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Contents JANUARY 2020

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 God Sees and Knows by Steve Glosson

GoodNews for Kids

8 What Can God’s Word Do For You?

by David Strickland

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Don’t Just Save—Remember to Invest

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 The Good Guys

by Julius McCarter

GoodNews for Women

14 Love Well

by Tina Rhodes

GoodNews for Parents

18 Resolution

by Eric Smithey

GoodNews for New Beginnings

20 New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

by Bill Fortenberry GoodNews Cover Story

22 Unity Christian School GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 A Lifetime Resolution

GoodNews for Teens

26 Time for a Change by Karla Smedley

GoodNews for Everyone

28 Be Still

by Bridget Gray

GoodNews for 2020

30 This New Year, Truly Live by Wesley Clay

GoodNews for Everyone

32 Just Life

by Cathie Johnson

GoodNews for the New Year

34 “They First Gave Themselves”

by Jimmy Bryant GoodNews for Recovery

36 Who Me? Recovery? by Susan Lavigne

GoodNews for Everyone

38 The Year Of The Lord’s Favor by Chad Hess

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

40 Butternut Squash Soup by Pam Wattenbarger

GoodNews for Everyone

42 Who Do You Imitate? by Alison Nichols

by David Simpson

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

God Sees and Knows almost drowned one time. Actually, I’ve almost drowned a few times. This particular time, I almost drowned with my foot stuck inside of a boat while the rest of me was hanging on the outside of the boat. It’s a long story that involves me being a guest speaker on a youth white water rafting trip, 7th grade boys, and a terrible river guide named Doug. As we started down the river, Doug saw a rock he wanted to bump into and spin away from. Doug was trying to be cool. All we did was hit rock sideways and cause the boat to rise on one side. Doug yelled, “HIGH SIDE,” meaning we were all to lean toward the side of the boat that had risen. Doug yelled “high side,” I was on the low side. Suddenly, my backside was on the outside. Meanwhile, my left foot was still anchored in the raft. As I dangled off the side of a raft with scrawny little 7th graders trying and failing to pull me into the boat I thought this was how I would leave this world—Soggy, uncomfortable in my too tight life vest, and traumatizing a group of 7th graders who would have an overweight dead man hanging off the side of the raft when they arrived at the dock Finally, I did the unthinkable. I did a sit up giving five 7th grade boys the help they needed to get me back into the boat. Later, Doug thought he’d help another boat get unstuck from a rock they were on by bumping into the boat. He hit the other boat too fast and everyone in both boats were plunged into the water. Don’t worry, I made it out alive. The next year I went back to the whitewater rafting trip. This time our guide’s name was Brad. Brad was amazing. As we went down the river Brad told us about things that we couldn’t see. He was naming rocks that were just below the surface of the water. I asked him how he knew so much. His response was that he had been on the river for years. That trip had its scary moments to be sure, but we never went out of the boat. Why? Because Brad knew the river. As we enter the New Year, we can take heart that we serve a God who knows the end from the beginning. He knows the river. As we walk with Him we will experience

6 // January 2020

trials, pain, and trouble. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have much trouble, but he follows that up with “take heart” because he has overcome the world. The New Year is a time we look forward with great anticipation for what we will accomplish. We don’t like to consider just how times may get hard. We have no idea how many obstacles lay just out of sight that could throw us into chaos. But God sees. He knows exactly what is coming. He is not surprised by the circumstances of life that would throw us off balance and shake us to our core.

In fact, he uses those things for our benefit and blessing as the great secret of the Believer’s hope tells us in Romans 8:28. God is acutely aware of His children. As a believer, God has not abandoned you, he hears, he sees, he knows, and He will move on your behalf in His time. As you look towards the possibilities of the new year, know there will be hard times. Then remember this truth—God already knows what is coming and He is prepared for it so you can fully trust in Him. That’s good news for the coming year.

About The Author

by Steve Glosson

Steve Glosson has served as pastor at Lakeview Baptist Church in Rome since 2017. Prior to that he was in full-time ministry for 5 years in south Georgia.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

What Can God’s Word Do For You?

by David Strickland

here are many wonderful things that God’s word (the

darkness that shows you the path and helps you to make

Bible) can do to help you as you grow and mature

the choice or go in the direction that Jesus wants you to.

in the faith. In fact, there are too many to mention

Again, memorizing verses is the way to have them available

here, but we will focus on one way that can help you a lot.

to you when you are faced with a decision. You can never

I encourage you to ask your parents for other examples of

go wrong when you pull a Bible verse from your heart and

ways the word of God is the most important tool in your life

allow it to guide you throughout your life.

for becoming more like Jesus. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” It is essential for

Ask your parents and church leaders to help you understand verses that may be difficult. Ask God in your prayers to help you understand His word. In John 14:23,

us to memorize verses from the Bible. That way, we can always have a word from God to use when we need it during our day. Storing God’s word in your heart (learning through memorization) allows you to have it available at a moment’s notice. This can be a big help when you are tempted to do something that would be a sin against God or another person. Have your parents help you pick verses that can give you comfort, strength, confidence, and assurance, then commit them to memory. It takes some effort, but it is worth it. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet

Jesus Himself said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my

and a light to my path.” Have you ever been out at night in

word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him

the dark without a flashlight or in your house at night when

and make our home with him.” Learn the word and keep it,

the power fails? It can be a scary thing to be in the dark and

and you will live forever with the Father and the Son. How

not be able to see where you are going or what is around or

beautiful and wonderful is that?

in front of you. Life will be like that sometimes as you get older. You may feel as though you don’t know which step you should be taking. God’s word can be that light in the

8 // January 2020

About The Author

to take next, which direction to go in, or even which path

David Strickland received his Bachelor of Science, Religion from Liberty University. Currently resides in Rome with his wife and their dog. His love language is coffee.

