September 2025

Gò0dNews

About Us

WRITERS

Bill Silvers

Brittany Crabtree

Candyce Carden

Charles Finney

Chrissie Joy Jackson

Claudia Boyd

Courtney Fox

Debra Brummett

Dorothy Teague

Douglas Baynes

Filip Brunner

Garrett Nudd

Hayden Lanier

Heather Medley

Jan Merop

Janise Copeman

Dr. Rob Debelak

Stephanie Evans

Timothy Gann

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews CM

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE

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Hello Friends,

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

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

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

Disclaimer

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

Working Together in the Kingdom

by Timothy Gann

The Church, as an army, is called to fight against spiritual forces that seek to destroy individuals, families, communities, and nations. This battle is not just about defense, but also about advancing God’s Kingdom, rescuing souls from darkness, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus commanded His followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

The Church is an army on a mission to bring the Gospel to every corner of the world, to tear down the strongholds of sin and darkness, and to proclaim the victory of Christ over death, Hell, and the grave.

Jesus Christ came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and go to Heaven when we die. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 KJV).

With the world so divided, and yes, many in the Church, there has never been a more urgent time in history for the true Church to work together with the main goal of sharing the Gospel with this lost and dying world.

In Mark 16:15-16 KJV, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

I once read a story of a little girl who wandered off into a huge cornfield on a cold winter day. A search party was assembled to find her quickly because the temperatures were expected to drop well below freezing after sundown. After scattering all day through the massive cornfield

without finding her, someone said, “Let's all join hands and walk together through the field and see if we can find her.” They all joined hands and walked together in a long line. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before they found the precious little girl, but it was too late. The little girl had succumbed to the coldness of the night. Someone in the search party with a trembling voice declared, “Oh, if we had all joined hands in the beginning, she would still be alive!”

One of the worst feelings in the world is to realize you are lost, whether physically or spiritually. One evening, early in our marriage, I convinced my wife to go squirrel hunting with me. We had not been in the woods long before I harvested my first bushy tail. With the sun quickly setting, it was time to end the hunt. I headed in what I thought was the right direction, but soon realized we were lost. We saw cars passing on a road above a deep ravine. I thought we would have to make our way through the thick ravine to reach the road. My wife had a much better idea; she started praying, and walking, and the Lord led us right out of the woods to the road we saw. Still not knowing where we were, I made several attempts to stop a car to help us, but none stopped. After a few minutes, I thought of the reason why, and I couldn’t blame them. Who would stop at night when they saw a man with a shotgun in his hand? I finally left my gun with my wife and walked to a house and asked for the directions we needed.

I said all of that to say this: it truly is a horrible feeling to be lost, especially without the Lord. So, please let the Church hold hands and go rescue the perishing.

Timothy Gann is pastor of Prospect Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee.

MFrom Classroom to Conference Room

Money Matters

Claudia Boyd with

ost of you probably don’t know who I am, or understand why a high school student is writing an article representing Hughes Retirement Group; so let me introduce myself. My name is Claudia Boyd. I am 17 years old and entering my senior year at Bradley Central High School.

For the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to work at Hughes Retirement Group, and what began as my very first job has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey toward becoming a teacher. If I’m being honest, I was terrified when I started. This was uncharted territory for me—no more athletic wear, no more sleeping in, no previous experience. Just business attire, professional conversations, and a whole new world to learn. But from day one, every person in the office welcomed me with open arms. That kindness set the tone for everything I would come to experience and learn.

Even as a young girl in third grade, I knew God called me to be a teacher. I’ve always wanted to help children grow; not just academically, but emotionally, spiritually, and socially. What I didn’t expect was that God would use an office job to prepare me for that calling in powerful ways! Working at Hughes Retirement Group has taught me how to communicate clearly and respectfully with adults, a skill that will serve me well as I interact with parents and fellow educators in the classroom. I’ve learned how to carry myself professionally, how to show up with an open mind, and how to approach each day as a new opportunity to grow. When I first arrived, I knew nothing about Medicare or financial planning. I had to start from the ground up, soaking in as much knowledge as I could.

In teaching, I will face the same reality; no two days are alike, and there is always something new to learn. Being adaptable and open to growth is essential in all work fields. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your coworkers are your teammates. Coming from an athletic background, the coaching and structure that Rick Hughes implements in the office clicked with me immediately. A classroom, much like a sports team, thrives on unity. The teacher is the coach. The students are the players. When everyone supports one another, beautiful things happen.

But above all, the most life-changing part of working at Hughes has been the spiritual encouragement and example I’ve received. Worship music fills the air. Every Monday morning, we start with a devotional led by Wendy Hughes. Those moments have taught me what it looks like to invite God into the workplace, boldly and joyfully. Wendy has been a true spiritual mentor to me. Through her guidance, I’ve learned how to study Scripture more deeply and apply it practically. She’s shown me that it is possible to bring your faith into your work—even in subtle, respectful ways that reflect Christ’s love without offense. As a future teacher, that is a lesson that I will carry with me closely. I am beyond thankful for my time at Hughes Retirement Group. The team there has not only prepared me for the future I dream of—they’ve prepared me to live a life of purpose, no matter where God leads me. I’ve grown professionally, as a student, and as a believer and for that I will always be grateful.

Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.

Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.

Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.

There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.

Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.

If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your

Gò0 dNews for Everyone

Joyweeds

“If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter how many weeds surround it.” —Matshona Dhliwayo

by Candyce Carden

Joyweed is an odd name for the small white bloom with waxy leaves growing on the shores of south Florida. The two words clash, creating an oxymoron. Joy is a trait we seek in life, while weeds are a nuisance we’d rather live without.

The flower’s name instantly reminded me of the children I met on a mission trip to Barahona, Dominican Republic. Never have I known a more joyful group, and never have I witnessed such dire living conditions. I worked with a group intent on making local drinking water safe. My daughter assisted doctors providing healthcare for people who walked miles for services.

Children romped over the grounds where our crew was based. Active and full of fun, they loved American visitors. Joy spilled from their shining eyes like the moonlight that shimmered across Neiba Bay, off the Caribbean Sea.

Whenever I took a break, a couple of kids crawled onto my lap to try on my sunglasses. Others stood behind me and braided my “yellow” hair. We tossed a dusty ball around. Two grinning boys showed off a new toy. Someone had converted a single serving milk carton into a makeshift vehicle by attaching four plastic twist-off bottle caps to the corners of the carton to serve as wheels. The boys proudly demonstrated how string looped through the top allowed them to pull the car across the dirt lot. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2 NIV).

The Greek word for joy in this verse is chara, meaning “a state of delight and well-being, resulting from knowing and serving God.”

James instructs us to view our afflictions and tribulations with the highest of joy. God exposes us to them to provide opportunities to improve our virtues (James 1:2-4). And in Matthew we read, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 NIV).

When we place our faith in Christ, He reveals Himself as a treasure that trumps loss, as a force that thrashes fear. That’s how joy thrives when we’re “in the weeds.”

Weeds are like poverty—invasive and ugly. They can choke life out of all they touch. Yet, here in this place of destitution, joy thrived.

You and I have never faced poverty like the children of Barahona live with every day, but seasons of loss and fear will find us. With God, we can rejoice through trials. Joy is the fruit of a right relationship with Christ and cannot be created by our own efforts (Galatians 5:22).

Jesus, help us realize that trials can and should be met with joy as we are strengthened in the knowledge that You are near.

