Issuu

Gò0dNews dNews May 2015

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

Dalton

Coping with Change p. 6

A Special Gift for Mom p. 14

What is Wellness p. 24

Mason Farm At River’s Edge “The Barn Built For One Very Special Day”

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187648

1100 Burleyson Road • Dalton, GA (706) 278-2490

Writers

Reverend Karyn Bogert Pastor Samuel Burger Beth Henderson Craig Thompson David Grogan Danielle Jennings Donald Jones Eric Ward Joshua Chi Tatum Karen Brummer Morgan Jones Robert Green Shell Underwood Tracie Smith

Delivery

Charlton & Paulette Lewis

Sales

Cody Akins 706-260-5607

About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

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Caleb Prytherch

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GoodNews Christian Magazine Dalton

Distribution 5000 Monthly

Editor

Wanda Griffith

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Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Phone #: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

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issuu.com/goodnewsdalton

Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

May 2015

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 10 Pg 12 Pg 14 Pg 20 Pg 22 Pg 24 Pg 26 Pg 28 Pg 30 Pg 32 Pg 34

About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk Coping with Change by Reverend Karyn Bogert GoodNews for Kids A Special Gift for Mom by Danielle Jennings GoodNews on Money Matters How to Avoid Your Own Personal Financial Crisis by Eric Ward GoodNews for Men Are You Too Busy? by Pastor Samuel Burger GoodNews for Women The Gift of Desperation by Morgan Jones GoodNews for Parents A Note to Harried, Frustrated, Overworked Moms by Craig Thompson GoodNews for Life Turning Troubles into Tools by Beth Henderson GoodNews for Health & Fitness What is Wellness? by Joshua Chi Tatum GoodNews for Teens Finishing Strong by Robert Green GoodNews for Seniors Smell the Roses by Karen Brummer GoodNews for Everyone Fraternalism in Action by Donald Jones GoodNews for Couples Putting God First by Shell Underwood GoodNews for Everyone Selling Your Home? by Tracie Smith

Pg 18-19

Pg 16-17

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Coping with Change by Karyn Bogert

asked a high school senior the other day, “So what are you doing after high school?” He responded by rolling of his eyes and shrugging his shoulder. “I don’t know! Why does everyone keep asking me that? How should I know what the future holds?” This young man touched on an age-old dilemma. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. However, there are times in our lives when change and transition seem to be the order of the day. During these times of uncertainty or transition, it is easy to feel apprehension about the future. We would like to think that after the changeover from adolescence to adulthood, these times of transition will diminish. However, that is rarely the case. It seems we are always confronted with change. We change schools, jobs, automobiles, clothes, homes, and our appearance. Our relationships change in many ways, too. During our lifetime we might marry, have children, divorce, or become widowed. Even our roles within the family can change. At any given time, we might be a spouse, parent, child and/or caregiver for our children or our parents. Even friends, family, and significant others can change. These transitions can be more difficult than we expect. As we age, our self-image can change as well. Perhaps you’ve noticed that it’s more difficult to keep

6 // May 2015

up with things than it used to be. Maybe you can’t do the same things you used to enjoy. Personally, I find it very difficult to stay current on the rapid changes in technology! It was a humbling learning experience to be taught to use my smart phone by someone young enough to be my child. Whether we like it or not, change is the one constant in our lives. During these times, we can become frustrated, confused, resentful, depressed, fearful, or withdrawn. However, these are also times when we are challenged to adapt, to grow, and to transform. Most often, we employ our own coping skills to deal with life’s situations. We try to look at the big picture and not obsess on the problem. We find support and seek advice from trusted friends and family. We watch a movie, listen to our favorite music, or take a walk to relieve stress. We try to change the way we look at the situation and seek a fresh perspective. When our best efforts fail, we may seek help from a counselor or a minister. Many of us turn to our

faith to deal with life's changes. But sometimes, we can experience difficult times in our spiritual journey when we have to ask difficult questions of our childhood understanding of Scripture and struggle to grow into a more mature faith. It seems our journey of faith, too, can (and should) experience growth and transition. With all of this change in life, is there anything that we can count on? Yes! We can count on God’s grace and love for us. The prophet Isaiah delivered this message from God, “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (41:10 NIV). While everything around us might change, God’s love for us will not. God is the constant in our lives. God will continue to love us and extend grace even when we fail. No matter what we are experiencing, God continues to give us hope and strength to find new opportunities in the challenges and transitions of life. Blessings on your journey!

Reverend Karyn Bogert ministers at First Christian Church of Cleveland, TN.

300 N. HAMILTON ST.

DALTON, GA 30720

PH.(706) 428.9590

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Gò0dNews for Kids

A Special Gift for Mom N by Danielle Jennings

othing says Mother’s Day like a sentimental, handmade gift. From handprints in clay to handcrafted cards,

Mother’s Day is not complete without those gifts that are made with love. It is also not complete without flowers. Any type of flower, as long as it is given with love, is never a bad flower! So why not create flowers out of handprints? What a special way to deliver those flowers to Mom!

What you’ll need: • White sheet of paper

• Green paint for the stems • 4 other colors of paint • 1 color for the ribbon

• 3 colors that you want your flowers to be (Mom’s favorite colors would look nice!) • Paintbrushes

• Sponge to apply paint to hands!

