Gò0dNew s
&
Fill your life with more living .
It’s never too late to break the mold. Erica needed time to realize she already had what it takes to be an artist — and that tapping her creativity could add new color to the rest of her life. The pieces may not always go as planned, but a hobby that boosts body, mind and spirit? That’s a beautiful thing.
About Us
WRITERS
Bill Silvers
Chaplain Fillip Brunner
Charles Finney
Chrissie Joy Jackson
Dorothy Teague
Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson
Dr. Jeff Dabbs
Garrett Nudd
Heather Harper Medley, LPC
Jamie Peak
Jan Merop
Katharine Lee Bates
Sheila Bird
Steve Griggs
SALES
Matthew Ruckman goodnewstn@gmail.com 423-503-1410
DESIGNERS
Riley Evans art.goodnews@gmail.com
Caleb Prytherch art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman goodnewstn@gmail.com 423-503-1410
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsdalton
SOCIAL MEDIA
f GoodNews Dalton
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/ consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
John Norman, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery; Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions, Sports Related Injuries & Pediatric Injuries
Jim Lashley, MD
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic
Spine Surgery
Specializing In:
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Injuries to the Back, Neck & Spine; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
Mitch Frix, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder & Knee; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Nick Reed, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip, Knee, & Shoulder
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Mike Wilson, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
D.J. Goss, DO
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot & Ankle; Joint Replacements of the Foot & Ankle; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
GEORGIA’S #1 HEART HOSPITAL
Hamilton Medical Center is proud to lead the state in heart & vascular care.
Recognized by the American College of Cardiology through participation in NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services, our heart program reflects a deep commitment to quality, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
This recognition honors the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and cardiovascular teams — and reinforces our promise to deliver advanced, lifesaving heart care right here at home.
When it comes to heart care, expertise matters.
Hamilton Medical Center is recognized by the American College of Cardiology and ranked first in Georgia for Heart Care in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Guide
Scan to view Georgia’s #1 ranked hospital for heart care
from the Editor’s
PenPoints: Do You Saunter?
by Sandra Gilmore
Welcome to our anniversary issue. We’re excited that you’ve joined us.
Tell me, are you a fellow saunterer?
Although John Muir has been credited for connecting the Appalachian Mountains with the Holy Land via the word ‘saunter,’ there’s no evidence in his writings for that specific connection. Since he often used the word and often wrote about these hills, people connected the word with the hills.
I can’t say that I blame them.
Originally, the phrase was à la Sainte Terre (“to the Holy Land”). As with many words and phrases, it was eventually pared down to ‘saunter,’ making it easier to tote along while preserving a sense of savoring the Holy Land, even though the definition no longer carries that direct reference.
These days, ‘saunter’ describes the unhurried trek of someone purposely lingering to absorb a view, take in the surroundings, and savor the experience. From a distance, it might be mislabeled ‘wandering aimlessly.’ That observation would be mistaken.
Similarly, J. R. R. Tolkien’s poem “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter” holds the phrase often endeared by those trekking about: “Not all those who wander are lost.”
This month, we’re ‘wandering’ as Tolkien would say into the 14th year of GoodNews Christian Magazine. Traditionally, ivory marks the 14th anniversary. In recent years, gold has become the marker. And I agree that there’s “gold in them thar hills” to echo the Gold Rush storytellers. We value these 14 years since the magazine began. We are grateful for the ‘golden’ opportunity to connect our writers and our readers with stories, recipes, Bible studies, and testimonies.
I wonder if Tolkien knew of our Appalachian Mountains? We who saunter do, in fact, wander at times, and yet we’re not the least bit lost. We’re home.
Our writers could be described as those who ‘saunter’ through life and bless others with their insights. They hold dear the scenery of life’s progress between milestones. They mine for the treasured nuggets under the surface of setbacks. They ponder the times to keep trekking onward compared to the times to linger for a bit, maybe panning a while to see what stays on top and what sifts through.
Waiting doesn’t escape them, nor do the lessons it teaches. Seasons of hurry with surges of progress capture their awe the same as seasons of letting go and leaving behind the heavy and the cumbersome. They stand by the water’s edge with its rolling waves of grief, or overwhelm, or confusion, with
the same resolve as when they pause to marvel at the delicate fluttering of hope, or surrender, or whimsy.
The Lord has promised to walk with each of us through life’s journey. The 23rd Psalm describes hills and valleys. Rough terrain does not escape His Presence. And we know from verse six that “goodness and mercy shall follow” us. In Hebrew, that phrase actually means ‘to pursue intentionally.’ As we trace the trails, whether actually on foot or figuratively in our hearts, we are assured that “goodness and mercy” are faithful companions, lovingly sent from the Father, trekking beside us.
The sun has risen over and set behind the hills more than 5,100 days since that morning when GoodNews first hit the trail. The Father’s presence has been as consistent as the sun, guiding the staff, the writers, and the readers onward and upward. With East Tennessee’s foothills and Georgia’s Blue Ridge in the backdrop, we have gratefully sauntered through the joys, woes, chuckles, and wisdom of this publishing journey, knowing that not a moment has been without the presence of the Lord. That truth makes each path holy ground, indeed.
The compass for our sauntering at GoodNews comes from our publishers, Matt and Bethany Ruckman. They point the way: “Our magazine opens the door for Christians
to work together to grow and strengthen our community. GoodNews is written by men and women 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 Good News!”
The rise and fall of the publishing path gives us an opportunity each month to saunter through holy ground. From this 14th anniversary peak, the view is expansive and full of potential. With that in mind, we pause for a moment to share our gratitude for you, our readers, writers, and sponsors, and to give the Lord glory for what He’s done through this magazine.