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Don’t just Save— Remember to Invest MONEY MATTERS

WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

t seems that most financial advice boils down to this: “spend less, save more.” Very good, but don’t stop there. Once you have saved enough money in an “emergency fund” to cover three to six months of expenses, you really need to stop “saving” and start “investing.” There is a huge difference. For instance, if you keep saving money every month and letting the money languish in your checking account or savings account, you will actually lose money to inflation over time as the buying power of your monthly shrinks year after year. Instead, once your cash emergency fund is in place, you should begin investing your surplus money every month in order to make it grow and outpace inflation. Otherwise, you’re just treading water or even losing ground, financially speaking. So where and how to invest? For starters, if your employer offers a “match” for contributing to your 401k or 403b retirement plan at work, you should definitely invest enough money to get the match. Never turn down “free money” in these situations. Once you’ve maxed out your “match” with your employer retirement plan (or if they don’t offer a match), create your own Roth IRA account and contribute to that every month, usually 10%15% of your monthly salary is an excellent goal. I highly recommend using Vanguard your Roth IRA; they are the world’s largest and least expensive mutual fund company, and just a quick online application will set up your Roth IRA in no time. (FYI, I make no money for recommending Vanguard funds; I truly believe they are the best option for most investors, and my wife and I have accounts there, as well as all three of our children).

10 // January 2020

Here’s the next crucial detail—although you are now investing money each month into your employer retirement plan or your Roth IRA account, you still must choose where your money will be invested. Here’s a real “horror story” I heard recently. A man had been investing regularly every month in his 401k plan at work, putting away roughly $140,000 over twenty years. As he approached his target retirement date, he (finally) contacted his 401k company to see how much money he had in there. He figured he should have roughly $400,000 after twenty years of investing in the stock market using mutual funds inside his 401k plan. But to his horror, he found out that he never directed his retirement contributions to go into stock mutual funds. Instead, his money had languished in a money-market account for two decades, earning almost nothing. Now, at retirement, he had less than half the amount of money he was counting on. He had to postpone retirement for at least another decade, well into his seventies. Moral of the story— contributing to your retirement accounts isn’t enough by itself. You must select “where” you want your investments to be directed. Stock market funds? Bond funds? Real estate funds? Be sure you take one more crucial step by choosing where and how you want that retirement money invested. Otherwise, the retirement plan will simply “save” your money in a very low-interest account, and you’ll have less money than you could have if you had taken more risk by investing in stock mutual funds. So don’t just “save”— remember to “invest” for growth. Remember the Parable of the Talents in the Gospels? The master (God) was very upset with the man who merely “saved” his talent by burying it in the ground. The other two men invested their talents (money), and they were richly rewarded.

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Gò0dNews for Men

The Good Guys got a call from a friend who had some extra time on his hands while he was at the airport waiting for his wife. “Julius,” he asked me, “why is it that when I come home from a trip, I’m always taking Uber to my house. But when my wife comes home, it’s assumed I’ll be there to pick her up? If I told her to call Uber, it would be a declaration of war!” We laughed at the double standard and moved on. Most of my guy friends live with double standards like that. I am surrounded by men who heroically serve, honor, respect, support, and cherish their wives. But when I read Christian blogs and go on social media, I’m bombarded by how awful men are: how they are abusive, power-hungry, dismissive of those who prey on women, and misogynistic. I don’t doubt these stories; many women have been deeply hurt by men in all those categories. But today, I’d like to highlight and pay deference to the good guys. I get why so many women are so angry at so many men. They have a reason to be. I’m not defending misogyny, abuse of power, chauvinism, or other male ills. The challenge in celebrating the good guys is the simple fact that since every man has his compromises and conflicts, the question arises: how perfect does a man have to be to be celebrated? Samson comes off in the Bible as a man driven by his lusts—for foreign women (including a prostitute), for gambling, and for violence. Samson murders 30 men for their clothes just to pay off his gambling debts. When I preached on his life not so long ago, I couldn’t use him as a positive example because he’s not. Yet, when you read Hebrews 11, he’s listed among the heroes of faith. Socially, it is open season on men in general and evangelical men in particular. Sadly, men and evangelicals have given their enemies many easy (and justified) targets to shoot at. But my nature is to be an encourager, and I see many men and many churches trying really hard, harder than anyone could imagine, to be among the “good” ones: to serve with good motives and to bless and lift up, not to

12 // January 2020

exert power and authority for the sake of their egos. Yet, if there’s one sentence in a few decades’ worth of sermons that could be misconstrued or one decision in a thousand that may, in hindsight, have lacked discretion, they get pilloried and shamed. Guys, you know we’re in an open season on men—for some understandable reasons. We’re not going to get a lot of empathy from “the crowd” or on social media. But we can support each other. We can let down our guard with other men and encourage each other to become the kind

of men we aspire to be: men who won’t define us by our worst moments but who will affirm God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness and inspire us in our aspirations to live, love, and serve like Christ. For the good (not perfect) guys: Thanks for your sacrifice. For those women who have been hurt deeply and traumatically by men: I’m not minimizing your pain. Your hurt is real and justified and needs to be taken seriously. You would have to be a robot not to feel angry and jaded. Just please, for this one article, don’t take offense when I tell some men, “Atta boy; keep it up, brother.”

