Gò0dNews September 2017
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
DALTON & CHATSWORTH
• Praying to Be a Better Dad p.12 • How Was Your Day? p.20 • God Is Always with You! p.50
More Out of Health. More Out of Life.
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Learn how you can get out you of health and the Tomore learn how can harness more out of life by visiting power of health with Hamilton, visit Hamilton Physician Group at HamiltonHealth.com/power. HamiltonHealth.com/hpg. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Writers
Amy Poag Brenda Dedmon Chandlin Johnson Diana Callihan Doug Hunt Dr. Greg Collins Ethan McRae Gaye Coker Jacob Herald Jennifer Govea Laura Perdue Pat Gross Ron Peterson Ryan Ralson Shannon Coley Shelbie Rogers William Nelson Haynes
About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have four beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, and Leah Jean. 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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GoodNews Christian Magazine Dalton
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Letter from the Editor
M
ark Twain said, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” Don’t we wish writing was that easy? It is not; writing is hard work! While serving as book editor for a publishing house for many years, I learned a lot about writing by editing other writers’ articles and books. Often, beginning writers think: If I come up with a great idea, it can carry me. This is not the case because even the noblest of ideas and the most absorbing of themes can be twisted out of shape in the hands of a careless writer. First of all, I discovered that good writing is mostly rewriting. Hemingway claimed to have rewritten the final chapter of A Farewell to Arms 39 times. There is nothing praiseworthy in rewriting; it is simply a fact of life for people who care about getting things right. It’s difficult, but if you want to write, you must rewrite. Editing yourself is the most difficult because most writers are easily seduced by their own prose. The editorial act must therefore be a deliberate infliction of pain. I probably wouldn’t express the self-editing processing this way, but you must delete all the words that add nothing to the story. I call this “cutting out the clutter.” I first learned to do this
when I was commissioned to write an article and was given a maximum word count. I learned that too many descriptions and words that deviate from the story clutter up the writing. Through the years, I developed a set of editing tools to use for improving my own writing and the essays of my students enrolled in College Writing. When I worked as book editor, one of the dreaded tasks on my job description was to write rejection letters. My boss referred to these as “ugly-baby” letters. No mother believes her baby is ugly, and most writers think their writing is beautiful. Understanding this, I tried to be as affirming as possible, while pointing out why the writing did not fit our purpose or that the author must rewrite large portions of the submission. When self-editing, I have found that the following five questions will bring my manuscript under a microscope of refinement: • Is this verb the best possible one? • Is this metaphor forced? • Have I used a mixed metaphor? • Isn’t that phrase really too threadbare to use? • Does this analogy work? When does this process end? The short answer is that the process never ends; the clock merely runs out, you turn off the computer and press it into the hands of the editor.
Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Contents 6
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 How to Share Christ with an Uninterested Friend by Reagan Marsh
GoodNews for Kids
8 Children of the Bible: Listening to God’s Call by Shelbie Rogers GoodNews on Money Matters
10 When Does Retirement Planning Start? by Ron Peterson
GoodNews for Men
12 Praying to Be a Better Dad by Doug Hunt
GoodNews for Women
14 The Power of Your Words by Chandlin Johnson GoodNews for your Taste Buds
16 Seeds of Nourishment by Diana Callihan GoodNews for Parents
20 How Was Your Day? by Brenda Dedmon
28
GoodNews for Life
22 Tips for Everyday Life by Amy Poag
GoodNews for Health & Fitness
24 Bring More Laughter into Your Life for Good Health by Shannon Coley GoodNews for Teens
26 “Caring”
by Jacob Herald GoodNews Cover Story
28 RossWoods
GoodNews for Everyone
30 The Burden of Your Calling GoodNews for Couples
32 Oh Be Careful Little Eyes by Laura Perdue GoodNews for Seniors
34 Alzheimer’s Walk GoodNews for Everyone
36 What Exactly Is Preschool 1? by Gaye Coker
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Standing in the Gap by Ryan Ralston
46
GoodNews for Everyone
40 How to Hear From God by Jennifer Govea GoodNews for Everyone
42 The Wall around Me Is in Ruins. by Ethan McRae GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk
44 Colon Cancer Survivor: Jeremy McMahan GoodNews for Everyone
46 When the Dogs Won’t Stop Barking by Dr. Greg Collins GoodNews for Everyone
50 God Is Always with You! By Dr. Pat Gross
GoodNews for Everyone
52 Some Make It, Some Do Not by William Nelson Haynes
GoodNews for Everyone
54 Tired of Losing the Battle with Lust?
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
How to Share Christ with an Uninterested Friend
I
Point to Jesus—respectfully, but plainly−and get out of the way. by Reagan Marsh
received the following question recently: “My friend doesn’t want to hear about Christ. How should I share the gospel with her?” Here’s my answer. Good for you for wanting your friend to know Jesus! The Bible teaches that we each have a soul that will never die; and God makes his appeal to sinners through Christians (2 Cor. 5:20). So, here are several things we should bear in mind as we seek to share the gospel. First, we need to pray. We can’t be effective in our own power; we need the Holy Spirit to empower our witness and break us over lost people. Spurgeon put it well: “Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls,” and that only begins in heartfelt, focused, intercessory prayer. Fasting often proves a great help to such prayer. Second, we must be patient. Scripture says that God’s kindness leads us to repentance (see Rom. 2:4), meaning that when God draws someone to himself, it’s a process which takes time (see John 6:44). We can’t rush things; as Luther said, we must let God be God. He is utterly sovereign in His dealings with our lives, and He delights in salvation more than we do. Third, we must be persistent. Think of your salvation: how long did it take? How many times did you hear of Christ, but reject Him? How thankful you should be for God making that witness persistent! One researcher found that adults hear the gospel approximately seventeen times before God saves them. Learn not to take “no” for an answer, because God doesn’t (see John 6:37).
6 // September 2017
Fourth, we must balance between pressing and pausing. Every friendship is different: when to press the gospel home with one friend is when to pause with another. This means that you must love your friend as she is and “where” she is. While Christians must be ready to speak about our hope through Jesus (see 1 Pet. 3:15), we must also recognize when to be silent as the Holy Spirit does His humbling, convicting work (see John 16:8). Knowing when to give a gentle push, or when to pause, requires godly wisdom and much dependence on the Spirit. Finally, we must point to Jesus. Evangelism isn’t “my story,” “my experience,” or “my perspective;” it’s telling what God has done for helpless, hopeless God-haters like us, in Jesus (see Rom. 10:17). The second Person of the Trinity took on our humanity (see John 1:14), obeyed and died as the only substitute for sinners (see 2 Cor. 5:21), was raised to life for our justification (see Rom. 4:25), and will return to bring us to Himself forever. Jesus alone receives and restores ruined sinners (see John 14:6). The goal of witnessing isn’t someone repeating a prayer or signing a decision card, but God being glorified in bringing mutinous rebels from darkness to light through the mercy of King Jesus−and that is ultimately God’s doing, not ours (see Psa. 3:8; John 6:29). Press on!
Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and pastorteacher to Rocky Face Baptist Church (www.rockyfacebaptist.org).
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Gò0dNews for Kids Children of the Bible: Listening to God’s Call God will take whatever you give Him and make it “more than enough.” by Shelbie Rogers
T
here once was a boy excited to travel
that he gave what he had and God preformed
to hear a man preach, teach, and above
a miracle with it. Even though he was young,
anything else, the boy wanted to see Him
even though he didn’t have enough food to feed
do a miracle. The boy heard that the man was traveling over the sea by boat. His mom
everyone, even though . . . God used it and made it more than enough.
packed him some food and the boy made
Even though you are young,
his way to the shore to see the man who
even though you feel like you
does miracles and heals−the one they call
don’t have what it takes, God
Jesus of Nazareth. The boy got to the shore. He
will use you to do great things. Listen to that little
couldn’t see over
voice of God inside telling
all the people,
you to step out and do
so he made
what it says. It’s as
his way up as close
easy as that for God
as he could. He wanted to
to use you. It may
hear every word and see
be anything from
everything. He waited
giving away
patiently listening to every
your food to feed
single word, so when
many, praying for
Jesus started asking for
someone, befriending someone
His disciples to find
who needs a friend, or standing
food the little boy heard.
up to a bully. God can call the
The boy knew that he
young to do big things−just listen.
had food with him and wanted to share it with Jesus of Nazareth. When he gave his two fish and five loaves, little did he know that his food could feed the crowd,
8 // September 2017
Shelbie Rogers is a member of Cityview Church of God. She has actively been serving the community through her work at The Salvation Army. She has a beautiful eight year old daughter named Kara.
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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
Gò0dNews on Money Matters When Does Retirement Planning Start? Many mistakenly associate beginning retirement planning with reaching a certain income level. Nothing could be further from the truth. by Ron Peterson
A
more appropriate concept might be called “Life
A cautionary word−term insurance is always just
Planning,” which is much more inclusive than
that−for a term! It will cease or become inordinately
retirement planning. It should include planning
expensive to convert when employment ends or when one
for life insurance and other investments as well as an employer’s retirement plan.
reaches an age stated in the policy. Traditional IRA’s cannot be funded if one is
Life insurance offers benefits other than protecting
participating in an employer’s retirement plan. However,
one’s family against loss of income due to death of an
a Roth IRA can be. Roth contributions will be phased out
income producer. Structured and funded correctly, it can
when Adjusted Gross Income reaches a certain amount
also provide tax-free income at the time of retirement.
which is currently $184,000 or more for those married and
Although the dividends associated with a policy that
filing a joint return. It’s not going to affect most people.
builds cash surrender value typically won’t earn any more
A non-working spouse may be eligible to fund a
than a savings account, those values can be built up and
traditional IRA. Roth IRA contributions are made with
borrowed against for the purchase of a major asset when
“after tax dollars,” which means that tax has been paid
that becomes appropriate. In one sense, one is borrowing
before the contribution is made. Traditional IRA’s are
from themselves and paying themselves back. However,
made with “before tax dollars.” When distributions
we should always remember that Scripture has warnings
begin, the Roth distributions are not taxable while
about debt.
the Traditional IRA distributions are generally fully
Another advantage of appropriate life-insurance planning and funding is that it doesn’t “go away” if one
includible in taxable income. Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made once a
has a gap in employment. Depending upon a policy and its
person reaches 70 ½ while such cannot be made to a
provisions (riders), premiums might be waived during a
Traditional IRA. The Roth IRA thus gives the individual
period of unemployment, or delayed and recalculated once
who works beyond 70 ½ an opportunity to build and
re-employment commences. Most whole-life policies will
preserve retirement savings while not being taxed on the
also provide for borrowing against the cash surrender value
amount earned by the Roth
to pay premiums in
investments. It is possible that
such difficult times.
a taxpayer who is 71 and in good health, may qualify for a greater life insurance benefit than conservative earnings from a Roth IRA would provide. Prayer, wisdom, and conservatism should undergird all Life Planning decisions as sudden or unplanned changes might trigger unplanned taxable events or unexpected losses.
