January 2018

Gò0dNews January 2018

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ROME

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About Us WRITERS

Amy Mendez Amy Wilson Billy Carver Bill Fortenberry Brenda Dedmon Dale Levan Donna Tumlin Donald Smith Earl Brackin Karla Smedley Kent Howard Khristie Staines Mike Ellis Nelson Haynes Samuel Bain

SALES

Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch Avery Hurst

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 four beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, and Leah Jean. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to

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offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine

Courtesy of Church of God Winterfest

because we feel that when God, family, and community

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are combined, lives will be changed.

DISTRIBUTION

Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us

GoodNews Christian Magazine Rome 5000 Monthly

EDITOR

Emily Bangura

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Phone: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

WEBSITE

goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, throughout the community in retail establishments, 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.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord.

Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS� basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

Contents JANUARY 2018

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk 6 The Churches Coming Together

GoodNews for Health & Fitness 24 Six Ways to a Trimmer You!

GoodNews for Kids 8 Our Daily Journey with Life

GoodNews for Teens 26 Let’s Rock 2018 for the Glory of God

by Mike Ellis

by Samuel Bain

by Amy Mendez

by Amy Wilson

GoodNews on Money Matters 10 The Parable of Mentone Squirrel: A Lesson in Retirement Savings

GoodNews for Seniors 28 Life Lessons from My Dad

GoodNews for Men 12 Lasting Change

GoodNews Player of the Month 30 Reagan Dooley

GoodNews for Women 14 Throwing my Hands Up

GoodNews for Everyone 32 How Far Did He Go?

GoodNews for Parents 18 Responsibility Is an Important Lesson

GoodNews for Everyone 34 Looking Ahead

by Bill Fortenberry

by Billy Carver

by Karla Smedley

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Cover Story 20 Winterfest - 35 Years of Impacting a Generation for Christ GoodNews for Life 22 Somebody’s Angel

08

by Earl Brackin

by Kent Howard

by Dale Levan

by Donna Tumlin

GoodNews for Everyone 36 A Bed of Roses

20

by Donald Smith

GoodNews for Everyone 38 Reality Check

by Nelson Haynes

by Khristie Staines

38

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

®

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

The Churches Coming Together

R

MikeRoberts Ellis by by Jarrod

emember this when you pray: “Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.”

That statement is attributed to John Newton and it is a great reminder to “Pray Big!” From the news reports and the issues we see in our country, it would appear that we are not praying too “large”, but that we are praying too little. In the Bible, we discover the truth that “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2). Thankfully, there are a group of believers in Rome who are gathering each week to ask God to do what only He can do.

Throughout 2017, The Rome Prayer Gathering has been meeting every Tuesday to “Pray Big!” We are a diverse group of believers from every walk of life, from various churches, from all around Floyd County who are bringing to our Father “large petitions.” We are praying on behalf of our churches, our communities, our city, our county, and our country. The overall theme of our prayer time can be summarized by the words of the Lord’s Prayer; “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

We have seen racial barriers broken down. We have seen broken hearts mended. We have experienced a deeper and richer communion in the body of Christ. We are seeing God work in mighty ways. You are invited to join us each Tuesday, at noon, as we lift our voices in prayer “to him who is able to do far more abundantly

6 // January 2018

than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20).

We are launching “21 Days of Connection” on Sunday, January 7. Churches across Floyd County will focus on the powerful, earth shaking prayers as recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 4:31, 16:26). We will learn by experience what it means to be devoted to prayer. Many are planning to enter a time of fasting during this significant prayer emphasis. We will be encouraged as we experience the blessing of uniting together in prayer. We will discover how it is possible to be directed by prayer in ways that honor God and help one another. The protective power of prayer will be revealed. We are also anticipating the commissioning of brothers and sisters in Christ into dynamic areas of service, as a result of our prayer emphasis in 2018.

For current information on where we will be gathering to pray each day (January 8-26). please visit www.21DaysofConnection.com. You can also request information on how your church can get involved in this dynamic event.

Let’s take God at His word in 2018, after all He has declared, “Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” (Jeremiah 33:3 MSG).

Jarrod Roberts is the Pastor of West Rome Church in Rome, GA. He is leading a community movement Mike Ellis is aother Pastor in pastors the Rome community.

Heand is part with local for everyone to fast prayof a at themovement start of thewith yearother for thelocal first pastors 21 days.asking Please Believers join community together in unity with your church and community to to fast and pray for 21 Days at the start of the New Year! start the year off right.

“Connecting to God Through Prayer and Fasting”

Event:

21 Days of Connection

is a community wide prayer and fasting event from January 7th – January 28th, of 2018.

Purpose:

To come together as Believers throughout our community through prayer and fasting to connect with God and to see Him Redeem this City for His Glory!

Focal Passage:

Acts 1:14 - The Early Church was “Devoted to Prayer”

Message Titles:

January 7th – Acts 4:24-31 “United by Prayer” January 14th – Acts 10-11 “Directed by Prayer” January 21st – Acts 12:5 “Protected by Prayer” January 28th – Acts 13:3 “Commissioned by Prayer”

Daily Prayer:

We will meet together on weekdays for the 21 days from noon – 1:00PM to pray together. This will usually be at the Well at West Rome because of the central location but could also move to strategic locations throughout the city during our fast.

