Gò0dNews August 2019
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Contents AUGUST 2019
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Provision Through Obedience by Ralph Jenkins
GoodNews for Kids
8 Moving
by Zora Hammond
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 What are You Reading to be Wealthy?
by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Becoming Your Parents by Rhonda Lane
GoodNews Business Spotlight
30 Local 4-H Brings Archery to Youth
by Kimberly Wood GoodNews for Marriage
32 Pyramids
by Kyle Blevins
GoodNews for Men
GoodNews for Everyone
Running?
by Pam Walker
12 What Direction Are You by Billy Carver GoodNews for Women
14 Learning to Use Your Gifts by Tia Wheelus
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
18 Mom’s Sock It To Me Cake by Darlene Fields
GoodNews for Health & Fitness
20 The Authority to Choose by Katie Walker
GoodNews for Life
22 Do You Value Life? by Amy B. Scott
GoodNews Cover Story
24 Dr. John J. Beninato, DDS by David Thompson
GoodNews for Teens
26 Asking God Tough Questions
by Matthew Dennis
34 A Kitten Named Molly
6
GoodNews for Everyone
36 When Our Prayers Aren’t Being Answered
by Jessica Mathis GoodNews for Everyone
38 What Defines Us? by Amy Oyler
GoodNews from the Heart
40 The Power Of a Journal by Khristie Staines
24
GoodNews for Prayer
42 3 Keys to Answered Prayer by Judy Jacobs Tuttle
GoodNews for Everyone
44 Tulip
by Amanda Martin
GoodNews for Everyone
46 Learning to Obey Our Master
by Linda Boston
42
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Provision Through Obedience
J
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
ehovah Jireh, or “The Lord Provides,” comes from
not a burden, either; it is a true delight to obey the Lord. That
Genesis 22, where the Lord commands Abraham to
need, that desire of your heart, that provision you have been
sacrifice Isaac and then provides a substitute ram to
longing for, is already in place for you. You just simply need
be sacrificed instead. It’s a powerful story of substitutionary sacrifice and pictures exactly what Christ did for humankind
to put yourself in a place of obedience to appropriate it. Philippians 4:19-20 says, “And my God shall supply all
when He died on the cross. He became our substitutionary
your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
sacrifice and paid the penalty we owed for our own sin.
Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.
Through Him, we now have access to forgiveness and
Amen.” You see what Paul says. Obedience doesn’t just lead
eternal life. There is a principle taught here about provision, though. We often seek the Lord’s provision for our lives, but the principles found here are important to remember when seeking out that provision. 1. The Lord commands (verses 1-2). 2. Abraham obeys (verses 3-9). 3. The Lord provides (verses 10-14). 4. The Lord promises a greater blessing (verses 15-17). When the Lord commands, we obey; when we obey, the Lord provides. Abraham truly walked by faith and not by sight. He trusted, believed, and followed the Lord’s command. Is that not way different from how so many folks seek provision in their life? It is as if God commands and we say, “Okay, Lord,
to your immediate need, it leads to a provision that is far
if you will do this or give me this then I will obey you.”
greater than your need: a need met that is not according to
We don’t make the rules; He does. If we will follow His
your present need, but according to His riches in glory in
command, we will see His provision.
Christ Jesus.
What has God commanded for His people to obey? I can think of several things.
So, try unfettered obedience to the Lord and then watch what happens, my friend. God may just show up and show
1. Read and study the Word of God.
out in ways you never thought possible. In fact, if we were
2. Pray without ceasing.
to start walking in obedience to the Lord daily, then we
3. Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul,
might start seeing our needs met before they become needs.
and strength. The path to your provision, and even your greater blessing, is found in your obedience to His command. It’s
6 // August 2019
About The Author
4. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Cartersville Ga. and a native of Rome, Ga. He and His wife Tammy have served the Lord in ministry for over 20 years and pastored three churches. He loves to win souls, preach the gospel, shepherd God’s people, and work on the farm.
Gò0dNews for Kids
Moving ast summer, I moved from Minnesota to Tennessee. I was overjoyed that I was moving to Tennessee to be closer to family. Nothing could prepare me for how hard moving was going to be, though. When I’m in bed and supposed to be sleeping, I still cry. Remembering every memory, happy and sad, they bring back so many emotions. I miss my friends (even though I have made many great friends here in Tennessee). I also miss everything around me being familiar, like my house and school. I get to keep the best memory with me wherever I go, and it is the memories of my family. At least, that’s what I think. I also have some sad memories of back home, like the time my grandpa passed away and the time my babysitter passed away as well. When life gets hard for me, I always come back to one Bible verse, though. Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This Bible verse hit me a few months ago and has made my move to Tennessee so much better. Who helped me get through these things? That is
8 // August 2019
easy: God. I also realized that my family is always there too. My family and God make a great team; they help me get through tough things. My move was so much easier knowing I had these two things on my side: God and family!
About The Author
L
by Zora Hammond
Zora Hammond is 10 years old. She is a 4th grader at Black Fox Elementary School. She attends Pine Hill Church and she loves to read. A funny thing about Zora is that she loves homework!
