Gò0dNews October 2015
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
Dalton
• What Is the Church p. 6 • Strength p. 12 • Time for Peace p. 22
Gerald Porter
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Writers
Pastor Mike Shreve Andrew Lee Beth Houle Brenda Dedmon Dan Peeples Fernando Alejandro Karen Brummer Kristy Adams Lindsey Cooke Melissa Noble Snyder Nathan Long Rhiannon Skeen William Lamb
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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Letter from the Editor
W
ith October comes many changes. The leaves are changing to brilliant colors, the temperature is cooler, which alerts us to turn up the thermostat, pull out heavier clothes, and put away our sandals and flip-flops. Summer is past. It’s time to move into a new season and realize that change is not our enemy—it’s part of life! We often experience personal changes in our health or surroundings, which may be awkward and uncomfortable at first. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong—just that it’s new. Soon it gets easier. Remember, it takes hundreds of blows for a stone-cutter to split a rock. Each stroke combines with those before, building eventual success. Learning to handle change
happens the same way. We all have an emotional thermostat that wants to return us to the comfort of our preset status quo based on our old beliefs. This thermostat is built on years of reinforcement and must be reset in this process. No wonder change is a challenge. If you treat change as an enemy, if you try to keep it from touching your life, it will penetrate more, and you’ll be under greater pressure. But if you look at change as a friend, as something that’s going to happen to you anyway, things are different. Ask, “How can I make the best of this situation? How can I look at change as an opportunity for improvement?” The good news is that when our conscious beliefs match our unconscious beliefs, there is no stopping us. When this happens, we are living life from the inside out. Put another way, we are living a congruent life. It is this congruency that allows us to fulfill our purpose, achieve our goals with peace, and be our very best. Rhiannon Skeen’s article (p. 22) describes this process. Sometimes the changes that produce stress are the very things that give color and enjoyment to life. The things that have enriched my life are often found in situations I might have avoided if I were afraid of change and challenge. Dealing with the challenges has made me stronger and better able to withstand pressure. Ezekiel 36:26 gives us this promise: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (NKJV). 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.
October 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 What Is the Church? by Pastor Mike Shreve GoodNews for Kids Pumpkin Fun Time by Kristy Adams GoodNews on Money Matters Knowing What to Do and Then Doing It by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men Strength by Nathan Long GoodNews for Women Girls with Swords Are Battle-Worthy Opponents by Melissa Noble Snyder GoodNews for Parents WHO IS IN CHARGE AT YOUR HOUSE? by Brenda Dedmon GoodNews for Everyone Time for Peace by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Health & Fitness Playground Workouts by Lindsey Cooke GoodNews for Teens God’s Grace Is Sufficient by Fernando Alejandro GoodNews for Seniors It’s All in Your Head! by Karen Brummer GoodNews for Everyone An Exciting New Class by Dan Peeples GoodNews for Couples The Power of Words by Beth Houle GoodNews for Service You Can’t Sleep Your Life Away by William Lamb
Gerald Porter Pg 18-19
Pg 16-17
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.
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
What Is the Church? by Mike Shreve
A
cts 2:47 explains, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” So from the start, “the church” was a work of God, not a work of man. The word “church” is translated from the Greek word ecclesia (pronounced ek-klaysee’-ah) meaning “called out ones.” So all who are in the church have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light” (see 1 Pet. 2:9). Presently, over two billion people claim the Christian faith in this world. However, there is a “professing church” (those who profess an intellectual belief in a historical Christ) and a smaller-in-number “possessing church” at its core (those who possess a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus). This latter group is made up of sincere lovers of God out of every denomination who are born again (John 3:1-7). This is the true church—not an organization, but a living organism—the body of Christ worldwide. The church is the most valuable institution in the world. Acts 20:28 declares we are “the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood.” Whenever we purchase something, we must first be convinced that the item is more valuable to us than the price—or we will never make the transaction. In like manner, God must have decided that even though we were sin-stained and under a curse, we were more valuable to Him than His own blood. How amazing is that!
The Church Is the Most Important Institution in the World
The church is called “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15 NKJV). This world is saturated with deception. But the church is a memorial “pillar” raised up high above all nations radiating the bright
6 // October 2015
light of truth. Furthermore, the church is a strong foundation on which God is building His eternal plans and purposes. Without this influence, there is no hope for the seed of Adam.
The Church Is the Most Blessed Institution in the World
The Savior asked Peter, “What do people say about the Son of Man?” The chief apostle responded, “Some people say you are John the Baptist . . . or some other prophet.” Jesus replied, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:13-16 CEV). Jesus then declared Peter was blessed because he received that insight from God, not from people—then He declared: “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18 KJV). In other words, the greatest adversaries of the human race—death, the grave, eternal destruction— will not triumph over the Church because it has been formed, not by doctrinal persuasion, but by supernatural revelation. Therefore, absolutely nothing can prevent its members from obtaining ultimate victory, because God declares Himself both "the Author and the Finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). At the resurrection we will emerge: “A glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but . . . holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). Yes, we will then be “called out” of time into eternity, and ultimate, absolute, irreversible victory will be ours—forevermore! Mike Shreve and his wife Elizabeth pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee. They also run a Christian publishing company called Deeper Revelation Books. Their church celebrates the Old Testament feasts from a New Covenant perspective. www.shreveministries.org
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Pumpkin Fun Time Get ready to learn, play, and decorate!
