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Gò0dNews January 2022

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About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix Alison Nichols Andrew Lee Brenda Dedmon Brent Goodge Brian Johnson Chase Holtzclaw Janise Copeman Jodi Varnado Jordan Burchette Judy Hood Karen Jeffery Kaye Stein Kristen West Kyle Blevins Matthew Dennis Pam Wattenbarger Paul McGuire

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Mark Dodd 706-506-8758 Email: rome.goodnews@gmail.com

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

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throughout the community in retail establishments, 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!

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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 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Would You Rest if Your Life Depended on It? by Matthew Dennis

GoodNews for Kids

8 Indoor Winter Party by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Fitness, Finances, and Faith by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Stand Your Ground by Kyle Blevins

GoodNews for Women

14 The Waiting Place by Alison Nichols

GoodNews for Everyone

18 Courage For a New Year by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for Everyone

20 Realizing the Unattainable by Kaye Stein

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Kelli Gonzalez, CPA by Jodi Varnado

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Why Do We Fear? by Chase Holtzclaw

GoodNews for Everyone

26 New Beginnings by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Everyone

28 A New Start

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Parents

30 What A $40 Jogging Stroller Taught Me

by Jordan Burchette GoodNews for Everyone

32 Little Is Much

by Karen D. Jeffery

GoodNews for Everyone

34 Deserted at The Cross by Kristen West

GoodNews Poetry

36 Soar With the Eagles by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

38 New Horizon

by Janise Copeman

GoodNews for Seniors

40 What’s Your Mountain? by Paul McGuire

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake

by Pam Wattenbarger

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk Would You Rest if Your Life Depended on It?

by Matthew Dennis

hen the pandemic hit our shores, my life

Isaiah 30:15 tells us, “This is what the Sovereign

was forced to slow down. As someone in

Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to

ministry, slowing down can be incredibly

me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and

challenging for me. Pastors tend to be terrible at the

confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.’”

spiritual discipline of rest. In general, American culture is

That last line has been incredibly convicting for me. Are

fast-paced and busy. Many of us like being in the hustle

we willing to put away our facades? Would we rest if we

and bustle and tend to place our identity in what we

believed our lives depended on it? The good news is that

do, rather than in who God says we are. Because of this,

although slowing down can be scary, God has so much

slowing down can be incredibly frightening.

better that He wants to give to you. As a good, perfect

Why is this? Peter Scazzero states, in The Emotionally Healthy Leader, that everyone has a shadow, and this shadow is defined as the “accumulation of untamed emotions, less-thanpure motives, and thoughts that, while largely unconscious, strongly influence and shape your behaviors. It is the damaged but mostly hidden version of who you are” (page 55). When the world slowed down, I found myself changing on the inside as the business that once drowned out my inner man was no longer there. God began

Heavenly Father, He wants to give good things to His

revealing wounds He wanted to heal, as well as areas in

children, but we have to do our part and get up. Just like

my life where I was getting a false sense of security and

the paralyzed man at the pool, Jesus is asking us, “Do you

identity. He wanted to replace those areas with Himself

want to get well?” (John 5:6). Go to that silent place, slow

as the source of my self-worth.

down, and ask the Father what He wants to remove and

Likewise, in the quiet place, God will reveal to you

give you in return. Ask Him what He thinks of you and

what motivates you. After that, He will begin cutting

how He wants you to see Him. You very well may face

things out of you; and like surgery, the cutting and

brokenness, but your brokenness is the bridge to your

healing will hurt because there is a process and recovery

destiny, and God wants to make something beautiful out

time. However, if that surgery is not done, our shadows

of it.

will slowly kill us on the inside. Many of us will wake have been if only we had stepped into everything God had planned for us.

6 // January 2022

About The Author

up one day and have to face the man or woman we could Matthew Dennis is currently serving as a children’s pastor and one of the college ministry leaders at The Grace Point in Cleveland, TN. You can follow him at awakenpurpose.wordpress.com.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Indoor Winter Party

by Brenda Dedmon

hen January brings wintry weather, it is difficult to find fun things to do. Ask your parents if they would help you plan an “Indoor Winter

Party” and invite your friends to come for a fun event. The following are activities that would make a fun party! Pin the Nose on the Snowman To play this game, you will need to draw three circles for a snowman on a poster board. Draw a nose on the snowman. Cut out noses from orange

Donuts on a Stick You will need the following items: miniature powered white donuts (3 per child), black jellybeans (6 per child), orange jellybeans (1 per child), strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups, (1 per child), paper candy sticks (1 per child). Have each person place the donuts on the candy stick. The black jellybeans are for buttons and eyes. The orange jellybeans are for the noses. Fruit Roll-Ups are for the scarf and mouth.

construction paper. Print the name of each person on the noses. Secure a blindfold for the game. Blindfold one person and lead them to the board to place their nose on the snowman. Continue until everyone has had a turn. The winner is the one that is the closest to where the nose should be. Candy Dice To play this game, you will need a dice and a bag of assorted miniature candy. Give each player four pieces of candy and place the remaining candy in a pile on the table. Each person will take a turn rolling the dice. The following are the instructions for the number person to your left, 3 Pick two pieces from candy pile, 4 Skip your turn, 5 Take a piece from someone, 6 Put one piece back to the pile. The winner will be the person who gets ten pieces of candy first. Ice Sculptures Before the party, freeze water with various food colors in assorted sizes and shapes of plastic cups, bowls, muffin tins, and cake pans. Minutes before doing the activity, have your parents remove the ice from the containers by running warm water on them. Place plastic tablecloths on the tables. Allow each child to use the ice to make ice sculptures. Be sure to take pictures of the sculptures.