10 // September 2017
Ron Peterson is a practicing CPA in Chatsworth who is also holds life and health insurance licenses. In addition to his many years of public accounting experience, he also served as CFO of several large organizations and as a corporate operational consultant.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Praying to Be a Better Dad The ways to show your children you believe in them and that you are never against them. by Doug Hunt
I
am a dad. Even though that has been true for over thirteen
as parents? What will they think about God because of me?
years now, it is still hard for me to believe. In many ways
Who knows? But, I know that I will affect all of those things
I still feel like an irresponsible twenty year old who is still
and more.
fumbling his way through life. But now I have a wife and three kids along for the fumbling. I have done all kinds of fumbling as a dad. There was
Here are a few things I am praying as the dad. 1. That they will see their dad as someone who loves God.
that time I fumbled my way through helping them brush their
2. That they will see what it looks like to live by faith.
teeth when they were little. I had just finished bathing them
3. That they will see what it looks like to admit
and put the toothpaste on the toothbrush. I told them, “Brush your teeth!” As they began, they immediately complained about the taste. In a tone that was too harsh, I said, “It’s
you’re wrong and ask for forgiveness. 4. That they will know that their dad is a place of security and peace.
just a new flavor!” They kept complaining. So I grabbed the
5. That they know they can safely ask their dad anything.
toothpaste only to notice it wasn’t toothpaste but cortisone
6. That they know their dad cherishes their mom
cream. Oops. At least, their teeth didn’t itch anymore. There was also that time while fumbling through the potty training with my three year old, I
more than anyone. 7. That they will see the joy in life. 8. That they know, even when they are in trouble,
grabbed the wrong wipes. Who knew there was
that I am never against them.
difference between flushable baby wipes and
9. That they know I believe in them.
bleach disinfectant wipes? Well, I know now.
10. That they know I am genuinely interested in
I have made much bigger fumbles! These just make me laugh.
them as people. Hebrews 11:23 is one of my favorite verses about
There are a lot of things about
being a parent, “By faith Moses, when he was
being a dad that makes me nervous.
born, was hidden for three months by his
I am assuming that since I am
parents, because they saw that the child
an imperfect person that my
was beautiful, and they were not afraid of
imperfections will be fumbled
the king's edict” (ESV). It may seem like
down to my kids in some way. I
an odd passage but I love what it implies.
wonder what they will look back
It shows that Moses’ dad and mom had
on and say, “I learned that from
great faith as parents. They believed so
my dad.”
much in the possibility of God for their
If they get married, what
son that they were willing to do anything,
good or bad baggage will they
even risk their own lives for sake of
carry from me into their
Moses’ future. I want that kind of faith
marriage? If they have
in God and belief for my kids. I want
kids, what good or bad
to be that kind of dad.
baggage will they carry from me into their lives
12 // September 2017
Doug Hunt serves as one of the pastors at Rock Bridge Community Church, in Dalton, GA. He has a passion to see people grow as disciples and disciple makers. He has been married to his wife, Shelley for 18 years and has three amazing kids, Emily, James, and Andy.
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Gò0dNews for Women
The Power of Your Words Facts can change, but truth remains the same. by Chandlin Johnson
D Don’t Become Stagnant o you ever sit back and listen to the words you
as when God spoke the world into existence, you also
say? How many times have you said things
speak things into existence. The Word of God tells us
that were less becoming of the person God has
that “The tongue has the power of life and death, and
called you to be? We all have days when our mouths
those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pro. 18:21 NIV).
And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, win the race against our brains and we say things that When you speak that your life is terrible, you live in That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; we later regret. Emotions rise and we speak them in poverty, you’re sick, you’re tired, no one loves you Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, the heat of the moment. Did you knowYour that the Wordmen shall because is what you believe (out of the heart), and young seethat visions, of God tells us that our heart condition is where our shallare speaking those things you are creating that kind of Your old men dream dreams. words come from? Luke life for yourself. Now it might —Acts 2:17 NKJV
A Women’s Worth
6:45 states that “A good
be a fact that you are sick, Chandlin Be encouraged and know thatbyyour identityJohnson is found only in God and not in man. person produces good but the truth is that “by His by Chandlin Johnson he definition of being stagnant is to become inactive, ways. The Bible instructs us to be in constant movement
T W
things from the treasury cease to flow oran move,worth become trapped, here does your come from decline, as a of a good heart, and deteriorate, fall,Is do nothing, stand still. women? it the titles or you hold, theStagnate worth evil person produces evil water provides a breeding ground and incubator for many are to others, things from you the treasury of or is it your hopes and kinds of bacteria and parasites. Furthermore, it not only dreams? Many times women, an evil heart. What you say being caregivers, we allow affects water, butdefined it also causes air others and water soil ourselves to be by what call pollution, us, or how flows from what is in your and contamination. All ofon this happens because theyradioactive see us. It often times depends how we feel about heart” (NLT). I have met of lack of movement. ourselves. Yet none of those things gives us worth. people who are amazingly Our with God is a movement; action Our walk worthiness comes from God; it’s He an is the onethat who able to hold their tongue we take moment.The Thequestion Word gives us commands gives usevery our identity. should be, “Whoand when someone iscommand being is action. Water is a metaphor the response does God saytoIaam and why?” Before the free gift of very hateful to them; otherssalvation in the Bible for many things: life John salvation, we were unworthy, unableIsaiah to do12:3; anything I4:11-14, met are not able to, Job 6:17; abundance John 7:38; Holywe Spirit and tohave get to God or please Him. After grace, became and I always wondered blessings Isaiah 44:3; and cleansing Ezekiel 36:25. When worthy because of Him. Second Corinthians 5:21 says,the flow God still, walk why that is. relationship “For of Heyour made Him whowith knew no stands sin to be sinyour for us, becomes stagnant. He is ever moving and doing His part; you say is extremely importantof asGod wellin asHim” thatWhat we might become the righteousness it’s we who becomes still. God says goodness and mercy (NKJV). that absolutely amazing how youIsn’t say it. Matthew 12:36 tells us that that God “Butcalls I sayyou will follow you (Psa. 23:6). The Word tells us to rejoice and me to the righteousness of Him? unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, always andgive pray withoutthereof ceasing 1 Thessalonians Ifshall you are aaccount woman who has abused by 5:16. they ininbeen the Day of Judgment” Why? Because there needs to be constant communication anyone, called names, told you were (KJV). Did you derogatory know that the words you say not worth only with God in order to know what to do and to find peace. nothing, stupid, or any other hateful things, let me create what your future will be, but also can murderbe Faith without is dead (James faith the one to tellworks you it’s all a lie! God2:26); tells your us that wecalls are someone? Because we were created in the likeness and for Do you know why youonly can read theaction. head and not the tail, above and the notsame beneath. In image of the Godhead−Father, Son, and Holy Spirit−just passage of scripture and learn something new every Deuteronomy 28:1-12, He calls us friend, beloved, time? more Because the Word of God is alive, and living things move. than conquers, His child, forgiven, blameless, blessed, causes us to become stagnant? Sin, laziness, and What so much more. Begin to find out through the Word complacency, indifference, fearidentity separates us Christ from God. of God who you really are.and Your is in and When we stop chasing after God, we fall back into old Him alone.
14 // September August June 2017 20172017
stripes you are healed” (Isa.
withThe God.Lord’s Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it11:2 shall be given, Prayer found inNKJV). Luke says “Our 53:5 seek and will find, knock be and the door shall beto Father inyou heaven, Hallowed your name. Your The Bible teaches
opened.” of these actions. Matthew 6:33 “But kingdomAll come. Yourare will be done on earth assays, it is in
speak things out all through
seek ye first the kingdom God.” we is become heaven” (NKJV). We areof the earthWhen that He talkinglazy,
the Word of God. The word
we stophere, doing what needs to created be done,from slackthe in reading about because we are dirt of the
confess appears thirty-two
Word, skipAstonishingly, prayer time, stay in bed goingisto the earth. what the instead Lord’s of Prayer
times in the Bible and speak
church. Fear is paralyzing when allow itHimself to overtake us. saying right here, is for Him to we duplicate in us.
is mentioned 513 times. Time
Becoming comfortable and thinking everything good, What an incredible and exciting thing to knowis that the
and time again, the Word tells so there’sofno need toand keep crying This causes us towho Creator heaven earth andout. us is also the One us to confess or speak. Why? become it also cause a break communication, made allstagnant; things because nothing wasincreated that was Because when you open and if it continues, we(see slide back intoHis ourwords old ways. not created by Him John 1:3). created
mouth, it creates Diseasesand are caused by your stagnant water; it’s alsoinwhen what everything, He wants to duplicate Himself us and belief are happens spiritually. of malaria and because we are His Instead vessel,faith His hands anddengue, feetattached to do His we ourselves upmet to spiritual attacks, oppression, to it.open Have youHe ever any children who were told bidding until returns. depression, sickness, and become paralyzed inlow fear they were stupid bywho theirwe parents? Notice their The great I AM can do everything made you without hope or faith. Matthew 12:43-45 talks about the in His likeness and image your own worth because self-esteem? Words creatednot that! Psalms 59:12 states condition of a man being worse than at first because thenext you are nothing without God (see John 15:5). So “Because of the sinful things they say, because ofthe the spirit hasisreturned seven than The timethat you are down, ormore someone has made you evil onfeeling theirwith lips, let them bewicked captured byhe. their reason there was room for them to come back is because feel as their if you’re nothing, remember the One who created pride, curses, and their lies” (NLT). So what is your it wasn’t replaced with something. Peace for fear, faithyou you and everything you see that’s good has called heart saying to those around you through your words, for doubt, and healing for sickness all come we are to to be His vessel. He says “Yes, indeed youwhen are worthy and what do you want it to say? A heart that’s for God walking God, weyou walk, He promises Me. As awith matter ofAs fact, meant so muchHe to will Me Ipour sent will bring blessings−not curses! out His Spirit on us (see Acts 2:17). Don’t become stagnant! My only Son to die, so I could be with you.” Chandlin Johnson is a single mother of four beautiful children. Her heart’s desire is to minister to women and to help those who are trapped in human trafficking. More than anything she enjoys spending time with Jesus and worshipping Him in all forms of the Arts.