Devotional Guide:

There will be a Daily Devotional Guide that will follow along with the sermons. These will be available for you to distribute in printed or digital form so that you can follow along each day.

Types of Fast: Daniel Fast Three Things Fast Full Fast

Final Day Celebration:

On January 28th, time to be determined, we will have a united service to celebrate what God has done through our fasting and praying in all of our churches. We hope that you’ll make it a priority to be a part of this event to celebrate the unity of the family of God here in Rome.

www.21daysofconnection.com

Gò0dNews for Kids

Our Daily Journey with Life

E

by Samuel Bain

ach day we face what we consider to be life’s difficulties. Our daily journey leads us down the path of right or wrong. What we do with our life is our decision; we can hurt other kids’ feelings at school or we can give another person some of our lunch if they don’t have any. The word goodness is a great example of how we are supposed to live our lives. Being kids we often find ourselves wanting to watch TV or maybe just playing outside, but what we don’t usually do is give other kids compliments about how they look, how athletic they are, or how smart they are.

The reason the word goodness is such a valuable word to live our lives by is because it was mentioned in the Bible as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Another fruit of the spirit is kindness, but the difference between the two is that goodness is what we show when we stick up for someone who is being bullied, kindness is what we show when we sit with someone at lunch because they don’t have any friends. They are both very important when we are talking about furthering God’s kingdom. However, being good is what we can do every day as kids because we can tell others about Jesus and we can help others in class.

Another thing we can do as kids is to have courage in our everyday journey in life. Jesus said he would never leave us but he never said our life would be easy or perfect. We are going to face difficulties but we can choose to have courage and push through with our journey and overcome our problems. Don’t ever think you are too small, you are too young , or you aren’t good enough because Jesus said that we

8 // January 2018

are created in his image and that we are made exactly how he wants us to be; so, we can never be too small or too young and we are always good enough because the same God who created the universe created us.

We are always able to do what God tells us and make right decisions and even when we mess up, God still forgives us because he loves us so much that he sent his only child to die on the cross for our sins. He loves us so much that he will forgive us of all our sins because his only son Jesus died for you and me. Making the right decision is more than doing what you think is right; it is doing what God thinks is right. When you don’t know what to do, then think about what Jesus would do because he never sinned. He is the only person who has ever or will ever live and be perfect. We can strive to be like him, although we never will be, because he is the perfect example. In the end, we are all going to make bad decisions but we can give glory to God, ask for forgiveness and we can learn from our mistakes and do exactly what God has called us to do and we can be who God wants us to be. God wants us all to have eternal life in heaven with streets of gold but the only way that we can achieve this is by confessing our sins and believing in our hearts that his son Jesus died for our sins. This is the only way to have eternal life in heaven. So during your daily journey with life make sure that you show goodness.

Samuel Bain resides in Cleveland, TN. He answered the call to preach on his life at the age of ten years old, and began evangelising at the age of 11. To schedule him to come preach, please email Melissa. mypain2purpose@aol.com

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

The Parable of Mentone Squirrel A Lesson in Retirement Savings

M

by Bill Fortenberry

y wife and I took a day trip to Mentone, Alabama, recently. As we walked among the little cabin stores, our attention shifted to a nearby rustling. Not 10 yards away was a fearless squirrel, stopped in his tracks. He was fat and gray. His tail was bushy and twitching. He looked right at us, staring us down, daring us to encroach on the hoard of acorns he, no doubt, was working on.

He needn’t have worried. We had about as much interest in his acorns as he had in the jewelry and handmade soaps for sale up on the hill, but he didn’t know that.

We left him to his work, and didn’t really think much more about him until we saw another squirrel a couple of days later in our neighborhood. He was skinny and not sure what to do as he crossed the road in front of us.

He hesitated and then scampered to the side of the road toward more backyards and even fewer trees.

Two squirrels. Two stories.

Mentone Squirrel, living in a grove of oaks, was living well. He had put on weight for the winter and was stocking up for the cold days ahead. There were enough acorns around that he felt comfortable in eating his fill to fuel him for his work. Still, he was in savings mode. There would be a time soon when it would not be so safe to venture outside, and when the acorns aren’t as plentiful.

10 // January 2018

City Squirrel was lithe, svelte, and confused. There are a few acorns around, maybe even the occasional pecan, but those are few and far between. City Squirrel lives day-to-day on the ration of cat food, dog treats, and birdseed the humans leave behind. He hasn’t put on any weight in preparation for winter. He may have had a store of nuts and acorns somewhere, but I doubt it.

Access to kibble has lulled him into thinking he doesn’t need to worry about tomorrow.

The closer my wife and I get to retirement, the more I realize the importance of living like Mentone Squirrel.

When you’re young, it’s easy to think there is plenty of money in your future and plenty of time to save. But, life happens. Mortgages, cars, kids, and college can quickly take over a budget. When you realize winter is coming and the harvest is drying up, your perspective changes. If you haven’t already, prepare for retirement now. Take advantage of a 401K, 403B, or Roth IRA. Even if you have, review your budget and review your plan.