How to:

• Apply the first color of paint to one of your hands • Press hand down firmly on piece of paper

• Apply second color of paint to the other hand

• Press down firmly overlapping the thumb on the first hand • Next, paint the stems with green paint from the palms to the bottom edge of the paper • Allow those hands and stems to dry for a few minutes • Apply the third color of paint to one of your hands, and overlap the other two handprints in the middle. • Your fingers should be right about where the thumbs are • Press hand firmly down on the paper

• Paint a green stem from that palm downward to the edge of the page. • Using your 4th color, paint a ribbon around the stems where they come together. • Let dry and present to Mom on Mother’s Day!

8 // May 2015

Danielle Jennings is the director of children’s ministry at Ooltewah United Methodist. She is a graduate of Lee University and is currently working on her master’s degree. Her passion is working with children and helping them succeed.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

How to Avoid Your Own Personal Financial Crisis

by Eric Ward

hile global financial crises are far beyond our individual control, it’s important to recognize that each of us is empowered to take control of our own personal financial

hypothetical scenarios: Scenario A: If you have pretax money invested in tax-qualified retirement savings and believe there’s a strong possibility marginal

future. One way to begin is by recognizing that there’s a lot of risk

income tax rates will go up in the future for you, consider one or more

and uncertainty out there, and that planning to help mitigate risk and

of the following:

deal with uncertainty can go a long way toward keeping our personal financial goals on track.

Today: Diversify your retirement savings by using techniques and financial products that provide tax-favored retirement distributions

Despite what seem to be uncontrollable economic forces, there are plenty of actions that can be taken today to incorporate “risk mitigation” into your financial decisions, to avoid having a personal

and/or risk mitigation options, such as a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k), Life Insurance and Annuities. At Retirement: To the extent possible, match future taxable retire-

financial meltdown. From a financial perspective, consider some of the

ment plan distributions with future personal and/or business income

more common risks everyone faces:

tax deductions to potentially create at least a partial tax offset.

Longevity Risk—outliving your ability to support yourself and

If, however, tax rates are high today and you believe they will be

your family financially.

lower for you at the time retirement income is needed, maximize con-

Mortality Risk—dying without properly protecting your family,

tributions to your tax-qualified retirement savings plan; thus, creating

your business, or your assets.

larger income tax exclusions or deductions for those contributions at

Health Risk—having to pay for a costly long-term illness,

the higher tax bracket.

whether it’s your own or the illness of a close family member.

Scenario B: If you are a business owner, it’s possible the value of

Credit Risk—not being able to borrow to grow your business or

your business will be a significant component of your future retire-

facilitate personal capital expenditures.

ment income. If you believe it may be difficult for you to sell your

Market Risk—not being able to sell your business or other im-

business for its fair market value when you retire, consider one or

portant assets for their fair market value.

more of the following:

Inflation Risk—having the cost of goods and services go up,

• Establish a funded buy-sell arrangement between you and your

especially after retirement.

current business partners, key employees, or even competitors.

Creditor Risk—having lawsuits and/or bankruptcy potentially

This will allow you to establish a value (by formula or otherwise)

erode your life savings.

and a buyer today for a sale that may occur many years from

Income Tax Rate Risk—the chance that income tax rates will increase just when you need to draw down income-taxable retire-

now. • Create a leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In

ment assets.

addition to providing benefits to eligible participants, this will al-

Obviously, any one of these risks could significantly impact your

low you to sell your stock to your employees on a tax-advantaged

ability to keep your financial plans on track. However, a combination

basis during your working years and at retirement.

of these risks can be even more devastating. Imagine the outcome to

• Take on an associate or junior partner to create a natural buyer.

the owner of a business who is about to retire if the market value of

You may want to consider your children or other family mem-

the business were to decline, the income tax cost of taking retirement

bers, even if they’re not yet ready (or you’re not yet ready to

distributions were to rise, and inflation hikes were to make everything

make the transition). With proper planning, family business suc-

more expensive.

cession arrangements can work out well for everyone concerned.

Now Is the Time to Consider Taking Action. What

Being aware of the risks that impact you the most is a critical

combinations of risk keep you up at night? What-

first step to risk mitigation. Next, identify your financial goals and

ever your answer, now is the time to consider taking protective action to help mitigate the risks that could upset your plans for tomorrow. Let’s look at two

objectives. Without clearly defined financial goals, opportunities you can take advantage of are much more difficult to recognize or implement. Of course, implementing an action plan to counter the risks you uncover is just as important, which is why it’s important to work with financial, tax and legal advisors to help ensure that even in times of economic uncertainty, you’re making certain your financial goals stay on track.

10 // May 2015

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Gò0dNews for Men

Are You Too Busy? by Samuel Burger

here was once a father who worked long hours

is their deep need and craving. Here are three sugges-

and did various activities with his friends in the

tions of how to meet that need: 1. The father/husband is to lead by words. What you say

evening after work hours. He enjoyed his life

and loved his job; however, there were problems mount-

can devastate or build. Did you know words have direc-

ing in his life. His wife repeatedly asked, “Honey, can

tive power over your spouse and children? One study

we please have at least one date night this week?”

revealed that the majority of men who were told by their

His son asked, “Dad, will you go to some of my baseball games?”

fathers they would never amount to anything ended up in prison. Understand what you say has a direct correla-

His reply seemed apathetic, “When I get time, I will.”

tion upon the direction your spouse and children take in life.

