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Contents NOVEMBER 2019

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Thankful For Strength by Dan Hocker

GoodNews for Kids

8 Replace Fear With Love by Linda Ray Center

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Just Give Me the Money by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 A Faithful Father by Andrew Corbin

GoodNews for Women

14 Jesus, My Center, My Strength

by Heather Tate GoodNews for Teens

18 How Do You Use Your Time? by Jacob Herald

GoodNews for Parents

20 Is Your Home a Sacred Place?

by Brenda Dedmon GoodNews for Faith

22 It Requires Faith by Natasha Riser

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 Surprising Facts Behind Holiday Weight Gain

by Thomas Morrison GoodNews Cover Story

26 Local Volunteers Changing

The Lives Of Foster Children

GoodNews for Everyone

28 An Unswerving Hope by Jeff Pitts

GoodNews for Thankfulness

30 Not Thankful Enough by Nikki Hill

GoodNews for Couples

32 Tips For A Healthy Marriage by Susan Newberry

GoodNews for Everyone

34 Be Still

by Tommy Deal

GoodNews for Singles

36 Triple Aught

by Rhonda Lane

GoodNews for Marriage

38 Sometimes, Being Married Is Hard

by Donald Cantrell GoodNews for Everyone

40 Updating the Phone Book by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Gratefulness

42 The Gratitude Game by Amy Oyler

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

44 My Story Matters GoodNews for Everyone

46 Reclaim The Joy Jesus Intends For Us

by Candyce Carden GoodNews for Everyone

50 Sound The Retreat by Earl Brackin

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Thankful For Strength

“A

by Daniel R. Hocker

little nippy” described well how it felt

vitality has been subdued by the loss of his wife and the

outside, but you could still sweat quite a

onset of Alzheimer’s. He now shuffles when he walks and

bit once the activity began. It was the usual

isn’t steady on his feet. He doesn’t have the gusto for life

for this time of year. There were leaves on the ground,

that he once had and is often heard saying, “It isn’t easy to

and several trees still needed to come down. Those that

be the one who is left.” Yet, there is the midweek service

lay prostrate already were quickly cut into pieces just long

when his son teaches, and sometimes, the old man raises

enough to make firewood, and his job was to stack the

his hand to be recognized. When he shares, though, all the

wood. He was younger, although the college boy wasn’t so

gusto has returned! There is strength in his voice, and for a few moments, he is very much himself again as he shares from the Word of God. Things are almost the same. This Thanksgiving, we thank God for strength. It may be fleeting, like the strength it takes to run a chainsaw. We may measure it by how quickly we stack wood, or we might be able to ascertain strength by the sound of a voice. However we measure our strength now, we know that our strength comes from the Lord. And, since our strength comes from the Lord, we can rejoice knowing that His strength reaches beyond the

sure about stronger, as he glanced up to see the older man

fleeting to the eternal. May we acknowledge as Moses did

wielding the chainsaw as though it were weightless. He was

in Exodus 15:2 that, “The Lord is my strength and song, and

tired, but he wouldn’t quit as long as his father-in-law kept

He is become my salvation.” No, we don’t have the strength

that chainsaw buzzing. No doubt, this kind of outdoor work

to cut and stack wood. We don’t have the strength even to

felt best when it was over, but on the positive side, it did

comment with a voice that is strong, and we certainly don’t

work up a healthy appetite for the Thanksgiving dinner that

have the strength to save ourselves. He alone is our strength,

evening. The stack grew and the trees fell. Finally, the job

and this Thanksgiving, we thank Him for it. Yes, we are

was finished, and just in time for dinner!

thankful for strength!

become a grandfather, and the sound of the chainsaw is sadly missed as he looks at his father-in-law now. His

6 // November 2019

About The Author

Things are a little different now. The college boy has Dan Hocker is the senior pastor of Christian Fellowship Assembly in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. He has been married to his wife Crystal for forty-two years. They are the proud parents of six children who attend church with them most weekends with their twenty grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Replace Fear With Love Excerpt from Linda Center’s book, Crystal Discovers The Glow.

by Linda Ray Center

ave you ever wandered away from your

me to stay seated while he got us something to eat.

parents and gotten lost? Has a younger sister

He was gone longer than I’d expected, so I decided

or brother or your pet escaped from the house?

to look for him. Not a good idea. I lost my way. I was

Everyone is scared sometimes—even adults! This is a story about a girl named Crystal, whose

dad helped her when she was afraid. Crystal ran down the street calling her dog, Louie, “Come on, boy, where are you?” Her hands trembled

so scared that I hid in a bathroom stall. My father couldn’t find me and called the police. If I had only kept still and trusted Dad to come back, everything would have been okay. In the end, I learned it’s important not to panic when you’re afraid.” God’s Word says a lot about fear. One of my favorite verses is 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love drives out fear.” God is perfect love, and the closer you are to Him, the less power fear has over you. His love can help you put your fears to rest. With Jesus in your heart, you might still feel afraid, but you can know that He is near. The key to shaking off fear is to accept God’s love and trust Him to help you. When Crystal became afraid, she put her trust in God. After she turned her fears over to

as she pushed the back door to the house open. “Dad, I can’t find him,” Crystal whimpered. “I’m scared someone took him or he’s hurt somewhere.” Dad touched Crystal’s shoulder. “Honey, it’s going

Him, they changed to love. Like Crystal, you can put your fears to rest. Imagine the fantastic ways you can “glow as you go” if you trust God too.

feeling. But everybody gets scared sometimes, even me. Once my dad took me to a football game and told

8 // November 2019

About The Author

to be okay. I know you’re frightened, and it’s a terrible Linda Ray Center is an author and inspirational speaker addressing the importance of education to children. She encourages God’s design in relationships of all kinds and for all ages. www.lindaraycenter.com.

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Just Give Me the Money MONEY MATTERS

WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

elieve it or not, this isn’t an article about taxes, though the title may have made you think so (maybe I’ll discuss taxes in a future column). The title of this column refers to relatives, friends, or co-workers who request or even demand that you give or loan them money with “no strings attached.” It’s a touchy subject, but since your financial well-being could depend upon it, let’s proceed. I agree with Dave Ramsey about loaning money to family, friends, or co-workers, meaning it’s better to “give” the money rather than to “loan” it with expectation of being paid back. If you cannot afford to give the money with no expectation of repayment, it’s best to tell them “no.” Loaning them money means that these friends and family are now indebted to you. And since the Bible says (in Proverbs) that the “borrower is slave to the lender,” you have now “enslaved” your family member or friend, no matter how good your intentions may have been. So, this sounds very noble and altruistic—giving away “free” money to loved ones who are in need. But not so fast; even these “gifts” are not completely “no strings attached,” or at least they shouldn’t be. Before handing over your hard-earned money, it would be wise to ask some questions and offer some advice to the recipient. This is especially true if the friend or relative has a habit of asking for money. What are they doing with their money every month, and why are they always broke? Are they working full-time? If not, perhaps that’s the solution. (There’s a great place to go when you’re broke—to WORK!) Are they spending beyond their means? Do they have a written monthly budget to track all their expenses? Ask to see their budget and offer

