Gò0dNews April 2020
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Contents APRIL 2020
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Springtime in the Heart by Chester V. Clark
GoodNews for Kids
8 There Is No Place Like Home by Sue Lagermann
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
12 Reflection
by David Strickland
GoodNews for Women
14 Priceless
by Alison Nichols
GoodNews for Parents
18 Taking The First Step by Jessica Burnham
GoodNews for Teens
20 You Have A Purpose by Bridget Gray
GoodNews Cover Story
22 The Pool Store GoodNews for Health & Fitness
24 Is Your Headache Coming From Your Neck?
by Brandon Burns
GoodNews Business Spotlight
26 Allied Food Service GoodNews for Everyone
28 Safekeeping
by Zebbie Brewster
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Heart Matters by Amy Oyler
GoodNews for Couples
32 Going Through Trials Together
6
by Erin Clay GoodNews on Finances
34 Sleep Better–Build An Emergency Fund
by Charles Howell GoodNews for Everyone
36 What Time Is Later? by Beth Penny
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Setting Our Minds On Things Above
by Linda Tinney
22
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Come!
by Aimee Hays
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies by Deana Thompson
40
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Springtime in the Heart oses are red, Violets are blue, Spring has come, Now all I need is you. At least that’s the closest I can remember the poem after it was translated from Russian into English. I was a young, single pastor holding evangelistic meetings in Siberia not long after the fall of the USSR. Twice a day the largest theater in town was packed with individuals anxious to hear the Word of God! Many of them had lived their whole lives under the oppressive thumb of Communism. Tears flowed down their cheeks as we gave them the first Bible they’d ever owned, and they hugged it close to their chest. What a joy it was to see the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus give them the heart’s ultimate freedom! Many of those who came to our meetings were young people. It probably didn’t hurt that my team of Americans were mostly young students themselves! In those desperate times one of the best ways for a young Russian to find their way out of the depressing future they faced was to marry a westerner. So, in the question box the notes went. Along with the hundreds of legitimate Bible questions we would find assorted such lovely notes. Sometimes they would be anonymous, but other times they would be signed with details such as “Olga, Row C, Seat 26.” Then I’d have to go early to the empty theater to make sure and identify which section I should avoid looking at during my appeals! Perhaps it’s the creativity, or the fact that it employed a poetic phrase familiar in English; but for some reason this note has stuck in my mind. I don’t remember the young lady, or if I even identified her. I have no idea where she’s at today or what turns her life may have taken. But in my mind she’s become a symbol of all of us – and the love that we all need.
6 // April 2020
You see, I’m convinced that all of us – Americans, Russians, rich, poor, black, white, or otherwise – were created in God’s image with the capacity of and purpose for relationship. And most importantly we were created to be in relationship with God. “He has put eternity in their hearts,” Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:11. Like the brown, leafless trees of winter are created for the saps of spring – and respond with leaves and fruit and blessings for countless creatures – so our human hearts, cold and empty and lonely, were created to be permeated with God’s love. Living in relationship with God is the ultimate fulfillment of life’s purpose and the only way to be maximally happy, productive, and useful. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” Psalm 16:11. The good news of the gospel tells us, furthermore, that the God of the universe is madly in love with us and desperately desires to fill us with his love, joy, peace, and happiness that alone can satisfy the soul! I don’t travel internationally much anymore. It’s been a decade or more since I last visited Russia. But every year I see the trees and flowers of spring and I’m reminded of how beautiful God’s creation is, even damaged by sin. And sometimes Spring reminds me of that handwritten Cyrillic note. From the daffodils and dogwoods and maples, my eyes turn heavenward with the prayer, Roses are red, Violets are blue, Spring has come, Now all I need is You.
About The Author
R
by Chester V. Clark III
Chester Clark III is Senior Pastor of the Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church. He has had the joy of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in more than fifty countries, and now enjoys living in Dalton with his wife Jane and daughter Ella.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
There Is No Place Like Home
M
by Sue Lagermann
y first day at a new school was very frightening to
come up with another plan. Since I colored with my right
me. I had never ridden on a school bus, but that
hand, I would turn right at the first street I saw and keep
was how I was going to get back home. I couldn’t
walking. I stuck to that plan. As I was walking in the rain,
wait to get home. I just knew that while I was at school,
tears were pouring down my cheeks. I will keep walking
my mother and baby brother were having all kinds of fun
all the way to China. I will never see my daddy, mother,
without me.
brother, or sister again.
My mother told me to look for my sister when I got
I heard a horn beeping behind me. When I turned
on the bus. I searched for Cindy, my older sister. I could
around, there was my daddy and sister. Cindy was crying,
always count on Cindy to help take care of me. She was
and my daddy was waving to me. I was so happy they
my big sister. When I couldn’t find her, I felt panicky. My armpits felt like someone was sticking needles and pins into them. Who was I, a dumb old first-grader, going to sit with? I wanted to sit with my sister. I was lucky to have a secondgrader for a sister, but where was she? I looked at all the faces in the front of the bus. I couldn’t find my sister! I wouldn’t dare go farther back in the bus where the third, fourth, and fifth-graders sat. The lump in my throat made it hard to swallow. I sat down in the closest seat I could find. I had no idea where or how I was going to get home. To keep from crying, I kept biting those
had found me. I was going home. When we got home, my
little bags in the corners of my mouth until they bled.
mother and brother were waiting at the door. Daddy said I
The big orange bus started to roll out into the street.
was walking in the wrong direction like a little lost sheep.