Today, we bless your path ahead, the holy ground of your sauntering, as you learn and grow in His Presence. We are grateful you have included GoodNews Christian Magazine along your way.
From this vantage point, we can see the peak of our 15th anniversary issue in July 2027. Preparations are already under way. Our writers have graciously supplied articles under the title “Celebrating the Goodness of God.” The July 2027 issue is nearly full, and so are our hearts with anticipation for the coming year.
Until then, we invite you to keep trekking with us. We’ll meet you each month and back at the top again next July. Happy sauntering!
SDon’t Forget Your Financial Road Map
ummer has a way of inviting us to slow down.The longer days, warmer weather, vacations and family gatherings make it the perfect season to relax and enjoy life. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a mountain getaway, or simply time spent with loved ones, summer is often when we intentionally step away from our busy routines. While this break is both needed and well-deserved, it’s important not to step away entirely from one critical area of life—your financial future.
Retirement planning doesn’t take a vacation just because you do. In fact, summer can be an ideal time to perform a quick “mid-year check-in” on your financial goals. Think of it as a tune-up rather than a full overhaul. Are you still on track with your retirement savings? Have there been any changes in your income, expenses, or long-term plans that should be accounted for? Even a brief review can provide peace of mind and prevent small issues from becoming larger problems down the road.
One often-overlooked area, especially during travel season, is ensuring that your beneficiaries are up to date. Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, and even shifts in relationships—can all affect who you want to designate as beneficiaries on your accounts. Taking a few moments to review these designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial assets can make a significant difference for your loved ones and helps avoid unnecessary complications later.
Travel also serves as a gentle reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. Before heading out of town, it’s wise to confirm that your key documents and account
information are organized and accessible if needed. Having everything in order allows you to truly relax, knowing that both your present and your future are well cared for.
If you’re looking for guidance or simply want to stay informed, in July, we’ll host luncheon seminars focused on an increasingly important topic: how to use your investable assets to help pay for long term care. Join us on July 7th at Michael’s in Athens or July 15th at our Cleveland office, where a catered lunch will accompany a valuable discussion on protecting your retirement from unexpected healthcare costs.
Later in the summer, we’ll turn our attention to a broader topic—the biggest risks in retirement. Our dinner seminar on August 18th at Rodizio in Chattanooga and August 20th at Inman Social in Cleveland will explore common challenges retirees face and strategies to address them.
You can contact our office directly to register for any of these events as an RSVP is required.
Summer is meant for making memories—but it can also be a time to reinforce the foundation that supports your future. By taking a few proactive steps now and staying engaged with your financial plan, you can enjoy the season with confidence, knowing you’re preparing for many more summers to come.
the Pastor’s
Check Out God’s Benefits Package
by Steve Griggs
When we think of a “benefits package,” we usually are talking about our employment situation-health insurance, vacation days and retirement plans. Yet, tucked within the opening verses of Psalm 103, King David gives us a glimpse of a divine benefits package – one that is truly out of this world compared to the one we might have at work. David opens this Psalm not with a plea but with praise. He is doing some “self-talk” to his own soul, and he commands himself to “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” (Psalm 103:1 ESV).
What would compel this total-hearted worship and praise? Verse 2 answers that question: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Gratitude grows—and explodes into praise and worship—when we remember who God is and all that He has done for us. David then opens up God’s Benefits Package and lists these rich benefits one by one.
Forgiveness: The First, Foremost, and Foundational Gift
God leads with grace. “He forgives all my sins…” (Psalm 103:3a NLT). Sin is our greatest problem, separating us from the fullness of God’s presence and peace. God’s forgiveness is graciously granted, not earned. God’s forgiveness is total and complete. He does not just forgive some sins, or the ‘less serious’ sins, but all our sins. This is the starting point of relationship and the foundation upon which all the other benefits rest.
Healing: Restoration for Body and Soul
“Who heals all our diseases” (Psalm 103:3b). While this includes physical healing, its scope reaches further
to encompass the deep soul-healing God does with our emotional, spiritual, and mental ailments. While healing may not always come quickly, completely, or in the way we expect, Scripture is clear that God is the Great Physician, tending wounds both seen and unseen. He is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals.
Redemption: Rescue from Destruction
“He redeems me from the pit/death… ” (Psalm 103:4a). God ‘buys us back’ by rescuing us from despair, hopelessness, and death – a life apart from Him that leads to loss. God is the lifter of heads and the restorer of hope. Redemption is not only about rescue but about restoration. He sets our feet on solid ground, giving us new purpose and direction.
Crowning: With Steadfast Love and Mercy (103:4b)
God’s unchanging love encircles us like a crown bestowed by our King signifying we are a part of royalty as children of the King. Think of God’s mercy and love being wrapped around us like a royal robe, keeping us safe, warm, protected, and sustained. God’s covenant love and mercy are the core attributes of our King, and He not only shares them with us—He wraps us up in them, so we never have to feel afraid.
Satisfaction: Lives Filled with Good Things
“Who satisfies you with good things…” (Psalm 103:5a). God does not give us trinkets of little lasting value. He gives us lasting goodness, joy, purpose, and peace. Like a banquet for the heart, mind, and soul, He nourishes us with abundant provisions so that we can lead a life without lack (Psalm 23:1).
Renewal: Spiritual Energy to Soar
“…so that your youth is renewed like the eagles” (Psalm 103:5b). God doesn’t just sustain us, He revitalizes us. God’s Spirit gives us daily renewal, strength, and the ability to soar above life’s storms. “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV). God’s Benefits Package – freely given, deeply satisfying, and eternally secure.
Steve Griggs is Teaching Minister, Central Church of Christ, Dalton, Georgia.
