Gò0dNews December 2015
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
Dalton
• It’s Not What You Think p. 6 • Making Christmas Memories
p. 14
• Develop a Christmas Family Plan p. 32
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About Us
Writers
Pastor Samuel Burger Andrew Lee Andrew Shaffer Angie Parris Dan & Katie Peeples Darren Schalk David Gray Esmerelda Lee Jennifer Govea Julius McCarter Kristy Adams Lindsey Cooke Rhiannon Skeen Tyler Shores Wanda Griffith William Lamb
Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Letter from the Editor
I
n every depiction of the Christmas story, we see Mary and Joseph, King, shepherds, and angels. Later three wise men, or the Magi, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But there were also three wise women— Elizabeth, Mary (the mother of Jesus), and Anna—who played significant roles in the unfolding drama of Christmas. Elizabeth and her husband, Zacharias, had prayed for a child for many years. When they were first married, they anxiously awaited the patter of little feet in their home, but Elizabeth came to the dreaded realization—she was barren. Then one day Zacharias came home with great news! An angel had visited him and promised them a son, but he could not speak. He was so excited; Elizabeth could hardly read his writing. A son! She couldn’t believe she was really pregnant? One day the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, the cousin of Elizabeth, with the strangest news. “‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. . . . For nothing is impossible with God’” (Luke 1:35, 37 NIV). Mary didn’t understand at first, but she knew everything would be all right. God wasn’t just working in her life; He was working in Elizabeth’s too. The third wise woman in the Christmas story is Anna who spent most of her time in prayer at the Temple. After only seven short years of marriage, Anna became a widow, and now at 84 years old, she reflected on all these years she had fasted and prayed. God had sustained her and used her to minister to those who came to the Temple to worship. As Anna was standing in the courtyard praying, she watched the couples coming from everywhere, bringing their 40-day-old babies to be dedicated. When she saw Simeon talking with a different couple, she knew this was the Promised Child! He had not been slaughtered by Herod’s soldiers. The Messiah was here! Immediately, she wanted to tell everyone about this Child who had come to redeem her people and all who would call on His name. These three women gave us more than gold, frankincense, and myrrh—they gave us gifts of wisdom. Elizabeth was wise because she was faithful to God in spite of her embarrassment and disappointments. Mary was wise because she surrendered her future to God regardless of the difficulties and complications it would cause, and Anna was wise because she was hopeful through all the discomforts and loneliness in her life. This Christmas, may we follow the examples of these three wise women and understand that Jesus deals in impossibilities. He gives hope to all who seek His wisdom! Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
December 2015 Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 10 Pg 12 Pg 14 Pg 16 Pg 22 Pg 24 Pg 26 Pg 28 Pg 30 Pg 32 Pg 34 Pg 36 Pg 38
About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk It’s Not What You Think by Pastor Samuel Burger GoodNews for Kids Time Capsule Ornaments by Kristy Adams GoodNews on Money Matters You Can’t Take It with You by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men 4 Parenting Lessons I Learned from My Dad by Darren Schalk GoodNews for Women Making Christmas Memories by Jennifer Govea GoodNews for your Taste Buds Granny Morris and Snow Cream by Angie Parris GoodNews for Parents I Knew You’d Come by David Gray GoodNews for Health & Fitness Stay on Your Fitness Path by Lindsey Cooke GoodNews for Teens Real Gifts by Andrew Shaffer GoodNews for Seniors A Season for Giving by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone Divine Friendship by Tyler Shores GoodNews for Couples Develop a Christmas Family Plan by Dan and Katie Peeples GoodNews for Everyone The Need to See Jesus! by William Lamb GoodNews for Everyone Sharing Our Stories by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Everyone Into My Heart, Lord Jesus by Julius McCarter
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
Professional Pharmacy Pg 20-21
Pg 18-19
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.
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
It’s Not What You Think There has to be an exchange because you cannot change your nature. by Samuel Burger
T
he heart of Christianity is not about change; it’s about
trying to save yourself. You’ll try to be your own god. If you
an exchange. Christianity is not about improving
think God is grading you on your behavior, then you’ll just
yourself; it’s about dying to yourself. Christianity is not
behave badly or be an annoying legalist because you are not
about morality or immorality; it’s about a new life in Christ. Christianity is not a rule-keeping system or a grade scale; it’s about freedom. Do you know why it’s hard to live out God’s commands?
viewing the Gospel correctly. You cannot change your behavior permanently. For example, a coconut tree will not produce peaches because it is not designed to bear anything else. Likewise, when Jesus
It’s because we think in terms of “change” and not
took our sins upon Himself and gave us His righteousness, we
“exchange.” You have to understand you are a sinner not
became a new creation. A new creation will only produce what
because you sin but because you are a sinner by birth. You
it was designed to produce. A new creation will not produce
were a sinner before you committed sins. You cannot defeat
bad behavior or good behavior with an impure motive. No one
sin or its power. No matter how hard you try to live right,
goes to a coconut tree looking for peaches to eat. Since you are
you will fail. Why? It’s because you are trying to keep God’s
a new creation, you can expect your desires to change because
commands through will-power or the flesh. Since you’re a
your nature has changed.
sinner by nature, you cannot improve or get better. If you are
Now try to transplant the coconut tree here in Cleveland,
morally apt, you’ll still be a sinner by nature because you’ll be
Tennessee. Gradually, it will wither because the habitat is not conducive for its survival. Likewise, if you don’t constantly renew your mind to the fact that God in Christ made you a new creation, you will start to wither away with selfdestructive behavior. Your mind must be habitable so this truth can take root in the practical areas of your life. This is why it’s difficult for some people to live the Christian life. They are trying to live out God’s commands in context of trying to “change” instead of believing in the “exchange” (see 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:20). It takes a while for any tree to grow, too. So we have to be patient for it to produce fruit. Many times we will expect someone who just placed their faith in Christ to have it all together. What a mistake! So next time someone asks you, “Where is your fruit?” You ask them, “Where is your patience?” By the way, patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Friends, you have been trying too much. How about trusting? Quit trying to be a better old you and start trusting that God has given His life living in you and through you to the glory of God! Only then you can make the doctrine of God more attractive through your actions as you are transformed from the reality of the “exchange” (see Titus 2:10).
