Gò0dNews April 2021
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About Us WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix Amanda Lynette Andrew Lee Beth Penny Bill Fortenberry Brenda Dedmon Chad Hess David Thompson Erin Clay Heather Tate Jimmy Gentry Mary Anderson Beard Nadolyn Lee Phil Wade Dr. Ralph Jenkins Sue Lavigne Tammy Madden
SALES
David Kirk 770-546-0150
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
PHOTOGRAPHER Melanie Abney 706-844-3818
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 six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, 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.
DISTRIBUTION
Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
GoodNews Rome 5500 Monthly
EDITOR
David Thompson
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-478-6484
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, 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!
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.
Contents APRIL 2021
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 You Are Somebody GoodNews for Everyone
8 Who’s In Control? by Sue Lavigne
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 There Are No Do-Overs, But...
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
GoodNews for Everyone
26 Let Your Fears Take Flight by Amanda Lynette
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Early or Late, Hot or Cold, It’s Always Easter
by Jimmy Gentry GoodNews for Everyone
30 Think On These Things by Bill Fortenberry
12 Me In Christ
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Women
by Chad Hess
by Phil Wade
14 Let Go
by Erin Clay
GoodNews for Everyone
18 “If Christ Be Not Raised...” by Dr. Alan Hix
GoodNews for Everyone
20 What’s Your Sign? by Beth Penny
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Rome Equipment Rental
And Action Outdoor Power
by David Thompson GoodNews for Parents
24 Love=Discipline
by Brenda Dedmon
32 Joy and Fear
12
GoodNews for Everyone
34 A Message Of Care by Heather Tate
GoodNews for Couples
36 True Love
by Tammy Madden
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Do Not Fear
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
GoodNews for Everyone
22
40 My Selfie In The Mirror by Nadolyn Lee
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Colored Deviled Eggs by Mary Anderson Beard
34
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
I
You Are Somebody
once heard someone say, “If you’re somebody to
As amazing as it seems, God does not then see you with
anybody, then you are a somebody.” What if you were
all the sins you committed in your past. He sees you as a
somebody to the most powerful, ultimate being in the
person He is keeping cleansed as you pursue the Christlike
universe? Wouldn’t that make you somebody? Great news: You ARE somebody to the great I AM—
life. Having been faithfully forgiven by the blood of Christ, God sees you as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
God! You are so important to God that He (John 3:16) sent
nation, a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9).
His Son (The Word of God in flesh) to willingly die for you.
Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God will choose you to
Since your redemption was His mission, the stunning point
be part of His very special people. Not only that, but you, like the special priests of old, are able to come into His presence and offer spiritual sacrifices to Him (1 Peter 2:5). 1 Peter 4:10-11 explains that God sees you as so important He is offering you special gifts with which to serve Him and the rest of His children. Too often, we think we cannot do anything important. However, God actually grants each of us gifts. In Christ, we must simply discover what we have been gifted to do for zealous service. 1 Corinthians 12:18 says that God has offered to place you in
about His sacrifice was that His love compelled His death
His body exactly where He wants you. That is, He knows
for you while you were condemned in sin (Romans 5:8).
that you are especially suited to accomplish some work
According to Ephesians 1:5, you are so important to God
right where you are. That is how much faith He has in you.
He has offered to adopt you as His child. According to 1
Ephesians 3:20-21 demonstrates that God has offered to let
Peter 1:4-5, you are so important to God He has offered to
you be one of His chosen vessels through whom He can
protect you by His power through your faith and to reserve
work in the world, accomplishing far more than you can ask
an inheritance for you in heaven. According to 1 Corinthians
or think. The reality is you aren’t just somebody to anybody.
10:13, you are so important to God He refuses to let you be
You are somebody to God. Never forget that. The question
tempted beyond what you are able but always provides the
is, will you accept His offers? Will you surrender to Jesus
way of escape. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, you
Christ and become that person God has offered to let you
are so important to God He is planning to send Jesus back
be? If you haven’t done that yet, why not today? Jesus gave
someday to bring you home to Him if you are a faithful
His all for you. Will you give your all to Him?
citizen of His Kingdom. Then you will be able to live with God forever.
6 // April 2021
You are somebody to Jesus. Who is He to you?
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Who’s In Control?
“W
by Sue Lavigne
hat areas of your life do you have control over? Be specific.” This was one of the questions asked in a step study
class for Celebrate Recovery that I was attending. It is a very good question. Many of us would casually answer, “Yes, I have control over my life, my attitude, and maybe my family.” But as I thought about that question more, I asked myself, “Do I really have control over anything in my life?”