Right about now City Squirrel is probably standing in a traffic lane, looking at the truck barreling toward him, hoping there is some soggy dog food on the other side of the road. Mentone Squirrel? He’s carefully enjoying his store of acorns about now, warm and safe in his wellprepared nest.

Bill Fortenberry worked 17 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, and has worked in healthcare communications since 2001. Bill serves as the chairman of the board of managers of Haven Health Clinic for Women and is a Men’s Ministry leader and small group facilitator at his church, HBC Rome. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Ethan and Autumn. A storyteller at heart, Bill writes an occasional blog at kudzudad.blogspot.com

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Gò0dNews for Men

S

Lasting Change

by Billy Carver

omeone once said, “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”

With the New Year, we have a fresh start. Every year millions of Americans make resolutions. The most popular resolutions last year were to get healthy, get organized, live life to the fullest, learn new hobbies, and spend less/save more. We make decisions for new beginnings because what we really want is new endings.

If I were to make a New Year resolution, it would be to have a deeper commitment, love, and worship for the Lord. I am determined to make Jesus Christ my all and all. I am determined to give Him my undivided attention in spite of the distractions and temptations. I want to know God in a deeper fashion.

As a follower of Christ, I have learned that there are very few things that I can do by my own power.

I’ve tried many times to do this, or not to do this, and many of those times I fell short. It is only through the power of God that lasting change has been brought into my life. I know that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). I know that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:38). I know that it is Jesus who promised we “may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

I know that it is God who “gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength”

12 // January 2018

(Isaiah 40:29). I know that when my life is in Christ all of His promises are yes and amen. God made the promises and Christ fulfilled them, and it is by the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we benefit from them.

How we will end this year will be determined by how we start it. Do you want a new ending this year?

How do you want the ending of your life?

If you’re reading this and you are not a Christian, please know that this could be the best New Year of your life. Your life can be filled with hope, peace, and power. All you have to do is follow Jesus and commit your life to Him. If you are a Christian and you feel lost in your relationship with the Lord, then now is the time to rekindle your love with Him. He calls us to Himself saying, “Come to me.” Can you hear Him? He is tugging at your heart. Why should every New Year result in the same disappointments? This year make a commitment to the One who has the power to bring about lasting change in your life!

Billy Carver is the Senior Pastor at Mt Alto Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. He is currently a student at Covington Theological Seminary, where he is working toward his Bachelor of Ministry. He has been married to his wife, MaryAnn, for five years and has served in ministry in one way or another for over five years.

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Gò0dNews for Women

I

Throwing My Hands Up

by Karla Smedley

n 1991, I discovered I was going to be a mom. Adding a second child to our family in 1996 and being a military/ policeman’s wife made me feel overwhelm at times.

Being a mom, wife, baker, chauffeur, manager at my own laundry mat, maid, teacher at home, church, and school, and being a disciplinarian just to name a few, wore me out both mentally and physically! I would come home from teaching to my full time mom job. Sitting the girls at the kitchen table to work on their homework, I would run downstairs to the washing machine to get a load in. I would stir dinner while answering their questions. At times, I would throw in a pan of brownies for a class party, or make an extra dinner for a sick friend. Meanwhile, I would have to settle a disagreement between the girls whose minds had drifted from their homework. And my mind was drifting to papers I needed to grade, but the baths they needed more. Days like these were enough to make me throw my hands in the air because I could not handle it all.

I had a Christian mom, who taught me that I could go to God for strength. I did often. However, I was like a trapeze artist. I would stand on the edge of my platform swinging the issue to God for Him to take over, but I would soon forget that I had given my worries to Him. Thus, I would try to grab the bar back from Him so that I could try to swing it solo, as if I could do a better job myself!

14 // January 2018

I know that I am not alone in these feelings. Women in our world, whether they are single, married, or moms, have too much on their plates, and too much to balance.

About four years ago, something changed in my life. I began reading my Bible daily. I have gained so much perspective and knowledge to incorporate into my everyday life. Recently reading in Judges, I thought of how Gideon must have been extremely overwhelmed by God’s request for him to save Israel. The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

Gideon was unsure of his abilities and the direction God wanted him to go. God was amazing as always. He was gentle and patient with Gideon as he asked for signs.

Behind the scenes God drastically lessened the number of men needed to do the job, so that He would be seen rather than human efforts.

I think that is what God wants from us too. He desires us to turn to Him because our human efforts will never be adequate. I am learning not to just throw up my hands in defeat, but rather lift my hands to our Lord, as I walk daily in His presence.

Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the Praise Team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

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Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal

Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Us 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 706 853-8059 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 20161 706-235-9551

Assembly Of God

Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE, Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3018 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd

16 // January 2018

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 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 Fifth Avenue Baptist Church 416 N 5th Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-1150 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 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 706-232-5102 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 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 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

Riverside Baptist Church 38 Ash St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 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 East Rome 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 706-234-3516 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church

209 E. Second Ave, Rome, GA

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 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380

Lutheran

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

Methodist

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 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, GA 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164-2247 706-234-6214

Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023 Rome First 26 Glenda Dr SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023

1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 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 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3022 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158

Orthodox

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

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

Covenant Presbyterian Church 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-512-0190 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Non-Denominational

Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church

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

issuu.com/goodnewsrome // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Responsibility is an Important Lesson

I

by Brenda Dedmon

n our society today, we live in an “It is not my fault” world. Everyone wants to blame others for whatever situation they find themselves in. Few want to take responsibility for their actions. As a child, I had a pretend friend Charlotte. However, Charlotte got me in trouble! My name would be written on the wall in crayon. My mom asked, “Why did you write your name on the wall?”