H
by Kristy Adams
ere in beautiful North Georgia, pumpkins are harvested in early fall and echo the changing colors of the leaves. Since pumpkins are used as a decoration for the fall season, children see them everywhere! Pumpkins are the ultimate October icons—the fruit of the month, if you will. (Yes, pumpkins are a fruit.) This month, celebrate pumpkins with these hands-on activities that will add fun to your child’s learning. Get ready to make a mess, and develop some amazing family memories with these pumpkin projects.
Chalkboard Pumpkin
Painting a pumpkin with chalkboard paint provides endless drawing and writing activities that can be done many times on the same pumpkin. You can find chalkboard paint at almost any craft store. I use the spray paint in a can. Paint the entire pumpkin. Once the paint is dry, your little artist can draw faces on the pumpkin with different colored chalk. Older children can practice writing spelling words or even practice vocabulary words such as adjectives. Get creative and have your child write as many descriptive words as he or she can on the pumpkin. The beauty of this project is that as long as the pumpkin lasts, so does the paint and the activities.
8 // October 2015
Pumpkin Seed Math
Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. Turn your dining room table into an estimation station. Have your family members guess the weight of the pumpkin, the number of seeds in the pumpkin, the circumference of the pumpkin, and the height of the pumpkin. Once everyone has had a chance to write down his or her answers, start measuring and counting! To make it even more fun, have a little prize to give to the winners. You can also use the seeds to practice simple math. Add, subtract, skip count, and sort the seeds for some hands-on math fun.
Pumpkin Senses
Have your child use his or her five senses to describe a pumpkin. What does it look like? How does it feel? What does it taste like? Does it make a sound? Then, have your child compare a pumpkin to an apple, using all five senses. This is a great way to build vocabulary and learn how to be descriptive when talking and writing.
Pumpkin Art
If you are anything like me, then you have a plethora of art supplies around your home. Why not use those supplies to make some fancy pumpkins. Not only is this a great way to clean out those art tubs, but it is a great way to decorate pumpkins with younger children without having to carve with a knife. Paint, glitter, markers, paper, feathers, buttons, and even pushpins can be used to turn a plain pumpkin into a fantastic work of art. Because you are not cutting the pumpkin open, it will also last much longer on your front porch. It is virtually impossible to avoid the excitement inspired by the harvesting of fall pumpkins. This is the best time of the year to utilize the endless possibilities of pumpkins in your home or classroom. Happy fall! Kristy Adams Centers for Creative Learning Owner Educational Therapist Dyslexia Specialist
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Gò0dNews on Money Matters
Knowing What to Do and Then Doing It
D
Stop swiping the credit cards for convenience and practice what you’ve learned about your personal finances. by Andrew Lee
ave Ramsey, perhaps the
we know we should be doing. (In that
month before the money ever reaches
best-known among the Chris-
sense, financial planning success is often
your checking account? You knew that
tian financial counselors on
compared to taking care of one’s health
many experts recommend that we save
the airwaves today, has often said that
and maintaining a healthy body weight.
between 10 to 15 percent of our gross
“Personal finance is 20 percent head
We know we should eat the salad and
income every month in an automatic
knowledge and 80 percent behavior.”
veggies instead of ordering that pizza,
payroll deduction going into our 401(k)
Based on my own personal experience,
but it’s another matter to actually do it).
or 403(b) retirement plans. You had
as well as what I’ve observed in oth-
So if we know what we should be
planned to call the payroll office and
ers over the years, I would agree with
doing financially—living on less than
take care of this one day soon but you
Ramsey’s sentiments. These days, it’s
we make, saving regularly, paying off
never actually followed through.
not hard to find financial information,
debt aggressively, making a budget and
Likewise, we knew that using cash
investing tips, savings rates, and online
sticking to it—then why don’t many of
instead of credit cards when shopping
budgeting tools and retirement calcula-
us actually follow through by practicing
or dining out would help us to spend
tors just about anywhere we look. If
what we’ve learned? The ancient Greek
less and save more; but we never actu-
that’s not enough, there are television
philosopher Socrates probably said it
ally followed through, and instead kept
channels like MSNBC and Fox Business
best with his simple maxim to “Know
swiping the credit card for convenience.
Channel that bombard us with all things
thyself.” We need to take an intimate
But how convenient is the 18 percent
financial, all the time, 24/7.
and honest look at ourselves, where
interest rate we’re paying on those credit
So for many people, financial litera-
we fall short in our financial discipline,
cards, not to mention late fees? Not to be
cy, wealth building, and debt reduction
and where we had good intentions but
outdone by Socrates, William Shake-
aren’t usually a matter of not knowing
never followed through. For instance,
speare wrote in Julius Caesar, “The fault,
what to do. Rather, the issue simply
why haven’t you ever increased your au-
dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in
becomes mustering up the will power
tomatic payroll deduction to contribute
ourselves.” Or to put it another way, in
and determination to actually do what
to your company’s retirement plan every
the words of the old comic strip, Pogo, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Ultimately, all of our financial knowledge is pointless without practical implementation in our daily lives. This requires discipline. As the wisest financial manual of all time, the Book of Proverbs 25:28 tells us, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (ESV).
