March 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Beth Penny Brenda Dedmon Brent Goodge Brian Johnson David Huff Deck Cheatham Dorothy Teague Granger Hughes Judy Hood Karla Smedley Katie Loveless Kristen West Lori Sentell Matt Jensen Monica Gambrell Reagan Marsh Rhonda Beavers Sandra Gilmore Sheneka Land Susan Lavigne

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Contents

MARCH 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Ask the Pastor:

Forgiving God?

by Reagan Marsh

GoodNews for Kids

8 I Wish

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Is An Annuity Right for Me?

by Granger Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 Stay on the Ride

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Women

14 One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Everyone

18 All Things Are Possible

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Marriage

20 Marriage—A Profound Mystery

by Matt Jensen GoodNews for Everyone

22 Good or Best?

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews for Everyone

24 What Are You Thinking?

by Susan Lavigne

GoodNews Cover Story

26 Blanca’s Appliances and Furniture

GoodNews for Everyone

28 The Gentle Giant

by Rhonda Beavers

GoodNews for Everyone

30 H.O.P.E. Helps

by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for Everyone

32 A New Heart

by David Huff

GoodNews for Everyone

34 No Man Is an Island

by Beth Penny

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Sitting Duck

12

by Karla Smedley

GoodNews for Everyone

38 The Master’s Voice

by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Fear Not?...Not!

by Lori Sentell

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Springtime Lemon Cookies GoodNews Poetry

44 On My Mind

26

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

46 More Than a Symbol

by Deck Cheatham

GoodNews for Everyone

48 A Dead Heart Revived

by Sheneka Land

GoodNews for Everyone

50 Beauty for Ashes

by Dorothy Teague

46

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Ask the Pastor: Forgiving God?

Q.

by Rev. Reagan Marsh

My friend told me that I need to forgive God for something

6. My conclusion must be, God raised my hopes and handled my

bad that happened in my life. I’ve heard this before, but can’t

situation in a misleading way. He thus wronged me, which

find it in the Bible. Should Christians forgive God?

means he sinned – and he sinned against me. Since God is a

A. Great question! In life, plans sputter, hopes crumble,

sinner, I must forgive him.

relationships derail, or evil exposes itself. I know I did my part –

These unspoken assertions may be unconscious, unintended, and

but it seems like God didn’t come through. Because life is full of

unconsidered, but they’re active. Advocates immediately distance

disappointments, modern pastors and writers inform us, it must also

themselves from such conclusions, but they ultimately can’t: against

be full of forgiveness. Their sage advice? Loosely commandeering

the plumbline of God’s word, “forgiving God” exposes utter

Psalm 142:2, they urge cultivating a lifestyle of forgiving others,

egocentricity. It smacks of self-realization, not Scripture, anchoring

forgiving myself, and forgiving God to move forward. Some

in theories of positive thinking and pop psychology. My final

go so far as asserting that forgiving God is required – arguing

decision clarifies and codifies my functional theology, irrespective

unforgiveness affects my faith, intimacy with God, and eternity.

of any creedal orthodoxy I may recite at church. It displays human

But what goes unrecognized? Forgiving God is deeply

wisdom at its finest, but not the wisdom of the Cross.

theological in nature. It forges my working confession of faith: shaping my worship, framing my life, and demonstrating my operative approach to Scripture. Consider what is said when I forgive God: 1. God failed; and fundamentally, he failed me. In my disappointment, I realize God made a mistake: this means he was wrong, he erred. This instance may have been something he couldn’t handle, foresee, or accomplish…turns out he’s mostly sovereign, though perhaps not meticulously so.

2. Therefore, God must be somewhat imperfect. Nobody is entirely perfect; limitations and flaws characterize all beings in a fallen world, which necessarily includes God. The Creator is

God’s answer is to behold his character in his word. He is

more like his creatures than his word attests; even his wisdom

my Rock, strength, fortress, and deliverer (Ps 18:1-2). He alone is

and judgments stumble sometimes.

good (Mk 10:18). He has no shadow of turning due to change (Jas

3. Hence, I must consider God insufficient. I may cast many of

1:17). His faithfulness surrounds him (Ps 89:8); righteousness and

my cares upon him, perhaps even most of them; he cares for

justice are the foundation of his throne, while steadfast love and

me, but can’t always do anything about it. I must face facts:

faithfulness go before him (Ps 89:14). His wise purposes are infinitely

sometimes God loses, evil wins, and hope is deferred, awaiting

higher than my puny pay grade merits clearance to understand

“next time.”

(Isa 55:8). I must humble myself under his mighty hand (1 Pet 5:6),

4. Because of this, God might not always be trusted. He means

not think of myself more highly than I ought (Rom 12:3), submit

well in Scripture, though he can be a bit unreliable or

myself to his faithful disposal of my life (Isa 64:8), and repent of

unrealistic in what he says there. Like a kindly uncle who does

such shameful pride as to think the thrice-holy Lord (Isa 6:3) needs

his best, he’s usually good for what he promises.

anything from me – much less my forgiveness.

5. Consequently, God isn’t entirely truthful in the Bible. He

I always enjoy hearing from readers. Feel free to submit your

means most of what he says there, but everyone exaggerates

questions at reformationdalton.com – I’ll do my best to answer from

periodically. Most of his ways are just (Ps 18:30); many of his

God’s word.

a majority of his works (Ps 145:9). In quite a few things, he works for my good (Rom 8:28-29); but “all” doesn’t actually mean all in these verses.

6 // March 2023

About The Author

paths are lovingkindness (Ps 25:10); and his mercies are over

Reagan Marsh, MATS, MDiv (eq.) is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and founding pastor-teacher to Reformation Baptist Church of Dalton, GA. He contributed to The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia (Eerdmans), edited The Works of John Flavel (Banner of Truth), writes regularly for The Founders Journal, and is coediting The Works of Hercules Collins (H&E). An SBTS graduate, certified biblical counselor, and Th.D. student in Puritan studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

I Wish

“W

by Brenda Dedmon e all have the power to make wishes

that you can learn to be a good speller. You would need to

come true as long as we keep

decide how much you were willing to study and spend the

believing.”—Louisa May Alcott

time to make sure you were prepared for the spelling bee.

