Gò0dNews December 2020
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
DALTON & CHATSWORTH
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE F O R A D U LT S
INTRODUCING HAMILTON INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINIC Hamilton Internal Medicine Clinic is a new physician practice where resident physicians provide comprehensive medical treatment alongside a board-certified internal medicine physician. Whether you need medical care for a common illness or a complex or chronic medical condition, our team will take the time to listen to you and provide the latest advances in medical treatment.
• Annual exams/Preventative health • Diabetes management • High blood pressure & high cholesterol management • Depression & anxiety management • Arthritis management • Respiratory infections • Minor surgical procedures • On-site lab work
Call 706.226.8990 for an appointment. 1432 Broadrick Drive, Dalton Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Internal medicine resident physicians are doctors who are receiving specialized training in field of internal medicine.
706.226.8990 HamiltonHealth.com/internal
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About Us WRITERS
Andrea Kellum Andrew Lee Bekah Prytherch Bill Fortenberry Brooke Towe Deana Thompson Deck Cheatham Eddie Turner Filip Brunner Heather Tate John Garrod Karen Jeffery Laura Asbury Linda Ray Center Monica Gambrell Reagan Marsh Rhonda Lane Tammy Madden
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Contents
DECEMBER 2020
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Is There Regret In God? by Reagan Marsh
GoodNews for Kids
8 The Greatest Gift by Bekah Prytherch
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 What’s Your Net Worth? by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Manly Lessons From A Little Old Lady
by John Garrod GoodNews for Women
14 A Delightful Transition by Andrea Kellum
GoodNews for Everyone
18 Like a Thief in the Rapture? by Eddie Turner
GoodNews on Peace
20 Walk In Peace
by Linda Ray Center
GoodNews for Life
22 God Made Them Special by Tammy Madden
GoodNews for Teens
24 “A Christmas Carol” By The Son of God
by Filip Brunner GoodNews Cover Story
26 Innovative Risk Services
GoodNews Ministry Spotlight
30 March for Christ Ministries GoodNews for Family
32 The Beggar’s Plate by Rhonda Lane
GoodNews for Everyone
34 Christ In Christmas by Brooke Towe
GoodNews for Everyone
36 Evergreen Idol Or Reason For The Season?
6
by Bill Fortenberry GoodNews for Everyone
38 The Mirror
by Deck Cheatham
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Encouragement And Accountability
by Heather Tate
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Baklava
by Deana Thompson
GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk
26
44 Sleep in Heavenly Peace GoodNews for Everyone
46 The Ultimate Gift by Karen Jeffery
GoodNews Health for Moms
50 Doctor On Call: Questions About Breastfeeding
by Laura Asbury
GoodNews for Everyone
28 The Power of Words by Monica Gambrell
46
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Is There Regret In God?
I
by Reagan Marsh
’ve pastored for nearly 22 years and have received many
and will not do are the “fence” within which we may reason out
fascinating questions from people studying their Bibles. Here’s
the question of God’s “regretting” biblically.
one I thought would be helpful for GNM readers! Q. Ok, a question from 1 Samuel 15:10-11, then v. 35: “I regret”
In his loving condescension to us, God can and does express his displeasure at our sin in terms of “regret.” It’s just like when
and “The Lord regretted”…instant confusion! My husband wasn’t
we speak to our children about something more complex than they
sure how to explain that kind of regret but knew it wasn’t the same
can grasp: we simplify—and God used the same basic principle
regret that we feel—as if we’ve made a mistake or whatever. My
as his Spirit “breathed out” (2 Timothy 3:16) the Scriptures for us.
Bible’s footnote says the Hebrew is uncertain—but it still throws
In the 17th century, Hercules Collins, a highly influential English
me about this word being associated with God? Because God is
Baptist Puritan pastor, wrote, “When the Scripture speaks about
sovereign, it confuses me that he’d “regret” anything that he’d
God’s repenting that he made man (Genesis 6:5-6), it is not to
ultimately appointed or planned in the first place? Can you help
be understood properly [=literally], as if God were capable of
me understand this? A. Great question, and a tough subject! This matter challenges many people. Non-Christians attempt to use it to discredit the Bible or discourage a believer’s faith because there are several places in Scripture where God “regrets.” (Some translate the term =“repents.”) But this uncertainty doesn’t have to stay that way when we consider what we know of God from the rest of Scripture. In reading the Bible, we should always reason from what is clear to what is less clear; we understand the parts in light of the whole, the uncertain in light of what’s plain. So to your question: while the rest of the chapter is easily translated, the Hebrew is indeed a bit obscure in these verses. But this much is evident: to speak of God “regretting” is a term of divine condescension, expressed in what theologians call anthropomorphic language (giving human characteristics to something that’s not human) or accommodation language (adjusting
repentance, as man is; but it is spoken to our capacity. God is said to
how we speak to ensure communication).
repent when he doth such things as men do when they repent.”
We use anthropomorphic language when we say, “My car
So, does God repent or regret? Your husband was right—
keeps making this awful rattle—it must be mad at me!” Or we might
not like we do! It’s simply a statement expressing that God was
use accommodation language when we talk to someone who isn’t a
displeased at sin. And there’s massive hope in that statement
native English speaker—shorter sentences and smaller words to help
because the same God was overwhelmingly pleased to give
them be able to understand what’s being said more easily. (And I’m
his Son as the one substitute for sinners. By coming to Jesus in
certainly glad when they return the favor if I attempt to speak their
repentance (Acts 17:30) and faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), we may have
language!) The Bible does that right here for us.
redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), and a new
Scripture teaches that God is immutable: he does not and cannot change his essential being, his mind, his decrees, his law,
life (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), freed from the regrets of the past (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
his will, his emotions, or his Word. If he could change, he’d cease
If you’d like to submit a question about the Scriptures, please
to be God (Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8, etc.). He’d
use the contact form at reformationdalton.com—maybe I can answer
be subject to time, circumstances, variation, and human sin—he
it in a future GNM article.
Refuge to whom we flee. So these statements of what God does not
6 // December 2020
About The Author
wouldn’t be the Eternal One, the Rock of our salvation, the strong Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG & AG, and founding pastor-teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. An SBTS graduate, biblical counselor, and Th.D student in Puritan Studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
The Greatest Gift
D
by Bekah Prytherch
o you like Christmas presents? Well, I do!
was born or will be born! Everyone can have this
Did you know that there will never be a
gift! And the best part is that it is free for all! All we
Christmas present as great as a Christmas
have to do is receive this wonderful, free gift.
present that we received over 2000 years ago!?!
The greatest gift that I am talking about is
You can think of all the Christmas presents in the
Jesus Christ. He was born of a virgin Mary on that
entire world that would be amazing and cool, but
Christmas night and he came to this world to give us a free gift of eternal life, so someday we can live in heaven with him. He died on the cross for you and for me and He took all of our sins so we could be free! His gift is free to all of us, because he already paid it in full! Have you received this gift from him, eternal life to live forever in heaven? “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
none of them can compare to the one that we got in
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby
Bethlehem on that Christmas night, when Jesus was
wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”
born in a manger. Luke 2 tells us about the birth of
(Luke 2:11-12).
