Gò0dNews February 2022
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About Us WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee April Engstrom Brian Johnson Chad Ven De Griek Chuck Cleveland Danny Hesterly Dustin Wilds Jodi Varnado Judy Hood Kristen West Leah Hadder Leslie Bennett Sandra Gilmore Shelly McClanahan Wayne Williams Zebbie Brewster
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary,
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Contents FEBRUARY 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Your Latter Will Be Greater by Dustin Wilds
GoodNews for Kids
8 Wonder
by Danny Hesterly
GoodNews Money Matters
10 All That Glitters is Not Gold by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 A Good and Perfect Gift by Chuck Cleveland
GoodNews for Women
14 Phone Call
by Leah Hadder
GoodNews for Everyone
18 Ovenproof
by Zebbie Brewster
GoodNews for Everyone
20 What’s In Your Candy? by Dr. Alan Hix
GoodNews Cover Story
22 LivingProof Recovery GoodNews for Everyone
24 Who Calls You Friend? by Shelly McClanahan
GoodNews for Life
26 49 Pictures
by Kristen West
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Red or Blue
by Brian Johnson
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Heart’s Desires
by April Engstrom
GoodNews for Everyone
32 National Disability Day
6
by Chad Van De Griek
GoodNews for Everyone
34 What I Learned from My Porch Bench
by Sandra Gilmore GoodNews Poetry
36 God’s Light
by Judy Hood
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Coming Home
by Leslie Bennett
GoodNews for Seniors
22
40 “Karina”
by Wayne Williams
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Blissful Banana Bread by Jodi Varnado
40
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Your Latter Will Be Greater
D
by Dustin Wilds
o you know the Gideon Principle? What I call the Gideon Principle is where God takes someone who is so unassuming and that not
That is greater than Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team and then going on to become the greatest basketball player ever. That is
too many people think would accomplish much, and He
greater than Colonel Sanders pitching his chicken recipe,
uses them to achieve great things. We find Gideon’s story
getting rejected 1009 times. It’s greater than Walt Disney
in Judges chapter six.
who was rejected 302 times for the financing of his
Until David killed Goliath, everyone thought he was
dream, Disney World.
a little shepherd boy. Until Moses brought Israel out of Egyptian bondage, most looked at him like he was just living the best of both worlds since he had been raised by pharaoh’s daughter. Until Gideon defeated the Midianites, most people thought he was just a little wimpy farmer. I wonder who all looked at Jesus’ disciples and thought Andrew, Peter, James, and John are just fishermen. Matthew is just a government worker. Peter is a Zealot and an anarchist. How are they going to change the world? Then what about those that looked at Jesus Himself and thought, “Isn’t that just Joseph’s son, a carpenter, what’s so special about Him?” I want to tell you people won’t remember you for how you start out. What will count and what they will remember about you is how you finish. Gideon might have started out as a wimp, but he is remembered as a mighty warrior. Jesus might have started as a baby in a manger. He went on a cross to the top of
These men, and many other men and women like
Calvary’s Hill, but He is not finished yet. He is coming
them, chose to believe that they were more than what the
back as the Kings of kings and the Lord of lords!
world said they were. When Gideon had to make a choice,
When it comes to Gideon, look how the people
he chose to believe the angel of the Lord instead of the
respond to him in Judges 8:22, “Then the men of Israel
world. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans that I have
said unto Gideon, ‘Rule over us, both thou and thy son,
for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to
and thy son’s son also for thou hast delivered us from the
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These are
hand of Midian.’”
plans He has had for us before we were ever born.
Just a short time earlier, Gideon was the butt of jokes.
Remember that.
enemy. Now, suddenly, after Gideon hears from and follows God, the men of Israel want him to be king. You wanna talk about a turnaround?!
6 // February 2022
About The Author
He was the least of the weakest clan, hiding from the Pastor Dustin Wilds is a new author who is not new to the Gideon Principle. His enthusiasm for sharing Christ comes from knowing just how much Christ can do in a person’s life, from empty to full—and everlasting! He is pastor of Lakeview Community Church in Cleveland, TN. This article is an excerpt from his book, Gideon’s Principle. Find out more on Facebook, Dustin Wilds, author.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Wonder
1
by Danny Hesterly
00,000,000,000. This number is 100 billion. That is a
It doesn’t stop there. In Psalm 33:6, a shepherd boy
very, very large number. Think of it this way, if you
named David wrote this, “The heavens were made by the
could spend $100,000 every day for the next 2,740
Word of the Lord. All the stars were made by the breath
years, not only would you be the oldest person to have
of His mouth.” David spent a lot of time outdoors in the
ever lived, but that’s how long it would take to spend 100
pasture tending his father’s sheep. He had a lot of time to
billion dollars. Wow. If your mind isn’t blown away yet…
look up and count the stars. Did you read what he said,
get ready!
“…all the stars were made by the breath of His mouth.”
We live in the Milky Way Galaxy. When you look up
David is talking about God and how God breathes out
into the night sky, you’re actually staring straight into the
stars from His mouth. It’s a bit weird to think about, but
Milky Way. Isn’t it beautiful? Our galaxy is the home of
it shows how mighty, creative, and awesome the God we serve is. All those stars, created by God and given the sole purpose of reflecting the goodness of God. But it doesn’t stop there! Here it is. Are you ready for it? This is the big moment I’ve been waiting for this whole time. In Genesis 2:7 it says, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Here we have it. God makes humans. How did He do it? Read that passage in Genesis again. Amazing, isn’t it?!
approximately 100 billion stars. Some of these stars are
God’s breath not only makes stars in the universe,
similar in size to our sun, while others are bigger and some
but that same breath gives us life. Every time you look up
much smaller. Astronomers (a fancy name for those who
in the night sky, think about who put those stars there.
study all kinds of things in space) suggest that there are
Every time you breathe in and out, think about who
200 billion galaxies in the entire universe. Let’s say each
put that breath there. God is full of life. God is full of
galaxy has the same number of stars found in the Milky
creativity and wonder. He is amazing!