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W
Seeds of Nourishment by Diana Callihan
hen I was a child, I
Is it an unsaved loved one or a
6 medium-size potatoes
remember my mom and
healing in your body? Whichever it
1 cup of medium-size noodles
dad always having a
is, I encourage you keep letting God
garden in the summer. Every spring
water your garden and stand back and
the garden was plowed and my mom
watch it grow.
gathered her seeds. My dad got on his
For a natural nourishment, I have
tractor and plowed rows for my mom
included a recipe that enables one to
to plant all of her seeds in. All through
use the wonderful vegetables. The
spring into summer the plants grew.
recipe is for veggi soup. After all my
It was amazing to see small seeds be
mom did all that work, she always
put into the ground, then sprout out
made vegetable soup. So make the
into full-grown plants. With rain and
soup your own recipe by adding your
sunshine, the plants are nourished
favorite veggies.
until fully grown. My mother had
Veggie Soup
taken great care to weed the plants and give nourishment when it was needed. Now it was time for her to reap what she had literally sown. We, as children of God, also sow and reap. He plants the Holy Spirit into us when we receive him as Lord. We are fed the Word of God by our pastors (In Luke 8:11 now the parable is this: “the seed is the Word of God” ASV). We are nourished by the reading and studying of the Word of God. Eventually, if we take care of our spiritual seeds, they will sprout and grow. God will literally shine His face upon our seed and give it nourishment. And in God’s timing, He will bring your seed to full maturity. What a day that is when you see your seed developed into a full manifestation! What is your seed you desire to see fulfilled?
16 // September 2017
Directions
Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
Cut the corn off the cob. Chop the carrots into small pieces, dice the tomatoes, string and snap the beans, chop onions into a medium size. Put all vegetables into a large steer (a large cooking pan with two handles). Cover the vegetables with water. Add salt, ginger, and black pepper. Cook all veggies on medium high for one hour. Brown the hamburger meat,
6 ears of corn
peel and chop the potatoes. Drain the
2 large tomatoes
meat and add to the soup after the
2 large carrots
first hour of cooking. Add the potatoes
2 cups of green beans
(don’t add these too early because the
1/2 cup chopped onions
potatoes will cook away).
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Finally, add the noodles. Invite your
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
neighbor over and enjoy the freshly
1/4 teaspoon of ginger
cooked vegetables for nourishment.
1 lb. of hamburger meat
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Dalton Church Directory
Apostolic
The Bridge, An Apostolic Church 715 College Dr, 30720 706-280-0541
Assembly of God
Christian Fellowship Assembly 3656 Chattanooga Road, 30755 706-280-7594 The Sanctuary 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-270-2088 The Impact 508 Sheridan Ave Dalton, GA 30721 706-226-7743
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 1205 Antioch Road, 30720 706-278-1305 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 2525 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 Concord Baptist Church 1054 Hopewell Rd, Cohutta 30710 706-694-8618 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 Dug Gap Baptist Church 2031 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 Eastside Baptist Church
18 // September 2017
913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553 Emmaus Baptist Church 4268 S. Dixie Rd, 30735 706-483-5251 First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721 706-226-9681 First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thornton 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 Hill Crest Baptist Church 1901 Cityview St, 30720 706-279-1267 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 1401 M L King, Jr. Blvd, 30721 706-278-0335 New Hope Baptist Church 900 Roan St, 30721 706-226-2093 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Pine Grove Baptist Church 4004 Airport Road, 30721 706-264-8630 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Rocky Face Baptist Church 1544 Rocky Face Railroad St, 30740 706- 226-5751 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 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 2772 E Welcome Hill Circle, 30721 706-278-0368
Bible
Fellowship Bible Church 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
Church of Christ
Central Church of Christ 515 N. Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-278-8051 Riverbend Church of Christ 2218 S Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-226-0819
Church of God
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 3688 Chatsworth Hwy 30721 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
Lutheran
Christ the King Lutheran Church 623 S Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-3979
Methodist
Bethel AME Church 620 Spring Street, 30720 706-226-2714 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 Fairview UMC 735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057 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 706-259-3141 Sugar Valley UMC Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721
503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112 Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 Varnell United Methodist Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023 Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331
Nazarene
First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428 Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171
Non-Denominational
Abundant Life Bible Church 2110 Antioch Rd, 30721 706-270-9733 Bridging the Gap Ministries 514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-277-7575 Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 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 Grace Fellowship Ministries 620 N Glenwood Ave 2&3, 30721 706-280-1375 River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721 706-965-6683 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 706-529-2911 First Presbyterian Church 1419 Chattanooga Ave, 30720 706.278-8161 Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720 706-226-6344
Salvationalist
Salvation Army 1109 N. Thornton Ave, 30722 706-278-3966
Seventh Day Adventist
3 Angels Hispanic SDA 701 E Morris St, 30721 706-618-1182 Dalton Hispanic SDA 112 W Long St, 30720 706-275-0523 Seventh Day Adventist Church
300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-216
Chatsworth Church Directory Baptist
Blue Ridge Primitive Baptist Church 706-517-9849 134 Hyden Tyler Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Calvary Baptist Church 706-695-7747 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Center Hill Baptist Church 706-695-7988 65 Berry Bennett Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Cisco Baptist Church 706-695-9270 Highway 411 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Cool Springs Baptist Church 706-517-5388 Holly Creek Cool Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Fellowship Baptist Church 706-695-2626 4396 Highway 52 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US First Baptist Church 706-695-2112 121 West Market Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Flat Branch Baptist Church 706-695-2663 3443 Highway 286 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Free Hope Baptist Church 706-695-3717 4176 Highway 76 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Holly Creek Baptist Church 706-695-8522 422 Holly Creek Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Keith Road Baptist Church 706-695-6441 Keith Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Lindsey Memorial Baptist 3503 Lindsey Memorial Rd. Rocky Face, Ga. 30740 706-673-7650 Little Consauga Baptist Church 706-517-5733 1100 Sugar Creek Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Maranatha Baptist Church 706-695-6330 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 706-517-8944 2309 Old Highway 411 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Murray Baptist Church 706-695-9712 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Hope Baptist Church
706-517-3089 1273 New Hope Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Hope Baptist Church 706-673-8050 2105 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 New Prospect Baptist Church 706-629-9521 7629 Highway 225 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Old Fashion Baptist Church 706-695-5420 885 Ben Adams Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Open Air Ministries 706-386-484 1058 Mtn Crest Dr. Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Prayer Baptist Church 706-624-9216 10859 Hwy. 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Shinning Light Baptist Church 706-517-1739 801 North 5th Avenue Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Smyrna Baptist Church 706-695-5815 1913 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Spring Place Baptist Church 706-695-5532 441 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Strait Way Baptist Church 706-517-2861 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Zion Hill Baptist Church 706-517-5913 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Bible Grace Bible Church 706-517-2179 217 West Fort Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Church of Christ Woodhaven Church of Christ 706-847-7400 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Church of God
Chatsworth Church of God 706-695-9388 Highway 411 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Central Community Church 706-695-4242 60 Pine Hills Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 Spring Place Church of God 706-695-8000 717 Tibbs Bridge Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Timms Chapel Church of God 706-629-4720 7727 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30755 US
Full Gospel Faith Worship Center 706-695-6866 189 Hyden Tyler Road Chatsworth GA 30705 House Of Prayer 616 Jenkins Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Methodist
Center Valley UMC 706-695-3203 5394 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US First United Methodist Church 706-695-3211 107 W Cherokee Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Fullers Chapel UMC 532 Cook Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mineral Springs UMC 71 North Way St Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Spring Place UMC 706-695-5143 Po Box 248 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Tunnel Hill UMC 706-673-4022 121 North Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
Pentecostal
Victory Tabernacle 706-517-1458 355 Ellijay Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Presbyterian
Sumach Presbyterian Church 706-695-4773 2089 Sumach Church Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Seventh Day Adventist
Seventh-day Adventist Church 706-517-5124 1115 Highway 52 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Non-Denominational
God’s Light House 784 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 Dayspring Church 706-695-7335 Highway 52 Alternate Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Liberty Tabernacle 706-517-3140 2196 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Living Word Christian Fellowship 706-695-5005 960 Cherokee Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Beginnings Ministries 706-695-6067 646 Floodtown Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Tabernacle of Praise 706-517-0377 1435 Leonard Bridge Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Wings Of Faith Ministries 706-695-1527 1122 North Holly Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
FREE Add/Update Church Directory
issuu.com/goodnewsdalton // 19
Gò0dNews for Parents
How Was Your Day?
The communication skills you teach your children will help develop their spiritual growth.