“In the weeds” is an idiom used to describe someone who is overwhelmed with problems or overloaded with work. What helps you maintain joy when you’re in the weeds?

for Everyone

How Do You Read Your Bible? Deuteronomy 31:9-13

by Dr. Rob Debelak

Then...

Fire from a burning bush ignited a life of communicating God’s message. From shepherd to spokesperson, the centrality of God’s Word characterized Moses’ ministry as a messenger and writer. Changed positively by the Word of the LORD, his personal experience became a model for future generations. He urged...

“Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law...” (v 12 KJV).

These assemblies were open to people of all ages, and everyone became a responsible recipient of God's message. This diverse group gathered specifically to listen, studiously learn, and subsequently live by the LORD’s instructions. In a community setting, these three components collectively formed an effective reading plan for engaging God’s Word. That They May Hear

“Hearing” is a first-hand, personal encounter with the voice of Scripture. Summoning attention, it tunes in on “What does God factually say?” receiving the message as it was given, without rephrasing or redefining it to suit personal preferences.

Faithful listeners will overcome distractions interfering with time in Scripture. Captivated with God, listening intently to His voice is the priority. Showing up and hearing the Word is foundational as the message's meaning is scaffolded on that footing. That They May Learn & Worship

Probing possibilities, evaluating outcomes, grappling with conclusions, etc., the learning process is motivated by a drive to understand. Superior results are true to context and line up with the collective testimony of Scripture. Illustrated centuries later by inspired songwriters, the worship lyrics of Psalm 19 describe God’s Law qualitatively (flawless, trustworthy, righteous, etc.) and effectively (refreshing, instructional, illuminating, etc.).

Spiritual growth develops when exploring the Word’s rationale. The discovery of Scripture’s reason and intention produces respect and humility. In genuinely seeking answers to, “What does this passage mean?” appreciation for God’s love and goodness grows, leading to humbly ‘practicing what you read.’

That They May Do

Because faithfulness is expected in every area of life, this application element asks, “What does this text look like in action?” Does it call one away from conduct conflicting with holiness? Or does it call one to compliance with Scriptural standards? James puts it this way, “…become doers of the word, and not hearers only…” commenting that blessing follows behavior that is consistent with Scripture (1:22-25 NKJV).

Now...

Moses’ parting message emphasized the necessity of following the Word to navigate life successfully. His people's identity and spiritual survival depended on obeying God’s instructions—a point still relevant today. Then, and now, Deuteronomy 31:9-13 proactively counters potential neglect, redefinition, ignorance, or apathy toward Scripture. Because those same challenges remain, Deuteronomy 31:9-13 still speaks.

Shining as a guiding light on the diminishing levels of biblical literacy, Moses’ inspired words offer direction for getting readers back on track and invites believers to deepen their relationship with God.

An honest self-evaluation can determine whether personal reading commitments reflect a desire to hear God’s voice, display enthusiasm to know Him deeply, and if one’s life demonstrates sound biblical ethics. Readers can make any necessary adjustments, commit, and follow through. The same criteria apply in family and faith community settings where we read and study together, holding each other accountable, in love, to living the Word.

Whether in Moses’ day or ours, the regular reading, quality learning, and faithful living of the Scriptures is a package deal. What an amazing gift!

Taste and See That the LORD Is Good

(Psalm 34:8 NLT)

by Debra Brummett

Have you ever dined on something so good that it left you wanting more? Something so amazing you woke up thinking about it, craving for more, and finding the words to describe it was nearly impossible? Maybe it’s that favorite dish your grandmother makes, just for you, every Thanksgiving or an incredible item on a restaurant menu you wouldn’t hesitate to drive a distance to have again. I’m sure you have – and most likely you’re thinking of that indescribable, out of this world dish right now!

I find it interesting that the writer of Psalms used two of our natural senses to help awaken our awareness of the Lord, “taste and see” (both meaning to “become aware of” or “to perceive”). I believe the Lord knew the best way to entice us to get to know Him would be by relating to the natural side of us.

Let’s take a peach, for instance. You can try to describe to someone, who has never seen or tasted a peach, what it looks like and how great it tastes. You might say, it is round about the size of a tennis ball, dark red and yellow in color, and slightly fuzzy on the outside. The inside is a combination of both sweet and tart and very juicy. But it’s not until they bite into a ripe juicy peach for themselves that they can personally understand how sweet and refreshing a peach is and experience how easy its juice can quickly run down their hand with each bite, easily creating a desire, a craving, for more.

It is the same with the Lord. We can listen to others describe how great and good our Lord is, how His love for us is immeasurable and His mercy towards us is new every day, but it can’t stop there. We can’t really taste of Him through others’ experience or description. Man’s words alone can’t come close to describing the depth of the Lord’s love, His undeserved grace, and the forgiveness He has for us. Only when we purposely choose to spend time with Him will we personally taste (become aware of) and see (perceive) Him and all His goodness for ourselves.

Food experts say, to truly experience a dish, we need to savor the food. In other words, take time to taste and discover its goodness. The Lord knew that the more we taste and see of Him, and savor [meditate] on His Word,

the deeper we would come to know Him and crave more of Him --- just like those round fuzzy peaches.

Let’s not stop short of this passage. The rest of verse 8 reveals what happens when we Taste and See. “Blessed is the man who takes refuge [trusts] in Him!” In a nutshell… To Taste and See of the Lord is to know Him intimately. To know Him intimately is to trust Him; and blessed [happy] are those who trust and find safety in Him.

Typically, trust isn’t given to an individual you barely know. You may want to, but real all-embracing trust and safety only come when you have personally spent time getting to know the individual. For this reason, that is why the Lord desires for you to know Him, so you can confidently put your complete trust in Him reaping the benefits of blessings, happiness, and refuge in Him.

Let me encourage you to take moments throughout the day to taste and become aware of the Lord, in you, and around you. Meditate on His promises. No doubt you will come to see that He is good and your trust and desire for Him will grow.

I have tasted and seen and my Lord is good. . .but I will let you discover that for yourself!

Debra Brummett transplanted to Tennessee over 28 years ago with her husband, Ken. They attend Mt. Olive COG. Together, they founded their God-given business, Bio-Chem Inc. She is the mother of a son and daughter who have blessed her with five grandsons.

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Birchwood, Tennessee

Birchwood, Tennessee

Birchwood, Tennessee

for Marriage

Bookends

by Jan Merop

The figures of a girl and boy reading a book in their laps delight me as they hold together several books and my Bible. Bookends. One at each end gingerly doing their job silently. And adding a touch of charm to the display.

I like to think about marriage in that way, too. My husband Ken and I, like bookends, support each other and hold together all those things in between. When he is going through something disturbing, the Lord graciously enables me to lift him up. Encourage him. Present the glass half full as opposed to seeing it half empty.

On the other hand, when he is celebrating some accomplishment, I’m his biggest cheerleader ready to brag on him a bit to anyone willing to listen. And it goes both ways. When I first began writing, it took

time for me to refer to myself as a writer. However, even though the written word was not his forte, Ken accompanied me to several writers’ conferences to encourage me. Gradually, he began enjoying it. Talking with new acquaintances, he gleaned ideas he could use to encourage me. In so doing, he supported me and helped me realize God’s calling on my life to write.

However, when we stepped into self-publishing a devotional book of some of my columns, we ran into seemingly insurmountable obstacles…including unfamiliar publishing lingo.

“I can’t do this!” I cried as he held me in his arms.

