April 2022

Gò0dNews April 2022

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

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Ben McWhor

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About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee Brian Johnson Chase Holtzclaw Dana Robinson Greg Grotewold Jodi Varnado Juanita G. Ellis Karla Smedley Kristen West Matt Jensen Pamela Latham Porter Johnson Rachel Smith Rhonda Beavers Susan Lavigne Stephen Baker

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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.

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strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

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Contents APRIL 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Overcoming Doubt

by Stephen Baker

GoodNews for Kids

8 The Old Goat’s Coat

by Juanita G. Ellis

GoodNews Money Matters

10 The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like?

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 Letting Go of The Past

by Chase Holtzclaw

GoodNews for Women

14 Sometimes Receiving Is Better

by Karla Smedley GoodNews for Couples

18 Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage

by Rachel Smith GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews for Life

26 The Christ We Need

by Matt Jensen

GoodNews Poetry

28 Happy

by Pamela Latham

GoodNews for Parents

30 Surrender

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Everyone

32 Change of Plans

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Everyone

34 What’s The Truth?

by Susan Lavigne

GoodNews for Everyone

36 True Beauty

by Porter Johnson

GoodNews for Everyone

38 The Empty Grave

by Rhonda Beavers

20 On The Other Side of Rain

GoodNews Ministry Spotlight

GoodNews Cover Story

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

by Dr. Alan Hix

22 Alfa Insurance:

Ben McWhorter

by Jodi Varnado

6

40 Rome Area Prayer Breakfast

22

42 Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads

by Dana Robinson

GoodNews for Everyone

24 It’s Not Hurting Anyone

by Brian Johnson

36

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Overcoming Doubt

I

by Stephen Baker

f you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, the

John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to

Devil will try to get you to doubt that you are saved.

Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for

When a believer doubts his salvation, he cannot enjoy

another?” But Jesus said that there had never been a greater

the Christian life nor serve God effectively. I doubted my

prophet of God than John the Baptist! If John could doubt

salvation for years. God has assured me, but it didn’t come

the Savior, then any saved person can doubt that he or she is

instantly. It came over time. When I was younger, it got to

truly saved.

the point where I was asking Jesus to save me every day,

Next, let’s examine the word “believe.” This is the most

several times a day. I just couldn’t be sure that I really

important word in understanding salvation. Ephesians

trusted Him.

2:8 explains that we are saved through faith, and the Bible tells us repeatedly that the way to be saved is to believe in Jesus Christ. For example, Acts 16:31, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” The word “believe” in the Bible means “trust.” The Word of God teaches that I will be saved if I “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I could say, “I believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.” In other words, I am saying that I believe they exist. That is not what the Bible is talking about. People are not saved because they believe that Jesus exists. They are saved because they trust in Him for their soul’s salvation.

Finally, to “call upon the name of the Lord” in Romans 10:13 is just a way of expressing faith.

Lost people do not doubt their salvation. They don’t

Read verses 13 and 14 together to get the full meaning. “For

have any salvation to doubt! Only a saved person can doubt

whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be

his or her salvation. The Holy Spirit does not cause you to

saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have

doubt. The Devil does that. If you have received the Lord

not believed…?” (Romans 10:13-14 a.). We cannot call unless

Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit will show you, from the

we believe, or trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. When I was

Bible, that you are saved. The Bible says, “These things have

young and wanted to be saved, I thought that there was a

I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of

certain prayer that I had to pray. But prayer will not save

God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye

anyone. Prayer is an outward expression of inward faith.

may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

Putting our faith into words is good, but faith alone in Christ

First, there is the false idea among some that a saved person cannot doubt his or her salvation. It is easy for a

saves! “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15).

because many Christians doubt their salvation. John the Baptist was saved, but he doubted. Luke 7:19 says, “And

6 // April 2022

About The Author

preacher to get lots of people “saved” when he teaches this Pastor Stephen Baker is the pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. www.harmonybconline.com

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Gò0dNews for Kids

The Old Goat’s Coat

by Juanita G. Ellis

“Please hold my coat,” the old goat said “The sleeves are way too long.

My hand gets caught within its folds And makes this stone fall wrong.”

But, why this hate? Oh, why this scorn?

For Stephen young and brave?

Oh, why the strong dislike of Christ, So newly from the grave?

Saul helped his older friend undress, And held his own arm out.

The old goat draped his coat on Saul, Then quickly turned about.

Did Saul hear, too, as others did The sobs from Stephen’s heart?

When as he prayed for that old goat, The heavens split apart?

Reaching for another rock, That old goat threw it straight.

The rock fell short and missed its mark, His fist soon raised in hate.

As Christ stood up, with angels, round, To welcome Stephen there, The old goat left and went his way To only God knows where.

The rocks were spent, the deed was done.

His garment clean and dry.

For Saul had held the old goat’s coat When gentle Stephen died.

8 // April 2022

About The Author

The Stoning of Stephen—See Acts 7:54-60.

A young man named Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. Saul became the great Apostle Paul. He wrote 14 New Testament books!

Juanita G. Ellis created LSKidStuff, a ministry supplying printable, creative Christian material for classroom use. Visit lskidstuff.wordpress.com for more information.

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The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like?