10 // November 2019

helpful advice to “teach them to fish for themselves” rather than simply giving them a fish (money) on a regular basis. These are truly “teachable moments” where you can impart financial wisdom about disciplined personal finance. Not only can you help improve the financial health of those you care about, but you’ll also be helping yourself by not having to continue to give your money to those who perhaps are mismanaging their finances. With these types of situations, I have the same rule as Dave Ramsey: “if you want my money, you have to take my advice, too.” It’s easier to give money to help your loved ones if you are confident they are taking steps in the right direction to improve their finances, so they don’t keep asking for more money in the future. Don’t get me wrong: this applies to personal situations with friends and loved ones who are asking you directly for money to “help them out.” I don’t demand a face-to-face meeting with my church leadership every Sunday before I write my tithe check, nor do I meet with the Boards of Directors to review the budgets of every charity where my wife and I donate money. However, I highly recommend that you perform some due diligence by researching online to see what you can learn about any non-profit group before making a substantial donation. In recent years, we’ve seen many news stories about how some charities use most of their donations to pay high salaries to their administrators, with only a small portion of the money actually reaching the needy for whom it was intended. Be sure to do your homework so that your giving is effective. That’s part of being a good steward of God’s money.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Faithful Father

by Andrew Corbin

n Luke 15:11, we find a very familiar portion of Scripture

was his, the Father’s heart was broken. No doubt the father

which contains the famous story of the “Prodigal Son.”

knew exactly what would happen to his son. He knew his

This Scripture is often preached to depict a backslider,

son would go out and waste everything he had received on

and I believe that this message is the main one within this

worldly things, but the father let him go. The father gave

passage. The son goes to his father and demands all that

him everything he asked for, and he let his son go out and

is rightfully his. The father gives the son’s portion to him,

figure out how hard it is without the Lord.

but the son ultimately wastes all of it on riotous living. The

The father let his son come back the hard way. If the

son ends up at rock bottom with a job feeding swine. He

father would have kept giving him money, or if he would have kept chasing after his son, his son might not have ever come back. Even when it was heartbreaking, even through all the prayers and sleepless nights, the father sat back and let his son go down the broad path of a backslider. Many people overlook the faith of the father. When his son finally came home, the father was waiting on him, ready to give him a robe, a ring, and shoes. Brother Burman Cape used to say, “He robed him, ringed him, and Reeboked him.” The father also killed the fatted calf for him. No doubt, the faith and prayers of the

sees that the swine have more than he does, and he decides

father helped his son come home.

to go back to his father to be a servant for him. When the

There may be a father or mother out there who has a

Prodigal Son returns home, there is his father, waiting with

rebellious child, but the Prodigal Son’s father gives you the

open arms.

path you need to take. Keep the faith and expect the Lord

The father in this Scripture is without a doubt a symbol of our Heavenly Father. Even when we may wander and

to answer your prayer. Most of all, when the Lord answers your prayer, be ready.

stray from the way, He is there waiting on us to come back. He is ready for us to come back when we finally decide to In Luke 15, the faith of the father is often overlooked. I’m sure when the son came and demanded everything that

12 // November 2019

About The Author

get things right. Andrew Corbin is an evangelist who preaches throughout the surrounding area of Northwest Georgia. God called him to preach back in April 2017. You can find him at Grace Baptist Church in Dalton, GA, where he is a member and also plays guitar there.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Jesus, My Center, My Strength

by Heather Tate

hen I consider the hardships I’ve faced in my

The enemy would have us remain in shame because

life, I am overcome with guilt and shame. A

speaking against it could offer help to another hurting

feeling of self-loathing or sorrow overtakes me.

human in need. The enemy wants to keep us unable to

In my mind, the world awaits my shame. The world tells me

move past the lies of difficulties and hard situations because

I’m not enough, I don’t matter, and I can’t make a difference.

the enemy knows his victory is fleeting! There is hope for

However, God tells me otherwise. He tells me I am not of

anyone who is hurting. There is help! There is a place where

this world (John 17:16). “I can do all things through Christ”

true friends accept and support you in your efforts to move

(Philippians 4:13).

beyond personal shame!

Friend, if we listen to the world, we will succumb to grief and shame. But our Father in Heaven intends much more for us. We are not supposed to live a life of shame. We are to be joyful and praise Him (Psalm 100:2; Psalm 150)! I know in difficult times this seems impossible, but when we lean on Christ, it is more than possible! Through Christ, it becomes the catalyst of the life we’re meant to live in serving Him and fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20). I beg you, don’t let the world determine where you end up, what dreams you pursue, how you live life, or how you serve the Lord. The world will disappoint you every time. I’m speaking to myself as much as anyone. You see, this is a challenge for me every day in my fight against

Friend, I am praying that God gives you the strength

depression. I know a secret, though; I have a hope and a

to move; the strength to turn a deaf ear to the lies of the

future (Jeremiah 29:11). I know my Jesus has conquered the

enemy; and the strength to bind up that pain, heartache, and

world (John 16:33). I am equipped with the armor of God

shame and give it to God because He tells us to cast all our

(Ephesians 6:10-18).

cares and anxieties on Him because He cares (1 Peter 5:7).

Recently a friend shared her fears of speaking out

I pray that you gain the strength to know and understand

against abuse. On top of her own personal fears, she had

that when you give such things to the Lord, you no longer

to consider the condemnation of family and friends who’d

have to concern yourself with them (Psalm 32:5; Hebrews

rather the issues remain silent. Even though she was brave

8:12). He gives peace in times of trouble: peace beyond

enough to remove herself from the situation and move on,

understanding (Psalm 9:9; Philippians 4:7). Praise the Lord!

about it in an effort to help others. This is the enemy’s hope.

14 // November 2019

About The Author

others tried to dictate how she should or should not share Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.

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Christian Fellowship Assembly 3656 Chattanooga Road, 30755 706-280-7594 The Sanctuary 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-270-2088 The Impact 508 Sheridan Ave, 30721 706-226-7743

Baptist

Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721 706-278-5289 Antioch Baptist Church 1205 Antioch Road, 30720 706-278-1305 Beaverdale Baptist Church 2496 Beaverdale Rd NW, 30721 706-259-7089 Calvary Baptist Church 2115 Chatsworth Rd, 30721 706-278-6324 Carolyn Baptist Church 2305 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8142 Christ Reformed Baptist Church 1378 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-226-3026 Concord Baptist Church 1054 Hopewell Rd, Cohutta 30710 706-694-8618 Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484 Crown View Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422 Deep Springs Baptist Church 1660 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255 Dug Gap Baptist Church 2031 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-2377 Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553 Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020 Emmaus Baptist Church 4268 S. Dixie Rd, 30735 706-483-5251 First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721 706-226-9681 First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-2911 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Good Hope Baptist Church 2525 Lake Francis Rd, 30721 706-259-3719 Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8519 Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721 706-259-7239