Way…well that’s more stars than we can count on our how big that number is. Crazy! It’s amazing! All those stars floating in the velvet night sky. It just goes on forever.
8 // February 2022
About The Author
fingers and you’re going to need a huge calculator to see Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.
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All That Glitters is Not Gold MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
H
ow many people realized that the title of this article (a
this couple owes taxes and penalties on these retirement funds.
well-known phrase) was written by Shakespeare over
Ouch. Why is gold touted as a great investment, especially
400 years ago? (Technically, the original phrase was
as an alternative to the stock market? The theory is that it’s
“glisters” instead of “glitters,” but you get the point). Over the
“safe.” It’s tangible. You can hold it in your hands, like the
past year, you may have heard or seen numerous commercials
commercial says. You can see it, touch it, sleep with a bar of it
from the Oxford Gold Group or countless other sellers
under your pillow. Many people invest in gold “just in case”
hawking gold as “Old Faithful,” and an investment “that you
of catastrophe. But let’s look at the “Doomsday” scenario
can hold in your hands.” Even paid pitchmen like Bill O’Reilly
conjured by most anyone selling gold as an investment. One
pose the question, “How do you protect your investments and
day, in this Doomsday scenario, all the world’s stock markets
retirement accounts?” Answer: Buy gold. But let’s examine
and economies might totally collapse and go to “zero.” Money
this suggestion a bit more closely, even hold it up to some
is worthless. In this awful moment, what will supposedly
healthy scrutiny.
save you? Gold. But how exactly? Banks would be closed,
On a recent episode of my favorite podcast, “Talking Real
and governments would be inefficacious, if not collapsed into
Money,” one caller declared that the investment return on gold
anarchy. How would those gold coins and gold bars actually
over a 50-year period (1970-2020) was superior to the return of
“save” you? Who would trade food or water for gold in this
the S&P 500 index (the 500 largest U.S. company stocks). The
scenario? By this point, frankly, food, water, guns and ammo
caller claimed that gold’s total return was 45 times its 1970 price
would become the new currency. And in case of the “zombie
over that half century, compared to a return of 37 times for the
apocalypse” scenario, it’s difficult to see how gold would help.
S&P 500 index. But this statistic fails to include stock dividends
In other words, gold should be viewed as a speculative
reinvested during this fifty-year period. With dividends
play, like any commodity or cryptocurrency. “Speculative”
reinvested (and compounding exponentially), the stocks in the
means money you wouldn’t mind losing on a gamble (think
S&P 500 index had a return of 684 times, more than ten times
Blackjack or craps or roulette at the casino). An ounce of
the return of gold. Stocks have clearly been far superior long-
gold today is worth close to what it was worth during the
term investments compared to gold; in fact, when adjusted for
Roman Empire, adjusted for inflation. An ounce of gold back
inflation, gold has actually lost value since 1980 until now.
then would buy a very nice toga, and today an ounce of
Recently, a Rhode Island couple made national news
gold would also buy a nice suit of clothes ($1800). So before
headlines when they owed the IRS a tax bill of over $300,000.
loading up on gold bars or coins after hearing a doomsday
Their mistake? They invested retirement funds (IRA money
commercial, pause to consider whether an investment
and 401k money) in gold coins which they kept in a safe at
decision based on anxiety or fear is the wisest choice. “Do not
their home which is a “no-no” according to the tax code; so,
be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).
10 // February 2022
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MCWHORTER 706.234.8686
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Gò0dNews for Men
A Good and Perfect Gift
W
by Chuck Cleveland
hen I asked God for a Christian wife, I
asking me, “What was it you recently prayed about?”
sensed His reply was, “What exactly do you
Could Barbara be the answer to that prayer?
want?” Somewhat encouraged, I proceeded
I was starting the book of James the next morning
to make a five-fold request. Barbara meets all five of
and I wondered if God would provide direction from
those characteristics, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
that letter. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask
In February of 1975 I had attended a singles
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
retreat over Valentine’s at Kay and Jack Arthur’s
and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must
Reach Out Ranch in Chattanooga. When another
believe and not doubt . . .” (James 1:5-6a). I clearly
retreat was announced for late September that year,
lacked wisdom, but I was ready to believe what God
I encouraged my fellow singles at our church in
would show me.
Atlanta to go, and many of them did. I had a responsibility at the church on Friday night that weekend, but I drove a little over 100 miles on Saturday morning to participate in the remainder of the conference. What I didn’t know was that Kay had concluded her teaching Friday night by asking those present if God wanted them to remain single, would they be willing to do so. Barbara surrendered her desire for marriage on Friday night, only to meet her future husband the next evening. I have no idea why I was sitting by myself toward the rear of the room that Saturday night. But there I was when Barbara came in, looking for a
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, from
seat. I would like to think I would have done the same
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change
for a less attractive woman, but we’ll never know.
like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). In September
Barbara was very pretty, and I motioned there was an
1975 I took those verses as confirmation that Barbara
empty seat near me, which she hurriedly took.
was indeed the answer to my prayer for a Christian
We met during a break and had a pleasant
wife, and ten months later we married. After forty-five
conversation. We continued that talk the next day at
years together, I continually thank my loving heavenly
the conference and decided to extend our time together
Father for His good and perfect gift.