I said, “Charlotte did it.”

I never got away with that excuse. She said, “Well, you and Charlotte get busy and clean it up.” I learned that my actions had consequences and I was responsible for the outcome.

So how do you teach responsibility? There are some core values that you must instill in your child in their journey to begin this process. Your example is a very important way to teach these values. The values include: Generosity — the willingness to help others Honesty — be truthful and sincere Integrity — being true to your moral and ethical principles and values Kindness — being considerate and treating others well As you incorporate these values into your children, you will also be creating a sense of responsibility. As the New Year begins, it is a great time to develop ways children can be responsible for tasks which will require accountability from them.

As you begin your list, remember to keep in mind ageappropriate things and use the word “responsibility” when

18 // January 2018

discussing the tasks. These should be done without it being on a “reward” system. There is a time and place for rewards but learning to be responsible should not be based on reward. The emphasis should be more on the consequences of not doing the task. Learning to take care of things helps a child develop a sense of responsibility for his actions.

If your child is responsible for cleaning up after playing with his cars and he does not want to clean up, remind him that he will not be able to play with his cars anymore that day. If he chooses to not clean up, then you need to follow through and take away his cars for the rest of the day. The more you enforce the rules, the more likely he will clean up the next time.

It is ultimately your child’s choice to not put a toy away. Sometimes parents do not want to let their children suffer, be sad, be angry; but if you always solve your child’s problems, then they will not learn to be responsible as they grow up. If your child forgets to put his homework in his backpack and you are tempted to take it to him, don’t! Hopefully, he will be more cognizant of remembering his responsibilities the next time.

Teaching kids about responsibility is not easy, but what part of parenting is? It takes years and lots of practice.

But you have to start sometime, so this New Year could be a great time to start.

Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the Director of Children’s Learning Center at First Baptist of Dalton in Dalton, Georgia.

Church Activities & Events Fellowship Baptist Church Men’s Prayer Time

Thursday’s at 6 AM 314 Burnett Ferry Rd SW, Rome, GA 30165

Second Avenue Baptist Church Adult Bible Study

Wednesday’s at 6:15 PM 823 E 2nd Ave., Rome, GA 30161

Lovejoy Baptist Church Prayer

Every Wednesday at Noon in the Lovejoy Life Center Call for more info (706) 232-1917

Northside Church

Discovering Northside

Sunday’s in January 9:30 AM - Office Conference room Call for more info (706) 233-9896

Providence Baptist Church Riverwood Bible Study

1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month Call for more info (706) 291-0689

FEATURED COVER STORY

Winterfest - 35 Years of Impacting a Generation for Christ

T

hirty-five years ago, a couple of youth leaders

Gatlinburg, but as

took a few students to the Smoky Mountains for a

the years passed

weekend discipleship retreat. That small beginning

it became a place

led to literally hundreds of thousands of students being

where thousands

impacted for Christ over the last 35 years by what is now

of teens made a

called “Winterfest.” We couldn’t be more excited about what

decision to follow

God has accomplished over these last three decades and are

Christ and to answer

believing for a tremendous weekend March 9-11, 2018.

His call. Winterfest

What began with three local youth groups and 278 students

unites generations,

meeting at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee now

cultures, and denominations to reach, teach, and train a

reaches over 60,000 teens globally in 23 locations.

generation for Christ.

Over these thirty-five years many other weekend retreats and one-day events have begun that emphasize discipleship and evangelism, however, Winterfest leadership has continued to focus on three primary core values: worship, the Word, and prayer. There is intentionality to exposing students to authentic worship,

In the beginning it was about going to Gatlinburg, eating fudge, riding the spindle and chair lift to Ober

20 // January 2018

anointed Biblical preaching, and allowing ample opportunity to respond in extended altar services for

prayer. We believe that faith cometh by hearing, but is walked out after a commitment is made to fulfill the Great Commission. This movement may have begun in the Great Smoky Mountains but has literally reached around the world with the Gospel of Christ.

Winterfest challenges students to not only to follow Christ but to serve their community. In many of the Winterfest locations, community outreach events are coordinated throughout the weekend for students to feed the homeless, care for orphans, minister on the streets, and to assist the elderly. Thousands of teens leave on Sunday knowing that they have not only been ministered to but they have given back to others who are less fortunate than they.

At the heart of Winterfest are the unsung heroes of the weekend… local youth leaders. Whether full-time, parttime, or only “sometimes,” we appreciate the incredible sacrifice to see lives mentored and students forged into the young men and women God desires for His Kingdom.

There have been hundreds of leaders over the years that have given countless hours to plan, promote, and produce these events. The steering committee is comprised of local youth pastors, state directors, and international leaders. However, because Winterfest was birthed in the heart of local leaders, the steering committee has always kept a large ratio of local youth pastors to keep the event

Last year, a special offering was given to assist the families who suffered from the Gatlinburg fires of November 2016. To date over $25,000.00 has been invested back into the community through various organizations.