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What are You Reading to be Wealthy? MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE
“I
Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
t is what you read when you don't have to that de-
this method, I easily read/listen at least three books per
termines what you will be when you can't help it”—
month. In addition, there are millions of free Podcasts avail-
Oscar Wilde. Being a literature professor, I agree
able on your phone—search terms like Personal Finance or
whole-heartedly with this sentiment. What are you reading
Investing or Real Estate or Tax Planning or Money and Mar-
in your “spare time” or “down time” which isn’t required by
riage or Money and Millennials—and download and listen to
your boss or your teacher? Are you, in fact, doing any read-
these every week. You’ll be amazed at how fast your financial
ing in your free time, voluntarily? And how does this factor
knowledge base expands simply by doing this regularly.
into your financial wealth and fiscal health? Robert Kyosa-
We’ve all heard the term “lifelong learner” and how im-
ki, author of the best-selling Rich Dad, Poor Dad book series,
portant it is in the 21st century to be constantly learning and
puts it this way: “The biggest difference between rich people
adapting in order to be successful in a world of continuous
and poor people is what they do during their spare time.”
change all around us. Being a “lifelong learner” means read-
Numerous studies have confirmed that wealthy individuals
ing (or listening) every day, every week, every month. Besides
(and couples) READ more than most people do, and these
my top priorities of loving Jesus and serving Him, and being a
wealthy people often give credit to their continual routine of
devoted husband and father, my next passions are literature,
reading as one of the primary reasons for their accumulation
financial education, and wealth building. Here are some of the
of wealth. In other words, they are “reading to be rich.” Not
books I’ve read (either in printed books or audio downloads)
surprisingly, many wealthy people enjoy reading about ways
within the past month: a biography of Southern writer Wil-
to achieve and maintain wealth. They read books, articles,
liam Faulkner, collected plays of Arthur Miller, and a book on
and blogs about saving, budgeting, investing, stock markets,
tax strategies for real estate investors. I also start every morn-
bond markets, real estate, tax planning strategies, economics,
ing by reading The One Year Bible which allows me to read the
demographics, politics, and countless other issues relating to
entire Old and New Testament once every year (for the past
finances. Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey is fond of re-
twenty years). So, what are you reading these days, besides
minding his listeners that “most millionaires read an average
the latest sports scores or Pinterest recipes online? When
of one non-fiction book per month.” You may protest that you
was the last time you read something to educate yourself on
have no time or little time to “sit down to read a book.” So
financial matters? Think about how you could change your
here’s a suggestion—try audiobooks while you’re sitting in
financial situation by indulging less in Netflix, less in You-
traffic—download some good books on finances or investing
Tube videos, and less mindless scrolling on Facebook. What
from sites like audible.com and listen while driving. Using
if instead you did at least twenty minutes of daily financial
10 // August 2019
reading? “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out” (Proverbs 18:15).
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Gò0dNews for Men
What Direction Are You Running?
“I
by Billy Carver
don’t want to run unless I’m running toward Him.” –unknown When reading this quote, I had this thought:
The Bible tells us that Jonah boarded the ship to escape God’s presence. What a silly thought. You can’t outrun God. It’s futile to try. It’s impossible to outpace
“What am I running from that I should be running to?”
His pursuing affection. Jonah found himself in the center
Sometimes in life, we are faced with situations and
of a storm, and that storm reminds us that God spares
circumstances that would be easier to run from than to face.
no expense in going after His own. The storm isn’t
When faced with these situations, I am always reminded of
punishment. The storm is an intervention, brought on by
the story of Jonah.
God’s affection, rather than His anger. Jonah thought that running from God would make him free; instead, it made him a slave. We only experience true life and freedom when we submit our lives to God. Submitting to God is the only real freedom. The deepest slavery is self-dependence or self-reliance on our wicked, sin-sick selves. When you live your life believing that everything (family, finances, relationships, career) is dependant on you, you’re enslaved to your own strengths and weaknesses. Freedom comes when we start trusting in God’s abilities and wisdom instead of our own. Real life begins when we transfer our trust from our own efforts to the efforts of God.
God called Jonah to go into a city full of sinners and
I challenge you to embrace the mission God has for you.
preach. When faced with this task, Jonah decided to run
Embrace the mission knowing that if God has called you to
from God. Jonah went ahead with his not-very-good plan
it, He will bring you through it. It is by the grace and power
and ordered a one-way ticket to anywhere but Nineveh. He
of God that we accomplish anything He calls us to. It is your
boarded a boat sailing in the opposite direction of Nineveh.
humble submission to God that will allow you to fulfill the
How many times do we know exactly what God wants
mission of your life. Don’t run from God; run toward God
us to do and then stubbornly head in the opposite direction? How often do we pursue our plan by running away from
and His call on your life. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
God and from the clear mission He has given us? We hop on
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
a ship heading anywhere as long as it goes away from the
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
from the story of Jonah that we can apply to our lives when faced with the choice to run from God or to run with God.
12 // August 2019
About The Author
thing God calls us to. There are several things we can learn Billy Carver is the senior pastor at Mt. Alto Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. He is currently a student at Covington Theological Seminary, where he is working toward his Bachelor of Ministry. He has been married to his wife, MaryAnn, for five years and has served in ministry in one way or another for over five years.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Learning to Use Your Gifts
H
by Tia Wheelus
ave you ever asked yourself, “What are my Godgiven talents?” I want to dive into the idea that we as women have been given gifts that are to
be expressed and exercised cohesively within the body of Christ. God longs for us to use the talents and gifts He has deposited into us, both inside and outside of the church, so that we may edify the body of believers and invite others to become members of the body. Ephesians 4:11-13 says, “And He Himself [Jesus] gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” If you have ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment, whether online or the old-fashioned paper type, you might get results like, “Apostleship,” “Leadership,” or “Mercy.” There are several ways to serve that come to my mind that could uplift your local fellowship in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, such as counseling/relating, encouraging, writing, drawing, photography, painting, word affirmation, drama/theater, evangelism, hospitality, prayer, teaching, and equipping, to name a few. With this being said, we must remember not to be fixated on our specific gifts but to be fascinated with the gift-giver. The point is not what gift you or I have but what God wants to do with our gifts to uplift and encourage one another. When each of us is able to fulfill her calling and use her gifts from the Lord, these are the most beautiful depictions of the Gospel and demonstrations of how the body of believers ought to serve one another.
especially you, whoever you are. When women walk closely with Jesus, we are nurturing, loving, caring, gentle individuals, and we use our gifts. May we not overlook opportunities that are already around us to use these precious gifts. Share the love that Christ has given you. Encourage. Uplift. Serve. One of your sisters in Christ may desperately need you to come alongside her today (Proverbs 27:17).
needed role. Never believe the lie that you are not needed in your local church. We are all needed. You are needed,
14 // August 2019
About The Author
Each person plays a vital role, a necessary role, a Tia Wheelus found her love for writing at a very early age. She is a victim advocate at the Sexual Assault Center of NWGA and works as the director of marketing for a missions organization named Global Year.