Jesus and I encourage you to read this and learn all about Jesus’ birth. I think it is so cool that we all share this gift.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Sometimes it’s hard to share things, but this is a gift that we want to share with everybody. Not everybody and everyone in the whole world that
8 // December 2020
About The Author
only do you want to share it, but it is a gift given to
Bekah Prytherch is the children’s pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, Tennessee. She is married to her husband, Caleb, and they live in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Hope Needs A Helping Hand. Become A Volunteer Advocate For A Foster Child. Murray/Whitfield CASA Call: 706.428.7931 or find us on Facebook!
Funded in part by VOCA grant C18-8-372, administered by CJCC
MURRAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chatsworth-Eton-Murray County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to be a voice, bridge, partner and advocate for the businesses and citizens of Murray County.
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What’s Your Net Worth? MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
T
he question posed in the title of this month’s column has multiple meanings. First, when was the last time you tabulated your own net worth, financially speaking? It’s an important metric, and wealthy and financially successful people know their net worth and monitor it often. Simply make a list of all your debts (liabilities) including mortgages, student loans, car loans, personal loans, lines of credit, as well as any credit card debts, medical bills, and so forth. Then, make a list of all your assets—money in savings, investment accounts, equity/value of real estate owned, cars, personal property, collectibles, etc. Subtract your debts (liabilities) from your assets, and the amount left over (if any) is your net worth. If you have more liabilities than assets, you have a negative net worth (hopefully not). For 2020, the median net worth for U.S. households is $97,300— meaning that half of all U.S. households have a net worth greater than this, while half of households have less. You may have heard this catchy maxim: “Your network determines your net worth.” This means that the people in your life (your network) will play a role in determining how financially successful you are. So, if you spend all your time with people who are financially illiterate or undisciplined with money, you will likely follow suit. But thankfully, we have control over our “network” and can make changes to improve our social connections by “networking”—meeting successful people and emulating their good money habits. Your network, friend group, or social circle do not have to remain stagnant. You always have a choice to reach out to others whom you admire and expand your network over time. After all, I’ve never heard of anyone who had too many friends (except maybe on social media).
10 // December 2020
Finally, let me pose the question again in a different context: “What’s your net, really worth?” What if your “net” includes your sphere of influence, as well as your talents that God has blessed you with, which you can use to “catch” others whom God puts in your path? And what if by using your “net” to “catch” and pour into the lives of these people, you can be a positive influence on others—spiritually, emotionally, and financially? So how far does your “net” reach? Do you spend every week and weekend within the same confined sphere of influence, never reaching beyond your comfort zone, never taking a risk to change your routine and meet new people? What does your “net” end up catching usually? Anxiety? Discontentment? Envy of others? Or does your net catch joy, love, grace, peace, and hope? The lives we reach with our net (gifts, talents, relationships), can reap an abundant harvest both in this life and in eternity for God’s kingdom. Once you’ve “caught” something in your net, what are you going to do with it? You decide. Do you throw it back? Or like the good steward in the Gospels who had ten talents, do you maximize your “catch” to help it reach its fullest potential? And remember, your net definitely includes your finances. How far does your financial net reach? Are you able to give generously to worthy causes? If not, consider making your net stronger by being intentional about your finances: track your spending, commit to save at least 10% of each month’s pay, invest for future growth, and make a regular habit of giving away some money each month. Strengthen your “net” and watch God reward your diligence and intentionality. As the disciples discovered in Luke 5:6, your net may soon be overflowing with blessings!
“New Liver, New Life” “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” ~Philippians 1:6~
Find info on current fundraisers on Facebook: New Liver, New Life: For Pastor Scott Parrish Please, be in prayer for Pastor Scott Parrish of Emmaus Baptist Church. He is in need of a liver transplant. We are asking God to make a way.
#PrayforPastorScott
His Entire Story Is On: www.caringbridge.org/visit/pastorscottparrish
If God impresses upon your heart to help us meet our financial goals, you may donate at:
Conasauga Baptist Association 1458 Pleasant Grove Drive, Dalton, GA 30721 Memo: Pastor Scott Parrish Medical
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Gò0dNews for Men
Manly Lessons From A Little Old Lady
I
by John Garrod
’ve been taught lots of things in my life: how to swing a
4. She did not underestimate God. In verse 3, Elisha tells
bat, block a linebacker, kick a ball. I’ve been taught how
her to go borrow vessels. “Not a few,” says the King James
to throw a punch, throw an opponent, throw a grenade,
version. She sends her sons out to borrow vessels. None
apply a choke, and apply handcuffs. I’ve been qualified
of this makes any sense to her at this point. I mean, how
with a pistol, a rifle, a submachine gun, and other Army
could it? But they GO, and they borrow vessels, and not a
toys. I know how to read a map on land or at sea. I can
few but a bunch: as many as they can.
even tie like three knots without looking them up online.
5. She followed through. She locks the door. “Why are
But hands down, one of the best lessons I’ve learned
we locking the door?” she probably thought. We have
was taught by a little old widow.
NOTHING for people to steal: unless there’s a vessel-
In 2 Kings chapter 4, we learn of a woman in a bad situation. She’s been left a widow. Her late husband, the son of one of the prophets, had no 401(k) program set up, and she is now in trouble. Debt collectors are coming to collect the only things she has left of value: her two sons. Faced with the loss of what she cherished most, she takes the right steps. 1. She admitted her status. This is a tough call for us men. For us to own up to the seriousness of our situation means that we have to face facts: We’re in over our heads. We have nothing. Well, nothing but that little jar of oil. 2. She called for help. Ouch! Even worse than stopping to
stealing gang on the loose. And then, she begins to pour
ask for directions is actually calling out for help. Yet that’s
the oil. She doesn’t question how this will work, like most
just what she did—she got the attention of the man of God,
of us men will do. She just…pours.
the only God who could help her: the God of the impossible. 3. She was obedient—absurdly obedient. Sometimes God
We men struggle with her lessons because they start with humility and require faith beyond comprehension.
asks us to do things that make NO sense—at least not to
We want to know how it will work, why it will work, and
our limited understanding. Like Moses trying to stall God,
what the secret is. And the little widow just laughs, smiles
we look at that stick and say, “Why throw this down? How
at her sons, and keeps pouring the oil.
will that help?” And once that stick starts slithering, well, God crazy?
12 // December 2020
About The Author
I for one am NOT looking to pick that thing up! What, is John Garrod is a father of six, husband of one. He is a recent graduate of Lee University (c/o ’19), a discipleship teacher at South Cleveland Church of God, and a U.S. Army veteran.
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Gò0dNews for Women
A Delightful Transition by Andrea Kellum
I
t’s hard making a new transition in life. A new job. A
Lord; humbly, mildly, gently approaching His throne and
new church. A new year. The moment of intense sadness
allowing Him to reshape me into whatever and whomever it
for the thing you may be leaving behind turns into the
is He needs me to be. And my prayer is that in the process,
pursuit of the thing in front of you, and that can be a scary
He continues to be praised before men and nations so the
feeling. Leaving something familiar is not always easy, even
world will see His glory.
if the familiar is not necessarily a great place. I often find myself in places of transition in my walk with Christ, moments when I know He is leading me into a new place in my life that I haven’t been before with Him.
