June 2023

About Us

WRITERS

Brenda Dedmon

Brent Goodge

Brian Johnson

Carrie O’Neal

Cindy DuPree

Deck Cheatham

Donald Cantrell

Heather Guthrie

Heather Medley

Jonathon Wright

Judy Hood

Karla Smedley

Kristen West

Monica Gambrell

Pam Wattenbarger

Rick Hughes

Sandra Gilmore

Stephen Baker

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Dalton

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Jodi Varnado

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com

issuu.com/goodnewsdalton

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!

Serve God & Protect Your Family

by Stephen Baker

Often, we hear stories about people in the ministry who lose their families. I can think of two missionaries who were on foreign fields who returned to the United States and got a divorce. Both looked like they had ideal families. But what you see on social media and in public is often not the reality in private. And this is true for Christians who are not in professional ministry also. There is a way to serve God and protect your family. We will look at that today through the example of Jacob in Genesis 32 & 33.

In Genesis 32:7, we learn that Jacob was afraid of his brother. Everyone has things they fear. Jacob had spent 20 years fearful of meeting Esau. Now, God told him to return home. He would have to face his brother, whom he had cheated, and who wanted to kill him when he left. But God was with Jacob. Why was he afraid? He felt guilt for what he had done to Esau years before. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Be careful not to let sins of the past, that have been forgiven, prevent you from serving and enjoying God in the present!

We will look at several crucial points about serving God and protecting your family from this portion of Scripture.

First, make sure you are in the will of God. In Genesis 32:9-12, we find that Jacob was in the will of God by returning home. He reminded God of this in his prayer. God had told him to return and had promised to protect him. This reminder was not so much for the benefit of God as it was for that of Jacob. If you serve God through being a good spouse, caring for children, or even professional ministry, remind yourself of God’s calling, and promises in His Word. Find assurance of God’s will through that.

Second, keep moving forward in the will of God. In Genesis 32:20-21, we discover that Jacob intended to move forward. It is critical to conquer your fears. Jacob had stayed with Laban (his father-in-law) for 20 years to avoid Esau. Now, he must face him. When you are trying to serve God, keep moving forward. There may be frightening things ahead, but do not quit and do not turn back. Better to face your fears than to live in fear.

Third, put your wife and children in the rear. In other words, you take the blows and shield them. That is what Jacob

did in Genesis 33:1-3. Speaking to husbands and fathers, it is paramount while serving God, to not sacrifice your wife and children on the altar of work or ministry. Jacob went before Rachel, Leah, and his children. He faced danger and attempted reconciliation.

Many professional ministers lose their wives because they do not protect them from the ministry. The ministry is people, and people can be cruel. Some put their calling and work above everything and expect their wife and children to make the same sacrifices they are willing to make. That is not fair to your wife or children.

Fourth, seek peace with your opponents. That is what Jacob did in Genesis 32:13-19. The Bible says, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). We cannot have peace with everyone. Not everyone will like us or appreciate what we are doing. But we should attempt to seek peace with all men regardless of whether they come to peace with us or not. It will keep the family out of much controversy and trouble. It will help them to enjoy life with us.

In addition to being the pastor of a church, I also work two other jobs. I must deliberately set aside time for my wife and children and protect them from the bad attitudes I bring home. I struggle to do this, but it is essential. Family first!

Pastor Stephen Baker is the pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia.

Showing Kindness To Others

by Brenda Dedmon

We read in the Bible, "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other just as God has been to you" (Ephesians 4:32). This verse reminds us that God loves us and shows kindness to us, and He wants us to treat each other the same way.

Kindness is more than behavior. Kindness means developing a spirit of helpfulness, as well as being generous and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything in return. The act of giving kindness is often simple, free, positive, and healthy.

In the world today people find it hard to be kind to each other. Everyone is selfish and wants everything to go their way. However, as Christians we should model God’s kindness and love to others. The way we treat others will be an example of God’s love and kindness. Think about ways that God has shown kindness to your family and how that made you feel.

This summer would be a wonderful time for you and your family to make plans to be intentional in showing kindness and love for others. Ask your parents to have a family meeting and talk about ways you could put these ideas into practice.

When you have your meeting begin to think how you would like to be treated in the following scenarios:

• A friend dropped all their candy. However, you still have your candy.

• You see your friend crying in the park. You ask why they are crying. They say “I wanted to play with the other kids, but they said, ‘No.'”

• You are in the store with your parents, and you see someone drop something on the floor.

As you discuss these situations talk about how you could show kindness to others. Talk about ways you have shown kindness in the past to someone and how that made you feel. Discuss reasons some people might find it hard to be kind.

You may also discuss ways that you can show kindness to include the following ideas:

• Bake cookies for the elderly in your church

• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter

• Let someone go in front of you in line

• Give a stranger a compliment

• Make dinner for a family in need

• Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant

• Make fun cards using markers and stickers, then deliver to an assisted living or nursing home

• Organize a craft night with your friends, then donate the final products for families in a shelter

• Go through books and choose a few of your favorite books for children in the hospital to have to read

• Go through your toys and take those you no longer play with to a homeless shelter

• Call your grandparents just to say, “I love You”

• When you are in a store, smile at everyone you meet

• Offer to hold a door for someone when leaving a store or restaurant

Conclude your family time by placing on the calendar the activities you have chosen and ways you will seek to show kindness every day.

Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid

Tide fan.

Secure Act 1.0 & Secure Act 2.0: The Effects on Your Retirement

Money Matters Rick Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

The “SECURE Act 1.0” refers to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act is a significant piece of retirement legislation that made several changes to retirement savings rules in the United States. Some of the key provisions of the SECURE Act include:

• Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age from 70 ½ to 72

• Allowing long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans

• Creating a new type of annuity option within 401(k) plans

• Allowing penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for the birth or adoption of a child

• Allowing small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees

• Providing for penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from retirement accounts to cover adoption expenses

• Elimination of the Stretch IRA

The Stretch IRA was a strategy used by beneficiaries of inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to “stretch” out the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over their lifetimes. This allowed the beneficiaries to defer paying taxes on the inherited assets for many years, potentially resulting in significant tax savings.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision was included in the SECURE Act. Under the new law, most non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs are required to withdraw the entire balance of the account within 10 years of the original account owner’s death. The new rule applies to account owners who pass away after December 31, 2019.

There are some exceptions to the new rule, including for certain types of beneficiaries, such as surviving spouses, minor children, disabled individuals, and chronically ill individuals. These beneficiaries may still be able to stretch out RMDs over their lifetimes.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision has significant implications for estate planning and retirement income strategies. It is important for individuals who have inherited or plan to inherit IRAs to review their estate plans and retirement income strategies in light

of these changes to ensure that they are still on track to achieve their financial goals.

“The SECURE Act 2.0” (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0) was signed into law December 29, 2022. Some of the proposed changes include:

1. Automatic enrollment for retirement plans: The bill would require automatic enrollment of eligible employees in 401(k) and other retirement plans, unless they choose to opt-out.

2. Increased catch-up contributions: The bill would increase catchup contributions for individuals aged 62-64, allowing them to save an additional $10,000 per year.

3. Expansion of eligibility for retirement plans: The bill would allow part-time workers to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans and would reduce the eligibility requirements for long-term, part-time employees.

4. Roth IRA changes: The bill would allow individuals to make contributions to a Roth IRA after age 72, remove the age limit for spousal IRA contributions, and allow penalty-free withdrawals from Roth IRAs for birth or adoption expenses.

5. Lifetime income options: The bill would require retirement plan sponsors to offer lifetime income options, such as annuities, to participants.

6. Increasing the RMD age to 73 now and to age 75 in 2034. In summary, this law has some positive advantages for people who are required to take minimum distributions. People are living longer now, and it made a lot of sense to increase the RMD form 70 ½ to 73 and eventually to 75. In my opinion this law also has some negative challenges with it due to the elimination of the Stretch IRA. In the past, your children who inherited your IRA could stretch that over 30 or 40 years, which means they would not be required to pay a tremendous amount in tax. This new law now requires them to deplete that account within 10 years, which could put them in the highest tax bracket, whatever it may be at that time.

If you would like more information on this or anything about the SECURE Act, please contact our office.

Words Of a Father

by Brian Johnson

Do your kids ever mimic you? If you have any, I’m sure the answer is yes. We all have things we say or quirks we have that we may not recognize but our loved ones see. There are several father/son relationships we see in the Bible, but one in particular speaks to the effect the words of a father had on his son.

You’re probably familiar with Solomon’s request for wisdom. In II Chronicles 1, God appeared to Solomon and said in Verse 7, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s response, in Verse 10 was, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people….” If that was you or me, most of us would probably ask for money so we could take care of our families, or ask for power because of pride or safety from someone that would want to harm us or our family. When Solomon asked for wisdom, there seemed to be no hesitation. It was almost as if he was prepared for that question. I propose that it was so easy for him because he was prepared by his father.

Proverbs was primarily written by Solomon and, in Chapter 4, he speaks about some conversations he had with David, his father. Verse 4 says, “He taught me also, and said unto me, ‘Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.’” He continues by telling us what those words were in Verse 5, “Get wisdom get understanding….” He goes on to quote David in Verse 7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” And Verse 11 says, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.” It’s obvious that David put a big emphasis on wisdom in the life of Solomon.

When a loved one has died, we tend to reminisce about the good times we had with them and the things they used

to do or the things they used to say. What would your kids say about you? Moms and dads, what are you saying and showing your kids that will have a positive effect on their lives now and after you’re gone?

In preparation for this article, I asked my kids, “If I was to die, what would you say that Dad used to always say…?” After they spent some time making fun of me for my quirks, they said that I always talk about the importance of basing their decisions on God’s word. Trust me, I’ve made my

share of mistakes, but it made me feel good to know that one of their memories of me was the importance I’ve put on them living according to what the Bible says and not their own ideas.

Our kids are always listening and looking whether you’re aware or not. Even if you don’t have any children, your words can still have a positive effect on the life of a child you’re close to. Make sure your words and your actions reflect God’s truth.

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.

Bitter Or Better?

by Cindy DuPree

My heart is for God’s women, and my desire for you is Ephesians 1:17-18. It says, “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

God has made each one of us valuable, and He desires for us to reflect His image and to know His love and fulfillment in our life. He provides strength, hope, and joy in the midst of everyday life, trials, and tragedies. We have an enemy, Satan, who doesn’t play fair. He hates us because we are life-givers and nurturers.