10 // October 2015
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.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Strength
In moments of greatest stress, strong Christians submit their will as opposed to exerting their will.
T
by Nathan Long
ake a second and answer this: “Describe a man in
definition of “strong” but took some time to read the
three words or less.” What did you come up with?
second and third definition’s synonyms: “secure and
Did you list characteristics or make a sentence?
long-lasting.” These words, for me, bring out an image
What does this show you about how you view males? I
of a different kind of strong—images of male teachers,
recently asked local college students to answer the same
leaders, and mentors in my life who have been a safe
initial question and had over 200 students, both men and
haven and a base for me. So maybe it’s not the word
women, respond. Can you guess what the number one
strong that’s the issue but my assumptions to the word
answer was? The number one answer was strong.
itself! Maybe it’s time to change my paradigm from a
If you’re anything like me, I cringe when I hear this description. Images of chauvinistic, pompous, generally
worldly idea of strong to a Godly one. Matthew 26:36-46 is the story of Jesus in the Garden
distasteful people who are all but desirable to be like,
of Gethsemane and one of the stories I see where Jesus’
come to mind. One way it was put, when the Disney
strength shown brightest. Jesus was at His rope’s end;
movie-lovers out there hear the word strong, they think
His final mission was about to start, and He knew that
of the “Gastonia” male. Looking at the Oxford dictionary
it wasn’t going to be easy. It’s in the moments of great
synonyms of strong doesn’t help either. With words such
stress where the temptation of “I need to hold it together
as, “powerful, muscular, rugged, lusty . . .” who can help
for the good of others,” the temptation of “If I ask for help
but conjure up images of a boozy Gaston singing about
I’m weak,” and the temptation of “I need to make a plan”
how awesome he is.
become the most enticing. In this story though, we see
Being an optimist, I’d like to think that the majority of the college-aged students weren’t referring to the first
that Jesus did the exact opposite of these temptations. 1. He didn’t hide His emotions (v. 37). 2. He asked for help from God and His friends (v. 38) 3. He submitted to God’s plan (v. 39) The Christian idea of strength is the exact opposite of the world’s. Strong Christians are the ones who submit their will as opposed to exerting their will, no matter how much they want to do otherwise. Jesus could have called angels to save Him from the cross, but He chose the hard way—the higher road and did what was right as opposed to what was easy. That’s what strong is for the Christian: doing what’s right even unto death.
12 // October 2015
Nathan Long graduated from Lee University in 2012 with a bachelor of science degree in pastoral ministries. He is currently the resident director of New Hughes Hall at Lee University while completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Girls with Swords Are Battle-Worthy Opponents To be equipped to fight the spiritual battles, we must be on guard with our sword—the Word of God.
W
by Melissa Noble Snyder
omen need reminding that we are in war—a
The Word tells us to “put on the full armor of God so
battle between good and evil, light and
we can stand against the tactics of the enemy.” We must be
darkness, and for most of us, we struggle
equipped and ready for battle. How do we get equipped?
with the battle in our minds. This battle is called spiritual
We get the necessary training and preparation by:
warfare. The Bible tells us that the Word of God is a sword,
• Spending time in the Word
an essential weapon enabling us to fight these battles.
• Studying the Word
Imagine holding a sword with both hands. Because
• Memorizing the Word
of this sword, you have influential power. You can fight
Lastly, we must wield the Word as the mighty
offensively and defensively. A mighty woman of God
weapon it is. “For the Word of God is living and active. . .
with the sword can successfully protect, defend, and
. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
attack the Enemy. Girls with swords are targets
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12 NIV).
for attack. Satan does not want us
As girls with a sword, we will
to live for God. He wages a battle
have spiritual battles throughout
for our souls because we are battle-
our lives. These battles will give us
worthy opponents. He looks for
opportunities to glorify and serve
ways to get us off track, to get us
our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus
confused, to cause us to doubt, to
Christ. Once the battle is over and we
get us depressed, and to make us
are victorious, we have a testimony
question God and what the Bible
to share. Brag and boast about His
says. The forces of evil are on the
goodness. “Let not the wise boast in
earth searching for opportunities to
his wisdom, let not the mighty boast
catch us off guard.
in his might, let not the rich boast
Being a woman of God is a call
in his riches, but let him who boasts
to arms. We cannot fight spiritual
boast in this, that he understands
warfare using earthly methods, or
and knows me, that I am the Lord
battle in the flesh. If we do, we will
who practices steadfast love, justice,
lose. As soldiers of God, we listen
and righteousness in the earth. For
only to our Commander-in-Chief.
in these things I delight, declares the
When we follow His commands we
Lord” (Jer. 9:23-24 NIV).
demonstrate our faithfulness, obedience, trust and our
There is a warrior in every woman of God who
willingness to follow His orders. As women in His army,
carries a sword. When Satan strikes, raise your sword
we never go into battle alone. The Holy Spirit always enters
with confidence and fight back with the truth. When
into battle with us.
you do this, you win every time. With God, women can
Be on Guard
be an impressive combination of princess and warrior.
One tactic of the Enemy is to get us to fight in our own
strength. He knows we are ineffective on our own and on our own, we are easy prey. He also knows a girl with the sword is unstoppable and unbeatable!
