February 2023

Gò0dNews February 2023

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OFFICIAL MOWERS OF THE BACKYARD LIFE

About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix Arietta Grimmett Brenda Dedmon Dr. Bobby Sneed Chad Hess David Huff Detrick Redding Dorothy Teague Donna Swann Donald Cantrell Greg Grotewold Kristen West Rick Hughes Sandra Gilmore

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Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

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churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

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Contents FEBRUARY 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 I Want To, I Do, I Did

by Detrick Redding

GoodNews for Kids

8 Who Needs a Friend?

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Understanding Fixed Index Annuities

by Rick Hughes GoodNews for Men

12 Friendship for Men

by Chad Hess

GoodNews for Women

14 Hope in Motion

by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for Everyone

18 A Broken Heart

by Dorothy Teague

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Salmon Funeral Home

and Cremation Services

GoodNews for Everyone

22 How Well Do You

Understand Love?

by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Choosing to Love

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Grandparents

26 Iron Sharpens Iron

by Donald Cantrell

GoodNews Poetry

28 Not Yet

by Arietta Grimmett

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Trust: Even When God

6

Seems Silent

by Donna Swann GoodNews for Everyone

32 Sovereign Goodness

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Everyone

34 I Love You Most

by Dr. Bobby Sneed

GoodNews for Everyone

36 The Value of Relationships

by David Huff

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

20

38 Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cake Pops

34

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

I Want To, I Do, I Did

R

by Detrick Redding

elationships, relationships, oh my relationships! We

finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from

have a society of mixed emotions about relationships.

the Lord.” Now, that scripture was a great one. However,

Relationships are truly powerful if you will embrace

God challenged me, and “find a wife” was imprinted on

them properly. We must admit that the improper ideologies

my heart. This meant not finding a woman to marry, but

of today’s relationship have clouded the judgment of many

finding a woman who was already a wife. Wow! God said

concerning the idea of marriage. Traumatic encounters

to me, “Find someone that’s married to me!” A person

and misguided men and women cause wrestling within,

that’s already in love and married to God will, in return, be

hindering even the desire of a relationship. Is there even any

committed to love and be committed to you!

comfort in a relationship? Do I even want to get in a relationship

The life of being with someone who is committed

now? Do I really want to say I do? Will I regret that I did? We

to God is so rewarding. The Apostle Paul teaches us

need to discover the joy in relationship!

in 2 Corinthians 6:14 not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. The union of marriage is a blessing, especially when you’re committed to God. Even in creation, God stated that Eve was to be a suitable helper to Adam. To be on the same page in life doesn’t eliminate problems or challenges within the union, and it doesn’t mean that everyone will do everything right.

But unity of mind and heart provides the proper foundation to overcome obstacles and all hurdles. My wife Toris and I are an example of this truth. We have not had things go perfectly. However, this foundation of commitment to God keeps us committed to each other.

For existing couples, commit yourself to God and receive the strength of His love for your marriage. For those who are single, fall in love with God and commit

Over 18 years ago, I said, “I do,” and I don’t regret it at

yourself to Him, and His love in your heart will build the

all. Before I married, I was your typical single fellow in the

foundation for joy and endurance. Keep your “want to” and

church. Marriage was really all that I had to look forward

your time to say “I do” will come, and then you will never

to. I saw marriage—my mom and dad exemplified it before

regret that “you did!”

me. I saw it in my church with several couples. I was always day in prayer, the Spirit of the Lord moved upon my heart and said to look at Proverbs 18:22, which says, “He who

6 // February 2023

About The Author

on the lookout to find “the future lady” of my life. So, one Detrick Redding, born and raised in Rome, Georgia, is a husband to Toris and father to 4 children. Called to pastor at an early age, he currently pastors at Rally Up International Ministries in Rome, Georgia. Detrick has a deep passion for not only seeing people born again, but knowing their true identity and what is made available to all in Jesus Christ.

Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Who Needs a Friend?

by Brenda Dedmon

I

believe having friends and being a friend is an important

to explore what to do if someone answers no to

part of our lives. I have friends today that I made when I

answering questions.

was a child, and we still enjoy doing things together. It is

• Play a game of “What If?” Think about the best or

important to remember the friends we have made, but it is

worse thing that could happen if you are fearful about

also important that we continue to make new friends.

making new friends. For example, “What if you ask

We find examples in the Bible of people who were

others to play and they do not respond like you think

friends. We find in 1 Samuel 1:18 the friendship of David

they would? Sometimes talking about what could

and Jonathan. David said his friendship with Jonathan was

happen and sharing ideas of how to deal with it in a

as if he was his brother. In the New Testament, in John 15:15, Jesus said to His followers, “You are my friends.” In the book of Acts, we read about Paul, Silas, and Timothy as friends. Paul was also friends with Lydia and the women she had church with by the river. When Paul wrote letters to the churches in the New Testament, he always called them his friends.

