April 2026

Gò0dNews April 2026

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Ande Frazier Bill Silvers Donald Cantrell Erin Clay Garrett Nudd Hayden Lanier Jan Merop Dr. Jeff Dabbs Monica Gambrell Tammy Madden Timothy Tate Zebbie Brewster

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Contents APRIL 2026

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 The Value of Community

by Dr. Jeff Dabbs

GoodNews for Everyone

8 Looking for the Kingdom

by Hayden Lanier

GoodNews Money Moves

10 When “They’ll Figure It Out” Is Not a Plan

by Ande Frazier GoodNews for Men

12 What About Those Other People?

by Donald Cantrell GoodNews for Women

14 A Daily Walk, Not Just an Emergency Contact

by Erin Clay

GoodNews for Marriage

18 Did I Deserve You? A

Tribute to My Husband

by Tammy Madden GoodNews Cover Story

20 Air Solutions: Providing Comfort You Can Trust Across Georgia and Alabama

GoodNews for Everyone

22 Milkshake Magic

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Rejoicing Anyway

by Zebbie Brewster

GoodNews for Kids

26 Chatty Critters and Friends

Series: Soar on Wings of an Eagle

by Jan Merop

8

GoodNews for Athletes

28 Walking for His Glory

by Bill Silvers

GoodNews for Discovering More

30 Sticky Business

by Garrett Nudd

GoodNews Poetry

34 A Heart for God

by Timothy Tate

GoodNews for Business Spotlight

36 Shift Therapy and Wellness: Where Your Comeback Begins

20

34

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

The Value of Community et’s face it—our culture prizes independence. From the time we’re young, we are told to “stand on our own two feet” and “make it on our own.” While responsibility and maturity are important, the Bible consistently reminds us that God never designed us to do life alone. We were created for community.

In fact, from the very beginning, God declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18 NASB). That statement wasn't just about marriage; it revealed a larger truth about human nature. Isolation diminishes us, but community strengthens us.

The fact is that we need each other’s strength. The writer of Ecclesiastes put it this way, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NASB).

Life is full of falls—discouragement, setbacks, temptations, losses. When those moments come, having someone to pick us up can make all the difference.

Community provides strength we don’t have on our own.

Think of a single log in a fire. If it’s pulled out of the flames, it quickly cools and burns out. But when logs are piled together, the fire blazes hotter and lasts longer. The same is true for us: together, our faith burns brighter.

Spiritual growth isn’t a solo project. Hebrews 10:2425 NASB reminds us, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

God designed us to grow through encouragement, accountability, and shared worship. Left on our own, we can drift into complacency or discouragement. But in community, we are reminded that we are not alone and that others are cheering us on toward Christlikeness.

Jesus said the world would recognize His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35). Community isn’t just about what it does for us — it’s also about what it shows to the world. When people see believers loving each other

6 // April 2026

sacrificially, forgiving quickly, and serving joyfully, it gives them a picture of Christ’s love.

That means our fellowship is more than social connection. It’s a living testimony. Community becomes an evangelistic tool when our relationships reflect the grace and truth of Jesus.

Community doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by intention. Here are a few key ways to cultivate it: 1. Commit to a local church. Community begins when we plant ourselves in a body of believers and invest, rather than just attend.

2. Join a small group or Bible study. Sharing life and Scripture in smaller circles builds deeper bonds.

3. Practice hospitality. Invite others into your home for a meal, coffee, or conversation. Community grows around tables.

4. Be honest and available. True fellowship requires vulnerability and presence. Don’t just share your victories—share your struggles as well.

In a world that encourages isolation and self-sufficiency, God calls us to something richer, a life woven together with others. Community is where burdens are carried, faith is strengthened, and love is displayed.

As Proverbs 27:17 NASB reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” That’s the value of community—and it’s something every heart needs.

About The Author

L

by Dr. Jeff Dabbs

Dr. Jeff Dabbs is the senior pastor at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia. He has authored Sunday School material and several books.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Looking for the Kingdom

I

by Hayden Lanier

n the Bible, there are some lesser-known heroes we

time, the Pharisees asked Jesus when God’s Kingdom would

can learn a lot from. One such person is Joseph of

come. His answer was surprising: “The kingdom of God is

Arimathea. We know from all four gospels that a

not coming in ways that can be observed…for behold, the

man named Joseph from the town of Arimathea buried

kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:20-21 ESV).

Jesus. From these accounts, we can gather a good deal of information about Joseph.