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

emember the days before GPS devices and MapQuest

idea aligns with your spouse’s, and where your ideas may

apps for smartphones? Hordes of hapless husbands

diverge. Discuss ways to accommodate each other’s “rich

steering with their knees while trying to read the Rand

life” dreams as you move toward practical steps to realize

McNally Road Atlas on their lap, or trying to unfold the AAA

these goals. Then, start taking action! This is where the rubber

TripTik map (without swearing) and still manage to keep the

meets the road. Most people have no shortage of dreams; we

car on the road moving at fifty-five mph. Meanwhile, the wiser

daydream in our cars sitting in traffic, at night while falling

and cooler-headed wife waits smugly for him to ask for her

asleep—dream of that glorious day when we’ve “made it”

help. Good times.

and can start relaxing, enjoying, laughing, loving life the way

Achieving our dream of “the rich life” can be just as

we always intended. But what most people do not do is start

frustrating as the scenario described above. Unless we’re

taking action now. Instead, they sit around wondering “Do I

clear on what our “rich life” destination looks like, how will

dare?” like J. Alfred Prufrock. Or, like Miniver Cheevy, they

we know what it takes to reach it—and how to recognize it

“thought and thought and thought about it.” (Nerd alert: As an

when we do, in fact, achieve it? I’m borrowing the term “rich

English professor, I can’t resist an occasional literary reference).

life” from author Ramit Sethi; the phrase simply means the

Meanwhile, time keeps ticking by, and the odds of reaching

financially secure life you always dreamed of realistically

your “rich life” dwindle.

reaching one day. Many of us might think of “rich life” as

So, let’s get going! Contact your employer’s Human

simply “retiring comfortably and being able to do whatever

Resources office and start contributing to your company

I want to do.” Each of us has a unique vision for what the

retirement plan if you haven’t yet. Or increase your monthly

“rich life” looks like. For some, it may be owning a luxury

retirement contributions if you’ve already been contributing.

car or traveling the world; for others, it may be having a cozy

Go online to TD Ameritrade and set up a Roth IRA account

cabin on a quiet lake, donating to charities, taking culinary

to have automatic monthly direct deposits going straight into

classes and hosting weekly dinner parties, or moving closer to

an investment of your choice (my kids chose the “VT symbol”

the grandkids. Maybe your “rich life” means having enough

exchange-traded fund which is the Vanguard Total World stock

financial resources so that the next time your verbally abusive

index fund—you own every stock in the world at one shot,

boss screams at you, you can simply walk away. It’s important

done!). If you’ve been wanting to explore real estate investing,

to have a clear vision of this goal so you can create a realistic

decide if you want to be a landlord by owning rental property

roadmap for achieving it.

(in which case, contact local realtors ASAP and start asking

If you’re married (or engaged), it’s important to talk about

questions), and join the Bigger Pockets online community to

both of your visions for the “rich life” and work together to

learn from others’ experiences. Your “rich life” won’t happen

make these a reality. Make notes about where your “rich life”

by itself: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will

10 // April 2022

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Gò0dNews for Men

Letting Go of The Past

A

by Chase Holtzclaw

re your past relationships causing your future

not something where you have to go up to the person

ones to fail? Are you walking in unforgiveness

and tell them you forgive them. This is something you

and bitterness from your past? If so, maybe you

must do inside of yourself, for yourself, and not for them.

are walking in brokenness too. Forgiveness is the first step

God tells us to forgive to save ourselves. This is because

to renewing your mind and starting healthy relationships.

unforgiveness sucks the life out of you in so many ways.

When we forgive others, it allows our minds to be free from

When we say we can’t forgive it is because of pride. We feel

the bondage those people can have on our emotions.

that if we forgive, that means we forget. You do not have to

When broken people come together, it is often

forget to forgive. Forgiveness brings peace to your mind and

more difficult for them to have a healthy and fulfilling

body and allows you to move on into the future God has

relationship. Brokenness is common and takes more time to

planned for you.

work through than people understand.

When couples bring unresolved issues into a new relationship, it makes the problem bigger than before. Bringing unforgiveness into something new only allows hurt to come with it.

We all have had things happen in our past that shape the way we look at life and the way we react to it. Whether it be a broken childhood or a bad past relationship, we tend to bring the past into our future. When we try to walk into the future God has for us and bring our past, it never works out. God wants us to come into a new future without the past held over our

Forgiveness of oneself can be often harder than

heads. That is what forgiveness is all about. When we repent

forgiving others because you feel like you deserve

from our past, we turn from our old ways and move into a

punishment for the outcome of your past. We feel that it

future God has planned for us.

is our own fault that things in our lives did not work out.

When we start to build new relationships, it is easy to

We must move past this, and know that everyone messes

tell when we are bringing the past with us. We often find

up and no one is perfect. We can move on and live better

ourselves comparing the new relationship to the last one

lives than we ever thought possible. When we see that

and wondering why it always goes this way. Maybe we

forgiveness is possible and practical, it becomes a must to

should ask ourselves if we have truly forgiven ourselves

achieve peace. To live a life full of forgiveness is the only

for the past? If you have not, you will not find peace in the

way to live and be happy.

future God has for you. hurt you, you must forgive that person. Forgiveness is

12 // April 2022

About The Author

If you are holding on to past hurt because someone

Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids.

God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Sometimes Receiving Is Better

M

by Karla Smedley

y mom taught me that it is better to give

Saturday. Most of the time, we have good intentions

than receive. Perhaps when it comes to

but our follow-through is lacking.

talking and listening, this is not so.

As my girls grew, I tried to encourage open

When I was a mom of young children, they liked

communication between us. Some days they clammed

to tell me how to play and what to do. “Mommy, sit

up, but more often they were Jabberjaw and I couldn’t

here and put this dress on my Barbie.” When I looked

get a word in edgewise.

at them with my mama face, they would add, “Please.”