I pray we can become a powerful and strong body of believers who truly DELIGHT in the Lord. I pray the result of that humble, dainty, delicate delight is that our hearts desire only what He desires.
There have been times of giving up something of the old me to better present the new me in Him. There have been moments of discovering something new in His Word that shows me where I need to change to represent Him best. And there have been moments of leaving behind what was familiar to me to venture into what was completely unknown. With all these relational transitions, I see something common: My being broken and molded into what HE needs me to be. It does not always feel good, and it is not always what I would choose for myself, but He knows the exact next move that I need to take. And although I know God is constantly guiding me and shaping me and growing me, I also know that I must be willing to be bent, be reshaped, and submit in order for me to look how He needs me to.
Are you bending with the breaking and allowing Him to
A few years ago, I began asking the Lord for a new
grow you, or are you resisting this change He is working to
word for each year, and one particular recent year, my word was Delight. Psalm 37:4 is the Scripture that overwhelmed
make within you? Change isn’t easy, and life doesn’t always turn out how
my soul to read: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will
we planned, but if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, if
give you the desires of your heart.”
we allow God to bend and shape us, then we will reflect
The Hebrew word for delight used in this verse has a meaning that makes perfect sense in how God wants to see our year unfold.
Christ in a way that is designed by our Creator to bring Him glory forever and ever. Will you DELIGHT in Him this year with me?
Delight: soft, delicate, dainty, and my favorite portion of Immediately after reading the Hebrew meaning, I began to picture myself softly falling to my knees before the
14 // December 2020
About The Author
the definition, “to be pliable.”
Andrea Kellum is a former internationally recognized pageant coach who upon a call from the Lord, closed her business to begin teaching God’s Word. She is a devoted wife, homeschool mom, the Founder of Changing Crowns Ministries, author of Warrior Women Prepare For Battle, and the producer and host of Changing Crowns, a discipleship training TV show now airing on the Life Network For Women network available on Roku, Amazon, Apple, and Android devices. You can also follow Andrea’s ministry at ChangingCrowns.com
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Dalton Church Directory 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, 30721 706-226-7743
Baptist
Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721 706-278-5289 Antioch Baptist Church 1205 Antioch Road, 30720 706-278-1305 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 Christ Reformed Baptist Church 1378 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-226-3026 Concord Baptist Church 1054 Hopewell Rd, Cohutta 30710 706-694-8618 Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484 Crown View Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422 Deep Springs Baptist Church 1660 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255 Dug Gap Baptist Church 2031 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-2377 Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553 Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020 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 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Good Hope Baptist Church 2525 Lake Francis Rd, 30721 706-259-3719 Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8519 Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721 706-259-7239
16 // December 2020
Gospelway Baptist Church 336 Jupiter Cir, 30721 706-278-1424 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Harmony Baptist Church 187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-226-5521 Harvest Baptist Church 3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721 706-694-8951 Hill Crest Baptist Church 1901 Cityview St, 30720 706-279-1267 Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721 706-226-5987 Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Drive,30720 706-277-3505 Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720 706-275-6050 Liberty Baptist Church 506 South Pentz St, 30720 706-226-5535 Lindsey Memorial Baptist 706-673-7650 3503 Lindsey Memorial Rd. Rocky Face, Ga. 30740 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 Hope Baptist Church 706-673-8050 2105 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Northwest Georgia Baptist Church 222 North Pentz St, 30720 706-463-3490 Olivia Baptist Church 1817 Guy St, 30720 706-278-3507 Pine Grove Baptist Church 4004 Airport Road, 30721 706-264-8630 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Reformation Baptist Church 825 Chattanooga Avenue, 30720 706-314-8711 Rocky Face Baptist Church 1544 Rocky Face Railroad St, 30740 706- 226-5751
Salem Baptist Church 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721 706-259-7045 South Dalton Baptist Church 498 Lakemont Drive, 30720 706-278-4946 Shiloh Baptist Church 2014 East Waugh St, 30721 706-226-5981 Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Hwy, 30720 706-226-6785 Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 2772 E Welcome Hill Circle, 30721 706-278-0368 Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776
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 Valley Brook Church of God 1474 Mineral Springs Rd, 30720 706-279-3296
Community
Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204 Freedom Community Church 908 Elk Street, 30720 706-463-2690 Rock Bridge Community Church 121 W Crawford St, 30720
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 Mt. Vernon UMC 597 Lafayette Road Rocky Face, GA 30740 706-673-4667 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879 Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112 Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 Tunnel Hill UMC 706-673-4022 121 North Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 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 120 East Morris Street, 30721 706-270-9733 Bridging the Gap Ministries 514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-277-7575 Relentless Worship Center 210 Robinwood Dr, 30721 706-313-1129 Cornerstone Family Church
1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Dalton House Of Prayer 735 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-280-0263 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
Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Fuente de Agua Viva 1007 Underwood St, 30721 706-278-4963 La Senda Antigua 308 East Matilda St, 30720 706-270-8826 True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696
Shadow Ridge Worship Center 122 Wheat Drive Varnell, GA 30721 706-280-4546
Presbyterian
ChristChurch Presbyterian 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-529-2911 First Presbyterian Church 101 S. Selvidge St, 30720 706-278-8161 Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720 706-226-6344
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 Dalton SDA Church 300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-2166
Salvationalist
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 Liberty Baptist Church 4221 US-76, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US 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 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 Total Praise Baptist Church 706-695-6441 1461 Greeson Bend Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Zion Hill Baptist Church 706-517-5913 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Bible
Grace Bible Church
2599 Leonard Bridge Rd. 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
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
Casey Springs UMC 7250 Chastworth Highway South Chastworth, GA 30705 Center Valley UMC 706-971-4646 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
Non-Denominational
God’s Light House 784 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 The Church of God of the Union Assembly at Chatsworth, GA 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 North Gate Church 706-548-4967 7727 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30755 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
Pentecostal
Victory Tabernacle 706-517-1458 355 Ellijay Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US A Place to Worship 706-517-8568 259 Old Landfill Rd 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
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Like a Thief in the Rapture?