about spiritual matters turned to romance, but it certainly did, and as I drove home, I sensed the Lord
12 // February 2022
About The Author
Sunday afternoon. I don’t recall when the conversation Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Phone Call by Leah Hadder
I
was disgusted. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing
services (in person and online), sometimes we still need to
on the other side of the phone line. “What?” I said. He
be reminded that we have God’s power to overcome. We
repeated himself, “You’ll be fine. You can handle it.” I
can pass the test. Win the game. Interview for another job.
breathed in slowly and let out a huge sigh. This is not how
Pay off debt. Go on another date or accept the managerial
I imagined the conversation would conclude. I wanted the
position at work. We have the ability to keep pushing
“Poor, pitiful young lady. Life is hard. Things are terrible,
forward even when the chance for a positive outcome is
and you shouldn’t be treated this way” talk. Instead, I
slim, and at times, unforeseeable.
received encouragement and a quick pump-up line.
Now, I do relate to being extremely fearful or hesitant to put one foot in front of the other. I know what it’s like to sit in a room and think, “God, you’ll have to help me get through this.” I’ve been the one praying about a new life chapter saying, “I’m too scared, God. I can’t move.” In those seasons, one of my favorite passages to mediate on is Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He knows the path ahead. Wait for His leading. Trust that because He knows the way, He will lovingly guide you to victory. I remember tapping the screen to hang up the phone. That conversation was a blessing, because in the midst
I love the reference in God’s Word to seek counsel
of trouble, I possessed three things: access to Christian
(Proverbs 12:15). It’s been a joy to seek wise counsel through
counsel, the promise that the Father would walk beside
the years from several trusted friends and mentors. I’ve
me, and the spiritual courage to press on when life got
appreciated the wisdom they’ve bestowed upon me to want
tough. To this day, I have no recollection of what hardship
and do better in my Christian walk. This time though, I was
I was facing. What I do have is present hope that God will
upset. Ironically, I was upset because I knew deep down, he
take care of whatever comes my way. I stay rich, strong,
was right. In my emotionally fragile moment, I didn’t want
and wise in Him.
to accept the fact that I had a choice to be courageous or cowardly. It took me “getting out of my feels” to eventually
As D.L. Moody once said, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things. God has no poor children.”
Even though in the US we have open access to physical Bibles, Bible apps, daily devotion emails, and weekly church
14 // February 2022
About The Author
choose the former. Leah Hadder is a former internationally recognized pageant queen. Now retired from competition, she shares the Good News as a speaker, writer, and content creator for Pastor Paula White Cain’s Life Network for Women. She is a member of Living Word Church in Cleveland, TN. Contact Leah at www.leahhadder.org.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790
16 // February 2022
East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360
Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd. Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8624 Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Ovenproof
T
by Zebbie Brewster
he holidays were almost upon me. As usual, I was
to a throwaway pan. It was too small, but I was hoping that
finding myself rushing around and running out of
it would not matter and the size of the pan needed was just
time. I had asked my mom if I could try making
a suggestion. I washed my glass baking dish, and as I did, I
her Oatmeal Cake. It was a cake that she made when we were growing up. It was made on special occasions, and
found “ovenproof” written in tiny letters. As I write this, my cake is still cooking in the oven, my
we loved it. She had given me the recipe and I had carried
timer set for 30 minutes has not gone off yet, and I hope
it around in my billfold. I had kept it safe and was excited
all is well. If I can learn one thing from this experience it
to look at it again and buy the ingredients. I decided to
is that the main ingredient in any recipe has to be love!
go over the recipe with my mom to make sure it was as she remembered it. For I found that where I had carried it in safekeeping, the ink had smudged, and the words were not as legible as they once were. Let me tell you—it has been an adventure making this cake. I told my husband cooking is not hard, you just need to read and follow the instructions. Sometimes, that is easier said than done. Recipes usually tell you how long the prep time is. This recipe did not! This was not really a problem I excepted as I started. I had to stir some ingredients and set them aside for 30 minutes. That is not too much of a problem when you have a timer. To the best of my knowledge, my mom did not have a timer. I was thinking, how did my mom do all of this with three children underfoot? I don’t know if she waited until we all went to bed or got up
Moms whose days were so full and yet they took time to
early in the morning to make the cake. My mom told me that
make something so special for their family. I guess we all
she found the recipe in the paper, and she had made it so
can remember that special thing our mom made with love.
many times that she knew how to from memory.
Remember also that even in life, preparation is everything.
Ask any cook, and they will tell you the same thing.
Start each day in prayer and reading God’s Word, and you
They remember the recipe because they have cooked it so
will have the ingredients for a successful day. Hopefully,
many times. Preparation is one of the most important things
your day will be ovenproof for whatever comes your way.
for a cook. Every ingredient is important, and it takes all of
Well, there goes my timer. I sure don’t want to let it burn.
them to make whatever you are cooking successful. I had all
It’s smelling like I remember from when I was a child.
my ingredients ready and poured the cake mix into my glass
Happy memories to you!
oven, I thought, what if it is not ovenproof. I looked and looked over the dish and because I could not tell, I switched
18 // February 2022
About The Author
cooking dish. As I started to put the dish into my preheated Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
Church Activities & Events West Rome Baptist Church
Relaunch of The Joy of Marriage Consulting Friday, February 11 - Saturday, February 12 914 Shorter Ave NW, Rome, GA
Greater Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church Food Distribution (Free Groceries) Monday, February 21 | 3PM - 5PM Mt Olive St, Georgia
Heritage Baptist Church Lauren Talley
Monday, February 21 | 6:30PM 345 Curtis Pkwy SE, Calhoun, GA
The Refuge Church Bible Study
Wednesdays | 6:30PM - 7:30PM 1771 Wax Rd SE, Silver Creek, GA
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s In Your Candy?