14 // October 2015
Carrying a sword is a beautiful thing. Do it like a hero. In her years of ministry, Melissa Noble Snyder has served in leadership roles in various areas which include counseling, teaching, social services, personal growth education, and Christian Life Coaching. As a writer/editor, she has written award-winning articles and has been recognized for her inspirational, faith-based advice column. Her greatest passion is her calling, which is to inspire women to live Christ-centered lives. She can be contacted at godgirlmelissa@gmail.com
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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 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721
16 // October 2015
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’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 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 2681 Underwood Street 30721 706-278-2649
Community
Rock Bridge Community Church 100 West Gordon St, 30720 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204
Episcopal
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857
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 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 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
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 Gospel Light Tabernacle 804 Sheridan Ave, 30721 Saint James Overcoming Church 400 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-0319
Pentecostal
True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696
Presbyterian
ChristChurch Presbyterian 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-5437 First Presbyterian Church 1419 Chattanooga Ave, 30720 706.278-8161 Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 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 706-226-216
Church Activities & Events Liberty Baptist Church
On October 4, we will be launching a brand new campus in Ft Oglethorpe on 2 Harker Rd, located on the right just before entering Chickamauga Battlefield. Service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Brian Branam and worship leader, Chris McDaniel. Visit our website, www.libertybaptistchurch.ws for more details. Everyone is invited to attend our annual Fall Festival on October 31 at our Dalton campus (4439 Tibbs Bridge Rd) from 6-9 pm. Enjoy games, food, costumes, inflatables, and plenty of candy! ______________________________________________________
Grove Level Baptist Church Car Show
October 3 • 9am - 3pm (Register before)
________________________________________
First Baptist Church Dalton Fall Festival
October 28 • 5pm ________________________________________
Mt. Rachel Baptist Church Fall Festival
Saturday, October 31
Games, Food, & Fun For The Whole Family!
Heritage Fellowship Church of God Presents
McDonald FREE BBQ Apple & BLUEGRASS Fest Saturday, October 24 | 1-4pm Apple-Smoked
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Rain Date: Saturday, November 7
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FEATURED COVER STORY
Gerald Porter
I
As a motivator, Gerald Porter’s passion is to help students identify a cause worth fighting for, empower them with the skills necessary for the current culture, and then release them to do the unexpected.
n his book, Flashpoints, author Stephen Arterburn describes flashpoints as those moments when God ignites a passion in your soul to make a difference— no matter the cost. These times define us and often shape the outcomes of our lives. For Gerald Porter, head of school at Christian Heritage School (CHS), one of those flashpoints occurred while attending an educator’s conference as a middle school principal. During that conference, he asked the Lord to reveal new strategies and methodologies to help ensure that his students were engaging in the educational process. Frustrated by seeing many students who were apathetic toward learning, he determined to search diligently for an effective way to make learning fun, rewarding, and valuable for the student.
His Early Years
Porter grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended his local public elementary school, switching to a private Christian school during middle school. Both experiences proved valuable for this educator in waiting. He was a outstanding basketball player for his Christian high school and had aspirations to play in college. After receiving news that he would have the opportunity
18 // October 2015
to play for a small college in Florida, he began to contemplate his career path. Convinced he wanted to be a successful businessman, he began to chart a course for completion of a business degree while playing college basketball. This entrepreneurial edge had always been a part of his life, dating back to businesses he started as a student, such as operating a local newspaper in elementary school, stocking local bait shops with fresh bait in middle school, and operating a lawn care business in high school. Little did he know that the Lord was using this background to help prepare him to one day lead a school. While finishing the last two weeks of high school, Porter ran into his basketball coach as he walked through the building. After sharing his plan to become a successful businessman, his coach provided what would become another major flashpoint in Porter's life. His coach looked at him curiously and then told him that he would be teaching and coaching in a Christian school within ten years.
His Calling
His coach walked away, leaving Porter to think about those words. That was the spring of 1988, and Porter
would begin his teaching/coaching career in the summer of 1998. Porter pursued his business degree but was met with multiple challenges and failures before surrendering to the Lord to become an educator at the end of his freshman year of college. Family challenges and finances forced Porter to drop out of college after his sophomore year. After accepting God’s call to teach but confused and angry by these circumstances, Porter migrated back to the place he thought he could find security and began a career in business with Domino’s pizza. He found instant success and moved into an assistant manager’s role. Then he became the store’s manager for more than a year. At the age of twentytwo, he bought his first Domino’s pizza franchise and would go on to own three stores before pursuing a career in education.
A Defining Moment
Even though Porter was not pursuing his relationship with the Lord, the Lord was blessing his life personally and professionally. He started a family with his wife Amy and was finding success in the corporate world. His stores were performing well, and he was nominated for “Franchisee of the Year.” But something was missing, and in spite of his accomplishments, he couldn’t find peace. While visiting his business mentor one evening, his mentor delivered another defining flashpoint moment. As Porter discussed his success in business and the emptiness he was feeling, his mentor made the following statement: “The only time I have known you to be truly happy was when you talked about working with kids.” Porter felt God’s presence like no other time in his life, and he immediately knew God was calling him back to pursue a life in education. He shared the news with his wife, and they sold everything for him to complete his education degree.