For those who know Jesus and have trusted in His death on their behalf, we get to experience the Kingdom of God

We know that Joseph was rich (Matthew 27:57). He was

today and every day. We don’t have to wait for eternity to

also a very important person in the religious society of the

live in this Kingdom. Instead, we can pray as Jesus taught

day. We also know that when he asked Pilate to bury Jesus’

us, “[God’s] kingdom come, [God’s] will be done, on earth

body, this took courage on Joseph’s part (Mark 15:43).

as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 ESV). Are you looking for

This helps us understand a little bit about who Joseph of Arimathea is, but some other details tell us about why he went to such great lengths to care for the body of Jesus after He was crucified. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57), and John adds that his following Jesus was carried out “secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38 ESV).

However, the part I want to focus on is what the gospels of Mark and Luke say about Joseph.

They both mention that he was “looking for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43, Luke 23:51 ESV). Most translations will say that Joseph was “waiting” for the Kingdom of God, or looking forward to it.

How ironic that the man who was waiting for the

the Kingdom? You might not realize that you are, or phrase

Kingdom of God buried the one who brought about

it that way, but you’re searching for something. You’re

this Kingdom.

looking for fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction, and everywhere

Like Joseph, in a sense, we look forward to the Kingdom of God, too. We long for the day when Jesus returns to bring

you look seems to disappoint.

Look no further than the tomb that Joseph of Arimathea

all His children to Himself and put an eternal end to sin

buried Christ in; for Jesus did not stay in Joseph’s tomb, but

and death. On that day, the Kingdom of God will be fully

on the third day, He rose again and is now “seated at the

realized, and we look forward to and long for it! But for

right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1 ESV). If you’re looking

those of us who know Jesus, as Joseph of Arimathea did,

for the Kingdom of God, look to Jesus. He brought God’s

the Kingdom of God is now. We don’t have to wait for this

Kingdom to us and made a way for us to live in it.

future day to enjoy and experience the presence of God. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15 ESV). Another

8 // April 2026

About The Author

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He declared,

Hayden Lanier is a follower of Jesus, a graduate of Shorter University, and he works as an elementary school teacher.

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Money Moves Ande Frazier

Ande Frazier is a nationally recognized author and financial expert specializing in behavioral finance. A frequent contributor to media outlets like CNBC, HuffPost, and Yahoo Finance, she writes about the emotional and psychological forces that shape our financial choices. Ande is the author of the Amazon best-seller Fin(anci)ally Free!, a guide to transforming your mindset around money and self-worth. She is based in Rome, Georgia, and works with clients across the U.S.

W

hen Tony Bennett passed away, headlines didn’t focus on his legendary voice. They focused on family conflict. It’s easy to look at celebrity estate

disputes and think, “that would never happen in my family.”

But here’s what I’ve learned after years of walking families through estate conversations: Most estate problems don’t start with bad people. They start with good people avoiding hard conversations. Let’s look at a few of the most common mistakes.

1. “Once one spouse dies, we’ll just adjust.”

When the first spouse passes, everything changes, emotionally and financially. Unfortunately, that’s exactly when decisions are often made quickly and without full coordination.

I’ve seen widows remove children from trust roles out of grief. I’ve seen asset titles changed without updating beneficiary designations. I’ve seen new advisors brought in without reviewing the existing legal structure. An estate plan isn’t static.

It must be reviewed after major life events. Grief is not the time to improvise.

2. “My kids know what I want. They’ll work it out.”

They might. But intentions are not instructions.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Dad told me I’d get the lake house,” while the documents say something entirely different. When clarity is missing, siblings are left to interpret. Interpretation quickly turns into resentment. If you want peace after you’re gone, put it in writing — and communicate it while you’re here.

3. “My attorney handles everything.”

Attorneys are essential. Truly. But most estate attorneys draft documents based on the information they are given. They often are not reviewing: • Investment allocations • Beneficiary designations • Business succession plans

10 // April 2026

• Insurance structures • Cash flow realities Estate documents without financial coordination can create unintended outcomes. I’ve seen trusts funded improperly. I’ve seen tax consequences that could have been avoided. I’ve seen “equal” distributions that weren’t actually equal. Planning is not just about documents. It’s about strategy.

4. “I want to be fair to my children.”

Fair does not always mean equal. Some parents have one financially responsible child and one who struggles. Some have one child deeply involved in the family business and others who are not.

Avoiding this reality doesn’t protect your children; it burdens them. The goal is not to treat every child identically. The goal is to make intentional decisions that reflect your values, protect your legacy, and reduce unnecessary conflict. That takes thoughtful design, not wishful thinking.

Estate planning is not about death. It’s about stewardship.

It’s about asking: • Who do I trust?

• What is this money meant to do?

• How do I protect relationships, not just assets?