Have you ever said to your parents or teachers: I wish

As you continue to work through your list, remember

I would get an A on this test or I wish I could be a starter on the

that there is more than one way to make a wish come true.

team? It is good to have wishes about what we want, however,

You can make a list of things that you feel would help

only wishing will not make them happen. The following

you reach your goal and a list of things that you feel may

activities will be a way to help you accomplish your wishes

make it impossible to reach. Invite your parents to give you

and turn them into achievable goals for you to reach.

suggestions about the things that are most important to you

It is very important that you ask your parents

so that you can make your wishes come true. You

to help you with these ideas so that you

may choose to invite your teachers at school

can begin making your wishes happen.

and church to give you ideas in reaching

Tell your parents that you would like

your goals.

to have family time to talk about the

One of the most important things

things that you “wish” you could do.

you need to remember in making your

For the family time, have paper and

wishes come true is that God has a plan

markers to record your ideas. Talk with

for you. I would suggest you learn these

your parents about what is important

verses to help you remember God will

to you, for example: sports, dance,

take care of you and help to make your

school, friends, family, or any ideas

wishes come true.

in which you are interested. Write down in order of which is the most

“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon

important to you and what you

you, plans to give you the future

“wish” you could do in each area.

you hoped for” (Jeremiah

As you think about these

29:11, MSG).

wishes, discuss with your

“Take delight in the

parents what you can do

Lord, and he will give you

to help make those wishes

the desires of your heart”

become real. Remember,

(Psalm 37:4, RSV).

this may require you to do

“May He grant the

things to turn that wish

dreams of your heart and

into reality. If you wish

see your plans through

you could be in the spelling

to the end” (Psalm 20:4,

bee at school, then you will

The Voice).

have to set goals. It would be

8 // March 2023

About The Author

necessary for you to learn ways Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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Is An Annuity Right for Me? Money Matters Granger Hughes

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community.

He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

probably hear more and more about it. The biggest thing with any

A

portion of a 401k, for example $300k. The positive about this example is that

retirement tool is understanding if that tool is right for you. We’ve

you are basically going to have two accounts, a lifetime income (LTI) account

all heard the saying if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

and a life time income base. The income side will be credited with a bonus

As fiduciaries, this is something we avoid when working with clients, as

up front in a lot of cases. For this example, let’s use 20%. The income side

annuities aren’t as bad as you have heard, and they aren’t the answer to all

has grown to $360k day one. In addition, every year that we wait to take that

your financial problems, but they can be a valuable tool for a retiree.

income, they would give us an additional 8%. After five years, your income

lot of people ask this question, and as we approach retirement, we

Let’s look at some types of annuities. One of the most common that

2). Another option is creating an income stream. Let’s say you have a

account would be close to $530k. If you decided at that point that you wanted

we use is called a fixed indexed annuity. This means it’s linked to an index

to activate the LTI, the payout would be based on a mortality table at that

such as the S & P, but the fixed component means that the principal (the

time. Meaning if you were 70, that percentage would be 6%. This would

portion you put in) is safe. Taking that into consideration, the next step is

create $31k of annual income for the rest of your life. If you passed away,

what am I trying to accomplish?

your spouse would have the option of taking a lump sum or continuing that

1). Do I want to protect a portion of my portfolio?

stream of income. One common misconception is that if both spouses pass,

2). Do I need an income stream?

the money is gone and that isn’t necessarily the case. As mentioned earlier,

3). Is there a Long-Term Care need?

there are two accounts, the income account and the actual account value.

1). Annuities in today’s day and age can be structured based on the need for protection. For instance, let’s say you want to take some risk out of your portfolio by purchasing an annuity. There are annuities in this current

Should both husband and wife pass away, whatever is left in the account value would be distributed to the beneficiaries you had selected.

3). The third option is creating some support for Long Term Care

environment that will actually give you a bonus when you purchase one!

(LTC). This option will piggy back off of option 2. Let’s go back to the

This is one of the benefits in a rising interest rate environment that is

previous example and say we have created a stream of income annually of

actually a benefit to those who don’t want to risk their money in the market

$31k. This strategy would actually double that income to $62K, should you

and want to save in a safer environment. In addition, there are no fees with

need LTC. The key here is, are you able to perform the activities of daily

this strategy, and as mentioned before, you would be linked to the S & P,

living (ADL)? If you can’t perform two of the six, for example you can’t

which means if the S & P does x percentage, you would receive a portion,

feed or bathe yourself, the LTC option would be eligible to be activated.

but if the S & P loses money, your principal is still safe. One of the potential

All you would need is a doctor to sign off stating that you can’t perform

drawbacks is liquidity (access to your money). Typically, a lot of carriers

two of the six ADLs. This can help provide some much-needed support,

will give you 7% to 10% a year penalty free. But if you wanted to take

as the likelihood of us needing some form of LTC as we get older increases

out all your money, you could face a penalty of 10% as well, so you need

drastically. The positive aspect of this strategy is it is your money, and you

to make sure that the annuity is a piece of your overall portfolio and not

can use it how you want to. You don’t have to go into a facility, you can

your only option for withdrawals. Contracts also differ on length, though

make your home handicap accessible, hire a nurse etc., whereas a lot of

its common to see 7 to 12 years. Some misconceptions could be if I pass

traditional LTC policies only give you the option to use an actual facility.

away, my beneficiary will have to pay penalties and that is not the case.

The key is to look at what options and tools you have in retirement.

The annuity would be liquid to them, though tax liability could potentially

An annuity can be a great tool and can be structured in different ways to

ensue, as will most accounts. In addition, a lot of annuities will allow a

meet your specific needs. They aren’t going to suit everyone’s needs and

higher percentage of access should you need long term care or have a

desires, but it is important to know what your options are entering into

chronic or terminal illness. Once again, it’s important to know your options

retirement and how each tool can help protect and preserve what you have

and find the annuity that suits your needs the best.

made throughout your working years.

10 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Men

Stay on the Ride

W

by Brian Johnson

e don’t like trials. I think that goes without

Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,

being said, but it’s one of the methods God

stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

uses to conform us to the image of Christ.

God doesn’t promise that we won’t go through

James 1:2 says, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers

suffering. In fact, He tells us we will. But, after that

temptations.” Paul says, in Romans 5:3 that “…we glory in

suffering, we gain so much and become more like Christ

tribulations…” and they eventually end up with hope in

in the process. That’s why we can have hope. When God

verse 4. How can that be? How can a difficult beginning end

continually shows His power in our lives by bringing

in hope? Let’s discuss.

us through trial after trial as we trust Him, we become

I love roller coasters. So, I was excited to take my oldest son on his first roller coaster when he was nine years old. While we waited in line for about an hour, I checked with him frequently to make sure he was still okay with the ride. He assured me he was. As coasters typically do, it started slowly creeping up the first hill, creating anticipation for the first dip. We got over the hill and started to come down when, all of a sudden, the ride stopped.

We were stuck on the ride, strapped in our seats in a declined position.