In 1992, my husband and I were pastoring our first church in Florida. I was the music pastor and led the women’s ministry. The church was growing, and young families were joining, several of which were expecting children. I was 28 years old and getting ready to give birth to our first child.

Finally, the big day arrived. Our son must have had a sense of humor as he decided to make his appearance on Labor Day. However, the delivery did not go as planned. After 27 hours of labor, I was scheduled for an emergency cesarean section. During the operation, my lungs filled with fluid and my vital organs shut down. I flatlined twice. The baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic

Left Heart Syndrome. This beautiful (and from all outward appearances, healthy) baby boy only lived ten days.

As a reminder of our loss, three of my sisters-in-law and several ladies in the church were having babies. Being a pastor, I would visit these new moms, many in the same hospital where I had given birth. I had to decide: would I allow my personal grief to overshadow the love I had for others? James 5:16 was my key to victory: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” With a smile on my face and a tear in my heart, I gave baby showers and chose to love and nurture others. We all have battles and tough times, but what matters is how we handle them. I chose not to become bitter or angry. I chose to believe and live out the Word of God. It was a choice. The Word of God is our help, refuge, fortress, strength, joy, and much more. The enemy is a thief and a liar and wants to take away the blessings that the Lord has planned for our lives. My husband and I now have three adult children who love the Lord. To tell you how faithful God is, my youngest child was not planned. I felt in my heart to name him Zechariah. His name means, “Jehovah God Remembers.” He was also born in the same month as our child in Heaven. Zechariah grew up to be a musician and today is my assistant worship leader in our church.

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

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 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

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

Rock Bridge Community Church

121 W Crawford St, 30720

Episcopal

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church

901 West Emory St, 30720

706-278-8857

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 UMC

123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721

706-278-3309

Dalton First UMC

500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494

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 Methodist 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-3141

Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112

Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042

Varnell United Methodist Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023

Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331

Nazarene First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428

Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171

Non-Denominational Abundant Life Bible Church 901 Chester Road, 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

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

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

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

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

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

2144 Fuller’s Chapel Rd

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

Separation Anxiety

by Heather Medley

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Children are a gift from God, and we are called to love and care for them with gentleness and patience. One of the challenges that parents face in the early years of raising their children is dealing with separation anxiety.

separation anxiety by cultivating strong relationships between them and their new caretakers or teachers, creating an attachment community.

Gradual entry can help to slowly warm up the child and adult relationship, with trust building over time and with patience. For example, you could have the new babysitter over for dinner a few times or to play with your children while you are at home with them. In doing this, you become the bridge for their attachment. Children do best when they have adults they can turn to, and not when their peers are their best bet for comfort, contact, and closeness.

Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of a child’s development, and it can actually be a beautiful sign of secure attachment. God has designed children to be creatures of attachment, and they are not built for separation without some protest and potential anxiety ensuing. Dependency is good, and separation makes it feel at risk.

As parents, we can feel judged or overwhelmed when our children cry as we leave them, but their response is very normal. Saying things like, “You’re fine” or “Quit crying” is not helpful and leaves a child with confusion and shame. We can help our children navigate their

Children grow best when they feel the presence of an invisible attachment matrix surrounding them. When separation from their closet attachments is necessary, the best thing we can do is to give them alternative adult attachments to hang onto. However, children should not feel comfortable with people they do not know. Good attachment instincts will make a child shy away from people who are not sanctioned by their primary attachments. This helps to keep them safe and stay within their parent’s realm of influence.

It is important for us as Christian parents to remember that our children’s attachment to us and their subsequent separation anxiety is a reflection of God’s plan for human relationships. Children need the presence and support of their parents or primary caregivers to thrive and grow.

Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.

Church Activities & Events

Northwest Christian Fellowship

New Man Seminar with Curry Blake

Thursday, June 8 – Saturday, June 10

272 Main Street, Varnell, GA

Church on The Hill

Vacation Bible School

June 19 - 23 | 9AM - 12PM | 3 Years - 5th Grade

1035 Abutment Road, Dalton, GA 30721

Vacation Bible School

June 26 - 30 | 6PM - 8:30PM | Completed Kindergarten - 5th Grade

1035 Abutment Road, Dalton, GA 30721

Pleasant Grove Methodist Church

Vacation Bible School

June 26 - 29 | 6PM - 8:30PM

2701 Cleveland Highway, Dalton GA 30721

Help! I’m Going Backwards!

by Kristen West

Have you ever felt like you’re going backwards in life? Try as you may to move forward, it just seems like progress is unattainable and the only direction destined for you is reverse? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve felt that way!

One of my more obvious examples comes from early on in my marriage. Anthony and I headed to the altar wholeheartedly ready to merge our lives into a blissful union, but the first several years of wedded life had us

be unpacked, processed, and thrown out. Much of who we were, as people, needed to be unlearned.

It felt like we were going backwards! I lost count of the days where I truly thought the rest of our lives were going to be spent slogging through hopeless days fraught with tension and endless nights filled with tears. We slowly began to realize that in order for God to build the healthy, strong, and unified foundation in our marriage that He wanted for us, it was necessary to deal with the toxic, bad, and unhealthy things that we’d brought with us into our union.