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Rome Church Directory African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 706 853-8059 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 706-766-3018 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 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 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360 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
16 // August 2019
Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-1150 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 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
706-291-9111
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999
Foursquare
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
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
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
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 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
Episcopal
202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, GA 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd.
Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-512-0190 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 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
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Mom’s Sock It To Me Cake by Darlene Fields
Ingredients • 1 box yellow cake mix • 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup powdered sugar • 2 tablespoons milk • 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup water
18 // August 2019
P
Instructions
repare in a small bowl two tablespoons of dry cake mix right from the cake mix box. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped pecans and set aside. In a large bowl, blend the remaining dry cake mix, sour cream, oil, water, eggs, and sugar and beat on high speed for two minutes. Pour 2/3 of the cake mixture into a round bundt pan that has been greased and lightly floured, then sprinkle the dry ingredients into the bundt pan over your cake mixture. Next, pour the remaining cake mixture over the dry mixture and bake at 375 degrees for 40-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool and then dump it onto your cake plate. For the topping, mix powdered sugar and milk and drizzle the mixture over your cooled cake.
9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5
2019 SCHEDULE
10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2 11/9 11/16
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
The Authority to Choose
T
by Katie Walker
here is something about medically life-altering
For those of you who need that sense of choice during
situations that can make the boldest of people lose
those times, I am here to tell you that you have the authority
their voice. I have found myself feeling as though
to slow things down and ask questions. No paperwork,
I have no voice from time to time in medical situations.
treatment plan, or order cannot be undone. I often find
It’s as though I lose all sense of authority over my right to
myself reciting Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know I am God,”
participate in my own treatment. The best way to describe it
in these situations. There is a peace that comes with God’s
is as a whirlwind that can’t be stopped or slowed down.
authority if we allow ourselves to be still long enough to
Words with unknown meanings are thrown through the air as I am trying to process all that’s being said. For me, I feel the words in my throat fighting to come out, and yet nothing does. Anyone who knows me knows this is not typical behavior for me. I am the world’s worst patient, constantly wanting to know the “why” behind decisions and if there are other options. Yet, too often, this trance seems to take over when it comes to medical situations. As a hospice social worker and doula, I see this happen with new parents and scared families as they face life-changing situations. The medical community has done an amazing job trying to streamline these moments and take some of the burden from the family as they process
experience it. There is also authority that comes with being
what’s happening. It’s their way of providing the best care
a son or daughter of Christ the King that can give us the
and making it as easy as possible for the family and patient.
boldness we need to ask for what we need when we feel lost
There’s just one problem; not everyone responds to life-
in the whirlwind.
changing situations in the same way.
So, I bless you with the stillness to find God’s peace,
Some welcome the streamlined process with minimal
the boldness to ask your questions, and the authority to
choices and decisions, finding a sense of peace. Others feel
stop any process in motion that you are not comfortable
as though they lost their authority to choose and feel taken
with being in motion. I empower you to play an active role
advantage of during these times. These families and patients
in your care. Lastly, I remind you that you are a blessed
find comfort in making the decisions they do have control
and loved child of a Mighty King who walks with you in
over, such as what hospice company to go with or what
strength when you feel you have none.
decisions shape the way someone rejoices over a new baby or grieves the loss of life.
20 // August 2019
About The Author
precautionary medications they receive. I have seen these Katie Walker is a master’s-level social worker working as Counseling and Support Supervisor with North Georgia Community Hospice. She is also the co-owner of and doula at Birch and Magnolia. She has been married for eight years and has two young girls.
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Gò0dNews for Life
Do You Value Life?
O
by Amy Scott
ver the last several months, a group of leaders
behavior, or ability? What happens when you encounter
from the community has been assembling because
people at their lowest point in life? It is easy to want to
we have a common interest. We believe that all
run away from the chaos that often surrounds them or to
humans are created by God in His image, and therefore,
pass judgment. An important prayer I speak regularly is
every human possesses inherent dignity from conception to
to ask God to help me see Himself in others, to see other
death, including pre-born children, special needs children,
people through His eyes, and to feel compassion for
the elderly, those down on their luck, and those who have
others as He does. I find that with a prayerful heart, I can
been marginalized. All deserve to be defended and protected. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” We are a people of differing faiths, denominations, races, political parties, etc., but we agree with this idea of the sanctity of human life, and by focusing on what brings us together rather than what divides us, we are creating momentum. Our hope is to educate, communicate with, and invite others into the conversation about the sanctity of life. Why is this conversation important? Our culture does not recognize life to be sacred. We are all created in the likeness of God – that is where our value comes from. Value is not a matter of race, gender, ability, behavior – It simply
find a greater measure of patience, compassion, and love
is our intrinsic value that makes us sacred. Our dignity
for the person, and I am better able to respect the person
comes from God and is not based on our ability to care
in spite of the circumstances they may be in. By taking the
for ourselves or not be dependent upon another. Do you
opportunity to speak out for life or defend others because
believe that to be true about yourself? If we believe it to be
we know they have intrinsic value, we are reminding
true about ourselves, then we are more likely to believe it to
others of their own value.
be true of others. I invite you to ponder about a time when
Join the conversation that values life. Volunteer to help
you’ve been at your weakest and ask God to speak into your
those who are weak. Speak up for those who cannot speak
thoughts about your value at that time. As we reflect on
up for themselves.
our own condition and engage in caring for others who are When you meet people, do you view them as being made in the image of God in spite of their appearance,
22 // August 2019
About The Author
weak or dependent, we help restore human dignity. Amy Scott is the Executive Director of Bethany Christian Services of Greater Chattanooga. She is an adoptee who passionately serves the adoption community for over ten years. Amy resides in North Georgia with her husband and three daughters.