16 // November 2019

Gospelway Baptist Church 336 Jupiter Cir, 30721 706-278-1424 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Harmony Baptist Church 187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-226-5521 Harvest Baptist Church 3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721 706-694-8951 Hill Crest Baptist Church 1901 Cityview St, 30720 706-279-1267 Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721 706-226-5987 Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Drive,30720 706-277-3505 Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720 706-275-6050 Liberty Baptist Church 506 South Pentz St, 30720 706-226-5535 Lindsey Memorial Baptist 706-673-7650 3503 Lindsey Memorial Rd. Rocky Face, Ga. 30740 Macedonia Baptist Church 1355 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721 706-259-9220 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30721 706-483-6300 McFarland Hill Baptist Church 307 Brickyard Rd, 30721 706-277-5521 Mount Rachel Baptist Church 332 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-5192 Mount Ridge Baptist Church 1401 M L King, Jr. Blvd, 30721 706-278-0335 New Hope Baptist Church 900 Roan St, 30721 706-226-2093 New Hope Baptist Church 706-673-8050 2105 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Northwest Georgia Baptist Church 222 North Pentz St, 30720 706-463-3490 Olivia Baptist Church 1817 Guy St, 30720 706-278-3507 Pine Grove Baptist Church 4004 Airport Road, 30721 706-264-8630 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Reformation Baptist Church 825 Chattanooga Avenue, 30720 706-314-8711 Rocky Face Baptist Church 1544 Rocky Face Railroad St, 30740 706- 226-5751

Salem Baptist Church 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721 706-259-7045 Shiloh Baptist Church 2014 East Waugh St, 30721 706-226-5981 Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-226-6785 Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 2772 E Welcome Hill Circle, 30721 706-278-0368 Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776

Bible

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

Catholic

Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church 968 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-3107

Christian

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

Church of Christ

Central Church of Christ 515 N. Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-278-8051 Riverbend Church of Christ 2218 S Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-226-0819

Church of God

Cedar Valley Church of God 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016 Church of God of Union Assembly 2311 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-275-0510 City View Church of God 3688 Chatsworth Hwy, 30721 706-226-6686 Crosspointe 2681 Underwood Street 30721 706-278-2649 Valley Brook Church of God 1474 Mineral Springs Rd, 30720 706-279-3296

Community

Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204 Freedom Community Church 908 Elk Street, 30720 706-463-2690 Rock Bridge Community Church 121 W Crawford St, 30720

Episcopal

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

Lutheran

Christ the King Lutheran Church 623 S Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-3979

Methodist

Bethel AME Church 620 Spring Street, 30720 706-226-2714 Bethel UMC 123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721 706-278-3309 Dalton First UMC 500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494 Dawnville UMC 1529 Spring Ln NE, 30721 706-259-5342 Fairview UMC 735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057 Five Springs UMC 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928 Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200 Mt. Vernon UMC 597 Lafayette Road Rocky Face, GA 30740 706-673-4667 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879 Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112 Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 Tunnel Hill UMC 706-673-4022 121 North Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 Varnell United Methodist Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023 Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331

Nazarene

First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428 Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171

Non-Denominational

Abundant Life Bible Church 120 East Morris Street, 30721 706-270-9733 Bridging the Gap Ministries 514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-277-7575 Christian FreeWorship Church 210 Robinwood Dr, 30721 706-313-1129 Cornerstone Family Church 1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Dalton House Of Prayer

735 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-280-0263 Good Neighbors Church 910 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-226-0846 Gospel Light Tabernacle 804 Sheridan Ave, 30721 Grace Fellowship Ministries 620 N Glenwood Ave 2&3, 30721 706-280-1375 River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721 706-965-6683 Saint James Overcoming Church

400 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-0319

Pentecostal

Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Fuente de Agua Viva 1007 Underwood St, 30721 706-278-4963 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

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

Salvation Army

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

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

God’s Light House

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Teens

How Do You Use Your Time?

by Jacob Herald

ife is busy. This is a substantial truth that cannot be

work, is plentiful, but there are few people willing to do

disregarded. From phones constantly buzzing and

what needs to be done. We, as followers of Christ, have to be

begging for our attention to work and education

willing to put aside our own differences and use our time,

asking us to devote hours of our precious time toward

which is, once again, in short supply, toward something

completing a task, there is much to be done. It can be

meaningful and useful. As Christians, we are supposed to

said that in modern-day society, we congratulate those

spread love and joy, show kindness and happiness, and be

who are busier than we are. Those who are always

representatives and ambassadors of what is right and good

working, always creating, and always thinking

in the world. If we are not using our time here on Earth

are regarded as hard workers, dedicated to

for that purpose, then what is the point? We must be

their goals. However, what we often fail to do

willing to be kind individuals, helping one another and

is place this same kind of emphasis on our own

leading others toward better, more fulfilling lives.

spiritual walks. Time is a complex and valuable resource. Here in our short lives, we should be

In other words, be a good person. It is easy to get caught up in the busy schedules, the constant workflow, and the

careful not to waste much time, and we

ever-present need of devices for our own

are encouraged to spend it wisely,

attention. However, I was once told the

doing something that matters. There

following by someone:

is even a popular saying, “You only

“Life is like music, both chaotic and

live once,” which is ultimately an

beautiful. However, there is one thing

incentive to do what you want since

that music has to have, else it cannot exist. It is

time is in such short supply. We are also told

the silence between the notes.”

that when we eventually die,

We have to be willing to take time to “hear

we will be given eternal life, should we meet

the silence between the notes,” so to speak. Take

the qualifications by giving our heart to Christ.

time out of your busy schedules to pray and

That means that when we pass away and are

seek after God, as well as encourage yourself

given eternal life with Christ in Heaven, time

to do something good for the world, show just

will have relatively no significance. However,

a little more kindness, and spread just a little

that is all in Heaven, and so our focus should be

more happiness.

for the here and now: the life we have on Earth and the goals we should set for ourselves. Matthew 9:37 reads, “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the

The fields certainly are vast and in need of harvesting, yet the workers are few. It’s time to take up your metaphorical sickle and get to work on something that truly matters!

workers are few.’” He, in this instance, was Jesus, telling His disciples a parable, which is another told that the “harvest,” which refers to spiritual

18 // November 2019

About The Author

word for what is essentially a lesson. Here we are Jacob Herald is a Christian teen constantly seeking to grow in the Lord. He is a member of Herald Family Ministries, an evangelistic family who travels the U.S. working for the Lord through preaching, singing, and outreach, and has found his calling as a writer and speaker for Christ.

Church Activities & Events Church on the Hill Face Down Prayer

Sunday, November 24th | 10:30AM - 12PM 1035 Abutment Rd, Dalton, GA

Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church Karen Peck & New River Sunday, November 3rd | 1:30PM 2550 S Dalton Bypass, Dalton, GA

First United Methodist Church Third Grade Bible Presentation Sunday, November 17th | 8:45AM - 12PM

Valley Brook Church of God Gerald Crabb

Sunday, November 17th | 6:00PM 1747 Mineral Springs Rd, Dalton, GA

WBC Dalton

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Tuesday November 12th | 7:30AM - 8:30AM 209 W Cuyler Street, Dalton, GA

Gò0dNews for Parents

Is Your Home a Sacred Place? grew up in a big family, and I was the youngest of six girls. It seemed our house was the house where all of our friends wanted to hang out. As I got older, I began to wonder why our house was the hangout house. We certainly did not have the biggest or the most expensive house; however, we had fun. My mom was an excellent cook, which might have been an attraction. As I think back to those days, I realize our home represented a sacred place. My parents demonstrated unconditional love to our friends and us. Everyone knew our home was a place to be real. My parents created a sacred place through their example of love and acceptance. In our world today, it seems that with all the modern conveniences and electronics that come into the home and with the stress to keep up with everyone else, the home does not provide many opportunities for a sacred place. With all the television, texts, emails, and phone calls, it seems no one ever gets a break. When parents are preparing for a baby, one of the most important things to do is to prepare the room. Parents want to make an enchanted and sacred place for the baby in their home. However, there should be no age limit at which space is provided to help your family feel safe and sacred. It is important to provide that place where your family feels loved, valued, and most importantly, can learn about the