Obviously, I was concerned about my son. A couple of workers walked up the stairs to let us know they were working on the ride. I

spiritually mature, established, settled, and hopeful

asked one of them if they wouldn’t mind taking my son

regardless of the circumstances. The hope that’s developed

back down with them. He said to me, “Once we get the

gives us the ability to have peace that passes understanding

ride going again, it’s actually safer to go through it.” I said

in the midst of the ride and will give us a testimony to share

okay, and after a few minutes, they got things going, and

about the power of God in our lives.

everything ended up okay.

The ride that God takes us on isn’t smooth, but if you stay on, He’ll be able to take you to places and work through

inclination is to get away from it as quickly as possible.

you in ways you never would’ve imagined. Trust Him in the

That’s understandable. We want off of the ride. But, if

trial. Stay on the ride. By the way, my son is 22 now and still

you’ve prayed about it and God still allows it, trust that He

likes roller coasters.

knows what He’s doing. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ

12 // March 2023

About The Author

When difficulty comes into our lives, our natural

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

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Gò0dNews for Women

One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

I

have fond memories of my childhood playground on

that all these years later, I still stand in the flow of His

Arista Mountain in West Virginia. My grandparents

goodness and trust Him to wash me and make me clean. It’s

lived there, and we visited often. The memories are so

a miracle that He can take the potsherds of my life and make

prominent for me that I can remember the backdrop of the cool blue sky that hovered like a canopy, a dinosaur-like

them beautiful and functional again.

I think about Job and how he sat among ash and broken

mountainside by the clothesline, and the sounds of singing

pottery as he was reeling from grief, unspeakable loss, and

birds like wallpaper in my mind.

physical affliction (see Job 2:8). I consider how he lanced

There was ample opportunity to explore and shake

his own weeping wounds with shards of broken pottery to

hands with nature. Walking to the forks of the road with my

bring relief. We are not so different. We try to foster healing

siblings and grandfather is one of many fond memories as

in the necrotic places of our hearts by introducing them to the broken places and we marvel why it doesn’t work.

Neither one can cure the other. Brokenness alone won’t heal the stench of death in me. I need my brokenness and humility to be coupled with God’s power and grace like a hitch to get anywhere at all.

As my heart is joined with His, I am in a position to make better choices, more redemptive ones. I begin to meditate on His goodness with the stamina of a one-track mind like a locomotive. And with that, my mind is kept in perfect peace. The peace is not a stagnant pond with life

we interacted with the lush landscape. It is a place where

ebbing away. Instead, it is a river that is moving, productive,

the power to choose is outwardly evident. In fact, it was

life-giving, and never will run dry.

during one of those walks that my grandfather talked with

I hear a train whistle blaring near my home as I write.

me about the temporary nature of the human life. He was a

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a train to switch

new Christian and eagerly commented on how the human

tracks or make a turn among two divergent paths? A train

life is like vapor that disappears, grass that withers, and a

conductor cannot make a detour independently. He relies on

puff of smoke that wafts away. My young mind whirred to

the flip of a switch to elevate the chosen path. This process

connect the dots at the forks of the road in that moment, but

means that the old, forgotten path is seemingly recessed in

the conversation remains with me to this day.

the earth, and the new, chosen path is elevated, making it

There isn’t time to waste on indecision. Entertaining

the only way to go.

doubt is an expense much too extravagant. We can’t afford

The Holy Spirit will do that for you. He will be your

it. With my childhood sprinkled with poverty at times, I

switch operator if you allow it. He will elevate righteousness

understand the importance of making even a little count and

for you and make that path the only way to go. He will give

stretch. Little is much when God is in it.

you a one-track mind. “Righteousness shall go before him, and

As I pray for bystanders refusing grace’s invitation,

shall make His footsteps our pathway,” (Psalm 85:13, NKJV).

make good ones without God’s continual aid. It’s a miracle I ever chose to surrender my life to God at all. It’s a miracle

14 // March 2023

About The Author

I consider the frailty of my own decisions. I simply can’t Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

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Dalton Church Directory Assembly of God

Christian Fellowship Assembly 3656 Chattanooga Road, 30755 706-280-7594 The Sanctuary 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-270-2088 The 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

16 // March 2023

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 Dawnville UMC 1529 Spring Ln NE, 30721 706-259-5342 Fairview UMC 735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057 Five Springs UMC 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928 Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200 Mt. Vernon UMC 597 Lafayette Road Rocky Face, GA 30740 706-673-4667 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879 Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112 Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 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 Cornerstone Family Church 1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Dalton House Of Prayer 897 College Dr, Conference Rm 3, 30720 706-915-6545 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 532 Cook Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mineral Springs UMC 71 North Way St Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Spring Place UMC 706-695-5143 Po Box 248 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US

Non-Denominational

God’s Light House 784 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705

The Church of God of the Union Assembly at Chatsworth, GA 706-695-7335 Highway 52 Alternate Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Liberty Tabernacle 706-517-3140 2196 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Living Word Christian Fellowship 706-695-5005 960 Cherokee Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Beginnings Ministries 706-695-6067 646 Floodtown Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US North Gate Church 706-548-4967 7727 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30755 US Tabernacle of Praise 706-517-0377 1435 Leonard Bridge Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Wings Of Faith Ministries 706-695-1527 1122 North Holly Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US

Pentecostal

Victory Tabernacle 706-517-1458 355 Ellijay Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US A Place to Worship 706-517-8568 259 Old Landfill Rd Chatsworth, GA 30705 US

Presbyterian Sumach Presbyterian Church 706-695-4773 2089 Sumach Church Chatsworth, GA 30705 US

Seventh Day Adventist

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 706-517-5124 1115 Highway 52 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

All Things Are Possible

H

by Kristen West

ave you ever noticed that the Bible is full

Maybe you feel like you’re drowning in your own

of “impossible” stories? Had they been

personal flood right now, unable to see how things

published in an ancient newspaper, I can

will ever get better. Perhaps you are facing your own

imagine some of the bold headlines reading:

personal giant who challenges you with taunts, guilt,

Noah and His Family Survive Destructive Worldwide Flood!

and ridicule as he tempts you to think you’ll never get

Puny Shepherd Boy Annihilates Battle-Hardened Giant!

Man Trapped Overnight with Lions Lives to Tell About It! EMPTY Tomb Discovered?!?

You’d be hard pressed to find a

passed him. God knew we would need those faithboosting stories (and promises) about the impossible to spur us on in our own lives.

What is your “impossible” today, friend? Whatever it is, He already sees, cares, and is there with you. Roll

story in the Bible where a country, a people, or an individual wasn’t boxed in at one time or another.

Solutions proved to be out of their reach. Their circumstances seemed bleak. It always appeared like the end was near, unavoidable, and without hope.