The best plans are built collaboratively: legal, financial, and family conversations aligned. If you assume everyone will “figure it out,” they might. But they may figure it out in a courtroom. You worked too hard for that.

At the end of the day, estate planning is an act of love. It’s deciding that your family’s relationships matter more than assumptions. That clarity matters more than convenience. That legacy is about more than dollars.

My role is to help families think through these decisions thoughtfully—aligning legal documents with financial strategy and family realities, so what you leave behind is peace, not confusion.

If that conversation feels overdue, I’m here to help guide it.

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Gò0dNews for Men

What About Those Other People?

W

by Donald Cantrell

e are headed straight into the holiday season

Many of you found that love and direction over at a

of honoring others, as we celebrate Mother’s

friend’s house, as you realized things were so different in

Day in May and Father’s Day in June. It is

another household. You would go there to spend the night,

awesome to be able to give the proper accolades to those

but while there you found love and safety. It seems like the

moms and dads who have played such an important role

world needs more of those safe haven families for kids to

in our lives.

find refuge and love.

If you grew up in a home that maintained the family structure of one mother and one father, then you were

I hate the word “Stepmom or Stepdad” because they are often put in a peculiar spot, and often are given a bad

lucky, but even more so if you grew up in that family and had two parents that were lovingly involved in your life because that is not even close to the reality of most families in this age.

Sadly, not everyone was blessed enough to have a mom or a dad who was there for them or who even loved them. On the other hand, there are so many people who go through life and never receive the proper credit or accolades. If you are one of “Those Others,” then you know exactly whom I am talking about.

Many people found their guidance through another source, other than a mom or a dad, as someone took their place out of necessity. What about those moms who were placed in a tough situation of being a mom and a dad to their children

rap. Many of you could vouch for being loved and guided

or that dad who had to fulfill the role of being a mom to

by a godly stepmom or stepdad. The world does not have

his children?

enough holidays to recognize “Those Others,” but you can

In this age, we have so many grandparents who not only raised their children, but they wholeheartedly

recognize them.

I want to challenge you to send out a card, make a visit,

stepped in when others stepped out, and they lovingly

or give them a call, so you can recognize “Those Others”

raised their grandchildren as if they were their own

who have played such a vital role in helping you make it in

children. If not for these wondrous people, our world

life. The world seems to be so big, but we can make it much

would be in a very dark place.

smaller, if we are also willing to be one of “Those Others”

Some people found their guidance through other

and help people!

venues. Maybe it was a teacher at school who helped who go at warp speed pace, yet they have time to invest in a kid who is on the wrong course, so they desperately devote time to that needy kid?

12 // April 2026

About The Author

change their course in life. What about those sports coaches

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

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Gò0dNews for Women

A Daily Walk, Not Just an Emergency Contact

ife is hard, and most of the time, it is unfair. However, it is how you handle life’s events that makes a difference. Throughout the Bible, numerous stories illustrate that a steadfast, daily faith is what enables people to endure and overcome immense difficulties. This isn't about a single grand gesture of belief, but rather a consistent, moment-by-moment trust in God's presence and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Daniel is a great example of living a life of daily faith.

Taken from his home as a young man and forced to serve in the pagan court of Babylon, Daniel was under constant pressure to abandon his faith. His entire life in exile was a testament to the power of daily, disciplined devotion.

From the very beginning, Daniel “resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way” (Daniel 1:8 NIV), demonstrating a commitment to God's law in the small, daily act of eating. Daniel's faith was anchored in a disciplined prayer life. Even when a decree was passed making it illegal to pray to anyone but the king, Daniel 6:10 NIV tells us, “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” It was this non-negotiable daily habit that gave him strength, even when it led him to the lions' den.

Daniel didn't wait until he was in a crisis to turn to God; he was already walking with Him every single day. This consistent relationship gave him the strength to face his battles and the unwavering faith to trust God even when he was facing death by being thrown into the lions' den. While surviving a night with lions is miraculous and awesome, it was his daily walk with God that made him a hero of faith.

If we only turn to God in emergencies, our prayers become desperate pleas rather than ongoing conversations.

So what does this look like today? Living a life of daily faith in today's world means making God an integral part of

14 // April 2026

your routine. This includes praying and reading the Bible to learn more about God's character, as well as serving others and being part of a church community, or a community of believers. It's not about reading a marathons-worth of chapters or spending an hour on your knees every morning.

It's simply about showing up. A consistent daily check-in, whether it's reading one verse or slowly going through a chapter or praying for five minutes, is the spiritual food that keeps you strong and prepared before the crisis hits (and crises will hit because we live in a sinful world). These small, daily deposits in your spiritual bank account are what give you peace when the world tries to issue a withdrawal.