6 // December 2015
Samuel Burger is pastor at Chestuee Worship Center, 1414 Athens Rd, Calhoun, TN 37309.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Time Capsule Ornaments
by Kristy Adams
O
ne of my favorite things about decorating
• This year, I learned how to ________________.
for the Christmas holidays is going
• My favorite memory of 2015 is ________________.
through all of our handmade ornaments
• A book that I read this year was ______________.
that fill box after box in our storage room. We have
• My favorite song is ____________________.
ornaments to commemorate just about every life
You can add as many questions as you like. Reflect
event you can imagine, and this year will be no
on things or events you know your child or
different. I am going to share how to make
student will enjoy reading about five
my favorite handmade ornament,
or even ten years from now. The
along with step-by-step directions
possibilities are endless. After
for making this perfect holiday
your child or student has
keepsake. This project is great
answered the questions, cut
for a family night activity or a
them into small strips. You do
classroom art project that would
not want the strips to be too long
make the perfect gift for parents. What
because they will not fit into the
better way to honor memories than with
ornament. Gently take off the top of the
a beautiful time capsule ornament that can go on Christmas trees year after year?
ornament by squeezing the metal prongs. Place each strip inside of the ornament. Next, roll the wallet-size picture so that
Materials needed:
it will slide into the ornament. Once it
• Fillable clear glass or plastic
is in the ornament, it will unroll so
ornaments (available at craft
that it can easily be seen through
stores)
the clear glass or plastic. Carefully
• Wallet-size photo of your
put glitter or confetti inside of the
child or student
ornament. This adds a pop of color
• Pencil or pen
and looks really pretty when the
• Ribbon
lights reflect on the ornament.
• Confetti or glitter
Finally, place the top of the
To begin, have your child or
ornament back on and tie the ribbon
student answer the following questions:
to the top so that it can easily hang on
• I am __________ years old.
the child’s or student’s tree. It is fun to look
• I am in __________ grade.
back on these and what a special keepsake for you and
• My teacher’s name is _____________.
your child!
• My favorite subject in school is _____________.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
• My favorite TV show is _____________. • My best friend is ___________________.
8 // December 2015
Kristy Adams Centers for Creative Learning Owner Educational Therapist Dyslexia Specialist
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Gò0dNews on Money Matters
You Can’t Take It with You
O
Use sound judgment rooted in the Word of God when making money decisions. by Andrew Lee
ne of the many benefits of regularly reading the
with us. Some people read this and decide the best route
Holy Bible is that God has something to say to us
is to live their lives on a perpetual, giddy spending spree,
for any situation, and on practically any subject
buying and indulging in every impulse or whim. “After
we can think of. On the subject of desiring and acquiring wealth, the Bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:7, “For we
all,” they say, “you can’t take it with you!” I don’t think this is the proper response to our
brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing
mortality, any more than I believe a life of sloth and apathy
out of it” (NIV). Furthermore, we are warned that “People
is the answer to avoid the temptation to build wealth.
who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and
Surely it’s possible to be a financially successful (even
into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men
wealthy) Christian without becoming either a selfish and
into ruin destruction. For the love of money is the root of
materialistic hyper-consumer, nor to become a miser who
all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered
hoards every nickel.
from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (vv. 9-10 NIV).
I’ve often told my children, with only a slight hint of irony, that money is only good for making someone else
By quoting these scriptures, I certainly do not intend
happy. That someone else may be the car salesman at the
to demonize wealth-building, investing, or saving for the
Mercedes dealership, the sales clerk at a fancy department
future; anyone who has read my articles here knows that’s
store; or it may be the hungry children in a Third-World
not the case. I’m a capitalist through and through, but I
country, or the single mom needing new shoes and school
believe the above scriptures speak to our motives and to
supplies for her children. All of these scenarios require
the spiritual state of our hearts as we pursue wealth and
money, and none of them is inherently wrong. The main
monetary gain in this life. As noted above, we can’t take it
difference in those scenarios is where our focus lies—on ourselves, or on others. Again, there’s a middle ground. I recently spent, what was to my mind, an obscene amount of money taking my sons to watch a professional football game at the stadium. Was this a selfish choice? Obviously, I don’t think so, but my opinion is rooted in a larger context. I rejoice in knowing that my family regularly tithes and contributes to various other charitable causes with our money—which is, after all, really God’s money. Knowing that, I didn’t feel it was wrong for us to enjoy the football game (though if you’ve seen the way the Tennessee Titans are playing . . . yikes). But if all of our God-given resources were spent solely on self-indulgence, I’m sure the situation would be different. Let’s use sound judgment and principles rooted in the Word of God when making money decisions, and then we can avoid the dilemmas that Paul explained in his letters to Timothy.
10 // December 2015
Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Men 4 Parenting Lessons I Learned from My Dad Even busy dads can manage their time wisely and make their children a top priority.
A
by Darren Schalk
s I was putting my son to bed one evening, he looked
1. If it was important to me, it was important to him. I was
up at me and asked, “When can we spend more time
involved in a lot of sports, and Dad attended everything he
together . . . just you and me?” Although I quickly
possibly could. He missed one every now and then, but he’d find
realized that he was trying to manipulate me into letting him get
out all the details of what happened. He even coached many of the
out of bed so we could go play video games together, the question
teams I played on over the years.
still rang loudly in my ears.
2. He invested time in helping me be better. I remember Dad often
My wife and I have three kids. Our son is ten and our
dragging my brothers and me out of bed on Saturday mornings
identical twin girls are eight. I work full time in a ministry position
and haul us over to the ball field to hit a few grounders. I would
that requires some travel that can be time consuming. In fact, I’m
moan and groan about it, but looking back, it meant a lot for him to
working on this article from a foreign room where I’ll be spending
take the time to do that. It was only a few hours on a Saturday for
the next four days. I’m fumbling my way through the turbulent
him, but I still carry the memory.
“waters” of family, job, and travel as best as I can. So how do I make sure my wife and kids get the time they need and deserve? My dad was a pastor, so he was always on call. He was a good
3. At key moments, he showed me I was number one. We attended church every single time we had the chance (but we didn’t have much choice considering Dad was the pastor). But I can recall a
shepherd of his congregation. And although I recall him being
few times when Dad let me skip church for a game or even a night
gone quite often from our home, I never felt left out or abandoned.
out with friends. This may not sound like much now, but back then
So I’ve considered how he managed to balance his time and still
there was a different mindset when it came to church attendance.
make my three brothers and me a top priority. My ponderings
This simple act let me know that the church (i.e. Dad’s employer)
have helped me realize a few lessons that I’m implementing into
was not more important than me.
my own life.