That’s when I realized I had to figure this out on my own.
My mother said that would never happen again because she
I looked out the window and saw it was starting to rain. I
asked the fifth-grader across the street to make sure I found
didn’t have an umbrella to use, but that was okay. No one
my way home every day.
will see my tears when I try to find my way home. I came
(Psalm 119:105).
stops and exit. As I got off the bus, I realized I needed to
8 // April 2020
About The Author
up with a plan. Since I was 6 years old, I would count six
Sue Lagermann has been involved with the Floyd County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program since 1998 as a volunteer and became the director in 2004. Before becoming director, she advocated for over 20 children in the foster care system. She is the author of Violet Daisy Flowers becomes a Foster Kid, which is about an 8-year-old child’s journey through the child welfare system. Sue is the mother of six and grandmother of 11 children. Sue and her husband Bob reside in Aragon, GA.
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Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled 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.
T
oday as I write this, the Dow Jones Industrial Average of thirty large U.S. company stocks has plunged more than 33% since it’s all-time high only one month ago (Feb. 12th) due to fears about the COVID-19 virus. The daily ups and downs of the stock market (known as “volatility”) seem to set a new record every day—down over 1,0000 points, up nearly 2,000 points, down nearly 3,000 points. It’s enough to make any investor queasy. It’s hard to remain calm when the twenty-four-hour news channels are bombarding us with pessimism and dire warnings, and I understand their intent: an “abundance of caution” now can prevent future spread of the virus. People are panicking, as they have always panicked in times of distress. Personally, I’m concerned that the panicking and anxiety will ultimately cause more harm than the virus. But since this is a financial column, let’s focus on the economic impact. By the time you’re reading this article, we will have seen and heard countless government proposals for addressing economic problems related to the virus, including how to help restaurant, airline, and tourism workers, provisions for child care and elder care, to name only a few. National and global quarantines (or lockdowns or “sheltering in place”, if you prefer) have numerous consequences that are likewise economically crippling. By the time you’re reading this, we may already have new government policies in place for temporarily suspending evictions for tenants who lost their jobs and can’t pay their rent, and similarly for homeowners and landlords who need their mortgage payments temporarily suspended, as the Italian government has already done.
10 // April 2020
Investors (anyone with any money in the stock markets or bond markets or real estate) should remember that typically the only ones who get hurt on a roller coaster are the ones who jump off. Unless you are very close to retirement, you should remain calm and remember that you’re investing for the long-term. This too shall pass, and the markets will once again hit an all-time high. By selling now in a panic, you’re guaranteed to lose lots of money. Now, if you really believe this is the “zombie Apocalypse virus” that countless films have spoofed, then you’re probably digging a bunker and stocking up on guns and ammo. But most of us don’t really believe that, so instead just keep calm, pray earnestly, and trust God. As for “me and my house,” this new “bear market disaster” will cause us to lose the same amount of money we lost in the market panics of 9/11/01 and the mortgage meltdown and Great Recession—which was zero. We lost nothing because we didn’t panic, and we certainly didn’t sell any of our investments. Currently, I don’t even check my investment statements or account balances when the market is plunging like it is now. Why would I? The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). If you are very close to retirement, hopefully you heeded conventional wisdom a few years ago and reallocated your investments into a more conservative and less risky portfolio, like putting a substantial amount into bonds or CD’s. If, on the other hand, you kept most of your investments in the stock markets and you’re very near retirement and need that money to pay monthly expenses, you may be in a bit of a dilemma. But even so, try to remain calm. Be encouraged by Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
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Gò0dNews for Men
Reflection
W
by David Strickland
e are all created to be a reflection of our
Transformation changes us and the whole way we live.
Creator. I am a child of God, so I should be a
When we begin walking in the Spirit, we are then able to
reflection of my Heavenly Father. When others
understand what the will of the Lord is (Romans 12:2).
see me, they should see a reflection of Christ. I love the picture of Mickey Mouse looking in the
• Put on the new self Putting on the new self means putting on the one that
mirror and drawing his self-portrait. As he begins to
was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We were
draw, he draws a picture of his creator, Walt Disney.
created in His image in both righteousness and purity.
Many times, we say our biggest enemy is the person we
The old man is in conflict with the new man, and this
see when we look in the mirror. This is a lie that I used to believe, but I’m beginning to realize this is another tactic of the enemy. When I look in the mirror, I should see my Creator because He created me in HIS image and not my image. These three short but simple verses in Ephesians 4 show us how to live the new life we have in Christ. “To take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
causes us to look different when we look in the mirror.
• Take off your former way of life
We can now become our biggest fan because we no longer
To do this means to “throw off everything that hinders”
see our own selfish desires, but we see the one who
(Hebrews 12:2). Anything that hinders us and the sin that
created us. The one who created us will always have our
causes us to stumble must be thrown to the side. This is
best interests at heart. Nobody Mickey Mouse to succeed
something that is not always easy, but it is always necessary.
more than Walt Disney. Now go look in the mirror and
It’s easier to walk through life not carrying a heavy load,
reflect the image of your Creator.
and when we throw everything off our backs that is • Be renewed in the spirit of your minds When we renew our minds, we are being transformed.