When I reflect on my relationship with God, I

Of course, I happily did as they asked. They enjoyed

realize that I am similar to my girls and Jabberjaw, the

giving me instructions, but they did not always like

cartoon character from the ’70s. I’d much rather talk to

receiving mine.

God than listen to Him. I pray more often than I read His Word, giving Him my list of wants and needs like He is a genie.

To give me a little credit, I will ask Him for guidance at times and ponder for a while. But time after time, I go on my merry little way, usually because I want a quick resolution. His instructions for a better life are found in His Word, and He continues to wait.

Probably, I am an eighty/twenty percent girl. I talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and only listen, listen. How prideful am I that I could think God would listen to me more than I should be listening to Him? I need a balance!

“Girls, five more minutes and then we need to

That’s what I need to do. Find the time to be still

leave” was not even heard at times. “Pick up your

and know that He is God. In His omniscience, He

toys, please” was weakly acknowledged with a weak

knows best for all my needs and all my wants.

“Okay.” Then, it went in and out of their ears—just

Yes, I believe there are many times when it is better

like it did with my little ears when my mom spoke

to receive than to give. God cares for us so much that

similar words. They much preferred giving the

He desires for us to spend time with Him. So, let’s

instructions rather than hearing them. Following my

sit and rest in His love. Read His words. Listen, and

directives, that was an entirely different situation.

receive His wisdom.

sometimes? We hear His Word on Sunday mornings, and out it goes the other ear on Monday through

14 // April 2022

About The Author

Isn’t that the way we are with God’s instructions Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

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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 2022

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 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

706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084

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

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

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

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

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

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 Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW, Rome, GA 30165 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 2460 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 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 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 Couples

Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage

by Rachel Smith

I

n the Bible, God says, “My people are destroyed for

someone happily married, don’t let it discourage you—let it

lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NIV), and I believe that

give you hope. Hope that if God gave them the wisdom to

marriages are being destroyed for lack of knowledge

have a successful marriage, He can do it for you too.

as well. I was only eighteen years old when I got married.

When we are sick, we go to a doctor to get medical

My husband and I knew nothing about marriage. We went

advice, but that advice will only help us if we apply it to our

through pre-marital counseling like most couples, but I

lives. In the same way, as you become more knowledgeable

felt it only pointed out the ways we were different, and it

about marriage and your role as a husband or wife, nothing

didn’t help us learn what it would take to make a marriage

will change if you don’t apply it. In marriage, you will

succeed. After seven years of struggling in our marriage

change, your spouse will change, seasons will change, and

and being faced with a possible divorce, I knew something had to change. In 2014, when I prayed and asked the Lord to transform me as a wife and renew my mind according to Romans 12:2, my actions began to change. With my renewed mind came an eagerness to learn everything that God’s Word says about marriage and how a wife should treat her husband. I also started reading several books and attending conferences with my husband to gain more knowledge.

I have learned that when marriage gets hard, you don’t just give up—you do whatever it takes to learn how to fix it. I love the story of Solomon in the Bible because when God allowed him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for wisdom. When is the last time you asked the Lord

circumstances will change. You never know what you may

for wisdom to handle the situation you’re facing in your

face tomorrow, but you can trust that God can and will give

marriage? “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

you the wisdom to face it. Don’t let your marriage fall apart,

who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will

gain wisdom at all costs. “Get wisdom, get understanding;

be given to you” (James 1:5).

do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not

Asking the Lord for wisdom is just one of many ways

forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she

we can obtain it. We can also read the Bible, seek counseling,

will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get

read books, take personality tests, attend marriage

wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”

conferences or retreats, and connect with others that are

(Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV).

wiser than us. Often, we look at other people’s lives and will become jealous of the very couple that God wants to connect us to in order to gain more wisdom. When you see

18 // April 2022

About The Author

compare our marriages to theirs. If we are not careful, we

Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts local conferences and retreats to help strengthen couples, and travels to speak all over the world. She has been married to her husband, Richard Smith, for 14 years. www.transformedwife.com.

Church Activities & Events Trinity United Methodist Church Women of the Bible

Sunday, April 3 | 3PM - 4PM 606 Turner McCall Blvd, Rome, GA

Anna Kresge Memorial United Methodist Church GriefShare Grief Recovery Support Group Thursday, April 7 | 7PM - 9PM 15 Booger Hollow Rd, Cedartown, GA

Calhoun City Hall Street Ministry

Sunday, April 10 226 S Wall St, Calhoun, GA

Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Food Distribution (Free Groceries) Monday, April 18 | 2PM - 4PM Mt Olive St, Georgia

Gò0dNews for Everyone

On The Other Side of Rain

T

by Dr. Alan Hix

here is an old saying: “April showers bring May flowers.” For many of us, when we hear this, what we focus on are the flowers. Flowers are the

positive result of a season of rain. I suspect that only a few of us would focus on the rain. We prefer to celebrate the end result. However, when we are in the middle of a downpour, that tends to be our focus. It’s hard for us to think about running through a field of flowers on a sunny day when we are dodging mud puddles.

In Luke 24:13-35, we have a story that begins with two disciples of Jesus trudging along in the middle of some emotional showers. Along the way, they are approached by a stranger.

17

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you

walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19“What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and 20

our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was 21

going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

Notice how they are “downcast.” Their hopes had come tumbling down. Their expectation that God was doing something special through the life of Jesus had been crushed, for Jesus had been shamefully executed at the urging of their own religious leaders. There was nothing left to hope for because Jesus was dead.