Then, an unusual thing happened. I heard a voice in my spirit as if it were audible say, “Yep!”

It startled me momentarily until I realized God was reminding me that I wasn’t leaning on Him,

but on my own understanding as Proverbs 3:5 and 6 KJV warns us not to do, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I squirmed out of Ken’s embrace and chuckled, relating to him what I’d just heard. So, Ken took me away for a weekend where I could seek the Lord away from the pressures. Clarity returned.

Our ‘bookend’ relationship has been like the dawn and setting sun wrapping up a day of beauty, joys, tears and everything in between.

Not long ago, the eclipse took place and everyone looked to the heavens to experience the moon covering the sun, a miracle of the heavenly realm.

However, God holds everything together daily as the sun rises in the east…brightening our day…to the sun setting in the west as we experience rest in the gentle close of the day.

Colossians 1:15 -17 NLT says, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth…He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

What beautiful imagery of our lives is written in His book as He holds all things together supporting us, encouraging us and creating a thing of beauty and clarity. All kept by the bookends of His love and grace…a touch of His charming appeal on our lives like the miraculous bookends of the rising and setting sun. Selah.

Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause...and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She and her husband Ken have lived in Cleveland for about one year. They enjoy hospitality, Bible study, and walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.

About The Author

Why Are You Chasing Storms?

by Charles Finney

“And the Lord said unto Elijah, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12 KJV).

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves captivated by the storms of

life. The loud, the chaotic, and the turbulent seem to draw our attention, as though in their midst we might find some greater truth or revelation. But as we examine the Word of God, we are reminded that the Lord often chooses to speak to us not in the whirlwind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the still small voice that follows.

The Fascination with Storms Storms are dramatic. They come with power and force, shaking the very foundations of the earth. They grab hold of our senses, leaving us in awe of their magnitude and the destruction they can bring. In

much the same way, the storms of life—the trials, the conflicts, and the challenges—capture our attention. We become storm-chasers, pursuing the turmoil and the noise, believing that in the storm, we might find answers or even a sense of purpose.

But why do we chase these storms? Is it because we believe that God is in the midst of the chaos, that He is speaking through the thunder and the lightning? Or is it because we are drawn to the excitement, to the adrenaline that comes with standing on the brink of disaster? Do we think that by enduring the storm, we prove our strength, our faith, or our worth?

The Lord Is Not in the Storm

In 1 Kings 19, we find the prophet Elijah in a moment of despair. He had just experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal, yet he found himself fleeing for his life, fearful and alone. Elijah sought refuge in a cave, and it was there that the Lord instructed him to go out and stand on the mount before Him.

As Elijah stood there, a great and strong wind tore through the mountains, breaking rocks into pieces. But the Lord was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake, shaking the ground beneath his feet. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire appeared, blazing with intensity. But the Lord was not in the fire.

Finally, after all the noise and chaos had passed, there came a still small voice. It was in this gentle whisper that Elijah encountered the presence of God.

The lesson here is profound. We often expect God to reveal Himself in the dramatic and the powerful. We think that the storms of life are where we will find Him, where He will make His will known. But the truth is, the Lord often speaks to us in the quiet moments, in the stillness that follows the storm.

The Dangers of Chasing Storms

When we chase storms—whether literal or figurative—we place ourselves in harm's way. We expose ourselves to the danger of being overwhelmed, of losing our footing, and of being swept away by the

force of the tempest. In our pursuit of the dramatic, we risk missing the quiet voice of God that calls us to peace, to rest, and to trust in Him.

The storms of life are inevitable. We will face trials, challenges, and moments of great uncertainty. But we must be careful not to seek out these storms as a way to prove our faith or to force a divine encounter. The Lord is not in the storm itself, but in the calm that follows. He is in the peace that surpasseth all understanding, the peace that can only be found in Him.

Finding God in the Stillness

As believers, we are called to seek the Lord with all our hearts. But in our seeking, we must remember that God is not always found in the noise and the chaos. He is found in the quiet moments of reflection, in the stillness of prayer, and in the gentle whisper that speaks to our souls.

When the storms of life arise, let us not be quick to chase after them, thinking that they are the source of divine revelation. Instead, let us wait upon the Lord, trusting that He will speak to us in His time and in His way. Let us find comfort in the still small voice that calls us to a deeper relationship with Him, a voice that can only be heard when we quiet our hearts and minds.

Why are you chasing storms? Is it because you seek the Lord, or because you are drawn to the drama of life’s challenges? Remember that the Lord is not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. He is in the still small voice that comes after the storm. In the quiet moments, in the calm after the chaos, He speaks to us, offering peace, guidance, and assurance.

So let us cease our storm-chasing, and instead, seek the Lord in the stillness. Let us be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10), for it is in the quietness of our hearts that we will truly find Him. Amen.

Run and Not Grow Weary

by Bill Silvers

In June 2025, I had the honor of competing in the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, Tennessee. The event brought together over 1,000 veteran athletes from every state across the U.S.

By God’s grace, I won gold medals in the 200-meter, 400-meter, and 800-meter races, and a silver medal in the 1,500-meter. I give God all the praise, glory, and honor for the strength and endurance He gave me throughout the competition.

Running has become a ministry for me—a way to encourage others and share God’s goodness. Whether I’m at the starting line or the finish line, I hope others see not just an athlete, but a testimony of what God can do through someone who trusts Him. Each race is an opportunity to shine your light, no matter what the outcome.

The races are not just about winning. I thank God for the opportunity to meet, greet, and compete with fellow veterans—each with their own story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Before each race, I pray, not to win, but that every athlete will be able to compete to the best of their ability, free from pain or injury. I also pray especially for myself, that I won’t trip and fall again.

During each race, I usually talk to God, asking for continued strength and focus. At the finish line, I thank Him for carrying me through. This experience is a true blessing, and I am grateful to participate. All glory to God!

I want to thank the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for the amazing and well-organized Golden Age Games. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

Running holds a special significance for me, not only as a physical pursuit but as a deeply spiritual practice. It offers a powerful metaphor for my Christian walk, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and eternal focus. Hebrews 12:1–2 NIV inspires this connection, urging us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This Scripture beautifully captures the essence of why I run: to foster a disciplined life that mirrors the steadfastness of Christ, constantly looking to Him as the ultimate guide and motivator.

Running reflects the Scriptural call to aim for more than just earthly achievements. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NIV, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

This passage reminds me that while running, I am not just training my body but also cultivating spiritual virtues like self-control and determination, aiming for an imperishable reward in heaven. Each step becomes a reflection of my commitment to live according to God’s will, striving for the incorruptible.

The vitality and endurance found in Isaiah 40:31 NIV inspire my running journey: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This promise of divine empowerment sustains me, encouraging a positive attitude even through fatigue and challenges. Running, therefore, transcends physical exercise; it becomes a celebration of the strength of spiritual truths, reinforcing my resolve to run my earthly race with the energy, courage, and joy that comes from my faith in Christ.

Bill Silvers from Ellijay, Georgia, began running competitively at age 82. He runs to the glory of God!

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Why Choose PuroClean?

Why Choose PuroClean?

We polish windows, fixtures, and appliances to a professional standard, delivering a spotless, move-in-ready space. With tight contractor timelines in mind, we work quickly and e iciently to keep your project on schedule.

• Fast, Reliable Service: We’re ready when you are, ensuring your project stays on schedule.

Fast, Reliable Service: We’re ready when you are, ensuring your project stays on schedule.