12 // April 2020
About The Author
hindering us, we will be able to walk better. David Strickland received his Bachelor of Science, Religion from Liberty University. Currently resides in Rome with his wife and their dog. His love language is coffee.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Priceless
N
by Alison Nichols
estled on the top of my bookshelf, you’ll find
would carry him into each adventure. Then at night,
an old teddy bear. To the wandering eye,
he would protect me while I slept.
it wouldn’t receive a second glance, but to
As we all know, things change over time, as did
me…it’s priceless. I received this bear when I was
the appearance of my bear. His soft white fur became
4 years old while on a family vacation in the Great
faded and thin from countless washes. His nose was
Smoky Mountains. I still remember my grandpa, or
scratched and worn. He went from two eyes to one,
“Pawpaw,” as I would call him, giving the bear to
and still to this day, I don’t know what happened.
me. How excited I was! When asked what I was going
One ear was stretched out of place. The thread that
to name him, I said, “Pawpaw Bear.” Little did my
had so delicately made his smile had come unraveled,
family know how much I would grow to love him.
leaving an emotionless, one-eyed bear. Despite his haggard appearance, I still loved him. He was special. He was mine. Just as I carried my “Pawpaw Bear” wherever I went, so does the Father carry us through every season of our lives. Some of those times take us by surprise, while others are long and drawn out with seemingly no end in sight. We may feel faded, scratched, worn, damaged, unraveled, emotionless, and haggard. We are none of those things. We are a carefully crafted masterpiece with no flaws. Each of us was
In his heyday, Pawpaw Bear had soft white
formed by the Creator of the universe in His infinite
fur, a little brown nose, two brown eyes, and was
wisdom. We are loved. We are special. We are His.
always ready for fun. There were two ears perfect
“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
for listening to my secrets. He would always give the
How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them,
best hugs.
they are more than the sand” (Psalm 139:17-18).
Pawpaw Bear went with me everywhere. With his paw clutched in my hand and a smile on his face, I
14 // April 2020
About The Author
From rides to school to vacations to the beach, Alison Nichols is an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. She loves vintage clothing, antique cameras, and spending time with her family.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
16 // April 2020
706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy
Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church
614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112
Silver Creek UMC 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, GA 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 1941 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue
Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-777-8360 Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist 6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC 30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 (706) 777-8624
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Taking The First Step
“T
by Jessica Burnham
he heart is deceitful above all things,
a meeting place. I encourage you to examine your
and desperately sick; who can
lives and motives. I recently saw this quote by
understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
William Gurnall: “Never venture near the door
I have been noticing a change in myself lately.
where sin dwells, lest you are dragged in.” Where
I’m still sinful, proud, and stubborn, but I have
have you been venturing lately? What sin have
been questioning myself. I have begun to notice
you been flirting with? Don’t play around with it;
when I am acting this way more and more. I’ll get
let’s nip it in the bud.
irritated at a co-worker (or my husband) and act
“Therefore confess your sins to one another
out of my human heart, and then I will realize
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
my own sin. I guess you could say I’m becoming
The prayer of a righteous person has great power
more self-aware.
as it is working” (James 5:16). “Hi, I’m Jessica, and
Isn’t it Alcoholics Anonymous that says the
I have a problem with sin in my life.”
first step is admitting that you have a problem? would be so large we would have trouble finding 18 // April 2020
About The Author
Well, welcome to Sinners Anonymous. Our group Jessica Burnham and her husband, Danny reside in Rome, Georgia. She is the mother of three children, a full time student, and a licensed practical nurse.
Church Activities & Events Northside Church
Easter Eggstravaganza
Sunday, April 5 | 11AM - 1PM 75 N Floyd Park Road, Rome, GA 30165
Armuchee Baptist Church He Is Risen
Sunday, April 12 | 9:30AM 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW, Rome, GA 30165
Spring Creek Baptist Church
A Night At The Creek With Sid Beam Friday, April 3 | 6PM 2636 Chulio Rd SE, Rome, GA 30161
West Rome Baptist Church
Chronicles of Hope: I Am Livingproof Saturday, April 18 | 6PM - 8PM Rome, Georgia
Restoration Rome
Empowered To Connect Rewind 2-Day Conference Saturday, April 18 & April 25 | 8:30AM - 4PM 1400 Crane St, Rome, GA 30161
Gò0dNews for Teens
You Have A Purpose
S
by Bridget Gray
pring has officially sprung (finally!), and high school
your life. Think about the things you love. Think about your
seniors all over the country are moving closer to
skills, your strengths, your talents. God gave those to you
the day they’ve been counting down to for the past
for a reason. He didn’t give us all the same gifts, so don’t
four years. For them, this day cannot seem to get here fast
ever feel like you have to go with the flow. Don’t fall into
enough. For their parents, this day is arriving too quickly.
the trap of comparison and feel like you don’t measure up.
In just over a month, high school seniors will don their caps and gowns, the high school band will strike up the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” mamas will cry buckets of tears, dads will fuss over the camera…Folks, it’s almost High School Graduation Day. My own high school graduation was just a little over 20 years ago. As I recall that time, I can’t help but think, “If I knew then what I know now…” I think about the life lessons I’ve learned in all the years since I walked down the halls of my own high school. Would the teen years have been any smoother or easier? If I had had a little peek into
Don’t take a certain path in life because it seems like the
the future, would it have mattered? If I may, here is just one
easiest or the most sensible.
thing I would tell a soon-to-be-graduate. Each and every one of you has a God-given purpose in
What is it that you’re passionate about? What gets you excited and makes you want to dive in 100%? Take that
this life. You do. Not only do you have a purpose, but you
and treasure it, mold it, and develop it. Work on it, parlay
have a God-given purpose specifically given to YOU. The
it into your education or career, and you will be starting
Lord tells us in Jeremiah 1:5, “I knew you before I formed
out on a solid foundation. The end of that verse says He
you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you
has “appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” There’s a
apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” He
reason for your gift, for your talent, for your interests! There
formed and molded each and every one of us for a purpose
is a reason and a purpose for YOU. Cling to the Lord and He
and has given us gifts to fulfill that purpose.
will guide you to your purpose—His purpose.