4. When he did wrong, he apologized (once). There’s no doubt Dad made some mistakes, but the one that stands out the most isn’t because of the mistake, but because of the apology. We were an avid hunting family, and one year I received a permit to turkey hunt and Dad did not. He took me hunting and I got a turkey, but in his eagerness and desire to hunt, he also got a turkey. Thus, we ended up with two turkeys and only one was legal. Later that afternoon, he apologized for his actions, informing me that, in his excitement, he had acted improperly. I would never have thought twice of the incident, but that apology taught me a huge lesson. When we make mistakes (and we all will) be sure to right the wrongs. It also made me feel pretty important—Dad apologized to me. These are just a few things I’m trying to do with my kids. I fail regularly, but hopefully I can let them know that they are truly important to me, and I value every second I have with them. What are you doing to make sure your kids understand the same?
12 // December 2015
Darren Schalk is the curriculum editor for the Church of God of Prophecy and author of the book, Dear God We Need To Talk, from Charisma House. He has been featured on radio and television programs across the nation discussing topics of faith and discipleship. Learn more at DarrensChalk.com.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Making Christmas Memories Be creative this year and express your love and admiration by customizing your gifts that are not wrapped in gift boxes. by Jennifer Govea
C
hristmas is a special time to celebrate God’s wonderful
of time nor money to spare, making gifts is an option. A friend
gift of Jesus to us. One way that we celebrate is
of mine makes white chocolate-covered pretzels for co-workers
through gift-giving. While it is fun receiving gifts, it
that are well received. Every year, they look forward to getting
can be stressful when it comes time to give them. Figuring out
those delicious treats that are very inexpensive for my friend to
what family and friends would like to have—plus how many
make, yet special to the recipients. Another suggestion would
coworkers or teachers to buy for can be overwhelming and
be to buy a pack of ornaments and paint “Christmas 2015” and
costly. Kids grow out of clothes, toys get broken, the latest
your name.
gadget becomes yesterday’s news, but something that always stays with us are memories! Whether it is for Christmas or another special time, there
If those ideas do not speak to you, think about writing Christmas cards. As more and more of our feelings are expressed electronically through social media, e-mail, and
is a way to celebrate that takes the focus off of stuff. For the past
texting, actual paper cards and letters are rarer to get, but much
year, we have tried to simplify gift-giving with our son’s friends
appreciated. Instead of (or in addition to) writing a Christmas
by giving experiences rather than a tangible gift. We will buy a
letter detailing what you and your family have been up to, take
friend a birthday card and then write the following inside:
some time to tell your grandmother, boss, or nephew what
For your birthday, you can choose to:
makes them special. Besides just signing a Christmas card with
A. Spend the night at my house
an inspiring message stamped on it, do the inspiring yourself by
B. Go to a movie
writing a meaningful letter about your loved one’s traits or how
C. Go rock-wall climbing
awesome God is.
D. Go to the jump park.
These easy, cost-effective alternatives to traditional gift-
This idea has gone over very well with his friends. At
giving are different ways to express your love and admiration
Daniel’s seventh birthday party last month, we told him that we
this season. They touch on three of the five love languages
were taking him to see the new Charlie Brown movie, and he
that Dr. Gary Chapman defines in his book, The Five Love
was ecstatic! He had never gone to the movies without Mom or
Languages—quality time, gifts, and words of affirmation. But
Dad and it made him feel like a big kid to go with us. This idea
more on that subject later. For now, Merry Christmas!
also benefits our son as he gets to have extra one-on-one time with his friend and participate in the fun. I love customizing gifts for each person, but when there are many people on your “nice list” and you do not have lots
14 // December 2015
Jennifer Govea is a bilingual editor and former missionary in Latin America. She and her husband currently work at Rock Bridge Community Church and have a six-year-old son.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Granny Morris and Snow Cream by Angie Parris
L
ooking back, I am not sure how we were ever at my
be frozen and used at your convenience to make snow
Granny's house when there was snow on the ground,
cream and a glass or plastic bowl works just fine.)
but I remember Granny Morris making snow cream.
As strongly as I remember loving snow cream, I also remember how strict the snow cream rules were: • Never ever, for any reason use the first snow of the
Granny Morris's Snow Cream Beat with a mixer: • 1 cup sugar
season! In my little eight-year-old mind, I heard, "Do
• 1-1/2 cups Pet cream (whipping cream, or milk will
not eat the first snow; it is poison."
also work)
• Always use a stainless steel bowl and scoop the snow from the top. Do not ever scrape the bottom.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Add a large bowl of snow in small amounts until the
I heard, "It will not turn out if you do not use this
mixture is thick and has a texture of soft-serve ice cream.
bowl, and if you scrape bottom, you may get sick or
(Usually a large bowl of snow makes a small amount of
eat bugs!"
snow cream.)
From there, the rules became a blur as this magnificent
An old time saying is not to eat the first snow. Well
creation of snow ice cream came together, and it was
what that means is that snow needs to fall for a couple of
the grandest thing ever! On a cold, snowy day eating
hours to clean the impurities from the air. Then scoop only
snow cream from Granny's little glass white bowls with
the freshest and cleanest snow from the top layer. I like
a small green feather painted on the side, I tried to savor
to scoop from a patio table or deck rails, but if the snow
every bite quickly, learning that eating too fast would
is deep enough, plenty can be retrieved from the ground
actually freeze my brain, or that is what my eight-year-old
cover also.
mind understood! With winter weather upon us, stock up on these essentials and be ready to enjoy this little gem. (Snow can
16 // December 2015
You can add chocolate milk powder or other ingredients to make different flavors.