• Comprehensive Cleanup: From dust and debris to deep cleaning, we can handle it all.

Cleanup: From dust and debris to deep cleaning, we can handle it all.

• Industry-Standard Pricing: Fair and transparent pricing based on project scope.

Pricing: Fair and transparent pricing based on project scope.

• Trained & Certified Professionals: Our team follows IICRC standards—meeting strict industry qualifications.

Trained & Certified Professionals: Our team follows IICRC standards—meeting strict industry qualifications.

With PuroClean, you get a licensed, insured, and highly trained team committed to your success. work e iciently to ensure your build is restored to top notch condition a er construction work leaves a mess behind, impressing clients and protecting your reputation.

With PuroClean, you get a licensed, insured, and highly trained team committed to your success. We work e iciently to ensure your build is restored to top notch condition a er construction work leaves a mess behind, impressing clients and protecting your reputation.

You’ve built it—now let us make it shine!

You’ve built it—now let us make it shine!

When Love Feels Like Control: Turning Micromanagement into Connection

by Heather Medley

Amother watches her son fall apart again with tears spilling over something seemingly small, his shoulders tense, his little voice sharp with anxiety. She feels the familiar ache rise in her chest: “What did I do wrong?” From the beginning, she did everything she could to protect him. She grew up managing the emotions of everyone around her and began doing that with him when he was born. She managed everything from his foods and his routines to his playdates and his emotions. She tried to outrun his pain by orchestrating his world.

But now he’s eight, and he seems even more fragile. He often checks her face for reassurance. He melts down a lot. He mis-cues and pulls her in, and then pushes her away. She wonders, have I made it worse? She’s not alone.

What’s Really Going On?

Many of us who grew up in emotionally chaotic homes become expert managers of emotion. We learn to read the room, anticipate needs, and sacrifice our own to keep the peace. So when we become parents, our love often comes with micromanagement. This is not

because we do not love our kids, but because we love them so much that we fear losing them. Children do not thrive through perfect control. They thrive through secure connection.

The Science of Co-Regulation

Dr. Dan Siegel reminds us that children borrow our nervous system. They are not born with the capacity to regulate themselves.They learn it through repeated experiences of being soothed by a calm, attuned adult. When a child is overwhelmed, they are not asking for solutions. They are asking, “Can I fall apart and still be safe? Will you stay with me?”

When we respond by fixing or withdrawing, their inner world stays stormy. But when we slow down, lower our voice, and stay present, we become their path back to calm.

The calm must begin in us and we cannot give what we have not received. If no one welcomed our big feelings, it may feel overwhelming to sit with our child’s big feelings. In those moments, old stories tell us, “This is too much.” This is where grace enters. We do not have to do it perfectly. Co-regulation is not about saying the perfect thing. It is about staying connected when things feel hard.

Dr. Gordon Neufeld teaches that true maturity grows from invited dependence, not forced independence. Children become more resilient when they feel safe to rely on us. Rest allows growth. A child who senses that someone strong and kind delights in being their anchor, is a child who begins to trust others and themselves. They do not need us to fix everything. They need to know they are not alone.

Dr. Donald Winnicott gave us the idea of the “holding environment.” This is a space created by a caregiver who is emotionally attuned and available. In that space, a child can feel all their feelings and still feel safe. Winnicott famously said that children do not need perfect parents. They need “good enough” parents. These are parents who return, repair, and show up again and again.

Many of us were taught to suppress pain, so our child’s emotions can feel threatening and too much. We can offer ourselves what we once needed. We can breathe deeply, place a hand on our heart, and say, “I can stay. I am safe now.”

The Shift: From Control to Connection

The most important truth is this: it is never too late. God’s mercies are new every morning not just for our children, but for us, too. Instead of fixing every feeling, we learn to be with the feeling. Instead of managing fragility, we invite our children to rest in our strength. Remember that even Jesus wept. He did not need to be fixed.

A New Script: Co-Regulation in Action

Here is a simple example of what this shift can look like: Old Script (Micromanagement)

Child: crying and yelling after a friend says something mean

Parent tries to fix it: “You cannot let people treat you like that. You need to play with someone else.”

New Script (Connection)

Child: crying and yelling after a friend says something mean

Parent: soft voice, low posture, saying,”That really hurt. I get it. I’m right here with you.”

Tools for the Journey

• Presence over performance: You do not need perfect words. Your grounded presence is enough.

• Repair over perfection: When you get it wrong, take responsibility and try again.

• Daily rituals of connection: Meals, stories, and quiet time build trust.

• Be the bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind one: This is your sacred role.

Final Word: It’s Not Too Late

Attachment is not about perfection. It is about repair and return. Your child does not need a flawless parent. They need one who is willing to grow.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14 ESV). Love does not mean control. Love means presence.

Does God Care About Purses?

by Filip Brunner

So, it’s September again. For my wife and me that means our anniversary and her birthdate. Anniversary gift, check, I paint and my wife seems to like my art. Next, it’s on to birthday gifts. After 32 years of marriage, I sort of kind of know what my wife likes. On this particular day, my eldest daughter and my wife’s younger sister took my wife out to eat and then shopping. As it turns out they were looking at purses. At the same time, I was at a local resale shop looking for something unique to get for my wife’s birthday.

Now, this is where things get interesting. You know that still small voice of God when the unmistakable communication of the Holy Spirit arrests you in your tracks and directs you to say or do something? Usually it is something like: “share the Gospel with someone, or pray for someone, or go help that person or simply go be a blessing.” But as far as I can remember, the Holy Spirit of God had never asked me to go look at purses. Does God care for purses? I don’t know if He does or does not care for purses in particular but I know without any doubt that God cares for us.

In the Old Testament book of 2nd Kings, we read a story where a borrowed axe head fell into the Jordan River and it would not have been found except for the miraculous intervention of God.

“But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it” (2 Kings 6:5-7 KJV).

Does God care about a borrowed axe? God loves the person who lost the axe head in the river. God loves His children. God loves me. God loves you. And, God loves my wife so much that when she goes to three different stores and she finds the purse she really would like to have but finds the price to be too much, that God in His foreknowledge sent me to a resale shop. My wife’s prayer was: “Lord, I could use a new purse.” My prayer was: “Lord, please let me find a gift for my wife’s birthday.”

God cares about every part of our lives, even the parts we think of as small and insignificant.

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

I am not writing this because I have interest in purses or axe heads, rather because we need to understand the extent of the love of God.

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.

Angela Coates Ramona Thompson

Crissy Graham

Anna K. Carden

Ocoee Pediatrics

Ocoee Pediatrics is a pediatrician’s office that goes above and beyond the standard call of duty for a doctor’s office. Each and every staff member feels a personal call to serve the world’s most precious resource: children. Their slogan is “Caring for our children is caring for our future.” Ocoee Pediatrics is proud to serve the healthcare needs of children in their region. Most of their staff grew up in their area and now they are raising their children there. The health and well-being of all their children is their primary focus.

Ocoee Pediatrics serves patients from the day they are born until they turn eighteen years old. Their goal is to provide quality care to each child that comes through their doors. They provide both well-child care and sickchild care. They provide immunizations, preventative care, sports physicals, and newborn care. For their sick patients, they are committed to seeing their patients within twentyfour hours of illness onset in most cases. During their busy season, they even offer extended hours on Mondays to facilitate their availability in times of illness. Their staff is

committed to the population they serve, and their goal is to provide excellent compassionate care to their patients and their families.