their calling—the place where Porter says your passion and gifts collide to help advance the Kingdom. He is also passionate about connecting business experiences and revenues to independent Christian schools. CHS has begun to incorporate some of these strategies to help students become engaged in the education process and to help the school offset costs associated with running an independent school. The school expects to launch a series of outdoor STEAM classrooms and greenhouses utilizing aquaponics systems (the art of growing food in water) for humanitarian causes, as well as to generate revenue by selling fresh fish and produce. Students will study science, technology, engineering, arts and math, while working on real world problems in hopes of finding solutions to these complex matters. This year, the lower school hopes to research and construct aquaponics systems to be built in Panama that will help feed animals in a neighboring zoo. Middle school students will work toward the construction of water filtration systems to be used around the world to purify drinking water. The high school students will work to help street children in Africa solve operating issues with aquaponics systems that provide them with food and income. Porter believes that students can accomplish so much if we help them identify a cause worth fighting for, empower them with the skills necessary for the current culture, and then release them to do the unexpected. He is committed to this philosophy since this is the same strategy the Lord used with His disciples.
His Passions
Today Porter finds great satisfaction and fulfillment after seventeen years of serving as an educator. As a result of that flashpoint moment when he asked God to help him find a better way to educate, he is grateful for the life experiences he has had. He enjoys leading a school, while pursuing the things he is passionate about. He is passionate about the family God has given him; his wife of twenty-three years, Amy, and their five children. He is passionate about helping adults and students find
issuu.com/goodnewsdalton // 19
Gò0dNews for Parents
WHO IS IN CHARGE AT YOUR HOUSE? “When we focus on trying to control the circumstances in our kid’s life, all in the name of ‘wanting what’s best,’ we put ourselves where only God should be in control.”—Autumn Ward
A
by Brenda Dedmon
s a parent, do you find yourself in constant battles with your children over the things they want to do or refuse to do? Do you feel your communication with your child consists of two words such as "Stop" and "No"? Parenting is a full-time job. One of the most important things in successful parenting is consistency
It is important to remember that whatever you permit, you promote. It is important for parents to remember that it is their job to set the limits, not to control how their child feels about it or reacts to it. So why does it seem so hard to set limits and to stick by them? Parents want their children to be happy, and it is hard to see their child hurting. Sometimes it is easier to
in dealing with your child in your expectations. Children need parents to provide discipline for them because that provides a sense of security and helps develop trust. If you "cave" to your child's every whim, then you are setting your child up for failure. Children learn that you love them by helping them make wise decisions. Sometimes parents don't want to set limits or say no to their child because they don't want to hurt their feelings. However, children should not dictate how parents behave or what the rules are. Children should be heard, respected, and valued, but parents have to be parents. It is not about being friends with your child; there has to be a balance. Your children throughout their lives will have plenty of friends, but they need you to be the person in charge. You can be friendly with your child without being friends.
give in then to deal with the child's negative reaction, or even deal with a parents own feelings of guilt and discomfort. Parents sometimes become focused on their own short-term goals to just get peace and quiet and not what is the best for the child long term. It is easier for a child to replace a behavior than stop it. So when you are setting boundaries, think in terms of what you could say that would help the child understand better the behavior that is expected. Listed below are ways to help replace a behavior: • Feet belong on the floor, not on the furniture. • Use your big voice; I don't understand whining. • Beds are for sleeping, not jumping. • Food is for eating, not throwing. • Our hands are made for clapping and high-fiving, not for hitting. • Our teeth are for eating our food, not for biting. • We use our words to say how we feel, not hitting. It is important to remember that you are responsible for helping your children become all that God has created them to be. Through love and discipline, they will come to trust you, and in turn, learn to trust God.
20 // October 2015
Reverend Brenda Dedmon is director of the children's learning center, First Baptist Dalton, Dalton, GA.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Time for Peace
God’s peace replaces our doubts, anxiety, fears, stress, and anger.
I
by Rhiannon Skeen
n Philippians 4:6, Paul tells the people not to be anxious, not to worry. He doesn't offer this as a suggestion, he states it more in the tone of a command. Be anxious for nothing. As a woman, I have looked at this verse and almost laughed because my mind goes 90-0 throughout the day, and worry happens to be what comes often. I don't want to focus on being anxious, but when you are a mom, wife, babysitter, homemaker, and so on, you get anxious. I babysit three days a week, and during those days, I am with my little one and a little boy who is a year old. Having two little ones can cause your anxiety level to skyrocket. Will someone trip? Will someone eat something off the floor? Can I get to them before it chokes them? And the worries go on and on. As if that's not enough, then I come home and I am anxious about what I'll cook, when can I do clothes, did I do dishes? Women worry. We get anxious. We perceive that a lot could happen at any given time, and so we are always on guard. But do we really have to be? Do we really have to fill up our time with worry? No. Nobody has time to be worried all day and night. It takes our mind of off the important things in life, and we are consumed with fear. Anxiety produces nothing positive. It only causes stress. In order to avoid stress, I need to be consumed with the promises of God, not the doubts of the devil.