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Dalton Church Directory Apostolic
The Bridge, An Apostolic Church 715 College Dr, 30720 706-280-0541
Assembly of God
Calvary Assembly of God 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-259-0045 First Assembly of God 508 Sheridan Ave Dalton, GA 30721 706-226-7743
Baptist
Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721 706-226-5987 Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020 Good Hope Baptist Church 2521 Lake Francis Rd, 30721 706-259-3719 Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8519 Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Dr, 30720 706-277-3505 Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776 Harmony Baptist Church 187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-226-5521 Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30720 706-259-3927 Northwest Georgia Baptist Church 222 North Pentz St, 30720 706-463-3490 Olivia Baptist Church 1817 Guy St, 30720 706-278-3507 Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721 706-278-5289 Beaverdale Baptist Church 2496 Beaverdale Rd NW, 30721 706-259-7089 Calvary Baptist Church 2115 Chatsworth Rd, 30721 706-278-6324 Carolyn Baptist Church 2305 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8142 Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484 Dalton Second Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422 Deep Spring Baptist Church 1449 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721
18 // December 2015
706-278-8553 First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721 706-226-9681 First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thronton Ave, 30720 706-278-2911 Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721 706-259-7239 Gospelway Baptist Church 336 Jupiter Cir, 30721 706-278-1424 Harvest Baptist Church 3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721 706-694-8951 Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720 706-275-6050 Liberty Baptist Church 506 South Pentz St, 30720 706-226-5535 Liberty Baptist Church 4443 Tibbs Bridge Rd, 37021 706-226-4936 Macedonia Baptist Church 1355 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721 706-259-9220 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30721 706-483-6300 McFarland Hill Baptist Church 307 Brickyard Rd, 30721 706-277-5521 Mount Rachel Baptist Church 332 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-5192 Mount Ridge Baptist Church 308 East Matilda, 30721 706-278-0335 New Hope Baptist Church 900 Roan St, 30721 706-226-2093 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Salem Baptist Church 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721 706-259-7045 Shiloh Baptist Church 2014 East Waugh St, 30721 706-226-5981 Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-226-6785 Unity Baptist Church 1008 Burleyson Rd, 30720 706-226-3026 Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720 West View Baptist Church 104 Emma St, 30721 706-226-1219
Bible
Fellowship Bible Church
Church of Christ
Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 United Methodist Church 1700 Beverly Dr, 30720 706-278-3954 Varnell United Methodist Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023 Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331
Church of God
First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428 Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171
2044 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-6269
Catholic
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church 968 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-3107
Christian
First Christian Church 1506 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-7244
Central Church of Christ 515 N. Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-278-8051 Riverbend Church of Christ 2218 S Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-226-0819
Cedar Valley Church of God 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016 Church of God of Union Assembly 2311 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-275-0510 City View Church of God 1814 City View, 30720 706-226-6686 Crosspointe 2681 Underwood Street 30721 706-278-2649
Community
Rock Bridge Community Church 100 West Gordon St, 30720 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204
Episcopal
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857
Methodist
Bethel UMC 123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721 706-278-3309 Dalton First UMC 500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494 Dawnville UMC 1529 Spring Ln NE, 30721 706-259-5342 Five Springs UMC 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928 Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879 Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-3141 Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112
Nazarene
Non-Denominational
A New Beginning Full Gospel Church 2110 Antioch Rd, 30721 706-602-8998 Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721 706-965-6683 Cornerstone Family Church 1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Good Neighbors Church 910 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-226-0846 Gospel Light Tabernacle 804 Sheridan Ave, 30721 Saint James Overcoming Church 400 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-0319
Pentecostal
True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696
Presbyterian
ChristChurch Presbyterian 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-5437 First Presbyterian Church 1419 Chattanooga Ave, 30720 706.278-8161 Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720 706-226-6344
Seventh Day Adventist
3 Angels Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church 701 E Morris St, 30721 706-618-1182 Dalton Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church 112 W Long St, 30720 706-275-0523 Seventh Day Adventist Church
300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-216
Church Activities & Events Rock Bridge Community Church Corporate Prayer & Celebration
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM • First Wednesday of Every Month
A night of corporate prayer and celebration at each campus. We want to come together and be united as we seek God. Childcare is provided for infants through 2nd grade.
LIST YOUR Church Activities & Events Special Events Such As... • Revivals • Cookouts • Concerts • Fundraisers • Etc. Email: brooke.goodnews@gmail.com
FEATURED COVER STORY
Professional Pharmacy
This hometown independent pharmacy has served the Dalton community for 50 years.
D
by Wanda Griffith
alton, Georgia, is fortunate to have a wonderful
completed his military service in the Army, he worked at
hospital with highly trained physicians and nurses,
Maret’s Pharmacy prior to opening Professional Pharmacy,
and for the past 50 years, Professional Pharmacy has
which was the first drug store in Dalton located outside the
worked closely with them to provide the best patient care.
downtown business district. A.W. was a pharmacist with
Since healthcare is rapidly changing, the goal of Professional
Julian's Pharmacy downtown but was encouraged to go out on
Pharmacy is to adapt and continue to be a supportive entity in
his own and open a pharmacy near the new hospital. This was
this evolving arena.
a bold move since most physicians and other pharmacies were
Professional Pharmacy is located across from the hospital maternity ward and in close proximity to many
still in the downtown area. As time passed, physicians built their offices around the
physicians, dentists, and long-term care facilities. With
hospital and other pharmacies came as well. The original
four licensed pharmacists on staff, Professional Pharmacy
building has been enlarged three times. In March 1972,
offers a countywide delivery service, in-house charge
Cookie Cook joined the staff of Professional Pharmacy to
accounts, diabetic shoes, immunizations, and a prescription
work with A.W. and Lamar Pierce who had come a couple of
compounding service including veterinary compounding. In
years earlier.
addition, the pharmacy has unique gifts, balloons, specialty
A few years after the pharmacy opened, durable medical
cupcakes and candies, newborn baby gifts, as well as a full line
equipment services were added. Those services eventually
of over-the-counter products.
spun off into a separate company known as H.H.C. Home
A Brief History
A.W. Smith founded Professional Pharmacy in 1961.
After he graduated from pharmacy school at Georgia and
20 // December 2015
Health Care rentals. In 1983, Mark Smith, Rph. (son of A.W. Smith) joined the store and is now one of the partners. “I can recall many times when, as a child, I rode with my dad back to the store at 10 and 11 o’clock in the evening
to fill prescriptions for customers who were leaving the ER.
also in place to increase their clinical offerings that will provide
My father’s guiding principles were to provide exemplary
Medication Therapy Management, a program where their
services that included being open 365 days a year, free delivery
pharmacists confer one on one with patients and review their
anywhere in Whitfield County, extended hours, and being on
medication regimen, making sure they are taking the most
call for emergency prescriptions 24 hours a day. My Dad was
appropriate medications to get the best possible outcome. If
a fanatic when it came to providing excellent customer service
they find areas for improvement, they will contact the patient’s
to his customers and to the entire community,” commented
physician directly and make changes to improve the patient’s
Smith. “He not only preached good customer service but he
overall healthcare.
also lived it and expected everyone else who worked at the store to do the same. My siblings and I worked in the store, and we can all attest to his work ethic and his desire to provide the best service to his customers.”