What truly sets their office apart from other pediatrician offices is their caring staff. Their staff is so special because each member goes above and beyond their basic responsibilities to make sure that the patient and their family is well taken care of. Multiple staff members have stayed past their normal shift in order to finish referrals that really needed to be done for a patient. There are staff members who have met patients at the office on Sundays to prevent them from having to go to the ER. Their patients are like their family and the staff treats them as such. At Ocoee Pediatrics, your child is not just a number, not even just a patient; they are their son, daughter, niece, nephew, family. They will do everything in their power and more to make sure that you have the resources you need to care for your child.

One client said, “Choosing a pediatrician is not something my husband and I take lightly, but after our first visit with Angela, the decision was easy. It is obvious that she cares about the health and well-being of my children. We trust her knowledge and judgement to provide the best

care possible for the most precious people in our lives. It also means so much to us that she always takes the time to listen. I can only imagine how busy she is, but she never makes us feel like she is too busy to listen to any concerns. The office staff is very helpful and pleasant which helps ease any stress that might be present when taking children to the doctor.”

Another client has been with Ocoee Pediatrics for over six years and said, “In my six-plus years of experience with Ocoee Pediatrics, I have been more than satisfied with their office and employees. The staff is always friendly, eager to help, and get things done in a very timely manner. There has never been a time that I felt my voice wasn’t heard when it came to my children or that they didn’t have their best interest in mind. We’ve visited their offices with everything from a bug bite to the flu, always being taken care of. I was always given more information than asked, and [I am] appreciative for it. Starting my relationship with them, I had a newborn and now I have a school-aged child and would never think of going somewhere else. I would recommend them to anyone.”

It is rare to find an entire staff that each feels the individual call to care for these children. Not a single one would tell you that this is just a job for them. Their time serving these children and their families is part of their ministry. The health and well-being of all their children is their primary focus. If you are interested in finding out more, visit them at the office at 55 25th Street, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 or call them about your pediatric needs at 423-614-3733. They accept all insurances except TN Care United.

for Everyone

The Past Tense

by Hayden Lanier

In certain instances, I hate using the past tense. Allow me to explain. When someone passes away, we typically refer to them in the past tense. We no longer say that they are kind but that they were kind. We no longer say that they have anything but that they had something. We do not say that they will do something but that they had hoped to accomplish these goals.

It makes sense. In an earthly sense, the person who has died is no longer a part of the present, and they will not be a part of the future. But they will always be a part of the past.

the Lord as they ever have been. Not only this, but in the future we, too, will be with them.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV is a passage I have been clinging to recently. It has given rest to my weariness, water to my thirst, and peace to my anxiety. In fact, this section of Scripture ends with a command to encourage one another with these words (verse 18). These verses give us reason to grieve with hope (verse 13). They tell us that since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, through Jesus, God will raise up those who have died (verse 14). On the day of Jesus’ return, the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive. And “we will always be with the Lord” (verse 17).

Still, it sounds weird, foreign, and unnatural. They should be here with us, but they are no longer. We should be seeing, hugging, and talking with this individual, but now they are physically unable to do so. We think with sorrow of the dreams that were not accomplished and the years they will not get to live as we change our vocabulary to include “he/she was” instead of “is.”

But for the believer, there is hope even in death. If the person who has passed away placed their faith in Christ, they are not confined to the past. In fact, according to God’s Word, they are just as alive in the present with

This is a day told about not in the past tense but in the future. As believers, we look forward to the day when Jesus calls us to Himself. This includes all of His children; those who have gone before us in death and those who have remained behind in life.

So, when you are shocked by the sudden reality of death and abruptly forced to start using the past tense when talking about a loved one, remember that they will not remain in the past. If they knew Jesus, they are presently with Him and if you know Him too, then in the future, you will be also. Thanks be to God.

But if you do not know Jesus, there is no better time than now to give your life to Him. Partake of His free gift of salvation and enjoy the assurance of eternal life. He is our only hope in both life and death.

This article has been adapted with permission from Hayden’s blog, www.setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.

Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.

G

dNews for your Taste Buds

Family Fun in the Kitchen: Layered Pudding and Cake Dessert

Creating a layered pudding and cake dessert is a delightful and straightforward activity to share with children. This dessert involves layering storebought cake, pudding, fruit, and nuts, allowing kids to get hands-on and creative while learning basic culinary skills. Layered pudding and cake dessert is a fun and engaging recipe to make with children. It’s easy to assemble, doesn’t require baking, and allows for plenty of creativity. Plus, the combination of cake, pudding, fruit, and nuts offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether for a family gathering or a simple weekend treat, this layered dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought pound cake or angel food cake

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant pudding mix (vanilla or chocolate)

• 4 cups cold milk

• Assorted fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwis)

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans)

• Whipped cream (optional)

• Chocolate chips or shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk according to the package instructions. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.

2.Prepare the Fruits: Wash and dry all the fruits. Slice strawberries, bananas, and kiwis into thin pieces. If using blueberries, keep them whole. Let the kids help with washing and slicing the fruits under supervision.

3. Slice the Cake: Slice the store-bought cake into even pieces or cubes. Arrange the cake slices or cubes in a single layer at the bottom of a large glass bowl or individual serving cups.

4. Layering the Dessert: Spread a layer of pudding over the cake pieces. Add a layer of mixed fruits on top of the pudding. Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts over the fruits. Repeat the layers: cake, pudding, fruits, and nuts until you reach the top of your bowl or cups.

5. Top it Off: Finish with a final layer of pudding. If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle chocolate chips or shavings for extra flair.

6. Chill the Dessert: Place the layered dessert in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve the dessert directly from the bowl or cups. Enjoy the delicious layers of cake, creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and crunchy nuts.

Tips for Making Layered Pudding and Cake Dessert with Children

1. Safety First: Supervise children when using knives for slicing fruits and ensure they handle them safely.

2. Encourage Creativity: Let kids choose their favorite fruits and help with layering. They can even create patterns or designs with the fruit layers.

3. Teach Basic Skills: Use this activity to teach kids about measuring ingredients, mixing, and layering.

4. Keep it Neat: Use a tray or mat to catch any spills during the layering process, making cleanup easier.

5. Make it Educational: Discuss the different fruits, their colors, and nutritional benefits while preparing the ingredients along with the opportunities to show how math and/or chemistry is used.

Like You

by Chrissie Joy Jackson

Father, I want to be like You, Loving, kind, understanding too.

I’m grateful for Your precious love, The kind that’s only from above. Make me conscious of others’ needs, Giving the help that truly frees. I once myself was lost in sin, Until Your spirit cleansed within.

Now I live for You with delight. I want to share Your beautiful light. Like You show grace and mercy too, May I follow Your steps and lead others to You.

Chrissie Joy Jackson is a retired widow and a member of Living Word Church. Sharing the love and care of the Father through missions is her passion.

for Everyone Are You Hangry?

by Janise Copeman

Most of us have heard the saying “hangry” used to describe someone getting upset, agitated, and/or angry when they haven't eaten in a while, but, in this case, I am referring to a little something different when it comes to our spiritual barometer.

I am referring to how easily we can get affected by our emotions when we haven't fed our spiritual man, meaning how empty our tank is and how we react when we’re not full of the things of the Lord.

Do you ever notice how our day can turn out so differently if we haven't spent time in the Word or spend time alone with the Lord like we should? Outcomes can be so different and what may be an awful, unproductive day could have been completely different if we had fed on what was important first.