About The Author

by Dr. Julius McCarter

Dr. Julius McCarter is a husband to Kendra, a friend to some, a teacher to many and a follower of Christ. Julius has been a pastor and teacher for over 20 years. A lover of good books and music most of his life. His most recent book is Pastoralia: Reflections after 20 Years in Ministry.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Love Well

by Tina Rhodes

few short weeks ago, while riding alone in my car,

if we truly aren’t loving the way that God calls us to, then

a question came to my mind, and I knew it was

we are missing our opportunity to speak forth and speak

directly from the Spirit of the Lord. He said, “How

His message into someone’s life? The more I thought about

well are you loving the people you don’t like?” Ouch! My

this, the more I realized how off the mark I have been in my

answer was not what I would have liked. An easy answer

personal life. How many opportunities had I missed out on

would have been,

to truly show the agape love of God?

“Sure, I love everyone, right?” However, as I pondered this

I’ve decided that I must pursue love in all things, in all

question for several days, I knew in my heart that He was

situations. How many people are waiting on us to really

trying to show me something about me. The truth of the

grasp what HE is trying to teach us and live it out? How

matter was that I wasn’t loving well the people I didn’t like. I had every reason not to like them but absolutely no excuse not to love them. As I began to pray and ponder this, this is what I’m discovering. 1 Corinthians 14:1 states, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” The word pursue used here is the Greek word diókó, which means to aggressively chase, earnestly desiring to overtake. The word love used here is the Greek word agape, which refers to the highest form of love, divine love. It is benevolent goodwill toward others. The definition of goodwill is “friendly, helpful, or cooperative

much more full of a life can we live when we choose to step

feelings or attitude.” The word benevolent means well

outside of ourselves, our own insecurities, and our own

meaning and kindly. Once I began to really search and

prejudices and preferences and just love people? I believe

choose to truly see, I realized that I was not loving well

the life we really want is on the other side of this kind of

if I’m honest: not even those whom I did like. What a

love, and until we choose to go beyond what’s easy, we will

humbling revelation for me.

never experience it. My prayer every day has changed from

It is easy to love those whom we like: people who are,

selfishness to asking God to help me to love like Him and to

by nature, easy to love. The true test of our Christlikeness

not miss any opportunity to show it, no matter who it is or

and love for God is how well we love all people. The verse

what it looks like.

goes on to say, “…but especially that you may prophesy.”

Who is waiting on you?

which means to tell forth or to properly speak forth the message of God in a particular situation. Could it be that

14 // January 2020

About The Author

The Greek word used here for prophesy is prophéteuó, Tina Rhodes lives in Cedartown, Georgia, with her husband and three of their four children. Her oldest son and daughter-in-law reside in South Bend, Indiana. She is the pastor’s wife at Restoration Church Cedartown.

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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 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 706-295-1150 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 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 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729

Catholic

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

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

Church of Christ

Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal

Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

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

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 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 706-234-6214

Nazarene

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

Non-Denominational

Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165

706-233-9896 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158

Orthodox

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

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

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

Seventh-Day Adventist

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

Cave Spring Church Directory

Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100

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

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

706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC 30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 (706) 777-8624

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Resolution ith each new year comes the quintessential New Year’s resolutions. The two most common are always the intention to lead a healthier lifestyle and to save money. Statistically, 25% of those resolutions are broken within the first month. Fewer than 10% are ever followed through to completion. Yet we continue the vicious cycle of wanting to do better things and be better people, just to revert again and again to our pre-resolution comforts. A little over a year and a half ago, my wife and I were blessed with the most wonderful son. He came into this world a couple of months early, only to become the center of our family. It amazes me how a precious child can not only change a person but have a profound impact on many people. He’s won the hearts of our church family as much as his biological family. If I don’t post a steady barrage of pictures and descriptions of his escapades on social media, I get hate mail and tongue-lashings. Sometimes, I think I am just his manager. During church service last Sunday morning, our little boy was actually sitting with us. This is rare because we are frequently reminded he is the church’s baby. He visits with a dozen or so people during every service. We were lucky enough to have him sitting between us when he reminded his mother and me of another type of “resolution”—the antithesis of dissonance. Before church that day, my wife and I had been arguing about one of our favorite topics: I think we should

18 // January 2020

arrive militantly early. She insists we show up fashionably late. That’s our dissonance. We argued all the way up to the church doors and dropped it only as we walked in fashionably late. During the service, we were intently focused on the preacher’s sermon when our son grabbed my hand. He’s a toddler who is always pawing at me and playing, so I didn’t think much of it, nor did I bother to take my eyes off the pastor. Then, I suddenly realized he had a plan. He’d grabbed his mother’s hand too and placed her hand in mine—our resolution. My wife, overwhelmed by the love he’d just shown us, began to weep. It was a memorably precious moment for us. Our son, in all of his 20 months of accumulated wisdom, was suddenly and unequivocally wiser than his parents. It took his pure little heart to remind us of our Savior’s divine rule: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). That settles it. This new year, I’m not subscribing to a traditional New Year’s resolution. After all, I was just reminded by a mere babe we’re already resolute.