of control from a new perspective. Do we really need faith and trust in God when all is well in our world? My trust in God grew more after I had been unemployed for 30 months. It continues to grow as my COVID isolation leads me to listen for His words to speak direction and purpose. Perhaps you are in a similar situation where your world seems to be turned upside down. These words from Proverbs 3:5-6 have helped me through this season of losses:
We have all heard the stories of people who have had their world turned upside down by a tragic event such as a divorce, job loss, the death of a close friend or family member, auto accident, or cancer diagnosis. These events can change our lives in a moment, making us feel that our lives are spinning “out of control.” However, the question remains: “Did we really have control in the first place?” Later in the study, we were asked, “What have you been able to turn over to God?” Again, I answered honestly that I was able to turn over my finances, my job, and my ministry. At the time, I thought my finances, my job, and even my ministry were secure. I had a good job, was not in debt, was serving at my church, and was a leader at Celebrate Recovery. Then slowly, over the last four years, all my security fell away. In February 2017, I developed a chronic pain issue that limited my normal activities. In June 2018, I lost my job because our department was closing. Despite all my losses, I was still active with Celebrate Recovery and my church, but then COVID-19 stopped all my ministry opportunities. My world turned upside down until every part of me that I thought I controlled was gone.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.” Although my circumstances have not changed, my perspective has changed. I know that trusting in God means relying on Him completely. I can now answer the question with better clarity. “Who is in control?” God is and always has been in control, and I trust Him with every aspect of my life, even when I do not understand in which direction it is going. How about you?
a very humbling experience. So I have looked at the question
8 // April 2021
About The Author
I am not in control of my life. I never have been. This is Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church in Rome, Georgia. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
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There Are No Do-Overs, But... 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.
R
ecently I was chatting online with some teachers and parents, debating the question of who is responsible (or should be) for teaching kids about personal finance and basic life skills, including balancing a checkbook, making a monthly budget, etc. Some teachers in the discussion were understandably exasperated that a growing number of parents expected schools to teach these skills to their children, instead of the parents doing it at home. I fully agree that the primary responsibility of preparing kids for life—which includes money management near the top of the list—lies with parents first and foremost. Unfortunately, many parents are increasingly unable or unwilling to do this, so they ask (demand) that the schools offer personal finance courses. And I welcome that suggestion whole-heartedly. For one thing, some parents may know little to nothing about finances, and their own finances may be a disaster as a result. Secondly, parents may know a bit about opening a checking and savings account, but not know how to open a Roth IRA account or how to explain amortization on a home mortgage. Schools could offer a course (or a few courses—the more the merrier, in my opinion) as an option instead of trigonometry or calculus for students who are either not college-bound or whose planned college majors don’t require them to take classes about “math with no numbers” as I derisively like to refer to those Greek letter equations (yuck). For my money (pun intended), a course or two on personal finance and investing would better serve many middle school and high school students. Heck, make it mandatory! In the past several years, I’ve periodically taken a few minutes at the start of class to give crash courses to my
10 // April 2021
college students in compound interest, the importance of saving and investing when you’re young, why a Roth IRA is magical, and how “house hacking” by being a live-in landlord can start them on a quick path to wealth. I tie these lessons to various Scriptures, usually from Proverbs, since I truly believe wise financial management is an integral part of a Christian life. I often close by saying, “If only some teacher had taught me these lessons when I was a teenager . . . and now you have no excuse!” The truth is, there are no “do-overs.” But you can teach younger people whom you care about so that they can learn from your mistakes (or from financial ignorance in your youth). Moreover, you can commit to starting today making wiser choices, financially speaking. Speaking of “do-overs”, consider jotting a list of your most memorable money mistakes; doing this might inspire you to corner a youngster and teach them why you made a bad decision and how he or she can avoid doing the same. When I say money “mistakes,” I don’t mean not buying Amazon in the 1990’s. I’m talking about common blunders that many people make regularly—leasing a new car in order to look cool at a red light, paying the minimum balance every month on a high interest credit card, refusing to open bills and stuffing them in drawers hoping they will somehow pay themselves, eating out seven nights in a row instead of making a trip to the grocery store, swiping a debit card unsure if the purchase will clear because you haven’t balanced your checkbook all year (and being crushed with $30 “insufficient funds” fees several times per month as a result). These are lessons we can learn from, as well as teach the next generation. Whose job is it—the schools or the parents? Why not both?
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Gò0dNews for Men
E
Me In Christ by Phil Wade
phesians 3:14-21, “For this reason I bow my knees to
Paul is writing this prayer in prison not knowing
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom
whether the day he wrote this prayer would be his last.
the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that
Unlike us, we spend most of our time praying for what we
He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to
want and what we need. He wasn't praying for protection,
be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner
wasn't praying for freedom or mercy. In fact, his prayer had
man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
nothing to do with what he wanted God to do for him, but
that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able
what Paul wanted God to do “in” him and in the church.
to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ
Paul's first prayer was not for health or wealth. It was for inner strength and power. It is not coincidental that
which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” There is a two-word question that is fun to ask at parties or group settings. The question is, ''what if?'' I want to pose some ''what if'' questions to you today: 1. What if the church believed God the way he deserves to be believed? 2. What if the church obeyed God the way he demands to be obeyed? 3. What if the church loved God the way he desires to be loved?
was the first thing he prays. Because unless we are daily,
I personally believe the church would look radically
continuously strengthen by the holy spirit, you cannot walk
different than it looks today. I personally believe the world
with God, work for God, witness for or even worship God
would look at the church radically different than it does
the way you should. You see, God doesn't need our power
today. And I believe the church would radically look at God
to live for him, because we don't have any. We need his
and the world differently than we look at them today.
power to live through us.
For many, I just do not see the transformational power of God at work right now in some people who claim
I challenge you to do something. The next thirty days, every day ask God to:
to follow him. I absolutely believe God is still at work,
• Strengthen you with His spirit,
but where? So how do we showcase the power of God
• Load you with his love,
transforming people's lives more?’' I believe the answer to
• Fill you with his fullness
this question is found in this prayer in Ephesians 3. If we
• And persuade you of his power.
would begin to pray to God for the things in this prayer and
You watch not just how God can change your
transforming power of God unleashed in our lives and in churches like we have never seen before.