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen this principle in many other areas of my life—work, raising children, navigating friendships. It’s the times when I feel like I’m going backwards the most that God is actively at work uprooting and tearing down bad thinking, sin habits, and selfish tendencies in me. He’s quietly but patiently working to craft my heart to look like His and fashion and build my character to be more like Jesus. And the cherry on this ice cream sundae is found in Verse 14, “God works so that people will be in awe of Him.”

wondering when the “worse” part of “for better or worse” was going to end. We spent years at each other’s throats before we sincerely began to understand just how lovingly God was working.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven…a time to plant and a time to uproot…a time to tear down and a time to build…” (vs. 1-3, CSB).

As newlyweds, Anthony and I assumed there would be hurdles to overcome, but we never imagined we’d have things that needed to be uprooted or torn down. Ideologies, bad theologies, and a few other personal-ologies needed to

He gets the glory! We don’t. He does the incredible, life-changing work! We don’t. And, He intentionally works so that we will be in awe of Him because no one else can do what He does! If you feel like you’re going backwards today, friend, take heart knowing that God is at work! It may seem like your life will never get out of reverse, but He is absolutely working for your good to move you forward. And, there will come a day when you (and others) will be in awe of Him because of what He’s done!

Scrapbookers

by Sandra Gilmore

“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8). That verse has always fascinated me, plus it has always given me hope.

I am a scrapbooker. Blunt as it might sound, I used to think scrapbookers needed to get a life. Who has time to sit down to piece together stuff representing past days when today’s urgencies are beckoning? Now, I realize they are showing the world they really have had moments worth capturing. Scrapbooks are such works of art and labors of love. They show the significant times, the milestones of children, and the evolution of families. Scrapbookers save everything. Anything becomes fair game for a keepsake page. Little slips of paper, short lengths of ribbon or tiny, flat gadgets of all shapes, sizes, or colors can find their way into a page format.

God understands this. He keeps our prayers. The little ones we slip up to Him in between traffic lights or the ones tied together by a particular theme such as prayers for our loved ones. Even the prayers of thanksgiving offered for some trophy or triumph we have deemed important to our journey. All of these and more, He keeps. I don’t understand why, and I certainly cannot explain how. I just know from Scripture that He does.

I wonder when I get to Heaven, if the Father will pull out my prayers the same way I pull out my scrapbooks. Will He show me how my prayers began? Will He point out the times when my faith grew? Have I given Him enough to show a handsome pattern of trust and faithfulness?

Have you given God anything to “scrapbook” lately? Have you sent Him some praise in between traffic lights? Have you poured out your deep questions or asked for wisdom over challenges? He wants to hear. Share your life with Him. Scripture says to pray without ceasing. That means to develop a lifestyle of communication with the Father. He likes it when you talk to Him. He has sent all of Scripture, all of nature, and even the Holy Spirit to communicate back with you. What may seem a “scrap” of a communication to you will be significant in the Father’s hands. We are reminded from Scripture: He keeps everything!

Father, please teach me to pray and to pray without ceasing. Make the Scriptures real to me. I have caught your Word! Your Word is hidden in my heart so I may not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). I receive your presence in my life. Holy Spirit be my guide. I know your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I yield my thoughts to be in line with your Word. Take me higher, Father, to see above circumstances and to walk by faith. Amen.

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

About The Author

Patterson Farms

Welcome to Patterson Farms. This one-of-a-kind residential community located in a beautiful suburban area of Northwest Georgia offers a range of housing options for young professionals, empty nesters who want a peaceful retreat, and families with children. It’s an ideal place to create a home you love and build lasting memories with friends and family. Currently in Phase 2 of selling and building, Patterson Farms offers single family homes and cottages, efficient quad living, and charming townhouses with private courtyards. The wide selection caters to various lifestyles and budgets.

Each residence is thoughtfully designed to offer modern living spaces with state-of-theart amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Plus, for those committing before construction begins, there’s the opportunity to choose your favorite tiles, faucets, flooring, and more. You can create the home you’ve always wanted.

Current residents love the location for a variety of reasons. For many, it's the sense of community and belonging that sets Patterson Farms apart. The developers are known for creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with neighbors already beginning to gather for events and activities.

Residents also appreciate the attention to detail and high-quality materials used throughout the project. There’s a real sense of place at Patterson Farms, harkening back to the land’s history as a renowned harness racing farm. From gas street lights to craftsman details, to the renovated main farm house to the elegant landscaping, there’s a feeling that this place continues to be special.

Patterson Farms will feature a wide range of amenities, including acres of green space, walking trails for enjoying nature, a community garden, and multiple areas for meeting neighbors and relaxing with friends. Over 100 new trees have already been planted to provide shade and character, and new sidewalks are going in. The pool area is currently under construction as well. One great perk? Residents benefit from a low maintenance lifestyle, with all landscaping fully managed. That takes nomow May to no-mow ever!

The location is great, too. Located in the north part of Whitfield County, with easy access to Dalton, Chattanooga, and Cleveland, makes the development a big draw for residents.

Overall, Patterson Farms is a unique and exciting community that offers the perfect blend

of modern living and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a single-family home or a townhome, this community has something to offer everyone. It's easy to see why this unique community has already become such a desirable place to call home.

We’d love to give you a tour. Call us at 7000 or visit our website www.pattersonfarms.com for more information.