Gò0 dNews for Parents
Raising Children in a Digital Age
by Dr. Jeff Dabbs
When you were a kid, “screen time” probably meant Saturday morning cartoons or an occasional movie. I remember the thrill of Saturday mornings, curled up on the couch with a big bowl of cereal watching Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry. Then we would go outside for hours. Today, screens are everywhere—phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and even watches. Yes, I remember those watches on the Dick Tracy comics. Children are growing up in a digital age unlike anything we could have imagined just a few generations ago.
Technology isn’t all bad. It allows us to stay connected with family, access information instantly, and even share the gospel to the ends of the earth. For parents, it also raises serious questions: How much screen time is too much? How do we guard against harmful content? How do we help our kids develop healthy habits when the digital world is always calling for their attention?
The Bible may not mention TikTok or YouTube but it gives us timeless wisdom for raising children in a digital age.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NASB reminds parents of their first responsibility: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
Parenting now requires more than setting time limits on devices. It means seizing everyday moments to point our kids toward God’s truth. Screens will try to disciple them one way; we must be intentional about discipling them in Christ.
There is nothing stronger than the power of example. Children don’t just listen to what we say — they imitate what we do. If we want our kids to put down their phones, we may need to put down ours first. Paul urged believers, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB).
That doesn’t mean we need to abandon technology altogether, but it does mean modeling balance. Read a book.
Take a walk. Eat meals together without devices. When children see us making space for real conversations and genuine rest, they learn to do the same.
Proverbs 4:23 NASB says, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” In the digital age, guarding hearts often means guarding screens. The internet can expose children to dangers—pornography, bullying, predators, and addictive behaviors. Wise parents use filters, check histories, and set boundaries.
Even more important than guarding the device is shepherding the heart. Talk openly with your children about why certain content is harmful. Remind them that God created them in His image and calls them to live with purity and purpose.
Help your children build habits for a lifetime. Set them up for success. For example, set screen-free times and zones. Encourage real-world activities like sports, hobbies, and face-to-face friendships. Use the technology together such as playing games or researching a topic as a family. Make screen privileges something that is earned through obedience, chores, and trustworthiness.
Help your children find joy beyond the screens.
The digital age may feel overwhelming, but God has not left parents without help. His Word provides the wisdom we need, and His Spirit provides the strength we lack. Our children don’t need perfect parents—they need present parents who are committed to pointing them to Jesus.
The goal isn’t simply raising kids who can manage technology—it’s raising kids who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Dr. Jeff Dabbs is the senior pastor at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia. He has authored Sunday School material and several books.
for Women
The Garden of God
by Chrissie Joy Jackson
Jesus often used agriculture—plants, trees, crops, etc.—to teach us about ourselves. In fact, the Bible is full of similes, painting pictures in our minds to understand the lessons.
Think about your own garden, or nature around you. The colors, the sizes, the shapes, and the weeds! God loves variety and beauty. The earth is like a big garden created and tended by God. People of all sizes, shapes, colors, and purposes. We gently encourage and nourish those around us, supporting, growing, and blooming together.
Sometimes we have to remove the “weeds” out of necessity to thrive. My garden has done better this year than ever. I have, too. As I tend the garden, I find that big blooming irises need support, much like a friend who is going through some tough health problems, yet still has a joyful spirit. The vegetable seeds are thriving because they are planted in good soil and watered well, as some new believers need lots of love and the good ground of God’s Word. I can learn and apply many things observing the ways of nature.
What can we learn from the Bible’s usage of vegetation? Psalm 1:3 NIV describes someone who delights in God like this: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”
God sees our faithfulness and enjoys our delight in Him, making us strong and fruitful.
I have met people who bring a fragrance of His presence. As 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 says, “…we spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him. We are the fragrance of Christ to God.” Like a gardenia filling the atmosphere with an attraction to be near it. To Christians, we are the aroma of life leading to life.
John 15:5 says we are the branches, Jesus is the vine. To bear spiritual fruit, we must remain in Him. We can’t do anything without Him.
God tends His garden and will deal with the weeds. As Jesus explained: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the “evil one” (Matthew 13:38). So the wicked (in this context, it was Pharisees), Jesus says, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots” (Matthew 15:13 NIV).
Jesus used a fig tree in Mark 11 to teach us the power of faith; seeds sown in Matthew 13 to show us heart conditions when hearing God’s Word; and in Matthew 6, He uses lilies to remind us how well He takes care of us.
Just as plants have a variety of purposes, each person in life has a destiny too. Some are for healing, some are for fragrance, while others bring spice and fun. Some are beautiful, and others fragile, teaching us mercy.
• 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 emphasizes teamwork.
• Matthew 13:31-32 faith as small as a mustard seed.
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 encourages us to be generous.
Look around you and see if you can see what God is telling you through His creation. It would be fun and interesting also to do a Bible search for all the places that use trees and plants as relating to us humans.
Let’s bloom and grow, water, nourish, and thrive together!
Chrissie Joy Jackson is a retired widow and a member of Living Word Church. Sharing the love and care of the Father through missions is her passion.
Freedom Isn’t Free
by Dorothy Teague
We, as a nation, just celebrated July 4th. Because we are free, we had the choice of celebrating it the way we chose. Most families celebrate it by watching firework displays and eating a meal together. Others go to a graveyard to visit their loved one at their marker where it indicates that they fought and died for their country, fighting for freedom. Someone had to pay the price for freedom so that we could enjoy our day in the good old USA.
inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These are but two of the great men that shaped the framework of government for our country.
Not only are liberty and freedom important to all people in the world; it’s important to our Creator too. It was so important that Jesus went to the cross to buy our freedom, to take on our sin, so that we could have a choice between Heaven or Hell! He covered my sin with His blood so that I might be counted worthy to accept salvation and appear before God as blameless!