M
by Eddie Turner
ore than once in the Bible, Jesus spoke of “the day” and “the hour” of his return. The reason he didn’t provide a specific day and hour is that he didn’t know exactly when God would be sending him back to earth. And he assured us that his reappearance will catch human beings on the earth completely off guard the way a thief whose intent to rob someone during the night might do.“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” 1 Thessalonians 5:2. There is, however, another verse that strongly suggests not everyone will experience his return in this manner. In fact, he warned people to avoid that day at all costs. “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you” Revelation 3:3. I don’t know about you, but I believe it’s quite clear that Jesus doesn’t want his followers anywhere near the earth when he returns. If this causes some confusion, you may have associated the rapture with not knowing the day and the hour. If you have, don’t sweat it. This notion is really quite common. Why? It’s because of a similar event that will take place on the day Jesus returns. “That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left” Matthew 24:39-40. In order to fully grasp this text, and the rest of the Bible for that matter, we must understand that the rapture and Christ’s return are two separate events—one we are to prepare for, and one we are to avoid. If you’ve studied Revelation, you’re probably familiar with the number 144,000. This is the number of Jewish men and women who will serve as ministers to those left behind during the tribulation that is to come. Jesus’ followers who are alive at the time of the rapture will be spared God’s wrath during this period. These are called raptured saints, whereas those who make a decision to trust in Jesus after the rapture are called tribulation saints. And it’s the latter group whose members (some of them anyway) will have survived to witness Christ’s return. These are the ones who are taken according to the verse from Matthew we just read. They’re the very last ones. Those remaining who refused to repent or “wake up” will not be taken. Instead, they will feel as though they had just been robbed of their pride when the Son of Man appears unexpectedly. So, now that we know that Christ’s return is the event that cannot be anticipated, we can turn our attention to an event that we can. Yes, I’m talking about the rapture. You don’t have a to be a total Bible nerd like me to know that God is big on numbers. Because of numbers, we know how much time God spent creating the earth, how long the rains poured during the flood, and how long Noah and his family had to remain inside the ark until the ground was solid enough to walk on. The entire framework of the tribulation period is also built on numbers. And like the examples I just gave, these numbers represent 24-hour days. Because the Bible ties specific events to these numbers, we know without question when we can begin counting
18 // December 2020
the days of the tribulation period. And we can see how accurate our count is when we’ve reached the middle and several other points along the way. So, shouldn't the rapture also be mapped out with a number? I believe it should. I also believe it is. In this next verse from Daniel, the angel who showed him all those weird visions helps Daniel to understand the tribulation framework by giving him the number of days from the events that serve as the midpoint to the end. In case your math is rusty, 1,290 days is 3.5 years which is half of the 7 years the Bible defines as the tribulation period. You may also recall from your studies that it is the antichrist who is the abomination described here. He puts an end to the sacrifice in the newly rebuilt Jewish temple and kicks all of the Jewish people out, causing it to become desolate. But what about this other number? “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!” Daniel 12:11-12. When I first saw this number, I realized I must have read those verses 20 times and not noticed it. And when I tried to fit this block of time into the 7 years, nowhere I inserted it made sense. That’s when the word “blessed” jumped out at me. I had seen this verse before. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” Matthew 24:13. Patience and endurance are two attributes that Jesus often paired together. According to him, having both is vital to those awaiting their blessing on the day of redemption. This day, of course, refers to the rapture. It's when we, who have placed our trust in Jesus, are redeemed by the blood he spilled on our behalf. Blessed are those who stand firm to the day we are rescued from God’s wrath which is reserved for everyone whose names are not written in the book of life. This message is loud and clear. So, how do these 1,335 days fit into the tribulation period? I believe this number is counted from day one of the seven years just like the other numbers in the Bible. This places the rapture 45 days after the midpoint when the people of Israel evacuate their temple and flee from the antichrist into the mountains. Why the mountains? Because Jesus said so. “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains” Matthew 24:15-16.
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Gò0dNews on Peace
Walk In Peace
“T
by Linda Ray Center
he Lord gives strength to his people;
was determined to buy a condo before I sold my
the Lord blesses his people with
house. I didn’t have peace signing the contract
peace” (Psalm 29:11).
but thought I could sell my existing home before
Do we ever stop longing for peace in our
the deadline. After 30 days, I argued, pretended
world, our choices, or in our relationships? The
to cry, and danced a jig to get my earnest money
Lord’s peace is a supernatural peace that settles
back, but unfortunately, I lost the retainer fee.
the war in our minds. It’s a road sign for our hearts. Additionally, peace allows us to travel down life’s highway and not worry about a deadly crash or getting lost. God is in control, making sure we journey onward. Embracing the love of Christ helps us to walk forward in our relationships with Him and others. I know firsthand how Jesus exchanged my heartache over losing my husband for peace that
I’ve grown a wee bit wiser over the years. The
only He could deliver. Peace of mind is something
key to having daily peace is to seek Jesus like the
we have to pursue daily. A relationship with the
wise men. No matter what comes our way, if we
Prince of Peace, Jesus, allows us to walk in peace.
seek Him, we can walk in peace.
When a financial opportunity arises, I base
Praise God for the birth of Christ who gives us
my decision on having a peaceful answer. It’s
supernatural peace that is not dependent on our
called supernatural peace. Back in my 20s,
strength or the situations around us.
I made financial decisions without praying. wrong, but I pursued it anyway. For example, I 20 // December 2020
About The Author
Therefore, I felt unsure. Something seemed Linda Ray Center is a blogger, motivational speaker, and a relationship builder. Linda and her husband reside in the Deep South. www.lindaraycenter.com.
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Gò0dNews for Life
God Made Them Special
I
by Tammy Madden
feel like someone needs to hear this today. If you are a
Look at all the wonders of the world that God made,
special needs parent and are feeling like you can’t go
and then walk in their room. Look at them there, sleeping
on another minute, know that I am here for you.
so quietly. Look at their face. Watch them as they dream
If you feel like you can’t change another feeding tube,
of angels. Would you want any other child in the world?
like you can’t watch one more seizure, like you can’t
They have a purpose on this earth. God knows why they
clean up any more throw up (sorry, it’s our reality), if
were sent here, and I believe maybe they know too, but
you feel like you can’t listen to any more beeps and bells
it’s not our place to know. It’s our place to love them
in the ICU, if you think you can’t sit through another
and teach them about Jesus and love and how to love
blood draw while four people, including you, hold your
everyone, or maybe it’s their job to teach US how to love.
child down, if you feel like you can’t take one more meeting in “the room” (y’all know what “the room” is), if you feel like you can’t go to one more specialist, if you feel like you can’t watch your child in a wheelchair while the other kids run for even a second longer, if you feel like you can’t take yet another diagnosis, if you feel like you simply just cannot hand your child off to one more surgeon, if you feel like you can’t take one more sleepless
I want you all to know that you are doing a great job!
night, and if you feel like you just can’t line the medicines
Don’t give up. Just hug them and thank God for choosing
up and prepare them for another second, then please
you! I love you all, and I hope whoever needed this sees
know that God walked this path before you.
it. One more thing: if you ever need another parent to
He chose you, Mom. He chose you, Dad. He chose
speak to, both my husband and I are always here for you.
you because He knows you! He chose you because He
Have a wonderful day! Now go hug that beautiful child
knows your strength. He knew before you were even
of yours! You are their hero, but more importantly, they
born that you could do this! He chose YOU! THAT IS AN
are OUR heroes!
HONOR! Just know it’s okay to take a minute. Sit outside kitchen table and watch as the birds fly by. Open that window and listen to them sing.
22 // December 2020
About The Author
while they sleep and watch the rain fall. Sit at your
My name is Tammy Madden. I am 52 years old and live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter named Megan.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
“A Christmas Carol” By The Son of God
“C
by Filip Brunner
hristmas a humbug, uncle!" said Scrooge's
much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon
nephew. "You don't mean that, I am sure?"
us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this
“I do,” said Scrooge. “Merry Christmas!
they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to
What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to
the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we
be merry? You're poor enough.” (From: The Christmas Carol
desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish
by Charles Dickens)
in you the same grace also” (2 Corinthians 8:1-6).
If Christmas is not to be the dismal occasion Mr.