Men, don’t let your family suffer emotionally and

2. The father/husband is to lead by example. It’s vital to

spiritually because you are too busy. I heard one man

speak the right words to your family, but it’s also vital

say, “I wished I would

to let them see you act. Children learn best when they

have realized be-

see you live a godly life. There is one statement I’ll never

ing with my wife

forget: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion.”

and children was

Understand that your conduct also has directive power

more important

over your family. It’s quite difficult to lead when your

than working my

example doesn’t match the moral guidelines you place

butt off to make

on your family.

sure they had

3. The father/husband is to lead by love. The best thing

things. I tried

you can do for your family is to love your wife. As you

to fulfill their

love your wife as Christ loves the Church, you will

needs with things

be leading by example. Tell your wife how much she

instead of myself.

means to you with a hand-written letter and in person.

I’m sorry I made

Show her how much you love her by meeting her needs

my family suffer

and desires. Why don’t you cherish her and nourish

in that capacity.

her? Be willing to meet her in the middle on disagree-

What good is

ments to show her you are willing to sacrifice in order to

luxury without

see her happy. As you begin to compliment, encourage,

love?” Your

and affirm her, you will reap a greater return. You’ll be

family needs

so glad you did.

quality time with you. That

12 // May 2015

Don’t become so busy that you cannot lead your family effectively. Just be with them. Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Baptist Church. Feel free to contact him via email samuelbrgr@yahoo.com.

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Gò0dNews for Women

The Gift of Desperation by Morgan Jones

“H

e said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works well in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of God can work through me. For when I am weak, I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9 NLT). My name is Morgan Jones. I am 24 years old. I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but due to my dad’s career I’ve moved all over the States. My childhood was the ideal childhood; my sisters and I always had what we needed and what we wanted (within reason). While younger, I didn’t seem to mind the moving, because I loved having friends all over the place and being involved in different activities and sports. Our church attendance was the normal Sunday mornings and holidays, though my attendance was for more social reasons. I loved the retreats, camps, and concerts. At this time, I didn’t really understand the whole “God thing.” In 2006, we moved at the end of my freshman year in high school. This made a bigger impact on me than anyone expected. I started hanging out with the wrong people, and my grades started to drop. I became less interested in cheerleading and more in materialistic things and boyfriends. I wasn’t comfortable and wanted to be noticed. I never had a weight issue, but I started to take my health class a little too seriously and began eating less, which led to my battle with anorexia. My

14 // May 2015

normal weight (120 pounds) dropped to 87 pounds in less than a year. Anorexia took control of me, but I was finally getting the attention I asked for. Compliments like “Wow, you look so good!” or “How do you stay so skinny?” started turning into “You don’t look good,” and “You are too skinny.” By this point, I couldn’t stop. It wasn’t until I discovered alcohol that my eating disorder took a sidestep. I remember my first drink like it was yesterday because it was love at first taste. My eight-year romance with alcohol began. It’s all I wanted, every weekend and every day. I was lying, stealing, sneaking, and avoiding—doing whatever I needed to do to get alcohol. At college, it got worse, which led to academic suspension, depression, no self-worth, and one eye-opening suicide attempt. By the time I was 23, I had admitted myself into and completed nine rehabilitation treatment centers, not including medical detoxes. Beyond that, I have lost count. It wasn’t until I came to Providence Ministries in October 2014, that I began to find myself again. Alcohol had taken everything. I realized no alcohol, substance, or human power could rescue me from myself. It was (and only is) He who has the power to bring me out of my sickness and into His glory. God gave me the gift of desperation, and I surrendered to Him. I was tired of losing things like school, jobs, relationships, and opportunities because of alcohol. I am still in disbelief that God has given me so many chances, as well as my family, and to that I am eternally grateful. Providence has helped me find who I am in God’s eyes and not society’s. Every day I discover something new about myself and I believe that sharing my story with other women in this program helps me more than it helps them. Only God knows where I would be without them. I carried so much shame, but now I am proud to boast about my weaknesses because when I am weak, I am strong! Morgan Jones is a graduate of the Providence Ministries Women’s Program in Dalton, GA. She has lived all over the states but God has called her to stay here to share her testimony with other women who are expierencing similar struggles.

The new book from Brian Branam, Pastor of Liberty Baptist in Dalton, is now available.

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Dalton Church Directory Apostolic

The Bridge, An Apostolic Church 715 College Dr, 30720 706-280-0541

Assembly of God

Calvary Assembly of God 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-259-0045 First Assembly of God 508 Sheridan Ave Dalton, GA 30721 706-226-7743

Baptist

Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721 706-226-5987 Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020 Good Hope Baptist Church 2521 Lake Francis Rd, 30721 706-259-3719 Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8519 Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Dr, 30720 706-277-3505 Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776 Harmony Baptist Church 187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-226-5521 Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30720 706-259-3927 Northwest Georgia Baptist Church 222 North Pentz St, 30720 706-463-3490 Olivia Baptist Church 1817 Guy St, 30720 706-278-3507 Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721 706-278-5289 Beaverdale Baptist Church 2496 Beaverdale Rd NW, 30721 706-259-7089 Calvary Baptist Church 2115 Chatsworth Rd, 30721 706-278-6324 Carolyn Baptist Church 2305 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8142 Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484 Dalton Second Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422 Deep Spring Baptist Church 1449 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255