W
by Dr. Alan Hix
hen people think about February, they often
John wants us to know that true love originates from
associate it with Valentine’s Day, and with
God. Without God in the center of our relationships, they
Valentine’s Day comes candy. According to one
will be plagued by selfishness and self-interest. Traditional
news service report, Valentine’s Day ranks third in candy sales, following Christmas and Easter. Anticipation for Valentine’s Day starts early, as I noticed a Valentine’s candy section in a local grocery store two days after Christmas. For those of us who are chocolate lovers, anticipation is a part of the enjoyment. Seeing a nicely packaged, heart-shaped piece of chocolate creates visions of expected delights. On more than one occasion, I have
wedding vows reflect this focus in their language: “We are gathered together here in the sight of God . . .to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.” “With this ring I thee wed . . . in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” These vows remind us that God intended for the
bitten into an enticing piece of chocolate only find that it
union of a man and woman in marriage to be a “holy”
is merely a chocolate shell that is hollow on the inside.
endeavor. For that to happen, God must not only be the
Imagine my disappointment as I realize that the promise
foundation of the relationship between the two, but His
of the candy was more than the reality of what it was—no
presence should flow through all aspects of a relationship.
chocolate center, no cream or caramel filling, not even a
To return to the candy illustration, God should be
cherry—just air.
seen as the filling which gives the candy its full flavor.
People give candy on Valentine’s Day as an
Relationships that are not “filled” with God are hollow
expression of love. Human love can hold
and are based on an empty promise.
the promise of many things, but apart
So, this Valentine’s Day, let us
from God, it is like that chocolate
examine our relationships
heart that is just a shell. The
to see if they are filled
Apostle John addresses
with God’s presence. If
the nature of love in
we find He is not there,
1 John 4:7–8, 12:
let us commit to allow Him
“ Beloved, let
to be the “filling” that
7
us love one another, for love is
gives flavor to our
from God, and whoever loves
relationships. Or to
has been born of God and knows
adapt the tag line
God. Anyone who does not
of a well-known credit
8
love does not know God,
card commercial: “What’s in
because God is love. .
your candy?”
. No one has ever seen 12
God; if we love one another, perfected in us.”
20 // February 2022
About The Author
God abides in us and his love is
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
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ivingProof Recovery Inc. was established as a nonprofit in August of 2016 by founder Claudia Hamilton. LivingProof Recovery’s mission is to help maintain the long-term recovery needs of our community through advocacy, training, housing, peer support, and spiritual guidance. It all started as one meeting held in the Well at West Rome Baptist Church. The meeting was held every Tuesday night and had around 15-20 people, including their volunteers and childcare, in attendance. Executive Director, Catherine Lovvorn, said, “I remember sitting in that small meeting and listening to the people in the room share their lives. It was the first time that I felt comfortable enough in a meeting to be completely me, and that was enough.” Over the next four years, LivingProof Recovery grew in abundance. In 2017, they moved into their current location at 408 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA 30165. In this location, they have continued to add services that benefit our community. LivingProof Recovery is a Recovery Community Organization that offers recovery support services that are peer-led by people in long-term recovery. The staff is mostly compiled of Certified Peer Specialists of Addictive Disease. They have not only lived experience with addiction but they are also certified in Trauma Informed Care, Cultural
22 // February 2022
Diversity, Wellness Recovery Action Plans, and Whole Health Action Management. When you walk into LivingProof Recovery, you are always greeted with a smile. The environment is warm, inviting, and comfortable. There is no clinical aspect to this place. There is a pool table, an air hockey table, and an open art room for peers and their families to enjoy. They offer a help yourself kitchen with free water and snacks, and there is always free coffee at the coffee bar. Whether you’re passing through or coming to stay for a while, there’s always a welcoming face. Meetings are held seven days a week, and free childcare is provided six nights a week. An amazing family of
three generations watches the children who come into LivingProof Recovery with their parents. These childcare workers pour love, trust, and complete joy into every child they keep. They also offer employment services to peers in recovery. It can be hard to get a job when you have a conviction of any type on your record. LivingProof Recovery has spent the past couple of years partnering with local employers to hire people in recovery with educational barriers and colorful backgrounds. LivingProof Recovery believes in holistic care for individuals and their families. Addiction affects the entire family, and so should recovery! Whether it is a job, a listening ear with a certified recovery coach, help getting into detox or treatment, help with a resume or housing applications, a quiet place to read, a place to relax and find connection, clothes for the homeless, or just a cup of coffee, LivingProof Recovery has it all. Throughout the year, LivingProof Recovery offers sober events and activities for the whole family! These events are announced on their Facebook page, and the meeting schedule is always available on their website at livingproofrecovery.org. Wellness for your body is important! On Tuesdays and Fridays, LivingProof Recovery offers Zumba classes. It is fun and healthy! The multiple pathway approach to recovery is LivingProof Recovery’s main focus. What does your recovery look like? Everyone’s pathway to and through recovery looks different, and LivingProof Recovery wants to support you through whatever that may look like. We all need support, even if that means helping guide you in a call to your probation office or attorney. LivingProof Recovery’s staff will even go to your court cases with you as support! In 2018, LivingProof Recovery started recovery classes in the Floyd County Jail for inmates. Through those experiences, it was discovered that women were reoffending quicker for the lack of safe and stable housing. So, in May
of 2019, NEXTDOOR at LivingProof Recovery was opened. NEXTDOOR is a Recovery Residence Program for women that is 9-12 months and includes five phases. Since 2019, the program has been very successful. The program is currently full with 12 residents and has a waiting list. This program helps women in recovery learn to live sober again. LivingProof Recovery’s staff helps women with getting their driver’s license, getting a job, pursuing their GED and furthering their education with college courses, working through trauma, learning to grow from pain, experiencing what healthy connection feels like, learning to budget, purchasing a vehicle, and eventually graduating to safe and stable housing of their own. NEXTDOOR is a beautiful program that continues to help heal our loved ones—just as the main hub of LivingProof Recovery does! It’s all about healing! It is amazing how a borrowed space with 15-20 interactions in a month has turned into LivingProof Recovery, which received the Regional Behavioral Health Provider Award for 2021 from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, as well as 3,862 interactions a month for October 2021! With wellness, art, connection, fun, seven days of meetings, prayer, bible studies, a 12-step program, all recovery, medically assisted recovery meetings, harm reduction, needle exchange, family support, and a Recovery Residence, people are getting better and families are healing. Recovery is a process and it is real. Individuals and their families can heal from addiction. LivingProof Recovery can help! Connect with LivingProof Recovery at their location at 408 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA 30165, by calling 706-204-8710. Visit LivingProof Recovery on Facebook or their website at livingproofrecovery.org.