We must also remember that Daniel was surrounded by friends who shared his amazing faith, reminding us of the importance of fellowship with other believers. By building these daily habits and surrounding yourself with a strong community, you are establishing and maintaining a foundation of faith. When you make God a part of your everyday life, you will find the strength to face anything that comes your way.

About The Author

L

by Erin Clay

Erin Clay and her husband are Sunday School teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. She has lived her whole life in Rome, Georgia. She created the blog wheninromega.com to share her love of Rome with others.

We are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of finance.

Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of our foundation of success. It’s about empowering people to create generational impact.

Ande Frazier

CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RICP, ChSNC, CDFA®, CEPA, CExP Head of Advisor Development & Innovation, Peachtree Planning/Partner, Peachtree Planning of North Georgia, LLC

Direct/Cell: (470) 524-6280 Main Office: (706) 234-7468 Ande's Assistant, Toni Libby: (470) 748-3013 Email: ande.frazier@peachtreeplanning.com Rome Office: 500 East 2nd Street Rome, GA 30161-3112 www.ppnga.com Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 5040 Roswell Road. Atlanta, GA 30342. 404-260-1600. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Peachtree Planning of North Georgia is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof. 8176500.1 (Exp. 7/27) Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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

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 Creek Baptist Church 3219 Fosters Mill Rd SW Rome, GA 30161 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 2026

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 Eden Valley Baptist Church 348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 770-608-8168 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

Church of God in Christ

Great Joy Church of God in Christ 60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161 706-766-6148

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161

Episcopal

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

Ministerios El Vino Nuevo 4216 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0500 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

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

Messianic

Congregation Hallelu HaShem 1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105 706-936-6711

Nazarene

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257

Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023

Beech Creek Methodist 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-506-8980 GracePoint Rome 43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161 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 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant Church 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 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 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518 Trinity By The River, Global Methodist 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW

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 Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161 706-622-2448 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 Shannon Community Church 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172

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

Methodist

Non-Denominational

706-491-7112 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-346-2733 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161 Wilderness Church Rome 2730 Martha Berry Highway NE Rome, Ga 30165 706-237-6395 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

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 Grace Fellowship Baptist Church 6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW Cave Spring Ga 30124 706-346-9786

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 Marriage Did I Deserve You? A Tribute to My Husband

G

by Tammy Madden

enesis 2:24 NIV: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

When you took my hand all those years ago and kissed

me for the first time, the thrill of your touch was so magical.

I was a teenager in love. I had prayed for that moment. And then there you were holding me on that cold winter’s night with my arms in your jacket, trying to stay warm while the snow fell. It was love at first sight, and I never wanted that moment to end. To this day, I still feel like a teenage girl when you put your hand in mine and say, “I love you.”

But did I deserve you? Did you deserve all the hard times we never saw coming? You never once bailed on me.

You stayed with me through homeless nights, through watching my sisters and sisters-in-law have babies, even though it was looking like we would never have one, through deaths of loved ones, through job lay-offs, through getting new jobs. You supported me through college.

You took me places I never dreamed I could go (Florida, Gatlinburg, Disney World, North Carolina). You took me to Pennsylvania because my nephew was dying, and you never hesitated to get me to him. Thank God he lived! You even stood by us through our daughter’s heart transplant and brain injury. You never once left our sides.

Through weddings and funerals, through laughing and crying, you stayed by us. We have been so poor we ate peanut butter for two weeks straight, and we have had enough money to go to fancy steak houses (even though you hate steak). We have driven cars that were falling apart (literally), and we have had brand new cars.

You helped me with my mom. You loved her like your own. You took her with us on every vacation we took until she was too sick to go. She called you “her only friend.”

You allowed our precious niece, Tabitha Braden, to come

were standing by my bed when I opened my eyes in ICU, on a ventilator and scared to death. You never once even thought about leaving me. It never crossed your mind.

I thought I was so ugly with a colostomy bag and my colon on the outside of my body. You told me I was more beautiful than ever. You prayed over me. You waited on me hand and foot. You prayed over me every day. You never once let me give up!

My dear husband, thank you for being there at times when anyone else would have walked away. Thank you for saying, “I love you,” every single day for the last 43 years. I promise you God has a special gift for you in Heaven. I love you now and forever!

Precious readers, if many of us would not give up so easily on marriage, life would be so much better. We must always remember to stick together in sickness and in health.