H
ave you ever had this conversation with your child? Parent: How was your day? Child: Okay Parent: What did you do today? Child: Nothing This would be a conversation most parents have with their children at some time in the preschool and childhood years. Even though it seems to be the norm for conversation, it is not an effective way to communicate with your child. Communication is a vital lifelong experience. The earlier this skill is developed the more it will help children to feel secure and will help them keep communicating as they get older. There are four questions that will help to enable communication for you and your child. ● What is something that made you smile today? ● What is something
by Brenda Dedmon that made you sad today? ● What is something you learned today? ● What is something you did to help someone today? These questions need to be open-ended with no right or wrong answers. It will help guide you in helping your children learn how to share their feelings through words. As your children develop this kind of communication with you, it will also help build a sense of security and trust. This will lead them to be able to communicate better later in their lives. It will also give you an opportunity to see how they view their day. You may hear things that you would not have heard if you had not asked. It also helps to develop a safe place for your child to share information. A sense of sharing is developed even if the child made a bad choice, knowing you will listen and offer understanding. You may hear something that surprises you, which will
open even more ways to communicate. Communicating with your children helps them learn to reflect on something they learned and become more aware of how their feelings relate to experiences. You can teach them that sad things do not have to end with a negative outcome. It is important to model how mistakes are normal and the lessons we learn from those are valuable. An important part for you as a parent in developing communication is to also make sure you model with your actions the skills you are teaching. Do you openly share with your child what makes you smile, what makes you sad, what you learned, and how you helped someone? We read in the Bible, "Point your kids in the right direction− when they are old they won't be lost" (Prov. 22:6 The Message). What a great way to teach your children about communicating with God through prayer! Your example of communicating with God will serve as a model of how they may talk to God. So how was your day? Hopefully, there will be more answers than "Okay!"
20 // September 2017
Rev. Brenda Dedmon, director of children's learning center, First Baptist of Church, Dalton, GA.
Church Activities & Events Mount Vernon United Methodist Church Annual Indoor Yard Sale Saturday, September 30th 7AM - 2PM
First Baptist Church
Mens Prayer Breakfast
Oakwood Cafe Thursday, September 7th Call (706) 278-2911 for more information
Wink Theatre
One Cry: A Community Call for Spiritual Awakening 115 West Crawford Street, Dalton Ga. 30720 September 17th-September 20th @ 6:30 PM www.onecrynwga.com for more info.
Whitfield Baptist Church Mens Prayer Breakfast
Tuesday, September 17th Kelly’s Restaurant 7:30 AM-8:30 AM Please join the men of WBC for a devotion from the bible, A good breakfast, and fellowship.
Salem Baptist Church
North Ga. Regional Sunday School Conference By North Ga. Baptist Association Saturday, September 9th 8:30 AM-2:00 PM 1448 Pleasant Grove Drive NE Dalton, Ga. 30721
Gò0dNews for Life
Tips for Everyday Life
W
Research shows that family dinners give a sense of stability and connectedness to learn about each other. by Amy Poag
ho wants to go last in a me-first culture?
when you gather around the table. Teenagers actually talk.
Competitive brothers do. During our dinner each
Husbands actually share. Conversation takes place, and you
night, I ask, “What was the favorite part of your
learn about each other. Family dinners give a sense of stability
day?” For whatever reason, both brothers have always wanted
and connectedness. More importantly, the conversation
to go last. To keep it fair, my husband and I decided we would
around the table gives parents an opportunity to share their
take turns. Unfortunately, our over-saturated, middle-aged
values, mold their children and most importantly point them
brains could not remember from one night to the next who
to Christ in the details of their everyday lives.
went last, so we instituted our own form of “dinner table
God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to “commit yourselves
Gladiators” with a nightly Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament.
wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
These games get heated. They bring the loser anguish. But in
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them
the end, the game doesn’t dominate the table talk. We forget
when you are at home and when you are on the road, when
who even went last. Rather, we get swept up in the highlights
you are going to bed and when you are getting up” (NLT). I
of each other’s days. I should add here that we never had to
have heard this filter for life referred to as “Hebrew Time.” As
reduce ourselves to competition when our daughter lived
Christian parents, we should have a sense of urgency during
at home. We were able to take a more civilized approach to
our limited time as authority figures in our children’s lives to
dinner conversation. Nevertheless, this question has remained
impart biblical truths and godly wisdom to them.
at our dinner table for more than two decades. As a society, the family dinner has nearly crossed over into
As someone who was raised having nightly family dinners, I decided a long time ago that this tradition is a
folklore−a tradition of a time gone by. Something our parents
cornerstone of my heritage. They represent a part of my
did or maybe we did as a child. But nowadays, we are just too
legacy−Rock, Paper, Scissors and all. So whether you cook or
busy. In fact, The Atlantic reports “The average American eats
bring in your favorite fast-food; whether you ask about the
one in every five meals in the car, one in four Americans eats at
favorite part of the day or create your own version of a table
least one fast-food meal every single day, and the majority of
competition; whether you eat at an actual table or on the den
American families report eating a single meal together less than
floor, challenge yourselves to find some “Hebrew Time” in
five days a week.” Boy, are we missing out.
your week and have at least one family dinner. You will not
Food is one of the major “F’s” of southern society−right up there with faith and football−but research shows the institution of the family dinner actually strengthens families and builds relationships. Something magical happens
22 // September 2017
be disappointed. In fact, you will come to defend and guard it like the treasure it is. Amy Poag is the college Counselor at Christian Heritage School and she and husband (Jay) are the proud parents of 3 children: Jamie (and husband Greyson Pack), Brandon and Jacob.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Bring More Laughter into Your Life for Good Health “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” —Proverbs 17:22 KJV
O
by Shannon Coley
ne of the most enjoyable and healthy things a person can do is laugh. Laughing is infectious! The sound of people laughing is more contagious than any cough or sneeze! It draws people together and increases feelings of happiness and intimacy. It is a powerful antidote to stress and the pain of personal conflicts. It is very possible that nothing works faster to lighten your burdens, inspire courage, connect you to others, and renew your sense of perspective more than a good laugh.
Strong Medicine for Your Body.
The old saying that "Laughter Is Good Medicine" is literally true. Research has found that laughter relaxes tense, tight muscles, and even boosts your immune system. A good, hearty laugh has been likened to "internal jogging"—improving the function of blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart.
Stay Emotionally Healthy
As good as laughter is for us physically, it is even more important for our mental and emotional health. Laughter gives us a respite from sadness and depressing emotions. Even in the most difficult times, a laugh, or even a smile, can make us feel better. It has the power to help us see things in a more realistic and less threatening light. Having a sense of humor is essential to give us the perspective we need to keep from feeling overwhelmed.
Bring More Humor and Laughter into Your Life You might not think that you are very good at
24 // September 2017
laughing or cultivating a light heart, but you can learn. Laughter is our birthright as human beings. An infant begins to smile in its first weeks of life, and laughs out loud in just a few months. Even if you did not grow up in a household with plenty of laughter, you can cultivate humor and laughter at any time. Here are some tips: 1. Smile. This is the beginning of laughter, and like laughter is contagious. The old saying is sow a smile, reap a smile.” 2. Be thankful. Giving thanks lightens your mood and increases the distance from negative thoughts and attitudes. 3. Go to others who are laughing. Spend time with fun, playful people. And if you hear people laughing see if you can get in on the joke. Usually people will be glad to tell you what they are laughing about because it gives them the chance to laugh again, and feed off the humor you find in it. 4. Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. One of the best ways to not take yourself too seriously is to tell others about times when you definitely did! 5. Laugh when things go wrong. Look for the humor in the situation, and uncover the ironies and absurdities of life. 6. Copy your children or grandchildren. Children are our role models for learning how to play, take life lightly, and laugh, laugh, laugh! So integrate these tips into your life and you will find that your stress becomes less, your joy and creativity are enhanced, and you are living life on a higher, healthier level. And that is no joke!
Shannon Coley is an ESS teacher at Coahulla Creek High School and coaches soccer and cross country, when not laughing and fully enjoying life with his family in Rocky Face, GA.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
“Caring”
When you allow the love of Christ to work through you, you can make a positive difference.
W
by Jacob Herald
hat does it mean to care about something? It
happy,” even though their current state prevents them
is often defined as having great compassion
from feeling happiness.
for someone. When we care about someone,
These people no longer care about what they do.
we want to know about how he or she is doing mentally,
They no longer care about how they act. They don’t
physically, and spiritually. We wish to give aid to the
hold on to anyone or anything. Mere shadows of their
best of our ability. It is within our interests to uphold
former selves, their lackadaisical attitude and listless
them in every possible way so that they can be the best
demeanor affect everyone around them. Some say that
that they can be.
they have no reason to love. Some say that no one cares
However, we live in a world where it is easy to not care about others. In fact, we have developed an acronym for not caring: idc. We are commonly told,
about them. Yet, there is still One who cares about what they do in their lives−God. It matters to Him what you do. Life is temporary;
“I don’t care what you do.” Some people get creative
it’s a beautiful, yet terrifying thing. Each day matters
with the phrase and add, “I don’t care what you do if it
in the most intense degree, for each day is one step
doesn’t bother me.” I’m sure you have heard this many
farther, or one step closer to Him. God still cares but the
times before. After all, it is quite easy to find people who
question is, “Do you still care?” To those who have lost
no longer care.
their ability to love, reach out to Christ! Allow God to
From strangers, to teachers, to friends, to family;
guide your paths and let Jesus into your heart! Allow
you know at least a couple of people who have lost
the love of Christ to work through you so that you can
their ability to care about anything. Their lives seem
be a positive difference! Don't be afraid to do what's
so out of touch with reality. They barely take notice of
right. Help the stranger! Help the friend! Now is not the
the events around them. These people will disregard
time to back down: now is the time to be a light!
you simply because they don't care. Their fatalistic ideas suppress their surroundings. Some will even go so far as to say, “The only thing that matters is that I’m
26 // September 2017
Jacob Herald is a fifteen-year-old Christian teen constantly seeking to grow in the Lord. He is a member of Herald Family Ministries, an evangelistic family who travels the U.S. working for the Lord through preaching, singing, and outreach, and has found his calling as a writer and speaker for Christ.