The Macedonian church was poor in material riches but
Ebenezer Scrooge makes it out to be, what should we
was rich toward God. Notice that “…they gave their own
conclude that Christmas really is all about?
selves to God first.” It sounds to me like if we are going
Scrooge belief is that it is the accumulation of riches that satisfies and that Christmas is a waste of resources and therefore needs to be avoided at all cost. What Mr. Ebenezer is missing like so many of us miss at Christmas is that it is not about this world’s riches. Indeed Christmas is not about us at all. It is about God and His willingness to reconcile us to Himself. So, all in all, it is not about us giving gifts to one another but God giving us the gift of Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy getting gifts as much as anyone but, what would happen if we, out of gratitude for
to give anything back to Jesus in exchange for His gift of
our Savior, gave gifts to Jesus. This is a practice which has
eternal life to us, we need to give ourselves to Him. What
been done in the past or it might even be something which
more fitting gift to The Son of God then this.
your family is in the practice of doing but what gift could we
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel,
possibly give to someone who has everything? Or, does He?
I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of
man. A merry Christmas to everybody! …”
God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in
Now in the end, you Ebenezer, understand that
a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their
unburdening yourself from the sin of this world that you
deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
find the true purpose of life.
power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with
24 // December 2020
About The Author
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
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Innovative Risk Services founded the agency as part of a large agency group
I
Innovative was primarily commercial lines with
based in Middle Tennessee. Serving the community
personal lines as a courtesy. However, over the years,
in several roles with other agencies prior to 1997, Pam
the agency’s book of business has evolved into an even
gained the experience and knowledge necessary to
mix of both commercial lines and personal lines policies.
become president of the agency. She went on to purchase
From personal auto-only customers to large and mid-
the agency and rename what is now known as Innovative
market accounts, Innovative has the knowledge and the
Risk Services. Innovative provides all lines of insurance
experience to provide comprehensive coverage for clients
coverages to individuals and businesses across Georgia,
of all sizes. Insurance can be a very complex subject
North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Innovative is
and oftentimes can have you feeling apprehensive, but
proud to have over 130 years of combined experience
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in the insurance industry. That experience, combined
difference. Innovative Risk not only exemplifies those
with top-notch companies and great rates, ensures that
qualities but has proven them as it has continued to grow
long-time clients and new ones alike are proud to be
and serve for over 20 years in the industry.
n the spring of 1997, current president Pam Blount
represented by Innovative Risk Services!
In the beginning, the majority of business with
When Innovative began, the top priority for the agency was to prioritize customer service and build
26 // December 2020
strong relationships that would last for years to come.
and cheer! When you enter Innovative Risk Services
That has remained Innovative’s mission for over 20 years!
during Christmas, you will find large trees in every office
Pam insists, “The only thing that sets us apart from any
and common areas and Christmas cheer all throughout
other agency is our customer service!” Innovative works
the building! Once a year, all of the agency’s clients are
hard to explain coverages and go over many of the
invited to attend their annual Christmas open house.
endorsements and options available to each client. Agents
Held as a way to give back to their clients, Innovative
understand that it is easy to become overwhelmed and
provides lunch and door prizes to all who attend. Even
always like to take whatever time is needed to explain for
those who can’t make the open house each year are
their clients. Karen J. from Calhoun, Georgia, says, “I am
invited and encouraged to visit throughout the month of
very well pleased with the service and professional
December to share in the joy of the season!
manner with the staff. I thank God for good folks like
Innovative Risk Services is located at 405 North
them. I will be saving a lot of money by switching
Hamilton Street in Historic Downtown Dalton and is
companies. I’m on a very limited income, so I was excited
open every weekday, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5
and very blessed to get my quote from Brian with it being
p.m., to provide you with the best rates possible and the
much less and double the coverage. I’m very impressed.
excellent service you deserve! Visit Innovative online at
I’ve told many others about Innovative Risk, and I will
www.irsinagency.com or call at 706-529-6700 to chat about
continue! God bless you all.”
your coverages.
Over the last couple of years, Pam and Brian have
From all the staff at Innovative Risk Services, Merry
worked to update the agency inside and out with a
Christmas and Happy New Year! May your holiday
fresh new logo, remodeled offices, and new furniture.
season be filled with love, with laughter, and with joy!
“It’s amazing to watch someone come into our office for the first time and immediately notice that it doesn’t really feel like an office but more like a home,” says Brian Rittenberry, partner at Innovative Risk Services. “Most people come in for a quote expecting a stuffy office atmosphere and realize pretty quickly that we are different than most. They come in as a potential new client and leave as family!” The updates began in 2016 with a front office remodel and expanded to include the entire office leaving an end result of over 3,000 square feet of remodeled office space and a new conference room. A very large part of Innovative Risk Services is the holiday season. From helping local families at Thanksgiving to providing Christmas for those less fortunate, the team at Innovative love to spread goodwill
goodnewscm.com // 27
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Power of Words
T
by Monica Gambrell
he God of the universe spoke it into being. Why
and the hurt remains. A dear friend of mine (Scott
do we envision that our own words as His
Bates) once witnessed the sad truth that sometimes
ambassadors have no power? We house His
my tongue can be vicious. In that instance, it lashed
Spirit in our bodies, and this truth is more powerful
out with insensitivity. Thankfully, Scott was gracious
than we can fathom with our finite minds.
enough to calmly take me aside and point out my sin.
Being a stay-at-home mother was unbelievably
After apologizing, I knew that even though we would
challenging but also a treasure beyond measure.
continue our friendship, my guilt would somewhat
Once, when they were young, and one of them had
taint it. Words. They are powerful. The same is true with encouragement. It stays with us, and we draw strength in the weakest of times from the power of those encouraging words. Once, when I was feeling particularly down, I received a sweet message from a complete stranger. Understand, I have never been physically attractive, so I have never really made an effort in that arena. When leaving work one day, a lady approached me and gave me a sincere compliment on my appearance. I was floored. I was in tears. I literally lost my breath. Truly powerful. My husband and I never celebrated Valentine’s Day. We never exchanged gifts of any kind on that day. He displayed his love for me 24/7/365. Besides, I don’t like hearts, chocolate, cut flowers, or commercialized sentiment. But he enlisted the help of our daughter, Rebekah, to purchase a Build-A-Bear for what would be our last Valentine’s Day together. He recorded a message for me that
thoughtlessly spoken harsh words to their sibling, I
I still treasure to this day. He wanted to inform me
attempted to teach them the power of the spoken word
that even when he wouldn’t physically be with me
with an age-old demonstration. I squirted an entire
anymore, I did have the strength to continue without
tube of toothpaste onto a paper plate and offered them
him. His spoken word resonates in me daily as I forge
a prize if any one of them could put it all back in the
forward without him.
tube. None could. We talked at length about how that
Ecclesiastes 11:6 confirms that we may not know
toothpaste represented our words. Once they leave our
whether the seed we sow with our words will prosper
mouths, they can’t be taken back. Even if the hearer
or not, but sow we must. We must allow His Word
forgives the offender, the words were heard,
to flow through us unimpeded. We must give proper
28 // December 2020
respect to the incredible power of the spoken word.
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Gò0dNews Ministry Spotlight
March for Christ Ministries
“G
reater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NIV). How it all started? My name is Contessa.