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FEATURED COVER STORY
I
Dr. John J. Beninato, DDS by David Thompson
n a city developed on seven hills with three rivers
with your referring dentist, physician, or other health
running between them, the office of John J. Beninato, DDS
professionals to achieve these goals.
welcomes you with open arms. Dr. Beninato’s primary
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. John J. Beninato
concern is your health, safety, and comfort, and he and his
completed his Residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
employees strive to provide their patients with the highest
at Emory University and Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta,
level of surgical expertise and patient care using the latest
Georgia. He finished his general practice residency at
technology, research, and education. They will work closely
Western Massachusetts Hospital and Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska. He also received his undergraduate degree with honors from Creighton University School of Pharmacy. In addition, Dr. Beninato is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Following his residency, Dr. Beninato and his family relocated to Rome, Georgia, where he began his private practice. Shortly after Dr. Beninato took over the practice in 1990, the building burned down. Despite this setback, the community rallied to help, and the CEO of Redmond Hospital helped Dr. Beninato get started in a facility just down the street from his former practice. He achieved Board
24 // August 2019
that meets the needs of those who require housing beyond an emergency shelter and provides guests with a path to stability. The practice collected donations and provided supplies for the shelter. Some of Dr. Beninato’s employees volunteered their time to help clean up a facility for the new women’s shelter that will open soon in Rome. Dr. Beninato’s family is also focused on helping the community, as demonstrated by his wife Barb, who won Rome’s Heart of the Community Award in 2019. Certification Diplomate status in 1992, with re-certification
Currently, the practice works with Brighter Birthdays,
in 2000 and 2010. Since then, the practice has continued to
a nonprofit organization that provides birthday bags to
thrive, and in 2016, Dr. Beninato fully renovated the entire
the children in Rome who would not get to celebrate their
building, creating a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in
birthdays otherwise. The practice has been making bags
order to better serve incoming patients.
for these children and accepting monetary donations. Dr.
The office of Dr. Beninato offers a wide range of surgical
Beninato also volunteers each year with Dentistry from
procedures, including dental implants, bone and soft tissue
the Heart, a nonprofit organization working to supply free
grafting, removal of wisdom teeth, dental extractions,
dental care to those who cannot afford care.
orthodontic-related surgical procedures, pre-prosthetic
Dr. Beninato is a member of the American Association
surgery, management of dental infections, oral pathology
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Board
diagnosis, management, and biopsies, intravenous
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the National Board of
anesthesia, and nitrous oxide analgesia.
Dental Anesthesiology, the American Dental Society of
Over the last few years, Dr. Beninato’s practice has been
Dental Anesthesiology, the American Dental Association,
involved with several community projects. The practice
the Georgia Dental Association, the Georgia Society of Oral
partnered with the William Davies Shelter, an organization
and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Northwestern District Dental Society, and the Floyd County Dental Society. He is also on staff at Redmond Regional Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. Dr. Beninato’s office is located at 21 John Maddox Drive in Rome and is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. For more information, visit romeoralsurgery.com or call Serving Rome and Northwe the office at 706-252-8081. Georgia since 1990
Board Certified
goodnewscm.com // 25
Gò0dNews for Teens
Asking God Tough Questions
D
by Matthew Dennis
id you know that you can be honest with God?
it was just because life can throw curveballs. He wrestled
That might sound like a stupid question and the
with God because he was determined to get the blessing he
answer may even seem obvious. Naturally, we
knew was his. After the match was over, Jacob was given the
want to say, “Yes! Of course I can be honest with God!”
new name of “Israel.” His descendants would later become
Although the answer seems obvious, most of the time, this
the nation of Israel. Jesus would also come from his line. In
is not the experience we get in church. We often hear all the
the wrestling, Jacob got to experience God, was given a new
statistics about how we young people fall out of church after
identity, and stepped into his destiny.
a certain age. I believe this begins when we are little because
In Habakkuk 1-2:4, Habakkuk was disturbed by all
we were never allowed to wrestle with God and ask Him
the injustice and violence that was surrounding him. He
the tough questions.
asked God, “How could you let this happen?” God did not
Oftentimes, I have found that when a student has tough
respond by striking him with lightning and saying, “How
scientific, philosophical, or historical questions concerning
dare you question me!” Instead, God had a conversation
God or the Bible, they are often brushed off and told they
with Habakkuk and answered his questions. Habakkuk
just have to have faith. Those who have tough questions are sometimes told that
didn’t get the answer he wanted at first, but he got the answer he needed. He got an experience with
they have no right to question the
God and responded to God in Habakkuk 3:17-19
Creator of all things. In my journey
by praising Him and proclaiming that even if
with God, I have found that it has
everything was falling apart, he would praise
been the tough questions that have
God.
brought me closer to Him and
Ask the hard questions! Let God take you
made my faith my own, rather than
on a journey. He isn’t afraid of your questions
my parents’ faith or the faith others
and you shouldn’t let anyone shame you into
may expect me to have. Our honest talks
thinking you can’t ask them. I have not gotten the
with God make our relationship with Him
answers to all of my questions, but what God
real. God is big enough to handle our tough questions. In Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob
has given me along the way is Himself, which I am finding is way better than anything I could receive otherwise. You won’t
has a wrestling match with
know for yourself until you
God. Up to this point,
take the journey and
his life had been pretty
enjoy the process.
rough. Some of this was due to poor About The Author
choices and some of
26 // August 2019
Matthew Dennis is currently serving as a children’s pastor and one of the college ministry leaders at The Grace Point in Cleveland, TN. You can follow him at awakenpurpose.wordpress.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Becoming Your Parents
A
by Rhonda Lane
re you like your Mom? Are you like your Dad?
school naked, did you? So what if your Dad blew his nose
Does that make you happy or sad?