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FEATURED COVER STORY
RossWoods Adult Day Services
A
Our History, Our Present Day, and Our Future
dult Day Services started with a whisper in
the RossWoods Board of Directors, and on December
1993, which grew to a roar by 1997. In the
28, 2009, the participants and staff moved into the new
very beginning, a group of compassionate and
building at 1402 Walston Avenue with Carla Jones, RN,
caring people met at the First United Methodist Church of Dalton to begin the process of making their dream
executive director at the helm. Two paragraphs hardly describes the efforts of
a reality. Everyone believed that taking care of the
so many people in our community who made this
elderly and disabled was something that needed to be
happen. From Elizabeth Avett, who believed first,
done and done well. This group gained new supporters
Dr. Sherwood Jones, our first Chairman of the Board,
along the way, and by 1997, Hamilton Medical Center,
and to all the board members who have never let us
with the support of local churches and the Alzheimer’s
down, and to the supporters who made this possible
Association of NW Georgia, opened Hamilton Adult
with their time and financial donations, and of course,
Day Services on November 24 at 1428 Ross Drive. The
to Hamilton Medical Center, who gave RossWoods
new program took off with Carla Jones, RN, as the
the chance to be, to our community and for all this,
operations manager. By 2002 Hamilton Medical Center
RossWoods is forever grateful.
and the existing Board agreed that the next approach to serve the community’s needs even better was to become a free-standing, community-based operation. Looking back, it seems so simple now, but years of hard work and planning tell a different story. In 2003, RossWoods Adult Day Services was charted by the state, adopted bylaws, and incorporated. In 2004, RossWoods obtained 501(c) (3) status and by 2006, a capital campaign was started. Everything moved quickly
Today RossWoods has become a premier adult
once 2.5 million dollars was raised, and ground for the
day services program serving Whitfield, Murray,
new building was broken in 2008. On October 1, 2009,
Gordon, Catoosa, and Walker counties. There is no
Hamilton Medical Center turned over the operations to
other program of its type in our five-county region
28 // September 2017
projects and activities of their choice. Whether it is a musical program, arts ‘n’ crafts, puzzles, card games, flower arranging, bingo, exercise, trivia, small or large groups, local entertainment, or enjoying our gardens− our days are full. Our direct-care staff is always there to meet a need. If you just need a little help or quite a bit of help, our staff is right there to make sure everyone’s special health that is licensed by the state of Georgia, a VA-approved benefit, a Community Care Services Program provider, a SOURCE provider and a Northwest Georgia United Way Agency. Our 14,000 square-foot building is well known for its beauty, stunning gardens, and large patio area. The entire building is handicap accessible without looking institutional. It was designed with faith and heart and built to make a statement: “Our mission is to provide day and health services for adults in a community-supported center that will be a safe place where programs enrich the lives of all those involved.”
and safety needs are handled quickly. Our RNs, LPNs, Certified Nursing Assistants and Program Assistants are highly trained and deliver the specialized care, which is needed in serving the elderly and disabled. The staff has the knowledge and compassion to serve a variety of conditions including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and much more. Our services include blood sugar management, medication management, vital sign monitoring, wound care, bathing, and grooming.
RossWoods is located in a quiet community near Hamilton Medical Center. It is a place for adults who require supervision or assistance throughout the day while their caregivers continue to work or take a muchneeded break. It is also a medical and a social model, which means families can rest assured that their loved one will receive a full day of enrichment, the best of health care, and nutritionally tasty meals and snacks. One of the most important things that happens at RossWoods is the making and renewing of friendships. The service requested the most by caregivers is socialization for their loved one.
You can see the future of RossWoods in the eyes of our participants and family members. The families who are with us for years will tell you that there is no other place like this anywhere in our five-county region. For the families who are new and just getting to know us, many of them still can’t believe their good fortune. Our greatest referral source continues to be “word of mouth,” and we consider that to be an honor. If you would like a tour to see RossWoods first
My loved one is so lonely,” is said over and over again. There isn’t a time in anyone’s life that friendships are not important. At RossWoods, we make it possible for people to meet others in a safe and encouraging environment. Our activities are literally nonstop throughout the day and are designed to engage our participants in
hand, please call 706-270-9628. Finding out more about us always starts with a tour and then a free trial visit for your loved one. We believe in what we do and understand that we are making a difference. We make families healthier, keep communities stronger, and bring joy into the lives of many.
issuu.com/goodnewsdalton // 29
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Burden of Your Calling
Jesus doesn’t mince words when He talks about our responsibilities as His followers−“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 ESV).
I
finally figured out that the reason this verse has
drive to work or shallow “have-a-nice-day” devotionals
never really bothered me is because I’ve never really
do not reflect a life that feels the burden of a calling.
understood it. There’s so much here that blows right
Rather, I’ve come to realize that the “burdened” life
over my head . . . come after Christ, deny myself, take
requires sacrificial prayer, extensive time in God’s
up my cross. Really? How does that work?
Word, and love-motivated obedience to the One who
Until yesterday. That is, it wasn’t until yesterday
called me.
that I began to understand it−okay, at least part of it. As
If you’re reading this blog, you have a calling as
I read the verse, the phrase, “take up your cross daily”
well. Your primary calling is the calling to become a
began to resonate. What does the cross mean within
follower of Christ through repentance and belief in the
this context? Among other things, it seems to me that
good news of the gospel. Beyond that, there’s the calling
the cross represents two things (at least): It was Christ’s
to serve Him in the various spheres of life in which you
burden, but it was also a symbol of His calling to bring
find yourself (family, work, church, community−just to
salvation to His people through His sacrificial death.
name a few). For our students on Belhaven University’s
We don’t have to look too far in Scripture to
adult campuses, they’ve realized that completing an
sense the burden of Christ’s calling. He agonized in
undergraduate or graduate degree represents God’s
Gethsemane; great drops of blood fell from His face as
calling to prepare them for leadership usually in, but not
He contemplated what was about to happen to Him. He
limited to, their workplaces. If God is calling you to serve
cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Him as an adult university student, we can help! Many
“I’m thirsty.” “It is finished.”
of our staff members have been adult (non-traditional)
It’s beginning to make sense to me now. Jesus asks me to take up my cross daily. I have a calling. The
students and know the balancing act that must take place for adults to successfully complete their education.
question I now find myself asking is to what extent do
I’ve resolved not to take my calling lightly any
I feel the burden of my calling? When was the last time
more, and I hope that’s your resolution as well. I want to
I agonized over my role as a father, an employee, or a
experience the burden of my calling each day as Christ
member of my community? Quick prayers said on the
has asked me to. To do anything less is to trivialize a
30 // September 2017
role that the Creator-God of this universe has given me.
Gò0dNews for Couples
Oh Be Careful Little Eyes by Laura Perdue
Oh be careful little eyes what you see,
said it, pornography! Pornography is not just magazines
Oh be careful little eyes what you see,
or pictures. It can appear in many forms: cybersex, phone
For the Father up above is looking down in love
sex, strip clubs, and now rearing its ugly head in the teen
Oh be careful little eyes what you see.
world as sexting. Oh, and Ladies you aren’t excluded, I am
This very song was the inspiration for this article. To be
also going to address that little book you have been reading
honest, this is probably one of the most difficult ones I have
that you feel is harmless−you know, that favorite romance
written thus far.
novel hidden in your nightstand beside your bed. The one
For several years, ladies close to me have admitted that
that takes you into a fantasy world of love and romance,
at some point in their marriage their husbands struggled
and when your spouse doesn’t live up to that expectation,
with and/or was addicted to porn and described the hurt
you become angry and attack him, or you find yourself
and betrayal they felt. Some even got to the point that
in a “spider web” of trouble such as an emotional or
divorce was their only option. Now before you even ask,
physical affair trying to find fleshly satisfaction. The spirit
I am not writing from something I haven’t experienced. I
of romance that these books and shows like “50 Shades
was with someone who was addicted and sat in the church
of Grey” and “Magic Mike” portrays to you is a lie of the
with me. Before meeting my husband, I dated a guy who
Enemy, and we must remove these things from our lives
was extremely addicted to porn. Taking every avenue, he
and our marriages now!
attempted to fulfill his flesh, even dating multiple ladies. Desiring to be married, I questioned how I would ever
I want to challenge you to begin to guard and protect the most precious things in your lives− your marriage,
live up to a man’s expectations, especially if those portrayed
your children, and your future children and grandchildren.
in porn were what they all wanted? How I could ever fulfill
Take control of this addiction right now once and for all.
my future husband’s sexual desires? The Enemy had me
If you are struggling and want to know how to start being
believing that I would not ever accomplish it and that I
free, start with setting boundaries in your homes, in your
would always fail at relationships and marriage. I eventually
workplaces, on social media, and be accountable to each
ended that relationship.
other. Find a brother or sister in Christ that you can talk to.
Today, I want to confront a very serious issue that is affecting marriages and destroying families! I am not even calling it an issue, it’s a spirit, one that is deceitful and wreaking havoc across the world. It’s pornography. Yes, I
32 // September 2017
A great scripture to start with is Ephesians 6:11-17. My name is Laura Perdue I am 39 years old and married to my best friend, Brian Perdue. God has truly blessed us both and I could not imagine life without my prince, my promise. Brian and I reside in Marietta, Georgia, and serve on the ministry team of Fivestones Church in Canton, GA.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
ALZHEIMER’S WALK
I
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 @ DALTON GREEN PARK IN DALTON, GA
n such a fast-paced world we live in, when things are going
their selves or that have family members there that can say,
OK and you can talk and express your own opinion, we never
“Mom needs something for pain,” can at some point get their
think of, or we always put off, the decisions that we must face
needs met. But, for the ones that can’t talk or walk, they have
when a tragedy happens. Someone does have to make a choice,
to wait. No mother wants her children to hate one another. So,
be it right or wrong, we ALL have the right to our own choices
while you can think and make your own choices, write down
in life, even when it is hard to do. You will feel much better and
the way you want things to go, because it’s your right and you
it will save a lot of heartache and grief and you will have a since
do not have to spend a lot of money. If you have things written
of great relief after these choices are made.
down and know a lawyer, they may not charge you much to
I am a nurse and have worked in the field of elderly clients all of my life and I have seen all sides of the fence.
fix everything the way you want it and have it written down. You can have it recorded at the court house.