Winterfest partnered with “God’s Pit Crew” out of Danville, Virginia to rebuild and furnish a home for a family who lost everything in the fires.

Additional funds were given to the Smoky Mountain Home for Children which

relevant to the current generation. The current leaders stand on the shoulders of a host of individuals who sacrificed greatly to pave the way for future generations to be called into action for the Kingdom.

The incredible growth God has given Winterfest over the past thirty-five years has not been taken for granted.

Even so, we believe there is more, so much more, God desires to do ahead. “More” is only possible with the continued prayers, partnerships, and support by local pastors, youth leaders, and parents.

For more information about Winterfest 2018 go to mywinterfest.org or call 423-478-7220.

housed affected families and relief workers during the crisis. Local families received assistance to purchase clothing and school supplies through local churches that received Winterfest funds.

issuu.com/goodnewsrome // 21

Gò0dNews for Life

Somebody’s Angel

D

by Khristie Staines

uring November and December, our ministry had an opportunity to provide hope to a newly bereaved family in a unique way. On November 11th we got a message from a sweet nurse asking if we were available to serve a family whose 29-week baby boy was born into Heaven earlier that morning. Once I arrived at the hospital I was greeted by the nurse who contacted me. She has such a passion for the families she serves, and God always prepares her heart on her morning drive for what lies in store for her work day.

Once she welcomed me, I was able to meet with the precious family, capture some images of them with their son and I then worked with the nurse to prepare this sweet baby boy to be dressed and given back to the family for more photos. Afterwards I began talking with the nurse to see what the needs of this family were. Over the course of the next two months, those special nurses, other ministries, and the friends, family, and supporters of our ministry stepped up to stand in the gap for this family during a time of loss. Thanks to the generosity of these individuals we were able to show His love, light, and message of hope with this family. We were able to provide them with a food, clothing, furniture, appliances, and loss resources as well. It was an amazing effort as we all joined together on behalf of this family. We truly could not have done it were it not for God guiding our steps.

22 // January 2018

That is the beauty of servanthood, letting God use us in ways that He sees fit. In doing so, He already prepares the hearts of those who will answer His call during times of need. Over the course of serving this family, a constant song that I played was “Somebody’s Angel” by Mandisa. The opening verse of the song states, “They say this is the best time of the year/And for most of us that’s probably how it feels/But what about the ones left alone/And all the people hurting/ Looking for a glimpse of hope”. Listening to this song, I was reminded we all can be “somebody’s angel”, maybe not in the ways that we sometimes think. Many people think they have nothing to offer if they do not offer financially. I beg to differ. Words of encouragement are one of the best ways in which we can be “somebody’s angel”. Not just at the holidays, but every single day.

Take a moment to truly listen to that elderly person telling you a story, offer a kind word to a new mama, send a card to a friend, or just be present wherever you are. These song lyrics also fit so perfectly with God’s word in Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Take a listen for yourself and let this song touch your life like it has mine.

Khristie Staines is the co-founder and president of Footprints on the Heart, Inc. She resides in Bartow, Georgia.

Gò0dNews for Health and Fitness

Six Ways

To a Trimmer You!

I

by Amy Mendez

f you have ever dreamed of having a smaller waistline, then this article is just for you! Losing unwanted belly fat can be a real battle. Excess belly fat can make you depressed and discouraged. It makes you feel less confidant and harder for your jeans to fit.

Right?! Here are six strategies to overcome a bloated and oversized waistline.

Cut calories — Everyone knows it’s a fact, to drop calories means to drop body fat, but did you know that it can be counter-productive to cut too many calories?

Eating too few calories will cause a decrease in your metabolic rate. It’s very important that you do not restrict your caloric intake too much for long periods of time.

Adding cardio or aerobic activity into your day — Doing cardio and aerobic exercise will burn calories while you are doing it, but your body will also keep burning body fat and calories throughout the day and night while you are resting. Doing moderate to high intensity cardio 30-45 minutes a day will reduce unwanted body fat tremendously, it’s also good for your heart and lungs and can add length to your life.

Limit your intake of sugar — Limiting sugar in all forms such as fruit and refined carbs has been shown to reduce body fat significantly. Although, we have all been taught to add more fruit to our diets, too much fruit will add inches to your waistline because it causes insulin release into your body.

Insulin is a hormone that

keeps blood sugar stable and that also causes weight gain.

Instead add more complex carbs such as whole grains, oatmeal, and brown rice. These types of carbs are better able to sustain blood sugar levels.

24 // January 2018

Eat more soluble fiber — Eating more soluble fiber has been proven to reduce fat around your waistline. By eating more soluble fiber you are less likely to acquire fat around organs. Fat around organs will cause extra inches to accumulate around your waistline.

Do strength training — Strength training increases your metabolic rate and will cause an increase in lean muscle mass. A restriction in calories without adding strength training will cause muscle loss therefore decreasing the rate of which you burn calories. You become a “fat storing machine”, rather than a “fat burning machine.” Not only will your muscles get weaker and smaller, it will cause your body fat to increase changing your body fat to muscle ration therefore causing saggy skin.