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Who Calls You Friend?
O
by Shelly McClanahan
ne of my favorite memories from my time as
Many times, in the Bible, we’re urged to come to the
an English as a second language (ESL) teacher
aid of foreigners in our land (Deuteronomy 10:19, Matthew
is from when I taught first grade. On the
25:40, Romans 12:13). There are many ways to do this:
playground, two little boys approached the bench where
● Volunteer in a local adult ESL class. Maybe your
the teachers sat. One was a first generation American-born
church has one. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching,
boy of Asian descent who was fluent in English, the other a
you could help with childcare or provide snacks.
recent immigrant from South America who had just learned to say hello. With a big grin beneath his round glasses, the Asian student proclaimed “We’re best friends! I don’t know what he’s saying, but we’re best friends!” Then they ran off to play. We sometimes steer clear of those who are different from us. Fear may keep us from building relationships. We’re not sure what to say, or if we’ll be understood. Other times, it’s the busyness of life that keeps us from knowing our neighbors. Taking care of our own needs and the needs of our family can be time consuming. But God made us to be in relationship with others, not only to glorify Him and make Him known, but also for our own good. We see examples of this in the Bible. The good Samaritan is just one example of showing friendship to those who are different from you. Perhaps the most
● Get to know a neighbor or coworker who is new to your area. Invite them to your church, or for a meal in your home. ● Be open to learning about other cultures. Attend
amazing friendship of all is between us and Jesus. Yes,
events that highlight the different cultures in your
He calls us friends! In John 15:15, Jesus says “I no longer
area. Be aware of who lives around you, and what
call you servants, because a servant does not know his
specific needs they might have.
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
It is our privilege to get to know our neighbors who
everything that I learned from my Father I have made
have different life experiences and perspectives from our
known to you” (NIV).
own. God can and does orchestrate encounters for us to
Who could be more different than the omniscient God
show friendship. Let’s be ready for them.
of the universe and us—flawed, sinful beings, blatantly an effort to know us. Jesus shows us the perfect example of befriending those who are different from us.
24 // February 2022
About The Author
opposed to Him at times. And yet He still makes more than
Shelly McClanahan has worked as both an ESL teacher and ESL Program Coordinator in public schools in the United States and in international schools in Albania, South Korea, and England. She has also taught adult ESL in church programs in Tennessee and Georgia. She currently teaches middle school ESL near Nashville.
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Gò0dNews for Life
49 Pictures
H
by Kristen West
ow do you consolidate a person’s life into a mere
There was a story attached to every photograph. It was
49 pictures? That’s the question I was asking
painfully difficult trying to whittle down hundreds of
myself a year ago after my mother passed from
images to just a few that best portrayed her life.
this life into eternity.
In the end, we wound up with 49 pictures that we felt
My dad, brother, and I had flipped through an
best summed up my mom. But in reality, she was so much
assortment of old photo albums in an effort to find the
more than those images could aptly convey. Aren’t we all?
perfect pictures that told the story of my mother’s seventy-
How can any of us feasibly condense our lives or anyone
five years’ worth of life that
else’s into a few photographic prints?
could be used in
Obviously, we can’t.
a video montage
From birth to death,
for her funeral.
the breadth and depth
We spent hours
of our lives are walked
looking at images
out in the accumulated
of my mom as
seconds and minutes
a young child, a
that make up the time we
graduate, a bride,
have been gifted on this
a new mom, a
earth. Ephesians 5:16
teacher, a quilter,
exhorts us to, “…make
and a grandmother—
the most of our time…”
to name just a few.
Pictures can only
“There is an occasion
capture moments.
for everything, and a time
They’re not
for every activity under
comprehensive of
heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,
one’s life. Only God holds that ability—
HCSB). That verse had never been as
the ability to see our lives from beginning to end—and He
meaningful to me until I sat there surrounded by hundreds
encourages us to make the most of it.
of pictures that testified to this Biblical truth. “…a time to give birth and a time to die…a time to weep
Robin Williams’ character John Keating in the classic film Dead Poet’s Society spoke to the very heart of this
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a
when he said, “Carpe diem! Seize the day…make your
time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing…a time to
lives extraordinary!”
tear and a time to sew; a time to love and a time to hate; a
How will you make your life extraordinary today?
time for war and a time for peace.” (vs. 2-8). Each smile, event or activity had been meaningful to her.
26 // February 2022
About The Author
Each picture revealed a “time to” moment in her life.
Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Red or Blue
S
by Brian Johnson
o, how do you feel about politics? I know, horrible
turneth it withersoever he will.” So, whichever direction the
subject to bring up but I’d like to talk about it.
country is going, God is the one steering.
I’ve found a lot of people are frustrated with our
“…the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of
politicians. They’re taking our rights
Persia” to rebuild the temple in
away, they’re involved too much,
Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1). Kings Artaxerxes
they’re not involved enough. Even
and Darius were also involved
Christians are on both sides of the
in that rebuild. Artaxerxes also
spectrum. How about we discuss this
allowed Nehemiah to rebuild the
from a biblical perspective.
walls of Jerusalem. All of them were
First, we should be respectful of
Kings of Persia, not Israel or Judah.
whomever is in power. Romans 13:1
Nebuchadnezzar was responsible
says, “Let every soul be subject unto
for the exile of the children of Israel
the higher powers. For there is no
to Babylon, but God refers to him as
power but of God: the powers that be
his servant three times in the book of
are ordained of God.” Nero was in
Jeremiah. We can’t allow society to
power in Rome when Paul wrote this,
determine whether God’s will is being
and I don’t think anyone in America
done through those in power. Good or
compares to the evil that was Nero.
bad, God is still in control.
If Paul can write that about him, then
Let that be comforting to you. I
surely, we can recognize that the
know our leaders can be frustrating
powers here and now are ordained of
but the direction we’re going is the
God, and they should be respected.
direction God is allowing. We’re in the
I Timothy 2:1 lists several types of
last days and the Bible says that they’d
prayer and says we should pray “for
be like the days of Noah where “…
all men.” Verse 2 gets more specific,
every imagination of the thoughts of his
“For kings, and for all that are in
heart was only evil continually” (Gen.
authority…” So, we should be praying
6:5 “his” is speaking of the people, not
for those that are in power as well.
Noah), so we shouldn’t be surprised.
A far cry from speaking badly about
Instead of living in frustration,
them because they aren’t running
recognize that our time is short, and
things exactly how we’d like.
we should focus on winning people to
I believe our expectations are
Christ. When we fight amongst each
mixed up. We assume if America
other it doesn’t bring people towards
is going away from God, we’ve got
Christ, it pushes them away.
individual out of power that’s causing it, but we forget that God is always in control. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he
28 // February 2022
About The Author
to do everything we can to get that Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Heart’s Desires
W
by April Engstrom
hat do storms and love have to do with one
But God did not forget His promise, and He remembers
another, and how is God involved? It seems
those promises He made to you too. That’s the beautiful
like the month of February is full of both. This
thing about the Bible, its promises are there for each and
is my story of how, in the middle of the storms of life, God
every one of us. When we take the time to delight in the
fulfilled the desires of my heart.
Lord, when He becomes our first love, and when we draw
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the
near to Him with our whole heart, He is faithful!
desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, ESV). We all long to have our prayers answered, for our lives to bring good things, and to be blessed. We cling to the promises of the Bible as to a lifeline holding us up when the waters get treacherous and the storms of life threaten us. They are promises of hope, promises that yes, our God cares about the little things our hearts long after. Through life, the longing of our hearts ebb and flow to fit where we are. This is such a deep part of the blessing of this verse that can be missed. It’s not that God isn’t fulfilling them, but He often uses where we are in life to show us what His heart desires for us in that season. When I was young, my number one heart desire was for a husband. I prayed, begged, and pleaded with God all through my teens for Him to show me my husband. Then at sixteen, it suddenly felt like
My story didn’t end there, and it still continues. In the
it would be impossible. Have you ever faced a storm so big
midst of the pain, God brought me a husband who was
that it felt like all your dreams were fading before your eyes
willing to take on my life sentence and the limitations it
and the desire of your heart was slipping away? Of course,
brought. God gave me seven beautiful years of full healing
you have, we all have. That’s the hard thing about faith, we
and remission, during which time we traveled the world for
have to keep clinging to promises even when we can’t see a
Jesus and had two beautiful boys. He conquered pain and
way out.
suffering brought us life.
At sixteen, this storm for me was the sudden onset
I pray as you go through this year that you will find as
of extreme full-body nerve pain—what would later be
you cling to God our Father, and delight yourself in Him,
diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Life stopped. And then, in the
that He will fulfill your life and you will see how He has
pain-stricken dark nights, it started again. I had to re-
given you the desires of your heart.
find my identity. All of a sudden, health was even more those even be possible when I was looking at a life sentence of chronic pain?
30 // February 2022
About The Author
important than a future spouse and children. How would
April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
National Disability Day by Chad Van De Griek
I
t was late November and I get a text from my Senior
that I wanted to discuss today, I found myself continuing
Pastor asking if I would be willing to write something
to come back to a very simple, yet foundational idea. “But
for our church. I was asked to write something for
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
National Disability Day and share some thoughts and
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such
feelings revolving around living with a disability and how
things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
the church plays a role in that. After reaching out to others
When encountering people with various types of
with disabilities, family members of those with disabilities,
disabilities, I think that it is absolutely paramount to
and internally processing, I realized that this was a lot more
make sure that we keep the basic principles found in
difficult to put to technological paper than I had initially
these two verses at the forefront of our minds and hearts. We need to have patience as we strive to view situations from the perspective of those who have different abilities than we do. We need to have love, kindness, and goodness as we remember that those with disabilities and their families are more than simply an opportunity to serve—they are a needed and valued part of our congregation. And we need to have gentleness as we understand that there are people in our churches that are living with disabilities that are not easily seen on the surface. My hope is that, as a Church, we remember that each human being that we interact with is made in the Image of God, and their ability
thought. But, after finally getting everything written down, I
level doesn’t change that. Speaking for myself, having
was incredibly proud of the final product. I wanted to share
a disability can sometimes leave me feeling extremely
that final product today!