Pay Attention!

by Monica Gambrell

Many of us, at least the stubborn ones, have developed certain habits as a result of having a bad habit that we corrected. We are a stubborn people. Okay, maybe I should be saying I am a stubborn person. Maybe other people don’t have such a hard time changing their habits. In one such case, it was my husband and I who slipped up—and the whole family was there to witness it.

It may seem silly to some, but we had a favorite bowl in our household. It wasn’t an heirloom and it wasn’t expensive. It was a simple, ugly green, plastic mixing bowl. My mother had bought it for my husband because he was a fantastic biscuit-maker. This bowl was about 22 inches across and maybe eight or nine inches deep. It had a groove in the underside with a rubber insert that made it grip the counter as he mixed the dough. It got most of its use though as our family popcorn bowl. Many times, after baths, we would put quilts down on the floor, pop in a video, and I would make popcorn on the stove top the old-fashioned way. The children would dance beside me as I sang “the popcorn song” to the popping corn. I would then dump it into that magical bowl and the children would all share in the warm, wonderful treat.

before bed. I wasn’t really worried because we had a rule in our house that we should open the oven door and check before turning it on (just in case there was a pizza box in there). Apparently, my husband did not pay any attention to that household rule and turned the oven on without checking. You know how cartoons show someone’s anger by the steam escaping from their ears and nostrils? From afar, our house must have looked like that: smoke escaping from every orifice. There were flames, and a real concern for it spreading. A normal person would have reacted with panic and frenzy, I could only envision the cartoon face and couldn’t stop laughing.

PAY ATTENTION!

Earthly issues have varying degrees of outcomes when we don’t pay attention—some serious, and some not. If we would pay attention, things would possibly go awry less often. But when it comes to paying attention to God and His Word, it is no laughing matter.

Pr. 4:1— “Listen, my sons, to the instructions of a father, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding.”

Is. 48:18— “If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Occasionally, there was a bit of popcorn leftover and I would put it in zippered bags for another time. One particular night I failed to store the popcorn properly. I left it in the big green bowl and slipped it into the oven

Father God, paying attention to You is of utmost importance. Like Peter, we sometimes take our eyes off of You and get distracted by our circumstances. May we keep our eyes focused on You at all times, and pay attention to You now more than ever before.

Straddling The Fence

by Judy Hood

Straddling the fence, I can’t make up my mind

Do I want to go left? Or do I want to go right?

Left seems so much fun, you see

That’s where all my friends are, so I wanna be

But there’s a man to the right calling to make me whole

He holds salvation in his hands

Because he went to the cross and died for man

He is here

My friends are there

I think I see him shed a tear

I believe in my heart I’ll go to the right

No man has ever shed a tear for me, no man has ever died

So I’ll take his hand to forever be

Two of a kind, my Lord and me

Georgia Carpet

Since 1969, Georgia Carpet Industries has been specializing in price, service, and quality. As an American-owned company, we are known for offering great value, a wide range of products, and exceptional customer service. We aim to become the most respected and known flooring retailer and wholesaler company nationwide. We value every customer with care, which has made us one of the top flooring retailers in the United States for decades. We can offer incomparable pricing on all types of flooring because we buy directly from all the major mills and pass those savings on to you.

give back to the people that support us. We enjoy community involvement through social media giveaways and other promotional contests. As a customer-focused business, we want to allow people to win free flooring and other prizes. Our involvement continues further. We are active members of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, working to promote economic growth and development in the community as well.

Georgia Carpet Industries was founded by Craig Vaughn in Dalton, GA, a place known as the “Carpet Capital of the World.” From our humble beginnings as a small, familyowned business, the company has been dedicated to bringing wholesale flooring pricing to the flooring consumer. What sets Georgia Carpet Industries apart is our dedication to giving our customers the best service and value. As we move into a digital age, Georgia Carpet stops at nothing to bring our unbelievable customer service to the web at GeorgiaCarpet.com. We have taken the same service attitude from our local retail location in Dalton, Georgia, and promoted it to flooring consumers and professionals nationwide. Here, you can find deals ranging from 30-60% off retail pricing in all flooring categories. We offer a vast selection of styles, including carpet, hardwood, vinyl, tile, and even turf. There is something for every budget and lifestyle. Georgia Carpet offers a bit of everything; whether you are a pet owner or an interior designer, it is easy to find what you need.

Georgia Carpet Industries’ customer commitment does not just stop at offering the best value and quality products; we also

Despite our growth and success over the years, Georgia Carpet Industries has remained a family-owned business at its core. Our leadership team includes members of the Vaughn family, ensuring that the company's values and commitment to quality are passed down from generation to generation. Overall, Georgia Carpet Industries' quality and community involvement legacy has made it one of the most respected and trusted names in the flooring industry. Whether you're a homeowner looking to update your floors or a business owner needing commercial flooring solutions, Georgia Carpet Industries has the expertise to meet your needs. With a wide selection of products, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to the community, Georgia Carpet Industries is the clear choice for all your flooring needs.

We offer fundamental brands such as Bruce, Mohawk, Shaw Floors, and so much more! Our many flooring specialists are happy to help on live chat, in person, or over the phone. Waterproof Flooring is a huge part of what Georgia Carpet Industries does best. With over 100 styles to choose from, we are dedicated to delivering in-stock, discounted waterproof flooring choices directly to your home or business. Residential and Commercial Carpet was where we started, and now we ship millions of square feet annually. Despite our extensive selection, we make it easy to find what you need. Visit us instore or online today at georgiacarpet.com for the flooring of your dreams!