About The Author

by Eric Smithey

Eric Smithey lives in Euharlee, Georgia, with his wife, Kim, and son, Joseph. He is active in his church and community.

LIST YOUR CHURCH ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Such As:

• SPECIAL EVENTS • CONCERTS • CONFERENCES • ACTIVITIES • & MORE! Send Your Events To: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

Gò0dNews for New Beginnings

New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

by Bill Fortenberry

t’s January. It’s time for new beginnings, fresh starts, turned pages, and 180s, and 2020 is a time for clear vision. This year, make resolutions that will have an eternal impact. It’s biblical. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise…She prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8). “But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands” (Isaiah 32:8).

About The Author

“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Goals motivate us. They hold us accountable and help us to measure our progress. Not sure what a Christ-centered resolution looks like? Here are a few to consider. • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). What you put in your brain works in your heart and comes out of your mouth, hands, and feet. Read the Bible through in 2020. If you start on

January 1 and read three chapters one day and four chapters the next, you’ll meet your goal. • Spend time every day praising God. Once you get rolling, you’ll have difficulty stopping. “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:1-2). • Make disciples. That, too, is a commandment. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a). • Observe the Sabbath. Make it a point to worship with a group of fellow believers once a week. It’ll do you good. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Present your body as a living sacrifice as Paul says in Romans 12:1. Yes, that can mean eating healthier and exercising more, but if you concentrate on serving more, loving your neighbor more, and giving more of your time, talent, treasure, and attention to God, you’re going to be changed from the inside out. Romans 12 is a good place to gather resolutions. Paul offers more tips to further help you in verses 3-5. • Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to. God is always in control. You are not. It’s good to remember that. • Use sober judgment. Other words for sober are sensible and thoughtful. Don’t make judgement calls based on emotion. Getting healthier, being nicer, learning more, reading more, and Facebooking less are all admirable, but this January, the best resolution you can make in 2020 is to focus on gaining 20/20 spiritual vision.

20 // January 2020

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.

unfaltering curiosity • unlimited potential • unwavering faith

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288 Shorter Avenue NW, Rome, Georgia 706.378.9009 | www.provinos.com

FEATURED COVER STORY

Unity Christian School

n 1997, several local pastors felt the Lord moving them

worldview is interwoven into every classroom experience

to develop an avenue for Christian education in Rome,

from PE to science to math. One parent stated, “Unity

Georgia. These pastors faithfully followed that call and

provides the academic part of Christianity that I wish I had

embarked upon founding Unity Christian School. The name

growing up. Our children are growing up with a holistic

Unity was decided upon with great intention. The idea was

experience of God and Christianity between the teaching

to have unity among Christian denominations as well as

they receive at school and the relationships they experience

unity among diverse demographic and social groups. The

both at home and at school. What we teach them at home is

school opened in 1998 with 47 students and has grown over

reinforced and supported at school every day.”

its 20-plus years to 330 students.

Unity’s four pillars—Spiritual Life, Academics,

Unity Christian School’s mission is to partner with

Fine Arts, and Athletics—are built upon the one true

Christian parents in the process of preparing their children

foundation, the Bible. This provides an experience like

to impact the world for Jesus Christ and achieve their God-

none other in this region. The Spiritual Life component

given potential in academics, leadership, and service. There

permeates every class, experience, interaction, and decision

are a couple of ways in which Unity stands out amongst

at Unity. This is evident just walking the halls. While

other Christian schools. Worldview integration, solid

Unity has weekly chapel time and daily Bible classes,

relationships, and partnership provide a well-rounded, well-

spiritual life encompasses so much more. Unity students

built foundation for students to stand on as they mature

consistently share how the spiritual life of Unity exists in

into young adults. One aspect that makes Unity stand out,

the way teachers interact with students, the way students

even as a Christian school, is the holistic approach in the

interact with each other, and the way parents interact

integration of Christian teaching. A Christian, biblical

with the school as a whole. There is a culture of Christlike

22 // January 2020

servanthood observed daily.

This year, UCS is hosting Unity’s Got Talent, an evening where elementary students get to show off their unique talent. Middle school students enjoy chorus and performing at events like Veterans Day and the biennial banquet in the spring. Lastly, high school students have the opportunity to participate in drama, musical theatre, and visual arts. Unity’s athletic department is thriving with multiple sports each season. In the fall, the varsity football team had a perfect 10-0 season; middle school and varsity volleyball placed in the region play; and several cross country runners had personal records along with placing at the state meet. Unity’s Academic pillar includes a preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school. The UCS preschool is the only accredited preschool in Rome. The elementary school is faithfully progressing through a systematic, structured literacy training and certification method, which has been recognized by the International Dyslexia Association as a preferred method of teaching for students with dyslexia. It has also been proven to be

Basketball is off to a great start, while the shotgun team continues to move ahead with their season, adding a middle school team this year. With both middle and high school basketball teams, you can catch a game almost any night— except Wednesdays, of course—in the Lion’s Den. Unity holds Wednesday evenings open for partnering with local churches and youth groups. In the spring, there will be soccer, baseball, track, tennis, and golf.