We also read in the Bible reminders of things we need to do to be a friend and what we should do for our friends: “Be kind and compassionate” (Eph. 4:32) and “Pray one for another” (James 5:16). What do you think you have to do to make friends and be a friend? It may be hard to make new friends when you

variety of ways could give you confidence in making

move to a new neighborhood or move to a new school. So

friends. You will also realize that it is not a big deal if

where do you start?

things do not go perfectly every time.

You will discover on this page four suggestions that

• Read books. Using books is a fantastic way to help

could help you with making friends. Ask your parents to

you realize how to make friends, be a friend, and that

help you develop a plan using these ideas.

making friends is a natural part of life. The following

• Learning how to meet friends by asking questions.

books are part of my favorite books about making

Start with asking simple questions such as their name,

friends: How to be a Friend by Laurie Krasay Brown, Will

their favorite food, game, movie, and how old they are.

you be friends with Me? by Kathleen Long Bostrom, and

Explore other ideas you might want to ask.

The Kids Book of Friends by Catherine Stephens.

questions you decided on, make a storyboard of “how” to put those steps into action. You may want

8 // February 2023

About The Author

• Make a storyboard of action steps. Using the Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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Understanding Fixed Index Annuities with

Money Matters Rick Hughes Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007.

His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

ixed Index Annuities can be confusing. For one thing,

F

Most FIAS have two phases, the first phase being

they are not fixed annuities, which have been around

your accumulation phase. This includes your principal

for a long time. FIAS, which came about in 1995,

payment(s) and bonus that you may have received, plus any

guarantees a set interest rate. Usually, the rate is fairly low,

credited interest rates you received as well. Most insurance

such as 2.5%, but guaranteed no matter what the economic

companies will allow you to withdraw up to 10% a year

conditions. The major question is whether FIAS are good for

without a surrender penalty. Be sure to review your specific

your portfolio.

insurance contract for certain conditions, exceptions, and

An FIA is an insurance contract between you and the

limitations that may apply. The insurance company only

issuing insurance company. The insurance company is

allows you to take up to a 10% surrender penalty-free

guaranteeing your principal and backing your principal

withdrawal. If you take more than 10%, a surrender penalty

payments with their assets. They make these guarantees

is assessed and you may lose any potential credited interest

based upon the claims-paying ability and financial strength

rate that could have occurred.

of the issuing insurance company.

In an FIA, during the accumulation phase, your contact

The second phase would be the distribution phase.

Purchasers receive a percentage of income depending on

growth potential is linked to an index, such as the S&P

their age, and if a spouse is involved, it will be a percentage

500, but not directly invested in the index. The insurance

based on the youngest spouse. Again, be sure to review your

company has guaranteed that if the linked index is positive,

specific insurance contract for certain conditions, exceptions,

you will receive interest credits to your account, but if

and limitations that may apply. The owner can choose to

the linked index is negative, your contract value will not

receive a monthly check. If the policy owner dies, the spouse

be negatively impacted. Remember, you are not directly

can continue to receive the monthly check until they die. If

buying a stock—instead, your contact value is only linked to

there is still money in the account when the policyholder

the index you have chosen.

dies, their beneficiaries can typically receive the remaining

Many insurance companies offer a bonus for your

funds in a lump sum.

principal purchase. Let’s say you make a principal payment

One of the biggest fears most seniors have is outliving

of $100,000 and receive a 10% bonus, which would increase

their money. Including an FIA as part of your retirement

your contract value to a theoretical value of $110,000. Why

strategy can help prevent that from happening.

would an insurance company be willing to do that? It’s very simple, they have plans to make money from your money, in the same way, banks loan out your money for profit.

10 // February 2023

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Gò0dNews for Men

Friendship for Men

G

by Chad Hess

odly friendships between men based on a

speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). We should choose

shared love of Jesus Christ are a true blessing.

our friends wisely, and then as Jonathan and David,

Proverbs 17:17 tells us that “A friend loves at

remain steadfast in our friendship: “A man of many

all times and a brother is born for adversity.” There

companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend

are numerous examples of friendship in the Bible, but

who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

perhaps my favorite is the bond that existed between David and Jonathan. It is perhaps the best example

Friendship, true friendship, is a rare and beautiful thing. It is something to be sought and closely

of friendship ever recorded.

Jonathan was the son of Israel’s first king Saul and a warrior of great renown.