Distinguishing Characteristics
In 2010, Lamar Pierce retired from the pharmacy and
sold his ownership to Dr. Jason Sneed the present managing partner. Seeking to hold to the core values while preparing for the future of the pharmaceutical industry, Sneed built upon the foundation and principles of his predecessors to lead Professional Pharmacy into the next millennium. “I had big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of A.W. Smith. He had built a tremendous business with an outstanding reputation. I wanted to follow his example and offer
Unique Benefits
There are many changes in the near future for Professional
outstanding customer service and a personal touch that you
Pharmacy. Since Georgia lawmakers have expanded the list
can't find anywhere else.”
of immunizations pharmacists can offer, they plan to expand
Dr. Sneed added IVR to the existing phone system where
their role accordingly. Very soon they will add a state-of-the-
patients can enter their prescription numbers to be filled 24
art blood pressure monitor that patients can use while waiting
hours a day. He also created a full-function website that can
on their prescription. The monitor will save the readings to
be accessed via smart phones where customers can enter
a smart card and website where physicians can access those
the prescription numbers to be filled. To increase speed and
readings in the office and get an accurate picture of how the
accuracy, the pharmacy added a cutting-edge pharmacy
patient is responding to his or her medication.
robotics system. This technology allows the staff to spend less
The pharmacy will be starting a Healthy Kids FREE
time counting and labeling and more time checking dosing,
Vitamin Program to provide children ages two to twelve a
drug interactions, making sure the customers receive the best
free 30-day supply of Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's
possible regimen that is also cost effective.
Chewables Complete Multi-Vitamins each month. They are
“The most expensive medicine may not always be the
also working on a drive-thru service for those who are sick
best medicine,” added Sneed. “Robotics also allow us to spend
(or have sick children) and cannot come inside to fill their
more time building trust and forming important relationships
prescription. This will greatly increase customer convenience—
with our patients. My goal is to stay in the forefront by using
especially during inclement weather. Their goal is to continue
the latest technology to provide the customer with the fastest,
being the industry leader, focusing on changes that increase
most accurate dispensing.”
both customer satisfaction and service.
For the past ten years Professional Pharmacy has received
Professional Pharmacy continues to serve the community
the Dalton Daily Citizen Reader's Choice award for best
by holding to the guiding principles established by A.W. Smith
pharmacy. Also, its prime location and reputation allows the
back in 1961. Open every day of the year—including all major
pharmacy to serve not only residents of Dalton and Whitfield
holidays, and extended hours on the weekend. The store hours
county but also Murray, Catoosa, Gordon, Walker, and others
are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on
as well.
Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Future plans include making Professional Pharmacy a one-stop healthcare facility. They recently added a hearing center where customers can receive a free hearing evaluation and purchase affordable, top-of-the-line hearing aids. Plans are
Wanda is a writer, editor, and conference speaker who works from home. She posts devotions on her Web site: www.wandagriffith.com.
issuu.com/goodnewsdalton // 21
Gò0dNews for Parents
I Knew You’d Come Modeling Christ for our children is our greatest calling as parents. by David Gray
I
t was a typical summer afternoon: bright blue skies,
Jacob’s gallantry. When David appeared to be safe and
high temperatures, and restless kids. The kids were too
sound, she turned to face the pool at precisely the moment
rambunctious to be inside, so we decided to do what
our four-year-old Jacob was catapulting himself into the
so many people did that day—head to the pool. Within a
deep end of the pool with no floaties and no one aware.
few short minutes, we had the van fully loaded and were
Suddenly, Kendra, endowed with bionic speed and
trekking to the haven known as Tinsley Park. Our youngest child, Jacob, was four. Though he
strength, launched from the far corner of the pool toward the deep end where our child was soon to meet his
was a rather quiet and unassuming little guy, he had an
demise. With the supernatural abilities that only a mother
odd, audacious confidence about him. This day was no
possesses, Kendra reached Jacob within a split second of
different. Jacob saw all the
his descent into the deep.
other folks jumping off the
In a singular movement
diving board and decided
of one last stroke and dive
it looked like something
combined, she scooped him
he should do. So with the
up from five feet below
confidence of a seasoned
the surface only to see his
swimmer, Jacob climbed the
undaunted face smiling
ladder to the diving board
from ear to ear. After
in order to plunge into the
spitting and sputtering
deep end of the pool.
for a moment, he looked
The teen lifeguard was astute enough to notice our dauntless little man making his way up the ladder while still fully secured in the impenetrable armor of his
at his mom, and with the confidence only a four year old could understand declared, “I knew you’d come!” Possibly one of the most important things we can do
arm-floaties. Thankfully, the pool employee informed
for our kids is to model Christ for them. This is our great
Jacob that he could not use the diving board if he was still
calling as parents—not to take the place of Christ—but to
in arm-floaties. I suspect that for most four year olds that
point our kids to Christ. We cannot prevent all the pain
would translate into, “Don’t use the diving board,” but
they may encounter, but we can love them unconditionally
not so for our valiant munchkin. He proceeded to remove
and display the character of Christ. “Therefore be imitators
his floaties and head back up the ladder.
of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ
Without the bright orange floatie flashing for the lifeguard to see, Jacob, the conqueror, ascended the ladder
loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:1-2 ESV).
without resistance. Being the doting and attentive father that I was, I had no clue that Jacob was perched on top of the diving board, preparing to drown. My wife, Kendra, was anxiously waiting for our other son, David, to return unscathed from the restroom and so was also unaware of
22 // December 2015
David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Stay on Your Fitness Path by Lindsey Cooke
W
e have all been there. We wake up, work out, watch what we eat, and drink lots of water. We plan our days around going to the gym and planning out our meals for the next week. We do well with it. Until the holidays arrive. What do we do then? Do we take a break from our strenuous everyday schedules or find a way to continue them? Are the holidays the one time every year we are thankful for joining a gym that is a national chain? What do you do? We have all heard the saying that everything is okay in moderation. And I think that this is the best way to do it when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around. And, if you have family that come to town or that you visit, it is always fun to spend some time with family in the gym! Try something different that you haven’t done before, like that Zumba class you’ve been wanting to go to, or trying that new at-home workout you’ve had for months but haven’t done.