20 // November 2019

love of God for them. For adults, we call this meditation, prayer, or spiritual practice in our lives. Your children are in need of these same things in their lives, and it is a parent’s responsibility to teach these practices. How do families create that sacred space in the home? It has to become a priority, and parents must realize that it is what holds families together and assist in building relationships with their children. Parents must be vigilant in protecting that sacred place, which may include: • No television during dinner. Make this the time to talk about everyone's day. Try to avoid yes or no questions, but ask questions that give the family time to share what happened in the day. Parents should share about their day, and it will help the children learn to express their feelings in a safe place. • No phones at the table. It is important to establish this in the early years and not wait until the eye-rolling years. If your child learns early on that family time is sacred and that playing on their phones is not acceptable behavior, then you are developing that sacred place for your family. One of the greatest gifts you give to your children is your time. If you become more conscious of what it means to develop those relationships, then you have given your family the greatest gift. “Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course” (Proverbs 22:6).

About The Author

by Brenda Dedmon

Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan!

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Gò0dNews for Faith

It Requires Faith

by Natasha Riser

here have been times in my life when I’ve

imagined. Waiting is not easy; it requires faith. Faith

wanted something so desperately it felt like a

requires us to take God at His word in Jeremiah 29:11

punishment when God said, “Not yet.” Just

when He declares, “For I know the plans I have for

barely hanging on to my faith, I waited, as it seemed

you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to

the world was passing me by. God had given me a

give you a future and a hope.” Faith abolishes the need

promise, like He has done many of you, but because it

to see because a heart of faith knows the character of

wasn’t happening as I expected or when I expected, I

God, who gave us the promise. Faith knows that God

began to doubt that it was even His voice I heard at all.

is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). Faith also knows that God wouldn’t give us a stone if we asked for bread or a snake if we asked for fish (Matthew 7:9-11). If you have a Godgiven promise, purpose, and the desire to see it come to fruition, don’t lose faith, don’t worry, don’t be anxious, and don’t get ahead of God. Relax, be calm, and listen for His voice as He guides you in peace into His perfect plan for your life. I’ve found in my own life that a lot of my anxiety and frustration was the result of a lack of faith. Is that you? Do you get anxious and frustrated trying to

Maybe you’ve experienced what I am describing,

figure it all out on your own or because your timeline

being given a promise from God but not seeing any

is matching up to God’s? My friend, remember, in

immediate evidence that it would be fulfilled. Perhaps

our limited human view, sometimes it’s hard to see

you lost faith too, as I did. I have often felt like I had to

beyond today, but God, in His infinite wisdom, knows

take the longer route, but along the way, the wisdom

tomorrow and forever.

it to sustain me at my next level. Later, I always find that God had something better in mind than I had

22 // November 2019

About The Author

I gained has been priceless. I would need every bit of Natasha Riser is a founder of “Imma Broken Crayon” a youth mentoring program for girls based in Cleveland, TN. Natasha was born and raised in Georgia, but considers Cleveland home. She is a mother of five and a sociology major.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Surprising Facts Behind Holiday Weight Gain

by Thomas Morrison

e are all only too aware of the depressing figures of how much weight Americans put on between Thanksgiving and the New Year’s Holiday. Some magazine and newspaper articles make it sound like we are doomed to gain up to five to 10 pounds over the next couple of months! But the reality is actually much nicer in one sense, and scarier in another…

2. More shocking, it appeared that though about a 1¼-pound weight gain in the fall and holiday season was the norm for adults, it was not reversed in the spring and summer months. In other words, the “creeping weight gain” that tends to afflict the majority of adults is primarily the cumulative effect of small weight gains each fall and holiday season adding up! Ugh!

First, the Good News Researchers from the National Institute of Health actually decided to look into the effect of holiday weight

Action Exercises: You can best avoid this trap by: 1. Becoming a regular exerciser. A little taste here, a second helping there, and the body must work hard to burn off all the extra calories! A 1¼-pound weight gain over four months could be prevented by a daily 1-mile brisk walk and a 15-minute bout with the weights twice a week. And the same weekly routine could keep you slim and trim year after year after year. 2. Adopting the Boy Scout motto and “Be(ing) Prepared!” If you know you have a problem with overindulging during the holidays, help yourself out by not having tempting foods around you most of the time.

Then, the Bad News As much of a relief as these figures may be, the researchers uncovered some other surprises: 1. Those who tended to gain a little bit more over the holidays were those who could least afford to—the already overweight or obese. This means if you know you have a problem with sweets and are putting too much weight on around the middle, the holiday season does present special risks to prepare for.

24 // November 2019

About The Author

gain and studied the phenomena for one year. And they came up with quite a surprise! The average participant gained less than ½ a pound in the fall, and about ¾ pound the whole holiday season! Fewer than 10% of the subjects gained even 5 lb. through the holiday season, though most of the participants thought they did!

If people give you too much good food, get into the spirit of giving and give the treats to some young people or others who don’t have a problem with it. 3. Staying Positive! Focus on the real meaning of the holidays, and other issues like food will fall into their proper place. Your perceptions can greatly influence your actions. So don’t make the mistake of thinking that pigging out or overindulging in desserts over the holidays is “really living” because most people usually feel worse because of it—not better. If you feel like you need to overindulge because it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, you probably will. However, if you recognize it as a special time for worship and to be with family first, then it will be easier to avoid overeating. Remember, an ounce of prevention could be worth a “1 ¼” pound of cure! Thomas Morrison is the fitness coordinator and a personal trainer at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 19 years.

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FEATURED COVER STORY

Local Volunteers Changing The Lives Of Foster Children

urray/Whitfield CASA is looking for more

and letdown, every placement change and school change,

volunteer advocates. Are you our next champion

and all of his own successes and struggles. Matt is 20 now,

for foster children?

working hard to make his own way in the world, and

Right now, nearly 300 of Murray and Whitfield

Counties’ children are living in foster care. They say it takes

Marian is still someone he can turn to for support. Chelsea was

a village to raise a child, and right now, these kids really

appointed as

need their village.

McKenzie’s CASA

Not everyone can be a social worker or a foster parent,

when she came

but through the CASA program, everyday members of the

into foster care

community from all backgrounds and walks of life can still

as a 13-year-old.

volunteer their time to help.

McKenzie spent

CASA volunteers are trained as court advocates for

the rest of her

foster children. Many CASAs (Court Appointed Special

childhood in foster

Advocates) have no background in social work, child

care, and she and

welfare, or even childcare, but they want to serve their

Chelsea recently

community, and they undergo the program’s training

celebrated her 18th

course so that they can volunteer to provide a little extra

birthday together at Las Palmas. Amber got to see Asher,

support for a child going through the foster care system.