I was born and raised in Dalton who has a deep love for Jesus and community. March for Christ started as a vision the Lord gave me in July 2016. We all love that our Father God displays a wonderful sense of humor a lot of the time. I was just overwhelmed in the presence of the Lord one day, when He gave me a vision of numerous people marching in downtown Dalton, Georgia for Jesus Christ. The vision was so real and consuming, I truly thought, Lord, what are saying to your people? The Lord took me to His Word in Joshua where He commanded the Israelites to march around the city of Jericho until the walls came down. I knew the Lord was speaking straight to my heart. The walls that divide His children have to fall. Needless to say, our awesome God works in His perfect timing. I tried in my own flesh to make that vision come to pass but it was not in season. God used the next four years to circumcise my heart and prepare me what He had planned. Four years later almost to the day, the Lord revived the vision He gave me through a spoken Word to a lady in my Bible study named Leslie and this was the conception of this spiritual birth.
Our Mission Our passion is to bring people together through the love
Our Community Outreach July of this year, through Jesus, we were able to bring together the community in a prayer walk around downtown Dalton. We marched around downtown in prayer seven times, praying the Lord would move in our city and tear down the walls that divide us. As different churches came together and numerous worship leaders sang on every street corner, we postured our hearts towards Christ and gave Him all the glory. The community came together to praise the Lord as one. The Body of Christ looked like the Bride of Christ that day, together as one. The goal was bringing the community together as one for prayer, praise, and worship to the One
of Christ, witness people saved through the blood of Jesus,
True King and our God
and to see people walk in the freedom that Jesus died to
made a way.
give us as God’s children. The mission of our ministry is to
The Future
bring the community together in Jesus' mighty name. There are so many things that divide us and we believe God is calling us to unity in the Body of Christ. We are called to love one another. His Word tells us, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV). When we understand that it is God’s great love for us that kept Jesus on the cross, then we begin to understand the love He calls us to show those around us. If 2020 has done anything good, it has brought refocus to the Body of Christ. God moves mightily when we are united as His children. He calls us to be free in His Spirit and freedom comes in His Presence together.
30 // December 2020
Through the event in July, God has built relationships and love. We will be hosting the next event at Mack Gaston Community Center on New Years Eve 2020. We believe the very ground we stand on will be shaken as we pray out 2020 and pray in 2021. Please join us as the community unites in Jesus mighty name as we “Reclaim Our Destiny!” We hope to see you there! “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”(Galatians 5:1).
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Gò0dNews for Family
The Beggar’s Plate
W
by Rhonda Lane
hen my parents were first married, my father
father, overhearing the conversation and also knowing
agreed to move into his mother-in-law’s home
there was not enough to share, spoke up from his place
in order to help support her and her young son
at the table, saying, “He can have mine.” Now, this was
as well as his own new bride. The family home was in a very rural area of Northern
no small gesture for a strapping young man with a hearty appetite for his wife and mother-in-law’s scrumptious
Murray County along Highway 411, which at that time
cooking after a hard day’s work building houses or
in the early 1950s was a major thoroughfare between
working as a telephone lineman.
Knoxville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. The traffic was
When we make the decision to come to Christ after we
not all mechanical, however, as many wayfarers and drifters
have walked the treacherous path of life’s highway, we too
frequently followed its course in search of something better,
are nothing more than beggars. We ask for the nourishment
I suppose. These travelers would sometimes stop randomly
of grace with nothing to offer in return except an empty
at homes along the way to ask for a free meal.
plate stained with the scraps of past sins and bad decisions.
One evening, the little family was just sitting down
Christ takes that plate, washes it clean with His blood, and
to supper when an unexpected knock came at the door.
hands it back to us piled high with generous helpings of
My mother answered, and indeed, it was yet another
forgiveness, mercy, and grace. When we apologize that we
beggar asking for a meal. Knowing that on this particular
have no righteousness with which to pay for this sustenance,
occasion, there was only enough food to feed her small
Christ replies, “You can have Mine.”
32 // December 2020
About The Author
family, my mother prepared to turn the beggar away. My
Rhonda Lane is a native of Dalton, Georgia, and is an orphaned, old maid, and only child trying to find her way in the world and lose herself in Jesus Christ.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Christ In Christmas
W
by Brooke Towe
hile I was shopping for Christmas pajamas for
The enemy will even ensure that you stay busy in order
my daughter, Giuliana, I found what I believed
to hinder you from progressing in your relationship with
to be the perfect pair. I was ecstatic that I had
God. We have to refuse to allow our hectic schedules to
conquered the task of finding Christmas pajamas for her school party. While standing in line to make the purchase,
hinder us from putting Him first in our lives. The Christmas season is fun to celebrate with friends
I couldn’t help but think of how cute she would look in
and family. I love to exchange gifts, bake cookies, watch
this red ensemble. I could not wait to see her face when she
Christmas movies, and all of the other family traditions
would open the bag and see the modest, but still trendy,
that my family enjoys. However, this Christmas, more than
sleepwear. I had scored or so I thought. Then, I looked
ever, I am committed to not allow ANYTHING to cause me
more closely at the shirt of my great find, only to discover
to X Him out of my life.
that it said, “Here for the X-Mas Movies and Snacks.” No! Why did they have to ruin these pajamas? My heart was grieved because “Christ” had been removed and replaced with an “X.” I, then, realized that there are so many times we replace Christ with an “X.” What is the “X” in your life? Is your “X” a job, sports, money, or a relationship? Jesus is the reason for every breath that we take. In the life of the believer, everything should be about Him. Therefore, Jesus should be, “The reason for the season,” every day of our life not only during the time we celebrate Christmas! “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;… (Acts 7:28). I have learned as a wife, mother, travel agent, and
My prayer is that, as you read this article, you will be challenged to put Christ front and center of everything you do. Do not allow the hustle and bustle of this time of year to rob you of your time with Him. Celebrate the gift of God to the world, Jesus.
co-pastor, we have to guard our time with Him. It is so
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
easy to get distracted on little things that we miss the big
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
picture, Jesus. Many of you, like me, have made statements
perish, but have everlasting life”(John 3:16).
similar to, “When my life slows down, I am going to pray church, but I am so busy right now.” Did that hit home?
34 // December 2020
About The Author
more, study the Bible more, read that book, volunteer at
Brooke Towe, co pastor of Ramp Church Chattanooga. Owner of Brooke Travel Company. Wife to Pastor Andrew and mother to their children Giuliana and Gabriel.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Evergreen Idol Or Reason For The Season? ot long after Thanksgiving, I’ll go up into the attic and pull down an artificial evergreen and stand it up beside the fireplace in our living room. Next will come several boxes of rustic decorations in red-and-black buffalo plaid, stars of jute and wood, tin snowflakes, and an assortment of ornaments my wife and I have collected over our 27 years of marriage. At night, we’ll light a fire, turn on the white Christmas tree lights, and watch every Hallmark movie and Christmas classic we can find. In the quiet moments, I’ll sometimes sit in front of the tree and reflect on the real Christmas story. Our cabin-themed tree replaced a tree decorated primarily in silver-and-gold mercury glass and, before that, a tree decorated in a hodgepodge of ornaments purchased to commemorate costumes our kids wore for Halloween, big life moments, favorite pets, and schoolroom crafts. There was a time when I was hesitant to put up a tree. I loved the beauty and the celebration, but when I was a boy, the church we attended used a passage from Jeremiah 10 to question the practice of decorating Christmas trees. Sure enough, it sounds a lot like our holiday tradition: “A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid
36 // December 2020
of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good” (Jeremiah 10:3-5). Thankfully, Jeremiah isn’t talking about Christmas trees. He’s talking about idols, but there is good reason to meditate on his words this time of year. For many people in our world, Christmas trees have become idols. Families skip right by the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Instead, the beautiful tree has become an altar, where gifts are laid at its base in anticipation of personal pleasure. We exchange gifts too, but I have made it a point to make sure that our home tells the Christmas story. Those stars are the star in the east. The red is a reminder that Jesus shed his blood for us. The black is a reminder of the dark night that came alive with an angel chorus: the snowflakes, an allusion that though our sins were scarlet, we are now white as snow. In the decorating and in the rare quiet moments, it’s good to have a reminder of what we’re celebrating. If your tree doesn’t do that for you, if Christmas is one long gift-and-entertainingfest with no Messiah, I challenge you to hit the pause button. Has your Christmas tree become an idol, or is it a reminder that a Savior was born: the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, God with us?