applicable to all students learning to read, write, and spell in elementary school. Each elementary grade will have a teacher certified in the Complete Reading Series and Orton Gillingham when this project is complete. In addition to becoming experts in reading, elementary students enjoy STEM, Spanish, music, and enjoyable field trips that enhance learning on a daily basis. As a student moves into middle school, they develop independent organizational skills, enjoy experiential field trips, and begin using technology with the one-to-one device (iPads) for in-class learning and at-home study. The UCS high school program is a rigorous college preparatory program. Alumni boast routinely about the preparation they received for college while attending Unity. Graduates have a strong academic, as well as spiritual, foundation to stand upon while moving into the young adult world. The average ACT composite score of the class of 2019 was 24.8, a score significantly higher than state and national averages. There is an opportunity for AP courses as well as dual enrollment. A student’s high school experience is also well rounded, with the opportunity for participation in fine arts as well as athletics. The Fine Arts pillar encompasses avenues for all ages and stages. Preschool enjoys learning sign language through music. Elementary students enjoy a music class that includes a musical production in the spring and visual art classes.

“Unity Christian School can specifically testify to God’s goodness, and we are grateful for His provision,” stated Head of School Eric Munn. “Unity Christian School is not only a trusted source for college preparatory education in Rome, Georgia but also a place where [a] biblical worldview is intentionally taught and modeled for students.” At Unity, there is an opportunity for each child to discover his or her unique, God-given gifts and learn to use those gifts for Kingdom purposes. If you are interested in partnering with Unity, now is the time! Early enrollment is already underway for the 20202021 academic year, and waitlists are anticipated. Contact the school at 706-292-0700 or tours@ unitychristianschool.org for more information.

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

A Lifetime Resolution

by David Simpson

ur society has become less active, we have

also improved and uplifted my overall mood. There is an

unhealthy diets, and disease seems to be on

interesting effect that happens when we physically feel and

the rise. Some disease manifests itself not only

see progress. We become more focused and more motivated.

physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. We

In addition to physical progress taking place, I also noticed

all know that exercise and a healthy diet are good for

those crippling symptoms of depression and anxiety were

us. However, I would argue that they are imperative for

becoming less intense and less of an issue. This positive

overall health and well-being. Not only are there scientific

effect influenced and helped improve other areas of my life

articles and studies showing the positive impacts of

as well.

exercise and proper nutrition, it has been a personal experience of mine. Let me tell you about it. In 2012, I was focused on pursuing my career, starting a family, and was overall enjoying my life. Then, out of nowhere, my body turned on me. I developed multiple severe pulmonary embolisms, which caused me to spend several months in the hospital. I had complications including weeks of internal bleeding and instances where I could not breathe. In summary, a year of close calls and traumatic experiences led to not only physical limitations, but also symptoms of severe anxiety and depression for several years to come. As I tried to heal, I realized that physically, mentally,

This newfound confidence and motivation led me to also focus on improving my nutrition in addition to exercise.

and emotionally, I was different. I wasn’t the same. I could

Now, guys, this is where the magic really happens. After

hardly walk up a flight of stairs, nor could I avoid the

several months of daily exercise and improved nutrition, my

overwhelming depression, fear, and anxiety that crippled

physical appearance changed drastically. I became leaner

me. Being someone who was involved in athletics and

and stronger. I no longer looked, felt, or acted like someone

outdoor activities, I knew I had to act. Even though I had

who suffered a severely debilitating illness.

lost 50 lb. and did not have any energy or stamina, I forced

Today, while I may not be perfect, I know the

myself into the gym. Even with a small amount of exercise,

importance of physical exercise and proper nutrition in my

I noticed that not only my body, but my overall mood and

life. It has become part of the foundation for success in my

mental state were responding.

life. As I said, there are articles and studies that document

In the coming weeks and months, I noticed my physique

this importance, but if you haven’t experienced it for

improving, and I could do more and more. Feeling and

yourself, I urge you to try. Like myself, it may just become

seeing the progress not only boosted my confidence but

part of your lifetime resolution.

24 // January 2020

Gò0dNews for Teens

Time for a Change

by Karla Smedley

ut with the old and in with the new! The new year is around the corner. For centuries, people have used New Year’s Day to make resolutions trying

to better themselves. Doing some quick research, I learned that many adults and teens choose to focus on their health, exercise, and diet. In addition, the young and old also share a desire to learn something new within the year. However, there were some differences on the lists. Adults often make resolutions relating to time: spending less on some things and more on others. Meanwhile, teens strive to focus on various other things: being a happier person, becoming a better friend, or developing improved student skills. Many teenagers also want to show more love to others. Making a New Year’s resolution allows you to mindfully state the positive change you want for your life. It is not enough to simply declare that the change take place. For example, if one of my resolutions is to watch less television and I pick up the remote to click on my favorite show in the evenings, I am inattentively not working toward my goals. Making the change a reality takes some serious intent. Who better to help you with any transformation than God? The closer your walk with the Lord is, the more His will will become our will. Make no mistake; His ways are better than ours! How do you walk closer to God? The answer is as simple as picking up your Bible and beginning to read. There are many Bible studies, Bible devotionals, and adults to help guide your reading, so you have few to no excuses to keep you from getting started. As you are reading your Bible, your path will draw nearer to the Lord, and you will desire to yield to His ways more than your own. Surrendering requires admitting your wrongs and obeying His rights, and your road will continue to merge into His road. There are many distractions as you go along, so you must continue to pay attention to God and seek His plan as you travel because there are tempting

Whatever resolution you desire to make needs to include God. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). The longer time marches on, the more numerous our choices are that can possibly lead us further and further from the destinations in which the Lord intended us to reside. Why waste energy on any path that is not the right one? God has the bird’s eye view of your life, while you can only see from the left to the right. Trust God’s will for your life and make resolutions that glorify Him.

allow your heart to stay open and take in God’s directions.