Almost Persuaded

by Brent Goodge

How often would our individual lives, or even world events, have turned out differently had we accomplished what we almost did? How many almost invested heavily in Amazon when it was nothing but an online bookstore? How many almost arrive in time to say “Good-bye” to a dying loved one?

In Acts 25, Paul had appealed to Caesar. Governors Felix and subsequently Festus knew that truth and justice demanded that Paul be released immediately. Governor Felix hoped the Christians would value Paul’s freedom enough to purchase it. Governor Festus attempted to curry favor with the Jews by offering to have Paul sent to Jerusalem for trial before them instead of the Roman court of Caesarea. Justice was the least of their considerations. Paul felt he had no choice but to appeal to Caesar.

This left Governor Festus in a difficult position. Sending a prisoner to Rome for trial would require Festus to send a letter to Rome explaining the charges, explaining his findings, and explaining what led the Roman prisoner to appeal to Caesar. As there was no Roman crime to report and not even a proven Jewish charge to explain Paul’s continued imprisonment, the new Governor Festus would be exposed as a despot for not releasing Paul. He had to have something to write. When King Agrippa stopped by to congratulate Festus, Festus thought Agrippa would be the perfect help to write the letter.

Paul was aware of Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish customs as well as the events of the life of Jesus. Agrippa’s family members had been responsible for the death of John the Baptist as well as James the son of Zebedee and the failed attempt to kill Peter. Herod the Great had slain every male infant in Bethlehem attempting to destroy Jesus, and his offspring had dared to sit in judgment of the King of kings.

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the growth of the Gospel message in the intervening decades,

were well-known to Agrippa. Paul shared the story of Jesus with Agrippa, not as history vs fable, but as the offer of salvation to the greatest of sinners. Giving his personal testimony, Paul told how Jesus Christ had asked “Why are you persecuting Me?” Paul told how he had faithfully answered the call of Christ, and he called on Agrippa to make the same decision for salvation.

Paul finished his discourse with a call to commitment. “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (Acts 26:27). Agrippa responded with one of the saddest passages in the Bible. “You almost persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Almost saved. Yet King Agrippa will arise in the wrong resurrection. A completely wasted life.

May we each heed the words of Paul. “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am” (Acts 26:29).

All for Jesus. Not “almost.”

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County. Brent prays that everyone reading this will be both almost and altogether, all for Jesus.

The Recipe

by Deck Cheatham

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name” (Psalm 86:11).

No good Southern cook follows a recipe. For most, a recipe is a suggestion. Since my blood runneth thick with mustard barbeque sauce, I speak with authority when I say a Southern cook’s diversion connotes not simply mastery but a devilish desire to conceal. Why share secrets when you have the upper hand?

forge a trail or any other cliché appropriate to describe a species who tolerates rules but does not like them.

Are you willing to go where God is leading you? Are you listening to Him? These are the questions I continue to ask myself. The reality convicts me. Too many myriad ways do I resist Him manifest through subtlety and intention. Too easily do I respond by saying, “Wait a minute, you want me to do what? You want me to go where? Uh, no thank you, I’m just fine where I am doing what I’m doing. Why don’t you get old Billy to do it. He’s better suited, and besides, my calendar is full for the next twenty years.”

My wife’s grandmother, Mamoo, was such a cook. Sweet and demure, a true Southern lady, she could never repeat her recipes when asked or admit to ingredients each family member knew was in the mix. I offer into evidence her Hoe Cake (having nothing to do with Johnny Cakes or slang) recipe, a delicious blend of whole wheat flour, white flour, baking powder, salt, oil and milk, proportions suggested, mixed, patted into shape or rolled (a little), baked, biscuit sliced and buttered while hot. Mmm, Mmm, them Hoe Cakes are good eatin’ (even better toasted), trust me, they have graced my taste buds.

Following is not a Southern trait, and for that matter, it’s not a human one either. We like to go our way, carve a path,

Doesn’t God wish to take His children to the same place, to love Him more than their own desires, to believe Him more than their own doubt, to receive Him with an undivided heart? But first, to go where God leads, to follow Him, His children must offer, as the Psalmist says, the sacrifices of a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. And so offered through life’s oven, knowing God, being known by God, the knowing revealed by abiding in Him prepares His children to go where He leads. True men of God recognize His presence, His working in this world, His living amongst us and live in His peace. God’s truth binds us to Him like a good recipe.

Time exhausts much of life. But life cannot exhaust God, His love for us, His desire for us to be bound to Him, to follow Him. And once bound, following becomes more desirous than our wish not to. You don’t need a recipe for that.

“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, NKJV).

Microwave Society: Maturing Faith

by Karla Smedley

As a toddler, my oldest loved trying out new words. I remember her sitting at the table eating her breakfast. The microwave buzzer signaled, and my hot tea was ready for its daily job to wake me. She tried to pronounce the word, and while I do not remember her exact attempt, I vividly remember the next few seconds. “Honey, the word is microwave. Say micro.” She repeated successfully. Then I added the word, “Wave.” She smiled so big, picked up her little arm and waved with great vigor! That memory has been precious to me for almost 30 years! I can still see her little expression of triumph.