Yet, time after time, these stories get to a point where all the struggles, white-knuckle moments, and intense perplexity and pain is turned on its head as God moves, intervenes, and does the impossible.

The Bible—God’s incredible written Word to us—is a faithit is packed with stories intentionally meant to grow and challenge us in our daily spiritual walk. The crux of every impossible story, when believed, continually reminds us that in our own strength, we are powerless.

But God is not. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

18 // March 2023

up your sleeves and dig in to some of those incredible faith-boosting stories so that just like Noah, David, Daniel, and Jesus, you can face your impossible with utter dependency on God as you believe today that with Him all things ARE possible!

About The Author

building book. From cover to cover,

Kristen West recently published a book of 40 devotions called He’s an Everyday God.

Church Activities & Events St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Music at St. Paul’s: Seth Parker Woods Friday, March 3 | 7:30PM - 9PM 305 W 7 th St, Chattanooga, TN

Parkway Baptist Temple

Primitive Quartet Farewell Tour Saturday, March 4 | 6:30PM - 7:30PM 65 Stuart Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Christ the King Lutheran Church La Leche League of Dalton Tuesday, March 14 623 S Thornton Ave, Dalton, GA

Christ First Church C1 Youth Meeting

Wednesday, March 15 | 6:30PM - 8PM 5994 Martha Berry Hwy, LaFayette, GA

Gò0dNews for Marriage

Marriage—A Profound Mystery

“T

by Matt Jensen

herefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and

Women have an indispensable role in this task (1 Corinthians

hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one

1:11-12). Finally, marriage is a supremely intimate relationship.

flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying

It’s described as being naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). To

that it refers to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).

know and love another completely in a physical and spiritual

Family is the most important unit in society and the

sense. To be one in communion even as you are one in union.

Church. Societies and churches are made up of families.

This is the marvelous intimacy of a godly marriage. Paul can

Marriage—the covenant bond between one man and one

only call it a mystery! This mystery calls us to action.

woman until death—is the most important unit of the family.

A man must leave his father and mother. Not in an

Without biblical marriage, families derail from God’s good

absolute sense, as if he can’t have anything to do with them anymore. It means that he leaves the authority of his parents’ house to become the head of a new family.

This doesn’t exclude seeking advice, but much damage is done when a man slavishly follows the wishes of his parents to the detriment of his own family. Likewise, a woman is to leave her parents, and the two are to hold fast to one another. The moment you say, “I do,” your relationship with your spouse becomes your highest priority, second only to your relationship with God. It’s more important than your relationship with your work, parents, or even your kids. This is what it means to leave and hold fast to your spouse.

The staggering mystery and dignity of marriage is that it “refers to Christ and the Church.” It’s not merely for human flourishing. It’s a picture or living representation of the relationship between Christ and

design. When families derail, societies and churches derail.

his Church. Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again for

There is much at stake here!

his Church. He enters an unbreakable covenant with Her

Not unhitching himself from the Old Testament, Paul

sealed with His own blood and merit. The marriage has

quotes Genesis 2:24, saying, “Therefore, a man shall leave his

been established (union), and life with Christ has begun

father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall

(communion). Christian, Christ knows everything about

become one flesh.” The context of Genesis 2:24 reveals some

you and loves you! You may be reading this because you’re

important things about marriage.

interested in marriage, but if you don’t know Christ, that

First, God made man and woman in His own image

needs to be your top priority. Knowing Christ is not the

(Genesis 1:27). Maleness and femaleness are not fluid. They’re

means to a good marriage. Marriage—as wonderful as it

not socially constructed. Maleness and femaleness are God’s

is—points to something greater than itself—a union and

chosen way of manifesting His own glory in and upon human

communion with God that is not ‘til death do us part. Death

beings. Secondly, woman was created as a suitable helper for

only ushers in the eternal celebration (Revelation 19:6-9)!

man (Genesis 2:23). The task of filling and subduing the earth

Repent and believe the gospel.

heavily upon his shoulders. However, man can’t do it alone.

20 // March 2023

About The Author

was primarily given to man; thus, the responsibility falls more

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah.

They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

Your used items helping make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.

Donate today at our store donation center at our Dalton located at the old Food City on Cleveland Hwy! America's Thrift Stores makes it convenient to clean out your closet and gives you a great reason to do it! Feel good about having a clean closet and helping kids!

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Donate your gently used clothing and household items at America’s Thrift Stores in Dalton located at the old Food City on Cleveland Hwy!

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Learn more at americasthrift.com/donations

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Good or Best?

A

by Monica Gambrell

s a businesswoman and parent of more than a few

do whatever was needed to protect as many of them as

children, I am constantly performing cost-benefit

possible. Right?

analyses. My husband used to poke fun at me for

Were there other, maybe more gentle ways of

creating a spreadsheet to keep track of Christmas spending

approaching this problem? Most likely, yes. But don’t

for each child; I wanted to make sure everyone was treated

we all make decisions we can more fully judge when we

fairly! Life in this world is not necessarily fair. But as

have different circumstances: more time, less stressed, less

Christians, we know our corporeal existence is not to be

pressured, etc.? We sometimes agree to do very good things,

used as a measure of fairness. We sometimes have multiple

but they are not necessarily the best things. Can I send a

options for the solution to a challenge. There are times when

check to many ministries with worthy causes? Maybe, but

options present themselves in such rapid succession that all

is that the best use of my resources? Maybe not. We are so

we can do is hang on and hope we made the right decision

scattered, allowing life to take us on a ride. But if we live

in the moment.

our lives with purpose for Christ, we end up taking life for

Our backyard was completely wooded, and my sons

a ride instead. How do we determine what is best rather

stayed outdoors most of the time, weather permitting. There

than just good? God never wastes a hurt, so take your

was a particular time that I remember having to make a

pain, experiences, and joy, and think through how God has

split-second decision that my children still laugh at even

uniquely created you and led you in specific ways. You may

now. My kitchen window faced the backyard, and I watched

find that you have a burden for: single mothers, children,

pretty intently as Daniel and David played, digging with

the aged, or any other myriad of people-groups. Following

sticks in the dirt. Unfortunately, Daniel stirred-up a nest

God in my purpose is always initiated by God but ignited

of yellow-jackets. He ran full throttle toward the back door

by my obedience. Don’t go your own way asking God to

away from the bees, but they were angrily swarming all

join you. Find where God has gifted you and is leading you,

around him as he ran. I saw him coming and met him

and join Him there! That is truly what’s best!

at the door. When my children are telling this story, they say I, “Sparta-kicked Daniel out the back door.” It could be that they are dramatizing the story a bit—maybe. But I absolutely did get Daniel out the door. My instantaneous

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Father God, we are a lazy people. It

reasoning was that I had several other children

is so much easier to sit back and deal

in the house I did not want exposed to that

with things as they come. We put out a

swarm of bees, so I felt justified to

fire, and another one pops up. It is an overwhelming joy to work for Your kingdom within the path You set for us.