16 // May 2015

Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553 First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721 706-226-9681 First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thronton Ave, 30720 706-278-2911 Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721 706-259-7239 Gospelway Baptist Church 336 Jupiter Cir, 30721 706-278-1424 Harvest Baptist Church 3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721 706-694-8951 Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720 706-275-6050 Liberty Baptist Church 506 South Pentz St, 30720 706-226-5535 Liberty Baptist Church 4443 Tibbs Bridge Rd, 37021 706-226-4936 Macedonia Baptist Church 1355 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721 706-259-9220 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30721 706-483-6300 McFarland Hill Baptist Church 307 Brickyard Rd, 30721 706-277-5521 Mount Rachel Baptist Church 332 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-5192 Mount Ridge Baptist Church 308 East Matilda, 30721 706-278-0335 New Hope Baptist Church 900 Roan St, 30721 706-226-2093 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Salem Baptist Church 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721 706-259-7045 Shiloh Baptist Church 2014 East Waugh St, 30721 706-226-5981 Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-226-6785 Unity Baptist Church 1008 Burleyson Rd, 30720 706-226-3026 Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720 West View Baptist Church 104 Emma St, 30721 706-226-1219

Bible

Fellowship Bible Church 2044 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-6269

Catholic

Saint Joseph Catholic Church 623 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-3107

Christian

First Christian Church 1506 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-7244

Church of Christ

Central Church of Christ 214 West King St, 30720 706-278-8051 Highland Church of Christ 901 Chester Hill, 30721 706-226-4126 South Whitfield Church of Christ 118 Maurine Dr, 30720

Church of God

Cedar Valley Church of God 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016 Church of God of Union Assembly 2311 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-275-0510 City View Church of God 1814 City View, 30720 706-226-6686 Crosspointe Christian Centre 1007 Underwood St, 30721 706-278-2649

Pleasant Grove UMC 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 United Methodist Church 1700 Beverly Dr, 30720 706-278-3954 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

Rock Bridge Community Church 100 West Gordon St, 30720 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204

A New Beginning Full Gospel Church 2110 Antioch Rd, 30721 706-602-8998 Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721 706-965-6683 Cornerstone Family Church 1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Good Neighbors Church 910 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-226-0846 Saint James Overcoming Church 400 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-0319

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857

True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696

Community

Episcopal

Methodist

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 Five Springs UMC 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928 Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-277-3338

Pentecostal

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-5437 Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 East Dug Gap, 30720 706-226-6344

Seventh Day Adventist

3 Angels Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church 701 E Morris St, 30721 706-618-1182 Dalton Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church 112 W Long St, 30720 706-275-0523 Seventh Day Adventist Church 300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-2166

LIST YOUR Church Activities & Events Special Events Such As... •Revivals •Cookouts •Concerts •Fundraisers •Etc. Email: fernando.goodnews@gmail.com

FEATURED COVER STORY

Where Farm Meets Fun! by Sabrina Grogan

avid and Sabrina Grogan purchased the

the Georgia Agritourism, attending conferences to

Historic Tara Farm in the fall of 1996. It is a

learn more about mazes and special events.

beautiful farm located at the foothills of the

Appalachian Mountains, in Calhoun, Ga. They have a family history of residing in Gordon County

A Place to Connect Our first goal was to have a place where fami-

for 100+ years. Copper Creek has been holding

lies could come together and really connect and

weddings on the farm for about the last ten years.

have a great time making memories worth repeat-

They have been donating the funds to the Georgia

ing. We wanted this to start with our own fam-

Baptist Children's Home.

ily, allowing each of our four sons to take part in

Country Cabin Sweets Copper Creek Farm operates a mobile sweet service, known as Country Cabin Sweets, working hundreds of events all over the southeast for the past nine years. This allowed them to gain knowledge of food service, outdoor events, and southern hospitality. Copper Creek Farm had a vision of renovating the farm and becoming a Georgia Agritourism site. With this vision, Copper Creek closed in 2013 for renovation. Copper Creek Farm became a member of the Maize Company and a member of

18 // May 2015

renovating the farm.

The first structure was Copper Creek Grill, a timber frame walk-up restaurant. We incorporated all of our Country Cabin Sweets menu: from homemade ice cream, milk shakes, banana splits, key lime pie, to hot apple dumplings. Then we added real food: angus burgers, turkey burgers, Wisconsin grilled cheese, to our famous Frito pies. Next, we constructed the general store, also a timber frame structure. The store is complete with bathrooms, with changing tables. It is furnished with anything from glazed nuts, local honey, jams, jellies, old fashion licorice, to goat soaps and lotions.

pig race, to a monster cannon. We will leave the rest to your imagination. The main courtyard offers cow train, hayrides, gem mining, bonfires, and a waterfall. Copper Creek is continuing their service as a wedding venue and a place to hold special events. Now with structures built, we offer a better service to the public. While it is true that as time has gone by, farms have adapted to operate in a much more business like manor. We here at Copper Creek Farm still feel that families and relationships are the foundation of our farm. Our mission at Copper Creek Farm is

Barnyard Adventure Then we started focusing on the place where families could learn and play hands-on together, the children's activities. We wanted something adventurous, this came the Barnyard Adventure. Surrounding the red dairy barn is anything from an animated chicken show, 100 ft barn loft slide, an indoor live pony carousel, indoor corn boxes, a live

to offer quality and friendly service. Our vision at Copper Creek is to make a healthy and lasting impact on our community and our surrounding counties. Copper Creek is dedicated to growing healthy families, and making memories worth repeating. We at Copper Creek Farm invite you to come along and enjoy being a part of the new journey on our farm. www.coppercreekfarm.com

issuu.com/goodnewsdalton // 19

Gò0dNews for Parents

A Note to Harried, Frustrated, Overworked Moms by Craig Thompson

y wife and I have been parents for a long,

to Christian women. Read it again if you haven't done

long time (at least, it seems that way). One

so in a while. She also sounds like a woman who would

thing I've learned is that being a parent is a

look tired, harried, and sometimes frustrated. She

tiring job. Actually, it can be exhausting.