About The Author
N
by Bill Fortenberry
Bill Fortenberry worked 17 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, and has worked in healthcare communications since 2001. Bill serves as the chairman of the board of managers of Haven Health Clinic for Women and is a men’s ministry leader and small group facilitator at his church, HBC Rome. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Ethan and Autumn. A storyteller at heart, Bill writes an occasional blog at kudzudad.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Mirror
J
by Deck Cheatham
ack dies. He finds himself walking down a dirt lane. In the distance, he sees a gate. As he nears, he sees a man
You loved Daniel and he loved you, but as you grew, you forgot him.” Yes, I did. Again, the image changes. I remember him. He’s the Priest
tending a garden. He’s not sure what has happened. He
in Rome. He toured us around the duomo and prayed for us.
remembers grasping for breath and clutching his chest.
“Yes, he did. And you thought he was a bit strange. You
And now, he is walking down this quiet country lane. Curious, he walks toward the gate.
were also impatient.” Well, I had places to go. Who is he, anyway? “He is the stranger who took you in,
Jack greets the gardener. Hello, sir.
who tried to show you how to live in
“Hello, Jack.” How do you know my name?
the present.
“I know everyone who comes to my
Now, Jack sees two doors.
gate.” What is your name? “Peter.” Is this
I remember those. They’re replicas
the road to Heaven? “Some say so. Some
of doors in Italy. “Would you like to
call it the road of good intention.”
enter?” No. That man might be inside.
Am I in Heaven? “Not yet.” Where
We made a mistake when he asked if we
am I? Is that the Pearly Gate? “Could be.”
would like to see the church and we said
That old rickety thing! “What did you
yes. I thought we would never shake him.
expect?” Well, I thought maybe some gold.
And who is he? “He’s every lonely
“Heaven isn’t what you think.”
person wishing for a kind word and
I’m confused. “Most are.” What’s
someone to value him for who he is.”
next? Do I have to answer some questions
I don’t understand. “The answer
or something? You know, I’m not perfect,
is simple. Your time with Daniel was
but I did give money to the homeless and
when you were closest to God. But
went to church most Sundays. “Not quite.
as time passed, you traveled farther
And I don’t need a resume’. Before
away. The Priest and the docent were
anyone enters Heaven, each must look
angels who crossed your path to
in this mirror.”
show you the way—God speaking to
Jack hadn’t noticed the mirror.
your soul. Peter, I’m not worthy to enter.
Surprised, he felt jitters.
Please forgive me.
“All you must do is look into the mirror. But beware, you will see yourself
At that, the locks fall from the
as you are, not as you think you are.”
gate and Jack is welcomed.
Uneasy, Jack looks into the mirror.
Peter turned to look down the
At first, he sees himself. Slowly, the
road. A man is approaching. Hello, Sir. “Hello, Sam.” How do
image changes and he sees Daniel, the
you know my name?
black field hand from his Dad’s farm. child, Daniel looked after you. He was your guardian angel.
38 // December 2020
About The Author
Why do I see Daniel? “Because as a Deck Cheatham has been a golf professional for some 40 years. He lives with his family in Dalton. He is a guest columnist for the Rome News Tribune, The Daily Citizen, and the Calhoun Times. Email him at pgadeacon@gmail.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Encouragement And Accountability
M
by Heather Tate
ore and more, I find myself wanting to be
try to remind my children that “two wrongs don’t make a
rebellious in nature to what society tells me is
right,” a statement my father told me often. When someone
okay, yet I do not want to break the rules. I want
wrongs me, I am not justified in doing wrong myself
to be accountable to God, others, and myself. I also find
because I will answer for my wrongs when I face judgment.
myself less afraid of standing out for something different
Our personal actions matter, and our choices do as
that I believe in; after all, this is what God calls His people to
well. When we choose to follow someone who openly does
do—be different (Romans 12:2), don’t succumb to ensnaring
wrong, we are condoning those actions. As humans, we
sin, but “lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily
make mistakes, and we must often seek forgiveness, but
ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us” (Hebrews 12:1). We should always, as difficult as the race may be, act with greater purpose and be accountable for our actions. One of my greatest issues right now is deciphering the deceptive stories that come my way from leaders we should be able to depend on for the truth. Micah 6:8 says, “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Society has allowed, and often persuaded, blurred lines of what is right or wrong. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are easily understood and presently relevant to us regarding the laws of God and what lines should not be crossed. 1. I am the Lord your God; do not have other gods besides me.
honoring God also requires us to do our best to honor His laws and commandments. Personally, I make mistakes every day, and I am
2. Do not make an idol for yourself.
thankful I serve a forgiving God. God loves each of us so
3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
much that He gave His son to die for our sins (John 3:16).
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23).
5. Honor your father and your mother.
God sent Christ Jesus to bear the burden of our sins on the
6. Do not murder.
cross so that we may be free from our sins (1 Peter 2:24).
7. Do not commit adultery.
When we admit that we are sinners, ask God for forgiveness
8. Do not steal.
from our sins, believe that Christ died for our sins and then
9. Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.
rose from the grave—defeating death—and willingly receive
10. Do not covet your neighbor’s house or anything that
Christ, we can be saved. “For everyone who calls on the
belongs to your neighbor.
name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
commandments do not rest in the gray area of life; we, the people, have blurred the lines between right and wrong. I
40 // December 2020
About The Author
God’s commandments are not blurry, and the Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Baklava
A
by Deana Thompson
n infant in a manger. A mother’s face etched with love. A father protectively standing near. A shepherd looking on in awe. Three richly dressed men kneeling
with gifts outstretched. Throw in a bright star and perhaps an animal or two, and you have the nativity scene as St. Francis of Assisi began it in 1223. St. Francis wanted to help people recollect the events surrounding Jesus’ birth as if they were in Bethlehem. He wanted to remind them—almost 800 years ago—that the true meaning of Christmas was not the gifts but the Gift: Jesus. A few years ago, that nativity scene took on a whole new
Ingredients • 4 c. (1 lb.) chopped walnuts • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 16-ounce package phyllo dough, thawed • 1¼ c. unsalted butter, melted • 1 c. water
• 1 c. honey
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
meaning for me. I was reading John 10 one day, and verse 10 leaped off the page: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Although Jesus said this about six months before His death, on that particular day, the nativity scene of His birth came to mind: Jesus, lying in a manger as a newly created human, so that I “may have life.” And not just the struggling, draining, eking-out-each-day-asbest-as-I-could life. It was life “in abundance,” true life oozing from every pore of my body. Yes, Jesus came as our Savior so we could be washed clean from our sins and spend eternity with Him. Yes, Jesus came as our Messiah, the anointed King, so we could have authority over “the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12). But Jesus also came that we may have real life in abundance. So for me, the nativity is not just a gateway to the cross. It is also an entrance to a life lived to the fullest.