So what does that mean to a high school graduate? figured out just what you want to do with your life yet (and that’s okay), don’t ever think that there isn’t a purpose to
20 // April 2020
About The Author
It means that even if you don’t see it, even if you haven’t Bridget Gray is a native Roman & received her BA in English from the University of West Georgia in 2002. A self-professed “book nerd”, Bridget enjoys roaming through Barnes & Noble in her rare free time. Bridget & her family (husband Jarrett & daughters Carter & Avery) attend LIFE Church.
Let Us Turn Your Backyard Into An Oasis Of Your Dreams! ROME’S FULL SERVICE POOL STORE SINCE 1971 13 JOHN DAVENPORT DRIVE, ROME, GA 30165 706.291.0875 | THEPOOLSTOREOFROME.COM
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FEATURED COVER STORY
T
The Pool Store
he Pool Store is where you can find swimming pools
As part of the business landscape in Rome, we have
and all your pool supplies. The store itself has had
had the pleasure of not only being Rome’s go-to pool place
several owners throughout the years while being in
but also being part of several of our community’s events
continuous operation since 1971, making it the oldest full-
and organizations. These include the Rome-Floyd Parks
service pool store in Floyd County. The company grew to its
and Recreational Department, Relay for Life, the YMCA,
current state via the entrepreneurial dreams of its founders,
Mercy Senior Care, and Toys for Tots, and we are strong
Tom Fox and Dave Ficquette, both of whom began their
supporters of Rome’s Masonic and Shriners’ clubs. The list
careers in the pool industry with Leslie’s Pool Supplies,
goes on, as giving back to the community that supports us
one of the largest pool suppliers in the U.S., many years
is one of the cornerstones of our business practices. We are
before coming to Rome in 2000. I joined the team in May of
truly grateful for these opportunities when they arise.
2010 and have had the privilege of being a part of The Pool Store ever since. Between the three of us, we have over 70 years of pool professional experience, most of that expertise belonging to Dave. Being part of this organization has been one of the greatest opportunities of my professional career. I take joy in the fact that we are such a close-knit team with a staff that feels more like family than co-workers. In fact, a great many of our customers just assume we are family. It gives real meaning to the saying, “Not all family is blood.”
22 // April 2020
your pool is completed promptly, correctly, and precisely to your satisfaction. And we will always be nearby to answer your questions, provide expert pool service, and be the swimming pool professionals you can rely on. We also know that understanding the products you use to maintain your pool is paramount to keeping it clean and protecting it through the years. We carry professional brands of pool products you can rely on. Our customers agree that they see better results using full-concentration chemicals and high-quality tools. There is an unwritten saying in the swimming pool industry: “Once you’re in, there’s no getting out.” While some may view this as having a negative connotation, I don’t foresee any of us getting out anytime soon simply because we love serving both our customers and our community. Whether it’s a first-time pool owner or one of our many repeat customers who have owned a pool so long their great-great-grandkids are learning to swim in it, we want to be a part of your swimming pool experience. We know that a swimming pool is a lot of work, but owning one is worth the investment and time. Our goal is to make the demands of pool ownership easier for you.
In addition, our staff is specialized. We are pool
Whether you need a one-time repair, weekly cleaning
professionals, not sales associates. Rely on us to answer your
service throughout the year, products and supplies, or
questions and advise you on products and pool care. We
are just getting started adding a pool of your own to your
offer free in-store water testing with step-by-step chemical
backyard, we can help.
application instructions and year-round pool care to make
Whether you intend to build a new swimming pool or would like to upgrade an existing one, we promise to
your life easier. Our service team is fast, efficient, and on time. We are
provide quality work, strong customer service, and the
knowledgeable and conscientious when it comes to the
full breadth of our experience. We can help you design
needs of our customers and pride ourselves on the level of
a project that is as simple or as complex as you envision,
care we provide, which is evident by the number of repeat
taking into consideration all pertinent factors such as
customers and referrals we receive. Regardless of what the
the site, the budget, and of course, any city or county
question may be, feel free to reach out to us and give us the
guidelines that need to be taken into account. Ensuring
opportunity to earn your loyalty as well. The only thing
our customers’ satisfaction is key, so we take the time to
stronger than our chlorine is our love for our customers!
walk each customer through the process, making sure any questions are answered before, during, and after completion of the project. Backed by years of hands-on experience in the poolbuilding industry, we stay with you every step of the way to monitor the pool construction process and ensure that
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Is Your Headache Coming From Your Neck?
D
by Brandon Burns
o you suffer from headaches? You are not alone.