12 // April 2021
circumstances, but how God can change you. And then watch what God will do with all of it. About The Author
believe God for the things in this prayer, we would see the
Pastor Phil Wade and his wife Keli have two children and five grandchildren. His passion in returning to Rome is to give back to Rome the investment they made in him as he served as lead Pastor of Northside Church since 2012.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Let Go
L
by Erin Clay
ife is hard, messy, and sometimes discouraging.
comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I
Many times, it is of my own doing, but I couldn’t
have come so that they may have life and have it in
imagine going through life without being able to
abundance.” This is a great Scripture to remember.
pray and ask God for guidance, help, and comfort. I
When things are going so badly in life, you can
constantly pray that I am in God’s will and that I am
remember that God wants you to have good things,
doing what He wants me to. I don’t always understand
and sometimes, that means painful changes.
why He has me in places at times, but He sees the big picture, while I can only see what He allows me to. I also know that when I am discouraged, He encourages me. I think we all get discouraged at times in our lives. As a wife, mother, daughter, and human being, I get discouraged. I get discouraged by little things and big things alike. It seems like it never fails that when I get discouraged, God sends someone (unaware) to encourage me. I know it is the work of God because it is always the most random encounter. It can be from someone I know or
Over the years, I have learned that when I
someone I have never met before. Many times when I
completely give myself over to God’s will, He can
feel like giving up on my dreams and goals, someone
do remarkable things in my life. He has removed
will come along and lift me up. On the flip side, it is
friends from my life, helped me through a divorce,
also important to lift others up. In Hebrews 10:24-25,
and brought my husband into my life. Letting go and
the writer says, “And let us consider how to stir up one
letting God work has been one of the hardest lessons to
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet
learn and one of the biggest rewards. God wants good
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
things for us, but we have to be willing to turn loose
another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing
and acknowledge that He is in control.
near.” We all need encouragement. I think that many times when I get discouraged, good things for us. Jesus said in John 10:10, “A thief
14 // April 2021
About The Author
it is my own lack of trust in God. You see, God wants
My name is Erin Clay, and I am a wife, mom, and stepmom. My husband and I are Sunday school teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. I’ve lived my whole life in Rome, Georgia, and I own the travel blog titled “When In Rome, Georgia.”
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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 706-291-7790
16 // April 2021
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 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 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
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281
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 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 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 Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
“If Christ Be Not Raised…”
C
by Dr. Alan Hix
ulturally, we seem fascinated by stories of famous
In Christ’s bodily resurrection, we have the proof that
people. It doesn’t always seem to matter whether the
Jesus is the Son of God He claims to be. Paul insisted that
stories are true or false: we love to read them. The
the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Without it,
most famous story about George Washington centers around
we truly have no hope. But, he counters, Christ HAS been
a cherry tree. When he was 6 years old, he received a hatchet as a gift. The story tells us that he decided to test the effectiveness of the hatchet on one of his father’s cherry trees. When confronted with the deed, he is reported to have admitted, “I cannot tell a lie: I did cut it with my hatchet.” Although this story gives us a wonderful moral about honesty, we know that this story was actually invented by Mason Locke, one of Washington’s early biographers. We still cherish the story, but its actual truthfulness is not all that important. This month, we celebrate the holiest day in the Christian calendar. For Christians, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is the
raised, and in doing so, He has paved the way for those who
central tenet of the Christian faith. An important question
believe in Him to experience that same resurrection power.
to ask is: Was it a physical resurrection or merely a spiritual
Charles Wesley’s hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen
one? This question has been debated since the earliest days
Today” is sung Easter morning in churches around the
of the church. Someone outside of the Christian faith might
globe. His second verse echoes Paul’s grand declaration to
ask the question, “Does it really matter?” The progressive
the Corinthians:
scholar Marcus Borg argued that the meaning of Easter was
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is
not about what happened to the body of Jesus. What was
now thy sting? Alleluia! Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
important for Borg was that Jesus continues to be known
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
and that He is Lord. In his first letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul insists that what happened to the body of Jesus DOES matter.
So this Easter, as we emerge from a year in the shadow of a pandemic, let us celebrate with the fullness of our hearts: “Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!”
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17-20).
18 // April 2021
About The Author
in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
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
What’s Your Sign?
H
by Beth Penny
ave you ever gotten behind a car with the sign
beliefs and disparate cultures. Is that so foreign to us now?
“Student Driver” or “Learning to Drive a Stick”?