Trust me when I say the sick days will come even if it's 40 years down the road. We must always remember to enjoy the good days and be prepared for the hard ones. And always and forever, put God first in our marriages. That is key to a good, strong marriage!

and live with us. Then she became as much ours as she was Then came March 7th, 2024. That horrible day the doctor told you I wasn't going to make it. But there you

18 // April 2026

About The Author

my sister’s.

My name is Tammy Madden. I live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful daughter named Megan.

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It’s about comfort that doesn’t become a focus, but easily remains steadily working in the background.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Milkshake Magic

W

by Monica Gambrell

hen I was a rebellious sixteen-year-old, I

the countertop and I had to physically remove her from

moved in with my sister and her two children.

the employee space. It’s always a good idea to keep the

Maybe I was too similar to my mother to get

mood as light as possible, so when she got back in line to

along with her. The new location was a one-hour drive to

order, she slurred, “Hey, can you make me a milkshake?”

town and was in another county. I woke up early every

I waved my arms wildly in large circular motions as if I

day, dropped off one niece at daycare and the other

had a magic wand in my hand, smiled, and gestured the

at kindergarten on my way to school. My very wise

imaginary wand in her direction as I said loudly, “Bam,

band teacher held band practice one hour before

you’re a milkshake!” Her reaction was priceless. She was

school started in order to avoid the stifling

overjoyed that she was now a milkshake, and the rest of

Georgia heat. After band practice was a full day of school, then

As Christians, do we fully grasp that we are no longer

the afternoon (3-11pm)

who we once were? We are literally a new creation. We

shift at a fast-food

have a new nature and a new eternal home. We should be

restaurant. After

overjoyed! After I accepted Christ, I was walking in the mall

work I would

and ran into a friend that I used to party with in high school.

drive an hour

I hadn’t seen her in several years. She hugged me. When she

back home and

pulled away, she looked intently into my eyes and gasped,

start all over

“You got saved, didn’t you?” Her spirit bore witness with

again. Many

mine and we wept for joy. Being different is one thing,

times, I was so

but even the motivations of my heart had been completely

tired I just slept

transformed. No other explanation describes the type of

in the car and

radical change I underwent. Hallelujah! I’m different!

drove home

2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB: “Therefore if anyone is in

before sunrise.

Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed

Working the late shift was

away; behold, new things have come.”

John 3:1-3 NASB: “Now there was a man of the Pharisees,

hard, but also

named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to

entertaining. Many

Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You

of the town drunks

have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these

would come in

signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus responded

toward the end of

and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is

the shift. On one such

born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

occasion, a group of

Father God, I would have done anything as a youngster to

them came in with loud

have a life that looked more like what everyone else had.

and raucous behavior.

Oh, how foolish! Wide is the gate that leads to

One of the girls in

destruction. We should celebrate being what God calls a

the group literally jumped over

22 // April 2026

the group’s visit there was pleasant.

“peculiar people.” He treasures us for being different; what could be better than that?

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Rejoicing Anyway

P

by Zebbie Brewster

salm 118:24 KJV says, “This is the day which the Lord

urgency we would even stop and ask directions. Sometimes

hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

that would help if you are familiar with the roads.

This has always been one of my favorite verses.

Back to the day being made by God, when was the last

You could break the verse down and let it speak to your

time you got to see a sunrise or sunset? In the mountains

heart. God is our creator and all good and perfect gifts come

of Northwest Georgia, it can be quite breathtaking at all

from Him.

the bright colors the sky takes on. My husband and I were

James 1:17 KJV says, “Every good gift and every perfect

talking yesterday about how the longest day of the year will

gift is from and cometh down from the Father of lights, with

soon be here in June. After that, the days will start getting

whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

shorter again. This year has just flown by! I teasingly said

Talk about the perfect gift giver. That is Him. He gives

that they would be putting up Christmas decorations soon!

us the gift of life for He knows us even before we are born.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13-14 KJV says, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Just ask any new parent about their new baby and they have the most beautiful baby in the world. The miracle of life only comes from God. He created us in love to honor and glorify Him. A day comes and goes so swiftly like a weaver’s shuttle.

Job 7:6 KJV says, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.”

James 4:14 KJV says, “Whereas ye know what shall be

I didn’t take time to watch the sunrise this morning as the skies were cloudy. I did look out the front door to see my cat eating her breakfast. I was thankful for that, as

on the morrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapour,

yesterday she was having a puny day. She did not even

that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

want to get out and come and greet me.

The Bible teaches us to number our days so we can apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 KJV says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Making wise decisions is so very important. Pray that

I had also gone for a test yesterday and they were not able to finish it. Hopefully I will be hearing from my doctor about rescheduling it. I told my husband as we were leaving that everything happens for a reason and I was just going to have to trust God with this.