May we always choose what is best over what is good.

22 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

What Are You Thinking?

M

by Susan Lavigne

aybe you are like me and have a hard time anticipating a positive outcome to an event. My mind can easily lapse into negative thinking.

While I was teaching a conflict management class, I learned that actions are rooted in thoughts that happen so quickly that we sometimes act “without thinking” or analyzing our thoughts. I realized that if I could consciously change my negative thoughts to positive ones, my actions and reactions would also be more optimistic. When we slow down our thinking, there are basically three steps that lead to our actions.

Step by Step: 1. Facts: We see and hear what is going on.

2. Story: Then, we tell ourselves a story about the facts based on our beliefs.

Of these three, the key step is the story we tell ourselves.

Our story is influenced either positively or negatively by our prior experiences or our beliefs. However, I have discovered that I can tell myself a different story if I choose. Here’s an example from my own life.

Presently, I am a member of the Rome Toastmasters group. In 2000, the group encouraged and selected me to participate in a speech contest. There were two other competitors from different Toastmaster’s clubs also participating. When the winners were announced, I came in third out of the three participants. My step-by-step reaction was: 1. Facts: I came in third with three competitors.

2. My Story: “I am a total loser and terrible speaker.”

(Negative view) 3. My Action: I was discouraged and didn’t compete in another speech contest for four years.

Now, I could have told myself a more positive story from the same set of facts. I could have encouraged myself

24 // March 2023

knowing that my club selected me to represent them at this contest because they had confidence in my ability. I could have further built myself up by realizing that each person competing came from clubs comprised of 25 members like my club, so that I actually came in third out of 75 members.

That is a much more positive perspective! Also, I could have commended myself for even having the courage to compete in my very first speech contest.

Maybe it’s time to pause and think about what we are thinking. When I came in third at the speech contest, I initially told myself that I was a loser, but today I will follow Paul’s instructions in Romans and tell myself a different story. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). God desires for us to examine our thoughts and tell ourselves a positive story based on “His good and perfect will” for our lives.

About The Author

3. Action: Then, based on our story, we respond.

Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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goodnewscm.com // 27

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Gentle Giant

I

by Rhonda Beavers

was recently privileged to witness an act of a

new baby, discussions about the older children’s

husband’s love for his wife. A young married

school performance, or even their plans for a

couple who lived next door to me were

home of their own. Maybe they discussed how

expecting their third child who was due

to bear the weight of the responsibility of being

in one of the hottest months of the year, and

good parents.

was coincidentally my birthday.

One warm summer day after the husband returned home from work, instead of resting from his labors, he joined his small wife in her walk around the oval shaped walkway in the courtyard of our apartment complex.

He towered over her, not in a threatening way, but as her protector. The wife had been doing a lot of these walks recently, probably having been prescribed by her doctor.

On this occasion, the couple strolled leisurely

I watched them unobserved for quite a while, drinking in the sweetness of the moment. This walk was a reminder of how Christ loves us.

around the oval with her small hand tenderly

Ephesians 5:25 states, “Husbands love your wives,

tucked into her husband’s folded arm to steady

as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself

her gait, which was affected by the weight of their

for it.” Although He is much bigger than us in

unborn son. She would gaze up into his eyes and

every way, He is a gentle giant. He gazes down to

he into hers as they joined in deep conversation.

look into our hearts, to listen to our every word,

Who knows about what they spoke—plans for the

to our every problem, and steady us when we

28 // March 2023

stumble. All we need to do is to take His arm.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

H.O.P.E. Helps here do I start? Are you feeling overwhelmed, a bit beat down, somewhat stagnant? Let’s find some HOPE. Have you ever heard of “Heed Other People’s Experiences”? It’s a quick acronym to get motivated, to get moving forward. Life comes at us fast. Other times, it comes very slowly. Some days we are ready for progress.

Yet, opportunities seem distant and difficult to reach. Other days, life comes crashing on our heads like we’ve opened a closet that’s too full and unorganized. We need HOPE.

We don’t have to make all the mistakes to learn. We don’t have to struggle all the struggles to know what happens on the other side. We can look to others who have blazed trails. But I don’t have time to listen to all those inspirational podcasts. I don’t have funds to attend all those workshops or seminars.

Flip a light switch. Remember scientists and inventors who developed lightbulbs and harnessed electricity? Crank a vehicle. Recall the early pioneers of “horseless carriages”?

Hear a few bars of graduation theme music? Honor those who have passed all the courses in a program. They kept at it until the goal was reached. We can too.

So, who do I look to? Lots of examples of Heeding Other People’s Experiences can be found in the Bible. The Bible records fellow strugglers who kept focused on the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27). *David kept praising God in the tough times. He lost a child, had marital troubles, struggled through family dynamics,

30 // March 2023

lost battles, and won battles that didn’t even feel like victories. He kept praising! (See the Psalms) *Deborah charged forth into battle as a leader when others disregarded her expertise simply because of her gender (Judges 4-5). *Early in his relationship with Jesus, Peter bragged about his loyalty then buckled under the pressure within hours. Later, his loyalty was exemplary (Matthew 26:69-75). *Saul—who was later known as Paul—thought he knew it all, until his experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Humility underscored the rest of his life. Yet, the Lord wrote much of the New Testament through Paul’s letters to encourage Christians.

This same Saul who persecuted Christians later mentored them, including one young man named Timothy. Paul writes to his young friend in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

Paul was particularly selective in his word choice. The word “timidity” (deilia in the Greek) implies an insecurity.

Apparently, Timothy (which means “honoring God”) had let fear and insecurity slip in his thoughts, holding back his gifts.

“Timothy” and “timidity” start the same, but they don’t end the same! Paul’s encouragement spurred Timothy to keep honoring God by releasing the gifts inside him.

Has insecurity tied the bow too tightly on your gifts too?

Are you struggling to unwrap your talents and pursuits? Take HOPE (Heed Other People’s Experiences). Study how other folks pushed through to build their businesses. Investigate how they overcame hurdles. Search out ways to break down projects into manageable portions. As you work through your goals and challenges, remember His step-by-step promise: “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” (Isaiah 40:31).