With there being so many different types of headaches,
Roughly 47% of people around the globe suffer
there are also a wide variety of causes. This makes
from them. And while there are many different
diagnosis and treatment difficult for healthcare providers.
types of headaches, I want to talk specifically about
Getting down to the potential cause of the headache is
“cervicogenic” headaches. They are described as pain felt in
very important in selecting a treatment that will work.
the head, but actually develop in the neck. Research shows
Keep in mind that pain medications will only “mask” your
that 1 in 5 of all headaches are cervicogenic.
symptoms to make you feel better and not address the
So, why do these types of headaches occur? The cervical spine, commonly known as the neck, is not
actual problem. Because cervicogenic headaches are caused by a structural problem in the neck, physical therapist are valuable in their ability to assist in diagnosing and treating them. We can examine how your neck is functioning and determine your problem areas. The next step is your road to recovery. A physical therapist can provide a wide variety of treatments to get you back to normal. Manual or “hands-on” treatments provided by a physical therapist have proven to be more effective than pain medication for treating cervicogenic headaches. Manipulation and movement of the joints in the neck can be performed to treat stiff and painful areas. If your cause is tight muscles, we could provide massage or other soft-tissue movement techniques. We can demonstrate strengthening
working like it should. Usually this is the result of stiff
exercises to target weak postural muscles. Furthermore, we
joints in the neck, tight neck muscles, and/or weak postural
can teach muscle-specific stretching to improve neck motion
muscles. We all know that our posture is something we
and reduce the chance of future headaches. Other healing
need to work on. But, other things such as increased stress
treatments that we may use include: electrical stimulation,
and having the neck in awkward positions could also lead
heat, ice, dry needling, cupping, etc.
to these issues. Cervicogenic headaches typically feel like
If you think that your headaches may be coming from
a “throbbing” type pain in areas of the head and face,
your neck, please contact your local CORA physical therapy
depending on where in the neck they are coming from. In
to find the relief you have been searching for. Or, if you are
addition to throbbing pain, symptoms may include: pain
unsure, a free screening can be set up to determine if you
only on one side of the head/face, pain around the eyes,
need physical therapy.
untreated, cervicogenic headaches can become chronic and leave sufferers feeling helpless.
24 // April 2020
About The Author
and a stiffness in the neck felt with head movements. If left Brandon Burns is the clinic manager at CORA Physical Therapy in Cleveland. He is an alumni of UT Knoxville and TN State. He specializes in orthopedics, balance training, and sports medicine. For an appointment call 423-458-6298.
unfaltering curiosity • unlimited potential • unwavering faith
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Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
A
Allied Food Service
llied Food Service was founded in the early
on the dock, loading or unloading delivery trucks, as well as
1970’s by a local individual. The business has had
assisting retail customers and meeting customers in the local
tremendous growth since its formation and the
area. Allied Food Service’s desire to serve the customer with
ownership of the company has changed three times during
excellence at all times is what truly sets them apart from
its tenure. Most recently, Bill Turner and his business
their competition.
partner purchased Allied Food Service in 2003, and then in
For the retail customers, Allied has weekly specials
January 2016, Bill became the sole owner. Bill’s background
that include, Beef and Chicken specials, Pick Five for $19.99
was in management for larger corporations; however, Bill
specials, and a Fill Your Freezer package. Allied also keeps
wanted to own, grow and assist in developing a business
the most popular items in stock such as, brunswick stew,
that directly impacted his local community.
BBQ, hamburgers, hotdogs, as well as many other fresh and frozen products. The team at Allied can assist with noncooked catering orders and can provide assistance with serving sizes and quantities.
As President of Allied Food Service, Turner states that the company is a “ wholesale food distributor that predominantly serves restaurants, churches, daycares, convenient stores, hospitals, schools, hotels, and nursing
Please visit us at 26 Selman Road, Rome, GA 30165. Our
homes. However, we also have a retail area to serve walk
retail office hours are Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 4:30pm
in customers and we can order specialty items that are not
and Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm. You can also contact us by
found in your local grocery stores.”
phone, fax, or email.
Allied Food Service has 14 employees that help fulfill the mission of the company by providing excellent
Office – 706.232.4123
products and serving each and every customer with a smile.
Fax – 706.232.8225
Currently, Allied employs three salesmen who daily service
Email: jchampion@alliedfoodservice.com
Rome and the surrounding counties. The remaining 11
Find us on the web: alliedfoodservice.com
employees assist in delivering the products and serving the
Or like us on Facebook at Allied Food Service
retail customers, while continuing to perform basic business operations. On any given day, Turner can be seen working
26 // April 2020
We look forward to serving you!
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Safekeeping by Zebbie Brewster
I
had good intentions when I was cleaning out the trunk of
The Bible tells us in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man
my car. I needed it to be organized so I could find things I
is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus
needed. In the process of organizing, how did I misplace
is seeking to save that lost soul. Mark 8:36-37: “For what
or lose my keys? Now I would have to take time from my
shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and
organizing and find that set of keys. It wasn’t like this had
lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange
never happened before. Can you feel my pain? My car is an
for his soul?”
older but faithful model, and I try to remember to thank the
Once you give your heart and life to Jesus, He keeps
Good Lord for blessing me with her every day. But she and
your soul. You are no longer that lost sheep wandering
I aren’t going anywhere soon without those keys. So, for the
about without hope or purpose. John 10:27-30: “My sheep
moment, I will need to stop, pray, and think. I will get back to you on this a little later in the story. For now, I want to share with you about another person who also lost a thing of value to them. Luke 15:4-10: “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you,
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And
that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My
which need no repentance. Either what woman having
Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man
ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a
is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my
candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she
Father are one.”
find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends
Now that is what I call safekeeping. Jesus is
and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I
trustworthy! I am thankful that on my last occasion to
have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto
misplace my car keys, after stopping, praying, and thinking,
you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over
I found them within the hour. God is good, and He is good
one sinner that repenteth.”
all the time.
that story.