in public? He’s the one who carried you into the emergency
“Oh, I’m a poet and I didn’t know it.” That was
room in his arms when there was more than mucus coming
a phrase my Mom taught me and repeated many times over
out of you, wasn’t he? So what if your parents always
the years: just one tidbit of parental advice and knowledge
drove under the speed limit, much to your chagrin? When
that I received in my lifetime from two loving parents. There
you totaled a car, they were the ones who said, “I love you
are several television commercials currently airing, one from
anyway,” aren’t they?
a credit monitoring bureau and others from an insurance company, showing millennials as singles, couples, or groups
Why wouldn’t we want to be like our parents? God is a parent too.
bemoaning becoming like their parents. Unless your parents
God gives us free parental advice in the form of His
spent a lot of time in rehab or prison, what’s so wrong with
Word. He was a poet and He knew it. (Romans 10:17: “So then
being like them?
faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”)
Maybe it’s because I’m a baby boomer that I can’t
God and His buddies, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
understand that. Maybe it’s because I am a baby boomer
(talk about BFFs!), saved the world from sin. (John 3:16:
that I do understand that. I have grown old enough to
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
understand the value of parental wisdom and knowledge.
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
Both of my parents passed away last summer, a mere 48 days apart. Any veil of frustration with the generation gap and lack of understanding on my part vanished from
have everlasting life.”) When we have totaled our entire lives with sin and bad decisions, He says, “I love you anyway.”
my mind, heart, and soul at that
(John 3:17: “For God did not send His
moment. The saying, “I wish I
Son into the world to condemn the
knew then what I know now,”
world, but that the world through
has never been truer for me.
Him might be saved.”)
So what if your Dad told
Another phrase my mother
endless stories about his
taught me was a souvenir of her
military service? He and
study of Latin: “Amo te; amasne
his buddies saved the
me?” The translation is, “I love you;
world, didn’t they?
do you love me?” God asks
So what if your
us the same question.
Mom gave you a wedgie every time she tried a pair of pants on you in a department store dressing room?
28 // August 2019
About The Author
You never went to
Rhonda Lane is a native of Dalton, Georgia, and is an orphaned, old maid, and only child trying to find her way in the world and lose herself in Jesus Christ.
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Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
Local 4-H Brings Archery to Youth
F
by Kimberly Wood
loyd County 4-H has announced that they will be starting an archery team this fall for
students in grades 4-12. Archery is an exciting sport that provides many individual, social, and health benefits for students and their families. What is archery? Archery is the art, sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. Some of these benefits include hand-eye coordination, focus, concentration, coordination, balance, self-confidence, goal setting, strength building, and self-control. You will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn team building and leadership skills. Students will have the opportunity to learn about different types of bows and equipment, archery skills and techniques, and archery rules. Students will also have the opportunity to compete at the State 4-H Archery Tournament. They will have a 4-H Archery Team informational meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 4-H Extension Office. All interested students are invited to attend with a parent or guardian.
30 // August 2019
About The Author
p.m. on August 22, 2019, at the Floyd County My name is Kimberly Wood and I am an AmeriCorps Representative working with Floyd County 4-H. I assist with planning and delivering 4-H programming and community service projects, planning and chaperoning 4-H youth to 4-H events, and the recruitment of 4-H volunteers.
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Gò0dNews for Marriage
Pyramids
W
by Kyle Blevins
ith a racing heart, I find myself in bed alone
our spouse feels, we are responding to their hopeful return
after raised voices and misunderstandings. How
of growth. The reason they spoke up in the first place was
could she not know that I brought up what I
because they felt disconnected and they want to come back
did because I care about her: about us? I want nothing more
together and build on whatever happened. Once this trust is
than to just come close and reconcile this, but now I’m too
affirmed through the action of your humble response, then
angry and proud to approach her again. In the other room,
there is an opportunity for understanding.
she is balancing the same anger and questions, wondering
“I only did that because…” “Well, I was feeling…”
why I couldn’t just consider her. It’s the classic longing for
“Oh! I thought…” Consider this the middle of the
love and respect, as Dr. Eggerichs would say.
pyramid. Finally, as you come together at the point, you
You can imagine how both sides feel isolated and
will find yourselves truly closer together, ready to move
unloved in this moment as their anger takes them down the
forward with more love at your foundation. When we
road of negativity, far from the wisdom we find in Philippians 4:8. Per that, we know that when it comes to conflict with another, when we focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or worthy of praise, then we will experience peace within the relationship. We want to know that we are doing well, especially in our most important relationship: our marriage. Is there something clear we can follow to prevent flare-ups and misunderstandings like these, something we can attach to in order to keep things moving healthily? While the only clear indicator of health in your marriage is the fruit of your relationship behind the scenes, we can use pyramids as a trustworthy comparison to give us direction.
attempt to reconcile with our spouse by acting close when
When you find your spouse bringing an issue up
we don’t actually feel that way yet or by jumping straight
concerning you, your instinct might be to react in defense.
into the defense of justification, it is as if we try to proceed
This is your pride, your ego, flaring up and trying to regain
in our relationship on the pointy side of a pyramid. It will
power. The love of God’s Spirit does not dwell in our egos,
certainly fall.
though. As such, you will find no progress or health in this
Today, may we be quick to listen slow to speak (James
response. Instead, respond “low” out of humility. Imagine
1:19), and may we put in the worthy effort of setting the
this is the very bottom of a pyramid: sturdy, wide, and not
right foundation first. You are loved.
Proverbs 15 teaches us the principle that a gentle answer turns away wrath. When we accept responsibility in how
32 // August 2019
About The Author
easily toppled over. Kyle Blevins is a husband of nearly ten years and a father of three boys. He enjoys connecting with the world through skateboarding and music. Apart from his day job, he is a freelance writer and aspiring author. You can follow his work at iamredirected.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Kitten Named Molly
Y
by Pam Walker
ears ago, my daughter, Christy, had a cat named
Molly, looked at the tumor, and confirmed my fear. It was
Lacey. We wanted to get a kitten to keep Lacey
time. So, I scheduled an appointment to bring Molly back—
company. Off we went to the Atlanta Humane
to be put to sleep—and left with Molly that day. We had
Society. The receptionist said, “Hi! Can I help you?” I said,
Molly two days shy of one year after the biopsy results were
“Do you have any kittens?” The receptionist said, “No.” I
in. Letting go of her was the kind thing to do. However, I
said, “Can we look anyway?” She said, “Sure!”
could not bear to just get rid of her. So, I had her cremated.