The word “freedom” comes from the same root as “friend,” an Indo-European word that meant “dear” or “beloved” (Fischer NY Times, 2005). Freedom’s definition is to be at liberty rather than confined or under physical restraint. Liberty has always been important to the leaders of our country. On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry gave his speech before the Virginia Assembly with the famous line, “Give me liberty or give me death!” which became the cry of the Revolution (www.loc.gov.library of Congress). Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote that “all men are endowed by their creator with certain
John 8:36 NIV says: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” He frees us from the bondage of sin and frees us to live life abundantly and have peace and joy! Jesus gave up His life for His “beloved,” His Bride. He took the punishment for our sin so that we could go free! No, freedom isn’t free. Someone had to pay the price. But we must be diligent lest we step back into sin. Galatians 5:1 NIV reminds us that we should stand firm and not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (to sin). 1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV admonishes us that we not use our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God. Further, we are advised to honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king.
Freedom isn’t free! For our country to be free, many of our men and women had to die. Our freedom rests on their sacrifice. Our salvation and deliverance from the chains of sin was also bought at a great price – the blood of Christ at Calvary. He was the only One who could pay the tremendous price to save us so that we might go free!
Dorothy Teague is
The Grave Marker of a Good Man Who Lived Alone in His Thoughts
by Charles Finney
In our journey through life, we encounter many who travel by our side, sharing burdens, joys, and challenges alike.
Yet, there are others whose path seems isolated, marked by quiet introspection and solitude—a man who lives alone in his thoughts. His grave marker stands as a testament to a life lived in contemplation, a life perhaps misunderstood but rich in the hidden wisdom of the heart. The Bible speaks to us of these individuals, encouraging us to understand that no man’s journey is hidden from the eyes of God, for “the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV).
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the solitary man, one whose thoughts are his closest companions: “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good?” (Ecclesiastes 4:8 KJV). The image is one of a man who toils and thinks deeply, not for the company of others, nor for earthly gain, but for the satisfaction found in understanding. This man’s thoughts are a refuge, a place where he communes with the mysteries of life and the voice of God.
When we see the grave marker of such a man, we may wonder, “Did he know love? Did he experience fellowship? Was his life a lonely path?” But God, who sees what man cannot, knows the depths of such a life. For the solitary who seeks wisdom and dwells in truth is not truly alone. The Psalmist writes, “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off” (Psalm 139:2 KJV). God was present in the quiet hours, in the midnight watches, when this good man was alone with his thoughts. His silent prayers, his meditations, his quiet offerings of a contrite heart—these were all witnessed by the One who searches all hearts and rewards those who seek Him in secret.
The solitary thinker may have spent many days contemplating the works of God, the brevity of life, and the depth of eternity. As the Scriptures teach us, there is a sacredness in quiet reflection: “Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still” (Psalm 4:4 KJV). It is within the stillness that we often hear the voice of God most clearly. To this good man, each thought was a prayer, each moment a step closer to the wisdom that only silence can bestow. Perhaps, though misunderstood, he walked closer with God in those moments alone than many who walked surrounded by multitudes.
When we stand before his grave, we are reminded of our own journey and the solitude we, too, encounter in our inner lives. Let us remember that God calls each of us into moments of silence, into times when we must face ourselves, our thoughts, and the presence of God alone. This quiet man’s life calls us to remember that solitude with God is a treasure beyond measure. For as Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowd to be alone with the Father, we, too, are invited to commune with our Creator in the quiet chambers of our heart.
Let us not pity or judge the man who lived alone in his thoughts. Instead, let us consider that his journey, though quiet, was filled with purpose. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7 KJV). Though this man may have lived in solitude, his life was seen and valued by the Lord, and his thoughts, though unshared, were precious in the sight of God. For the greatest work of a man’s soul may not be seen by others, but it is always seen by God.
As we think on this solitary life, may we be moved to appreciate the beauty of time spent with God, of a mind devoted to truth, and of a heart yielded in prayerful thought. And as his grave marker stands quietly, a
testament to a life lived in contemplation, may it remind us that God walks with us even when others cannot. The Lord Himself says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). For the good man who lived alone in his thoughts, that promise was a faithful companion, a reminder that he was never truly alone.
In this world, where silence is rare, and solitude often feared, may we remember that in quietness there is strength, and in stillness, God speaks. Let this good man’s life remind us to seek the quiet places, to live with integrity in our thoughts, and to let the Lord guide us through the pathways of our minds and hearts. And as we walk our own paths, whether surrounded by many or alone with our thoughts, may we strive to live in such a way that, when our own grave marker is set, it may testify of a life well-lived, marked by a heart that sought and found peace with God. Amen.
Charles Finney—minister of inspirational Good News, retired various positions and industries, management and operational, freelance writer, author of “Grandpa-Good News
From The Good Feel Cornfield.” Writings are a remembrance of family, farm life and church upbringing to be a blessing to all!
Clayton Homes of Dalton: Building Dreams One Home at a Time
When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, Clayton Homes of Dalton has been a trusted name in the industry for decades. As part of the Clayton family of builders, which has been in operation for over 60 years, Clayton Homes of Dalton upholds a legacy of excellence and craftsmanship. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, this renowned home builder has helped countless individuals and families turn their dreams of homeownership into a reality.
One of the key factors that set Clayton Homes of Dalton apart is its wide range of customizable home options. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a cozy starter home or a growing family in need of more space, they have a floor plan to suit your needs. From single-section homes to spacious multi-section models, Clayton offers a diverse selection of designs, ensuring that each home is tailored to the unique preferences and lifestyles of its owners.
In addition to its extensive range of floor plans, Clayton Homes of Dalton places a strong emphasis on quality construction. Their homes are built using advanced techniques and materials, ensuring durability, energy efficiency, and long-lasting value. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the sturdy foundations to the stylish finishes. Homebuyers can have peace of mind knowing that their investment is backed by a builder with a solid reputation for excellence.