Spencer, and Kyle through their time in foster care and into

Marian became Matt’s CASA when he came into foster care

a beautiful adoptive home. She supported the whole family

at 15 years old. She stuck by his side through every victory

through the process of becoming each other’s forever home,

26 // November 2019

and now she is a

Regardless of where they go, how they behave, or what

godmother to one

struggles and fears they may not trust to reveal, someone

of the boys. CASA

is there beside them, each step of the way, through this

volunteers are able

sometimes-fearful journey. They know their feelings will be

to be involved in

considered by this person, their voices heard, their wishes

the lives of their

taken seriously, their struggles met with support, and their

kids in a way that

fears acknowledged and met with compassion and care.

is meaningful, and

As the Special Advocate for the child, the CASA gets

that, whatever the

to know that child, develops a deep understanding of that

outcome of the

child’s individual needs, and forms clear, well-informed

child’s story, has a

conclusions about what is in the best interest of that child.

lasting impact.

The CASA then makes recommendations to DFCS and the

It can be scary

juvenile court judge. Throughout the case, the CASA stands

to be in foster care.

as both a support and friend for the child and as a support

Children come into

and advisor for the juvenile court judge as he or she seeks

foster care because

to make incredibly difficult, life-changing decisions for each

the juvenile court judge finds that they have been victims of

child and family.

abuse or neglect, and the only way to keep them safe is to

CASA volunteers see local foster kids as “our kids,”

temporarily place them in foster care while the Division of

needing the support of this community, which is their home.

Family and Children Services works with their parents to

CASA volunteers make sure our kids feel listened to and

try to solve the problems that led to this family breakdown.

loved. They make sure our kids know that their community

As a result, these children, who have already been through

is fighting for them. They make sure our kids know that

immense trauma, lose everything they know. Already trying

they are likable, fun to be around, and interesting—that

to cope with the damage of neglect, they are thrust into a

they have something to contribute. This, in and of itself,

situation in which they do not know what their futures hold,

aside from the role the CASA plays in court, with the family,

who they’ll celebrate their next birthdays or Christmases

or in assisting local social workers, is a powerful thing

with, or even who their parents will be.

indeed. Through the time they volunteer to walk alongside

Many children change homes frequently while in

these children, CASA volunteers provide some of that all-

foster care, losing once again any stability or sense of

important security and forge a stable, nurturing attachment

normalcy they may have established with their foster

as a caring and trustworthy adult the child knows he or she

placement. Changing homes usually also means changing

can count on.

schools, which means making new friends, finding a new

CASA volunteers are the voice of children who have

favorite teacher to feel safe with, losing a cherished place

been overlooked, neglected, and hurt—a voice for what

on a basketball team or in the drama club’s production,

is possible for those children, a voice for what is excellent

and confronting a new administration that may or may

in those children, and a voice for what is best for those

not have the same awareness of the history that’s led to

children. They are a daily

the child’s behavioral disruptions or academic struggles.

example of what it means

Changing homes also often results in a change of therapist,

to love one’s neighbors

pediatrician, psychiatrist, and visitation with the biological

and a daily inspiration

parent or relatives. Loss piles upon loss, grades struggle,

for the larger community

self-esteem takes hit after hit, and the all-important sense of

to work hard at taking

security and attachment to a caregiver that all children need

care of each other. Learn

to survive and thrive can be eroded completely.

how to join the CASA

With their CASA volunteer, these children know they have a person who will keep showing up, no matter what.

team by calling Tracy Harmon at 706-428-7931.

goodnewscm.com // 27

Gò0dNews for Everyone

An Unswerving Hope

“L

by Jeff Pitts

et us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

nugget of etymological gold I went in search of, it was

for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

nonetheless what I needed.

I like words. It may seem like an odd

Hope is hard to hold onto, especially when our hope is

interest, but something about the combination of certain

anchored to a promise. It is not that we consciously believe

letters attracts my eye and tends to pique my attention. So, it

God is unfaithful; it is that we often get tired of waiting

is most mornings, as I pour over Scripture with that first cup

for our promise. Our impatience drives our direction, and

of coffee, that single words stop me dead in my tracks.

instead of holding onto the hope, we redirect our path in

The unknown author of Hebrews hit the brakes on my morning devotion with the word selection found in the

search of an immediate return on something less hopeful. Often, hope feels like a squirmy toddler who has just learned to crawl. Filled with excitement at their newfound mobility, the child no longer wants to be held. Now distracted by every shiny thing that this mobile child now knows it can reach, holding the little bundle of joy becomes the equivalent of trying to wrestle an alligator. Fatigued from the fight, often the parent relents, letting the child loose. I wonder how many times our arms have gotten fatigued from holding a hope that has yet to come to pass but became hard to hold. Worn out from a promise fighting to get loose, we lose grip, we lose heart, and we let go. This is where “unswervingly”

passage listed above. It is not the overarching message of the

enters the conversation. An unswerving hope holds

passage that stumps me. No, I can get along with holding

on. An unswerving faith believes a little bit longer. An

onto hope. I can connect with a God who is faithful to His

unswerving belief knows that the One who promised is

promises. My inner wordsmith reading along inside my

faithful to see it through.

brain bumps into a word like “unswervingly” and I am on hold for a minute. Why that word? Why that particular adjective to describe holding onto something that is not something we

The temptation will be to set your hope down in order to pick up something easier to carry. Do not let go. Do not swerve off course. If God promised it, God will fulfill it. Just hold on to hope unswervingly!

can even tangibly hold? So the search begins. How do I hold “unswervingly” to “Unswervingly,” much like it sounds, means to not deter from a course or to not turn aside. While not the

28 // November 2019

About The Author

something without substance like “hope”? Jeff Pitts and his wife Rachael, while not raising their 5 kids, lead a college and young adult bible study for their local church. They are passionate to see the next generation live out their faith. Jeff shares his writings at www.justbeingjeff.wordpress.com.

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Gò0dNews for Thankfulness

Not Thankful Enough

“W

by Nikki Hill

ho is like you, O Lord, among the gods?

stay strong so that I might rest assured that I would pull

Who is like you, majestic in holiness,

through my current circumstance at the time. Most times,

awesome in glorious deeds, doing

I felt stripped of my dignity because I had to rely on the

wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).

nurses, CANs, and others to bathe me and help me go to

We all may have heard similar phrases such as this:

the bathroom. Gratefully, my family eased my shame and

“We never know when it is our time (to leave Earth).” This

would give me bed baths and help with other personal

phrase hit me harder than the semi-truck that plunged into

hygiene when they were able to help.

me on the driver’s side of my car on June 26 of this year.

Moreover, I was showered with flowers, cards, good

With a thankful heart, no one (except me) was hurt. There

food (thank God!), and fun activities (crossword puzzles,

were major broken bones, bruises, gashes, and a ton of

coloring books, and more) from family and friends. These acts of love showed me they really loved and cared for me. These items also helped me transition from the hospital to rehab and home. My future boss and coworkers visited me and or prayed for my recovery (at the time of the wreck and then after, I had not started my new position that would have begun August 1). I am still in shock that strangers who passed by or witnessed the wreck had expressed their sympathy and regards to me through others I knew (there were too many to count). With kindness and love I thank them. God is an ever-present help in times of need and trouble. I am a true witness to these words, and I will shout it out and

swelling in my body. I underwent surgery the same day to

testify from the rooftops! Why God decided to literally take

have rods and screws placed in certain areas of my body.

the wheel, save my life yet again, and allow my heart to

Although this tragedy has taken a toll on my family and me,

keep beating and me breathing is a question I know will be

I would like to express my love and gratitude to my family

answered later in life if it hasn’t already. I am not worthy,

(church family included) friends (school, personal, and

but He is worthy to be praised because of His love and

others), and foremost, to our Lord and Savior.

mercy! I could have never awakened to see my precious

Before and after I was airlifted by Life Force to the

little boy, my handsome husband, and my family and

emergency room, my family was by my side to support and

friends. I can never repay God, but with my life, I will live

comfort me. Though it took almost four hours to get me

for Him!