No matter the color, race, belief, or actions, God calls us
Sometimes, we even see signs that say “Roadwork
to love one another. He has set an example for us to give
Ahead.” “Expect Delays.” Are we more patient when
His unconditional love and mercy to those around us. The
we see those signs because we are given the caveat that
“what if” is in the backs of our minds. What if they did
something is out of the norm? I like to think I am patient
this? What if they don’t deserve it? What if they don’t show
with delays that I know are coming. Would I have been as patient with the car in front of me if I hadn’t seen the sign? Maybe not. This makes me consider life. Are we this patient with people around us? We only see the outward; we don’t see what burdens a person is carrying with them everywhere he or she goes. Not everyone wears signs: Getting Divorced, Overslept, Fight with Spouse, Child Forgot Bookbag and Lunch for the 43rd Time, Lost a Loved One, Scared of Upcoming Surgery. Would our world be different if everyone wore a sign on their sleeve for what they were silently suffering through? Would we be more patient, understanding, forgiving, if we knew? We think of the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37 as a children’s Sunday School story or a story saved for Vacation Bible School. In fact, as adults, I think
kindness? What if they are a sinner? Guess what? We are all
we need to be reminded of this one as well. The fact was
sinners, and no sin is greater than any other sin.
that Jews did not like Samaritans. It was a deep-seated
God didn’t set limitations on His mercy for us: why
and longstanding quarrel that led back to the division of
do we set limitations on our mercy for others? Matthew
Judah and Israel, way back when the 12 tribes of Jacob were
25:37-40 tells us, “Then the righteous will answer him,
fighting amongst themselves. Luke describes the way a man
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty
was robbed, beaten, and left for dead along the side of the
and give you something to drink? When did we see you a
road. Every person who walked by went clearly to the other
stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
side of the road. The one person who would have been the
you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit
last person for a compassionate rescue was the Samaritan
you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you
man. He had no reason at all to show kindness that day
did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
to someone he had been ingrained to hate for actually no
you did for me.’”
definable reason.
Again, we don’t know what someone is carrying around with them. We shouldn’t have to see the signs to
people, as communities, as countries, we are so divided
treat others with mutual respect. So I’ll leave with one
that there seems to be no way to see over the mountains
thought: Be kind, always.
of distrust and disrespect that we have built. The Jews and the Samaritans were different people with contrasting
20 // April 2021
About The Author
Centuries later, do we have to have a reason? As a
Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair. She and her husband, Chad, have four children.
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22 // April 2021
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706-291-0222 goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Parents
Love=Discipline by Rev. Brenda Dedmon
I
t seems in our world today, there is so much debate about
instead of saying, “You cannot watch TV.” Offer
what the best way is to discipline children, when is too
acceptable choices instead of the behavior they chose.
much or not enough, or not wanting to stifle a child’s
• Relates to the Problem: Make sure that you are
independence. We read in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children
dealing with the behavior that just occurred and not
off on the way they should go, and even when they are
bringing up things in the past. Statements that begin
old, they will not turn from it.” This verse reminds us that
with “You always…” or “You will never…” bring up
children do need guidance, and this instruction will serve
past aggressions, not the current behavior.
them their entire lives. Let us examine what the word “discipline” means versus “punishment” for children. When you discipline a child, you are teaching them to learn to follow rules or correct misbehavior in a positive way. Punishment may stop a certain behavior in the moment, but it is not likely to change behavior for the long term. When children are disciplined in positive ways, they are learning what expectations are and the accountability for natural and logical consequences that follow. Positive discipline leads to healthy self-esteem because it puts children in control of their behavior and teaches new skills such as self-control and self-regulation. The child will also learn that behavior is a form of communication,
• Results: Lead to natural consequences and serve
and it enables the child to learn how to behave differently in
as a guide for future logical actions if the behavior
the future.
happens again. Do not offer consequences that you
Discipline helps children learn that boundaries are part of the necessities in life. We can all look at some adults
cannot keep. “You will not ever…” statements will be impossible to keep.
today and recognize by their behavior that they did not
• Reminders: Rather than always making demands of
learn about self-control or self-regulation. In the formative
your child, which will exhaust you and your child,
years, they did not learn the concept that actions result in
use gentle one-word reminders. Instead of, “Get
consequences and boundaries are needed to become a self-
your coat, stop running, share the toy,” say, “Coat,
reliant adult. They often suffer from low self-esteem and the
walk, share.” This will lessen the defensive mood and
ability to make wise decisions.
remind them of proper behavior.
The consequences of your positive discipline should meet the requirements of the Four Rs:
• Reasonable: Redirect your child to a more
The most important message in discipline is to communicate love and respect for your child. If a child feels loved, they will respond to your discipline in positive ways.
they can do instead of what they cannot do. You may say, “You may go outside and play or work a puzzle,”
24 // April 2021
About The Author
appropriate choice of behavior. Tell children what Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.
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Success Mortgage Partners, Inc supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 130562. This is informational only and is not an
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Let Your Fears Take Flight
F
by Amanda Lynette
ear and anxiety can strip away all of your joy and happiness. It can take away your freedom and leave you feeling dependent on others. It makes you feel like
you are not enough or worthy.
“God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). I jumped up, got dressed, packed up the drone, and headed out the door. I arrived at the location where the
As a commercial drone pilot, I am ashamed to share
park ranger confirmed my permission to fly and began
this story, but I know it is beneficial for others to hear. My
unloading my equipment. I carefully went through my
position at work allows me to attend drone events to share my
setup and safety steps. The time had come for taking off. I
company’s online school with those, like myself, who are working to become Part-107 certified pilots. I love to fly drones and capture the beauty of our earth from an aerial perspective. In the year that I have had my certificate, I’ve never flown a full mission by myself, meaning someone else always sets up the apps and gets things charged and ready for me, so all I have to do is fly. I am now solo most of the time and have wanted to fly. This past week, I had a friend in town who was willing to tag along, so I thought, “The time is now. I can do this.” However, I let fear and anxiety take over. The excuses I gave myself were everything from “The weather does not look great” to “There are problems with the iPad.”