26 // January 2020

About The Author

detours around every curve. Tune in to His Holy Spirit and

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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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Be Still

by Bridget Gray

round this time last year, I started noticing lots

The chorus of “Still” says, “You’re parting waters,

of social media posts with people talking about

making a way for me. You’re moving mountains that I don’t

choosing their “verse for the year”: you know, a

even see. You’ve answered my prayer before I even speak.

verse to really hold on to for the year, a promise from the

All you need for me to be is STILL.” And there it was. I

Lord to claim for your year, your family, etc. I had never

not only had my verse to claim, but I had my directions to

really done that, and I loved the idea. I decided to do that

follow! And it’s so simple. “Be still and know that I am God”

for myself, except there was one problem. Try as I might, I

(Psalm 46:10). I carried this with me through many of those

simply couldn’t decide what I wanted for “my verse.” Well,

mountains in 2019, and it has become my life verse.

there’s the first problem. I was trying to decide what God’s word for me was going to be. Guess what? It’s not up to ME to decide. Finally, I prayed, “Lord, this is so simple, yet I’m missing it somehow. Please tell me.” Haven’t we all prayed that sometimes? And then, there it was. I was listening to a playlist, rather absentmindedly, when “Still” by Hillary Scott (of Lady Antebellum) started playing. By the time the song was over, I was wiping tears from my eyes and hitting repeat, well, repeatedly. What got me? Well, the first lines of the song say, “I believe that you are God alone but sometimes I still try to take control.” Hello! I’m pretty sure God just reached down

As a parent, how often do you think, “If these kids

and pressed “play” for me that day. Here I was trying to be

would be still for a minute, they’d calm down,” or, “They’d

in control of what word of HIS I wanted to claim for my year.

feel better,” or, “They’d hear me”? How many times has our

We can’t pick and choose what we want to hear from Him.

Heavenly Father looked at us and thought that very thing?

Life is hard, and there are times when you do not know what to do. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt as if the world was spinning me around like a tornado because I was trying to control everything. But you know what, I

Going into 2020, I am still holding tightly to His words to me because I still need it—be still. “I rest my heart on all your promises ’cause I have seen and know your faithfulness.” –“Still”

don’t have to control it all! He doesn’t want me to. Thank of it when I do.

28 // January 2020

About The Author

goodness I don’t have to because I usually make a mess out

Bridget Gray is a native Roman & received her BA in English from the University of West Georgia in 2002. A self-professed “book nerd”, Bridget enjoys roaming through Barnes & Noble in her rare free time. Bridget & her family (husband Jarrett & daughters Carter & Avery) attend LIFE Church.

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Gò0dNews for 2020

This New Year, Truly Live

by Wesley Clay

elcome to 2020! It’s a brand new year, full of

pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning.

unrealized possibilities ready to be discovered

Don’t skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the

and seized. Some have the mindset of, “It’s just

spouse you love each and every day of your precarious

another year. Big deal!” but I disagree.

life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for

Don’t get me wrong. I do not see 2020 as anything

the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one!

special in and of itself. The world is turning just as it always

Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is

has. Earth is beginning another trip around the sun, just is

your last and only chance at it, for there’s neither work to

it has since time began, and should the Lord tarry, it will

do nor thoughts to think in the company of the dead, where

find its way here again in about 365 days. What makes 2020

you’re most certainly headed.”

different from all of the years that have come before it? 2019 is in the past. All of the unaccomplished goals, resolutions, and dreams are behind you. The results of choices made during the past year are set in stone and cannot be rewritten. Missed opportunities are just that—missed. Do not lament or stress out over this. Worrying or fretting will not change the past. These actions are a waste of time and energy and will drag you down and hold you in the past. Matthew 6:27: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?” You are here, reading this! You made it to 2020! You woke up this morning. The past is behind you. Although actions that we did yesterday

Wherever you are and whatever you have done, do

may have repercussions and we will still feel the ripples and

not look back. Look to the future and build toward a better

waves of those actions, you are here to feel them. Grasp that!

one. Love those around you. Take better care of yourself.

This leads me to my third point.

Take pictures! Create memories, both for yourself and those

2020 is a blank slate, waiting to be filled. Tomorrow is

around you. 2020 is a book waiting to be filled with the

not set in stone. The past is gone; the future is not yet. You

stores you and I live out in our mundane, daily lives. If you

write your story—make it a good one. Dream big and work

want it to be a good story, it is in your power! I know I plan

toward those dreams. Do not let 2020 pass you by until you

to do my part in making the story of 2020 the best one yet!