Galatians 5:16 NIV, “So I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

It's also important to take inventory on what we are feeding on spiritually. Are we eating things that nourish us or are we eating junk food that, as some would say, has no nutritional value or, in this case, no spiritual or eternal value?

I have caught myself at times while the Lord is still working on me, when I fall back into the cycle of getting caught up on doing good things or projects. or getting caught up looking up emails or social media way too long. that I drain myself because I haven't spent equal or more time with the Lord or in His Word. I have spent too much time feeding on junk food, which may taste pretty good or filling at the time, but in the end leaves me unsatisfied, or empty, and still hungry.

I can always tell when I haven't filled my cup early in the day or even before bed and it will affect my day or my sleep at night. I carry more peace and comfort when I have spent that precious time with the Lord.

The saying is so true:you become who you associate with. It is also true with what you spend time feeding on. Whether it’s the music we are listening to, or conversations we are involved in, or what we are watching, this all feeds our soul either for the better or for the worse.

We can choose daily what to let into our spirit and heart and to guard what we are allowing.

In Christianity, the phrase "the heart is the wellspring of life" emphasizes that our inner thoughts, desires, and

motivations are the source of our actions and overall wellbeing, both spiritually and physically. Proverbs 4:23 NIV states, ”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This highlights the importance of nurturing and protecting our inner core.

Even doing good things for the Lord can get unbalanced if left unchecked. The Lord loves for us to be serving Him and others. When it gets to the point of us getting so burned out from doing good things or not learning to say no to things that the Lord may never have called us to do, we can get in a position of anger and resentment because we are running on empty. Without the Lord in it, we get weak, tired, and vulnerable. When all the time the Lord may be whispering, I just want to spend time with you or to talk to me or to sit at my feet and hear what i long to share with you. But we are in a rush and think we know how much time is enough time.

So I encourage you, as well as myself, to take some time and just take an inventory on what our priorities are. If they are balanced in a healthy way, our diet, or in this case our thirst for more of Him and less of the world, may be a good place to start. Are the things bringing us closer to the Lord or pulling us away from the Lord? Also, are we deeper in

the Lord or allowing Him to grow and mature us compared to say, a year ago? That's what is really an eye opener to me! I ask myself: Am I continually moving forward with and in the things of the Lord or am I taking 2 or 3 steps back for every one step forward?

So next time when we think about our physical health and nutrition and avoiding getting "hangry," let’s stop and reflect on how we could have prevented getting to that point. Eternally and spiritually, we can do the same as we look over our diet of what we are putting into our bodies, minds, and spirits.

This is something we all are having to work on as the world just offers us more and more easy fixes and counterfeits, things that would love to rob us of our time, energy, and well being if we allow it to. The world can be such a noisy, distracting place. We have to just take a breath, step back, and seek the Lord's face, direction, and presence. We can seem healthy and fit on the outside but inside we might be sick or dying of malnutrition.. What are we really hungering for?

ULTIMATE

GAME S

Janise Copeman lives in Trion,Georgia, and she is blessed to be married to her soulmate. She enjoys reading, writing, and encouraging others by spreading joy and love in the Lord.

About The Author

for Health & Fitness

Music and the Impact It Has on Our Health

by Courtney Fox

What a gift it is to hear the world around us and, specifically, to experience music. Whether you listen to music, play an instrument, or sing a song, experts confidently say there is benefit found in all of it.

The Bible encourages us in Psalm 92:1-3 NIV, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.”

Psalm 150:3-5 KJV says, “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance, praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals, praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.”

Research has shown that when the brain processes any of the forms of music previously mentioned, it has been known to:

• reduce: anxiety, pain, blood pressure

• improve: sleep quality, mental alertness, memory retention

• help regulate and boost mood

Music builds motor and cognitive reserve. Our brains form stronger and additional connections as a result of learning or continuing to practice skills, such as learning to play an instrument.

Music activates the part of your brain that controls thinking, movement, emotion, and sensation. That explains why hearing an emotional song can have the ability to bring us to tears. It can send us back to a moment in time or bring back a forgotten memory.

No wonder Scripture tells us to make music and song a part of our lives every day. Colossians 3:16 ESV says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

And Psalm 147 NIV says, “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!”

Music is a vital part of therapy as well. Whether it’s with children to improve learning or with adults to improve memory from the effects of dementia, music activates the brain in important ways.

Music has been found helpful to athletes and average gym-goers for decades. When the need for that extra boost of motivation during a workout arises, many utilize a favorite playlist of songs that increase endurance.

Music can reduce cortisol in your body, which is your stress hormone. Cortisol levels can greatly impact the body’s inflammation, blood sugar levels, and other responses. Reducing those cortisol levels can relieve negative effects on the body and yield positive results. With something as simple as playing the radio or singing a beloved hymn, we can make a difference on a daily basis. Which song or hymn comes to mind?

Psalm 149 NIV says, “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His faithful people.”

So, there is indeed evidence to go out and make a joyful noise. Step out in faith and be brave. If you have wanted to learn to play an instrument, it’s never too late. And if you are looking for courage to sing at your church, perhaps on the worship team, go for it!

Courtney is a married mother to two daughters and a nurse supervisor. She has completed a half marathon, triathlon, and a full marathon. She encourages you to “LIVE WELL!”

Man, Am I Sorry for You!

by Garrett Nudd

My wife and I love going to restaurants. In Chattanooga, there’s a particular one nestled among a collection of charming art galleries and bed and breakfasts in the quaint, European-flavored Bluff View Art District overlooking the Tennessee River.

One chilly evening, we were enjoying a nice dinner with our daughters. We sat in the middle of the restaurant, which meant everyone who got seated walked past our table. I didn’t mind all the traffic because I love people-watching. Eventually, our food arrived, so I shifted my focus from people-watching to the delicious dinner before me. We were in mid-conversation, savoring our dinner, when a family passed by our table. The husband slowed down and then deliberately looked at Joy and each one of our daughters. He raised his eyebrows, shook his head, shrugged his shoulders, and blurted out, “Three girls, huh? Man, am I sorry for you!”

I looked back at my food, not even acknowledging his comment. His voice carried enough that those around us had heard what he said. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see people looking our way.

Meanwhile, our daughters and my wife sat there stunned. I’m not a confrontational person. I thrive on harmony. But this was a moment of truth. While our server was taking our payment, I got up and asked the hostess if she had a piece of paper I could use. All she had was an index card, but it was perfect. I spent a couple of minutes scribbling down my thoughts.

On our way out, as my family headed toward the door, I walked across the restaurant to his table and handed him the note. “Excuse me, sir,” I said, “this is for you.”

It read: “Dear Sir, I don’t know what you have against my family. Your comment about my three daughters was extremely inappropriate and in poor taste. I work every day to teach my daughters that they are significant, talented, and have the same opportunities as your sons. Your flippant comment was degrading and disrespectful, as if they are second-class citizens. I feel sorry for your daughter. I will pray for her and you. I hope she grows up to be strong and successful and never feels like her father is ‘sorry’ that he has a daughter.”

Woah! It was so unlike me, but I had to respond. My daughters had heard his comment, and they were watching—waiting for my reaction. I just couldn’t let it go. At that moment, I was Patrick Swayze from Dirty Dancing, and he was Jennifer Gray’s wealthy father. “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”

As we got into the car and I buckled Spencer into her toddler seat, I heard steps and a voice as the man came running up to me in the parking lot.