They were torn and full of tears, yet they fought hard to

30 // November 2019

About The Author

out of surgery, they were still standing strong as soldiers.

Nikki Hill is a graduate of Lee University. She hopes to inspire and encourage others through her God given gifts and talents.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Tips For A Healthy Marriage

by Susan Newberry

wise couple was asked how they had stayed

4. Make sure your partner knows how much you

married for over 70 years. Their number one piece

love them. Intimacy is important, and not just physical

of advice: “Never go to bed angry with each other.”

intimacy, either. Tell them, “I love you” daily. It’s important

My husband and I have not always succeeded in doing this,

to verbalize your love. Every day when I leave for work,

especially early in our marriage, but it has gotten much

my husband gets a goodbye kiss, and I tell him I love him.

easier over the years.

Remember, that could be the last chance you get to say it!

After 43+ years of marriage, here are some of my tips for couples:

5. Have some common interests, things to do with just your partner. Lane and I like to go camping. We also like to just go riding in the car together to see new places or maybe old places we’ve not seen in a while. It gives us a chance to talk without interruptions or distractions. 6. Have friends to do “couples” things with. Going out to dinner or visiting a couple at their home can keep you connected to those friends who are important to you as a couple. 7. Have friends to do “girl” or “guy” things with. You can be together too much, and you need your friends. My girlfriends and I do “girl trips” from time to time: we eat dinner together or go to a movie. Some are my closest friends; they are like sisters to me, and they have seen me through some very rough times. 8. Say “thank you” when your spouse does something for you, even if it’s a small thing. It is nice to be appreciated. Don’t let your partner feel like they are taken for granted. 9. Be willing to compromise. You can’t have your

1. You must trust your partner completely. Once broken,

way in every decision, and neither can they. Go back to

trust is not easily given again; it must be earned. Earning it

number two—communicate. Listen to their opinion and

back will take time…give it time.

express yours, then find the common ground or where you

2. Communication is vital. Set aside some time each day for one-on-one conversation. Don’t be so busy that

can “give” a little. Give your relationship 100%. Why would you consider

your partner only gets your “leftover” time. They are too

giving less than your best to the person you love? Just like

important for that.

our walk with God, it takes our time and attention to have a

3. Pray for your partner every day. Pray for their

relationship with our partner that will last.

your relationship. It’s hard to stay mad at someone when you are praying for them.

32 // November 2019

About The Author

relationship with God and family, their health, their job, and Susan Newberry and her husband, Lane have been married over 43 years. They have 3 children (one with Jesus) who blessed them with 3 grandsons, and a spoiled Shih Tzu who loves to go camping with them. They love the Lord and attend Salem Baptist Church.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Be Still do not know if I can be identified as a “Type A” personality, or one who is driven. What I do know is that for me, to sit still is odd. If I were a child today, I might be diagnosed with something that explains my constant moving. Over a recent weekend, I found myself in need of doing “nothing.” Susan, my wife and life partner, will tell you that even when we do find ourselves with a slow, quiet evening at home and we relax in front of the television, catching up on our favorite DVR’d shows, that fast-forwarding through the commercials robs me of the time I have come to desire to get up and “do” something or “get” something. Sometimes, however, the body seems to say, “Hey you! Sit!” Recently, I found myself, like so many others, dealing with “the crud.” I first went to our Convenient Care Center with stuffy head syndrome. I received a shot and some medicine. Two days later, I literally could not breathe through my sinuses and got in to see the ENT. After a thorough examination, I was diagnosed with acute sinusitis. I sarcastically told the doctor there was nothing “cute” about it. Working among some highly qualified medical personnel on Friday, I asked one to listen to my lungs to see if she heard anything unusual. That morning, she said, other than one slight crackle in the lower lobe of one side, my breathing was “textbook.” I agreed to go home for the afternoon and take it easy. What really bothered me was that the plans I had made now needed to be put on hold. I was looking forward to riding along with the Dalton PD, an opportunity I look forward to as one of their chaplains. And then, the next day, I was going to hike the trail at Lula Lake with some others with whom I work. Instead, “be still” was in my forecast. My energy was waning, and I could feel tightness in the chest. “Be Still.” I know what it means; I just don’t know how to accomplish it very well. So, with the help of my lap companion Chihuahua, “Lucy,” I proceeded to let the body rest. Through the afternoon and evening, my chest became more congested, the coughing became quite intense, and I settled in. Susan was spared the brutal moaning, groaning, and violent coughing, thanks to our church’s women’s retreat. I could write and say that this was a “spiritual” event in which I prayed and fasted, etc. However, I never lost my appetite, which is not a good thing! My first step was to decide

34 // November 2019

how much TV I was going to interject. The second was to consider three books I needed to finish. (Oh, did I mention that I am not an avid reader? Reading to me can be a chore!) Two of the books were part of my involvement in CPE, or Clinical Pastoral Education. The other was a book my father had sent to me about a family from our hometown. With the weekend ahead of me, I made a conscious decision to hunker down Saturday and Sunday. This was convenient, as it would not cost me leave time from work. When I got to Monday, however, I had to decide the cost versus

the payoff—eight hours of paid annual leave, or work through it and continue in this funk. I spent three-and-a-half days at home reading, listening to one book on Audible, watching a movie, and napping. The most exercise I got was taking Lucy for a short walk outside. I must say that I think I enjoyed it, other than the congested, violent coughing spells. I never stopped to inventory the minutes I wasted and should have been doing something constructive. I only calculated the investment in time to ward off the problems the ol’ body was facing. A chest x-ray confirmed no pneumonia; I had no temperature, and the medicines were working. I was back up to 100%. It seems to me that when God said “Sabbath,” he knew what He was talking about. Be still. About The Author

by Tommy Deal

Rev. Tommy Deal is a hospice Chaplain with Hamilton Healthcare System in Dalton, Georgia. His wife, Rev. Susan Deal, is minister of music and worship at Dalton’s First Baptist Church. They are parents to two sons, grandparents to twin girls and anticipating a new grand around Christmas of this year.

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Gò0dNews for Singles

Triple Aught

by Rhonda Lane

y favorite NASCAR driver a few years ago

We, as Christ-followers, and as human beings, are

was a guy named Buckshot Jones. His car

meant to be in community. We cannot, however, be

number was, appropriately enough, “00,” or

satisfied in community until we are satisfied being

double aught, as in a form of shotgun ammunition. If I were to call this shared journey we are on a

alone with God. God must be enough before anyone else can even hope to be enough.

racetrack, I guess my life would be my car and my

As I understand it, triple aught buckshot is a good

number would be “000” ( triple aught), as in lots of

choice for personal defense in the literal sense, which

the letter “O.” I am now an Orphaned, Only child, Old

is regrettably necessary in this fallen world we humans

maid. That’s about as single as you can get, I guess.

inhabit. I will choose “000” in the spiritual sense as the

I am not truly an orphan, however, as long as God

Omnipresence of God, the Omnipotence of God, and

is willing to adopt me. I am not truly an only child as

the Obstinate love of God that just won’t quit as my

long as there are so many brothers and sisters in Christ

emotional and spiritual defense and companion.

out there. God is my new best friend if I allow Him to

With these spiritual weapons, I am locked and

be. I am not truly an old maid as long as the Church

loaded to spread the love of God and the Good News.

to prove it. I am not truly alone because angels ride shotgun with me.