isolated, but I believe that is where the Body of Christ
National Disability Day is an awesome opportunity to
can step in and show a deep, genuine love for who I am
engage in conversations that revolve around living with
holistically. I have a disability, and that shouldn’t be
various types of disabilities. I wanted to take some time,
overlooked, but I am also much more than that and have
as a Church, to do just that. Of course, I can’t speak for
so much to offer. My prayer is that we are a community
everyone who has a disability, but I did want to share a
of believers that is able and willing to be gracious, kind,
few thoughts and experiences as a means to encourage and
patient, and gentle, even if that means having to make
challenge all of us.
accommodations or adjustments. Because, honestly, that is
There are a lot of incredibly valid thoughts and ideas
what love does. That is what Jesus does.
However, as I began to think and talk through everything
32 // February 2022
About The Author
that I could bring up in a conversation like this one. Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What I Learned from My Porch Bench
W
by Sandra Gilmore
hen a curved plank caught my eye, I thought
the bottom as not to scratch the floors. This was a goal,
it was an antique church pew on, of all places,
manifested in utility with a touch of bevel.
a burn pile! My feet couldn’t get my hands to
*A new coat of whitewash didn’t go on well. It stubbornly
the pile quickly enough. My mind was racing as fast as
held its rough-hewn nature (like a lot of us humans!). The
my feet with thoughts of where it could have come from.
rough spots had just become part of its charm.
Now, I pined where it ended up! In another day or two,
*It wouldn’t be here if somebody hadn’t tried. Somebody
the heap would be scorched to ashes. Scattered bench
learned a new skill, dared to be vulnerable, dared to aim
pieces lay partially hidden, threaded into the discarded
toward completion rather than perfection, dared to dance
shrub limbs of a neighbor’s trimmings. Wouldn’t I be its
with an unfamiliar process and let the process lead.
hero by rescuing it from the flames? I dove in, shoving
*Some folks didn’t appreciate its purpose. That’s how the
brush away as though the bench were calling my name,
bench ended up on the burn pile. Transition often comes
begging for life. With the components a safe distance from the burn pile, and all accounted for, my assessment began. It was the perfect shape, height, and width for what I wanted. The back was wiggly, but the sides were stout and stable. It warmed my heart to think I had rescued someone’s memories. Maybe it had heard harmonies of choirs, or the shaky voice of a child’s solo on a High Holy Day, or the convicting preaching of a winsome pastor sharing the Scriptures in an engaging oration. Later, I learned its origins: It was not a church pew, after all. It had never been warmed by
in the form of trouble. When trouble comes, just wait a
sunlight through stained glass or proudly held a hymnal.
little longer. The plot might thicken. The tale might have
Students made it in a shop class. It was somebody’s final
a twist!
project, sporting the rudimentary basics of furniture
*Some folks did. That’s how the bench ended up on a
making: cutting the shapes, beveling the edges, leveling
new porch, in a new location, with a new coat of paint,
the legs, fastening the pieces together, staining a light
teaching a new student the same time-honored lessons.
coat. True to its purpose, it kept on teaching: finished. That made it perfect. This was no Chippendale with rococo details. There weren’t even felt “feeties” on
34 // February 2022
About The Author
*It wasn’t meant to be perfect. It was meant to be Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website www.sandragilmore.org.
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Gò0dNews Poetry
God’s Light by Judy Hood
My life hasn’t always been a bed of roses But, one of the grandest things I know is God has always been standing right by my side He’s with us even when we are unaware He is there to guide Life can be too hard, too hard to handle But, if we’ll just trust Jesus, our troubles He will dismantle We all carry our crosses, our burdens to bear If we’ll just love one another, our burdens to share It would be a better world, our hearts would be lighter The sun would appear, the sun would shine brighter So, hug your brother, take each other’s hand Enjoy this life you’ve been given, as you walk through this land We only have one life to live, one life to get this right So, let’s take care of one another, as we walk into God’s light 36 // February 2022
The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Certificate Center meets at
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Coming Home
S
by Leslie Bennett
now had fallen overnight and left a beautiful, white
called for us. We were having a great time, not realizing
blanket over the neighborhood. Snow day! What all
the danger that could lie ahead. I now have a clearer
children love to hear. Mom fixed a hot breakfast to
understanding of God’s love and concern for His children.
give us the fuel we needed for the fun day ahead of us. We
When we selfishly live our life, doing what we want
anxiously dressed in our warmest attire, put on our boots
to do, with no regard for God, oblivious of His call,
and coats, and headed outside.
I’m sure He feels like our parents felt that day. We may
We made many trips back up the hill after riding our sleds down the slippery slope at the end of the street. I can
wander far away from God, but He never stops calling for us to return to Him.
almost feel my frozen nose, numb fingers and toes, and weak legs as my thoughts take me back to that cold, winter day. After several hours of fun and laughter, we went inside to warm up. I stood over the old floor furnace, sipping hot cocoa, until the feeling returned to my fingers and toes. We ate grilled cheese sandwiches, dill pickles, and chips for lunch. I’m not sure if lunch was extra delicious or if I was really, really hungry, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a better grilled cheese sandwich in my entire life. After resting up for an hour or so, I looked out the window and saw my cousin, Michael, who lived next door. I asked if I could go back outside and mom let me go. Michael and I built a small snowman in the yard, threw a
Michael and I began to get cold, tired, and hungry so we
few snowballs, and made snow angels. We walked up the
decided to head home. Thankfully, our story has a happy
street, making footprints in the snow.
ending. Our parents were thrilled to see us coming down
Being adventurous children, we decided to walk up the hill at the end of the neighborhood and see what we could
the road. We were greeted with warm hugs and big smiles. What a reunion we had on Forrest Avenue!
see from there. We failed to tell anyone where we were
I remember the words to an old song, “I’ve wandered
going. Having no concept of time, we continued to walk
far away from God. Lord, I’m coming home. The paths of
and explore a place we had never been before. Little did we
sin too long I’ve trod. Now, I’m coming home.” If you find
know, our parents were searching everywhere for us. We
yourself far from God, it’s never too late to return to His
were too far away to hear their frantic calls for us, nor had
warm embrace. You will find Him waiting there for you,
Michael and I heard the story of the old well that was on the
arms open wide.