About The Author

W

by Sandra Gilmore

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A New Heart

I

by David Huff

love springtime; birds start chirping and frolicking in

3, He calls out, “Where are you?” Firstly, this lets us

the yard, grass turns green, and trees start blooming

know that Adam and Eve were used to communing with

again. New life begins to spring up everywhere. For

God in the garden because they hid when they head His

many plants, animals, and humans, it is a fresh beginning

footsteps. Secondly, this tells us that even though God

and an opportunity for something new. Spring often

knew what had happened, He still went looking for His

makes me think of the creation story. God is creating

creation. That is the beauty of the creation story that is

everything from nothing. There is a part of the creation

still present today.

story that I am afraid many of us have forgotten.

God, in all His glory, knows each of us sins and falls short of His glory. Yet He still seeks us, He still searches for us, and He still wants to heal us. Are we like Adam and Eve and try to hide from God’s presence because of our sin? He already knows them. Do you remember the story of Jonah, who tried to run away from God and found himself in the stomach of a great fish? King David was not a perfect king by any means. He had a sin problem, and yet David is known as a man after God’s own heart. Why? King David cried out to God, “Search me and create a new heart in me.”

God looked at everything that He had just created: water, land, trees, animals, man and woman, and He

He also asked God to seek him.

It is never too late to start over, and it is never too late

pronounced, “It is good.” God was well pleased with

to ask forgiveness as long as you are still alive. The very

what He had created. Every time I see new life forming

God that created each one of us is waiting on us, seeking

in the springtime, I wonder what Eden was like when

us, and is calling us to Himself. May we stop hiding from

God finished creating the Earth. We know He said, “It

the God who loves us so much, open our hearts, and

is good,” but how peaceful was it for Adam and Eve

allow God to create a new heart in each one of us.

communing with the living God? what Eden felt like. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God walked through the garden to look for them. In Genesis

32 // March 2023

About The Author

In the Genesis account, we are given a sample of

My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and production team. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

No Man Is an Island

T

by Beth Penny

he phrase “No man is an island” was coined

Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, Moses

by scholar and poet turned church cleric, John

and Aaron; the list goes on and on. Lasting bonds in

Donne, in his poem: “No man is an island; entire

all relationships are created through trust and loyalty.

of itself. Every man is a piece of a continent; a part of

Proverbs 17:17 advises us, “A friend loves us at all times;

the main…” His argument is people are at their best

and a brother is born for times of need.”

when working with others rather than in isolation.

That’s companionship in the condensed version. We

Every person is an individual piece of humanity. Look

need a circle of friends, family, and loved ones around

ahead 200 years to 1816, and 18-year-old Mary Shelley

us to share in times of joy and need. There are always

pens Frankenstein, which is not the story of an iconic

both happiness and struggles, and having more than one

horror monster who has bolts in his neck and walks stiff-legged with outstretched arms. It is a classic story of companionship versus isolation.

Stories of friendship and camaraderie are as old at time…for a reason.

Companionship is a basic human need right behind food, water, and shelter. God perfectly designed us that way. In the very beginning, Genesis 2:18 reminds us that God created woman as a companion for man. “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” God created Eve not only as a wife for Adam but also as a companion.

There are so many sociological theories on the importance of relationships. Helen Fien, a sociologist

person to share a burden lightens the load and allows more for a joyful celebration.

Remember how important all your relationships

specializing in human rights and genocide relating to the

are in your everyday lives. Take care of your circle and

Holocaust, put forth a theory of human behavior called

treasure those around you. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the

The Universe of Obligation. This describes a hierarchy of

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your

caring. Who belongs in your “inner circle,” and who do

soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest

we have a responsibility to in our ranked circles?

commandment. And the second is like it: Love your

We see many times throughout the Bible how all

neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-38).

examples of marriage relationships but also familial and friend relationships: Ruth and Naomi, David and

34 // March 2023

About The Author

different relationships are so important. We see not only Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair.

She and her husband, Chad, have four children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sitting Duck

H

by Karla Smedley

ow ignorant are we to simply sit stagnant, making us

I find myself just sitting there like that ignorant duck resisting

an easy target to be tempted by Satan? God’s Holy

Satan’s blatant temptations, but making no movement toward

Word states no one is immune to the temptations of

God. Thus, I drift away from Him whenever Satan tosses a

Satan, and yet, we often sit still, like a duck waiting for the

pebble, one of his less subtle allures, in the pond, causing me

hunter to take his shot. Will you sit like a dumb duck, or will

to drift with the ripples. When I give in to his coaxing, my boat

you take action and protect yourself?

weighs more, producing increased difficulties in managing the

Take A Page from Dobson’s Book

oars to draw closer to Him.

Have you ever read a line that sticks with you forever? I gleaned one such thought that has resonated with me for over twenty years. In James Dobson’s book, Coming Home: Timeless

The Good News There is a way to find my way back to God. Dump the contents of my sin out of my boat, and turn toward Him.

Wisdom, he creates the image of a couple sitting on a lake in

• Ask for forgiveness and repent

separate row boats. As the title indicates, he shares wise words,

• Know that God forgives as far as the East is to the West

hoping the reader will apply them to his/her own life. He

• Remember God loves me

draws the picture of the separate boats drifting apart because

• Pray, asking God to help me feel His presence

neither of the rowers are willing to put in the effort to move

• Read His word and seek His wise ways

toward one another—just sitting like ducks with a target on

• Apply this wisdom to my life, overcoming

their backs. While motionless, Satan will tempt them, and if they act upon these temptations, they will actually shift further away in the opposite direction. He suggests that both are in control of their boat and should pursue action, intentionally

my consequences • Learn from my mistakes and strive to live like Jesus more each day Ditch that sitting duck attitude and migrate towards the

rowing to one another.

Lord. You will be surprised by the peace you will find when

Applying to My Relationship with God

you cultivate your relationship, rowing toward God every day.

What a wonderful comparison for a stagnant marriage.

However, couldn’t this be said about our relationship with God? God does pursue us. In the book of Matthew, he shares the parable that Jesus told concerning the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine, seeking to gather the one sheep that is lost! Yes, God would row towards me while I chase after a temptation that Satan has baited me with.

Sometimes, I fall for his methods: hook,

36 // March 2023

About The Author

line, and sinker. More often though,

Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Master’s Voice

H

by Brent Goodge

ave you ever ridden the emotional roller coaster?

It seems we all experience the feeling sometimes.

One moment life is great. The next, the entire

world seems to come caving in around us. As Christians, we all want to put on good faces. We polish up our testimony of broken lives before we met Christ and how everything is different now. And in the best sense, that is, or at least should be, true. If the peace offered to us in Christ doesn’t change the entire outlook of our existence, there’s a serious problem.