When David was the only one willing to stand against Goliath (and, with the power of God, defeat the giant), Jonathan made a covenant with David, stripped himself of his armor and robe “because he loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1-4). We read further in 1 and 2 Samuel how their relationship becomes one of love, admiration, respect and character as they protect

guarded. In the modern world, we are often isolated

and defend one another through the many perils faced,

from others because of technology and the norms (not

mainly arising from King Saul himself. They endured

necessarily good ones) that surround us. Time spent

much together and were only separated by death.

with a friend should be something that we make an

This biblical story from over one thousand years

honest effort to achieve. A true Christian friendship is

prior to Christ, remains for men today a perfect

one that aids both members of the friendship to live

example of how men in the 21st century should strive

a life of discipleship, love, giving, responsibility and

to be friends and brothers. We should love, stand by,

commitment. Of course, we have no greater friend

and stand up for our friends: “Greater love has no man

than our Lord Jesus, but a friend in times of joy and

than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”

trouble is a gift from God.

in work, play, conversation and prayer: “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man

12 // February 2023

About The Author

(John 15:13). We should spend time together as friends Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Hope in Motion

A

by Sandra Gilmore

re you busy making New Year’s resolutions? Let me

have time, you can easily scrapbook or journal these milestones.

guess: one of them has to do with getting organized.

Encourage your children to log items. It will be even more

Besides losing weight, getting organized is a top goal

special in years to come to see their own handwriting.

early in a new year. Americans are fascinated with clutter and

*When possible, put the kids to bed in their clothes.

organizing. Have you noticed all the shows dedicated to this

Summer short sets or winter stockings and turtlenecks are often

one topic? Have you noticed all the gadgets and even rising

as soft and flexible as pajamas. Come morning, you and your

careers associated with household and office organization? The

children will be glad for the extra winks!

Proverbs 31 Woman had it covered long before plastic was even

*Keep a 3x5 card with important information secured to

mentioned! Proverbs 31:27 says, “She watches how things go

the visor of your car. Cell phones lose their charge or hit dead

in her house” (The Complete Jewish Bible translation). Do you

zones. A simple card can save the day.

know how things go in your house? Or even how they come?

*When you are working on an important document or

Research through the years finds a deep connection between

want to archive important information, email it to yourself.

clutter and hopelessness. Let’s start this new year off right!

If your computer is inaccessible or you lose a flash drive, you

Through the years of being a mom with a career outside

can usually access accounts in libraries or other public places.

the home, then years of being a stay-at-home mom, I collected

Your information is now available to you 24/7, anywhere in

and developed a list that helped keep me organized and

the world.

focused. Listed here are just a few. Pick one that resonates with

*Pray Proverbs 8:12, “I wisdom dwell with prudence

you. Put it into motion soon. Where confusion and clutter once

and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” When we are

grew, you’ll see hope take root!

in a tight spot, Holy Spirit will send wisdom when we ask.

*Make several sets of keys. Place them strategically at home, at work, or at the neighbors if need be. *Keep multiple hair dryers in the house. The

Wisdom can reveal “witty inventions,” meaning new ways of doing things, effective time management methods or ways to multiply effectiveness.

Bible says a woman’s hair is her glory. It is

*Keep prayer a priority. Redeem time to spend

terrible to have the hair dryer die when you

with the Father. He loves you. He created you. He

are not quite “glorified!”

is especially proud of you. Spend time with Him

*Make copies of important papers,

as your source of strength and growth. His

including digital copies. Secure a safe

unconditional love will sustain hope

box at your financial institution. Put

for you like nothing else!

anything you deem important in

You’ve probably got

your box with an inventory list

some of your own tips for

of its contents. Keep an extra

watching how things

inventory list at home too.

go in your house.

*Keep a calendar with big boxes

Share those in a

for each day visually handy to

conversation, on

record family events. You could

a blog, or even a

quickly jot down milestones,

post. Pass on hope!

whether it’s the last time you or your baby’s first sentence. When you

14 // February 2023

About The Author

had your oil changed 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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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 2023

East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729

Catholic

Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190

Church of Christ

Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351

Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895

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

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281

Lutheran

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

Methodist

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

GracePoint Rome 43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 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

Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360

Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal

Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

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 Beech Creek Church 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-1018 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161 706-622-2448 Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561 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 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158

Orthodox

All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474

Pentecostal

Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865

Presbyterian

Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117

Cave Spring Church Directory 6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd. Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC

30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8624 Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Broken Heart