Luke lets his readers in on a secret. The “stranger” was actually Jesus who had been raised from the dead, only they did not recognize Him. Jesus challenges their hopelessness.

what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Jesus’ followers were so absorbed in the tragedy of the events they witnessed, that they did not think to search the Scriptures to understand what had happened as an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. Jesus helped them to see that all along, God had planned for there to be “flowers” after the “rain.”

This is an encouragement to us when we struggle.

When our vision is filled with our present crisis, all we can see are the “showers.” Jesus calls us to focus on Him. We cannot know Him as a healer, restorer, or redeemer until we have needed healing, restoring, and redeeming.

He is the flower on the other side of life’s showers. To borrow a line from a famous sermon, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to

believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27And

20 // April 2022

About The Author

25

beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them

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.

Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter

601 E 1st St. Rome, GA 30161-3143 (706) 234-8686 BMcWhorter@alfains.com

FEATURED COVER STORY

Alfa Insurance: Ben McWhorter

by Jodi Varnado

A

they serve. The Alfa Cares Program is Alfa Insurances’

their local communities. Alfa Insurance and its affiliates

they live and work.” This support is shown through

The Alfa Insurance Difference ccording to Alfa Insurance, you’re family. This principle, referred to as the Alfa Difference, provides “personalized insurance you need,

with the local service you deserve.” Alfa Insurance is not a standard insurance company, but one that is invested in provide insurance and other financial services to more than one million customers in eleven states. Alfa Insurances’ local providers cover Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi—and have been for more than seventy-five years. Alfa Insurance

commitment to using resources where they can have the greatest impact through community outreach and staff engagement. According to their website, “This means providing clients with more than just insurance—it means going the extra mile to support the communities where community development, health and wellness, education, and agriculture initiatives.

Meet Your Local Agent Although Ben McWhorter has only been an Alfa

policies available in Georgia include Auto Insurance,

Insurance Agent for seven months, he confidently serves

Homeowners Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance,

clients with over eight years of experience in the insurance

Life Insurance, Business Insurance, Church Insurance,

industry. As many can imagine, transitioning into a new

Personal Umbrella Insurance, and Watercraft Insurance.

career position can be challenging in any circumstance, but

Partnering with Alfa Insurance ensures that when you need

the Covid-19 pandemic presented unimaginable obstacles.

help, your provider is only three streets away.

Fortunately, McWhorter was able to foster relationships

Alfa Insurance, through their Alfa Cares Program, is committed to making a positive impact on the communities

22 // April 2022

with clients and future customers throughout those stagnate months. “During the pandemic, I was actually able to talk

Shop

Ben McWhort

to more people over the phone and discuss policies and

problem, and it’s his job to find the solution. “I like to dig

coverages, as people had more flexibility. I think people

deep and find the best coverage for both a business owner

were hesitant because they did not know my name, but I

and their employees. I want everyone to benefit. You can

have a big history in the industry,” said McWhorter.

even throw Auto Insurance in there too, wrapped into one

to pour into our customers,” said McWhorter. This

601 E 1st St. policy,” said McWhorter. Although Commercial, and even Rome, GA 30161-3 Homeowners Insurance, can be quite the transactional (706) 234-8686 process, Life Insurance is much more emotional.

As a husband and father, McWhorter understands the responsibility of providingBMcWhorter@alfa for a family. “I want my

emphasis on community and attention is rooted within

family to be good with me, but better off without me. I

McWhorter’s business practice and customer service.

don’t want my family to feel as though there is anything

Although McWhorter welcomes every phone call, he would

missing financially if something unexpected happens,” said

rather set up an appointment to have in-depth, in-person

McWhorter. Whether you choose a Term policy or Whole

conversations to discuss your individual needs. Insurance

policy, Life Insurance is a coverage worth investing in.

McWhorter was born and raised in Rome, Georgia, and wants nothing more than to provide for his community.

“Alfa Insurance is all about community. Alfa is a huge company with a small-town feel, and we really want

policies can be become complicated and uniquely specific,

In addition to Rome, McWhorter is proud to serve the

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Armuchee, Lindale, Rockmart, Cedartown, Cartersville,

meet your distinct needs at the right price.

Summerville, Calhoun, and Adairsville communities in

Why Insurance?

Georgia. With over sixty agents spread across the state,

“Insurance is something that everyone should have, but we have to figure out why you need it, and how much,” said McWhorter. Answering this why question is a challenge McWhorter is eager to take on. He helps guide his clients through questions such as, who are you providing for? What would your family need if you are no longer able to provide it for them? Do you own a business? With how many employees?

How much can you afford each month? These questions, among many others, are the first steps to establishing a personal insurance policy designed specifically for you, and ultimately, those you love.

There are two areas of the insurance industry that McWhorter enjoys working with the most: Commercial Insurance and Life Insurance. McWhorter views commercial insurance as a chance to work on a complicated math

McWhorter’s experience, expertise, and personal attention makes him a wonderful choice. If you are unsure of where to start with insurance or would like to upgrade your policies, McWhorter’s office is the best place to come!

McWhorter’s office is located at 601 E 1st Street, Rome, GA, and is available by appointment Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For any preliminary questions, you can call McWhorter at (706)-234-8686.

Consider protecting your family, home, or business today!

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

It’s Not Hurting Anyone

S

by Brian Johnson

amson is one of those people we learn about at an early age. I can still remember seeing pictures of him with his arms stretched out between two pillars at the

end of his life. I used to always wonder how he fell into the trap of letting Delilah cut his hair.

