming

Christ. Let us pause for those many blessings God

in profusion along roadways. My wife and I usually

has bestowed to each of us. Take the time during the

make a yearly pilgrimage to the Smoky Mountains to

month of November to write down the special gifts

spend some relaxing days observing the wonderful

God has provided this past year, and post it where

handiwork of our Creator.

you can see them on a daily basis.

There are some 100 species of native trees nestled

God has given to us the wonders of His hands on

in the Smoky mountains that give up the green

this earth. But with all the beauties God has created,

pigments in leaf deterioration. It gives other colors

He has provided us an eternal home prepared for us a

a chance to shine that look carrot orange, bright

bride adorn for her husband (see Rev. 21:2).

yellows, reds, and purples. When the sugars in the

The trees in heaven are unlike those of the Smoky

leaves break down, their leafs are illuminated by the

Mountains. In heaven we are told there is a tree of

bright autumn sunlight.

Life which bares twelve different fruits producing a

The Psalmist David declared: “The heavens

new fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are

declare the glory of God; and the firament sheweth

for the healing of the nations (see Rev. 22:2). We must

his handywork” (19:1 KJV). This is a season to be

be thankful to God for His blessings we endure. As

thankful for all the wonders God has made for

believers in Christ Jesus, we have a promised life of

each of us to enjoy. November is a month we give

tranquility waiting on us.

gratitude or thanks for all that is good, wholesome,

52 // November 2015

Wesley Choplin is pastor of Souls Outreach Church in Cleveland, TN. He attended Lee University, a graduate of Logos Bible College and Seminary in Jacksonville, FL and holds an earned Doctor of Divinity Degree from Cambridge Theological Seminary in Byesville, OH. He is married to Linda and they have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Everything Happens for a Reason “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

T

by Nicole Wiley here have been instances in my life in which I was

four seconds away from qualifying for state in the 200

stuck, and I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully,

freestyle. My surgeon, who is a very godly man, took

the Lord has blessed me with a supporting family

my hand and said, “Everything happens for a reason,

who has helped me through many of those instances.

Nicole. Sometimes we don’t understand why, but God

There was one instance in particular, however, that only

knows what He’s doing. We’re going to need to schedule

God could help me overcome completely.

surgery.” So on December 31, 2014, I had six anchors

It was a chilly November day just like any other

drilled into my bone to reattach the labrum, and a bum-

day, and I was on my way to swim practice after school.

per was placed in the rear of the shoulder as protection.

Upon arrival, we discovered that the pool was temporar-

Pain was an understatement to what I was experi-

ily shut down for mandatory repairs. Since swim prac-

encing, and watching my friends compete every week at

tice was canceled for the day, I asked my dad if we could

swim meets was almost unbearable. Then I remembered

go to the softball field to practice, because I was plan-

the first Bible verse that I ever memorized.: “For I know

ning to try out for the team at my school. The practice

the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to

was going amazing. My pitching wasn’t as behind as I

prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope

thought, and my fielding had taken a turn for the better.

and a future” (Jer. 29:11 NIV).

My dad had thrown me about two buckets of balls, and

Throughout this time, I remembered God’s promise

once again, things were going amazing. It was the last

that He plans to give His children a bright future and

ball in the bucket. Just as I made contact with the soft-

that He will never harm us. Sometimes, we run into situ-

ball, my shoulder dislocated.

ations that cause us to take a step back from our daily

After being rushed to the emergency room, I was

life and see the reason behind everything. I struggled at

referred to an orthopedic surgeon to examine the injury.

first to see God’s plan and how this was going to turn

An MRI was conducted, and we found out that I had a

into something good.

large tear in my labrum and that I had detached several

The time from my surgery is ten months now, I am

of the surrounding ligaments from the bone. My dad and

back in the pool, and I feel like I never left the water.

I sat in the examination room staring at the computer

With the Lord’s help, I completed all of the physical

screen, hoping that therapy would solve this problem.

therapy, and I am about half of a second from my best 50

After all, swim season had just begun, and I was a mere

freestyle time.

54 // November 2015

Nicole Wiley is a sophomore at Cleveland High School who attends First Baptist Church.

Dear Mom and Dad,

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