The receptionist took us to a large room where all the
Paul, Christy, and I have such great memories of Molly.
dogs and cats were up for adoption…and there was Molly.
Every night at supper, Molly sat in a kitchen chair while the
(The children and I chose the name Molly before we even
children and I talked and ate supper. A very sweet cat, this
adopted the kitten.) We told the attendant we’d like to “…
was one of the many ways Molly kept us company. Less
adopt that fluffy gray kitten.” So, she put a pink collar on
than six months before we adopted Molly, my husband of
Molly and a sign on the cage that said, “I’m being adopted.”
almost 13 years divorced me. Our children were nine and
My son, Paul, spoke to Molly through the bars of the cage
10 years of age. The children and I were very broken and
and said, “We came to break you out of here!”
disappointed by the ordeal. There is very little doubt that
I completed all the necessary paperwork and wrote them a check for $65.00. Happily, we left the Atlanta Humane Society with Molly. A few days later, we took Molly to the veterinarian
God was with the children and me. We didn’t just happen to decide one day to adopt a kitten. We didn’t just happen to one day go to the Atlanta Humane Society. It was not a mere
for a checkup. The vet said, “Judging by
coincidence that Molly was there.
Molly’s teeth, she is four weeks old
Indeed, God lovingly guided us there.
and is a very healthy kitten.”
He used Molly to help heal us from
Many years later, I noticed a
our brokenness. Many were the nights
marble-sized, soft lump between
when, after the children went to bed,
Molly’s shoulder blades. I took her
I cried myself to sleep holding Molly.
to the vet, and a biopsy was taken.
It was very clear to Paul and
Molly had a sarcoma, which is a deadly
Christy that adopting a kitten was
cancer. Very upset by this news, I said to
not a mere coincidence. Looking back
the vet, “I do not want this sweet cat to
after all these years, that is now clear
suffer for one minute! Not one minute!”
to me as well. We knew that God
The vet said, “I agree! We will keep
blessed us with Molly. What a
her as comfortable as we can.”
blessing she was!
The tumor gradually grew. Almost one year after the biopsy results came in, the tumor opened. Right away, I called the vet and Molly. Gently, the vet examined
34 // August 2019
About The Author
scheduled an appointment for
Pam Walker, a native of Rome, is a paralegal at Vaughn & Clements PC in Calhoun. She is a local columnist for the Rome News-Tribune. Pam and her husband, Stan, are members of Riverside Baptist Church, in Rome where she teaches the Naomi Sunday School class twice a month. Readers may email her at pamterrellwalker@gmail.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone When Our Prayers Aren’t Being Answered
“C
by Jessica Mathis
ome to Me, all you who labor and are
or maybe He knew you would be greedy; but can’t
heavy laden, and I will give you rest”
you still pay your bills? Maybe through your mother’s
(Matthew 11:28). In this verse, God tells
passing away, you found a strength in yourself that
us that everything will be okay; stop worrying, bring
you never knew you had; but don’t you still have
your burdens to Me, and you will no longer worry.
loving children?
Am I the only one who doesn’t always take this verse to heart?
I feel that out of all the bad in our lives, there is always good that outweighs it. God doesn’t
Struggles are a part of our everyday lives. They are what make us human. We have sick relatives, money problems, family issues, stress, etc. As Christians, we pray to God that these things simply go away. We trust that our prayers are being heard and we live our lives according to His Will; so, why do those relatives eventually die, why do our homes go under foreclosure, and why do family events never get any easier? God never said that this life on earth was going to be easy. He wants us to rely on and trust in Him. God is ahead of us; He knows what is to come.
answer everyone’s prayers the same because we are
The things that we wish to happen and think would
individuals meant to do His work in different areas
benefit us might not be in our favor in the grand
and ways.
scheme of things.
God goes before us and knows what we have
I know a lot of us as humans struggle with the
in store. He knows what we need and what we can
“Why?” of things. “Why did they get that nice job?”
handle. Instead of worrying over what we think God
“Why did my mother pass away?” “Why can I not
didn’t do for us, let’s start fully trusting in Him and
have a child?” “Why do they have so many friends?”
see how our lives and thoughts start to change.
Instead of looking at what we don’t have or looking looking at all the things we are blessed with. Maybe God knew that you couldn’t handle a ton of money,
36 // August 2019
About The Author
at the prayers we think God didn’t answer, let’s start My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.
LAWNMOWER SHOP 23 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 706.777.8877
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What Defines Us?
“C
by Amy Oyler
hristian, Georgia girl, wife, mom,
Paul says in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already
sometime teacher of English, fan of both
attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may
dogs and Dawgs!”
lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of
That’s my Twitter bio (for all my 49 followers). I was
me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;
intentional about putting “Christian” first. A little location
but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
information is followed by other identifiers: ways to describe
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
who I am and what I do or have done as a career, followed by
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
fun facts. I do love dogs and Dawgs! In our social media, hyper-publicized, “woke” age, we go to lengths to define ourselves. What does that mean? There are deliberate political definitions—left, right, center, pro-choice, pro-life, etc. Things we believe in are often telling about us as people. Also telling is how intent we are on conveying those beliefs to others. What is the first thing you want people to know about you? Is it your political beliefs? Is it what you do? Is it who you are to other people or what team you love? But, how serious are we about others’ knowing that we are “Christians by our love”? Isn’t that our goal? Or, at least, shouldn’t it be? All the rest can fall into place after that, but people should know
God in Christ Jesus.” Our goals on earth should reflect our
that we have something special in our hearts and minds
eternal goals for Heaven!