does a lot of good things for her family that take up an

As we celebrate Mother's Day this month, I look

immense amount of time in any given week, month,

around at the mothers of all ages in my circle of friends

or year. But when you read Proverbs 31, it doesn't talk

and reflect on their countenances. I see the mothers

about how this mom feels. It talks about what she does.

of preschoolers coming into church with little ones in

• She gets up in the dark and makes food for her

tow. I see mothers pick up their elementary-age sons from class. I see moms of high school kids as they try to coordinate schedules after church. Mostly, the mothers I know look stressed, tired, depleted. They have looks of concern on their faces.

household. • She buys quality merchandise for her family. • She works with her hands willingly.

• She remembers the poor.

• She's even an entrepreneur to help the family

Sometimes I see genuine sadness, especially in the

finances.

mothers of children who are going in the wrong direc-

And there's more. The key phrase is in verse 25:

tion. I see looks that say, I'm doing my best, but I'm

"She shall rejoice in time to come." Being a mom

really not sure I'm doing this right! The children they love generally don’t give a sec-

while you are in the thick of things doesn't feel pleasant. That's actually normal. Take

ond thought to the mental or physical condition of

the good emotions when they come. They

their mothers. They go through life ignorant

won't last, but they're nice. Think about

of the sacrifices their mothers make for

raising children as being more like you are

them daily. That's okay; they'll have kids

in training for a grueling double mara-

someday.

thon, followed by a triathlon or two.

I’m not saying that there aren't

The real joy comes when you

some bad mothers. I know moms

know you've completed the actual

who have spoiled their kids. I know

race. For moms, this is seeing your

moms who don't discipline their chil-

child launch out on his or her

dren other than to speak an idle threat

own and living a life of faith. It's

that everyone around (including the

seeing your daughter become

children) knows is a lie. The truth is,

a mother and realize that she is

those moms have a lifetime full of

raising her child to honor God. So

grief and misery ahead. When you

to mothers everywhere who are giving

raise an undisciplined and spoiled

their best: chin up! You're making a joy

child, you can easily reap a future

deposit every day!

addict or criminal. Proverbs 31 talks about the type of mother who is an example

20 // May 2015

Craig Thompson is an author and speaker. You can read more of his material at walkwithgod.com.

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Gò0dNews for Life

Turning Troubles into Tools Are You Allowing God to Use You?

“S

by Beth Henderson

o, how long have you been playing tennis?” “Just a couple of months.” “Well, you’re going to be great. I can tell.

You’ve got this, girl!”

“demons” that may have possessed us for years. 4. God can turn our troubles into tools of mercy and instruments of grace. Thank God for His transforming love!

My daughter, Jamie, had this conversation with her

So, what do we do with all this? Have you allowed

opponent on the tennis courts one day during a match. She

your troubles to keep you from getting in the game, so to

could tell the girl was very upset at her performance, and,

speak? Do you have hidden sins or past failures that make

encourager that she is, my daughter was trying to lift her

you feel unworthy to glorify God and help others? It can

competitor’s spirits. Conversely, she heard her opponent’s

be hard to open our lives up to others, because victory only

brother yelling from the stands, “Way to go. Do you even

comes after challenge, comfort out of pain, and healing

know how to play tennis?”

after brokenness. But don’t worry, broken people are the

I was so proud of my daughter that day. She could

only ones allowed on the team! So, what do you do now?

have gloated and made the girl feel the full sting of defeat,

• Acknowledge the mercy, compassion, and comfort

but she didn’t. She had compassion and acted accordingly.

God has offered you. Embrace it! Surrender your life

Why? Because she has walked a mile in that girl’s tennis

to Jesus—all of it!

shoes and knows what it’s like to be on that side of the court. The encouraging words of others has inspired her to keep trying even when it looked like she might lose.

• Allow God to set you free from the bondage of past mistakes and turn your troubles into tools He will use to help restore someone else and point them to Him.

Second Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us this: “Praise be to

• Take the first step of obedience by telling someone

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

what God has done for you! Your story is what a

compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in

broken heart needs to know that healing is available

all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble

for them, too.

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God”

It’s spring now, and with new

(NIV).

growth outside, it’s a good time

In the Gospel of Mark, after Jesus had healed the

to experience new growth

demon-possessed man, He instructed him this way: “Go

inside. Look for how you

home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has

can comfort someone today,

done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (5:19

and remember it was dur-

NIV). There’s good news in these passages for us.

ing a time of sorrow that

1. God is the Father of compassion. Compassion is sym-

the writer of Lamentations

pathy that causes one to act on another’s behalf. He will act

reminded us: “Because of

on your behalf.

the Lord’s great love we are

2. God is there to comfort us in our troubles. What

not consumed, for his com-

troubles are you experiencing today? Can you feel God’s

passions never fail. They are new

comforting presence in your life? If not, ask Him to help

every morning” (3:22-23 NIV).

you experience the comfort He offers. 3. God is a God of mercy. He sets us free from the

22 // May 2015

Beth Henderson is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

What is Wellness? by Joshua Chi Tatum

he Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of wellness is: “The

endurance jumped right off the page and slapped you in the

quality or state of being healthy in body and mind,

face, it might be a sign that some endurance training would do

especially as the result of deliberate effort, or an ap-

you a ton of good. Remember 1 Corinthians 6:20 says: “God

proach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and

bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with

prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.”

your body” (NLT).