36 // November 2019

About The Author

is the bride of Christ. I have 66 books of love letters Rhonda Lane is a native of Dalton, Georgia, and is an orphaned, old maid, and only child trying to find her way in the world and lose herself in Jesus Christ.

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Gò0dNews for Marriage

Sometimes, Being Married Is Hard

by Donald Cantrell

hose of you who read my articles know that one of

If all of us who are “grownups” could understand those

my greatest joys in life is being with my precious

five profound words, life would be so much better. It seems

granddaughter, Kinsley. I have had the honor of

that we forget that marriage is a union of two different

being able to keep her since she was four months old.

people, two different personalities, and two different plans

Upon her early arrival into this world, I vowed to be

that must mesh together. In reality, we can embrace those

her babysitter, and my wife laughed at the idea of my

five little words of wisdom that were uttered by a 6½-year-

daughter’s entrusting me with watching over this bundle

old little girl: “Sometimes, being married is hard.”

of beauty. Over the years, I have watched her grow and embrace

Being married is often hard, but it is worth it. There is nothing better than seeing two people unite together, and

each phase of life. She is strong-willed, she hates to lose at anything, she hates not knowing the answer to anything that she faces, and she loathes failure. I watched her embrace going to pre-K, and I was saddened to see her go into her class and tell me to leave, that all was fine. I was even more shocked to see her cry each and every day of kindergarten for two months. Kinsley is now 6 ½ years old, and at times, she shocks me with profound statements. I wish that I could take the credit for her intelligence. Recently, Kinsley, along with her mom and dad, went to Kennesaw, and while there, they visited a bookstore. Her mom and dad were looking for new Bibles, and they were facing some sort

over the years, they turn a house into a home. They turn

of conflict because the store did not have the two Bibles they

difficulties into dreams and human heartaches into havens

were hoping to buy.

of hope. Mom and dad, the next time something arises that

As my daughter and son-in-law were bantering back

seems to be a bit tense, think about the words of a happy-

and forth at the register about purchasing one Bible and

go-lucky little 6½-year-old girl who looked up at the cashier

another one later, the customer service representative was

and said, “Sometimes, being married is hard!”

quietly watching. Then, it happened. Kinsley was at her

Sometimes, life is hard, and sometimes, relationships

wit’s end with their back-and-forth banter, and she looked

are hard, but we must realize that even though it is hard, it

at the cashier and said, “Sometimes, being married is hard.”

is definitely worth it.

and embarrassment. The cashier literally lost it, and the conversation was all but over.

38 // November 2019

About The Author

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

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Updating the Phone Book

by Brent Goodge

ears ago, I was watching a sitcom. The actor was

even know what sin or pain and death are. God feels the

seated at the kitchen table with a book, a pen, and

pain of the entire planet. The One who knows when a

a newspaper. Someone walked in and asked what

sparrow dies or when a single hair of your head falls out

he was doing. He responded, “I’m updating your phone

knows when your spouse leaves you or your child gets

book.” This response struck me as extremely amusing as

cancer, and He feels it all.

I remembered my grandmother, reading the obituaries. I could never figure out why. Now in middle age, I still don’t randomly read

When I was engaged, I woke up every morning thinking, “It’s only ___ days until I get to marry the love of my life!” If I could be that excited about marrying my

obituaries, but I appreciate them more. My Facebook friends

beautiful bride, how excited do you think Jesus is about

list includes names of friends and family who are no longer

coming to receive His bride? The One who transcends time is no doubt wishing it would hurry by. He wants to be with us more than we could ever comprehend. So why doesn’t He just come? Why does He allow the pain and suffering to continue? Peter gave us the answer. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” The reason Jesus hasn’t come back yet is that on the battlefield between God and Satan, between Good and evil, Jesus wants to save as many as will come. The movie Hacksaw Ridge depicted Desmond

living. It’s sobering. I still cannot bring myself to “update”

Doss praying after each rescue, “Lord, help me get just one

my friends list. Undoubtedly, as time goes by, my list of

more!” That is the cry of our Redeemer. Just one more! If He

passed friends will grow. Or, maybe, my name will be on

can save one more of His children for eternity, the wait will

their list.

be so very worth it!

As we see the pain in the world, we often want

As we await His return, what are we doing? Are we

to cry out to God, asking Him why He won’t stop the

spending our time here praying the words from Jesus’

pain. Many asking this question have abandoned faith

heart? Are we pleading with Him to let us rescue just one

altogether. The pain of loss is too much to bear and too

more for His kingdom? Or are we content to wait and cross

much to allow for belief.

out names as they pass away?

how God must feel? He created us to live forever, to never

40 // November 2019

About The Author

When tempted to ask these questions, do we ever ask Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County, Georgia, and prays that Jesus will come soon.

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Gò0dNews for Gratefulness

The Gratitude Game

“G

by Amy Oyler

ive thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His

deserve. The Gratitude Game deals with all the other things

love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).

in life I find to complain about (and is maybe a little more

Here we are again in the season

of thanks as we approach Thanksgiving Day. I love

lighthearted). So how does the Gratitude Game work? I’m glad

Thanksgiving—it’s actually one of my favorite holidays!

you asked! A Gratitude Game would be as follows:

This is when we think more about our blessings and enjoy

Myself—Ugh, I hate vacuuming the house; Response—Be

time with family and friends as we kick off the holiday

thankful you have a house to vacuum. Here’s another one:

season. The gratitude I feel around the Thanksgiving table

Myself—I don’t want to exercise; Response—You have the

is immense as well as convicting as we remember those who

physical ability to walk and therefore the responsibility to

are suffering in so many ways.

keep yourself healthy. See how it works? An “attitude of gratitude” can be very convicting! Here are more examples that could apply to anyone’s life. Complaint—It’s too early to get up; Response—You woke up, alive and well! Complaint—I don’t want to answer that text from a (friend or relative); Response—That (friend or relative) wanted to talk to you in particular. Complaint—I hate cooking (yes, this one is specific to me!); Response—You have food to cook and people whom you love to cook it for. Complaint—I don’t want to read Scripture; Response—But you have plenty of time to spend on social media. The Gratitude Game is a simple way to remind ourselves to “turn that frown upside down.” I am in no way making light of people’s problems

I haven’t always been the most thankful person. I have

or suggesting that we don’t all have times of fatigue,

tried to remedy that in adulthood with maturity. Even as

legitimate concerns with jobs, home, or health, or times

I became a more grateful person, I still struggled with a

when we simply need a break. Furthermore, I am certainly

negative mindset, so I made the conscious decision to focus

not suggesting that I myself am successful in always being

on positivity several years back, which is sometimes an

positive. In going about my day-to-day business, I find

uphill battle.

myself complaining and whining about small, unimportant

One way I try to be more positive is to play a game with myself—the Gratitude Game. First, let me state clearly: I am most grateful for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; my

nuisances, and the Gratitude Game is a way of refocusing. So Lord, thank you for my vacuum cleaner! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

and safety; and all of the truly important blessings in life. I realize that I have much more than I could ever ask for or

42 // November 2019

About The Author

husband, sons, and extended family and friends; health Amy Oyler is a native Roman and a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church. She is wife to Jason, a dentist in Rome, and mother to Tanner, Timothy, and Thomas. A former English teacher, she enjoys working with the youth at Rush Chapel and “floating” where God leads her!