Furthermore, Clayton Homes of Dalton understands that the home buying process can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why they provide exceptional customer service and support every step of the way. Their knowledgeable team of housing consultants is readily available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist in making informed decisions. They strive to create a stress-free experience, helping customers navigate through financing options, customization choices, and the overall home buying journey.
Beyond the exceptional homes they build, Clayton Homes of Dalton is deeply committed to the local community. They actively participate in charitable initiatives, sponsor community events, and support local organizations. Their dedication to giving back is a testament to their values and their desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.
Clayton Homes of Dalton also recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an everevolving industry. They embrace innovation and technology to enhance the home buying experience. From virtual tours and interactive design tools to sustainable building practices, they continually strive to provide the latest advancements to their customers.
Clayton Homes of Dalton stands as a beacon of excellence in the homebuilding industry. With its commitment to quality, customization, and customer satisfaction, they have established themselves as a
trusted name among homebuyers in the Dalton area. From the moment you step into their beautifully designed model homes to the day you move into your dream home, Clayton Homes of Dalton will be there to guide you every step of the way. With their unwavering dedication to building dreams, this esteemed builder continues to shape the landscape of homeownership, one home at a time.
for Marriage The Heart of a Rose
by Sheila Bird
It has been said that a rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart. I found this to be true with my late husband who often expressed his feelings to me with roses. He knew how much I adored them. So whether he was celebrating a happy occasion or smoothing things over after an unhappy one, much to my pleasure it always involved the gift of lovely, long-stem roses.
His offering of roses never lost its meaning. With wide-eyed enthusiasm and a smile to match, I would put them on display so I could watch each tiny bud magically transform into breathtaking full bloom. But sometimes, a flower forgets its purpose and fails to find its way to the sun.
In many ways people are a lot like roses. They are the handiwork of God. Beautifully crafted and placed on this earth to bloom where they are planted. But life is not that simple, is it? Hard times often creep in like stubborn pestilence, eating away at our hopes and dreams.
It takes tenacity to bloom in a world full of hardship and disappointments. And yet we must. God, our strong and mighty creator, knows us by name and loves us thorns and all. He meticulously tends the garden of our hearts, pulling weeds and lovingly tilling its soil. He patiently awaits the outcome of His effort, and is faithful to see it through.
I imagine that if I were a rosebud, I would hold my head up high and reach for heaven with all my might. I would fearlessly unfold each of my delicate petals to reveal the wonder of my maker. I would strive to fill the atmosphere around me with sweet fragrance and I would persevere come rain or shine knowing that my days are numbered.
Full disclosure, I sometimes see myself more like a dandelion than a rose. One of those simple little yellow weeds that gets frequently stepped on or mowed down and never, ever cherished like a rose. Then I remember that even a prize winning rose is not exempt from suffering.
A prize-winning rose requires the tender care of a master gardener, but also the cold blade of His pruning shears. He knows that harsh winters result in dead leaves and broken branches. He knows! So in due season, He strives to eliminate disease and harmful overgrowth. He makes way for sunlight to nourish deep within and assures that the heart is pure and healthy.
Much like the human life, a rose in full bloom holds within its heart a legacy that remains unseen until the end. When each velvety petal slowly opens in splendor and in time drifts to the ground, the only thing that remains is its heart. Botanists refer to this as the fruit of a rose.
The heart of the matter is God’s heart and His heart longs for yours. All of it. Don’t let the devil convince you that you are a weed when you were born to live like a blueribbon winner.
Yes, it has been said that a rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart. But God was not subtle nor silent when He sent Jesus to this broken world. My prayer is that you give Him full occupancy to the garden of your heart, even when it hurts to go on. In doing so, you will be fully nourished by Him and you will abundantly flourish for Him.
for Athletes
Running by the Book
by Bill Silvers
Does God really care about the details of our lives? Is He interested in what we’re interested in, our hobbies, or vocations? My answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Trusting: It’s Never Too Late
At the age of 81, the Lord called me to run. Yes, called. I consider it a special assignment from Him, for Him, to bring glory to Him.
How am I so sure of this? I’ll be honest: I don’t even like to walk.
It didn’t make much sense then, and some days it still doesn’t. I’ve learned that when God calls, the best response isn’t understanding but obedience.
What started with 5K races has turned into something far greater than I ever imagined. In June 2025, I competed in my first USA Track and Field Masters Championship. I finished fourth in the nation in the 400 meter and fifth in the 200 meter. I was also blessed to run with an amazing team in the relays, where we brought home the gold in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and 4x800m.
Later at the Kentucky Senior Games, I competed against athletes from 13 states and placed first in the 1500m, 800m, 400m, and 200m. I even won the 50m by just 0.02 seconds!
Obedience: It Takes You Places
Training for those moments didn’t happen overnight. I committed six days a week to preparation, spending hours at the gym, working on the basketball court, and walking through the North Georgia mountains. Those mountain walks became more than exercise; they became encounters with God.
Somewhere along those quiet paths, my prayer life changed. I had always done most of the talking. But when you spend hours alone with God, surrounded by His creation, you begin to listen. And in that listening, I found strength, not just for running, but for life.
Running, for me, is no longer just physical. It’s spiritual. Running reflects the Scriptural call to aim for more than just earthly achievements. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NIV, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” That Scripture reshaped how I see every race. I’m not just chasing a finish line. I’m pursuing something eternal. This passage reminds me that while running, I
am not just training my body but also cultivating spiritual virtues like self-control and determination, aiming for an imperishable reward in heaven. Each step becomes a reflection of my commitment to live according to God’s will, striving for the incorruptible.