I would like to take that a step further and say the definition of

Wellness of the mind and soul work hand in hand. “For

wellness is the state of being healthy in body, mind, and soul.

God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,

Wellness of the body is really all about fitness. Fitness is

and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7 NLT). Take the mind you have

the measureable part of your wellness game, and that means

been given and sharpen it, use it, train it. Your mind and soul

it’s something you can observe, record, and repeat. Here are

are your strongest weapons in this battle for wellness, and

ten general physical skills to consider to get the most from

what soldier would go to war without his sword and shield?

your body: 1. Cardiovascular/respiratory endurance—the ability to gather, process, and deliver oxygen. 2. Stamina—the ability to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy. 3. Strength—the ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply force. 4. Flexibility—the ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.

Power is found in those last few reps—in that last mile just before you break and end in failure. Fight to find the power you have already been given. David knew the power he had been given and put it to use when Goliath defied the army of the living God. He told King Saul, “ ‘I have been taking care of my father’s sheep,’ he said. ‘When a lion or bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death.’

5. Power—the ability of a muscular unit, or

. . . I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too.

combination of muscular units, to apply

. . . The Lord who saved me from the

maximum force in minimum time.

claws of the lion and the bear will res-

6. Speed—the ability to minimize the

cue me from this Philistine!’ ” (1 Sam.

time cycle of a repeated movement.

17:34-37 NLT). Every time you step on

7. Coordination—the ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement. 8. Agility—the ability to minimize

the battleground that is life, know your Maker will stand by your side. Love is passion. Be passionate about wellness, and the lifelong journey of living well. A strong community of people with

transition time from one move-

similar goals and beliefs will pour love into your

ment pattern to another.

life and give you an outlet to pour yours.

9. Balance—the ability to control the placement of the body’s center of gravity in relation to its support base. 10. Accuracy—the ability to control move-

Self-discipline is not always easy, but nothing worthwhile really is. True wellness of body, mind, and soul is worth the struggle; it’s worth the pain and it’s worth all the sacrifice. It may feel like taking

ment in a given direction or at a given

up your cross daily can be a burden, but that cross

intensity.

you carry will bring you strength and the power to

When going down this list, I’m sure you see

slay the Enemy and overcome any stronghold in the

at least one of your favorites and a few of your

way of your wellness.

least favorite things in all the world. The key to

Live well, friends.

wellness of the body is training your weaknesses. With that said, if cardiovascular/ respiratory

24 // May 2015

Joshua Chi Tatum (706-264-3098) is the husband and father of three boys. He is coach and personal trainer at CrossFit Discernment, 640 S Hamilton St. Dalton, Ga. 30720. crossfitdiscernment.org

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Gò0dNews for Teens

Finishing Strong The Faith Journey Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint. by Robert Green

ost everybody I know has some semblance of a “bucket list.” For me, the bitter sweet is that I was able to check most of those off before I was twenty-one while serving alongside the U.S. Army Special Forces. • Jump from an aircraft from several thousand feet [check] • Don the Green Beret [check] • Fire some of the world’s greatest military weapons [check] • Ski in the glaciers in Switzerland [check] • Hike through the Bavarian Alps [Check] • Learn foreign languages [check] • Get a behind-the-scenes look of the Holy Land [check] • Travel the world [check] • Ride in the “Mystery Van” with Shaggy and Scooby Doo (okay, so I can’t check that one off yet). There are a few things, however, that I have not yet checked off my list. One of those would be checked off just a few days before my fiftieth birthday—to run a full marathon (26.2 miles). It took me a half-century to complete the challenge, but it is finally at the bottom of the bucket. The race took place on a cold, blistery morning at the Chickamauga Battlefield Park. The cannon’s went off and so did a few thousand runners who made their way around a short circle to wave to friends and family. Then off we went into the frozen tundra covering what would be equivalent to running across the Golden Gate bridge thirty-three times or covering the length of 415,008 human tongues stretched out in a straight line. The marathon has such rich history, dating back to Biblical times. The imagery of the marathon has been part of my favorite go-to analogy when speaking about

26 // May 2015

the Christian faith. The topic of finishing strong has been the most repeated message and has become my life’s mission statement. So many in this life start strong but fail to finish strong. History is filled with coaches, athletes, dads, moms, husbands, and wives, who began the journey with so much promise but sadly ended with so little to show for it. They thought the race was a sprint and got off to a good start but didn’t train well enough to finish the journey. I had used the Boston Marathon as one of my points to illustrate how mentally and physically challenging the race of life can be. Boston is known for a particular part of the race around the 19-mile marker where the infamous Heart Break Hill is located. Having to ascend this hill after a gruesome distance is tough. More people drop out here than any other part of the race, because their body is starting to shut down. At some point in life, everyone will experience heartbreak hill (cancer, divorce, bankruptcy, moral failure, death of a loved one, you fill in the blank ____________). During these moments, you have to trust and “[Be] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6 NIV). Paul used rich, racing analogies throughout his Epistles, and this is perhaps my favorite: “You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming” (2 Tim. 4:6-8 The Message). Robert Green is a 28-year-youth ministry veteran, an avid runner, spiritual coach, chaplain, and is now serving as an area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes over the Ocoee Region. What he treasures most is his wife Teresa and his two daughters Mariah and Sierra.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

Smell the Roses by Karen Brummer

e have long heard the adage, “Stop and smell the

Louis suburb. It’s a balmy late summer morning with

roses,” but when does that happen?

clean air and beautiful sunshine accompanying me on

When we are children, we stop and smell nearly every-

my walk. I’m happy and excited about what my day

thing, and it’s all so exciting. And many of those early

will hold. Childhood . . . what a great time! Do you have

fragrances are embedded in our memories for a lifetime.

fragrance memories?