Looking back, I can only imagine how our parents felt that snowy day when Michael and I didn’t return when they
38 // February 2022
About The Author
other side of that hill somewhere. Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
“Karina”
W
by Wayne Williams
hat do you think of when you hear the word
(Hamilton); “The Dating Manifesto: A Drama-Free Plan
“karina?” (pronounced kah-reen-nah; like
for Pursuing Marriage with Purpose,” (Anderson); and
Katrina, without the “t”). The word, which in
of course, the classic, “The Five Love Languages” (Gary
some family circles has now become a name, has a quite
Chapman)! Poems? Well, that’s another category of titles
interesting etymological origin. According to the Unify
that time nor space will permit me to elaborate.
Cosmos website, the spiritual meaning of the name Karina
In conclusion, the Bible exhorts us in Philippians
is of Old English origin. Karina means “pure,” “the pure
4:8, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is
one,” “innocent,” and “beloved.” Additionally, the word
honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right
(name) can be short for Katarina or Katrina. Likewise, it
and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and
is a variant of the name Carina, which is derived from the
wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace,
Latin word “carus,” meaning “love.” The expression of “love” is as old as time itself, especially when we read that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Because God precedes and certainly will exceed the concept of time, the idea of love predates and will outlast anything this world has to offer. And by our love for one another, the world will know that we are born again of God’s spirit and associated unequivocally with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the epitome of love. Many of you recall the contemporary version of the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” popularized by the musical group Jars of Clay. Karina, a variant of the Latin “carus,” has been romanticized in a number of ways through movies,
whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any
books, and certainly music. There are some who may
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
remember the song “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing”
continually on these things [center your mind on them,
which was an Academy Award winner for Best Original
and implant them in your heart]” (Amplified).
Score in 1955. The movie titles are endless, “What’s Love
Friend, our love for each other is only surpassed
Got to do With It,” (also a song title), “From Russia with
by God’s love for each and all of us. That being said,
Love,” (a James Bond series favorite), “Love at First Bite,”
“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Or in the
(for comedy/horror ‘lovers’), “Love and Basketball,”
Contemporary English Bible, “Keep loving each other like
(if you are a sports enthusiast), as well as “A Thin Line
family.” So, “think” about that the next time you say or
Between Love and Hate” (which, in my opinion, is
hear, “Karina!”
which do not contain the word “love” in their titles. Namely, “Hidden Struggles: Purity, God, Guys and Life,”
40 // February 2022
About The Author
really not a thin line at all)! Likewise, books, many of Wayne & Lita Williams are residents of Athens, Tennessee. She is a retiring social worker. He presently serves as a local supply pastor. Together, they have been in pastoral and outreach ministry for over 40 years.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Blissful Banana Bread
F
by Jodi Varnado
ebruary is one of my very favorite months of the year, as it holds twenty-eight dedicated opportunities to express gratitude and joy for the
Ingredients
ones I love most. Valentine’s Day is often associated
• 1 ¾ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
with the celebration of significant others, but it is truly
• 2/3 cup of coconut sugar
a day to rejoice in every relationship God has blessed
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
us with (including our most treasured relationship with Him). I have grown to cherish baking as a practice
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
of showing others I value them—a rather sweet love
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
language! This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to gift
• 2 very ripe bananas (spotty brown bananas are best!)
a homemade treat to those you adore. As you prepare your ingredients, take time to be in communion with our
• ½ cup of oat milk (or other non-dairy milk)
Creator. Express your thankfulness for their presence in
• 1/3 cup of vegan butter
your life and pray that this treat will nourish their spirit.
• 2 tablespoons of egg replacer (I love Bob’s Red Mill’s Egg Replacer)
There is nothing more comforting than a warm slice of banana bread on a cold afternoon. This banana bread is simple to prepare, with only eleven ingredients and one mixing bowl. This recipe is vegan friendly and can be easily modified to fit gluten-free dietary requirements (replace flour with gluten-free baking flour). I recommend serving this banana bread with a spread of vegan butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or topped with a dollop of banana nice cream (a dairy-free alternative to ice cream).
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract • 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
• Prepare your egg replacer. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of egg replacer and 4 tablespoons of cold water. Mix together until there is a smooth consistency, then set the bowl aside for 5 minutes.Add vanilla extract. • Add wet ingredients. In the same mixing bowl, mash bananas until you have a thick, but smooth consistency. Add oat milk and vegan butter. Mix ingredients completely. • Add dry ingredients. Slowly add in flour, coconut sugar cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. • Prepare your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Cover the batter with chocolate chips (optional). • Bake. Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake for 70 minutes. • Eat. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes and then enjoy!
42 // February 2022
If you try this recipe, please snap a photo and share it with us on Facebook: @GoodNewsChristianMagazine.
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2595 Shorter Ave SW • Rome, GA 706.232.2624 • hondaofrome.com powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course is available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)
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