Where death, stroke, heart
Here is a list of options
attacks happen, or a car
you need to know:
wreck happens, and not
- Advance Directives-Oral
being prepared, leaves all
and written instructions
of the decisions on other
about your health care or
family members, who really
future decisions
don’t know how you feel.
- Living Will- A document
I have seen cases where a
that lets another person
cancer patient had everything
make all decisions,
wrote down exactly how she
including financial ones
wanted things, even all the
- Do not resuscitate order-
items in her home labeled as
Do not try to save my life
to whom she wanted things
or do CPR and try to save
to go. This was so great;
my life
there was no fighting among
Studies have shown that:
family because they knew
• Only 30% of patients
months before she died who
discuss life-sustaining
got what and she had her
treatments with their doctor
funeral completely planned out. In comparison, I have seen
• 50% of people with written advance directives have only
others who did not have a plan; it was awful, the family was
one copy of the document and it is locked away in a
torn apart and the patient suffered from this because she did
safe deposit box at a bank
not plan her care. At the time she needed her family, but they
• Less than half the people who say they would not want
were too busy fighting. She was put in a nursing home with
CPR used to resuscitate them have that wish written
family far from her side. The patient really suffered an awful death because there was no family member that cared enough
down Also, there is home health care, which, if the doctor orders
to sit by her side and ask for pain medicine for her. They
it, can be very good. They help you at home recover from an
thought that she would have all her needs met at the nursing
illness and they also provide therapy, if needed. They come
care center. I love nursing homes and we could not do without
in and help when you wish to be cared for in your own home.
them, but, just because you put a loved one in there, that isn’t
Also, there is hospice that does end of life care. We all work
the end of your job. The nurses and aides are so over worked
hand in hand with each other for the clients benefit.
along with all their staff. As the old saying goes, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” and it is so true; the clients that can talk and speak for
34 // September 2017
I hope some of you will read this and make it easy for yourself and others by writing down the way you want your future to go. Thank you and God Bless.
3rd Annual Golf Tournament – 2017 September 19 – Windstone Golf Club
North Georgia HealthCare Center is a non-profit primary care center providing quality healthcare for the underserved in Catoosa County and the surrounding area. All proceeds from this fundraiser tournament will help us serve more underserved individuals with healthcare and dental services.
Call 706-935-6442 or Email: mcamp@nghcc.com for information or to register.
Event Sponsors:
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• Elderly Meal Preparation & Feeding • Errands
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• Medication Reminders • Light Housekeeping & Laundry
1 (706) 979-2273 • TenderHeartedCare.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What Exactly Is Preschool 1?
F
People often ask me, why I’m still in the nursery? Our baby is in college now, but we feel this is where God has us serve Him, and we try to follow His lead. by Gaye Coker
or more than twenty, years I have been the
But the most important reality I am confident in
nursery director at Grove Level Baptist Church.
knowing is that parents and grandparents, aunts and
Yes, that is a long time to work with the little ones
guardians, can worship and hear God’s Word in Sunday
I know. A few years ago my title and the title of my
school, Sunday worship service, Sunday evening
department changed to Preschool 1, and I am going to
service, and Wednesday evening House of Prayer,
admit something to you. I have a very hard time calling
knowing their baby is safe and secure with wonderful
my area Preschool 1. And I am the first to admit, I could
nursery volunteers who give of themselves each week to
not take care of the nursery area without the help of my
serve our Lord by serving our little ones in the nursery.
awesome husband Shannon.
I am often reminded of the verse in Matthew where
You see, I take my position very seriously, not as
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not
a preschool area, but a nursery. This Preschool 1 area
hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such
is filled with babies. I have the ones who are newborn,
as these" (19:14 NIV).
crawling, toddling, and learning to drink from a sippy
Where would God have you serve? Is there a need
cup. These littles ones are learning to talk, and walk, and
in your church where you might allow someone to
share, and explore a brand new world. These precious
hear about the saving grace of our Lord and Savior
miracles are often bundles of joy (and sometimes
Jesus Christ? Maybe there is a Sunday school class you
screaming bundles of not so happy joy) to be where they
need to lead. Or maybe you need to take your precious
are without Mommy.
babies to church, leaving them in the nursery with
I have always loved babies, so having the privilege of holding and playing with them, rocking and soothing them, and hearing their sweet stories they love to tell is such an honor.
36 // September 2017
someone who will love and cuddle them while you hear God’s Word. Gaye Coker and and her husband Shannon share in the responsibility of the Preschool 1 Department at Grove Level. She is a retired teacher, and enjoys reading and working with Run for God Customer Service.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Standing in the Gap Six ways to show your pastors you appreciate them.
A
by Ryan Ralston
t the end of my meeting with a prospective
us helps protect our souls. Your time praying for us is the
church member, I asked, “How can I pray for
equivalence of Aaron and Hur holding up the hands of
you? What can I do to help you?” The man
Moses against the Amalekites. Will you pray for us?
rattled off some prayer requests, and then asked me a
3. Invest into the ministry. Ministry is our life and
question I had rarely thought about, “How can I show
there can be great financial strain, large amounts of time
you how much I appreciate you?” When he asked me
invested, and incredible stress as ministry is a weighty
that question, I did not know what to say except, “Just
burden. Knowing that someone else is investing shows
keep coming and get plugged into the church.” When
us that we do not carry the burden alone. Will you invest
I left that meeting, I began to think about how I might
into the ministry with us?
answer that question the next time. As a campus pastor
4. Protect the church. Many people will try to slander
that serves under a lead pastor, I realized that there are
the church, the members in the church, and the ministries
other ways to show my pastor appreciation. Here are six
of the church. You can stand in the gap to fight the fights
ways to I plan to show my lead pastor that I appreciate
so we do not have to fight them alone. Will you help
him, and these six ways are great ways for you to show
protect the church?
your pastor the same appreciation. 1. Serve with us. In ministry, the payoff is always
5. Know the pastor craves fellowship too. Ministry is lonely. Many people feel pastors are too “high and holy”
worth the struggle you put into it, but also serving
for fellowship, but as a pastor, we crave fellowship. We
alongside people is a true blessing. By serving with us,
need friends. Just like you; we love to be invited over for
you show you not only have a heart for the Lord, but you
dinner, invited to the event, and are encouraged through
believe in what we are doing. As a pastor, there is great
fellowship. Will you fellowship with us?
satisfaction in knowing that other people believe in the direction the Lord is leading. Will you serve with us?
6. Love our family. Our family goes through a lot as we serve the Lord
2. Pray for us
together, and they
and let us know it.
need to feel loved.
In many situations,
By loving our family,
pastors are called on
you show us that you
to pray for others,
do not just believe
and in the same way
and appreciate us as
that people who are
ministers, but you love
not pastors appreciate
the people we love. Will
prayer for them, pastors
you love our family?
also appreciate prayer. Taking time to pray for us and to let us know that not only energizes us, but praying for
38 // September 2017
Ryan Ralston is the campus pastor of Liberty Fort Oglethorpe. He has a Master of Divinity with a specialization in pastoral ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in expository preaching from NOBTS. Ryan and his wife, Shasta, have been married for five years.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
How to Hear From God
Have you ever heard someone say, “God told me that I should . . . ?” How does that make you feel? Why does he hear from God and I don’t? What makes her so special to hear from God when I can’t? What does God sound like? Is His voice audible? When will I hear from Him? by Jennifer Govea
T
hink of someone with whom you are in close relationship. How do you keep in touch? Do you talk on the phone? Go out for coffee? Take walks together? Mail each other Christmas cards? Send texts back and forth? In one way or another, you maintain a close relationship with your family and friends by spending time with one another and communicating with each other. The same is true with God. The more that we spend time with God, the closer the relationship will be and the more frequent and easier it will be both to talk to God and to hear from Him. So now the question that arises is how to spend time with God. Just like it’s great to chat via Messenger, send texts, and read letters from friends, it’s even more rewarding to read God’s letter to us, the Bible. If thinking of where to start reading this compilation of 66 books seems daunting or you start to shut down when you think of trying to decipher old English from your parents’ KJV Bible, don’t let those fears paralyze you! That’s what small groups, Bible studies, devotionals, and a variety of versions of the Bible are for. God’s biggest way to communicate with you shouldn’t feel overwhelming nor intimidating! Please visit biblegateway.com, go to the “Study” tab at the top,
40 // September 2017
and then click on “Devotionals” or “Reading Plans.” This website also has an app for your smart phone, plus a “Verse of the Day” so that you are always in touch with God’s Word. Plus, you are able to pick the version of the Bible that you are more comfortable reading. Reading the Bible, however, isn’t the only way to hear from God. Being out in nature−in His Creation−is another way for Him to speak to you. Whether you are hiking on a trail, jogging The Loop, or sitting on a bench in the park, as you thank Him for all of the beauty around you, He speaks. He speaks to your heart. He quiets your concerns. He resolves your problems. He gives you peace. He calls you to action. He asks you to love. He asks you to forgive. Other ways to hear from God are through worship music and hymns, sermons, reading Christian books, and being in the company of other believers. Remember that God desires to speak to you. Continue praying and talking to Him, but not just to ask for favors as if He only serves you like a genie in a bottle. Praise Him for all that He is and thank Him for your many blessings. As you do, you will hear Him. Jennifer Govea is a bilingual editor and former missionary in Latin America. She and her husband currently work at Rock Bridge Community Church and they have a son.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Wall around Me Is in Ruins.