before they know anything else about us. When we first meet someone, we usually have the
I must be as intent on others’ knowing that I am a Christian as in knowing that I am a Dawg fan. For you,
“what do you do” exchange. People don’t necessarily know
maybe people should know that you are a Christian before
by looking at me that I am a teacher, and that’s okay. But,
they know whether you are a Democrat or Republican. Still
is it okay if they can’t tell that I’m a Christian? I don’t mean
others may need to focus less on their profession to define
simply by my appearance, but by my demeanor. Yes, it
them. Nothing is wrong with any of those identities. But,
should be my absolute goal that anyone I meet walks away
our identity in Christ is enduring. What defines us? Being a
from me knowing that I am a Christian. I know I fail at
child of God and brothers and sisters in Christ!
that. I can be impatient. Maybe I’m not as kind as I could honest!) I don’t mean to suggest that we as Christians can always be perfect, but again, that is our goal, right?
38 // August 2019
About The Author
be. Maybe I get annoyed in traffic. (Okay, you do too; be Amy Oyler is a native Roman and a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church. She is wife to Jason, a dentist in Rome, and mother to Tanner, Timothy, and Thomas. A former English teacher, she enjoys working with the youth at Rush Chapel and “floating” where God leads her!
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Gò0dNews from the Heart
The Power of A Journal
few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend through a leadership training program. One of our first few gatherings was a retreat in which each participant had to bring in and share about a significant object in their life. I fondly remember that night as we each listened intently while participant after participant shared very sacred glimpses into their lives. We were all gathered in a dimly lit circle for a bit of privacy amongst our vulnerabilities. Some of us knew each other outside of the training program, but most of us were complete strangers, strangers willing to open their hearts. That night, I listened as they spoke about the significance of music, a grandmother’s glasses, a can of beanie weenies, a flashlight, a grandfather’s military tags, sports, the Bible, and many other objects, tangible objects that are still vivid memories in my mind two years later. I also remember listening to Nichole V. speak about her journal: not just one journal, but literally decades of journals. Recently, she and I discussed why journaling was so important and what it means to her. Nichole stated, “I began journaling back in elementary school. I did not call it journaling then; it was more like letters to God about whatever was significant in my life at that time. Those notes turned into notebooks as I entered into junior high and high school. Then, those notebooks turned into journals as I became a young adult and entered adulthood. Journaling has always been a part of me through every high and low and through every significant event, even the not-so-good ones. My journal was always there for me. It was kind of like a form of therapy for me. I was able to release and express myself without fear of judgment. I went to my journal for everything like it was my dearest friend. My journal allowed me that outlet of freedom, that release! As I look back, the cathartic release serves as a mental and emotional cleansing for me. It has helped me many times over with releasing stress—processing my emotions and managing daily life. You would be surprised how therapeutic journaling is and just how the simple acts of writing and releasing what is within yield such benefits.”
40 // August 2019
She continued, “Growing up, I had many instabilities within my home and dealt with much childhood trauma. I did not go on medication, nor did I enter into counseling (I probably should have). So, oftentimes, I would write to help me process emotionally. I believe it was a tool used to help me connect with the Spirit of God within me. There has been healing released to me by way of writing! God has spoken to me many times over through journaling. There have been times when I have had speaking engagements and would be unsure as to what I should speak about. I
would pray and seek God for answers; He would oftentimes lead me to my journal, and the answer would be right there in an old journal entry! Even re-reading some of my old journal entries has served as a source of encouragement to me. Simply looking back over situations that I needed God to work out and seeing that He delivered on His Word has blessed my heart over and over. I have overcome so much and my journaling has been with me every step of the way.” As we finished up, I asked her what she would say to someone who has never journaled before. She said, “I would say, get ready to go on a path of healing, self-discovery, and self-reflection! Journaling is an authentic self-expression of one’s inner thoughts and an amazing journey.” About The Author
A
by Khristie Staines
Khristie Staines is the co-founder and president of Footprints on the Heart, Inc. She resides in Bartow, Georgia.
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Gò0dNews for Prayer
3 Keys to Answered Prayer
"F
by Judy Jacobs Tuttle
or assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says
prayer, you will see the answer! If you SAY it, you will SEE it!” Now don’t be too quick to judge and criticize me. You may ask, “Are you one of those “Word” people or “name it and claim
will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you,
it, blab it and grab it” people?” Well, I am definitely a “Word”
whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive
person. If it’s in the Book, I believe it! But I also “rightly divide
them, and you will have them" (Mark 11:23-24).
the Word of truth.” And according to 1 John 5:14-15, John breaks
Do you want to pray more effectively and receive more
down how we can have “whatsoever we ask.” He said: “And this
answers to your prayers? If so, then it’s time to increase your faith
is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing
for how much God wants to answer your prayers!
ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us: and if we know that He
Here are three keys that will take your prayer life to a whole new level:
hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”
1. Pray about everything—yourself, your family, your church, community, government, and everything else you can think of. You should even pray for the things you need. Sometimes people say, “I don’t feel comfortable praying for things. I only feel like I should pray for other people, or for my relationship with God.” Those things are wonderful; but, you know what, my friend? The Bible says that you must pray for things too! The Word of God is our final authority, and God’s Word says that God is very concerned about everything that matters to you. If He is concerned about birds, flowers, and even knows the very hairs on your head, surely He is concerned about anything that is on your mind today. The Psalmist says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). If you will pray about every part of your life, He will give you the very desires of your heart! God loves you just that much. 2. In the passage above, Jesus clearly said, “Whatsoever
So then we have to ask the question, "How can we know what to ask God for?" What can you “say” and expect to "see"? Well, since the Word
things you desire, WHEN YOU PRAY.”
of God is our final authority, we must look to its pages to find the
This is also so very key. The Scripture is implying here that Jesus
answer to that question. We just have to open our Bibles and read
expects us to pray. It doesn’t say:
the will of God for us. And if it’s promised to us in the Book, then
• “If you get around to it ...” • “If you get time for it ...”
it is His will. If you ARE in faith, obeying God, and rightly related to Jesus
• “If you desperately need something, really really badly ...”