was in the beautiful Red Rock Canyon all by myself, and I
I made myself so nervous and unsure that I did not get to
was determined to dominate that flight.
fly. Thankfully, before leaving, my friend shared some very
I did it! It was so liberating to push my fears to the side.
encouraging words that would later ignite a fire within me to
The devil is hard at work trying to make us feel like
try again. The following day, I responded to my shortcomings in the worst way: I lay in bed, covered my head, and accepted my defeat. I was so disappointed in myself. I knew I had it in
our own worst enemies. But our God is stronger, and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)! God is encouraging and pushing us to acknowledge
me to do this on my own, but I could not find the courage.
who we are in Him! Kick your fears and shortcomings
Then, as I was lying in bed, I was reminded of the
to the curb, and embrace your abilities. Mistakes might
encouragement from my friend. We spent most of the week
happen, but you will learn and grow from them. You will
exploring the outdoors with adventurous hikes, during which
never know what might happen in life if your fears never
she said, “It sparks your freedom to be out here in nature
let you take flight!
so right. Out there in nature, you can be yourself! It’s a place where you can own who you are and the abilities you hold.
26 // April 2021
About The Author
with no one telling you what you can or can’t do.” She was Amanda Lynette is a Christian blogger, inspirational speaker, home-school mom, nature lover, and a Slim-Fast ambassador who loves to travel, explore, and remind others that they are enough and worthy. Visit www.amandalynette.com for a daily dose of encouragement.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Early or Late, Hot or Cold, It’s Always Easter
E
by Jimmy Gentry
aster. It is a great word. It signals freshness in a world where
Easter. Sometimes it comes early. Sometimes it comes late. So,
values have decayed beyond the foulest of stenches. Easter
it may be hot, or it may be cold. Ever wonder how Easter Sunday
conjures up memories of my own childhood, as well as the
is determined? If you think how the word came into vogue is
ones with my own children in their upbringing. Coloring eggs and
complicated, embarking on the task of how its date is determined
hunting them, getting bright new outfits, discovering baskets filled
can move you to disembark that undertaking hurriedly. Easter Day
with sweet goodies, and of course, going to worship somewhere. All
is not one of those fixed dates as is Christmas Day. It delights in
sorts of things come from Easter. Easter Sunday. Easter Day. Easter
“traveling” over the terrain of thirty-five dates year after year. It is
Monday. Easter Dinner. Eastertide. Easter Lily. Easter Cactus. Easter
never the same date two years running.
Daisy. Easter Egg. Easter Bunny. Easter Island. Easter Parade. Easter. Undeniably it is a great word.
Here is the simplified version. Trust me on the simple part! Easter Sunday is always the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the Spring Equinox. Speaking of full, that is a mouth full! This full moon may happen on any date between March 21 and April 18 inclusive. If the full moon falls on Sunday, Easter Day is the following Sunday. Easter cannot be earlier than March 22 or later than April 25, thus the thirty-five dates. The last time Easter Day fell on March 22 was in 1818 and the next time it will happen on that date will be 2285. The last time it occurred on April 25 was in 1943 and the next will be 2038. The Spring Equinox this year was Saturday, March 20. The first full moon after that was March 28 – Palm-Passion Sunday. So, Easter Sunday is April 4. Like Easter 2020, this year’s observance includes the dastardly COVID-19 that has taken more than two million
It is the oldest and greatest of all Christian festivals. It was not called Easter in those early centuries, though. It was most often called the Pasch, the Christian Passover, and the Day of the
lives worldwide. There is hope as more and more are vaccinated. The pandemic is about death. Easter, though, is about life. The worldly culture is one of death. Pay attention to what
Resurrection. The word “Easter” did not show up until later. In fact,
is happening across the planet and the evidence is promptly
it is not a biblical word. It came from an Old English word that was
observable, not only in COVID-19, but also in the brutality of war,
a reference, originally, to some Anglo-Saxon pagan goddess who
neighborhood and ethnic violence, a lack of compassion for the
was worshiped in the springtime. While the whole process of how
poorest of the poor, a deficiency in funding for some public school
the word came to be universally accepted is full of twists and turns,
districts, environmental debasement, and a lack of respect for
suffice it to say that shortly after Christianity showed up in England,
life inside and outside the womb. These are just a few instances
more than 1,500 years ago, the god-lady was booted for something
confirming a worldly culture of death.
that marked Christ’s resurrection and Easter eventually became the word for that celebration. Of course, the earliest Easter observances were taking place long
It has always been that way. Perhaps it always will be. Even if it is, Easter permits Jesus people to live with hope and a commitment to do everything they can within the framework of Christian ethics
before the Good News landed on the shores of Britain. The festivities
to model a culture of life. And that, remember, is the common
were much longer than a single day, too. They were fifty days in
message of Easter: every day is about life and not death.
and ascension were remembered. It all culminated on Pentecost, the fiftieth day, which denoted the birthday of the church as the Holy Spirit was poured upon the Jesus People.