Reduce the fear in your life — Fear causes stress and anxiety, which cause a release of cortisol into your body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that causes muscles to lose density and increase in belly fat.

2 Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound disciplined mind.

One of the enemies biggest devices, traps, and wiles (the Bible tells us to not be ignorant of the enemies devises) is to make people walk in fear. The enemy understands the impact fear has on destroying the body. John 10:10 tells us, “that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and to destroy.” Notice in 2 Timothy 1:7, it says “spirit of fear”. Fear is a spirit sent from the enemy to destroy you. Do not believe the lies of this

spirit. You have God’s Spirit, the same power that raised Christ from the dead living inside you.You are an overcomer!

Amy Mendez is a life coach, mentor, personal trainer, and a nutritionist at Results Unlimited in Calhoun, GA.

Gò0dNews for Teens

Let’s Rock 2018 for the Glory of God

by Amy Wilson

C

“If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home, you’ll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless. You’ll forget your troubles; they’ll be like old, faded photographs. Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring. Full of hope, you’ll relax, confident again; you’ll look around, sit back, and take it easy” — Job 11:14-18 MSG

hristmas is over; it’s a brand new year. Welcome to 2018! Now what? School is starting back and it’s a new semester. All that happened the first semester is over and you get a “fresh” start, right? What was that New Year’s Resolution again?

Even though it is now 2018, on January 1st when you woke up, life was no different than December 31st.

The struggles were still real and the feelings were the same, but it is a new day, a brand new start. Today is the day that we get to choose whom we are going to serve (Joshua 24:15). You have to make a choice!

This year we need to think on Job 11:14-18. We need to scrub our hands of sin; we need to refuse to even entertain evil in our homes or lives. What music is it that you need to maybe turn off? What TV shows need to go? Friends? Do these friends lift you up or tear you down? What do you want to change in 2018? Don’t you long to be washed in the sunshine, to be full of hope, to relax and know that God’s got this?

26 // January 2018

Now is the time to put away those things that stood between you and the Lord in 2017. It’s 2018, “Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.

The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 MSG. As I close, I want to end with a very familiar verse to most people. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (MSG). Today, make a choice that 2018 is going to be different than the past years. Stand tall and know that God’s got this all under control; all He needs from you is for you to be a willing vessel. Whom are you going to choose to serve? Let’s rock 2018 all for the glory of God. Amy Wilson is the Development Director at Teen Challenge Midsouth Adult Center in Chattanooga, TN and served as Youth Pastor for many years in the Cleveland area. She is married with one child and serving both at her local church and serves on the Council for a prison ministry called Kairos.

Gò0dNews for Seniors

Life Lessons From My Dad

M

by Earl Brackin

y dad is 94. I’ve learned many things from him.

Some things he taught me hands on, like playing music, throwing a ball, or how to hammer and saw. But some things I learned just by observing him.

He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII out in the Pacific. After the war He returned home, went to college and became a band director. He was already a good musician, playing gigs all over the south. He even played in the pit band when the USO shows traveled his way in the Pacific islands. He was an original “Renaissance man”. He could build houses, be his own electrician, stand in as a mechanic if needed and that’s just for starters. He also worked as a fireman before he went to college. If you needed something done, you just asked my dad.

But as talented and skilled as he was, it was “who” he was that set him apart. His character was to put others first. He turned down offers to travel as a musician in order to work a steady job so he could provide for a wife and child. As a teacher, he looked for ways to add value to the lives of his students. As a faculty member, he was always solving problems.

This is where my story takes an unexpected turn.

You see, my dad has a strange medical condition that has significantly altered his ability to function. Paralyzed on his right side, he can no longer play music. After he retired from teaching he played clarinet in a regional orchestra. Learned cello at 75 and then played that. His

28 // January 2018

last musical endeavor was to take up the bagpipes. He was a faithful member of pipers in Blairsville, GA and at 91 played and marched in parades.

Not only is he paralyzed on his right side, but he can no longer speak anything but strange syllables. His mind is clear as a bell, but he can only communicate with yes or no nods. This is very difficult for a man who is a people person and never meets a stranger.

On his 94th birthday my wife and I took him out to eat. As I pushed his wheel chair down the hall where he lives, he was continually smiling at other residents, waving at some and even grabbing the hand of a lady just to wish her well. He was doing what he always has done, adding value to people’s lives any way he can. He’s not perfect; he gets frustrated with me when I can’t understand what he wants, cries every time I have to leave, and wishes things were different. But his character is who he is. It’s his purpose for living.

As we age, we begin to lose the ability to do things, some by choice and some not by choice. If our significance is rooted in what we do, then we are at risk of losing our purpose for living. But if our identity is in who we are, our character, then no one or thing can take that from us.

Thanks dad, for living out that lesson for me.

Earl Brackin is the Minister of Worship at Church on the Hill in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children and four grandchildren. You can hear his music at earlbrackinmusic.com

3126 Cedartown Hwy Rome, GA 30161

706-295-0014

renaissancemarquis.com

Gò0dNews Player of the Month

Reagan Dooley

T

by Kent Howard

he Fellowship of Christian Athletes will present Reagan Dooley with the FCA Rome Area “Joshua” Award for the month of January.