Microwaving Our Faith

Living in a remote-controlled world, we can easily be influenced, thinking that we can push a button, and zap our trials will be done. In addition, our mindset is often that we can microwave our faith, warming it up when hard times are upon us. When storms come crashing in, we wish we had a “faith like Daniel.” A faith that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has our back. We desire assurance that God will tame our lions in the dark dens or stand in the fires like He did with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

Misconceptions

Perhaps, our faith has not developed like Daniel and his friends for a couple of reasons.

• Are we expecting a Daniel-like faith without even being plugged into God’s word, as if the microwave would even work without its source of energy?

• Are we living a lukewarm life as a Christian while we are trying to grow our faith? Even while being held captive in a foreign land without others who believed in God, Daniel and his friends were living for God.

• Are we living for God in our ungodly world?

• Are we just lukewarm Christians, who walk in the doors of the church sporadically?

• Are we desiring to walk in God’s daily presence on Sundays during worship, but setting Him aside Monday through Saturday?

• Are we guilty of expecting God to be there for us on demand when life gets tough?

We all know the slow-cooker would be the best means for cooking a roast, not by zapping it for a few minutes. Are we believing that God can carry us through the torrential trials with microwave faith?

The Ah-Ha Bell Should Be Dinging

God allows trials for our dependence on Him to bloom and flourish. If the trial is over quickly, that dependency will not have time to marinate.

Faith Like Daniel’s

A Daniel-like faith takes time to develop. This faith boils when we study God’s word. Our trust in God’s abilities simmers when the difficulties in our lives do not resolve themselves by the push of a button. As we continue through the trial, our matured faith will sustain us, providing the needed courage, strength, and hope to continue.

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Even though microwaving is a quick fix, we must still complete steps to be successful in getting that warm dish. Developing a stronger faith through trials requires taking those steps that bring us closer to God: confessing sins, spending daily time in God’s word, becoming an active part of a local church, being encouraged by fellow Christians. With these strides, we can begin to develop a Daniel-like faith.

Karla Smedley has two grown kids and have taught over 2,000 students during the last 32 years. After living in Dalton, Georgia, for many years, she has moved to Fannin County, where she grew up. No matter where she lives or where she visits, she sees the need for people to know of God’s unconditional

Take A Spin

by Heather Guthrie

Do you wash your clothes before you put them in the washer? No, I don’t think so. Then why do you think you should clean yourself up before you talk to God? If I had to get myself cleaned up before I talked to God, I would never talk to Him! Ever! I know it’s a struggle when we are hurting and feeling worthless, along with many other things. Jesus wants us to come boldly before Him! Bring every single piece of our hurt and heart to Him. Gosh, if we just knew how much He loved us.

them. You turn on the settings you need and put in some detergent. Tell God what you need and let Him handle giving you what you need.

Ummm…I don’t always like that part. You know, the letting Him be God part. The water fills up at certain points and rinses. Just like the water rising and falling, that’s how life is at times. Sometimes we are in a valley, and sometimes we are on the mountaintop. The in-between always makes room for the cleaning of our hearts. The actual washing is the main part. During the washing, the dirt comes off. Not always gently either, even if you do have it set on that setting.

I try to go every direction under the sun except Him at times. I try to do it on my own. I don’t think He wants to put up with my problems again. Especially the same ones that I have a hard time giving to Him. That is a lie from Satan. Really? Think about the washer. The washer has certain steps it goes through to wash the clothes properly and they are typically in order. Wash, rinse, and spin. When you put your articles in the washer, you just toss them in a sort of way they can be balanced. Why don’t you just toss in your requests and let God handle them? Don’t even try to arrange

Some things are harder to clean off than others. That’s our doing, not God’s doing. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of the dirt. That, at times, agitates us because we want to do it ourselves. I don’t want God’s help all the time. I don’t want Him seeing the dirty parts of my heart. I don’t want anyone seeing those parts. The thing is He made our hearts and He already knows everything that is in there. He knows when it needs to be washed, rinsed, and spun. Again, we have to make the choice to let Him do all this completely. Just like we make the choice to start a load of laundry. He is working in our hearts all the time, but when we make the choice to let Him and come before Him, He will completely clean us. Laundry is a continual cycle, and so is growing in the Lord.

Heather Guthrie, daughter of the King dancing in the deep and encouraging others with truth. She loves to meet people where they’re at in ministry. She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

How In the World Did He Do That?

by Jonathon Wright

We all know the story of how Jesus walked on the water. And it is quite amazing. But I would like to tell it from John’s perspective. He adds some interesting details not found in the other Gospels. See John 6:16-21.

We all got into the boat. It was already late. We waited for as long as we could. But Jesus was not coming. I did not like leaving without Him, but Jesus told us He would catch up. So, we started rowing. After we rowed about three miles, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind and the waves made it hard to maneuver the boat.

We were miles away from land, and I wondered if we were going to have to swim to shore. It was dark. I could not see a thing. But out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something hovering above the waters, it was getting closer and closer. It looked like a ghost. I didn’t believe in ghosts, but the closer it got, the more scared I became. Finally, the familiar and comforting voice of Jesus rang out. “It is me. Do not be afraid.”