24 // December 2015
Do you need something to make you stay on your fitness path? Why not schedule a race, such as a 5K for after the holidays, in order to have a goal to reach. How can you reach these goals? 1. Get your workout in in the morning! Get your blood flowing and have an amazing start to your day! 2. Allow for some “cheat meals” during the holidays. 3. Find someone to hold you accountable and do the same for them! 4. Plan! Plan! Plan! Plan your workouts. This will help you get them in, spend time with your family, and find time to do all the things you need to do! 5. Don’t let the little hiccups you have affect your big picture. If you fall, get back up! “Always pray and never give up” (read Luke 18:1).
Lindsey Cooke is the administrative assistant for Cooke's Food Store & Pharmacy.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
Real Gifts
L
Embrace the greatest commandment and express love through your gift giving this Christmas. by Andrew Shaffer et’s be real. Christmas is about giving gifts. Whether
about us. We can dish out gift cards left and right, but we
you are a traditional gift-giver or an advocate for
aren’t giving anything by punching people over lattes and
alternatives, such as donations, supporting causes,
Xboxes. Do we want that in equal measure?
and so forth, we celebrate the coming of God in human
It’s not just the gift; it’s what you give. Each
form by giving to others. As Christ-followers though,
year we host an event called “Lydia’s Market” in our
we should be giving 365 days, 52 weeks a year. So at
atrium, partnering with more than thirteen ministries/
Christmas time, we embrace the greatest commandment
organizations from Nashville to Africa, allowing all those
and express this love through gifts. Advent is the
who participate an opportunity to give. Purchases helped
anticipation of the gift of Christ himself, and we respond
craftswomen and men across the world work toward self-
by giving gifts of our own. Jesus said in Luke’s Gospel
sufficiency, yet they’re still gifts for someone.
that what we give, we will get back in equal measure. Giving begets giving; we give because we received. As I am writing this, for reasons no one can fully
The market’s mission statement says, “We are called to empower ALL GOD's people.” Whether we donate to Heifer International or buy a new iPhone, isn’t this
explain, folks are causing a ruckus because red coffee
what giving should be about if we claim to follow Christ?
cups have some sort of detrimental effect on our
Rather than arguing about suitable decor or proper
celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. Yet, the day
phrasing, we give gifts that empower while serving to
after we give thanks for what we have, some of those
inspire. Whether buying or giving, we lean into these
same people whose vehicles are festooned with “Keep
holy days and try to ensure that the unfailing love of a
Christ in Christmas” stickers, will trample others to save $50 on a television and spend thousands of dollars on things they don’t need. In the
glorious God outshines everything else. So whether we wish a “Happy Xmas,” an emphatic “Merry Christmas!” or even
midst of it all, the same people will decry a
“Happy Holidays,” and before we bulldoze
perceived war on Christmas because people
our neighbor for a finding a deal on a
use Xmas, teach children about Santa, and
coffee pot, let’s remember that true
say “Happy Holidays.”
giving is the joy of Christmas. It’s the
I don’t care what kind of spin you
challenge of asking what we really give
put on it; this isn’t the right
by seeking the interests of others over
kind of giving. I’m hard
our own and the joy of encountering
pressed to find the person
the Christ Child as we rediscover a
of Christ in any of that.
Christmas about real gifts.
Giving should be about others; these kinds of displays are all
26 // December 2015
Andrew Shaffer is the minister to youth and their families at First Baptist Dalton, GA. He is a graduate of Mississippi State, Samford and Truett Seminary. He has worked in youth ministry one way or another since 2000, and has been bitten by an otter.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
A Season for Giving Create new memories by giving some of your treasured gifts to others. by Esmerelda Lee
E
very Christmas I am reminded of a beautiful lady
knick-knacks gathered by Bill and Joni Schultz through
by the name of Joni Schultz. From the first day I met
their travels and years of gathering. As one grandchild
Joni, I fell in love with her vivacious personality.
picked up an old trophy of Bill’s, Bill began to tell him a
She loved people, loved her family, and always had a plan.
short story behind that trophy, and the room erupted in
When I first talked with her regarding moving from her
laughter. That night I watched while memories that people
elegant home into Garden Plaza, I expected the typical,
try so hard to hold onto were renewed with the rebirth of
“I really don’t want to leave my home” that I hear from
new memories made by giving away the old.
others. However, Joni surprised me with her genuine
Joni taught me many things in the short time I knew
excitement and enthusiasm to move into Garden Plaza at
her, but that night she showed me the beauty of giving.
Cleveland. She could not move soon enough and asked
People spend their lives gathering and collecting objects
for periodic updates of the building’s progress. We would
to have more things, finer knick-knacks. Sometimes
have tea, and then we would walk around her well-
we place so much value on these possessions that they
decorated home assessing what furniture pieces she was
tend to possess us. Ultimately, today’s treasure becomes
going to bring.
tomorrow’s trade-ins; and in the end, they become useless
On her first Christmas at Garden Plaza, she reserved the Bistro for a private family Christmas party. The
to our quality of life. Often seniors have difficulty in giving items away.
highlight of the evening was a game of Christmas Bingo.
Sometimes it is not the value of the items that matters as
She invited me to attend, but I watched from the doorway,
much as what the items represent. Giving away possessions
excited to see what type of party Joni had planned. The
for them symbolizes change. The Bible talks about the
room was filled with family
seasons of our lives. It tells of a season for gathering stones,
members laughing, eating,
and a season to cast away stones. Joni Schultz taught me
and playing Bingo. On a table
that the same joy and tenacity we bring to gathering stones
were the prizes to be awarded
should be the same excitement and positive energy we use
to the Bingo winners.
to cast away and give gifts to others.
I looked closely at these
The Lord loves a cheerful giver (see 2 Cor. 9:7). So
prizes and noticed some were
during this Christmas season, I hope you will find renewed
crystal, some china, and
hope and love by giving. In addition to giving newly
others were trophies, as
purchased gifts, my hope is that you will consider giving
well as various odds
items to others that have lost their usefulness to you (not in
and ends. These were
the cheap-spirited attitude of “re-gifting” but rather with warm intentions and a story to share along with the gift). Have a blessed Christmas as you make a definite plan to give through every season of your life.
28 // December 2015
Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Divine Friendship Real friendships will always call you to a higher standard.