But often in our quiet moments, when we don’t have to be strong, how often do we see the waves of life crashing around us and wonder, “Why?” Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6 tell a story to remind us this question is not new.

Almost a year earlier, Jesus had angered the religious

the crowd. And then He disappeared up the hill to pray

leaders by clearing the temple of their profiteering (John

alone. The disciples were crushed. The opportunity had

2). Jesus had recently been rejected by his childhood

vanished. They sullenly left the dock for the opposite

friends and neighbors (Mark 6). John the Baptist had just

shore. A terrible storm arose. The storm was so severe

been beheaded (Matthew 14). And of the relatively few

that even these seasoned sailors were sure all hope was

who believed in Jesus, many would be turning against

lost. They were going to die. And then they saw it. They

Him within 24 hours (John 6).

weren’t sure what it was, but Something or Someone was

In the midst of all the failures to obtain popular

walking on the water. Then It spoke. “Be of good cheer!

support to make Jesus king, the feeding of the five

It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Inside the boat,

thousand seemed to the disciples to be the perfect

Jesus asked, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

opportunity. Jesus took a small boy’s lunch and fed close

(Matthew 14:31).

to twenty thousand people. A leader who could feed

From the pride and jubilation of the afternoon,

vast armies, heal the wounded, and even raise the dead

to the sullen disappointment of the evening, to utter

was a leader who could restore Israel to the top of the

despair of life itself in the storm, to solemn awe in the

Mediterranean food chain.

presence of the Master. The disciples had been through

The disciples’ hopes rose to a fevered pitch. This was

it all. When all hope had died, the voice of the Master

the moment! Their dreams were coming true. They were

changed their world. Will we, of little faith, allow His

no longer following a no-name. They were going to be

voice to change ours?

And then Jesus messed everything up. He told the disciples to take a boat across the lake. Jesus dispersed

38 // March 2023

About The Author

the cabinet for the new King of Israel.

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and prays for focus to listen for the Master’s voice rather than staring at the surrounding waves.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Fear Not?...Not!

W

by Lori Sentell

e are reminded in Isaiah 41:10 that we

He knew that we would experience stress, worry, and

are not to fear. This Scripture tells us that

even terror. Our life experiences can be treacherous

He is with us, yet, in our present world,

and unpredictable. We all go through difficult times

we see ourselves and others around us experiencing

that are overwhelming. I think David understood this

fear. What can we do when everything we see and

when he stood in front of Goliath that day. He knew

hear wants to evoke fear into our lives? We need

that Jehovah God was with him. Others were in terror

to take a closer look at the Scriptures that can help

and fear as Goliath ridiculed them, yet he chose to fear

us overcome fear in ourselves and others. Isaiah

not! David slew the giant that day because of his faith

41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you: Be ye not

and trust in God.

dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous hand.”

Our Heavenly Father does not want us to live in fear.

He assures us that no matter the circumstance, He is ever present. He wants us to know that in the moments and times when fear tries to grip us, we are not to be consumed by it.

He desires for us to realize that He is God and that we can cast every fear (care) upon Him. We cannot overcome it alone but can make it because of His promises. Knowing that He will help and strengthen us is so encouraging!

We can see the giant of fear in our lives fall. Do not allow fear, worry, and anxiety to taunt you any longer.

In Isaiah 43:1, the Word tells us, “Fear not, for I

Refuse to give in, stand up in faith, and trust God to

have redeemed you: I have called you by your name;

bring you through. Realize that you are His child, and

you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I

He cares about every detail of your life. Share with

will be with you: And through the rivers, they shall not

others around you how the Lord has helped you trust

overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you

more in Him. Fear not!

He reminds us so many times not to fear. He felt it was important and necessary to tell us so because

40 // March 2023

About The Author

shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Lori Sentell is the pastor’s wife of Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, and she is a teacher at Hopewell Elementary School.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Springtime Lemon Cookies Lemon cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate a spring day! We recommend sharing these cookies with a friend during your mid-afternoon coffee date, popping one in your child’s lunchbox for a mid-day surprise, or treating yourself to one (or maybe two) after a long day! If you try out this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Ingredients Cookie Dough • ½ cup of all-purpose flour • ½ cup of almond flour • ¼ cup of tapioca flour • ¼ cup of cane sugar • 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt • ¼ cup of coconut oil • 2 teaspoons of lemon zest • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice • 1 tablespoon of milk (or dairy-free milk alternative) Cookie Glaze • ½ cup of powdered sugar • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice • 1 teaspoon of milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)

42 // March 2023

Instructions 1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cane sugar, lemon zest, salt, and flour. Then, stir in coconut oil, lemon juice, and milk. Combine until all ingredients form a dough.

3. Place your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. This will help you roll out the dough easier!

4. Then, roll out your dough and use cookie-cutters to cut out as many cookies as possible. Place cookies on the parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes.

5. While the cookies are baking, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk to make a glaze.

6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

7. Enjoy!

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Gò0dNews Poetry

On My Mind

by Judy Hood

I woke up this morning with you on my mind My feelings for you I just cannot hide My faith grows stronger with each passing day From your word, it’s my manna, you made a way I look to the heavens looking for you But there you are right beside me in everything I do I will not fear as I walk through this life on earth What can man do to me? You knew me before birth Lord, you have loved me with an everlasting love I can’t wait to get to heaven to give you a long-lasting hug My love for you I’ll not be able to control as we stroll down those streets of gold And I look upon your face your radiance to behold 44 // March 2023

Gò0dNews

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W

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e believe when people are equipped,

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living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

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What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

More Than a Symbol

“T

by Deck Cheatham

hen Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the

But there is still more. “It is written,” Jesus repeated

wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And

with each temptation. And here the Scripture tells me our

when He had fasted forty days and forty

Lord was prepared and possessed a foreknowledge that

nights, afterward He was hungry” (Matthew 4:1-2, NKJV).

when temptation came, He could in all human weakness

The son, startled by the familiar voice, turned and

and spiritual strength say, “Away with you, Satan!” This

locked eyes with his father. He had not known the father

is the strength I pray for in my weakness, the reason for

was watching. The father, ever concerned to ensure his son’s

daily devotion and preparation. Lent asks me to lock my

good comport, gestured toward the son with a seriousness

eyes on the Father and to prepare for the temptation that

demanding the son’s attention.

And isn’t this what God wishes from His children, to keep the focus on the Father? Isn’t this the Christian observance of Lent, to yield to the Father? Isn’t this what Jesus did in the wilderness, fast and pray and yield to His Father? Three times the devil tempted Jesus. Three times Jesus refused and spoke of the Father by what is written.