28 // April 2021
Jesus is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Early or late, hot or cold, it is always Easter. Thanks be to God! About The Author
length. During these “Great Fifty Days,” the Lord’s resurrection
Jimmy Gentry is the senior pastor of Garden Lakes Baptist Church. He is a native of Kentucky. He is married to his wife Jackie and they have two children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Think On These Things
“F
by Bill Fortenberry
inally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). I spent the last 21 days of January fasting from social media and most television media. It. Was. Wonderful. I highly recommend it. Let me be clear: I do not think you should bury your head
There is a better way to navigate these uncertain times: • Don’t depend on the media to give you truth. Truth starts with the Bible. • If you’re going to post on social media, be an encourager. Tell people you love them (and mean it). • If you want to help the social ills of our nation, invest in families, starting with your own. • Paul’s words to the Philippians are good. Before you post, before you finish reading a post or article or
in the sand. A lot has happened in our world over the past 12 months, and a lot is happening now. Educating ourselves about current events and how decisions can impact us is important to our families, our churches, and our communities. However, in these uncertain times, we have to remember that Scripture calls Christians to a higher standard: to guard our hearts and to show love and encouragement. We are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). We should exercise that wisdom and put it to use when scrolling Facebook or channels. Here are some observations: • The news media reminds us daily of how many people have died from or have contracted COVID-19, but not one of them has reported that 58.6 million people have recovered from it (as of the day that I’m writing this). That’s something to
before you finish watching or listening to a broadcast,
celebrate!
ask yourself: Is it true? Noble? Right? Pure? Lovely?
• The news media tells us that our nation’s problems are
Admirable? Excellent? Praiseworthy? If it’s not, stop
due to poor governmental policy and lack of funding, but not one has reported that 70 percent of incarcerated adolescents and 60 percent of rapists were raised in
reading, stop watching, and don’t post. • Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. If your circumstances, media, social media, or
fatherless homes. If there is a solution to pursue, how
social interactions are robbing you of your joy, STOP
about starting with fatherhood?
allowing them in your life. If there was ever a time when
• I know people who have severed lifelong friendships
you’ve needed your strength, it’s now. Abide in Christ.
because of words posted on Facebook, Twitter, or
Look for the joy. Cultivate it. Shut out the voices that
Instagram, ending whatever opportunity these
would take it away. THAT is how we live victoriously.
individuals had to encourage, share the hope of the showing some grace and posting only things that are encouraging and edifying?
30 // April 2021
About The Author
Gospel, or be available in a time of need. How about Bill Fortenberry worked 17 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, and has worked in healthcare communications since 2001. Bill serves as the chairman of the board of managers of Haven Health Clinic for Women and is a men’s ministry leader and small group facilitator at his church, HBC Rome. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Ethan and Autumn. A storyteller at heart, Bill writes an occasional blog at kudzudad.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Joy and Fear
M
by Chad Hess
atthew 28:8 says, “So they departed quickly from
have forgotten. To fear the Lord is not to be afraid of Him,
the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell
but to have a reverence for Him because He is holy. It is to
His disciples.”
have an awe inducing understanding of His infiniteness,
It seems lately that people are living with a lot of
and our own inability to do anything that would merit our
fear and very little joy. Look at the news or go on a social
salvation apart from His grace. It is as David says to follow
media platform and you will see that fear is pervasive. Our
His true and righteous rules because fear of Him is clean
leaders seem to be using fear to further their agendas. Even
and enduring forever. Fear of the Lord, as the Anglican
our pulpits seem full of fear as many are afraid to preach the Gospel in its rawest form. The simple truth is that throughout the ages fear has been ever present. Since evil entered the garden we have been fearful, and even the advent of the Kingdom of God with the birth of Jesus seems to have done little to stop fear from holding sway in the world. If Jesus story had ended with His crucifixion that fear would forever hold sway. But thank God the resurrection of Jesus occurred three days later. I love Matthew 28:8. The actions of the two Marys and the feeling conveyed in such a simple sentence speaks volumes about our human condition, and the hope we have as believers. They departed quickly! Do you think it was the joy or the
prayer book says it, is “to delight in Your will and walk in
fear that caused the rapid departure? Have you ever been
Your ways.” The fear of the Lord is a good thing to have for
afraid and joyful simultaneously? The emotions of joy and
a myriad of reasons.
fear are not ones that we often think go hand in hand, but
Our celebration of Jesus death and resurrection has
they do often occur at the same time. They ran! Was the
come and gone for another year. Our Lord is alive! Celebrate
running caused by fear or the joy that they felt because He
that fact by living in fear of the Lord. Jesus told those
had risen? I don’t think the questions are either or type
around Him on numerous occasions to not be afraid. Jesus
questions. The questions are in fact both/and questions.
also told those around Him on more than one occasion how
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were both fearful
to find and hold onto joy. Though this world may at times
AND filled with great joy.
lead us in the direction of fear, we can have both joy and
Oftentimes authors, speakers, preachers and others talk
fear as the Marys did. We can have them both (not simply
of joy versus fear. “You can conquer your fear.” “Rise above
one or the other) if our faith is in the Lord and our fear is of
your fear.” “Choose Joy over fear.” Why not choose joy and
the Lord. Having both faith and fear (and the accompanying
fear? In Psalm 19:9 King David sings, “The fear of the Lord
joy) we are assured of an eternal future in His presence.
and righteous altogether.” Now, I know believers know what the fear of the Lord is, but let me clarify in case some
32 // April 2021
About The Author
is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Message Of Care
D
by Heather Tate
o you experience moments in your life that nudge
anything to the friends I share them with, and that is okay.