Being serious in our faith requires us stepping out of our comfort zone, which could mean talking to someone new, or even bringing up God in conservations that we have with our friends.
R
by Ethan McRae
ecently the word of Nehemiah has been on my
hundreds of years, and with God, he got the job done in
heart. It’s not a large Book of the Bible with only
record time.
13 chapters, but is just as important as any of the
Now our wall today is not a physical wall but
rest. The main part I want to focus on is the rebuilding of
connecting as many people as we can with God. I
the wall around the city of Jerusalem. When he arrived in
recently read a study where less than twenty percent of
the city the wall was in ruins and was defenseless against
Americans go to church. So we have plenty of people that
attack. His heart was hurting so much that he took it
we can reach out and witness to. The main thing is that
upon himself to lead the charge of having the wall rebuilt.
he had a plan, and the best play book around is the Bible.
He could get the entire city, who have not worried about
It tells us the final score in the end, we know who is going
it in centuries excited about it. I feel in our lives it is very
to be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. We are
easy to get complacent epically with school coming back
not fighting a losing battle. The Enemy knows that time is
into session. We have our “normal” day-to-day lives to
running out, and that once the trumpet sounds, it’s game
get back to, and we forget the big picture. But he was able
over. God wants to direct your life, all you have to do is
to get everyone excited and willing to help rebuild the
follow Him.
wall. Everyone wants to appear strong, and back in those
You could also relate this statistic to David going
days, the city showed their strength by having a massive
against Goliath. The odds were statically matched against
wall built around it.
him, but he had the game-changing component God. This
They did, in fact, face persecution from Sanballat
same God is still accessible to us today. Refuse to accept
as recorded in Nehemiah 4 just like you may face
defeat. So, I challenge you to help me build the wall and
persecution from people at school or maybe on your
help as many people possible join the winning team.
sports team. We could also face percussion from our own “friends.” Persecution usually means that we are doing the right thing and the Enemy wants to stop us any way he can. Usually this is by people saying things or acting differently around us because we are serious about our faith. Nehemiah is an example of how to keep the city motivated. They were able to finish the wall in just fiftytwo days. Let’s remember that no one seemed to care for
42 // September 2017
Ethan McRae is thirty-three years old and he has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for almost eleven years. They have two wonderful kids. Their daughter Bailey and their son Bryce. They are originally from Savannah, Georgia. They moved up to northwest Georgia about four years ago, when they discovered that their son is profoundly deaf. They moved so that he could attend the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring, and get the best education possible. On weekends you can find them watching baseball or out on the lake. During the fall they will always be watching football. He is currently studying religion at Liberty University, so he can go into full time ministry.
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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk
Colon Cancer Survivor: Jeremy McMahan
J
eremy McMahan began to experience some gastrointestinal symptoms, so he scheduled a colonoscopy at Hamilton Medical Center with Daniel Marcadis, MD, of Hamilton Physician Group-Gastroenterology. Soon after the test, Dr. Marcadis met with Jeremy and shared with him that the colonoscopy revealed that he had colon cancer. “I was healthy with no other problems,” says Jeremy. “It was a shock at first. My wife and I talked about it and we decided that we were going to beat this. From then on, we had positive attitudes.“ Jeremy underwent two separate surgeries to remove the tumor and repair the damage to his colon. He also received chemotherapy and
radiation treatments at Hamilton Cancer Institute. “My life is great now,” says Jeremy. “I get out and play with my kids. I go to basketball games. I enjoy life. “Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths in men and the third leading cause in women,” says Dr. Marcadis. “Screening Jeremy McMahan, colon cancer survivor is extremely important because life is great now,” says Jeremy. “I get began to experience •“My Losing weight and you don’t many people Jeremy who McMahan have polyps or out and play with my kids. I go to basketball some gastrointestinal symptoms, so he know why. games. I enjoy life.” scheduled a colonoscopy at Hamilton colorectal cancer don’t experience Medical Center with Daniel Marcadis, MD, of The American Cancer Society any symptoms.” Hamilton Physician Group-Gastroenterology. “Colorectal cancer the second leading Soon after the test, Dr. Marcadis met recommends thatis most everyone If symptoms are present, they cause of cancer-related deaths in men and with Jeremy and shared with him that have a colonoscopy at Dr. the third leading cause in women,” says can include: the colonoscopy revealed that he had should Marcadis. “Screening is extremely important colon cancer. age fifty. A screening should be • Blood in or on your stool because many people who have polyps “I was healthy, with no other problems,” or colorectal don’t experience conducted at cancer an earlier age ifanythere is (bowel says movement) Jeremy. “It was a shock at first. My symptoms.” wife and I talked about it and we decided a family history of colorectal cancer. • Pains, aches, or cramps in your If symptoms are present, they can include:
New Colonoscopy Technology Available
says Stephanie LaFontaine, MD,chemotherapy to his colon. He also received and radiation treatments at Hamilton of Hamilton Physician GroupCancer Institute. Gastroenterology. “The Fuse endoscope projects the images onto three television screens to provide previously unseen views, such as behind colonic folds. Standard endoscopes provide up Medical Center now performs to 170 degreesHamilton of forward vision. colonoscopies with innovative new Fuse allows usendoscopy to examine wide equipmentathat allows physicians to see nearly twice what is seen with a 330-degree view. This is especially traditional endoscope. This technology is available atpolyps any other facility advantageousnotbecause canbetween be Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee. found in difficult-to-find areas of the The Fuse endoscope system uses three small cameras at the tip of a flexible GI anatomy,” says Dr. LaFontaine. endoscope. “Unlike standard, forwardPatient scheduling with viewing endoscopes thatthe use a single camera, the Fuse system allow usat to see new Fuse system is now available nearly twice as much surface area,” says Hamilton Medical Center. you Stephanie LaFontaine,Have MD, of Hamilton Physician Group-Gastroenterology. “The had your colonoscopy yet? Be sure Fuse endoscope projects the images onto television screens to provide previously to discuss thisthree important screening unseen views, such as behind colonic folds. with your primary physician. Standard care endoscopes provide up to 170
Exclusively at Hamilton Medical Center
Hamilton Medical Center now performs colonoscopies with innovative new endoscopy equipment that allows physicians to see nearly twice what is seen with a traditional endoscope. This technology is not available at any other facility between Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee. The Fuse endoscope system uses three small cameras at the tip of a flexible GI endoscope. “Unlike standard, forward-viewing endoscopes that use a single camera, the Fuse system allows us to see nearly twice as much surface area,”
44 // September 2017
Colon Cancer Survivor: Jeremy McMahan
that we were going to beat this. From there *Centers Disease and Prevention we haddon’t positive go attitudes.“ • forBlood in orControl on your stool stomachon,that away (bowel movement) Jeremy underwent two separate surgeries to remove the tumor and repair the damage
•
Pains, aches, or cramps in your stomach that don’t go away
•
Losing weight and you don’t know why
Jeremy McM
The American Can that most everyon colonoscopy at ag be conducted at a family history of co
*Centers for Disease Co
New Colonoscopy Technology Available Exclusively at Hamilton Medical Center
degrees of forward vision. Fuse allows us to examine a wide 330-degree view. This is especially advantageous because polyps can be found in difficult-to-find areas of the anatomy,” says Dr. LaFontaine.
Patient scheduling with the new Fuse system is now available at Hamilton Medical Center. Have you had your colonoscopy yet? Be sure to discuss this important screening with your primary care physician.
View obtained through traditional colonoscopy equipment
View obtained through new Fuse colonoscope
Traditional Colon Limited 170° Fiel
Fuse Colonoscop Panoramic 330°
Comparison betw equipment a
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
When the Dogs Won’t Stop Barking
Will You Trust Me?
We must not allow the distractions of life to hinder our relationship with Jesus. The question beforeby usDr. today is the same one Moses faced. Greg Collins In the midst of all these circumstances and situations, will we trust God at His word? wish that dog would just be quiet, so Iby canDr. Greg Collins The biggest battle we face with the voices that are
“I I
sleep!” I think the majority of most people n the third thethemselves fourth chapters of the Book of haveand found at some point in time, Exodus, we find the story of Moses and the burning standing outside in the early hours of the morning bush. There have been tens of thousands of sermons, in their pajamas screaming at a dog to stop barking. if not more, preached from these passages of scriptures. Interestingly enough, I have found this to be true in my But the thought that comes to me is the overall test this life on several occasions. The truth of the matter is, dogs encounter brought to the life of Moses. The questions rarely bark for no reason. We find that dogs will bark out that appears from this encounter and test from the Lord of a need. Maybe God is, “Will youthey trustdon’t me?”have water or they haven’t beenGod fed. sets Sometimes, they bark to neglect or aMoses lack of forth a mission fordue Moses’ life. But companionship. Many times, bark makes a variety of excuses asthey to why hecontinually should notatbethe presence another animal or even an the one toofaccomplish this mission forintruder. God. There are In the life ofMoses a believer in Jesus Christ, there is apause several factors understands that gives him as to doofwhat God is come instructing himin, totrying do. Hetoundervariety voices that charging get stands the strength andstrange varicosity of the people he is to our attention. It’s these or foreign voices that confront. For him, it is a question of strength and safety. try to hinder our pilgrim journey with Christ. These God answers his adoubt byofshowing staff turned distractions come on variety reasons the much like that to a serpent and this hand becoming leprous. He knows of a barking dog. When we neglect the basics of our his own insecurities and doubts of himself. He questions faith, things like reading the Bible, attending corporate God on his ability to speak, so the Lord gives him Aaron worship, and spending time in prayer, we are opening as a helper. Lastly, Moses knows the hardness and the door of our life for the influence of those voices, and stiffneckness of the people he was to deliver. Moses says not the influence of the voice of God. Fellowship, or the people will ask, “What is the Lord’s name?” So God companionship is so important in the life of all believers. instructs Moses to say I AM has sent him. Loneliness opens theconversation door to all manners ofGod attack, The sum of this between and whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual; loneliness Moses boils down to the question, “Will you trust me?” breeds says theisolation. Lord. This test is no different than the test you and I face every day. We know who we are and our own
36 2017 2017 46 // May September
vying for our attention is when there is another person shortcomings. know the difficulties thewe variety in our personal We place distracting our questofthat might of trials and tribulations we face. Whether it is financial know God better. Here we find the voices of gossip and crisis, health crisis, or even family crisis, we know the busybodies. It’s here we find the disenfranchised and the strength and difficulties of those things we face. offended or even the friend who has all the advice in the As born-again believers in Jesus Christ, we must world but none of it any good advice. It’s in these seasons learn to trust Jesus Christ more and more each day. that we must search out that place of refuge where we can Apostle Paul speaking to the church at Rome said, “For I be with God. in thedeath secretnor place, we find amalone persuaded thatIt’s neither life,where nor angels nor the presence, power, and peace that God is offering to use. principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things It’s here the voices arenor quenched and any the Word will of to come, nor height depth, nor other and created God on display to see and experience. thing,goshall be ablefor to us separate us from the love of God Isaiah “Seek ye the (Rom. Lord while he NKJV). may be which is in55:6-7 Christsays, Jesus our Lord” 8:38-39 Paul knew that trusting God was keyLet and that God’s found, call ye upon him while he isthe near: the wicked promisehis to way, neverand forsake us stands above all the things forsake the unrighteous man his thoughts: we can possibly face. and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have Today, encouraged. matter are mercy uponbe him; and to ourNo God, for hewhat will you abundantly facing. God is for you and with you in Christ Jesus; just pardon” (KJV). trust in him. “For the which cause I also suffer these All the noise at times can be deafening, but when we things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know seek the Lord with all of our heart, and lean not on our whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able own understanding, then the voices of distraction will be to keep that which I have committed unto him against silence, and the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory that day (2 Tim. 1:12 KJV). will be known. Dr. Greg Collins has served over 20 years in ministry. A graduate of Andersonville Seminary, Dr. Collins’ ministry has impacted thousands of people around the country and world through TV, print and internet outreaches. He also preaches and teaches in many venues and crusades around the world. Most Sundays he can be found in the Pulpit of Faith Worship Center in Chatsworth, Georgia.