And when the races get hard, and they do, I hold on to the promise of Isaiah 40:31 NIV: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” I’ve felt that renewal. I’ve lived it. There have been moments when my body said stop, but God said keep going.
Running has become a ministry for me—a way to encourage others and share God’s goodness. This Scripture beautifully captures the essence of why I run: to foster a disciplined life that mirrors the steadfastness of Christ, constantly looking to Him as the ultimate guide and motivator.
The vitality and endurance found in Isaiah 40:31 NIV inspire my running journey: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This promise of divine empowerment sustains me, even through fatigue and challenges. Running becomes a celebration of the strength of spiritual truths, reinforcing my
resolve to run my earthly race with the energy, courage, and joy that comes from my faith in Christ.
Mission: Possible (Only With Him)
July is my birthday month. This July, I turned 88 years old. That means I’ve been running for seven years now with medals to mark the progress.
People sometimes look at what I’ve accomplished and focus on the medals. But the real victory isn’t in what I’ve won. It’s in what I’ve learned:
• It’s never too late to start something new.
• Obedience can lead you places you never planned to go.
• What feels impossible in your own strength becomes possible when you trust God.
James 1:12 NIV reminds us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” That promise keeps me moving forward, both on the track and in life.
At 88, I’m still running. Not because I have to, but because I’m called to. And He leads me by the Book.
for Discovering More
Dark (Room) to Light
by Garrett Nudd
As a journalism and communications major in college, I was required to take a photography class. I borrowed a Minolta camera from a generous friend and gave it a try. In a matter of hours, I fell in love with creating images, and even more, conceptualizing the images before I actually pressed the shutter. Then I’d go into the dark room and process the film. It was magical—using the enlarger and submerging the paper through the different steps—developer, stop bath, fixer, and other chemicals to make the image come to life.
The dark room itself had an odd allure. Dramatically low lights, tinted red, put out just enough light to find your way around the room. Together, the chemicals created a smell so strange it’s hard to describe, but twenty-five years later, I’d recognize it anywhere. And dark rooms always had the moodiest music playing. I’ve heard that some college students found the atmosphere romantic, but I found it eerily ominous, like the laboratory of a mad scientist. I loved the process.
The biggest payoff, however, was walking out of the dark room and hanging my photographs to dry, then taking the print in my hands a few minutes later, holding it against the light, and looking at it from all angles to make sure it passed my inspection. I was tough on myself. If something was too light or too dark, or if it had a dust spot, I always reprinted it. And then the entire process repeated.
Today’s digital photography has so many advantages, and the images we can create are exceptional, but there was a magic and authenticity about the dark room missing from photography today.
Each week when I turned in my photography assignments, my goal was to win the anonymous vote among my classmates. And if I didn’t win the vote, I wanted my photographs to at least be selected for the gallery showcase in the hallway where hundreds of my fellow students passed each day. That experience fed my creative spirit and competitive nature, and I was hooked.
Not long after college, I was stuck with the notion that I should put myself out there for hire and see what happens. I was working in marketing and communications at Southern Adventist University just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and I had the opportunity to do a little bit of photography for my job. I absolutely loved it, and I just couldn’t shake the notion to give professional photography a try. I’ve come to understand anytime you can’t shake a notion that’s a major MORE THAN.
Over the next three years, I worked and hustled nearly every night on my budding photography business. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as I expanded my marketing efforts and hoped for what someday could be. I was beginning to get a taste of what the future could look like if I continued my efforts toward MORE THAN.
The psalmist wrote, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4). I saw that promise as an invitation for MORE THAN and I claimed that promise regularly. I didn’t know what I’d do if God made good on His promise, but I thought it sure would be fun to find out.
Are you ready to find out about your MORE THAN? He is inviting you too!
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds Independence Day in the Mountains: Firecracker
Cornbread Salad
In the Smoky Mountains, the Fourth of July is more than fireworks and flags—it’s a time when front porches overflow with laughter, picnic tables groan under the weight of home-cooked dishes, and the scent of smoky barbecue drifts through the hollers like a hymn. It’s a day when families gather, friends drop by, and strangers become neighbors over a shared plate of food.
This dish won’t make it to the leftovers—it will disappear as soon as it hits the table. Layered like a trifle but made with humble Appalachian ingredients, cornbread salad is tangy, hearty, cool, and colorful—perfect for a hot July day.
It’s rumored that the name “Firecracker Cornbread Salad” came from those who used to say the flavors "popped in your mouth like fireworks." Between the savory cornbread, the crunch of fresh vegetables, the creaminess of the dressing, and the sharp bite of bacon and cheese—it’s a celebration in a bowl.
This dish is best made ahead, giving the flavors time to mingle. Served cold, it’s as much a relief as a treat when the summer heat sets in. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, church picnic, or backyard cookout, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
For the cornbread:
Ingredients:
• 1 (8-inch) pan of cornbread, cooled and crumbled (boxed mix or homemade)
• Optional: bake your cornbread with a diced jalapeño for extra “spark”
For the salad layers:
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a clear trifle bowl or large glass dish, begin layering:
• Half of the crumbled cornbread
• Half of the beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese
• Spoon and spread half of the dressing
• Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients
• Top with crumbled bacon
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, ideally overnight.
"It's a Day when families gather, frienDs
Drop by, anD strangers become neighbors over a shareD plate of fooD."
America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful
Lyrics: Katharine Lee Bates, Music: Samuel A. Ward (“Materna”) Public Domain
Lyrics: Katharine Lee Bates, Music: Samuel A. Ward (“Materna”) Public Domain
Obeautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties
Obeautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
Above the fruited plain! America! America!
God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood
God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom be Across the wilderness!
America! America!
A thoroughfare for freedom be Across the wilderness! America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America!
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America!
May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine!