He told her his strength could be nullified by tying him with seven new cords that hadn’t been dried, seven new cords that had never been used. Then, he said to weave the seven locks of his hair together, and she did all those things. So, why would he let her know to cut his hair?

Surely, he would know she would cut it. I propose he told her because of a combination of pride and overlooking the longsuffering of God. We know Samson was a Nazarite from birth. According to Numbers 6, that involved no drinking of “wine and strong drink…nor eat moist grapes, or dried” (vs 3), “there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs 5), and “he shall come at no dead body” (vs 6).

We don’t have proof that he drank wine or strong drink, but we know he came at several dead bodies. He killed many men and, in Judges 14:19, he ate honey that he got from the carcass of a dead lion. He gave some to

since there aren’t any immediate consequences, we keep

his parents but didn’t tell them where he got it from.

doing the same wrong repeatedly. We forget that we have a

According to the Nazarite vow, whenever he came at a

God that loves us and is longsuffering. But Numbers 32:23

dead body, he should’ve shaved his head and performed

says, “…be sure your sin will find you out.”

certain sacrifices, but he never did and didn’t lose his

Remember, God always sees and He always knows. As

strength until Delilah cut his hair. He never lost his

Christians, we shouldn’t want to continue in sin. It hurts our

strength any other time he broke the vow. Why should this

closeness to God and prevents Him from being able to work

time be different?

through us as effectively. You say it’s not hurting anyone

We go through life prideful. We got the success we have

but when it prevents the Holy Spirit from working through

solely from hard work or because of our own intelligence.

you, the efforts of your sin are potentially hurting everyone

We don’t take the time to recognize God or give Him the

around you. Don’t continue in sin. Repent and allow God to

glory. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:

use you. Eventually, your sin will find you out.

He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Or we continue in sin. Knowingly and willingly. We say things like “no one knows” or “it’s not hurting anyone,” and

24 // April 2022

About The Author

much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

Parnick Jennings SR, Memorial Chapel

GOOD SHEPHERD FUNERAL HOME 706-234-9622

Gò0dNews for Life

The Christ We Need

“J

by Matt Jensen

esus then took the loaves, and when he had given

event is taking place during the Passover festival (John 6:4 cf.,

thanks, he distributed them to those who were

Exodus 12-13). John wants to keep “the Lamb of God who takes

seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.

away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) ever before our eyes.

And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples,

During the Passover, Israel’s firstborn sons were spared, but

‘Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost’”

in the Passover, the only begotten Son of God was slain. During

(John 6:11-12).

the first Passover, blood was applied to the door, but in the

This passage comes to the heart of Jesus’ feeding of the five

Passover, Christ is the blood-soaked door (John 10:7, 9). During

thousand. I will not keep you waiting—this miracle shows us

the Passover, Israel was safely tucked inside their houses, but

the God who abundantly provides. But we need to be clear on

in the Passover, Jesus faced the cross outside. Unleavened bread

what He has promised to provide, which is seen in this miracle.

sustained Israel after the Passover, and in the Passover Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35).

It is Christ, not bread, that is the significance of this miracle. To miss this point is to miss heaven! Jesus exposes the hearts of those who were seeking Him “because they ate their fill of the loaves,” and commands, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). In other words, don’t get caught in the cares of this world, forgetting the world to come.

“I am the bread of Life,” Jesus says, “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Christ himself is what God has promised to give! Christ as true man and yet true God (John

Misunderstanding God’s provision has led many to serious

1:1-3, 14). Christ instructing His ignorant people (Hebrews

doubts or worse: apostasy.

1:1-3). Christ our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ our

Does God provide health, wealth, and happiness? Of

protector and safety (John 10). Christ our Passover Lamb, who

course, He does, “every good gift and every perfect gift is

takes away our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7, John 1:29). Christ our

from above” (James 1:17). Jesus laid the test to Philip, “Where

righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ our life (Colossians

are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” “We

3:1-4)! He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30).

could work our fingers to the bone most of the year,” Philip

We must thank God for the abundance of bread that

basically retorts, “and not be able to provide even a bite for

perishes (i.e., health, wealth, and happiness), but don’t lose

everyone!” (John 6:5-7). Andrew’s answer is not much better

sight of the bread that endures to eternal life. Keep Christ ever

(John 6:8-9). Jesus—the Good Shepherd—leads the people into

before the hungry eyes of your soul! Let us thank God for the

green pastures (John 6:10; cf. Psalm 23) and provides so much

“bread of life.”

food that there were twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone But does God promise to provide health, wealth, and happiness, or is Jesus making a deeper statement? Notice this

26 // April 2022

About The Author

had eaten their fill.

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference.

h elp com m u n it ysh a re . c om

Gò0dNews Poetry

Happy

by Pamela Latham

Where is your happy, did you lay it down?

Did you lose it or drop it, Or was it ever found?

Happy is out there, that’s what I’ve been told I went out there to find it All I found was cold.

You can’t hang on to happy, you can’t keep it, and boy,

28 // April 2022

About The Author

You can’t refill happy like you can Jesus’ Joy. Pamela Latham is 57 years old and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, three years ago. Pamela has written a collection of poems, which she hopes to turn into a book, “Love Poems to Jesus from Me.”

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Gò0dNews for Parents

Surrender

T

by Greg Grotewold

he parable of the sower is perhaps Jesus’s most famous allegory (Mark 4:3-8). And until recently, I thought its sole intent was to explain why not everyone who hears the word

of God (the seed) receives Christ and truly abides in Him. While that’s the primary aim of the text, I’m discovering that the third scenario (seed falling among thorns) is a bit more nuanced and

perhaps carries a broader application.