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

My Story Matters: My Heart Health

“M

y heart attack symptoms started with what

that Randy enroll in cardiac rehabilitation. Hamilton

I thought was just chest congestion,” says

Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a 12-

Randy Boyd. “I didn’t have the classic

week medically supervised program for recovering cardiac

symptoms I usually think of as accompanying a heart attack,

patients. Hamilton’s cardiac team consists of physicians, a

like shortness of breath or numbness in my arm.” However,

registered nurse, exercise physiologists, and a registered

as the day progressed, it became difficult for Randy to

dietitian who work together to offer monitored exercises,

breathe. That’s when he and his wife decided to come to

educational sessions, and dietary consultations.

Hamilton Medical Center’s Emergency Department. In Hamilton’s Accredited Chest Pain Center, Abbas Agha, MD, of Hamilton Physician Group-Cardiology ran

“Now I work out five days a week and I’m feeling great,” says Randy. When it comes to heart care, every minute matters. If you or a loved one experience the symptoms of a heart attack, Hamilton Medical Center’s cardiac team is close to home and ready to care for you 24/7. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can develop suddenly or slowly. If you think you might be having heart attack symptoms, call 9–1–1. Hamilton Medical Center Accredited Chest Pain Center 1200 Memorial Drive, Dalton, GA HamiltonHealth.com/heart Hamilton Physician Group-Cardiology 706.226.3434 1436 Broadrick Drive, Dalton, GA HamiltonHealth.com/cardiology Hamilton Cardiac Rehabilitation Program 706.272.6574 1225 Broadrick Drive, Dalton, GA HamiltonHealth.com/cardiac-rehab

several tests and performed a heart catheterization. He found a significant blockage in Randy’s main artery and immediately inserted a stent. Afterwards, as part of Randy’s recovery, Dr. Stephen Rohn, of Hamilton Physician Group-Cardiology, suggested

44 // November 2019

Cardiology

• HOPE FILLED PRAISE & WORSHIP • RELEASING THE FATHER’S GOODNESS • CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Reclaim The Joy Jesus Intends For Us

“W

by Candyce Carden

anna come fishing with us, Grami?” asked

Jesus wants all His children, young and old, to enjoy

my grandson, Deacon, as I sat on the

life. And when we show our joy, we serve as witnesses for

veranda enjoying my book, coffee, and the

Him and the abundant life He came to give (John 10:10). Joy

cool morning quiet of the surrounding mountains. He was

is a response to God’s gifts and to who we are in Him. It’s

up early.

not difficult to find and express joy.

I’m not a fan of fishing, but I am a fan of my grandkids.

• We start by remembering each new day is from God.

Laying aside my book, I followed Deacon and his sister

• We express gratitude for this gift.

Eden to the dock where their dad stood baiting the fishing

• We open our eyes and see signs of God’s love all

lines. I sat in a lawn chair next to my daughter to watch the activity. Her family was vacationing in the North Georgia

around us. • And, just like children, we celebrate.

Mountains near my home and had asked me to join them. It wasn’t long before the sounds of excitement signaled someone had a bite. Surprised, I saw it was Eden, who is usually more reserved than her brother. She didn’t rival Deacon’s noisiness, but the amazement and joy on her face was something to behold. Her first catch! A live wiggly fish dangled on the end of her line. As I looked into Eden’s face, I caught the excitement and clapped in delight. I was taken back to my childhood summers when each day unveiled new and wondrous discoveries to be made. And I had to wonder: when do we stop looking at each day with anything less than joyful anticipation? Why do we resist getting animated about life? Maybe the peer-pressured

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Thank you, Lord, for this day you have made. Make my

years of our teens change us. Maybe we hide our emotions

eyes and heart like those of little children. Help me see the

because the world tells us we’re unsophisticated for believing

many reasons I have to rejoice and be glad. And remind me

there’s anything new under the sun. Maybe we let the

not to hide my joy because, by sharing it with others, I am

disappointments and troubles we encounter rob us of hope.

showing them You. Amen.

When we let boredom or cynicism become our default

What do you have to celebrate today?

mode, we aren’t experiencing life abundantly as Jesus the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

46 // November 2019

About The Author

intends. Consider what Jesus says in Matthew 19:14: “Let Candyce Carden Deal—a lifelong teacher—is from Dalton, GA and a member of First Baptist Church. She blogs at CandyceCarden.com.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

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

goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484

reach out to people through words of encouragement. 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.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sound The Retreat

by Earl Brackin

ess than two months after the signing of the

my children were young, they would get up early and need

Declaration of Independence, George Washington and

my or my wife’s attention. In college, I worked the morning

the Continental Army found themselves trapped by

breakfast shift and had to be at the cafeteria by 5:30 a.m.

the British on Long Island. The defeat of his whole army

During that season, I was able to schedule my classes so I

seemed eminent. But General Washington used a military

had free time during lunch, so that’s when I retreated. The

maneuver to avoid disaster and ultimately secure victory.

main thing is to purposefully put it in your schedule.

He executed a brilliant retreat! With campfires burning to fool the British, he assembled as many flat-bottomed boats as could be found, and under cover of darkness and drenching rain, he began evacuating his troops across the river to the safety of Manhattan. By the time the British realized what was going on, Washington had evacuated all 9,000 of his troops to safety. The military term “retreat” is defined as: “A withdrawal in order to gain the advantage.” What a great lesson for us as believers. In our fight against principalities and the rulers of darkness, we can find ourselves in a place of disadvantage. How we need to retreat! Now, retreat doesn’t mean that we give up or surrender to our adversary. We just withdraw from the fight. While Washington withdrew across the river to Manhattan, we can withdraw into the presence of our Savior. So, do you practice this valuable maneuver? How do you retreat? Most people take some time away from their work or plan vacations. These are good and needed, but a retreat that is beneficial spiritually is not only a retreat away from something but a withdrawal to something.

The Christian calendar Why not take advantage of the seasons of Advent, Lent, Passion Week, or some other time to insert a change in your normal routine? Maybe, during these times, you don’t schedule work lunches and instead find a sanctuary and pray or read. Get creative with your schedule. Use your smartphone When you’re standing in line waiting to be served or

And that something is the Lord. But what if you can’t just

seen, instead of checking your digital media sights, news, or

drop everything and leave? Let me suggest some ways to

sports, view a Scripture verse and meditate on it. I have an

withdraw from this world.

app on my phone where I can put verses that I want to think

Practice a daily quiet time

about. I can turn what would have been a frustration—

Yes, I know that should be obvious, but do you do it? Plan it in your schedule. The morning works best for me

waiting in line—into a small retreat. So remember, to gain the victory, you only need to retreat!

have been seasons in my life when that didn’t work. When

50 // November 2019

About The Author

before the requirements of the day press in. However, there Earl Brackin is the Minister of Worship at Church on the Hill in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife Lisa have three children and 5 grandchildren. You can hear his music at earlbrackinmusic.com.

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