May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America!
God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood
God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
From sea to shining sea!
for Everyone Disability and Divine Calling in the Church
by Filip Brunner
This may be a bit on the controversial side of things. Partly because disability is such a broad, multifaceted subject. The Biblical text may seem a bit confusing. Let’s take the second issue and clarify it.
In the case of the Levitical priesthood, God had specific laws governing the ministry in the tent of meeting and later on in the temple of God at Jerusalem.
One such law governed the Levites’ ministry in the Holy Place. In it were three articles of consecrated furniture.
The altar of incense symbolically sends our prayers in smoke up to God. This was oriented straight ahead in front of the curtain, or veil, that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy place. Anyone can offer up prayers to God.
The second piece of furniture was the seven-branched candlestick which was placed up against the left wall of the Holy Place and represented the light of God. Anyone can bask in the magnificent light of God. Anyone can worship at the feet of Jesus.
But then there was the table which had the Bread of the Presence on it. This was symbolic of the Word of God and stood opposite the candlesticks. The Bread of the Presence is special. Not everyone is able to disseminate the Bread (The Word of God) but everyone was able to eat of it. See Leviticus 21:17-23.
This prohibition carries over into the New Testament times and the pastoral epistles and to the ordination of pastors, elders, overseers, and deacons. Not just anyone could hold those offices. The idea here does not limit people with disability from serving in those offices, but in Old Testament times, physical defects which limited ministerial opportunity, and symbolized defects in character and lack of spiritual maturity did limit and exclude persons from holding the heretofore mentioned offices.
Disability brings with itself certain limitations on how a person with disability is able to minister, and even some of those limits can be overcome with training, technology,
and modifications to the environment. No one, regardless of their ability, should ever be excluded from worship, basking in the light of Jesus or from offering up prayers to the thrice Holy God. This may very well be the upper limit of what someone with a physical and/or cognitive disability is able to do, worship God, their way.
The rest, as far as I am concerned, should be common sense. The blind man cannot run the PowerPoint or Song Show Plus: or can he? Perhaps not, but consider his calling. God does the ministerial equipping, church leadership will just have to be creative in how we approach persons with disability when they are called by God to minister in our Church.
Let’s not kid ourselves, toddlers and little children are horrible at singing and yet we break into thunderous applause when they do. Why not applaud the autistic man or woman or child who wants to bless Jesus with his/her voice? Let us find ways to incorporate “the little children” and forbid them not from serving in ministry.
“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (First Corinthians 1:26 KJV).
Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
Gò0 dNews for Health & Fitness
Finding Steadiness: A Gentle Guide to Nervous System Regulation
by Heather Harper Medley, LPC
There are times when life feels too heavy, when everything inside you wants to pull away from the world. This feeling is not a sign of failure. It is your nervous system trying to protect you. When life feels overwhelming, your body may enter a state called dorsal vagal shutdown. This can feel like numbness, exhaustion, or disconnection. It is not brokenness. It is your body’s way of saying, “This is too much, I need to feel safe.”
Scripture speaks tenderly into these moments: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, ESV). Notice it does not say we need to fix ourselves first. God meets us right where we are, especially in the spaces where we feel overwhelmed and disconnected.
Here are gentle practices that may help when your nervous system feels stuck:
1. Notice What You Feel
Instead of pushing feelings away, name them softly: “I feel overwhelmed” or “I feel distant.” Naming helps create space for compassion.
2. Move with Kindness
Small, gentle movements can help. Stretch your arms, rock slightly, or press your feet into the floor. This is not about fixing yourself. It is about reminding your body that you are here.
3. Ground Yourself in the Present
Look around and notice five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste. This helps bring your attention back to the present moment.
4. Reach for Connection
Connection helps regulate the nervous system. This could be sitting quietly next to someone, texting a friend, or holding a comforting object. Remind your body that you are not alone in this.
5. Breathe with Intention
Breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four, then breathe out for six. Let your breath be a gentle prayer. You do not have to force yourself to feel better. There is no timeline for healing. Peace and safety come in small ways. A deep breath, a kind word, a moment of warmth can help restore what feels stuck. Even when you feel far from steady, you are held by a God whose love never wavers. Resting in unconditional love can be very healing to the nervous system.
ROBINSON A Treasure
Closing Thoughts: Verses to Encourage You
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Heather Medley is a
dNews for Seniors
When God Has Other Plans
by Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson
Igrew up in Trion, GA, a textile mill town in a Christian family. My maternal grandmother thought God sent me to her and greatly influenced my life. She had not healed from losing a child who was only three months old.
My family took care of themselves and others. That was nearly 90 years ago. My dad was a quiet man. He instilled in me, “Pretty is as pretty does.” It gave me confidence since I was teased and called “four eyes.” That made me focus on my attitude and academics.
Today, I am 89, love music, and I am a Georgia Bulldog and an Atlanta Braves fan.
By the time I was 31 years of age, I earned a PhD from The Ohio State University, had a successful teaching career at the University of Georgia, and had become a pianist and organist at our church out of necessity. After 50 years of marriage, I became a widow. Taking care of myself and taking care of others as much as I can is a theme of my days in this season of life and my neighbors are important to me.
I taught school from 8th grade through graduate school as God opened doors for me to go back to school and then to teach routinely until I finished my PhD at The Ohio State University. I retired early from the University of Georgia.
I recall in fifth grade, thanks to our music teacher and two classroom teachers, we performed the Minuet and a Scottish dance in authentic costumes prepared by anyone who could sew in the community. We went to the state competition at Georgia State College for Women and we took first place! This was the college that I was going to because they had a strong two year program with a certificate.
I remember a time when our high school graduation was just a few days away for the Class of ‘54. We were a very close knit class and we had ambivalent feelings. The Korean War was going on and four classmates were leaving within two days to join the Armed Forces. Others would join later. Praise God: they all returned home safely.