28 // April 2020
About The Author
That which was lost had been found. Oh, I love Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Heart Matters
“C
by Amy Oyler
reate in me a clean heart, O God, and renew
acutely aware of that. Although I have never been a fitness
a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
buff, I have always attempted to maintain a decent level of
Well, age and genetics have finally crept
health and physical activity. Now that physical activity is
up on us. There are two of us dealing with heart issues
doctor-prescribed, anxiety has quietly slipped in as well.
in our immediate family now. Me. And the dog. Yes,
And guilt. I feel guilty for worrying about myself when
Humphrey and I are now both heart patients. You may be
there are so many other people to worry about.
asking yourself how we came to this place and what the
In conjunction with this new chapter of my life, I’m
diagnosis is. For me, I have a “weakened heart” from an
trying to also consider my spiritual heart more. Am I in
unknown cause, indicated by a pounding and irregular
good standing with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? What about my family and friends? Not to mention those outside of the realm of people I love. What am I doing to have a healthy spiritual heart? Some of you may remember Don Henley’s song “Heart of the Matter.” I like these simple words in the chorus: “I think it’s about…forgiveness.” How true. It’s what the Father offers us when we repent. We ask in The Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We need forgiveness from the Father and, being forgiven, are obligated to extend it to each other. It’s what Jesus came to Earth to die for: forgiveness of our sins and our salvation. The Psalmist asks God to create a clean heart in him. Our spiritual heart health is as important as our physical heart health!
heartbeat over several months’ time. For Humphrey, it’s a
While we often think our issues are unique to our time,
heart murmur that has increased a stage level, indicated by
there really is “nothing new under the sun,” as the writer
occasionally coughing like a cat with a hairball. I’ve had to
of Ecclesiastes said several millennia ago. Human nature
think about my physical heart more in the last six months
and human hearts have not changed. It’s always been about
than I had my previous 51 years. And now I have to worry
forgiveness. It’s always been about what is in our hearts.
about the dog’s heart condition, too. There has been no
I cannot control others’ hearts, but I can ask for the Holy
pain involved, for which I am grateful. I am on medication
Spirit to live in mine. My heart matters, and so does yours!
now, which I loathe, but I do appreciate that it can be Suddenly, being a heart patient is stressful, scary, and has kept me up nights. It could be much worse, and I am
30 // April 2020
About The Author
treated that way. 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 for Couples
Going Through Trials Together
I
by Erin Clay
t was just a few minutes after midnight. My husband and
God cares about our marriage. It is during times of trials and
I had just rung in the New Year and were preparing for
tribulation in our lives that we choose to cling to our spouse
bed when we got the call that shook our whole world.
or pull away. So many times, when hard times come, the
One of our adult kids had gotten into trouble.
devil uses the opportunity to destroy marriages. In Matthew
Over the next few weeks, our emotions were raw and
12:25, Jesus says, “Every kingdom divided against itself is
on edge. Our whole lives had been suddenly turned upside
headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against
down. It was a time when we had to be patient with each
itself will stand.”
other as well as the circumstance. It seemed that all of our
A long time ago, we decided that God would be the
time was consumed by our child and the hurricane created
center of our marriage. You have to actively guard your
by his choices. We spent a lot of time with each of the other
marriage and pray for each other. Tough times are not
kids, trying to answer their questions and keep our home a
pretty. There are tears shed and voices raised, but at the end
calm and safe place.
of the day, I have my husband and he has me. Marriage is
After weeks of our new normal, I had to go to a store
hard—very hard at times. Some days I know that I am not
in the neighboring town. It was going to take us an hour
lovable at all. I could not imagine going through the trials of
and a half, tops, and we were going to pick up something
life without my husband and without God’s guidance.
to eat while we were out. This had become our new normal.
My husband wrote an article in January’s GoodNews
While searching for grab-and-go restaurants, I found a new
about each day being a new day and starting from there
restaurant, and I insisted on going there. The new restaurant
to make each day count (not knowing when he wrote it in
was packed and the service was a little slow. While sitting
October that we would be putting it into practice as it was
there, the couple next to us started talking to us. We talked
published). We are actively building better tomorrows in
about our businesses, our town, and the restaurant. We
our daily lives. Some days are harder than others, but we
talked about a lot of things except for the hard time we were
are holding tightly to each other and our faith in God. We
going through.
will pass through this storm stronger because of how we
When we left the restaurant almost two hours later,
approach the trials we are facing today.
that couple, unknowingly, into our path to give us a muchneeded respite from our trials. It was also a reminder that
32 // April 2020
About The Author
my husband and I agreed that we needed that. God sent Erin Clay is from Rome, Georgia. She is a wife and mom and works with special needs adults. Together with her husband, she created the blog www.wheninromega.com.