Aided by a recent sermon from my pastor, I now see how a thorn’s capacity to overwhelm isn’t isolated to just unbelievers. After all, good soil produces not only grain but also weeds. A thistle here and there is innocuous enough, but problems occur if the field is left untended for any material length of time. If prolonged, an infestation will occur. The suffocated grain plant will begin to wither, and yield will be compromised. While the Lord promises the blood-bought believer that the plant itself will never die, it will remain barren until action is taken. I recognize it’s an image not explicitly depicted in the passage; nonetheless, I do sense that this specific circumstance is anticipated and for good reason. It’s real.

I very much feel such barrenness at times, and so does every other disciple. Whether we always recognize its source is a different matter but one that Jesus helps us with later in the chapter. He pinpoints these yield-thwarting thorns as “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19, ESV). In other words, thorns are idols. They grab hold of the heart’s affections and begin choking the believer’s love for the Lord.

While Jesus specifically targets riches, the reference to “the desires for other things” suggests He is speaking about any form of idolatry.

The revelation here isn’t that I’m an idolater and have weeds.

I know that; it’s not news. However, the speed with which these pesky intruders can develop into an infestation is. I’m currently living that reality. I look away for what seems but a fleeting moment, and my field becomes littered with them. The growth is invasive. In fact, it’s only upon closer examination that I can even see the grain.

This is not without consequence. Weariness has become my dominant emotion, thanks in large part to one particular idol. It isn’t money or possessions but an item potentially even more dangerous. What I euphemistically frame as resolve and dedication, the Lord sees as something quite different: control.

And He is correct. I’m a helicopter parent, hovering overhead and

In this gracious rebuke, the Lord is beginning to show me there is a better way. It’s Him. The energy I exert to secure outcomes for my sons needs to be redirected towards securing a greater reliance upon Him and His omnipotent goodness. As much as I love my kids, Jesus loves them infinitely more. He too wants them to prosper.

The very best way I can serve them, and myself for that matter is by allowing Jesus to serve us. I must lean into His wise and gracious care and surrender these burdens. They are not mine to shoulder.

They’re His. If I will deepen my dependency upon Christ, He promises a spiritual reversal will occur. “I am the vine; you are the branches.

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). The thorns will wilt. The grain plants will strengthen. And to His glory and my family’s peace, the yield will grow thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.

May the Lord give me the strength to abide in Him and surrender my hardships. May He do the same for you, too.

swooping down whenever there is an issue or concern with either for them, but my relentlessness in trying to protect their well-being has proved exhausting for all involved.

30 // April 2022

About The Author

of my sons. I dearly love my children and want only the very best

Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Change of Plans

A

by Kristen West

complete conundrum. That’s what it was.

Three of my dear friends and I stood there in

the Chattanooga airport gazing into the apologetic

eyes of the Delta airline check-in attendant. “I’m so sorry,” the nice lady said. “All the planes are grounded due to the storm last night.”

My friends and I had been planning, preparing, and packing for this much-anticipated cruise vacation to New

cleared, we sprinted out and caught the LAST shuttle that day heading to the cruise port.

We climbed in, giddy with excitement—we were almost there.

Our shuttle dropped us off within a few blocks of the dock, and as soon as we had our luggage in hand, we were sprinting again, determined to make it to our ferry that would finally connect us to our boat.

England for months. Now, it appeared as though we

WE MADE IT! (*insert Chariots of Fire theme music here*)

wouldn’t even get to leave our area.

All the twists, turns, and changes in plans hadn’t

The following 24-hour period looked like something scripted for a sitcom and involved some massive changes in plans.

stopped us. They simply rerouted us.

Through it all, none of us got frustrated. No one became angry or upset. We all just enjoyed the journey. Every surprising and unplanned detail of it.

To be clear, I wasn’t always like that.

Sudden changes used to send my emotions into a tailspin or cause my stress levels to go into orbit.

It took me years to get to a place where I could roll with the punches, pivot on a dime, or have my plans suddenly change without my innards crinkling up. (I’m not saying the work in me is complete, but a huge internal transformation has definitely taken place.)

Can you relate?

God, in His wisdom and mercy, knew ahead of time that sudden changes in plans might be

We hopped a shuttle to Atlanta and jumped on a new

an issue for us and graciously gives us this beautiful verse,

flight to Boston (our cruise port) only to find that by the time

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his

our plane landed, we had missed the boat!

steps” (Proverbs 16:9, HCSB).

We grabbed our luggage, hailed a taxi, and headed for the nearest hotel.

By morning, we were strapped into an early flight that was off to Bar Harbor, Maine. (The airline “hoped” we’d

Having that promise gives us daily opportunities to embrace our Father’s alternate routes for us and gives us the grace to change direction and live in the moment for whatever HE has planned!

Upon landing, we looked like we were on the starting blocks of the Olympic 500-meter dash. As soon as the aisle

32 // April 2022

About The Author

land in time to connect to our cruise.)

Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

What’s The Truth?