“I am so sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to insult you and your wife and daughters. You have a beautiful family. I didn’t intend any negativity at all.”

I thanked him for reconciling and reminded him that our children are always listening (except when we ask them to clean their rooms or set the dinner table), and the words we say play a big part in shaping who they are, what they believe about themselves, and who they become.

I pinch myself because I get to be the father of three daughters and the husband of their mother. You wanna talk about MORE THAN! Every day, I consider the blessing and sacred responsibility of this role. It’s the greatest job and most exciting adventure I’ll ever have. And I am so glad God picked me!

Dr. Chance is a holistic chiropractic kinesiologist that utilizes muscle testing to assess and treat the entire body with structural care, chemical/nutritional imbalances, and mental/emotional (NET) work.

STRUCTURAL - any interference with the communication between our brain and our body results in dis-ease and dysfunction. We use advanced chiropractic techniques to identify and correct structurally.

EMOTIONAL - feelings of stress, anger, overwhelm, depression, and anxiety have an underlying source. Whatever we don't express in life, we will repress until it gets expressed in the form of dis-ease, dysfunction or a behavior or characteristic we don't like about ourselves.

Dr. Chance uses Neuro Emotional Technique as a way to find current day stressors that may relate to traumas (big or little) in your past that are suppressing the function of your physiology today.

CHEMICAL - Toxicity and deficiency are the two underlying sources of nutritional imbalances in the body. Dr. Chance uses Professional Applied Kinesiology to address the fields of dysbiosis (ex.. Lyme, fungus, parasites, bacteria, virus, etc.), food sensitivities, toxic metals, hormone imbalances, chemical and electromagnetic field sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies, as well as neurological desensitization techniques.

for Everyone

What’s In Your Hand?

by Dorothy Teague

The stories and parables in the Bible address every situation in our lives. If you have a question, the answers are all in God’s word. I started thinking about the stories involving rocks. The first story that I thought of is found in John 7:53-8:11 (KJV) where the woman is caught in adultery. The Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus to judge her according to the Law (of Moses) that said she should be stoned. What they really wanted to do was entrap Him if He opposed the law.

On the other hand, what He said to the Pharisees convicted their hearts. I often wonder what Jesus wrote in the sand that day. Did He start listing their sins? Did He write scripture, perhaps “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 KJV). Maybe He wrote, “Judge not that you be not judged,” (Matthew 7:1, KJV).

Another story in the Bible is about a young shepherd boy who had honed his skill with a sling and a rock when defending his sheep from predators (1 Samuel 17 KJV).

But Jesus was way ahead of them! He bent and wrote in the sand while they were demanding an answer from Him, and then said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” As He stooped down once again and wrote in the sand, one by one they dropped their rocks and left, and when He raised up and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” She answers no and Jesus tells her He doesn’t condemn her but to go and not sin anymore. Jesus extended grace and mercy to the woman but did not put His stamp of approval on her sin. He gave her a directive of what she should do from that time forward.

One day, he was delivering lunch to his brothers where they had followed King Saul to the war and there was a giant named Goliath challenging a man to come out and fight against him. David volunteered to fight him! He used only his sling and one smooth stone to take the giant down! He used what was in his hand: his skill and talent that he had been given by God and he claimed victory in the Lord’s name. David says, “…the battle is the Lord’s…”

Both of these stories involve rocks/choices. One started negatively but turned out positive because when Jesus steps in, the circumstances of our lives change! We, as Christians, must decide each day if we are going to sling rocks of offense to try to tear down our fellow Christians or if we are going to use what’s in our hands to slay the giants in our lives, with the talents that God has endowed us with. So, what’s in your hand? What can we use that God has given us to glorify Him?

for Everyone

Six Seconds Left on Your Clock

If you had only six seconds to say possibly your last words in life. . .

by Douglas Baynes

Iwas working at Cades Cove for the National Park Service as an equipment operator last summer. One of my many tasks was to mow the grass on the roadside from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cades Cove. This follows the Little river. The day had started like any other. I was driving a large tractor with a 6-foot sickle bar on the right side to mow the ivy and grass that covered everything.

The river was off a very steep embankment and varied from 30 to 60 feet to the river below. From the road’s edge to the drop off at most times is less than 3 feet of road surface. I was chugging along at 3 mph when the tractor hit something solid under all that ivy. Farm tractors like this one have a hand throttle to set the speed, so a foot throttle is rarely used. The tractor stopped its forward motion but the sickle bar had not released and within a second, the power of the diesel engine rotated the tractor 90 degrees to the right. With the heavy engine in the front, the weight simply tilled it off the road and down a 70-degree bank to the river below. My six seconds was on the clock before I was to crash into the river below.

I worked in the aviation field for twenty years. Air Force for six.

While working for Lockheed aircraft, I was a field service representative for the C-130 program in Saudi Arabia for two years. I came across some very interesting data while there. Transcripts from the black boxes of aircraft that had crashed. Knowing their aircraft was doomed, their lives here were going to end in moments. What would you think most were saying? Last words to loved ones? Most were cursing God's name. No time to pray, out of time to repent, impact, and eternity is upon you.

Luke 6:45 NIV says, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, an evil man brings evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

The moment the tractor tilted, my fate was before me. I cried out, ”Jesus help me! Jesus save me!” With that as my last words, I hit the river and was thrown upside down and into the river. The steel cage stopped the 2-ton tractor from crushing me and having my seat belt on kept me from being like a rock in a tin can. The impact had blown out the front glass windshield, as that was to be my only way of escape. The side door was thick Plexiglas and did not shatter and could not be opened. The cab filled

with smoke almost immediately. Now, I was hanging upside down with water coming in. I was alert and alive whispering, “Thank you, Jesus.” I could not see well, but I was able to crawl out the front broken glass windshield into the river.

I could not stand in the fast moving water so I crawled hand over hand holding onto the rocks to get over to the bank. As I climbed around the last boulder, I heard a voice say, “Hey, we got you.” There were two guys that looked like football players standing there. One grabbed me under each arm and pulled me right out of the river. They gave me a blanket and a power drink and a bandage for my head. The next thing I knew, they were gone and the medical and rescue team was there. Not one person could tell us who these guys were.

Hebrews 13:1-3 NASB says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

I was told by a few of the guys there in the park that I was lucky. They said another 20 feet down river,

it drops off into a 15 to 20-foot-deep pool. Luck? No, all our days are written before one is ever lived. Psalm 139:16-17 NASB says, “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”

God's hand is on us and His ear is ever listening to us call to Him. He is an ever present help in a time of trouble. Psalm 46:1 NASB says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

If you need help, our Father is always listening for us to just call out to Him. Keep first in your heart His name. What words would come out if you had only six seconds?

Doug and Annie, his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women’s meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV.

for Kids

Grandpa’s Garden

by Brittany Crabtree

“Where are you?” called my grandpa as he walked through the rows of growing vegetables looking for me. “Where are you?” he said again as I sat down giggling hidden under the tall bean stalks. As he was about to call a third time, I popped my head out between the plants and said, “Here I am!” “I’ve been looking for you, my girl,” grandpa said. “Let’s keep tending the garden together!”

I love taking care oF my grandpa’s garden with him. He is tender and kind as he prepares the dirt and teaches me how to place each seed in a row according to their kind. Together, we plant beans, corn, carrots, cucumbers, and something special for me, sunflowers! As the summer carries on, with the warmth and beautiful light from the sun, each time I visit grandpa we go to the garden. We watch the leaves grow on the vines, water each row carefully, and wait for the vegetables to ripen and the flowers to bloom. When this happens, it is the most exciting time of all! It is the harvest season!