J

by Dorothy Teague

ust mention February, and people automatically

Jesus had been beaten and wounded repeatedly

think of Valentine’s Day. For most people, images

before He ever got to the cross and endured the physical

of flowers, chocolates, cards, and the whole

trauma that hanging there put on His heart. But, more

romantic Hallmark scene is what we think of and

than this, He was experiencing grief from being separated

aspire to. Being in love is a wonderful feeling, but as

from His Father. God could not look upon sin, so He had

we surrender our hearts and open ourselves up to love

to turn away. Even though Jesus knew He must finish

someone, we become vulnerable and risk being hurt.

the work on the cross for our redemption, the agony

As a matter of fact, chances are one hundred percent

He felt being apart from His Father must have been

that we will have a broken heart several times in our

unbearable! Yes, Jesus knows all about a broken heart in every sense of the word. He

lives. People will hurt us, and we will hurt others

knows us and understands

because we are human.

us better than we know

The only one who will

ourselves. Hebrews 4:15

not fail us is Christ. In

says, “For we do not

Jeremiah 31:3, He says,

have a high priest who

“I have loved you with

is unable to sympathize

an everlasting love…”

with our weaknesses,

Jesus, Himself, knows

but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

quite a lot about having a

just as we are—yet without

broken heart.

Jesus died of a broken

sin.” He “knows our frame;

heart when He hung on the

He remembers that we are dust”

cross and died for all mankind.

(Psalm 103:14).

As He hung there, with all the sin

We were designed to love and be

of the world upon Him, He was in such physical, mental and emotional distress that

loved. But, when we get hurt along the way, we can find solace in the Word of God. He reminds us that He is near to the brokenhearted and

condition known as Broken Heart Syndrome, also known

saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18), and that He

as stress cardiomyopathy, which occurs when a person

heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds

experiences sudden acute stress that can rapidly weaken

(Psalm 147:3). Your Valentine’s Day may not be like a

the heart muscle. Two kinds of stressors, emotional or

Hallmark movie where everything turns out perfectly in

physical, often cause this. Emotional stressors include

the end, but there is One you can depend on to always

grief, while physical stressors such as significant

love you perfectly; His name is Jesus!

bleeding, difficulty breathing, and chest pain can result in this (www.hopkinsmedicine.org).

18 // February 2023

About The Author

His heart burst open and spilled out for us. There is a

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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W

hen the most difficult seasons of life

location for several years. Together, they share a

find us, it can be confusing to know

heart for community service. As a family-owned

who or where to turn. When the

and operation business, Salmon Funeral Home

inevitable or unexpected happens, it is a great

values their connection to their clients. “We

comfort to call someone who can be trusted

place a high importance on our services because

and transparent. That’s why families have been

they honor and celebrate individuals and their

calling Salmon Funeral Home and Cremation

connections to the ones they loved,” said Kiser.

Services for years. Salmon Funeral Home has

No matter the style, direction or environment

served families throughout West Georgia and

you choose to honor your loved one, the

East Alabama with compassion and integrity. As

professional staff at Salmon Funeral Home is able

an established business in the Rome community,

to assist you in creating a service that reflects your

Salmon Funeral Home is here to help you and your family honor your loved one through professional, personal services.

“We are here to help families during the most difficult times. It is our honor to serve and build a relationship with each and every family we meet,” said Kyle Kiser, owner of Salmon Funeral Home.

Kiser and his wife, Tabor, purchased Salmon Funeral Home in April 2022 after working at the 20 // February 2023

loved one’s unique life story. Salmon Funeral

to travel the ability to see the service live or

Home offers burial, cremation and green burial

watch it later at their convenience. This can be a

services, including visitations at the funeral home

meaningful solution for those who are elderly or

or your church, memorial services at your chosen

serving overseas. Along with webcasting, Salmon

location, and graveside and chapel services.

Funeral Home provides a Virtual Guestbook,

Salmon Funeral Home offer services any time

so those attending remotely are able to sign and

of the day and week, anywhere you choose. So,

leave their condolences.

whether you are planning an elaborate service

When you are in need of a support network,

with many guests or a simple gathering with

Salmon Funeral Home’s program, Circle of Friends,

family members, Salmon Funeral Home is here to

provides quarterly grief support meetings,

stand alongside you.

including guest speakers, creative activities, and

“We offer professional services at a reasonable

shared meals. These group meetings allow a

price. We publish our service prices on our

time of uplifting fellowship and support. When

website because we believe that trust is built on a

you choose a Salmon Funeral Home service, you

relationship of openness and honesty and firmly

become a member of a lasting community.

believe in transparency. No matter a family’s

Salmon Funeral Home and Cremation

financial status, we never turn a family away

Services is located at 2516 New Calhoun Highway

from our business. We believe in helping people

Northwest, Rome, GA. You can visit Salmon

and always will. We also have a beautiful facility,

Funeral Home’s website, www.salmonfh.com, for

including a beautiful chapel, a large lounge area

more information and resources. When you find

for gatherings and meals, and ample parking

yourself in need, call Kyle and Tabor Kiser and

availability,” said Kiser.

their compassionate staff at (706)-291-9472.