Man, was I glad we let Jesus into the boat. The storm immediately stopped. The next thing I knew, we were at our destination. How in the world did we travel that many miles in a split second? How in the world did He do that?

The Surprising Nature of Miracles

Many times, God’s miracles are surprising. The Bible has many stories of God doing impossible things. God can do more than we can ask, think, or imagine. See Ephesians 3:20-21.

This verse got me to thinking, how in the world did I make it to college and find a wife? I spent most of my life in a single-parent home. My mom did not make a lot of money, so I had to work to help support the family. I did not have much money or time for a social life. But when I was in my 30s, the Lord made a way for me to go to college, where I met my wife.

I also wondered how in the world I became a writer after working for almost 40 years in the grocery industry. After graduation from college and starting a family, I knew God had a call on my life, but had no way to make it happen. I struggled to understand or know how to fulfill God’s call on my life. But God made a way. John’s miracle happened in an instant. My miracles took a little longer, but God still did some amazing things.

I would like to close with some recent things that God has done in a friend’s life. I will not mention his name, but my friend had a family member who could not get a job and was struggling with addiction. He asked our prayer group at North Cleveland Church of God to pray for his family. It was a very trying ordeal that lasted for many years. His family member finally got the help he needed. And I have news that he has been clean and sober for almost a year now. He even found a job and got back into the church. When I heard this, all I could say was, “God did it again.” His miracles often make me say, “How in the world did He do that?”

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright.

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Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

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Quick and Easy Crab Salad

by Pam Wattenbarger

This recipe is naturally glutenfree and is the perfect dish to serve as the weather begins to get warmer. I usually use imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat (because it is so much cheaper) and everyone still enjoys it. You can use homemade ranch dressing in the salad or just do a timesaver like me and use bottled. I usually purchase the higher quality ranch dressing from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. This crab salad can be made a day in advance. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounces) bag coleslaw

• 1 (16 ounces) bottle ranch dressing

• 1 (16 ounces) package imitation crab meat or 16 ounces crab meat

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3/4 cup diced celery

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix the coleslaw, onion, and celery together until blended.

2. Add the ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until blended.

3. Dice the imitation crab meat into small pieces. Gently fold the imitation crab (or an equal amount of real crab meat) into the salad.

4. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

5. This is best made in advance to allow the flavors time to meld.

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of 3 cookbooks. You can find more recipes on her website, SimplySouthernMom.com.

Faithful

Carrie O’Neal

You are Faithful no matter what they say. Your promises are kept, And you show that every day.

You never leave my side, Even when I’m untrue.

You keep waiting on me, And fill me with Your truth. My soul yearns for Your love, Lord drown me in Your glory. Guide me in all Your ways, And make my life Your story.

I want to be the me You designed, So that every part of You in me will fully align.

There is nothing better than You. And once we surrender ourselves, We know that to be true.

Life can be stormy and plagued with doubt, But You stay with us and lead us out.

Lord guide every step and every word, So that my life will be fulfilled by Your work.

Just Keep Swimming

by Donald Cantrell

In the famous kid’s movie, “Finding Nemo” we find Dory telling Marlin, the father of Nemo, that when life gets you down, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” I think that the movie “Finding Nemo” is much like life, as we find ourselves facing predicament after predicament. As we face those things, we can either allow them to bog us down, or we can just “Keep swimming.”

Much like Nemo, we may find ourselves stuck in some sort of fish tank, but we must strive to overcome each and every situation. Most of the things that you are worried about today will not amount to anything and a month from now you will have forgotten them. The funny thing about

and numerous other oceanic encounters, Dory prodded Marlin to swim onwards.

I will never forget the day I began to clear off our land. I began with a bush axe and a machete, thinking I would clear off a bit of brush, because it hindered me from mowing the edge of my yard. When I first began, I encountered a few yellow-jackets that had made nest in the ground. Then I encountered various nest with bumblebees, but I just kept on swinging that machete and bush axe.

It took me about five years to clear that land off and as I began to gain ground, I bought a “Stihl” chainsaw and began to really gain ground. In time I had cleared off so much land, it was time to bring in stump grinders, bobcat dozers, and eventually a big dozer. Now it takes me around three hours to mow and I have had to upgrade my mower several times. I heard a story of a guy winning a contest and his prize was getting to eat at a world-famous restaurant. Upon sitting down to order, the man was told that for his prize he was awarded a cooked elephant by a world renown chef. The man was aghast as he asked the waiter, “How in the world does a guy go about eating an elephant?” The waiter winked and said, “One bite at a time.”

Dory was that she had short term memory loss, so she could easily forget those situations.

Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”

The Bible clearly teaches us that worry does not solve any of life’s problems, it only hurts our health and clouds our sanity. I have found that rather than worry about the “fish tanks” of life, we just need to press on. Just as Dory and Marlin faced various sharks, jellyfish,

Some of you have seemingly been scooped up and placed in an unwanted fish tank and you are a bit rattled, seeking a way out. Let me give you some of the best advice in the world:

“When life gets you down, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

Donald Cantrell is a lifelong native of Murray county and has been pastoring and preaching since 1980. He has had the honor of publishing over thirty books and his sermon material is sold all over the world by various online companies. If you visit his house any weekend in the fall you will find them watching the “Florida Gators or the New England Patriots… Chomp Chomp.”