I can truthfully say that I was not doing too much

and I are not good travelers. Even with MapQuest we can

rejoicing when they could not complete my test. I know that

still get lost on our journey. That is the reason we try to

I will have to keep holding on to God’s promises. He can be

stick to traveling 2 and 4-lane roads. Sometimes those exits

trusted as He has proven to be faithful to me and I praise

are too hard to get to on the interstate. It seems we can get

Him for that!

turned around so easily. Then on the road, there can be a detour and that would really mess us up. Out of sheer

24 // April 2026

About The Author

God will help you know His plan for your life. My husband

Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Chatty Critters and Friends Series: Soar on Wings of an Eagle

E

by Jan Merop

bullets are tricky to avoid!

nergy and desire rippled

I love my family

through my body.

and teach my eaglets

I felt ready for flight as

how to leave the

my eyes searched the horizon.

nest and fly so they

I could see places unknown to

can survive in the

people – if only in my memory.

wilds – as they were meant to do.

You see, I am a bald eagle, but

Though I miss

I’ve been injured. One day I was

soaring high in the

soaring high in the sky. I can glide

sky, I’m glad I lived so

to altitudes of over 2,400 feet

you can see me close up.

without any problem.

But then, while perched

Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation

high on a branch in a tree, a stray bullet caught my wing and I plunged to the ground.

Even my eagle eyes couldn’t have seen that swift-moving bullet coming at me.

Thankfully, I was found and rescued and brought back to health. But I’ll never fly again.

But come closer and look at me!

I want you to see how God the Creator made me so

Isaiah 40:31 KJV: “But those who wait on the Lord (trusting God instead of themselves) shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles (not afraid of storms; but letting God lift them above the storms), they shall run and not be weary (because of God’s strength in them), they shall walk and not faint.”

grand. As great a size as I am with such awesome power, I am known for being graceful in flight.

If the winds become strong and frightening, I just let them carry me higher and faster. I can even carry other eagles to safety on my wings.

My Creator also blessed me with extraordinary eyesight. Maybe you have heard the saying, “He has

The Eagle and You

The eagle reminds us that we are free in our Creator, Jesus Christ, when we place our faith in Him. The eagle’s family is important to him. He mates for life, takes care of his family, and comes back to the same nest each year fixing and repairing it. When we wait on God, He gives us strength like an eagle and helps us soar above life’s storms.

eagle eyes,” when speaking of someone whose eyes never My keen eyesight alerts me to approaching dangers so I can protect myself and my family. But whizzing

26 // April 2026

About The Author

miss anything.

Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause...and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She and her husband Ken have lived in Cleveland for about one year. They enjoy hospitality, Bible study, and walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.

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Gò0dNews for Athletes

Walking for His Glory

“I

by Bill Silvers

can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

On the 22nd and 23rd of September 2023, I

competed in nine events at the Georgia Golden Olympics: the 50-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, and the 800-meter races. I competed in all five races on the same day, along with a 5k, football, softball, and basketball. I won six gold medals and three silver medals. The medals I brought home belong to God, not me. I could not have won them without His blessing. The praise and glory go to God! Why did I compete in the Georgia Golden Olympics at 85? (As of this writing in April 2026, I am 87.) I started competing in 5k races at 82 in 2020. I have now competed in over 20 5k races. I finished in 1st place in my age group in every race. Oh, and I forgot to mention I’m the only one competing in my age group! It still counts, right?

I realized that if I was going to have someone to race against, I would have to compete at the Georgia Golden Olympics. The athletes come from all over the state to compete in the different events. I am sorry to say there were not many in my age group, and some of the events I was alone. For me, it was never about winning. It was

you are walking in the mountains for hours at a time, you

about finishing the race.

start to listen.

God called me to race. He also met with me in the

This is what God put on my heart to share. It was to

training. I felt closer to God during my training. I trained

make everyone aware of the importance of walking and

for six weeks, six days per week. I spent one and a half

physical fitness at all ages. You can feel the benefits in

to two hours, five to six days per week, at the gym. I also

as little as 15 to 20 minutes per day, three to four days

spent one hour per day at the basketball court.

per week. We know when someone is recuperating from

Four to five days per week, I walked in the beautiful

a heart attack, they are told to walk. The same goes for

North Georgia mountains. It gave me the opportunity to

strokes, hip or knee replacements, cancer, anxiety, etc. The

see the beauty of nature that God has created. Not just for

list goes on. So why don’t people walk? I do not know. But

me, but for everyone. You cannot walk in the mountains

I do know that it will change your quality of life and may

without feeling the presence of God.

even extend it. So please start walking!