Instructions 1. Butter a 9x13” baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, toss together the nuts and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Carefully unroll one of the phyllo rolls and begin assembling the baklava. (If you work rather quickly, you will not need to cover the phyllo with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.) a. Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish.
b. Using a pastry brush, brush gently but generously with the melted butter.
c. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top of the butter. d. Repeat layers (using the second roll of phyllo when the first one is finished) until all the ingredients are used, ending with 6 or more sheets of phyllo on top.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F. Using a sharp knife, divide the baklava into two long rows (cutting all the way through to the bottom of the dish). Then, cut across into four short rows. Then, cut across the squares diagonally to make 16 triangles. 5. Bake for 50 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. While the baklava is baking, combine water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir in vanilla and zest. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
7. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over it. Let it cool completely before serving. Store uncovered.
42 // December 2020
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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk
H
Sleep in Heavenly Peace artley Bartley and his wife, Lacey, live on a farm
You are more at risk for sleep apnea if you are
in Crandall, Georgia. As a farmer and a welder,
overweight, male, have a family history of sleep apnea,
good health is very important. When Lacey
or have small airways. When your sleep is interrupted
alerted Harley to a possible health issue, he didn’t delay
throughout the night, you can become drowsy during
in seeking treatment.
the day. Because of this, people with sleep apnea are at a
“My wife encouraged me to go to doctor because of
higher risk for car crashes and work-related accidents.
my snoring,” says Harley. “She had started sleeping in
“Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to multiple
another room because it was so loud.
health issues. From a preventative medicine standpoint, the condition should be screened with the same urgency as diabetes and high blood pressure,” says pulmonologist Erick Kimmerling, DO. Harley was prescribed a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine consists of a mask, a tube, and a continuous air pump. It sends a constant force of air through the patient’s nasal passages to prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep. “I feel so much better now,” says Harley. “I have more energy. I can tell a difference when I wear the CPAP and when I don’t.” Photo Credit: Arc Photography
“I suggested that he go see his primary care physician to find out if there was a solution,” says Lacey. Harley was referred to Hamilton Regional Sleep Center for
Do you think you or a loved one
has sleep apnea? Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Hamilton Regional Sleep Center. Hamilton Regional Sleep Center is accredited by the
an overnight sleep study. A sleep study consists of a test
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for
called a polysmonography, which records the electrical
sleep testing and sleep lab/center services.
activity of the brain, muscle activity, eye movement, heart
Hamilton Regional Sleep Center
rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. Harley’s sleep study showed that he had obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes a person’s airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
44 // December 2020
706.278.4757 HamiltonHealth.com/sleep 1411 Chattanooga Avenue Dalton, Georgia
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Ultimate Gift by Karen D. Jeffery
W
ith the holiday season coming up,
him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life”
most of us start thinking of the gift
(John 3:16, The Message).
list for our loved ones. Giving gifts
He loved us so much that He gave us a gift,
at Christmastime is one way of showing we have
the gift of His Son, Jesus, to be the way back to
love and compassion for the people we hold dear
Him. That gift is the best, most amazing, most
to our hearts.
expensive, most valuable gift ever given, and
Just like you, I love to give gifts at Christmas
it was given to us free of charge. The story of
also. I look for ways to give meaningful gifts
Christmas is the story of God’s love becoming real
to others as well. But the real reason for the
and available to each and every person because
celebration is to give Jesus the honor and praise
He loved us enough to give us Jesus. Because He
for what we have reserved as His birthday. It
loved, He gave.
reflects the greatest gift ever given, the gift of a
That’s why at Christmas, we celebrate and
Rescuer, a Savior, the Messiah, the Christ. The real
honor the gift of love that God has given us in
story of Christmas is deeper than the story of the
Jesus Christ. So this Christmas, above all the
manger and the shepherds, the wise men and the
noise, above all the action and activities, above
star. It’s really found in the words of Jesus: “This
all the shopping and shipping and buying and
his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in
46 // December 2020
wrapping, remember this: God loved you so much that He gave you His very best for you. May this thought carry you through this season of generosity.
About The Author
is how much God loved the world: He gave
Karen D. Jeffery loves the Heavenly Father, her family, and her church. Keep looking up Jesus is coming soon.
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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
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Gò0dNews
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Gò0dNews Health for Moms Doctor On Call: Questions About Breastfeeding
H
by Laura Asbury
ow does your dual role as a pediatrician and lactation consultant help moms with breastfeeding? One of the biggest stresses for new moms is breastfeeding. Even though it’s completely natural, it’s not always easy. I’ve seen many tearful moms in my office who were experiencing a painful latch, concerned about their milk supply, or worried about other breastfeeding problems. As a pediatrician who is certified in lactation counseling, I can provide some much-needed support for these moms, and it’s a great way to help my little patients get off to a healthy start. What are some advantages for babies who breastfeed? The advantages of breastfeeding for babies go far beyond filling up a hungry belly. Breast milk is the best food for babies during the first year of life (with the addition of baby foods after six months). In addition to the perfect balance of nutrients to help a baby grow, breast milk helps reduce illnesses like ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea, as well as lowering the impact of respiratory illnesses. Breastfeeding helps decrease the incidence of asthma and eczema. The rates of obesity and type 1 diabetes are much lower in breastfed infants as compared to formula-fed infants, and breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and childhood leukemia.
What kind of support do you give breastfeeding moms? I encourage my patients often because they need to hear the effort they’re making for their own health and the longterm health of their baby is the first step in helping them be successful in this endeavor. I tell my patients that breastfeeding is a labor of love because it’s not always an easy, painless journey. Infants often need to be fed every 1-3 hours for the first few weeks of life. This can create mental and physical exhaustion for the mom on top of the fluctuating hormones that occur after delivery. I can offer successful strategies for breastfeeding, address factors that have a negative impact on the motherbaby bond, and support them through difficult seasons which make lifelong impacts for both mom and baby.
About The Author
How can mothers benefit from breastfeeding? There are several maternal benefits of breastfeeding, and lactation plays an important role in a woman’s long-
term health. Breastfeeding can help lower the lifetime risks of metabolic disease often associated with insulin resistance and high cholesterol brought on during pregnancy. It can also reduce maternal obesity and lower the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease (including heart attacks). Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes after developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother’s risk for endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers. Long-term studies have shown that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the more she can reduce her breast cancer risk, particularly in the most aggressive forms of the disease.
50 // December 2020
Laura Asbury, MD, CLC, is a pediatrician with Beacon’s Children’s Diagnostic Center who has more than 15 years’ experience caring for children and has recently become a certified lactation counselor to give new moms and babies added support in their breastfeeding journey. She earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine and completed her residency at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga.
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