Salmon Funeral Home are proud leaders in the industry, utilizing the latest technology and personalization available. If your family and friends are scattered across the country or simply unable to attend a service, Salmon Funeral Home offers Live Funeral Webcasting. Webcasting your loved one’s service gives those who are unable goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Everyone

How Well Do You Understand Love? hen people think of February, many immediately think of Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is often viewed as a time to express one’s love for another. However, what we mean when we say we love someone is conditioned by our definition of love. How would you define “love?”

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary lists three aspects of its primary definition of love. a. Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties b. Attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers c. Affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests However, for human beings, “love” is an emotional word that cries for expression beyond a simple definition. Let’s return to the question above: How would you define love? My suspicion is that your definition would come from your own emotional connection to the concept of love.

Poetry is a common place to find expressions of love. In Hartley Coleridge’s Sonnet VII, he begins his poem with, “Is love a fancy, or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth.” In his Sonnet 116, William Shakespeare echoes a similar expression of the lasting nature of love: “Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks but bears it out even to the edge of doom.”

From these lofty expressions by classic poets, the definition of “love” finds it poorest expression in the 1970 movie Love Story. After a lovers’ quarrel, Jenny reveals to Oliver that she is dying of leukemia. Heartbroken, he begs her forgiveness. Her response has found a continuing life in popular culture: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” This definition is a far cry from the one expressed by Coleridge and Shakespeare.

Country music fans may be familiar with Clint Black’s “Something That We Do.” He closes his song with:

22 // February 2023

I remember well the day we wed I can see that picture in my head Love isn't just those words we said It's somethin' that we do This description of love as not just a feeling but as an action goes far beyond Jenny’s definition above. However, is this definition sufficient? Defining love only within the context of human relationships will always fall short, because a complete definition of love must include the source of love—which is God. The Apostle John approaches the subject of love in this way: 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. . .. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another (1 John 4:7–8, 10-11).

John helps us to see that true love is not simply a feeling or an action. True love is a person—God. Genesis 1:26 declares that we are made in the image of God. Part of that image is loving as God loves. This rich understanding of love is the basis for the Apostle Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Here we see that love is feeling, doing, giving, sacrificing, enduring, and much more. In this moving passage, Paul gives us a picture of what it looks like to love as God loves.

On this Valentine’s Day, let us as believers in Christ commit to reflecting his image by loving as he loves.

About The Author

W

by Dr. Alan Hix

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.

Church Activities & Events Kingdom Church International

The Joy of Marriage Consulting Conference Friday, February 10 - Saturday, February 11 5415 Calhoun Rd NE, Adairsville, GA

The Refuge Church Bible Study

Wednesday, February 15 1771 Wax Rd SE, Silver Creek, GA

Heritage Baptist Church Lauren Talley

Wednesday, February 22 | 6:30PM 345 Curtis Pkwy SE, Calhoun, GA

Catersville First Baptist Church First Annual Lottie Trot

Monday, February 20 | 5AM 241 Douthit Ferry Rd, Cartersville, GA

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Choosing to Love

S

by Kristen West

torefronts and florists are awash with red

Choosing to love each other—in all of our broken,

and pink décor this month as they promote

imperfect “humanness”—is what love is all about. It’s

Valentine’s Day. And many people are looking

what God modeled for us in hopes that we would follow

for a feeling that is as ooey-gooey as the centers of

His example. “We love because He first loved us…” (1

those gourmet chocolates they hope to get.

John 4:19). God’s love is always anchored in choices.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-Valentine’s Day, and I certainly love getting flowers and

According to John 3:16, God “so loved” the world that He gave His only Son. That choice wasn’t founded on a good feeling. Jesus knew He was being sent down a path that would end in brutality, public humiliation, and a tortured criminal’s death. There was nothing “lovey-dovey” about it. It was love in its rawest form—a choice to do good to another human being; to put their interests first; to consider and honor them as the valuable individual that God created them to be.

Every day I wake up, I choose to love my husband—

chocolates as much as the next person, but how often

even on those days when our brokenness bubbles to

do we stop there—at the superficial level—and never

the surface and we’d like to have “time-out” chairs

really learn to love.

for each other. The choice to ask God to continually

I can attest that after 19 years of marriage now, on

make me a better wife is love. The choice to stay “till

MOST days, there are no “butterflies in my stomach”

death do us part” is love. The choice to work hard on

feelings or tingly puppy love rush of emotions. There

my marriage so that those around us have a picture of

are choices…intentional, deliberate, thoughtful choices.

what God’s heart looks like for His Bride is love.