Grandpa and I walk through the garden and gather the ready to pick vegetables like cobs of corn, carrots, and cucumbers. It’s so fun to crouch down and crawl between the bean stalks and find all the ones that are ready to be taken off the vines. The tent of bean stalks is a fortress for me amongst the garden, a playful scene of hide and seek. In the garden, I am safe to be who I am, to help, to grow, and to spend time with my grandpa.

My time in the garden with grandpa reflects how God loves and cares for each of us. When God first created humans, He placed them in a garden. A place where they would be safe, have all that they needed, and be able to walk with God. When the humans God created chose to disobey God, this sin caused a separation between God and the humans. This caused brokenness and sadness, but God sent Jesus to come restore this relationship and make a way for each of us to be with God again!

When we follow Jesus and spend time with him, we are once again in a safe place to learn and grow. As my grandpa wanted to spend time with me in his garden, God wants to spend time with each of us. He cares for us and gives us all that we need. He wants nothing more than for Jesus to shine in our lives and help us bloom in Him like the beautiful flowers in my grandpa’s garden.

Amid this harvest time, my favorite thing of all is when the work of gathering is complete. We get to sit back and look at all that we planted together including the special thing for me, the sunflowers. Watching them grow and bloom into bright, yellow circles in the sunshine. Sitting with grandpa surrounded by the flowers reminds me of just how loved I truly am.

Jesus is there for you! When you need help and a safe place, He is there. When you want to grow and learn, He is there. Most of all, God wants you to know that He loves you very much!

Brittany Crabtree is the Public Kids Director and women’s ministry leader at Public Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. She has a heart for Gospel centered community and studying the word of God. Brittany enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with family and friends.

The Neuroscience of Kindness

by Stephanie Evans

At the bottom dollar of broken hearts, broken cars and broken finances, I meet lots of fellow travelers on the rough road where we learn the healing power of kindness. Recently, I felt really sad over a misunderstanding with an acquaintance. I drove to the local library to look for solace. Suddenly, a mom and her son saw me staring downward and feeling spacey (that lost feeling, like where did I put that? or how did that happen?). The youngster looked at me and said, “Hi!” We exchanged a few words as he and his mom and I helped each other with the library doors. “I really like your cool hairstyle (fierce black braids with sharp clean parts),” I told the boy. “Yours too,” I told Mom. That two-minute exchange boosted my mood like jet wheels hitting a tarmac. (Whew! Solid ground again!)

When you're outside or home alone and feel lost in space, try to imagine people or things you love to get back safely to earth.

This happened not too long ago during a really bad thunderstorm. Violent slanted raindrops pelted down, and the wind blew hard. Tree limbs broke off and splintered. A power line swooped across a main road. Heart-pounding, low-hum stomach fear surged while sheets of rain and angry wind plastered wet hair to my face while my springloaded umbrella blew almost inside-out. I drove home very slowly in gray low-visibility.

When I pulled up to my apartment complex, all lights and power were off. I tried all I could think of to get calm— including prayer (for myself and electrical linemen, I admit). I rocked in a rocker given to me by my first brother with my shawl around me. I ate a bowl of cereal while the milk was still cold.

Nothing worked. Hours passed with no electricity in the stuffy heat and lonely silence. I placed a cold wet rag under my chin to cool off and tried not to open the fridge, to keep food from spoiling. Still, while storm-struck that late night, I got the nervous urge to call my brother. But at the bottom dollar of real life, I've learned not to call loved ones when they cannot help—it only makes them feel bad.

Earlier, I had used a flashlight to shower and put on pajamas. I used a battery-operated fan for cooler air and its steady humming sound. Hours later into the outage, I turned my phone off to save its power.

But I could not relax. My stomach panicked, my heart blanched. I got in my bed, pulled up the covers and got in my head (the only place to go sometimes). That's when a gentle suggestion floated through fear, like a sky blue canoe resting at the edge of a sandy bank.

This thought whispered: “Pretend you are being calm for your granddaughter,” To the granddaughter deep in my heart and mind, I said, “I'm here with you and everything is going to be okay.” Suddenly my cold fear melted like real butter on low heat. My shoulders, neck, legs and arms relaxed, like downy feathers into the bed clothes. My shallow rapid breath slowed down and deepened into steady rhythm, like a lace worker with one soft light overhead, weaving an intricate pattern.

That's when I reached up and wrapped my arms around my beautiful, rare and precious granddaughter; I held her close from faraway. I pulled her to my chest and said softly, “Grandma's here. It'll be all right.” God's peace flooded my soul. The lights (literally) came on.

And angels are everywhere, always around children, who are God's most sacred gifts.

Stephanie Evans is a retired newspaper reporter/library clerk. She is a mother and grandmother, She enjoys semi-sweet iced tea with just about everything! One of her favorite verses is John 3:16-17.

Cleveland Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal Price Memorial AME Zion 254 Dooley Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Anglican

Mission Cleveland 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Apostolic

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

Assembly of God

The Collectives Church 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 641-0193

Triune Assembly

301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW McDonald, TN 37353

Avenue Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056

Bellefounte Baptist Church

132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312

Bethel Baptist Tabernacle

3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820

Berean Baptist Church

2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697

Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101

Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932

Candies Creek Church

294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731

Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506

Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133

Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936

Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617

Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511

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

East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728

Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739

Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891

First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100

Galilee Baptist Church

665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 241-2740

Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312

Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763

Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700

Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713

Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622

Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991

Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891

Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620

New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007

New Salem Baptist Church

175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524

Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125

Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522

Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081

Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405

Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119

Samples Memorial Baptist Church

371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329

Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103

Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292

Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755

Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741

Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114

Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813

Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823

Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720

Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707

Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-5582

West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927

Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534

White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

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

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642

Church of Christ

North Bradley Church of Christ 1510 Stuart Road NE, Suite 207 Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3298

Church of God

Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143

Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895

East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389

Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121

Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708

Heritage Fellowship Church 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316

International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977

Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400

Lakeview Community Church 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805

North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513

Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573

Mt Olive Church of God

3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381

Mt View Church of God

210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528

Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939

South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382

Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199

Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384

Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448

Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680

Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414

Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584

The Church of God

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

Community

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

Disciples of Christ

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

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

Lutheran

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

Latter-day Saints

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

Methodist

Big Springs Methodist Church 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

Mt. Zion Methodist Church 7223 Georgetown Rd Cleveland, TN 37312

Pleasant Grove Community Church 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311

Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413

Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457

Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900

Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575

Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281

First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436

Revolution Life Church 1525 Jones Ave SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 310-7287

Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371

New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379

Non-Denominational

Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591

Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133

Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050

Cleveland Community Chapel

1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311

Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775

Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178

Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871

Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200

Eagle’s Chapel Church 133 Beaty Dr NW Cleveland, TN 37312

Eleven22 Church 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 488-4526

Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311

Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654

God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490

Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226

Jacob’s Tent Fellowship 1080 Montgomery Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100

Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072

Living Stones Church 4165 Peerless Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312

Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028

Mount Zion Prayer Center 650 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 478-5044

New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882

Redemption To The Nations 2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 591-7886

Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249

Rock Bridge Community Church 3635 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-1485

The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843

Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-2705

The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802

Tri-State Cowboy Church 200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954

United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277

Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338

Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Wings Of Love House Of Prayer 855 5th Street SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-5394

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004

First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751

First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584

Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397

Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181

St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762

Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312

Cleveland Fellowship Church 3687 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 671-7497

East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299

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

Zion Assembly

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

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