P
by Tyler Shores
roverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and
Through the birth of Jesus, God came to us as we were
a brother is born for a time of adversity” (NIV). The
and took all it means to be human into Himself. He saw us
Bible presents a grand story of relationship and
both at our best and our worst, and He demonstrated love
friendship between God and humanity. That friendship is
to us despite it all. In that love, like the best of friends, He
best demonstrated in the life of Jesus, and with His birth,
entered into our space through the humble birth of Jesus.
this took a giant step forward. In what follows, I want to
Jeremiah speaks of a reality for which God longs for a
point out two key aspects of friendship that God shows
time when God and God’s people can be together without
through Jesus.
anything standing in the way (see 31:33-34). At Christmas
First, real friendship meets you where you are. It is said that a good friend will bail you out of jail, but
time, we celebrate a giant step toward that reality, and that step was made by God.
your best of friends will share your cell. The truth of this
The second key aspect is that a real friendship will
statement is friendship shares in all that life gives both
always call you higher. I am fortunate to have friends who
good and bad. Those I consider my closest friends are the
call me to a higher standard when we both know that I
ones who were there with me in one way or another no
can and should do better. While the coming of our Lord
matter my circumstances. When life was good, they would
is a testament to the love of God, it is also a revelation of
celebrate with me. When the road became difficult, we
the hope God has for us. He has already shown Himself
would cry and lament together. No matter what life threw
to be one of the best of friends by entering our space and
at me, they were there sharing in my world and being with
“sharing our cell,” but He took a step further when in
me exactly where I was in that moment.
His life and in His death He called us higher to live better and to be more like Him—something He knows we can do. This friendship continues today by the work of the Holy Spirit who is described by the Gospel of John as the Advocate, the one who is on our side. The birth of Jesus is the bold statement of a dear friend letting us know that He will not give up on us. May the reality of God’s friendship with humanity be revealed to each of us in special way as we celebrate the birth of the King, our Divine Friend. May we be challenged to reach greater heights as we ponder this move of divine friendship.
30 // December 2015
In both vocation and study, Tyler Shores and his wife, Jamie, desire to see the theory and practice of the Christian faith come together in the life of the believer and in the local church. Tyler currently works in the Lee University Leonard Center providing support and training to student leaders engaged in service on a daily basis. He is also enrolled in the graduate program at Lee seeking a Master of Arts in Theological Ethics. You can follow Tyler on twitter @tyler_shores.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Develop a Christmas Family Plan Maximizing the meaning and fulfillment of the season. by Dan and Katie Peeples
E
very December 26 we look at each other with some
in need, feeding the hungry, volunteering somewhere,
disappointment in our eyes that Christmas is already
visiting those who are going through a tough time, etc.).
over. Considering that our excitement about Christmas
• Two Christmas movie nights at home (one with the kids
pretty much begins when the first leaves fall from the trees, we should have had our fill of Christmas by that point, right? It’s just that the season means so much more to us than just shopping and parties. It means that we are celebrating the birth
and one as a couple after they are in bed). • Driving to see Christmas lights somewhere. (We like the Christmas Nights of Lights at Camp Jordan). Make sure to wear your Christmas pj’s!
of Jesus; we are making magical Christmas memories with our
• Christmas craft night with the family or as a couple.
two young children; we are spending warm and cozy quality
Come on guys, this can be lots of fun! We have made
time with each other; we are giving to those in need; and we are
some pretty pitiful crafts over the years, but they always
catching up with extended family and friends.
make us laugh and bring back tons of memories each
This is a lot to pack into one month, so over the past eight years of marriage, we have developed a strategy to maximize
year when we unpack them. • A couple of shopping nights for gifts. Also, plan to do a
the meaning and fulfillment of the season. It begins by sitting
special date night dinner together while you are out.
down together prior to Thanksgiving to develop our Peeples
• Any parties and family gatherings that you want to go
Christmas Plan. I know this may sound a little Type A, but
to. We have learned that sometimes overloading your
just give it a chance, because it’s actually a lot of fun. The plan
plans in this area can cause more stress than it’s worth,
begins with a calendar and a piece of paper, so pull out your
so don’t feel like you have to be at every single function
smart phones and notebooks. Next, you need jot down all of
you are invited to. Seriously, is attending your neighbor’s
the things that you would like to accomplish during the holiday
cousin’s annual ugly Christmas sweater party all that
season. Here is an example of things we put on our list:
important when you have so many other things to do?
• Church cantatas and Christmas plays. • How we want to show the love of Christ to others, which is what the season is really all about (i.e. helping a family
• Bake night! Our kitchen may look like wild wolves ravaged through it, but it’s always a deliciously fun night. You actually have to schedule these things on your calendars! Trust us, if you don’t get them on your calendar, then you will let the season pass by and you will miss out on some pretty special stuff. Plus, it cuts down on stress and allows you to look forward to every day leading up to Christmas. Friends, I hope this Christmas season will be overflowing with joy, peace, happiness, and lots of great, new memories!
32 // December 2015
Dan Peeples is vice-president of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes and former mayor of Varnell. He is involved in several community activities and an active member of Salem Baptist Church. Dan is married to Katie Kinnamon Peeples and they have two small children.
We’re here for all your sympathy needs. Bobbie’s Florist 3007 E. Walnut Ave • Dalton, GA 30721 706.278.2526 • bobbiesfloristdalton.com
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Need to See Jesus! Insight for you and me during this Christmas season by William Lamb
M
y daughter-in-law, Megan, has an unfaltering loyalty
for you and me during this Christmas season—the need to see
about Christmas—so much so that I think she
Jesus. Two men, one rich and one poor, one physically blind
secretly celebrates the Christmas spirit even during
and one spiritually blind, one dependent on others and one self-
other seasonal holidays. Her joy for Christmas is definitely contagious.
sufficient; but each with the same need and desire to see Jesus. I must admit it; I think the scrooges of our society view the
I recently participated in a dialogue with some friends
contagiously joyful “Megans” as zealots. But when you know
about the impact Jesus made on a chief tax collector, recorded
the real story, you know the reason for the celebration. I know
in the Zacchaeus story found in Luke 19:1-10. The following
her story. I know how Megan was healed from a rare disease
thoughts emerged from that conversation:
that sidelined her soccer career; how her willingness to forgive
• Zacchaeus must have heard about Jesus many times before the day he saw Him. • Jesus cared enough for Zacchaeus to invite Himself over for dinner.
replaced the feeling of being disserted; and how her past pain became her platform to care for others. Maybe Megan’s story relates to you or maybe not. Maybe you are like the blind beggar or a shrewd business owner.