I spent more time praying in the mountains than I did in church on Sunday. I also learned a better way to pray

And if you listen closely enough, the Lord might just call you to run races in your 80s too!

sided. I did all the talking and very little listening. When

28 // April 2026

About The Author

during that time. My prayers had always been a little oneBill Silvers from Ellijay, Georgia, began running competitively at age 81. He runs to the glory of God!

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Gò0dNews for Discovering More

Sticky Business

I

by Garrett Nudd

observed my father wash the family cars regularly. My

door. I started in the back and carefully worked my way

mother’s blue car had white pinstripes running down

toward the front.

both sides and I always wondered why they didn’t

I knew how neat and organized my father kept the

come off during the wash, much like Band-Aids do. One

garage, so I kept my peeled stickers close by my side. Just

afternoon while I was playing in the garage and looking for

as I was approaching the front passenger-side wheel well,

the next thing to do, I noticed something at my eye-level:

my mother opened the door from the house to the garage.

the pinstripes on my mother’s Datsun.

It must have looked like a mountain of spaghetti in my small four-year-old hands! And there in the middle stood a giant meatball.

I guessed by the look on her face that my four-year-old judgement wasn’t as solid as I thought. My punishment was mild in retrospect—they took away my roller-skates for a week. I loved those things!

Of course, mistakes are not limited to children. Adults make mistakes too, even if their intentions are good. And as adults, the stakes are often higher, and it’s the grace of a parent or friend, spouse, colleague, or child that recognizes a mistake for what it is and smothers it with MORE THAN. When that happens it’s up to us to accept their MORE THAN grace. MORE THAN is about receiving just as much as it is about giving. And as adults, receiving MORE

Now, I knew that stickers didn’t stick forever. It was

THAN is often harder than offering it. Learning to forgive

just a fact. And I also knew that Band-Aids fall off—or

yourself and accept God’s grace is paramount to growing

at least start to peel at the corners—when you’re in the

in MORE THAN. Don’t lose sight of the fact that humility

water. I was overcome with concern. Moments later my

and lack of self-acceptance are not the same. One of the

concern turned into resolve. And that’s when I had an idea.

greatest challenges we face is the acceptance of God’s

I would help my father by peeling the stickers (i.e., white

forgiveness. No, we don’t deserve it, but it’s His gift to

pinstripes) off the sides of the car. That way when my

give. You are MORE THAN the choices you make, and you

dad washed the car, he wouldn’t have to worry about the

are MORE THAN the actions you take.

stickers peeling off. It was the perfect plan, and my parents were going to be so pleased!

Looking back, my intentions were pure, but my actions were misguided. And at four years old, fortunately it was

I started with the driver’s side. To my delight, it

pretty easy to forgive myself. Who knows how many pin-

went much faster than I had anticipated. It must’ve been

striped cars I would’ve targeted in my teenage years if I

the putty knife I used at the corner to get the pinstripes

hadn’t lost my roller-skates for a week!

I took a short break from my work and then started on the passenger side, which was the side closest to the kitchen

30 // April 2026

About The Author

started. I had the first side finished in no time whatsoever.

This excerpt from Garrett’s book, MORE THAN Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, is adapted to our format and used with permission.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

A Heart for God

S

by Timothy Tate

omeone once said that a poem is ninety percent

The next morning while our class study was still

inspiration and ten percent creativity. It can

fresh in my thoughts, I was inspired in my devotions

begin with just a simple thought, a written

to write this poem.

phrase, or even some remnant of a dream, but there has to be a seed. The creative aspect of the process are

May my heart be tried and softened

all the tools of expression at your disposal. These are

as the fallow ground awaits the plow.

much like a farmer's land and implements necessary to cultivate the seed into a harvest. When I write a poem,

May it be furrowed deep and often

I pray that God will give me the right words. This is

in the valley and on the brow.

the true inspiration, the sunshine, and the rain that

May the seed find fertile soil -

God gives to grow the seed.

A case in point: We did a series in our Wednesday

not thistle, rock, or stone.

night Bible class on the physical and spiritual heart.

Let my heart be hands that toil

Two wonderful men of God led the study. One was

to lead the wayward home.

an anatomy professor and teacher of nutrition and the other a medical doctor. It was a fascinating lecture as

May the seed burst forth in glory

we delved into all aspects of the heart. Most amazing

as it claims the former rain,

of all was the scriptural application of the heart as

when the harvest tells the story

it runs through God's word like blood vessels run through the body. I was reminded just how vital it is

of a heart for God aflame.