22 // October 2015
Time for Peace
We don't have time to be anxious because we are busy, so the solution is to make time for peace. In Philippians 4:7 Paul goes on to say that if we come to God in thanksgiving, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. When I read this, I immediately think of a wellguarded castle with strong, tall walls surrounding this beautiful structure. I view it as an impenetrable wall. This is the peace of God. When it is at work in our lives, we have the strongest guard in place against doubt, anxiety, fear, stress, and anger. Flaming arrows may fly and the Enemy will attack, but with the peace of God in place, we have a cover. If we let that cover down and begin to be consumed once again with those negative things, our guard is compromised. The Enemy begins to breach our wall and our inner-being is no longer resting in peace. This is why we have to be intentional about time with God, time with fellow believers, and renewal of our mind. When we can change how we think, we can change how we go through things in our lives. Declaring God's truth into our situation changes how we view it. Don't give in to the lies of the Enemy. Speak God's truth and walk in His peace.
Rhiannon Skeen is a recent Lee University graduate, a wife, a new mother, and the creator/administrator of www.whatsoeverislovelyliving.com. She and her husband are in full-time ministry with Global Apostolic Revival Network (www.GARN.tv). They are passionate about spreading the love of God and seeing heaven invade earth.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Playground Workouts Try these creative workouts with your children at the park.
S
by Lindsey Cooke
chool is back in session, and we all know that means
you tell your kids not to climb up the slide, but you may
shorter time to squeeze in all those things we need to
change your mind with this workout. Place your hands
accomplish. It typically means that our workouts are
on the side of the slide and shuffle up the slide without
the first thing that gets left out of our routine. But what if I told
bending your knees.
you there was a way to keep those workouts and make your
• Bench jumps: Similar to box jumps, jump from the
kids happy at the same time?
ground to the bench with both feet.
We all take our kids to the park, so why not utilize that
• Kid squats: That’s right. Grab your kid and use him or
time to get as tired as your kids? With so many options, I can
her as the weight for your squats! They see you living a
almost promise you that you will not get bored!
healthier life, so why not make them a part of it
Here are some ideas.
• Swings: Bring a towel or mat for this one. Place your
• Monkey bars: Just like when you were a kid, the monkey
feet in the swing, and walk out with your hands. Your
bars are a test of strength. You can go across them, use
shoulders should be shoulder-width apart. Next, draw
them for pull-ups, and you can even use them for some
your legs into your chest and then extend them back to
good abs workouts!
starting position. Still using the swing, lie on your back
• Benches: They aren’t just for sitting anymore! Use them
with your feet in the swing. Lift your hips up and curl
as a base for your push-ups and triceps dips.
your legs toward your chest; extend your back out, and
(Don’t worry, we will come back to the
lie down.
bench!)
These are just a few of the options that a park offers! Don’t
• Slide: Do the
forget that you can add sprints, crunches, Russian twists,
slide shuffle! If
and many more! “The Lord is my strength and my shield;
you’re like me,
my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped” (Ps. 28:7 NIV).
24 // October 2015
Lindsey Cooke is the administrative assistant for Cooke's Food Store & Pharmacy.
Experience the #1 ranked sports training program in the United States at Georgia’s largest sports training facility. Register at championsofdalton.com Basketball Tryout Dates: October 3 & 6 (5th Grade - High School)
Volleyball Tryout Dates: October 17 & 24 (Ages 10-14) November 7 & 8 (High School)
419 S. Glenwood Avenue • Dalton, GA | 706-529-7528 • championsofdalton.com
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Gò0dNews for Teens
God’s Grace Is Sufficient
G
Whenever you’re struggling with that “thorn” in your side, be reminded that God’s grace is there. by Fernando Alejandro
race is something that most people desire to
grace to you and to all. However, when you began to
have and think they deserve. It is one of these
take advantage of that grace and allow your flesh to
concepts that during your teen years you don’t
consume you, and you’re not trying to live a Spirit-
understand or may take advantage of because your
filled life, then how can God offer grace to a lukewarm
parents offer so much of it. But there comes a time when
heart? You have to realize that God wants you to obtain
your parents, friends, or teachers may not offer grace
this gift of grace, but He also wants you to live for Him
to you when you need it the most. The consequences
whole heartily. We all know that mistakes will happen,
of your actions have caught up with you, and the only
and God will forgive you, but you must make an effort
thing you can do now is to accept the punishment that
to live a life that is striving to live for Christ.
is on the way. However, the typical teens tries to have
The concept of grace is something that many of us
the last word as they utter, “Jesus knows how to forgive;
have difficulty in understanding. It’s something that
why can’t you?” That may be true, but Jesus also knows
we don’t deserve, but it’s also freely given to us even
that grace is given to those who are truly sorry for their
though we have a sinful nature. We may have an issue
actions and not trying to take advantage of the system.
in our lives of a “thorn” that is constantly there, even
God’s grace is freely given to all. Regardless
after years of praying for it to go away. Paul dealt with
of your past circumstances or failures, God offers
this same problem in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. He had prayed three times for this thorn to be removed from his flesh, but according to Scripture, it never was removed. But God tells Paul something very interesting in verse 9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (NIV). In Paul’s weakest moments, when the thorn seems too hard to overcome, he must remember that God’s grace is sufficient and God’s power is perfected in that moment. Whenever you’re in trouble, having to struggle with that thorn in your side or you’re just tired from the cycles of life, be reminded that God’s grace is there. He will be your power in that time of weakness, and He will protect you. But you must strive not to be controlled by that thorn in your side, but allow God to remind you of His grace while having the thorn in your side.