W

by Susan Lavigne

hile rooming with a friend during my college

As with my situation, sometimes our perceptions of

days, we both went to bed around 10 p.m.

what we believe and what is the truth clash. It’s like waking

because of our early morning schedules. This

up one morning thinking it’s a workday when it’s actually

was before cell phones, so we only had one phone hanging

the weekend. It’s hard to change your belief when you don’t

on the kitchen wall. One night, my roommate came into my

recognize the truth.

room around 11:30 p.m. I was so sound asleep that I didn’t

A biblical example of this problem with perception

hear the phone ring. She said, “Susan, the phone is for you.”

happened to the apostle Paul in his early days (when he was

Now, since I didn’t hear the phone, I proceeded to tell my

known as Saul). He persecuted the new church of Christian

roommate that she was dreaming and to go back to bed. She

believers. You see, he was zealous to do “God’s work” and

was very unhappy with my assessment of the situation and

truly believed he was doing God a favor by ridding the

more forcefully said, “Susan, the phone is for you!”

Jews of this new religious cult. Although he was passionate, his perception was not the truth of what God wanted. When his eyes were literally opened to the truth, he found a new mission, this time in support of the church he had previously persecuted.

All of us develop different perceptions from our experiences and emotions. We then develop expectations about life from what we were taught or saw modeled. For example, we may have expectations of what our spouse needs, or more often, what we expect from our spouse. However, sometimes conflicts arise when our expectations differ from another. So, where is the truth in our perceptions?

As a Christian, when I am struggling with the truth of my

Showing incredible compassion for this poor friend who

perceptions, the best thing I can do is seek out God’s Word

was obviously having a bad dream, I continued trying to

on the issue and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

convince her that everything was okay and she just needed

Sometimes, guidance comes in the form of wise Christian

to go back to bed. At this point, she totally lost patience with

counsel. Trust me, God wants us to know the truth and will

me and said, “SUSAN, YOU GET OUT OF YOUR BED AND

do whatever it takes to help us know it, even if it has to

PICK UP THE PHONE IN THE KITCHEN!” Shocked by

come from a friend shouting at us to pick up the phone.

more shocked to hear a person’s voice on the other end of the telephone.

34 // April 2022

About The Author

her words, I got out of bed to answer the phone. I was even Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

True Beauty

by Porter Johnson

I

n December of 2021, I went on a backpacking trip to Big

all hindrances are sins. Therefore, God’s people must not be

Bend National Park in Texas. My best friend and I were

content with asking the question, “Is this a sin?” Christians

celebrating college graduation. When we planned the trip,

must move forward to the question, “Does this help me run

I didn’t know that the park has an incredible view of the stars at night. Big Bend is one of the top five darkest places

after God?” When we conclude that an action, relationship,

in the United States. There is virtually no light pollution, so

substance, topic of conversation, or anything else does not

you can see every star in the sky. I thought I had seen the

help us run the race of life, the biblical command is to lay

beauty of the stars growing up in the mountains of Northwest Georgia, but I had no idea their true beauty until I saw them in Big Bend. The point of this story is that I could not see the true beauty of the stars until all light pollution was removed from my sight.

Similarly, we cannot see the full beauty of God until all hindrances and sins are removed from our hearts.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us.

Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross,

it aside. Paul wrote a parallel statement in 1 Corinthians

despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the

10:23, “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is

throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, CSB).

beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything

There is a significant nuance in this passage from the

builds up.” The heartbeat of a born-again Christian is to get

book of Hebrews. An exhortation to lay things aside in order

closer to God. Nearness to God is best accomplished when

to run after God is found. The author encourages readers to

all hindrances and sins have been cast aside. Dear Christian,

“lay aside every hindrance and sin that so easily ensnares

lay aside sins and lay aside all other hindrances as well.

us.” It is easy to see that sins will hold the Christian back

Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is

from seeing God. However, sins are not the only thing

set out for you, and you will clearly gaze upon the beauty of

that keeps Christians from running with endurance.

the Savior.

hindrances and sins. According to this passage, there are hindrances that are not sins. All sins are hindrances, but not

36 // April 2022

About The Author

Hebrews 12:1-2 specifies that Christians must lay aside both Porter Johnson is a Shorter University Graduate, a current student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and College Pastor at Sherwood Rome.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Empty Grave

W

by Rhonda Beavers

hen my parents were first married, they decided

but socially because he tended to look down his nose on

to live with my maternal grandmother to help

others he perceived as inferior to himself.

her bring up her pre-adolescent son. My dad

After quickly observing my father’s perfectionistic

moved into a community in which my mom had lived for

efforts, this outsider announced, “that’s good enough, it’s

years. This didn’t phase my dad at all, as he was the most

just Abb Addison.” There was no way out of the grave

outgoing people-person you ever met. He loved talking

except to be pulled out by a pal. After what must have been

to everyone, old or young, rich or poor, male or female.

a cold, steely glare from my dad’s hazel green eyes, my

My mom had no reason to be jealous as there was never a

father put up his young, strong hand and instructed his

more loyal husband. My dad considered them all his peers,

friend Buck, “Pull me out.” The intruder quickly saw his

no more, no less. All these people had a story to tell, and it seems as if my father was determined to hear every one of them.

“For I say, for the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

He was also a good neighbor, pitching in a hand whenever necessary. These duties even extended to digging a grave for an old family friend by the name of Abb

social faux pas and beat a path homeward, leaving the dead

Addison after my dad and his best friend had found the

man’s friends to send him to Heaven in style.

gentleman deceased in his bed one chilly late winter morning.

Christ sees us all as equal. He loves to talk with us, but

In those days, graves were dug by hand, and my dad was a

He doesn’t need to because He already knows our story

perfectionist when it came to any handiwork he attempted.

better than we do. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is

On this occasion, he was standing in the bottom of the

neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for

freshly dug grave, perfecting a small ledge that was placed

ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christ was

necessarily just below the opening. The group of attending

surrounded at the time of his death by those who loved him,

community men were approached by what some of them

those who mocked him, and those who cared not either

considered to be an outsider. Not an outsider geographically,

way. He was placed in a borrowed grave, but not for long.