While that may sound boring to some, those of

Hmmm, I think I’ll be on the lookout this week for

us who buckled up for life understand that this is

a conversational heart that says, “Choosing to Love!”

I married, I vowed to love him, “for better or worse; in sickness and in health; for richer or poorer…”

24 // February 2023

About The Author

where the rubber meets the road. When Anthony and Kristen West recently published a book of 40 devotions called He’s an Everyday God.

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Gò0dNews for Grandparents

Iron Sharpens Iron

by Donald Cantrell

T

hose of you that follow my articles know that I

being her pastor, literally since birth. During the past ten

often write about life events that occur between my

years, I have watched her grow up singing “Jesus Loves”

granddaughter and myself. Kinsley will be ten years

to singing “Christian Songs” during karaoke on a cruise

old in a few weeks, and I have been her primary babysitter

ship and bringing the house down as everyone applauded

since she was four weeks old. It has been lifechanging for

and hugged her for singing songs about her faith and her

me to watch her grow up from a baby to a “tween” as she

relationship with Jesus Christ.

calls it.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the

Throughout the years, we have had some awesome

countenance of his friend” (Pro 27:17, KJV).

excursions as we went on our weekly trips to the

You might think that I am always the teacher, but as I

Chattanooga Zoo, the Tennessee Aquarium, various jump

have watched her grow up, Kinsley has taught me some

parks, petting zoos, or eating maple flavored ice cream with

wonderful things about life. In watching her, I have learned

chunks of bacon in it at a working farm over in Ellijay. I

that it is okay to make yourself vulnerable and put yourself

have watched her learn to eat everything from sardines,

out there in the forefront. It has been a joy to see her grow

mayo and honey sandwiches to chomping down on gator

up and grow into a young girl that not only listens to my

tail or Alaskan crab legs.

sermons, but tries to live by them and then calls me out

Our journey has been much tighter than merely being

when I don’t.

her “poppy” or her

One day, I preached on never taking “tomorrow”

“babysitter”

for granted and that we ought to never put stuff off for

because I have

tomorrow if we can do it today. The next week, I heard

had the joy

some people in our family saying they would get to some

of also

things “tomorrow” and Kinsley told them they should never say “tomorrow.” I find great joy in knowing that she is listening to my messages, but on the other hand, I find it very gripping to know that I better live what I preach.

I have developed a relationship with this girl that is sincere, it is brutally honest, and I can honestly say that she has made me a better preacher, because I see that the words I say are literally taken to heart and that I need to be very careful in how I present the “word of God.” I have enjoyed the last ten years of this relationship and look forward to the coming years. God has blessed me mightily by placing this “fireball” into my

26 // February 2023

About The Author

life, and I will not take any day for granted.

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

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Not Yet

by Arietta Grimmett

Do I know Yeshuaq (Jesus) as He knows me, Have I seen the nail prints in His hands and His feet, The scars on His brow from the crown of thorns, The wounds on His back from the blows of a whip?

Not Yet Have I seen the One who died for me, The One who saved me to the uttermost, The One who healed my body too numerous to mention, The One who truly gives life after death?

Not Yet But one of these days I will see Him. I will see Him as He sees me now.

I will know Him as He knows me now.

I Shall.

28 // February 2023

About The Author

No, not yet. Still waiting! But by His grace, Arietta Grimmett, D. Min. is a Retired Minister and Sunday School Teacher and attends Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Trust: Even When God Seems Silent n the morning of New Year’s Eve, I sat drinking my coffee and reflecting on the past year. So many changes have occurred in my life. Many changes were small, like getting a cat, while others were huge, liking getting a husband. As always, some were wanted, like a new house, and some less desirable, like my best friend moving further away. Many blessings were a surprise, while others were answered prayers. God answers all prayers. He may

not give the answer we wanted, or He might take a while. Of all the prayers that were answered in 2022, two really stood out to me. One being my quest for a house.

About five years ago, after unfortunate circumstances, my credit score was bottomed out, and I was barely surviving financially. I rented a small house in which, at times, four of us lived. My goal was to become a homeowner again. I worked diligently to raise my credit score and save for a down payment. About three years ago I reached the desired goal, and the search began.

I prayed that God would help me find the perfect house.