I have two particular aromatic memories that instantly transport me to a time long, long ago.

The growing-up years follow those early childhood days of freedom. School, sports, friends, dates—not

My first fragrance memory is when I was about

much time devoted to fragrances or things of the pres-

three years of age. During that year, we lived in Chi-

ent; the future is where it is! Gotta grow up! Very soon

cago, and during occasional drives, we would pass

we have a job and maybe a family. Time to sit back and

through a very distinctive odorous area. Much later in

smell the roses? Hardly! Now it’s work, work, work to

life, I learned that odor was from a glue factory near the

pay the bills which provide food, clothing, and shelter.

stockyards. I have smelled that odor a few times since

We feel the need to prove ourselves and get ahead. If

then (likely when back in the area traveling to visit fam-

children come along, it’s not a dawn-to-dusk day; it’s

ily), but instantly, I am that three year old with wide

more like a dawn-to-midnight day. Where did the roses

eyes peering out the car window with nose scrunched

go? They were still there; we just didn’t feel we had time

up squealing, “Eeeewwwwww!”

to stop and smell them.

The second memory is more pleasant. It is the

So when do we stop and smell the roses? Retirement

distinctive fragrance of flowering crape myrtle shrubs.

time is the prime time, particularly if you have down-

Each time I get a whiff of that light, sweet fragrance, I’m

sized and chosen an apartment in a senior-living com-

six years old walking to my nearby first grade in a St.

munity such as The Terrace at Mountain Creek. Relieved of the burden of maintenance, lawn care, cleaning, meal preparation, and clean-up, residents are free to finally pursue the fun activities that have been put off for too long like visiting with friends, pursuing a hobby, playing cards or games, reading leisurely, taking a daily stroll just for fun, and yes, stopping to smell the roses. Are you stopping to smell the roses? There is no time like the present. Now is the time to concentrate on enjoying life and the truly important things. STOP and smell the roses! Both your nose and your wellbeing will benefit!

28 // May 2015

Karen Brummer is the community relations liaison at The Terrace at Mountain Creek, where she can show her passion for seniors. She not only educates the public on the many aspects of senior living, but she also has a rich history of face-to-face contact with prospects, residents and their families. This experience, combined with her ‘real life’ role of daughter to parents in their 80s, gives her firsthand understanding of seniors and the challenges they face.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Fraternalism in Action by Donald Jones

t seems that in today’s busy world we don’t

ern Woodmen learned that Bob Akins, a disabled

have time for the things that matter. There is

veteran, was unable to walk up the steps into his

work, errands to run, school obligations, and

home, they sprang into action and volunteered to

many other things to drain our time. Often the

build a wheelchair ramp. Using funds provided by

small, but important things, get overlooked in the

the Good Neighbor program of Modern Woodmen,

daily rush.

this ramp was built at no cost to Mr. Akins. All the

We all have good intentions and plan to do

materials were purchased by Modern Woodmen.

something significant with our lives, but time just

The local Home Depot Store graciously discounted

slips away. We plan to join a civic group and give

the cost of materials so that we were able to build

back to our neighborhood. We plan to

the ramp within budget at no cost to Mr. Akins.

help others, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough time to fit it in. On and on it goes with good intentions that are unfilled.

With the help of Home Depot, we were also able to install grab bars in the home of another elderly man who can now get in and

I belong to

out of his house with less

Modern Wood-

effort. Touching lives,

men of America, a

securing futures—that’s

fraternal organiza-

what Modern Wood-

tion that believes in

men of America

helping people and im-

is all about. For

proving the community

more information about

we live in. A few weeks

volunteer opportunities

ago, I had the oppor-

or Modern Woodmen of

tunity to put words

America, contact Donald

into action and join other

Jones at 706-278-5725.

Modern Woodmen members and the local Home Depot Store in giving back to our community by helping a disabled veteran. When Mod-

30 // May 2015

Donald Jones is a lifelong resident of Dalton and Whitfield county. He has been a Financial Representative with Modern Woodmen of America since 1983 and has extensive training in business and personal uses of life insurance and annuities for retirement planning. He specializes in the family market helping families save for college, retirement and accomplishing financial goals.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Putting God First by Shell Underwood

ut Ruth replied, ‘Don't urge

demand, as well as issues my team faces

to learn to talk to one another because

me to leave you or to turn

daily, it gets busy in my office to say the

neither of us had very good role models

back from you. Where you

least. Shell and I are twelve hours apart;

as kids. We have learned everything the

go I will go, and where you stay I will

my mornings is her evening, which

hard way. Here are eight tips we have

stay. Your people will be my people and

means she has much to share with me

found along the way from books and

your God my God’ ” (Ruth 1:16 NIV).

while I am getting my day moving for-

mentors and even counseling sessions.