38 // April 2022

All He had to do was ask His Heavenly Father, “Pull me out,” and Satan knew to beat a path.

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Gò0dNews Ministry Spotlight

Rome Area Prayer Breakfast

W

e are called to pray. In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase “when you pray.” Note that Jesus said: “when you pray,” not “if you pray.” This phrasing is emphatic in its subtlety. Surely then, we are not only called to pray; we are expected to pray. Prayer is the foundational discipline of our faith.

Naturally then, if God is to bless our nation and our community, then we should gather in public prayer. As the prophet Ezra wrote: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV).

In the United States of America, we have a tradition of public prayer. God blesses us continually with leadership that recognizes our dependence on God. • In 1775, the Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting.

• On June 8, 1783, George Washington circulated a letter to the governors and states of this new nation calling for “His holy protection.”

• On March 30, 1863, in a time of national crisis and civil war, Abraham Lincoln issued a prayer seeking “the pardon of our national sins . . .”

• During World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt urged the nation to “. . . devote themselves in a continuance of prayer.”

• In 1952, Harry S. Truman signs into law the annual observance of a National Day of Prayer.

• In 1988, Ronald Reagan designates by law the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer.

It was Jimmy Jordan, along with other Christian business leaders, pastors, and laypeople, who realized the need for public Founder and CEO, Jimmy Jordan prayer at our local level. This is why he founded the Rome Area Prayer Breakfast in 1993. The event is similar in format to the National Prayer

40 // April 2022

Breakfast held annually in Washington, DC. The Rome Area Prayer Breakfast, Inc. is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3). It is governed by a board of directors populated by believing community

Dr. Terri Mayes, board member

leaders. Its mission is to host an annual event that is focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and unites Christians to pray for our nation, state, community, and our families.

This year, we will hear the story of Will Ford and Matt Lockett—two prayer warriors whose lives are woven together through history by the hidden hand of God. It reveals an inspiring narrative that exposes systemic injustice and delivers new keys for understanding the nation’s past, present, and future.

This year’s prayer breakfast will be held at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds in Rome, Georgia, on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. for seating and breakfast. The program will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. and end at 8:30 a.m. Please enter the fairgrounds at the Church Street entrance, not the main gate. Parking is plentiful.

This event is free to the public, but tickets are required for entry. Tickets will be available beginning March 28th at the following locations: Bert Brooks Tire, Chicken Salad Chick, Duffy’s Deli, Haven Health Clinic, Lumina Coffee Co., River City Antiques, River City Bank, Seven Hills Salon, sweetFrog premium frozen yogurt, Truett’s Chick-fil-A, Whistle Britches, and Winslette Pharmacy.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact April Howell. She can be reached by email at april@ romeprayerbreakfast.org. Additional details can be found at romeprayerbreakfast.org.

K E L L I D G O N Z A L E Z C PA certified public accountant

706.528.4159 | 2518 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA 30165

Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads

W

by Dana Robinson

hen we think of healthy eating, salad is one of the first things that comes to mind. As children, we are encouraged to eat our fruits and vegetables to grow healthy and strong. After all, Popeye gulps down his spinach. Some people appreciate a nice salad for the colorful combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables, while others classify salad as boring “diet” food.

I’ll be honest—I am a bit of an oddball and love salad.

I mean, I truly love a delicious salad. In fact, when I was pregnant with my first son, I craved salad! My tastebuds exploded with the watery yet crisp romaine lettuce and the sweet crunch of the orange baby carrots. I remember asking my husband if that was the sweetest carrot he had ever tasted as I excitedly enjoyed my lunch salad for the day.

He looked at me mildly perplexed and replied that it tasted like a carrot. Clearly, he categorizes salads as diet food. In a world with over processed, over salted, and over sugared foods, how can we get back to enjoying the freshness and sweetness of raw fruits and vegetables?

A single salad can provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals into our diets. Aside from promoting regularity and preventing dehydration, salad ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, seeds, nuts, cucumbers, carrots, olives, etc. are chocked full of antioxidants and other cancer fighting properties.

When my husband, Jamie Robinson and I founded Lighthouse Personal Care Homes, we knew that food would be a foundation for healthy and joyful living. Real food makes such a difference in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Too many organizations skimp on fresh quality foods. During meal planning, I’m guided not only

by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” but also by a passion for bringing to life the true pleasures of food. Simple ingredient variations can create delicious salad sensations that are truly something to look forward to eating.

We don’t just experience food with our noses and our mouths, food should be visually appealing as well. Food is beautiful and artistic. When the right ingredients are paired together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I challenge

42 // April 2022

you to incorporate more salads in your daily routine. Be bold and playful. Be creative and savory. Go with the sweet flavors of the season. Step out of the mundane, basic salad and enjoy one of these sensational salads!

Hawaiian Salad Recipe • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, reserve juice for dressing • 1 cup sliced strawberries

• 1/2 cup pecans or macadamia nuts

• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Strawberry Pineapple Vinaigrette • ½ cup strawberries

• ¼ cup pineapple juice • 1 tbs honey

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar • ¾ cup olive oil

• ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt Wash and chop lettuce. Evenly distribute remaining ingredients on top of salad. In a blender or separate bowl, blend vinaigrette ingredients together. Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Serve or toss as desired. Can substitute strawberries and honey with 3 tbs strawberry jelly.

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