26 // October 2015
Fernando Alejandro graduated from Lee University with a Youth Ministry B.S. degree. He is originally from Florida and was called into youth ministry at age 15 during a youth camp in 2008. He currently serves as an intern at The Element Student Ministry of Westmore Church of God and is the office administrator for GoodNews.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
It’s All in Your Head!
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses!”—Abraham Lincoln
H
by Karen Brummer
ave you ever been told, “It’s all in your head?” Sometimes we are disappointed and incensed when we hear those words as it implies we aren’t ill when we genuinely have symptoms. But there is a larger truth: it is all in your head! How so? There is an adage that says, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” meaning our belief makes it so. If we believe we can do something, we are more apt to make an honest attempt at it; whereas, if we believe we can’t, we’re likely to make little or no effort. Have you found this to be true in your life? Have you ever encouraged a child to believe in him/herself? If so, why? Likely because you knew it was imperative to achieving more in life and gaining more confidence. Could the same be true for adults? Happiness works the same way. I have a plaque at home that reads, “Happiness is a choice,” and I believe
that is absolutely true. It truly is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us that determines our happiness. What we think. What’s in our head! I personally know several people who have had tragedies in their lives, yet they are happy. Were they devastated by those tragedies? Of course! Great sorrow is a normal reaction to tragedy of any kind, but to continue living in that emotion while disregarding all the other good and wonderful things in life is an even greater tragedy. And that can happen by making the choice to focus on the negatives rather than the positives in life. Happy people have painful experiences and memories, but they focus only on the happier parts of life. And happy people attract happy people! A popular tune from 1944 reminds us: “Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark, what did they do just when everything looked so dark? They said we better ac-centu-ate the positive, e-lim-in-ate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, but don’t mess with Mr. In-between. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (see Phil. 4:8 NIV). Are you thinking on these things, or are you dwelling on the myriad of negatives constantly hawked on the news programs? For seniors considering entering a senior living community, the prospect can be frightening, but this doesn’t have to be the case. We can make the choice of happiness! We can consider it a frightening experience or an exciting opportunitya loss of independence or new freedom from burdens! Just ask any resident of The Terrace at Mountain Creek! They will be happy to tell you the fear was all in my head!
28 // October 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
An Exciting New Class
Salem Baptist Church offers a class that focuses on marriage and parenting. by Dan Peeples
A
fter I graduating from the University of West Georgia
bulletin and spoke to all the Sunday school classes in the age
with a degree in business management, I have been
group of twenty-five to forty-five. We also started a Facebook
able to use what I learned in our family business at
event page and begin posting on our individual pages. Then we
Julian Peeples Funeral Home, but I felt God wanted to use me
placed about fifty flyers throughout the church and personally
in my community.
contacted every young- to middle-aged person in our church.
One day my pastor, Darey Kittle, and I attended a
I told the Lord that I was willing, but I lacked teaching
luncheon with guest speaker, Dr. Gary Chapman who
skills. The Lord led me to lifeway.com where I found many
explained the importance of having a marriage ministry at your
teaching series on DVD.
church. “Even atheists and the unchurched people want to learn
We placed couples at the front door and at the entrance
to be good parents.” Dr. Chapman's words prompted us to get
of the fellowship hall to point guests in the right direction.
started on a unique idea.
We also had “table hoppers” who bounced from table to table
My wife and I felt led to begin a couple’s class on
welcoming all the newcomers. We set the mood by lowering the
Wednesday nights that focused on marriage and parenting.
bright lights in the fellowship hall, serving coffee, and playing
We were not sure what the response would be, but we knew
contemporary Christian music over the sound system.
that many younger parents were dropping their kids off for
In each session, we had an icebreaker game where couples
our church’s AWANA program, and others were not attending
could win a gift card to dinner at a local restaurant. Then we
services on Wednesdays at all.
had prayer and gave a short recap of the previous week’s
To make this effort successful, I knew we needed to get the
lesson. We always ended each class by joining hands in a large
word out. The first thing we did was pray, asking for wisdom
circle for what we call “our family prayer.”
on how to spread the word about this exciting new class so that
The Goals
God would be glorified. We started planning and promoting this class about six weeks before it actually started. We asked six
1. Give God all the glory.
other couples who shared our passion.
2. Teach Bible-based principles applicable to everyday life.
The Method
3. Strengthen our marriages.
The biggest blessing for future success was
Assistant Pastor Noel and Brenda Caldwell. We placed an ad in the church
4. Keep it fun. 5. Keep it short (around one hour), so the attendees can get ready for the following busy day of work and school. We have completed classes on marriage, parenting, personal finances, and Christian growth. We also watched lessons from Andy Stanley, Matt Chandler, Kyle Idleman, Dave Ramsey, and many more. God has blessed these classes more than Katie and I and Noel and Brenda could have imagined. More than 400 have attended our classes over the last three years, averaging from eighty to 115. In addition, we have had several date nights for dinner, movies, Chattanooga Lookouts games, and Mexican fiesta parties. Come see what it’s all about on Wednesday nights at 6:30 at Salem Baptist Church, 1448 Pleasant Grove Drive, Dalton, Georgia. You may contact us at danfuneral@optilink.us.