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Gò0dNews on Finances Sleep Better—Build An Emergency Fund
O
by Charles Howell
nce you have a budget in place and know
fund. Once you are past debt, start to build a larger
where your money is going, you need to
emergency fund, one that will buffer you from most
build an emergency fund. Just knowing you
real emergencies. Next, you can slowly build sinking
have some money set aside is the perfect antidote
funds for more targeted savings. A sinking fund is just
for not sleeping well at night. It is also the first thing,
a savings account designated for a specific purpose.
financially, that represents real traction in getting your
It would be wise to have a sinking fund for your car.
financial life in order. Making the slightest progress
You know you will need to maintain your car. Those
early will feed future efforts.
expenses occur throughout the life of the car and at both
When you have this money set aside, “magically,” you seem to have fewer emergencies. That may not
predictable and unpredictable times. Do the same for other targeted savings as you can (house, vacation, etc.).
be entirely true, but it will feel like it because some things that used to be emergencies are no longer that. Take, for example, new tires for your car or Christmas. In both cases, these two events will occur: one every few years and the other every December 25. Anything you can anticipate can be budgeted for as you improve your budgeting skills
As you build up a basic emergency fund, then a
and “find” money you can redirect to better service.
full emergency fund, then targeted sinking funds, the
If your budget is very tight because your income
thought of emergencies will seem like child’s play.
is low, start with finding things around the house you
You will easily tackle that car repair that used to be an
can sell. It may be minor things you can get $5 or $10
emergency, and you will be ready for Christmas.
for, but these all add up. You can find a part-time job for extra cash. Do this until you can save $1000 for a
Celebrating next Christmas debt-free will be a true blessing!
basic emergency fund. this is a good time to work on debt. Getting rid of debt will free up your income to build a larger emergency
34 // April 2020
About The Author
If you get the $1000 in the bank and have debt, Charles Howell was trained under the Dave Ramsey Master Coach program. He has been a money nerd all his life. After retiring from a career in Information Technology in 2017, he is pursuing his dream career. Charles lives in Silver Creek, Georgia, and serves clients anywhere in the country.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What Time Is Later?
“O
by Beth Penny
kay, I’ll do it later.” Famous last words.
the peace that God wants us to feel, the peace that can
Let’s face it: adulting is hard on so many
only come from God. When we have the procrastination
levels. Chores pile up. Laundry, later.
snowball in front of us, we cannot put God first in our lives.
Dishes, later. Trim the bushes, later. Paperwork, later. The
That becomes a barrier to our relationship with God and
list goes on and on. We all face tasks that we just don’t
puts a crack in our foundation.
like to do. So, faced with undesirable things that we need
In our daily lives, sometimes doing the things that God
done, what do we do? Nothing. Put it off. Procrastinate.
puts on our hearts to do becomes something for the “later”
Whatever we don’t see as a must-do goes on the “later”
list. Here is the kicker. Don’t wait until later to do good
list. Soon, so many things are on the “later” list that we
or what God, as that still small voice, has told you to do.
cannot see over or around it. This is what I call the procrastination snowball. The result? STRESS. Some things in our lives that cause stress are out of our control. But, if we can lower stress levels by taking charge of the things that we can change, then why not? The procrastination snowball we can control. Samuel Clemens—you know him as Mark Twain—famously said, “Eat one live frog first thing every morning, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that’s probably the worst thing that will happen to you that day.” Motivational speaker Brian Tracy took that one step further and gave this advice: “If you have two frogs to eat, eat the
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good,
ugliest one first, don’t sit and look at them too long, and
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not
take action immediately.” Who knew? Frogs can be used to
give up.” Don’t let the stress of doing things later inhibit
combat stress. Use those steps to tackle your procrastination
what you can accomplish today. Free yourself from the
snowball. Do the dreaded tasks first, begin to take care of
chains that come from the procrastination snowball, and you
them one at a time, and start NOW.
will immediately see the benefits that were always before
I don’t have to list the awful and horrible things that
you: the things that were blocked by the “later” list.
stress does to our bodies, minds, and souls. Stress can tear a that cause our distress can open new doors and bring about
36 // April 2020
About The Author
strong, healthy person down. Simply managing the things Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair. She and her husband, Chad, have four children.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
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.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Setting Our Minds On Things Above
S
by Linda Tinney
ocial media is an addiction-much like drugs, alcohol,
were around during the “My Space” days, it was being
sugar, etc. My son told me this week that he heard
worried about what song we should add to our profile page.
on the radio that the average adult looks at their
It’s funny the things you remember about one of the first
phone approximately 250 times a day! More than likely, it is just mindless scrolling through Pinterest, Facebook,
social media platforms. Let’s talk Instagram. In some ways, Instagram is a much
and/or Instagram to check on what your friends are doing
less drama-filled platform. All you are really doing is liking
or what is going on in their lives. Here’s a thought-why
other’s pics and maybe seeing clips of videos. But there
don’t we get back to the way it was a few years ago before
again, we are subconsciously counting those little hearts (or
the social media boom-let’s call each other, plan dinners
likes) on your pics. Oh and don’t forget about the filters. You
at each other’s houses, go on a weekend trip with friends. I am as guilty as the next personmy husband and I both have business pages on Facebook, we tag each other in interesting articles, and of course, we keep in touch with our friends and family. However, we could all use a break from social media. Let’s take Pinterest for example. Ladies-you know what I’m talking about-are you really going to buy those $1000 Louboutin heels you pinned on your “my style” board or make those Santa hat skewers for your child’s Pre-K class? Don’t get me wrong-I love some Pinterest, but yet again, it’s mindless scrolling with an occasional recipe, outfit, or accessory that you purchase or try to recreate. Imagine the time that is wasted
can take a picture of your 40-year old self and magically,
by pinning items, creating boards, planning the next holiday
you are 20 again! Who wouldn’t want to look younger and
meal, and on and on. I’m not saying stop using Pinterest,
collect those little hearts on your picture.