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e believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
Christian Magazine
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
God Is Always with You!
God doesn’t call the qualified, but he qualifies the called. So don’t let people discourage you and don’t be defeated. Trust God! by Dr. Pat Gross
W
hen you are faced with difficult
God has always provided and never left me. Even
situations, look up to God and live. I
when I don’t do all God tells me to, He has always
am so thankful that I know that God
been right there. Yes, there were times when I felt
will never leave me or forsake me when I am
like giving up and the tears fall, but thank God for
going through and even when all is well, don't be
His blessed assurance that He will be there to guide
dismayed; remain strong (see Deut. 31:6).
me through!
As we travel on this journey called life, we
When God has called you out, chosen you,
will be confronted with trials, tribulations,
anointed and appointed you to preach the gospel, or
circumstances, and bear heartbreak, heartache, hurt,
when He planned a purpose on your life, God has
and pain on this journey. But I want to encourage
already equipped you for the job! The devil in hell
you today to look up to the hills to God where your
can’t stop a man/woman of God. He will give you all
help comes from (see Psa.121:1). God is never too
you need for this journey called life. You must trust
busy and He never sleeps. He sees and knows all
God! Acknowledge, respect, and obey Him!
things. He is omnipresent in every place at all times.
I want you all to know that whatever you are
God will provide all we need for us as His children
going through, that you don't have to go through it
when we have the right relationship with Him.
alone. God will be with you, so keep your hand in
God will always be our Father, Maker, Creator,
God’s hand! Always stand up, step back, and watch
Provider, and our Redeemer. He said we must
God move in your life. He will turn it around in
remain strong and courageous. Do not fear or dread
your favor. God saved us! He gave His son so that
them, for it is God who goes with us. Matthew
we can have an abundant life in heaven. No matter
28:20 lets us know to observe all that God has
what you may be going through, God loves you and
commanded you! Behold God is with you always to
always will.
the end of the age. Yes, I have been faced with circumstances in my life, my family, and in my church, but I can say that
50 // September 2017
Dr. Patricia Gross, senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Ministries. She has been in outreach ministry for the past 13 years. She renders community service monthly with her church to three local nursing homes, prepares one meal a month for Greater Works, and has established two food banks. She also prepares sack lunches for the waiting areas at Hamilton Hospital. And to top it off, she is a loving wife, mother, nana, and aunt to her family.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Some Make It, Some Do Not You and I must share the truth of God’s Word in a loving, gentle way, trusting that God will grow the seed we plant.
T
by William Nelson Haynes
his is not happening! Another one died! I scoop
mature. The Bible addresses this question as found
them up and throw them in the trash. I spent
in Matthew chapter 13 as Jesus talked about seed
hours nourishing them as did the rain and the
falling amongst four types of surfaces: a path; rocky
sunlight. I tell myself, “Do not give up!” Then I later
places; thorns; and good soil. He specifically taught the
hear someone say, “I love your garden.” I also have
following in verses 19-23:
seen the occasional car stopped on the road in front
“When anyone hears the message about the
of our house staring at the Petunias, the Zinnias, the
kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes
SunPatiens, the Geraniums, and the Marigolds all
and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is
protected by a hovering Crepe Myrtle tree.
the seed sown along the path. The one who received
I love gardening. Is it because I get to see the
the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears
beautiful results after planting them? Not always. I
the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he
was told by a realtor that landscaping can add financial
has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble
value to your house. If it does not rain, then every other
or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly
day I faithfully water my flowers. I give them plant
falls away. The one who received the seed that fell
food every two weeks. Then there is all the bending and
amongst the thorns is the man who hears the word, but
squatting digging up weeds, which always threaten to
the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth
ruin my work. My wife tells me I have a green thumb.
choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received
My response always is, “It’s just good ‘ole fashioned
the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the
hard work.” My joy is sometimes interrupted as some
word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a
perennials and even annuals refuse to grow but wilt and
hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
die. Some make it, some do not. Why is that?
You and I are given the task of planting spiritual
More importantly, why do some people
seeds in the souls of men, women, and
reject the invitation Jesus Christ offers to give them a new life, while others accept it and grow and
children who are lost without Jesus Christ. Like the gentle rain which falls amongst flowers, you and I must share the truth of God’s Word in a loving, gentle way, trusting that God will grow that seed. We plant and He grows. Ready to roll your sleeves up and start planting? A harvest is coming!
52 // September 2017
Nelson Haynes lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with his wife, highschool daughter, and two labrador retrievers, Bentley and Sadie. He has a masters in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary and he teaches adult Sunday school electives at Burning Bush Baptist Church in Ringgold, Georgia, periodically. He loves gardening and riding his mountain bike.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Tired of Losing the Battle with Lust?
I
You’re not alone. Men, if you’re finally serious about getting past this, keep reading. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” —Matthew 5:27-28 NIV
remember my first time. I was twelve or thirteen years old, sleeping
A friend had me watch Nate Larkin’s testimony, and Nate explained
over at a friend’s house. We were up late watching cable TV on the
James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other . . . that you may be
weekend after his parents had gone to bed. A sex scene came on. We
healed.” God designed the church to function as “the body of Christ,” not
were both Christians, so he flipped the channel away and then back after a few seconds. This happened a couple more times until the scene was
independent members. While everyone knows the mantra, “The first step is admitting you have a problem,” according to 12-step recovery programs, the second step
over. We were embarrassed and didn’t really talk about it, but within
is: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us
a few short weeks, I was sleeping over there as much as possible so we
to sanity.” Given that insanity is widely defined as doing the same thing
could stay up late surfing the movie channels, trying to find any adult
over again and again expecting different results, it is rather interesting
content we could. That was in the ‘90s. By the time I got to college,
that sanity is used to describe healing.
internet pornography was booming and I didn’t stand a chance. For the next two decades, I fought lust and porn addiction as best I could with virtually no results. I repented. I prayed. I fasted. I repented. I got an “accountability partner.” I repented, I repented some more; and I
Lastly, I had no idea how many quality programs actually do exist to address healing and recovery for those who struggle with lust. Three quality meeting groups in our area are: 1. Sexaholics Anonymous. This is a traditional 12-step program that
lusted some more. I was raised in the church, attended a Christian school,
is specifically designed for those struggling with lust. It has the longest
preached in chapel and youth group, and yet it seemed I would never get
proven track record of these three of helping people recover from lust.
that “victory” the pastor preached about on Sunday mornings.
There are currently five weekly meeting times in Chattanooga. See sa.org
Then my wife finally asked me for a separation. I called some of my closest friends, laid it all out on the table, and the healing finally began. This is what I didn’t know: The overwhelming majority of men, even Christian men, have
for meeting information. 2. Samson Society. This group is, “a fellowship of Christian men who are serious about authenticity, community, humility, and recovery− serious, not grave.” There is currently one active group in Cleveland and
struggled or currently struggle with sexual sin (lust, fornication,
at least one in Chattanooga. See samsonsociety.ning.com for meeting
pornography, etc.). That’s why Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker
information or email mrodan00@yahoo.com.
wrote the book Every Man’s Battle. One of the most startling statistics is
3. Celebrate Recovery. This is “a Christ-centered program with
from the respected Barna Group Inc.: “Most pastors (57 %) and youth
foundations firmly established in biblical truth.” There are currently
pastors (64 %) admit they have struggled with porn, either currently or in
two active groups in Cleveland, and at least three others in the
the past.
Chattanooga area. See celebraterecovery.org for meeting information.
I could not overcome this myself−period. I am an independent man.
You took the time to read this far; now do you have the courage to
I can take care of myself, and I don’t need your help. That prideful attitude
attend a meeting? Are you ready to start winning the battle? Don’t
got me nowhere in fifteen years, except deeper and deeper in my sin.
forget the definition of insanity.
54 // September 2017
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