4:23 NKJV says it best, “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

34 // April 2026

About The Author

that we guard our hearts as a daily exercise. Proverbs Timothy Tate is a Lee University alumnus of 1990. He and his wife, Lisa, and family have lived in Cleveland, Tennessee, since 1985. Tim is a retired postal carrier/commercial fisherman and enjoys writing memoirs and poetry.

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Team Member Spotlight: Dr. Dallyn Putz, PT, DPT, Cert-DN Dallyn grew up in Manchester, Iowa, where athletics and hard work shaped his foundation early. He earned his degree in Athletic Training from Central College while competing as a collegiate baseball player, then went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 2021.

Since graduating, Dallyn has worked as a traveling physical therapist across North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, and Georgia — gaining diverse clinical experience and refining his approach in a wide variety of settings and patient populations.

He is especially passionate about treating shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff and labral repairs, rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial pain syndromes, and lower extremity injuries.

At the core of Dallyn’s practice are dedication, authenticity, excellence, and selflessness. He is driven to help patients challenge the limits they may place on themselves — whether those limits stem from a diagnosis, an injury, or age-related expectations. His goal is simple: help people realize they are capable of more than they think.

Outside the clinic, you’ll likely find Dallyn on the golf course, experimenting with new recipes, spending time near the lake or ocean, training outdoors in the sun, or planning his next travel adventure.

Team Member Spotlight: Dr. Richard Travers, PT, BS, MPT, DPT Dr. Travers was born and raised in a suburb of Miami, Florida.

He describes, “It was a great place to grow up, as there were 365 days a year to play outside. My family moved to Marietta, Georgia, when I attended college. I graduated from Kennesaw State University, the Medical College of Georgia, and The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. I worked in restaurants as a cook during my teenage years and later worked as a deckhand/cook on

36 // April 2026

a deep-sea tugboat, towing barges to the East Coast, Gulf Coast, West Coast, the Caribbean, Panama, and Mexico. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I worked as a licensed massage therapist, which inspired me to become a physical therapist.”

Dr. Travers has experience particularly with orthopedic physical therapy, manual therapy, vestibular therapy, Graston Technique, and Janda Muscle Balancing. He provides patient education and hands-on therapy that increases joint flexibility, decreases muscle tightness, and increases balance and function.

Team Member Spotlight: Deron Bellcase, OT Deron Bellcase is now a Rock Steady Boxing Certified Clinician through Rock Steady Boxing. This program is specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and focuses on: balance, coordination, strength, agility, and slowing symptom progression.

This isn’t random exercise. It’s neurologically driven, boxing-based training that helps people fight back—physically and mentally.

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s and looking for specialized care in Rome, we’re now accepting new patients.

Award-Winning Care, Right Here in Rome Shift Therapy and Wellness is honored as Best Physical Therapy Clinic of Rome. The Shift team’s mission is clear: to solve problems others overlook and to remind folks that it’s never too late to feel strong again.

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SafeHaven RANCH A Home Where Kids Can Grow And Excel In A Christian Environment.

Jude 1:22

There’s a dusty dirt road off in some fields that looks like

have no place to call home. Safe Haven Ranch is dedicated

any other road of its kind in the South. But, it’s truly not

to demonstrating Christ's love by creating a nurturing

the same. It’s not the length or the condition or the age of

environment for children who have known great

this road that makes the difference, it’s the destination.

suffering. Our mission is to address both the physical and

This road leads to hope. There’s hope along that dusty dirt

spiritual needs of these children, providing them with the

road because Safe Haven Ranch for Boys is waiting at the

tools to overcome emotional and mental health challenges

end of it.

while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jason Slaughter of Community Share Ministries

“We aim to inspire and instill hope in the children

describes the road building, “We are building roads to

we serve, empowering them to grow and heal despite

make room for what God’s got coming. We don’t know

their difficult circumstances. Our organization believes

just who or just when but we know the children are

in building a strong sense of community and providing a

coming. We know God’s got something He’s working on

safe haven for children in need. Through our efforts, we

and we’re making room for it.”

strive to make a positive change in the lives of the children

The Safe Haven Boys Ranch is nestled in the

and families we serve, embodying the love of Christ in all

former Corn family farm. The Corn family never raised

that we do.”

children there. They raised animals and vegetables

Making a Difference

and eventually, they’ve raised hopes. The Corn family bestowed the farm into the care of Jason and Ginger Slaughter of Community Share Ministries who saw a vision for helping boys on a working farm throughout their childhood by providing a caring environment, a sound education both academic and practical, and a sense of true belonging in a community through a family both at home and a welcoming church family.

Jason continues, “We have been called by God to take care of the children who have known great suffering and

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