Named after Joshua, the award is presented monthly

by FCA to honor courage, obedience, and leadership.

Dooley, a senior at Model High School, is a key member of the Lady Devil Tennis Team where she was voted an All Area performer. She was also a valuable member of the MHS Cheer Squad where she and her teammates cheered on the Blue Devils every Friday night. In addition to school athletics, she loves teaching gymnastics to her young Rome Aerial Gymnastics students. A standout in the classroom as well, Reagan has a 3.7 grade point average. Reagan serves as an FCA Huddle Leader and FCA Student Leadership Council Member for Rome and Floyd County.

More important than her academic and athletic accomplishments is her desire to lead others to a relationship with Jesus. She aspires to obtain a career in nursing after graduation where she can use her gifts and strengths to help and serve others, like Jesus.

Ideally, she would like to stay local because of her church home, First Baptist Church of Lindale. The person she admires most is her mother.

She states that her mother has “shown me the Christian wife, mother and friend that I hope to become when I get older. She strives for excellence in everything she does.” When speaking on her mom, she states that her mom “has always encouraged her to laugh through her tears.” Reagan’s life verse is Proverbs 31:25 that reads, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (NIV)

30 // January 2018

About FCA

FCA is the largest Christian sports ministry in the world and focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. For over 60 years, FCA has sought to impact the world through the influence of athletes and coaches. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the heart and soul in sports, is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

ROME AREA

MEDIA CONTACT: Kent Howard, Area Director 706-506-2501 - khoward@fca.org

ALL NEW 2017 CAMARO

100 HIGHWAY 411 EAST, ROME, GA • 706.295.909 • RIVERSIDECHEVYROME.COM

Gò0dNews for Everyone

How Far Did He Go?

T

by Dale Levan

he Moabites were a continual thorn in Israel’s

favor in times of crisis or calamity. When the three

side in the Old Testament. The Israelites

armies of God’s people saw what the king of Moab

could not (or would not) defeat them. On one

did, they were so shocked that he would do this;

occasion, Israel, Judah, and Edom put their armies

they knew that he would do anything to win, so they

together and attacked Moab. In 2 Kings 3:26, the Bible

returned home.

states that these three armies were winning even

If the world could ever comprehend and believe

though the king of Moab took 700 swordsmen with

what God did in sending His only Son into the world

him into the fight. The king became so desperate that

to live and to die on the cross to end the war that sin had caused, they would immediately throw down their weapons, turn to Him in submission and obedience, and come home to Him. They would come to see that there is no limit to what God will do to end the inner war and to give people peace.

So long ago on the hills in the Holy Land, angels appeared to a group of shepherds and said, “For today I bring you good news of great joy that shall be for all people. Today a Savior who is Christ (Hope of the world) the Lord was born for you in the city of David.”

he took his only son and offered him up as a burnt

Do you believe the great thing that God has done

offering on the wall of the city. The writer of Kings

for you? If He would send His own Son to die for us,

says that after this, the three armies went back home

then there is nothing He won’t do for you!

and no longer attacked the city.

It was customary for heathen nations to offer up something dear and valuable to their gods to win their

32 // January 2018

Dr. Dale Levan has been a pastor in SC and GA. for over 30 years. He has also served in Costa Rica, Argentina and Honduras as a missionary. He has been serving as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Rome, Ga. for over 8 years.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

W

Looking Ahead

by Donna Tumlin

hen my son and I walked the dogs at night, I always attempted to grab the spotlight first. Why? Because I quickly learned the difference in the way we each held the light. He shined the light out in front of us to see ahead, often scanning the woods just to see what he could see. I, on the other hand, shined the light directly at my feet. I needed to see where my shoes were walking. It didn’t matter to me what was up ahead, I was worried about the snake that I might step on or the rock that might turn my ankle.

In uncertain times, I find myself like my son, wanting to know what is ahead in my life. But when I look at 2 Samuel 22:29, I am reminded that God is my lamp, not my spotlight. “For You are my lamp, O LORD; And the LORD illumines my darkness.” I suppose it is for many reasons He doesn’t want us to know what is in the future. Maybe what we would see is frightening and is not what we would have hoped for. Then we would want to travel another route rather than the path He has chosen for us. But perhaps the main reason is so we must rely on faith. By trusting in Him, we acknowledge that His plan is best and He will prepare us. When I try to look too far ahead, not totally trusting God with each step, I am not fully relying on Him.

34 // January 2018

One day my daughter and her friend were walking on a trestle above the river when a train unexpectedly came around the corner. They began to run as fast as they could. She kept her eyes on her feet, watching them as to make sure they hit each plank, careful not to slip between the boards. But the moment she looked ahead to see how far it was to safety, she began to stumble and be afraid. Looking into the future can be a little scary.