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 tells us, “Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes

30 // January 2020

About The Author

find yourself in 2021 wondering what happened to the time. My name is Wesley Clay. I am a husband and dad to five awesome kids who are growing up way too fast. I am retired from the US Navy. During my time in the service, I was stationed on five different submarines and visited many places. My wife and I attend Calvary Baptist Church and are the owners of the website wheninromega.com, which provides us with many local adventure opportunities and ideas.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Just Life alking in the world we live in today, we never know whom to trust. People hide things, treat you horribly, and don’t take care of their own responsibilities. Is it the culture that we live in that has taught people to act this way or just one’s certain raising? I was raised in a Christian home and sheltered from the world for many years, I would say. I grew up and moved out not knowing what was out there. People’s values were not all the same as the ones I was accustomed to. Relying on God was something I came to learn was the only thing that we can be sure of. In a marriage that was lost from the start, I had and raised three kids. I raised my children with the same values I was raised with, but they do not all still hold those values to this day. The problem we as parents are having is that society is placing values in the heads of our children. It is something that parents are having a hard time controlling. I am remarried to a spouse with a set of children I have helped to raise. I never really paid attention to the outside 32 // January 2020

influences and what games they play in our homes until the present. It is a constant struggle fighting drugs, alcohol, and many other profane attributes the world throws our way. I lost my dad last year, and I often remember he would say to me that in the end times, we

would need God more than we have ever needed Him in our life. That time is now! Put God in your household and your everyday life and hold on tight. Our lives and the lives of our children depend on it. About The Author

by Cathie Johnson

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Gò0dNews for the New Year

“They First Gave Themselves”

by Jimmy Bryant

he Lord had called me to preach, and we moved back

small talk for several minutes when she finally got around

to my hometown to enroll in a community college.

to telling me what she wanted. She said, “Jimmy Carl, I

I was not getting to preach much and was quite

believe in tithing, and I give my tithe to the church every

discouraged. We attended church three times a week and

month when my check comes. But I’ve got a problem. I

enjoyed getting to know my pastor and feast on the advice

have canned fruit, vegetables, and jelly all summer, and

he gave me from time to time. We had one little boy, and

I believe I should give my tithe on that as well. So this is

it was tough making ends meet. My wife worked in a shirt

what I believe the Lord wants me to do. He wants me to

factory, I was an on-air radio personality at our local radio

give you one jar out of every 10 I have put up this year.

station, and between the two of us, we barely made ends

It will make me feel better, and I will be giving it to the

meet. We were buying our first home and had a tough time

Lord’s work at the same time.”

paying our monthly mortgage. The total monthly payment

I was speechless. However, when I recovered, I told her

was 47 dollars, which included taxes and insurance. Making

how much it meant to us and how much we appreciated

the payments was anything other than easy. We never talked

it. You cannot imagine how much that carload of canned

to anyone about our financial situation, so no one knew how

goods helped us out. This was a relatively poor widow who

tight things were.

loved God with all her heart and wanted to give to Him, in

Then, one day, just out of nowhere, one of the senior

some fashion, a portion of what he had given her. It brought

ladies at church called me at the radio station and asked if

to mind what Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second

I could drop by her house when I finished my program. Of

letter, chapter 8, about the Macedonians: “That in a great

course, I told her I would, and I did. We sat around making

ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality…and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” Should we do any less? As we begin this new year, isn’t there something you could do to make 2020 a banner year for someone? “… but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” Just ask the Lord how you can give yourself to Him and others in this new year. It might surprise you what He reveals to

34 // January 2020

About The Author

your heart.

Jimmy Bryant, retired. Interim pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Jimmy and his wife of 58-years have 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Recovery

Who, Me? Recovery?

by Susan Lavigne

hen you hear the word “recovery,” what is

overcome their personal obstacles.) Although I had never

the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it,

had a problem with drugs or alcohol, I knew I struggled

“That’s where I go after surgery or what I do

with low self-esteem that led me to want to please everyone,

after surgery?” Perhaps you think about people who are “in

even to the point of my own physical and emotional

recovery,” and images of people struggling with drugs and

detriment. I didn’t know the term “codependent,” but I

alcohol come to mind. It’s not uncommon to think of recovery

came to understand I was acting it out in all the ways I

as a process only for those who are seriously ill or addicted.

wanted to “fix” myself and others.

Today, however, I would like to expand on that definition by letting you in on a secret: recovery is for everyone!

Deep down inside, I wanted to get control of my chaotic life. Needless to say, trying to fix my own life or the lives of others wasn’t working, and I was constantly frustrated. Then, I heard the first principle of Celebrate Recovery. Principle one: “Realize I’m not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.” I remembered thinking, “Is that what my problem is? Is this an issue of pride and peoplepleasing?” I am a Christian and have been for over 40 years. I have always tried to live a good Christian life. In fact, I wanted to help others experience a good Christian life too, but I found that I wasn’t even aware of my own hurts, hang-ups, and habits that God wanted to heal in me first.

To understand what this means, ask yourself the

So maybe today, you are struggling. You are stressed,

following questions: Have you ever been hurt physically

angry, feeling anxious, or just plain tired. You know that

or emotionally? Are you struggling with an emotional

hope for healing only comes through God, but you may want

barrier such as fear, anxiety, or insecurity? Do you have a

a body of Christian believers to come alongside you on your

habit that you wish you didn’t, like smoking, overeating, or

recovery journey. If you need someone who understands

lying? Are you being held back by personal hang-ups? Most

where you are and can help you walk out the steps to

of us would have to answer “yes” to at least one of these

healing, then I encourage you to find a Celebrate Recovery

questions. So what can we do about the issues we struggle

group near you. And remember, recovery is for everyone!

with? How can we begin to recover? In 2008, I went to my first Celebrate Recovery meeting focused, 12-step program open to anyone seeking to