maybe just slow down a little (I’m going to take my own advice on that one!). Facebook—Mark Zuckerberg knew what he was doing
Obviously, the Bible doesn’t mention social media, but it does mention “wordly things”. There are lots of verses that mention “things” here on earth. Look at Colossians 3:2.
when he created this platform. You’ve got to hand it to
It states: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on
him-a college student creating a social media platform
things that are on earth.” Like my husband tells me, you
that went viral so quickly and connected people with each
can’t take things with you. So, think about that when you
other. Wow! I would be willing to bet that he never thought
ooh and aah over that Louis Vuitton bag or that friend that
that Facebook would be where it is today. It is amazing
has more likes than you on their pictures.
the number of likes or the comments made or the number friends that they have on their page. For those of us that
38 // April 2020
About The Author
to me how many adults get some sort of satisfaction from Linda Tinney is employed as a career transitions specialist at GNTC. She is wife to Neil and mom to Chason, a 5th grader She attends The Church at Rome.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Come!
T
by Aimee Hays
he warm Sanibel sand, radiant South Florida
I imagine being one of Jesus’ disciples whom He made
sunshine, and refreshing ocean waves washed over
get into the boat while thinking, “Okay, Jesus, you are
my feet while taking my breath away. Stepping into
sending me out onto the water, and you’re not coming, too?
the water along the shoreline as the waves gently kissed
Where are you going? Don’t you think you ought to come,
my sandy feet was exactly where I found comfort. Looking
too? What if we get out there and something happens?”
down, I could see my feet through the transparent water of the Gulf of Mexico, and I knew that the shark that was
Jesus has a way of allowing us to experience situations where peace is not found in the safety of the shoreline,
probably 10 feet offshore could not consume me for its lunch. Yes, as I attempted to relax at the beach, my mind told me to stay where I could see and know that I was out of danger. I guess you’ve figured out that I am not one of the brave souls who can lunge out into the deep, dark water beyond where I know what is beneath or around me. The constant, gripping fear of becoming shark bait wrapped my mind and kept me from having peace. Content and in control, I could stay on the shore! You might be like me and want the control of being able to know exactly what is going to happen next in life, being able to see the next step, or to know what
where everything is idyllic and predictable. Recently, I
all is possibly going to happen around you, but I have
found myself in the middle of one of life’s storms, and the
learned that God does not want us to live on the shores
deep waters of uncertainty and hopelessness surrounded
of control.
me. I had two choices: succumb to the waves of life and give
In Matthew 12:22, it says, “Immediately Jesus made His
up or listen to Jesus call out to me as He did to Peter in verse
disciples get into the boat and go BEFORE Him to the other
29: “So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down
side, while He sent the multitudes away.” Did you notice
out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”
that it tells us that Jesus made His disciples get into the
His grace abounds in the deepest waters. Let’s fix our
boat? It seems like they were not willing to go without Him,
eyes on Jesus and listen as He calls us, “Come!” Get out of
but He made them go! Letting go of what we want to do and
the boat today and trust Him.
was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.”
40 // April 2020
About The Author
trusting Jesus can be hard. In verse 24, it says, “But the boat My name is Aimee Hays. I am a native Roman and graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. I am married to my husband Tony Hays who teaches 8th grade and mother to Hunter and Landon Hays. I am an elementary school principal and educator of 24 years and have a passion for sharing the love of God with others.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
S
by Deana Thompson
pring is an exciting time of the year. The weather begins to warm up, and we start to shed our winter coats and hats. Baby animals are being born, both in the wild (like the baby birds in our bluebird house) and on the farm (like our cute baby goats). It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, for because He lives, we “will live also” (John 14:19). Yet the one thing most associated with spring is its floral display. Blooms of all colors, shapes, and sizes explode on our planet, blanketing the earth with a beautiful palette of color. And at our house, millions of bees fly out of their hives to visit each bloom and transform its nectar into honey. They can travel up to 6 miles away from their hives for one drop of nectar, and it takes about 20,000 drops of nectar to make one quart of honey! This golden liquid is sweeter than the white, refined sugar used to sweeten cakes, cookies, and candies. Yet the Psalmist declared that God’s laws and commands were sweeter to him than even honey (Psalm19:10). God’s laws are for our good, not to hamper our style or hinder our rise in success but to give us boundaries that will keep us safe and in His care. His plans for you are “to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). So as you make this honey version of the famous chocolate no-bake cookies, remember to view God’s laws as something good and sweet. And remember the little bee that flew many miles to contribute to your 1¼ cup of honey! 42 // April 2020
Ingredients
• ½ c. unsalted butter • 1¼ c. honey
• 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa • 1 tsp. pure vanilla • ½ c. creamy peanut butter • 3¼ c. old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, combine butter, honey, and cocoa. Bring to a rolling boil and boil 1½ minutes. Remove from heat. 2. Add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is melted. 3. Add oats; stir until well combined. 4. Using a spoon, drop the dough onto waxed paper. Let cool.
Variations
Nutty | Add ¼ c. pecans with the oats.
Peppermint | Add ¼ tsp. peppermint extract with the vanilla. Orange | Add 1/8 tsp. orange extract with the vanilla.
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