As you enter 2018, take one faith-filled step after another. “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8). It won’t always be easy. The year may be filled with choices you never imagined. When this happens, talk to God about your worries and cast your burdens on Him. He will open and close doors, leading you in the direction He wants you to go. Be prepared, for His way isn’t always the easiest. But His grace is sufficient. The Bible tells us that He makes everything work for our good. Trust Him. Donna Tumlin is the mother of three grown children and lives in Rome, Georgia. She has been a teacher for twenty years and is currently teaching kindergarten. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Lindale. She is also the coauthor of a Christian blog Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, which she writes with her cousin.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

A Bed of Roses

I

by Don Smith

came across this scripture; I’ve seen it reading previously, but this time it was a great deal different. It’s Proverbs 14:4, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”

It can be applied to many things in life. My basic take on it is that if you’re looking for neat and clean, there’s probably nothing going on. If you’ve got an Ox the manger is going to be messy. If you’ve got an abundance of crops the barn is going to be busy, or messy.

If you and your significant other are together, there’s probably going to be differences of opinions, different history, and different family cultures. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. There will always be give and take, compromise, even developing a new culture together.

I’ve never seen a perfectly clean kitchen produce a wonderful meal. There’s always a mess. I’ve never seen a perfectly clean job site; if you’re building something, you’ve got a mess.

Now, that doesn’t mean you don’t clean up after yourself; it means things are not going to be a bed of daisies, probably more like a bed of roses. Remember, those beautiful pedals are atop a stem of thorns, and you had better be careful how you handle them.

36 // January 2018

If you’re looking for 7 easy steps to a great relationship, think again. A great relationship is when two people come together, make promises, exchange vows, commit to a set of ideals, and work at accomplishing them. They’ll do it when the sun is shining, they’ll do it when the storm clouds are swirling, they’ll do it when the rain floods, the wind howls and the snow covers them over. There is no product (a healthy relationship) without a mess manger.

My challenge for you is to check out your manger; is it nice and neat? What does that mean to you? Are you wondering if this is real or just stale left overs? Is there a mess surrounding your manger? Maybe it would be a good idea to evaluate the product. Is it possible that you like the product? If so, is the mess a good thing? If there’s a mess, that doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing, but it would be a good idea to clean up after every production.

Just some thoughts (cud) for you to chew on while you’re examining your manger.

Don Smith is the Founder and Executive Director of Hearts Set Free. Married for more than 38 years to an amazing lady, Deborah, he has three daughters and four grandchildren. He serves as an Elder at Westmore Church of God.

TOUGH. CAPABLE. CLEVER. Why do we put so much effort into engineering the Can-Am® Defender? Why do we equip it with tough Rotax® engines featuring best-in-class torque? Why do we give it industry-leading towing and hauling capabilities? And why do we make it clever with versatile cargo solutions and much more? Well, why do you put so much effort at everything you do? Because a job worth doing, is worth doing right.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Reality Check

W

by Nelson Haynes

ho is afraid of the big-bad-wolf? It lurks in the shadows but reveals itself daily. We refuse to look at it in the mirror of our soul.

It is part of our make-up. Denying its presence will not make it flee. What is “it” you ask? The Human Condition. When Bono (of U2) journeyed to Flathead Lake, Montana in 2015 to meet with Eugene Peterson who wrote The Message (modern day translation of the Bible), he presented some interesting statements. Bono said: “Why I am suspicious of Christians is because of this lack of realism.”

Do you know anyone who refuses to acknowledge the reality of the human condition? In the fall of 2016, one of the remaining Christian bookstore retailers decided against stocking a particular album. Four songs dealt with loneliness. Isn’t loneliness a part of the human factor as is depression and loss? I occasionally skim through devotionals in bookstores, and sometimes, before I finish reading the opening paragraph, a spiritual solution is reached without the author first painting a picture of the human experience.

Why? Maybe the reason is found in the misinterpretation of Jesus’s words from Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Jesus was not suggesting we ignore what is happening in our personal lives or that we deny our personality or

38 // January 2018

our feelings. However, he gave no option regarding saying “No” to our selfish interests and ambitions. Ann Voskamp writes from The Broken Way: “You don’t judge your feelings. You simply feel your feelings.” My friend turns those words over to me on the phone like an unearthing, an excavating of something sacred. “That’s what feelings are for—feeling.” I’d been bent down in the garden. Pulling out a bunch of overwintered, dead kale plants. Cradling the phone between my shoulder and my ear, listening to the words: “You don’t judge your feelings; you feel feelings-and then give them to God.” Bono also told Mr. Peterson: “Having feelings is perfectly normal. Let them out!” I have journaled for 30 years. It’s a space where I empty myself before being filled with the encouragement from a devotional and a chapter in God’s word.

Can you really accept the spiritual help God offers if you do not first admit where you are on the journey?

When Jesus was tired and thirsty after walking about 40 miles from Judea to Jacob’s well, did anyone tell him “Be Strong?” When Lazarus died, did anyone tell Jesus to “get over” his friends’ passing? No, Jesus wept. (John 11:35).

What happens when we acknowledge our weakness?

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What is keeping you from getting real with God in 2018?

Nelson Haynes lives in Ringgold, GA, with his wife and two Labrador Retrievers, Bentley and Sadie. He is the father of 2 grown-daughters. He has a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary.

He was involved in full-time youth ministry for 14.5 years before working in the Insurance industry for 18 years to date. He loves gardening, movies, music, reading, traveling, hiking & camping, and riding his mountain bike.

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