Christ as your Savior, you can have ANYTHING! But ... you have
No. It doesn't say any of those things. The implication here is that,
to SAY IT to SEE it. You have to tell God what you want in prayer.
as a believer, our prayer lives are a "gimme," a no-brainer. It is expected
So I encourage you to pray BOLD prayers today. I dare you to step
that we pray! If you haven’t been praying, hit your knees today!
out in faith and begin to ask God for the impossible. When you do,
3. Then, He gives you the greatest key in getting your
you will see Him answer!
Jesus said, “BELIEVE YOU RECEIVE THEM, AND YOU SHALL HAVE THEM!" In other words, "If you ask Me for it in
42 // August 2019
About The Author
prayers answered: Judy Jacobs Tuttle is internationally known for her declarative worship and powerful message of the Gospel. She blogs at JudyJacobs.com and serves as co-pastor of Dwelling Place Church International in Cleveland, Tennessee. She is married to Pastor Jamie Tuttle, and together they have two daughters, Kaylee and Erica.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Tulip
M
by Amanda Martin
y name is Amanda Martin,
shelter for battered women in my community
and I am a woman of
and becoming the victims’ advocate. Little did
God, saved by grace.
I know that during my journey, this simple
Five years ago, I found myself
vision of a tulip would ultimately help me.
kneeling at the altar of a church
In the past five years, I went from a
I’d never attended before. I was
broken, battered woman to a successful
a hurting, lonely, addicted,
single mom of two. I work hard daily,
homeless woman who lived in
and I am doing this with God by my
fear every single day. I was at a
side. One day, I will have that shelter,
point in my life where I just wanted to
and I am now the volunteer victim’s
give up. God healed me of all of that! I
advocate for my community. I’m
literally begged God to take it all away. He
forever grateful for those trials I
did just that, and my life has been forever
had to endure over the past several
changed since that day. I truly had asked God
years, including the ones from my
into my heart. It’s that simple. Things for me
childhood. One verse that always
began to change after that day.
sticks out to me is Proverbs 31:30:
I always wondered what my purpose on
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is
this earth was, and then it came to me. I am
passing, but a woman who fears
a survivor of domestic violence. God had me
the Lord, she shall be praised.” If
draw a single tulip and name it “Tulip Garden.”
I can overcome abuse, addiction,
I did not really understand what was going on
suicidal thoughts, homelessness,
until a few months later, when
depression, PTSD, anxiety, and
I found myself in front of a
poverty, so can you. Bloom
video camera
on purpose, and allow God to
for the local
change you!
news, being interviewed for my vision. vision of building a
44 // August 2019
About The Author
God gave me this My name is Amanda Martin, and I am a single mom of two teenagers. I am also a survivor of domestic violence, and a recovered addict. I have had many struggles during my journey, but I know God is by my side every step of the way. I am saved by grace, and thankful for where I am today.
90 E. Callahan St - Rome-GA
706-291-7830
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Learning to Obey Our Master
W
by Linda Boston
e know that Jesus often provided parables for
Yes, we are still there.
both His followers and His critics so they would
This pattern repeats itself several times, and if we
understand what He was telling them (John
become blocked from sight by a tree or bush, she comes
16:25). Some of us need those examples to “get the picture.”
looking for us. Yet, even in the midst of her joyful laps and
So, have you ever felt that a routine event in your everyday
perpetual sniffing, she understands when we’re ready to
life sparked thoughts and reminders about your relationship
leave. Noticing our change of direction, she makes a beeline
with God?
toward the car and jumps in before us. She does not want us
My husband and I had one such moment recently when we took our dog, Dolci, to a large open area where
to leave her. As we observed her behavior on this particular day, my
she could run around with limited restraint. It’s something
husband and I had the same thought as he glanced at me
we’ve done many times because Dolci loves it so much. My
and said, “That preaches right there. We want our freedom to explore but we need to know we are still in the presence of the Master. When we realize we can’t see Him, we go searching for Him.” We were reminded of how much we want the pleasures of life and the freedom to chase our dreams but often have to learn the hard way that it’s more liberating if our Protector is truly the one in control. Since we often try to run ahead, He patiently guides us as we learn dependency, trust, and communication. Our sweet dog was once a stray, and to say she was undisciplined is an understatement. But, many chewed-up loafers and toilet paper parties later, she has learned that she is loved, well-fed, and protected. The physical tether has also become a relational tether. While we can’t really compare ourselves to
husband can just give her “the look” or say her name in a
animals, we can observe the power of love, trust, and the
singsong way and she jumps to attention. She practically
need to stay close to our Protector. We must look to Him
salutes. She begins to literally jump for joy, bark, whimper,
(Psalm 27:7-8, Jeremiah 29:12-13). We must choose to stay
and bolt towards the door because she knows what it
close (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 73:28) and search when
means. This is her bowl of ice cream with whipped cream
we lose sight of Him (John 13:21, Psalm 116:1-2). Thankfully,
and a cherry on top: in her case, dry food covered with
we won’t always need illustrations. For now, we’re still
Chicken Paw Pie and a bone on top.
adding snapshots to the photo album: hopefully, ones that show Him becoming the primary focus and no longer
grass as her springboard. We love watching her run in a way
the photobomber. One day, we get the real deal: the true
that screams of happiness and freedom, the kind that only
rewards that only the Master can provide if we are ready
chasing lightning-fast squirrels and rabbits can bring. But,
when it’s time to go home.
what we love even more is how she repeatedly stops to turn around to search for us.
46 // August 2019
About The Author
Upon arrival, Dolci hits the ground running with the
Linda Boston lives in Cleveland with her husband Eric. They have three grown children and a feisty Jack Russell.
yawn.
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