First, I located a real estate agent and found a loan officer that would give me the benefit of the doubt. Spending hours on the internet, I looked at houses and made lists of

30 // February 2023

possibilities. Then I began viewing houses with the agent. It was so exciting to see all the potential homes.

However, each time I found one and put in a bid, poof!

It was gone. Someone got it before me. House after house, after house. Then the loan officer I was working with left the company she worked with, and I was told I was no longer eligible for a loan. This went on for two years. I could not understand why God was not answering my prayer. Well, here I sit in my new home. My prayer wasn’t answered because it wasn’t to be my new home, but our new home.

God had the man, the gold band, and the home already planned.

Also, this year God answered another prayer. This particular prayer had been going up for four years. At one point, I remember sitting in my car, literally crying out to God with tears streaming down my face, begging for Him to help my loved one. Watching this person struggle was heart-wrenching at times. I think God was working out the pieces slowly, and finally my prayer was answered this year.

Sometimes God’s plan and timing don’t make sense to us. Imagine being an Israelite at the Battle of Jericho. I might have said, “He wants us to do what? Walk around Jericho for six days? We can easily circle the city in one day! And we will be sitting ducks walking around and around out here in the open! God said he would make it collapse. Why doesn’t he just do it the first time we circle?”

Even though the Israelites did not understand the process, they trusted God. They endured six days of silence and circling, just as God instructed. We must pray with endurance and faith. Believe in God’s promises, even when it seems like nothing is happening. In the silence, God is at work.

About The Author

O

by Donna Swann

Donna Swann is a second-grade teacher in Rome, Georgia. She attends Grace Faith Bible Study where her husband Jack is the pastor. She coauthors a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sovereign Goodness

L

by Greg Grotewold

ife is full of sad stories. Like this one. A medical

from it. In other words, I need to enlighten my heart with a

examiner’s office in upstate New York recently concluded

clearer view of Jesus’s sovereign goodness. He makes colossal

its investigation of a two-year-old boy’s death earlier

promises throughout Scripture, but none more seemingly

in the year. It was determined that the toddler had died of

outlandish than the gift of a glorious inheritance for all who

starvation after his father (the only other person living in the

trust and obey Him. In any other sphere of life, it would be

house) had died of a heart ailment. By the time a welfare check

lunacy to hope in such things. Not Jesus. Not Heaven. Glorious

was performed, it was too late. The two bodies were found in

promises are only fulfilled by glorious sources of power. And

the father’s bedroom.

His prowess is both immeasurable and unparalleled. Nothing—

This is not the way things are supposed to be. It’s becoming clear that the world is categorically broken, perhaps irreversibly so. And for those like me who lack a certain intestinal fortitude, the prevalence of such suffering can cause deep sadness.

no rule, authority, power, or dominion—will preclude Jesus from delivering His children into Glory. Nothing.

Colossians 1 provides even greater illumination as to His power.

But feeling sad, as a blood-bought believer, is okay, I’ve learned. Sadness need not be the antithesis of hope. The two emotions can coexist, for the former clings to that which can be seen and the latter to that which can’t. “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for which he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:24-25, ESV). One is today’s reality, and the other tomorrow’s.

Someday my faith will become sight, and I will be in the glorious presence of Jesus. Until then, Paul tells me to wait patiently. Easier said than done, though. What do I do with my growing angst over disease and death, a culture hellbent on its own moral destruction, my own sinful contributions? Paul provides that guidance, too:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven

May [the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones

glory] give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation

or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were

in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your

created through him and for him. And he is before all

hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the

things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the

hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of

head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the

his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the

firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be

immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who

preeminent. (15-18, ESV)

he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:17-21, ESV, bracketed language rearranged).

I grow my ability to endure the sickness when I grow my understanding of the One who will eventually deliver me

32 // February 2023

These four verses are very dear to me. I go to them when the world gets me down, which means I frequent this passage often. Jesus Christ creates all things, holds all things together, and is before all things. These facts tell me He is able to keep His promises. Such assurance regarding the future is what allows me to face the present. May His sovereign goodness do the same for you.