36 // January 2020

About The Author

in Centre, Alabama. (Celebrate Recovery is a Christian-

Susan C. Lavigne is the training coach for the Celebrate Recovery at Trinity United Christian Church in Rome, GA. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Year Of The Lord’s Favor

by Chad Hess

he new year is fast approaching, and all the secular

stated in front of the people of His hometown. This was the

things associated with it are ramping up around

Good News! What if we, as Christians, the body of Christ,

us. Most people, including Christians, usually have

proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favor and spread the Good

a New Year’s resolution or two that they let their friends

News? The Good News has not changed. Jesus came to set

and family know about, and statistics show that less than 5

us free. The Good News of Jesus is as important today as it

percent of these resolutions are fulfilled.

has always been. Our world is sick and dying. People are

In Luke chapter 4, beginning in verse 16, Jesus went to

in chains and oppressed. Our churches, some of them, have

His hometown of Nazareth and taught in the synagogue.

lost sight of the truth and need to be healed. This world

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him, and

desperately needs the Lord’s favor.

He read aloud, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He

Let us resolve to make 2020 a year where we unashamedly share the good news. If we are obedient and begin where we are without delay, we will receive the blessings that the Lord has promised to us. Because this passage is so uplifting and is at the core of our beliefs, we often miss an important sentence in verse 19: “and the day of the vengeance of our God.” Couched between the Lord’s favor and the comforting of all who mourn is the vengeance of God. The vengeance of our God sometimes gets glossed

has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has

over today in attempts to not be controversial or to not

sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery

hurt someone’s feelings. Consider carefully the words of

of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim

Isaiah that are stated by our Lord Jesus. It’s really not an

the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of

option or a resolution we can choose. We simply must

our God, to comfort all who mourn.” He then handed the

share the Good News with the world. The day of our God’s

scroll back to the attendant and said, “Today this scripture is

vengeance is coming. Will we stand before Him having

fulfilled in your hearing.”

done all we could do?

The statement about the year of the Lord’s favor is was not a New Year’s resolution by Jesus, but it was the fulfillment of prophecy, and it was His mission statement,

38 // January 2020

About The Author

appropriate, I think, as we plan for the new year. This 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 your Taste Buds

Butternut Squash Soup by Pam Wattenbarger

here’s nothing like a comforting bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day. Smooth, creamy, and satisfying, the recipe can be prepared using fresh or canned

butternut squash. Cooking the squash is the hardest part. Once it’s done, the rest of the recipe comes together in around 30 minutes. This recipe is naturally gluten free. It can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth. If you prefer a vegan recipe, simply swap the butter for non-dairy spread.

Ingredients • 2 butternut squash, halved, with pulp and seeds removed • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 medium onion, diced • ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves, minced • 2 cups chicken broth (can substitute an equal amount of veggie broth) • 1½ teaspoons salt • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

40 // January 2020

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Place squash halves in 9x13 baking pan. Add ½ cup water to baking pan (or enough that the sides of the squash are immersed in water, but the tops are not covered with water). 3. Bake squash 50 minutes or until done. Remove the squash from the oven and allow to cool. 4. Scoop the insides of the squash into a food processor or blender. Puree for 30 seconds. If not fully pureed, pulse for another 30 seconds. 5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set the squash mixture aside. 6. Melt butter in a Dutch oven, large saucepan, or stockpot over medium heat. 7. Add the onion and minced rosemary. Saute for three minutes or until the onion is translucent. 8. Add the squash and chicken broth to the onion mixture. Bring to a boil. 9. Reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer for 15 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Who Do You Imitate?

by Alison Nichols

rowing up, my brother and I would normally

Occasionally, when she had a larger towel or sheet to

go spend a few days at my grandparents’

hang over the line, she would briefly place the pin in

house during the summer. They owned a

her mouth while adjusting the towel. She would then

large cattle farm, which was nestled in of the beautiful

pin it in place.

hills of North Alabama. I can still remember waking

Several weeks later, I was helping my mom hang

up to the smell of biscuits and gravy in the morning:

towels on the clothesline. When she asked me to hand

so delicious! Our days were always crammed full of

her a pin, I turned towards her with a clothespin in

fun adventures! From trips to the Birmingham Zoo

my mouth. My mom quickly asked me, “What are you doing?” I responded with a muffled reply. After she asked me to take the pin out of my mouth, I said, “Mawmaw do.” It took my mom only a few moments to realize what I was referring to—my grandmother and the clothespins. This was a comical situation for sure. As Christians, we are always being watched. Our every move is critiqued by this world. We should live and love in such a way that people will desire what makes us so happy. We are called to be imitators of Christ, just as I imitated my grandmother as a young child. Ephesians 5:1-2

to feeding baby calves to blowing bubbles in the

says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do,

backyard, our days were never boring.

because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with

I recall on one sunny afternoon, my grandmother,

love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and

or as I call her, “Mawmaw,” unloaded a pile of wet

offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma

towels into a plastic laundry basket. Placing the basket

to God.” Take a moment today, look in the mirror, and

on her hip, she reached out her hand, and we headed

ask yourself: who are you imitating?

outside. She always knew how to make daily chores her clothespins. She would take several in her hand.

42 // January 2020

About The Author

fun. As she hung each towel with care, I would hand Alison Nichols is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Rome,Georgia. She enjoys crafting, vintage clothing, spending time with family and her boyfriend, Kal.

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