My plans were settled. In the ‘50s, the job opportunities for women were limited to secretary, teacher, employment at the mill, and marriage. Since I had done well in my business classes, I chose secretary. I certainly would not become a teacher!
“When God shuts a door, He opens a window” is my belief. Teaching was the last thing I was going to ever do and it turned out to be the first because God had other plans for me.
On a beautiful sunny April day, I smiled as I drove the 75 miles to a teaching interview. Yes, the very one who had said she would never be a teacher was going to an interview for a teaching position!
I often remember the day of my interview and how God had changed my plan. It was for good just as He had said!
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
Do you remember learning about Jonah in the Bible and how God changed his plans? Can you remember plans you had and how God had changed them for the good?
Dr. Bobbye Jo Davidson, known to most as Jo, lives in Rome, Georgia. She
When God shuts a door, He opens a window
Gò0 dNews for Hikers The Way Up is Down
by Jan Merop
With lights secured around their foreheads, spelunkers are outfitted with the equipment to explore caves. They welcome the darkness, dirt, dank coolness, and adventure of finding their own way.
I've done some caving myself, but of a much tamer variety. The caves are open to the public for guided tours. The dankly cool atmosphere and darkness are relieved by dim electric lighting. Nor did I have to get dirty crawling through narrow crevices or a muddy place that may be a dead-end.
As fascinating as caves are, I prefer blue skies overhead and the sounds of nature surrounding me. But once while exploring a cave in Colorado, I was in for a surprise.
Following our guide, we descended into the bowels of the earth. He alerted us to points of interest as we kept moving along. Then he directed us to an opening and invited us to step through. I was amazed.
Above and around me, the skies, trees, birds, and refreshing mountain air contrasted markedly with the caves' earthy closeness. We had traveled down, yet stepped out on a high ledge overlooking the city.
Sometimes the way up is down. Life's situations may have us on our faces with no blue sky in sight. Getting down on our knees may be the only way up.
It's in trials that we learn to see from the perspective of bent knees. We're low with no place to look but up. Amazingly, we find that our cave wanderings have actually led us to the light and a view from a mountain top. It's what we can expect from God who loves us so much.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness
will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you”(Psalm 139: 7-12 NIV).
What if a man loses everything, including his family and health? Like Job in the Bible, he may enter a cave of despair and even take several wrong turns that lead to dead end traps of wrong thinking.
However, if in the darkness he reaches for God, the only glimmer of light he knows, God will use his trials to give him a heavenly perspective.
Down? Reach for that heavenly perspective. Sometimes the way up is down. Selah.
• Basketball Court
• 25-meter Indoor Pool
• Sauna and Steamroom
• 3 Racquetball Courts
• Tennis, Volleyball, and Pickleball Courts
• Indoor/Outdoor Tracks
• Cardiovascular Equipment
• Strength Training Machines
• Free Weights/Power Racks
• Group Fitness Studio
• Yoga Studio
• Cycle Studio
• Health and Education Classes
• Senior Programs
• *Free Childcare -Twelve year olds are eligible for membership -6 months to 12 years of age
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 Healing Center Church 515 Reed Road, 30720 706-229-9456 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
Centerpoint Baptist Church 420 Centerpoint Drive SE, 30721 706-277-2100
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
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
Hopewell Baptist Church Cohutta 810 Baldwin Rd, 30710
706-280-8286
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
244 N. Hamilton St, 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 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721
706-226-5981
Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Hwy, 30720 706-226-6785
Tunnel Hill First Baptist Church 706-673-2085
202 South Cherry Street Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
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
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
Lifegate Church 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016
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
The River Community Church 2410 Cleveland Hwy, Suite 112, 30721
678-314-7994
Rock Bridge Community Church 121 W Crawford St, 30720
Episcopal
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1309 Applewood Drive, 30720 706-529-0192
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1817 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-270-0156
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 610 Shugart Rd, 30720 706-278-5295
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 Methodist Church 123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721 706-278-3309
Dalton First UMC
500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494
Fairview Church 1735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057
Five Springs Methodist Church 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
Refuge Christian Fellowship 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 762-268-1684
Pleasant Grove Methodist 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-3141
Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042
Varnell 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
901 Chester Road, 30721
706-270-9733
Bridging the Gap Ministries
514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721
706-277-7575
Dalton House Of Prayer
897 College Dr, Conference Rm 3, 30720
706-915-6545
Dawnville Community Church 1409 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721
706-259-5342
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
Northwest Christian Fellowship
272 Main St, Varnell, GA 30756
706-694-9830
Refuge Christian Fellowship
4040 S. Dixie Hwy, 30721
706-280-1233
Relentless Worship Center 210 Robinwood Dr, 30721
706-313-1129
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
Tunnel Hill Community Church
706-673-4022
121 North Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
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
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
4330 Holly Creek Cool Springs Road
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
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
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
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
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
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
7250 Chastworth Highway South
Chastworth, GA 30705
Center Valley Methodist Church
706-971-4646
5394 Highway 225 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
First Methodist Church
706-695-3211
107 W Cherokee Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Fullers Chapel UMC
2144 Fuller’s Chapel Rd
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Spring Place UMC
706-695-5143
Po Box 248
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Smyrna Gospel Tabernacle
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
706-278-8161
Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720
706-226-6344
First Presbyterian Church
326 Wolfe Street Cohutta 30710 P.O. Box 87
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
Dalton SDA Church
300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-2166
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
706-695-4773
2089 Sumach Church
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Hispanic Adventist Church of Chatsworth
706-264-4299
88 North Park Drive
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Seventh-Day Adventist Church
706-517-5124
1115 Highway 52
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