About The Author

believe, according to the working of his great might that

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

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

I Love You Most

A

by Dr. Bobby Sneed

parent’s love for their child is a uniquely

The love that God has for us will never be

powerful thing. I am fortunate to have a

outdone! Coming to the earth in human form is an “I

daughter who is now in her 30’s, but some

love you” from Heaven. Giving us the gift of grace by

of my fondest memories of her growing up are the “I

faith in Jesus to understand and accept this love is “I

Love You” exchanges we had. I have no idea where or

love you more” as we grow in our relationship with

when it started but one of us would say to the other, “I

Him; but God finishes the exchange with “I love you

love you,” to which the reply was “I love you more,”

most” by dying on the cross for our sins. He became

followed by the one who initiated, “I love you most.”

sin that we might live forever with Him. He overcame

It sounds simple and perhaps to some “silly,” but it

death so we would have life. Jesus says to us all today,

was a sweet exchange of affection that defined our commitment to one another as father and child. As the years have gone by and my walk with the Lord has grown nearer and sweeter, I have come to the realization that this exchange epitomizes God’s affection for us.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The gift of the Son to a lost and dying world was, and still is, God saying, I love you! There is no other way to describe this singular act of grace and mercy than to say it was born out of love and devotion to His creation (us),

“I love you,” “I love you more,” and “I love you most.”

which we know based on scripture is truth because God

His love will never be outdone!

doesn’t just love; God is love (1 John 4:16).

As we celebrate love, be reminded of this,

In response to God telling us, “I love you,” if we

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;

receive this love and understand that God is love, then

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows

our response is to love Him back. The entirety of the verse

God” (1 John 4:7). The people in our lives may come to

listed above (1 John 4:16) states, “And we have known and

know God’s love by how we love them. Take the time

believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he

today to say, “I love you!”

who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” We known and believed the love that God has for us, we learn to love Him more and more, thus “I love you more.”

34 // February 2023

About The Author

didn’t initiate the “love,” God did! Nevertheless, having

Dr. Bobby Sneed is the pastor of Deep Springs Baptist Church. His greatest desire is that all will experience the peace, hope and love of the Father made possible by faith in the Son, Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484

reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Value of Relationships

O

by David Huff

ne of the greatest aspects that come from being

in a relationship with someone is that we grow in Godly

in a relationship with someone is the unity and

grace and love. Jesus tells us to love each other as He loves

love that is created. For this reason, it hurts when

us. That is a tall order because what happens if we have

we become separated from someone we truly care for. A

never had an opportunity to see true Biblical love in our

friend can become a family member and sometimes even

lives? However, when we are in a relationship with the

closer than our real family. This is the beauty of walking in

Father, we are also allowing the Father to show us how to

a relationship with someone.

love as Jesus did.

So many times, the word relationship is taken to

We have to make a conscious choice to not walk

believe that it is a “couples-only” word. Boy, girl,

life alone and enter into a relationship with someone.

or man and woman in a romantic bond. In reality,

In the most volatile moments of my life, when I needed

relationships as a whole are so much more. Dictionary.

to feel love at its deepest level, God led me to people

com describes the word relationship as the way in which

that I needed to be in a relationship with. Some of these

two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected

relationships were only for a season, and they were with

or the state of being connected. Being in a relationship

brothers that I will forever be thankful to for walking with

with someone does not mean that we are romantically

me in the most distressful moments of life. Through these

involved with them; it can also mean we are in a deep

small group relationships, bonds were formed that allowed

friendship with them.

me to become a better person, but also a better Christian.

In Proverbs 27:17, we are told that iron sharpens

In these relationships, I had to face the reality of being

iron. When we join a group of friends, we are allowing

called out by brothers and sisters who genuinely loved me

ourselves to be sharpened by someone else. This is not

and wanted the best for me. These

always easy because that also involves us having to look

relationships also led me

deep within ourselves to answer some questions

to be a better husband

that are laid out before us. A relationship is also

and father in my

where we find the true definition of who

personal relationships

someone is and how much love they

as well.

show to the people around them.

God calls each and every one of us to first be in a relationship with Him and then second to be in a relationship with those around us. How and influenced by these relationships is completely up to us. The value of being

36 // February 2023

About The Author

we are changed My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and production team. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cake Pops Sometimes, nothing says I love you more than a freshly baked cake—or in this case, a no-bake cake pop! This twist on the classic red velvet cake is the perfect sweet treat to make this Valentine’s Day. With only eight ingredients, and a quick, no-bake preparation, you can spoil your loved ones without spending too much time in the kitchen. If you try this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at GoodNews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Ingredients • 1 cup of medjool dates • ¼ cup of almond flour • 1 tablespoon of coconut flour • ¼ cup of cacao powder • 2 tablespoons of beetroot powder • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup • 1 tablespoon of coconut cream

Instructions 1. Remove the pits from the medjool dates.

Then, add the pitted dates to a food processor and blend until a ball forms.

2. Add almond flour, coconut flour, cacao powder, beetroot powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Blend until a dough is formed.

Add coconut cream and blend again.

3. Scoop out a tablespoon amount of dough at a time and roll into balls.

4. Roll balls in cacao powder and add a cake-pop stick to one end.

5. Store cake pops in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!

38 // February 2023

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