30 // October 2015
Dan Peeples is vice-president of Julian Peeples Funeral Homes and former mayor of Varnell. He is involved in several community activities and an active member of Salem Baptist Church. Dan is married to Katie Kinnamon Peeples and they have two small children.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
The Power of Words
“Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24 NKJV). by Beth Houle
W
e’ve all heard the statement: “Sticks and
intentionally cause harm to someone with our words.
stones may break my bones but words
So how do we prevent this? I tell my clients to think
will never hurt me.” I think many of us
of themselves as a mirror when they are talking with
wish it were this easy.
or about someone else. When you look in a mirror you
Words hold power. They create meaning from
see a visual image of yourself. When we hear others
situations, label circumstances, provide safety in a
words, we derive meaning from those words and our
relationship, or can destroy a relationship. Words are
mental mirror becomes distorted. What image is the
given their power by the way they are used, and we
person you are speaking to see through your words?
are the only ones who can control what words we
This is easiest to see in a parent/child dynamic. When
choose to use.
a toddler looks up wide-eyed to his screaming parent,
It can be really challenging to be constantly
he begins framing meanings about himself through
aware of our words. Sometimes we wonder if it is
his parent’s words. He begins to believe he’s a failure,
worth it. We get frustrated that we are asked to be
he’s annoying, bothersome, or worthless. He views
sensitive or expected to be politically correct. We are
himself through these words and the words become
drawn to what we perceive as truth about people or
his identity that he may carry for a lifetime.
circumstances and are eager to right what we believe to be wrong.
This is true even with adults. And the closer the relationship you have, the more influence you have
I meet with a lot of hurting people on a weekly
over their identity and self-worth. Research tells us
basis. Many of which who have lifelong scars from
that it takes five positive statements to counteract
someone who has used words carelessly. Almost
every negative statement we speak to an individual.
always, the people who have caused the most
This is true even when our negative statement is done
damage with their words
in a productive, caring, and loving way. Imagine the
remain unaware of
damage we do when those criticisms and contempt
the wounds they caused or are
32 // October 2015
eek out! Use your words wisely. Speak life into a broken
causing. Most
individual. Speak life into your home. Words can heal,
of us do not
and words can destroy. It’s not easy, but we can better
want to
our homes and our world by being aware of our words.
Beth Houle, MS MFTI is a master’s-level marriage and family therapist in Cleveland, TN. She focuses her work in treating couples, families, and individuals with relational issues or difficulties through her private practice. More information can be found at healingbonds.com.
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You Can’t Sleep Your Life Away Join me in celebrating the Creator’s gift of morning! by William Lamb
I
love mornings. There's something about being awake
Redeem the time. Time is constant. You can count on it.
before the sunrise where you can see beautiful skylines
Each 24 hours the Creator opens a brand new day for you
crafted by our Creator. Such visuals can reflect the
to use as you wish. If you don’t feel fulfilled or that you
writings of David in the Book of Psalm: "The whole earth
can complete the tasks at hand; wake up early and give this
is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns,
morning stuff a try.
where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy" (65:8 NIV).
Achieve more. I don't believe that being busy for the sake of busyness is wise. I understand how long to-do lists
My exposure to early mornings began by hearing my
turn into unrealistic expectations, which result in packed
dad pray loudly when I was a child. Then, at 14 years old, I
schedules. I also know the feeling of never being finished.
had my first paper route, and we all know how much those
This alone is one reason worthy of rising early to redeem
reader types want their Sunday paper delivered before the
the time. I call it “magic” hours. Find those times of the day
sun illuminates the darkness. When I joined the United
that are less crowded and not yet tainted by clutter so you
States Marine Corps, waking up early in the morning
can set your day in order—but always start by focusing on
was no longer an option but a mandate. These morning
the Almighty (that’s the word my friend Dusty uses when
exposures stuck, and, on most days, I am up before the
he talks about God).
sunrise. Those who know me and those who hear me can attest
Establish a routine. Strategist suggests that it takes twenty-one days to establish a habit and I add—a day to
that in the early morning hours, I often enthusiastically
break it. Each of us has areas of our lives that are the result
announce. "Wake up world; you can't sleep your life away."
of learned behavior. Maybe you already have the routine
Ken, one of my church camp friends always responded,
of early mornings. If so, teach the principle to others. But
"That's because you won't let us sleep." I think Ken and
maybe you don’t know the advantage of waking before the
hundreds of others over the years are beginning to catch
sun peeks through the night. If that’s you, then take my
this gift of rising early in the morning.
challenge and start tomorrow. Some day you will be glad
Again, we see that David understood the benefit of
you did.
early morning encounters with Jehovah. David wrote:
When writing this article I realized that not every
"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the
person holds my same opinion regarding mornings. In fact,
name of the Lord is to be praised" (113:3 NLT).
I have friends who disagree completely. That’s okay. I will
I realize that some people can't do mornings. Perhaps it's their work schedule; for others it's health concerns, and some just can’t get up early. Usually it seems to be a matter of choice. My hope is that you will understand these three points and enjoy some mornings with you and God.
34 // October 2015
keep posting pictures of the sunrise so they can vicariously celebrate the Creator’s gift of morning. 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.
800 Lee Bryant Road, NE Dalton, Georgia 30721 706-259-6943 lauren@walnuthillfarmga.com www.walnuthillfarmga.com
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