Lent is the time Christians remember Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Some remember their own wilderness. Some have yet to experience one. All are asked to remember their temptations and seek forgiveness for their sins. Lent is when Christians pause

comes. And it always comes. And should not my fast, my

from the all-too-easy rote recitation of faith and daily living

dependence on God, my redemption, find permanence in

and are called to a deeper faith beyond the symbolic gestures

my life?

of fasting. Facing God during Lent with anything less than

George MacDonald wrote, “A man may see visions

earnest attention to my weakness and God’s grace suggests a

manifold, and believe them all…something more is

falseness remains inside me. Redemption (the whole of Lent)

needed—he must have that presence of God in his soul of

demands a permanent fast from this falseness.

which the Son of Man spoke, saying, ‘If a man loved me, he

But I notice more. Jesus was obedient to God with every

will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we

temptation. I get it was Jesus. If He had succumbed to the

will come unto him, and make our abode with him.’”

perceived human good Satan offered him, He would not

“For those who have ears to hear, let them hear”

be Jesus. But in the more, in the being of His life and in His

(Matthew 11:15, NKJV).

me to more. Faith calls me beyond symbolism and rote recitation and child’s play. I am called to live a changed life.

46 // March 2023

About The Author

obedience, I see the lesson I am to learn. The lesson calls Deck Cheatham has been a golf professional for some 40 years. He lives with his family in Dalton. He is a guest columnist for the Rome News Tribune, The Daily Citizen, and the Calhoun Times. Email him at pgadeacon@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Dead Heart Revived

by Sheneka Land

I

recognized the symptoms of my dying heart long before

In fact, they may say something opposite or, even more

it hammered out what felt like its final beat. But I pushed

painful, they may say nothing at all. We allow people to

on. Secretly I would tell myself, I don’t think I can take

become the stronger voice in our lives, and we become

another rejective blow to my heart. One day I will no longer be

discouraged and hopeless, maybe even questioning our

able to hide the pain, and my heart will die.

very existence.

No, I was not to die physically, but my wellspring of

The road to discovering our identity in Christ is full of

life seemed dried up, leaving me hopeless and disconsolate.

hills and valleys, and we will sometimes suffer injury. It

Past trials can lead us in a struggle to please others, to fix

may feel as if God has forgotten us, and we wonder why

ourselves so that our hearts and minds won’t continue to

He does not rescue us or at least attend to our wounds.

suffer abuse as in the past. We work hard to be liked, to

During a particularly difficult season in my life, I came close to giving up everything I had been working towards for years. I no longer desired to be a part of any faith community, and I began to find excuses to stay home from church each Sunday. It felt safer to exclude myself from the spiritual family so that I would not longer feel the pain of rejection and betrayal.

I had been faithful in church attendance for many years, but I was exhausted, with no desire to do anything except to stay home to read, garden and enjoy my pets and family. My wellspring of life seemed to be dried beyond any hope of redemption or life.

I did indeed isolate for nearly three months, but eventually, I began to hear a gentle

make people laugh, and to be told that we are doing a good

voice whisper: See Me. See My fingerprints on the canvas

job. We long for others to affirm what God has already said.

of your life. You are not who they say you are. Listen to Me.

As we age, we begin to view milestone events and

During this season, I prayed tearful and sometimes angry

chapters of transition to measure our worth, value, and

prayers, but eventually I began to feel the smile of God

success. Have we done well? What do others think of us?

upon me, and I discovered hope and faith again.

Is what God said about me really true? We may draw an

Job 5:18 says, “For He bruises, but He binds up; He

imaginary box in our minds, place those questions inside,

wounds, but His hands make whole” (NKJV). May our

and hope for certain answers to those questions that will

futures not be shaped by our hurts but rather by our hope

meet our expectations—expectations that will finally bring

in God who desires to make us whole.

us affirmation and acceptance that we have been searching And then it happens…or maybe it’s better to say it does not happen. People do not say the same things God says.

48 // March 2023

About The Author

for all our lives.

Sheneka Land is an ordained minister, community service chaplain, and a graduate of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary where she earned her MDiv. She is co-author of 8(pathwaybookstore.com). She and her husband, Jon, currently reside in Cleveland, TN. Sheneka can be found on Facebook at Strokes of Hope.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Beauty for Ashes

by Dorothy Teague

I

n January 2014, my oldest son passed on to Heaven due

forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Psalm 147:3 tells us that

to a lengthy illness. In February, I was still reeling from

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

losing him even though I knew he was with the Lord. I

I believe the gifts He endows us with at conception go

was up late one cold night and went to the fireplace to warm

with us throughout our lives so that we might point others

up. But I found only embers barely alive from the fire that

to Him. People can be cruel to those who have slipped and

had so recently burned bright and hot. As I stirred the dying

fallen into sin or those they suspect have sinned. For some

embers, I heard God speak in my spirit clearly. He said,

reason, they suddenly think that God doesn’t forgive and

“Stir up the gift that is in you!” (2 Timothy 1:6). You see, I

that a person shouldn’t work within their gifting anymore.

had spent many years caring for my son, especially the last

Jesus had something to say about this in John 8:7. “Let he

year, and I had to put my singing and writing on hold. The

who is without sin cast the first stone.” People are quick

Holy Spirit spoke to me in my time of mourning and gave

to judge, it’s in our own sinful nature to do so, but God’s

me not only permission, but a directive to start using my

opinion is really the only one that counts! He takes the

gifts again for His glory. With each song I sang, my joy in

messiness of our lives and turns it into beauty for our good

the Lord returned.

and His glory. Ashes, like trials, are useful. Ashes can be put

Sometimes a crisis or tragedy happens in our lives, and

in a garden to make the soil fertile to bring on new growth

it seems like God couldn’t possibly use us anymore to do

and life. That’s what God does with our tragedies; He uses

His will. But God comes and stirs the ashes of our lives and

them to help us grow in Him, though the growth does not

creates new life within us. Isaiah 61:3 says, “To appoint

feel very good at the time.

unto them who mourn in Zion, to give

When you’re standing with the ashes of your life all

unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of

around your feet, just remember that

joy for mourning, the garment of

God can turn what looks like defeat

praise for the spirit of heaviness;

into a triumph! He can give you

that they might be called trees of

a new beginning (Isaiah 43:19).

righteousness, the planting

God told me to stir up

of the Lord, that he

my dormant gifts, and

might be glorified.”

then He ignited the

Isaiah was

fire, giving me new

delivering a

opportunities to

message of

share about what

hope to the

a good God He is!

nation of Israel.

He can give you

We, too, have that

a beautiful new

hope because we

beginning too!

know that God

50 // March 2023

About The Author

never leaves us or Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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