you to reach out to someone special? Maybe you
I do know, however, that the responses my friends share
haven’t spoken to them in a while; maybe you
with me are of great significance to me. Through these small
have a nagging concern to check in or simply say, “Hi!
actions, moments of checking in with a friend, I understand
I’m thinking of you today.” Allow me to go a step further
I am following through an action in faith with obedience
and ask, when you feel this nudge to reach out to someone
when I reach out to my friends.
special, do you act on it, or do you let the moment pass you by? Consider if this was a divinely inspired moment or task God has whispered to you for a specific reason. I often feel the nudge to reach out to someone. It shows up as a feeling; suddenly, someone will pop into my head as if their name has been called out to me. Then I have a sudden urge to reach out to them via text, messenger, or email. The time spent following through with the action is a blessing to me, and it doesn’t take long. I hope it is a blessing to those I reach out to as well: a quick message to share a special moment with a friend. Those moments occur quite often, where it just seems like I need to reach out to a friend. Sometimes, there is a specific message to share.
I want to encourage you to reach out to those who pop
Sometimes, I just want to let them know I am thinking of
up in your thoughts. Simply let them know you care and
them. Other times, the thought occurs because of something
you are thinking of them: not because you need something
we have in common. Occasionally, I feel a direct message
from them but because you want to encourage them.
that comes to my heart and head with a burden I need to
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast,
tell this friend with purpose and intention. I try diligently to
immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because
not allow these moments to pass me by because I don’t want
you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1
to miss the significance of what God may be doing through
Corinthians 15:58). I firmly believe you will be blessed
this small manner of care. Sometimes, a friend responds
through the action of reaching out to a friend who suddenly
with something I need to hear. Therefore, the action in
pops into your thoughts. Be a blessing to those you think of
obedience becomes an unexpected gift in return.
with a simple message showing you care.
Most recently, there has been a pattern to the connection God. I may never know if my short, simple messages mean
34 // April 2021
About The Author
that can only be divine inspiration. This is a gift given by
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Gò0dNews for Couples
True Love
T
by Tammy Madden
oday I witnessed the most beautiful kind of love.
and I'm sure their daughters learned from her how to be a
As I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for my
good wife and mother. I reminisce about my own parents as
own husband of 38 years to come out of the store I
I remember Dad singing to mom at times. Such a beautiful
watched as an elderly couple pulled up beside our car. She
memory. No, my parents were not perfect by no means but
was driving and he on the passenger side. They looked to be
I have no doubt how much they loved each other. I can see
in their mid to late 80's. She got out of the car, got his little
them both now in my mind dancing in Heaven.
old wheelchair out of the trunk and came around to his side
Life is short my friends. Don't let little things come
of the car. I watched as she began helping him out. I asked if
between you and your spouse. Forget that burnt food. You
I could help and she smiled and said, “no honey, I got this.”
can cook something else or go out to eat. Nevermind the laundry he throws on the floor. There may come day he will no longer be there for you to pick up after him. We get caught up these days in the material things. Husbands don't worry so much if you come home from work some days and the dishes are not done. Maybe she spent that time playing with the babies. They will be grown before you know it. Wives don't yell at him if the grass is not cut on an appointed day. Maybe he wants to spend that day with you. Holding your hand and just going for a walk with you. Those moments pass by so quickly. There may come a day that one or the other of you forget who the other one is. True love is like lightning in a bottle. If you have it, treasure it.
My heart smiled as I watched as she so lovingly wrapped
Put God first in it. Show your spouse you love them every
her little arms around his waist and helped him stand up
day. Maybe bring her a flower from the yard or cook his
and then gently placed his frail body in the wheelchair.
favorite dinner when he least expects it. Treasure your sweet
Another person offered their help and again she declined.
love and never stay mad. Most certainly never go to bed
This is what real true love looks like. I felt certain God was
mad. And always kiss them good night. But most important
at the center of this marriage. She proudly pushed him in
of all, ALWAYS PUT GOD FIRST! Remember a marriage
the drug store but not before kissing him on the cheek. Oh
takes three, not two.
if every young person could see this. What a wonderful world this would be. I began to think about their life and
Ephesians 5:25-33, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
how they must have spent it. I could only imagine them in and raising them in a loving home. I would bank on the fact that their sons learned from him how to treat their wives
36 // April 2021
About The Author
their younger years getting married and having sweet babies My name is Tammy Madden. I live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful teenage daughter named Megan.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Do Not Fear by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
I
had a conversation with a lady this morning as she
the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor
served breakfast to me and a friend. She is in a hard place
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
dealing with Covid and marital problems. It has strained
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
her relationship with the Lord and led to discouragement and fear for the present and future. This is not uncommon in the day we live in. Everywhere we go, we see friends, family, and wonderful Christian
There are religions and cults that promise freedom from fear. There are oils, pills, ways to think positive thoughts, and even objects to wear on one’s body that are supposed to help relieve the emotional struggles of life.
people experiencing this fear. But we have a friend in Jesus, and we have His Word and promise to hold to. God is faithful even when we are not. His Word is filled with glorious promises that He makes to His people. If we will live our lives for Him, then there is no reason not to expect Him to fulfill every promise in our lives. I could go on with my words, but I would rather give you God’s Word. Psalm 37:3-5: “Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you
If you live in this world without Christ, maybe you need those things. Yet I show you a better way and life
and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake
that is found in Christ alone. As a follower of Christ, all we
you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
need is His Word, His truth, His life. If you are struggling
Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under
with discouragement and fear, open God’s Word. Read, meditate on, and pray God’s Word back to Him. I will be surprised if you don’t find the peace of God that surpasses
God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
understanding and the joy of the Lord, unspeakable and full
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
of glory, for your life.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor
38 // April 2021
About The Author
who are called according to His purpose.”
Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins is a native of Rome, Georgia. He and His wife Tammy have served the Lord in ministry for over 25 years and has pastored several churches. He loves to win souls, preach the gospel, shepherd God’s people, and work on the farm. www.jehovahjirehministries.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
My Selfie In The Mirror
S
by Nadolyn Lee
nap. Snap. Snap. The average teen takes 12 to 14
teen who has the knowledge that they are made in the very
selfies a day. That is like 5,110 a year! You know that
image of God, that picture says a thousand words.
verse that says, “For if you listen to the Word and
The idea behind a selfie is convenience and speed, but
don’t obey, it’s like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see
have your selfies become anything but quick and easy? If
yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like” (James
you search how to take a great selfie, you will get more than
1:23-34)? I have observed that not just teens but people
2.5 million results. People take lots of time preparing for the
of all ages have developed the ability to look directly at
perfect selfie with makeup, lighting, and angles. Hundreds
themselves in a camera and not recognize themselves. In this
of shots are often deleted in the process of searching for the
selfie world, it’s so easy to be someone other than who we are in a photo or video. We literally look into our own image and become unrecognizable with a slight contortion of the lips, a filter to make us appear more glamorous, or a pose that resembles a runway model. I enjoy selfies! Having a ministry through social media involves plenty of selfies and time spent with a camera in my face. My children tell me I still don’t know what a meme is, but I have a pretty good handle on the selfie. When we take selfies, we must take them with the integrity and character of the Lord. Would God look at home beside you in your selfies? Our poses, clothing, backgrounds, and items that appear
perfect selfie, and then more time is taken to edit. That’s
in our selfies can honor our Savior. Since we are created
a lot of time spent on a self that God already deemed a
in God’s image, we should always recognize Him in our
masterpiece.
pics. Long before there were cellphones that allow us to
The next time you take a selfie, make sure you recognize
snap a quick selfie, the apostle Paul was blogging about it
yourself as a child of God in the phone, not a stranger who
to the Colossians in chapter 3, verse 10: “…and have put
resembles the other billions of selfies teens will take today.
on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge
Snap with confidence, knowing your image was created in
according to the image of the One who created him…”
the image of God.
The word “image” in our society crops up all the time. are the image bearer of Christ to a world that needs to see more of Jesus. “It’s just a picture,” teens may say, but to a
40 // April 2021
About The Author
That word for the believer carries much more weight. We
Nadolyn Lee is a graduate of Berry College with her Masters and Education Specialist Degree from LMU. She has taught elementary music for twenty-three years in the North Georgia area. Creator of ‘Dirt Road Believer’ YouTube Channel, Nadolyn produces Christian devotions every Tuesday and Thursday. She is an author, songwriter, and director for children’s musical theater in her community of Summerville, GA. She and her husband of eighteen years, Adam, have four teenage children. Nadolyn co-founded and runs the local chapter of Helping Hands Ending Hunger, INC that feeds hungry students and their families over the weekend.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Colored Deviled Eggs by Mary Anderson Beard
F
amily dinners are my absolute favorite thing to plan at the holidays. Since we are
Instructions
usually at church before sunrise on Easter
sunday and don’t have a lot of extra time cooking, we love to serve lots of salads and pretty spring time dishes, including pastel deviled eggs! With this month being Easter month, I wanted to share a cute recipe that we look forward to every year for our family dinner.
1. Boil eggs (I bring mine to a boil for 5 minutes and then turn off the heat and let them sit in the hot water for about 20 minutes--or til I remember them sitting there LOL). 2. Cool eggs; cut in ½ and separate yolks and whites (just like you normally do for deviled eggs). 3. Make as many colors as you would like (I usually do about 4-5) drop food coloring in cups filled with water and place egg white halves in desired colored water. When making colored Easter eggs, you would normally add vinegar to make the color more intense but for this recipe you won’t want to do that. You will just let the egg white haves sit in the colored water about 30 minutes, so make sure you have enough water in each cup so that you can color all the egg white halves at the same time. Otherwise this could take you a LONG time. 4. After the eggs have reached the desired consistency, take them out of the water and just place them on a paper towel lined plate to dry a little. 5. Mash and mix egg yolks, add desired amount of mayonnaise and if you want to add mustard and relish. Salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients • 12 large eggs
6. Spoon yolk mixture into each egg white halve until all the mixture is used up. 7. Serve on a pretty platter!
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard, optional
• Salt & pepper to taste 42 // April 2021
About The Author
• Dill or sweet relish, optional Mary Anderson Beard lives in Rome with her husband, Brian. They have three beautiful, grown children and have three amazing grandchildren! She enjoys being active in their church, Wilkerson Road Baptist Church. Aside from baking, she enjoys getting together with friends and family. She also enjoys writing for her very fun food and recipe blog—Yaya’s Kitchen!
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