• Zacchaeus was transformed by his encounter with Jesus
Perhaps you are the official crowd quieter-downer, the scrooge,
so much so that he was convicted of his wrong doing
or even the oppressed, but each with the same need—the need
and willfully committed to make restitution a reality.
to see Jesus.
• Like Zacchaeus, we should do whatever it takes to see Jesus and bring others along on the journey. In the previous chapter of Luke (18:35-43) Scripture illustrates a blind man’s encounter with Jesus. As was common in His ministry, a crowd usually accompanied Jesus while in the public forum. Obviously, the crowd included disciples and naysayers. It also included the broken, the lame, the sick, and even the blind. Such was the case as Jesus was coming near Jericho. In Luke’s Gospel, the story reveals that a blind beggar,
Here are three steps that could help move you past a commercialized societal-infused Christmas to a visible encounter with the Messiah: 1. Cry out like the blind beggar and say to Jesus, “Have mercy on me.” 2. Climb a tree like Zacchaeus to overcome the masses so you can see Jesus. 3. Believe like Megan in the presence of your pain and you, too, can know the Messiah. Have a joyous Christmas!
hearing the noisy crowd, asked what was happening. When he was told that Jesus was passing by, the blind man cried out loud for mercy. It seems to me that could be a common need in these two stories. I think this a need that provides insight
34 // December 2015
Dr. William Lamb is a member of the administrative staff at Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) where he leads a diverse and global “service-learning” program for college students. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. William and his wife Angela, along with their children Tyler and Megan, Nick, and Ben, reside in Cleveland, TN.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Sharing Our Stories There is freedom when we share our victories with others.
by Rhiannon Skeen
I
n Acts 26, the apostle Paul retells the story of his
wants us to be silent about what God is doing or has
early years, his Damascus-Road experience, and the
done in our lives because then others will not know
reason he was imprisoned. Paul is before the king and
victory is possible. If I never share with someone that
Festus sharing his life's story with them, but there was
they can overcome feeling inadequate because I am,
something about the words they were hearing that was
then they may battle that the rest of their lives. I could
affecting them. Paul's testimony affected King Agrippa
have prevented that lifelong struggle, but instead I
to the point that he admits in verse 28 that he was
chose silence.
"almost persuaded to become a Christian himself." What a powerful statement! All Paul did was share
The Enemy uses that to keep others bound. As the body of Christ, we should encourage each other to
his life experiences with
share those mountaintop
this man, and it was so
moments so that those who
powerful that he even
are walking through the
thought about accepting
valley can see that there is
this Jesus he had heard
hope—they can make it.
about. Paul was not afraid
What stops us from
to proclaim Christ, and he
sharing our victories?
certainly was not afraid
Could it be the lie that it
to declare the truth of His
is prideful? Or maybe we
death and resurrection.
see it as being humble. In
I believe Paul knew his
actuality, I don't think it is
words carried power
either. I think it is a scheme
because of who he was talking about, so when he was
used by the enemy to keep us quiet. He knows that if
given the chance to share this before the King, he was
we ever become comfortable proclaiming the victories
giving it all he had.
we walk in through Christ that freedom will happen all
As I was reading Paul's account and the king's reaction, I began to ask myself about my ability to share
over the place and that's the last thing he wants. Be inspired by Paul's story. Ask God to show you
my story and why is it important. Revelations 12:11
your mountaintop moments, and ask God to give you
says: "And they overcame him because of the blood of
ways to share them with others. You never know when
the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony,
you may change someone's life by simply sharing your
and they did not love their life to the death" (NKJV).
testimony with them.
They did not love their life when faced with death, and they were not ashamed of their testimony. It was, in fact, their testimony that gave them the ability to overcome. There is power in our stories. There is freedom when we share our victories with others. The Enemy
36 // December 2015
Rhiannon Skeen is a recent Lee University graduate, a wife, a new mother, and the creator/administrator of www.whatsoeverislovelyliving.com. She and her husband are in full-time ministry with Global Apostolic Revival Network (www.GARN.tv). They are passionate about spreading the love of God and seeing heaven invade earth.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Into My Heart, Lord Jesus
A
Is your heart a place where God would want to take up residence? by Julius McCarter
s a child, I remember hearing a lot about
God arrives, suitcase in hand, and knocks on the
“inviting Jesus into my heart.” About saying
door of our hearts. And He can hardly fit inside. The
“the sinner’s prayer” and hearing at Sunday
place is too small. And it’s a mess, a ruin, a veritable
school all those warnings about what would happen
pigsty. Yet, God isn’t deterred. God wants to live here.
if we didn’t have Jesus in our hearts, I find all that
The place has a lot of promise; and besides, God likes
language rather jarring. I know now the language is
the neighborhood. So there’s only one for it. God rolls
just too thin.
up his sleeves and gets to work.
I’m rather disillusioned about the capacities of my
What I’m describing here is what we Christians call
heart. It simply isn’t spacious enough to accommodate
a conversion. It’s a condition that will continue for the
a guy like Jesus. More accurately, it’s not a place He
rest of my life. God renovates slowly, persistently, with
would want to take up residence.
boundless patience and love, giving attention to even
When I think of my heart as a house for Jesus, I
the smallest details. My whole life will be nothing but
now see it in a rather different way than I saw it as a
the story of God’s renovation. My whole life is one of
child: To start with, it’s far too small. If Jesus is going
God’s repair projects. It’s not the once-off experiences
to live here, there will have to be extensions, and it’s
that matters—not any single episode of inviting Jesus
all looking pretty rundown. The roof leaks and mold is
into my heart. What matters is the process; what matters
growing on the walls. The front door is hanging off its
is that my heart gradually becomes bigger, wider,
hinges. There are strange smells in the hallway. Weeds
cleaner, and more orderly. What matters is that it
are growing up through the floorboards. Jesus is
slowly becomes, over a whole lifetime, an inhabitable
moving into my heart, not because these surroundings
place for God.
are fit for Him, but because He enjoys the challenge of fixing up old places like this—a broken-down dump of a house.
38 // December 2015
The Reverend Julius McCarter, Ph.D., is a minister and spiritual director who lives in Loudon, TN. He is the author of eleven books—most recently a theological commentary on the Book of Revelation. His ministry, Sunergoi Ministries, maintains a blog at www.the-little-friar.blogspot.com.
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