This scripture was also my desire

ward. This is an obstacle for us that we

1. Find a way to communicate every-

until one day my husband took a job

sometimes have an issue working past.

day. Get creative if they work out of the

that was out of town and I could not go

By nature, I am a fixer. One of the harder

country or in a place where the inter-

with him. Anyone who has known An-

lessons I have had to learn is that Shell

net is hard to use. Work around your

thony and me from the beginning knows

just needs me to listen and not always

schedules and have a set time to talk so

it started pretty wild and bumpy. We are

try and fix what she is sharing with me.

that you can talk without having distrac-

both strong willed and driven individu-

“Often I think I can understand

tions.

als. We have three beautiful children

how God must feel; I have to make

2. Don’t always gripe about the bad

together, and he has two successful

decisions all day; then, when I speak

things, but when there is something that is

children from his first marriage.

with my family, I have to listen and not

bad, really listen. (You don’t have to fix it.)

As you can imagine, the blending of

try and repair. God brought me a mate

3. Be Patient. Listen through the yell-

our family has been a struggle. To make

who is strong and capable of managing

ing. Most of the time the tone of voice

matters more difficult, after three succes-

our home with me a world away. I must

either starts the argument or makes the

sive local layoffs, he called an old buddy

constantly allow Him to whisper in my

situation worse. Sometimes people just

from the Marine Corp to help him find

ear, Relax, she has this. I know; I made

need to yell. Don’t take it personally.

a job. That led to many times he was out

her.”

of town for a month at a time.

Anthony and I are not alone.

4. Take up a hobby together or read a book together, so that when you do talk,

Anthony said, “The Lord has

According to one source 3.75 million

blessed me with a beautiful and strong

married couples are in a long-distance

wife; our children are healthy and smart,

relationship. Probably the hardest thing

have an advantage that most married

and professionally, I have achieved far

about his working halfway around the

couples do not. You get to miss one

more than I ever expected. God's hand

world is that we are in

another. You get a honeymoon period

has been on me all my life. Working in

two totally different time

every time he comes home.

International Oil and Gas

zones, and it’s extremely

in management means

difficult to communicate.

If he ends up dealing with everything

many things are processed

Over the past eleven and

alone, eventually he will not need you.

through me. From subsea

a half years, we have had

7. Do have a social life. Facebook is

operations, upstream

you can talk about that. 5. Date your spouse when you can. You

6. Support each other over the distance.

not a social life. If you don’t know where to start, volunteer at your church or a community organization. 8. Put God first in your life. The closer you are to Him, the closer you will be to each other.

32 // May 2015

Shell Underwood is a lifetime educator. She taught in Murray and Whitfield County Schools for 14 years as a science and math teacher. She has just opened a new Financial Planning office with Modern Woodmen of America in Dalton and she continues to volunteer in the local city and county schools with the Readers to Leaders program.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Carriers of Good News by William Lamb

“A

nd if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matt. 10:42 NLT).

I was five years old when my life changed forever! In 1964, I was born into the family of a Pentecostal pastor and a God-honoring Mom. I was destined to greatness, at least that is what my parents told me. “You can be anything you want to be,” still echoes in my mind when I think of my parents. They are in heaven now. Dad pastored small churches utilizing his carpentry skills to build up the church both structurally and spiritually. Then, Dad would move to another smaller congregation to “build-up” again. Watching this cycle, I witnessed my parents’ care for others. They taught their children to do the same. In most cases, the others were the “down and outers” (as Dad called them). You know the crowd; it’s the one that Jesus identifies in Matthew 25. In 1969, God’s design for my future became clear. In those days, the convicts, as they were commonly called, would do free labor as part of their restitution to society. On this particular day, the ditch along the driveway from the parsonage to the church was lined with men, young and old, all dressed the same. They wore white uniforms with a broad blue stripe down the pant leg and the letters CCC (Chatham County Corrections) in large, blue print across the back of their shirts. From the lens of a five-year-old kid, they were clearly the down and outers, and, in most cases, had paved their own

road to desolation. My parents loved and cared for the outcast and taught their children to do the same. One particular day in 1969 proved to me that I, too, could be a carrier of good news. Being an overly energetic child, I usually had to work off some energy. So that afternoon, my mom loaded me down with a bucket of popcorn and cups in one hand and a jug of Kool-Aid in the other. Then, she opened the door and pointed up the long driveway to a man dressed in blue. He was wearing a badge and holding a gun. With my eyes glued on the blue-suited cop, I walked past the group of convicts, careful not to drop the bucket or spill the jug. After handing the drink and snack to the guard, I ran back to safety of my mom who was watching my every step. For the next few days, I remember standing on the chair peering out the window at the team of ditch-diggers. Four decades later, I still find myself peering out the window looking for the outcast, the broken, and the hurt. In the March issue of GoodNews, I asked readers to identify existing needs, to think of ways they can meet those needs, and to start the process of serving others. Go ahead; look out the window and find your opportunity to be a carrier of good news.

“Four decades later, I still find myself peering out the window looking for the outcast, the broken, and the hurt.“

34 // May 2015

Dr. William Lamb is a member of the administrative staff at Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) where he leads a diverse and global “service-learning” program for college students. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. William and his wife Angela, along with their children Tyler and Megan, Nick, and Ben, reside in Cleveland, TN.

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