8 // January 2022

Strawberry Hot Chocolate You will need to ask your parents to make this to enjoy with your donut snack. The following are the ingredients: 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ¼ cup sugar, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of white chocolate morsels. In a small bowl, place the sugar over the strawberries and set them aside for 10 minutes, then puree in a food processor. Heat the milk and chocolate over medium low heat until the chocolate has melted. Add strawberries and cook for 2 more minutes. We read in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “God has made everything beautiful for its time.” Even on cold, dreary days, we can still enjoy fun times with friends. About The Author

rolled: 1 Pick one piece from candy pile, 2 Give a piece to the

Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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on a Honda powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear

a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you Find the new Honda that will multiply the isfun, share the excitement, andread the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tallriding. enough forThen, seat belt toshow fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp increase the number of hours you spend someone special the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)

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14465_4C MY21_Gifts That Go Holiday Promo Amats 7.625” x 5.25” MODEL: TALON Category: SXS powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear PAGE 1 November 6,appropriate 2020 9:20 AM a helmet, eye protection and clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you

complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course is available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)

Fitness, Finances, and Faith 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.

s we enter 2022, the New Year’s resolutions have been made once again, and loftier personal goals have been set. Very likely, some of these resolutions involve money and fitness. Save more money this year! Make a budget and stick to it! Invest more for retirement! Pay off debts! Exercise daily and eat more veggies! Lose X number of pounds! Remember Ben Franklin’s famous maxim, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man (and woman) healthier, wealthier, and wise.” Let’s explore the relationship between fitness and finances in order to be both healthier and wealthier this year (making you wiser, as well). Hal Elrod’s 2012 book The Miracle Morning has been cited by countless millionaires as a key to financial success. The book recommends waking up early in order to have time to prepare your mind, body, and soul for whatever challenges and opportunities you may encounter each day. One of the recommended activities each morning is exercise. Whether this involves cardio, weightlifting, yoga stretches, or a combination of all three, numerous studies reveal that many financially successful (wealthy) people regularly begin each morning with exercise. In fact, these people feel strongly that staying physically fit is essential to their financial success. Many of the millionaires surveyed said that regular exercise lowers their stress levels and increases their energy levels which consequently allows them to think clearly and creatively about business deals and investments—directly impacting their finances. Many financially successful people are what we’d call “hard charging go-getters”; they are always in motion, physically and mentally, so physical fitness is invaluable to their lifestyles and decision-making. Consider other important connections between fitness and finances. Both areas involve disciplined behavior—

10 // January 2022

exercising daily, monitoring your diet and nutrition, monitoring your spending and saving habits, regularly investing, paying attention to your weight and net worth to ensure you’re on track to meet your fitness and finance goals. It won’t just happen by chance or luck—fitness and financial success require intentionality, persistence, and a plan. Both areas also involve “delayed gratification” because you likely won’t notice major benefits until some time has passed. It takes a while to see weight loss and clothes fitting more loosely, and it takes a while to pay off debts and to see investments and net worth growing significantly. This is where faith comes in. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the “evidence of things not seen” (yet). Unless you believe that your efforts and discipline will eventually pay off, odds are you won’t stick with it. Since March of 2021, I’ve lost about forty pounds and am now at the same weight and pants as when I was a college student. I’ve been using the Noom system which is really just an incredibly simple mindset shift of how to eat and to think about mealtimes. Some of the “tricks” include slowing down and eating more “mindfully” to enjoy each bite (no screentime during meals—no TV, no scrolling on your phone); just eat quietly without distractions. Another “hack” is to try eating with your less dominant hand which makes you slow down naturally because it’s awkward. Notice how this “slow down” mindset also applies to finances, like the advice to “sleep on it” instead of making sudden impulse purchases. What’s the best workout? Easy—it’s the workout you just finished! A completed workout is done, “in the books,” and moving you toward better fitness. Likewise, what’s the best investment? It’s the one you already had auto-drafted out of your paycheck and invested into your retirement plan without you even realizing it! When it comes to fitness and finances, “Done is better than perfect!”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

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Gò0dNews for Men

Stand Your Ground

by Kyle Blevins

en, as leaders in our families, our businesses,

firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Even if

churches, or other causes, are often charged

you feel refreshed, this can still be quite the challenge.

with a generalized expectation to “stand firm.”

Unfortunately, even as strong men, we are very reward-

I believe this expectation is a hopeful one where people

driven beings. Even as leaders, there must be some cause

need to have someone to rely on. Most men will stand

for us to fight for ourselves and others. This charge from

up to this challenge, but even in doing so, I have known men in my life who take this to the extreme in both unhealthy, but also inspiring ways. Some have taken that to mean not “feeling” at all, while others have neglected themselves mentally and physically to set out what they aim to do. At the end of the day, that kind of standing firm does well to serve the hidden master of pride, but little to solidify the foundation which would actually carry us through. That is the foundation of faith. As I think about different situations people might expect us to stand firm in, the only one that remains worth standing for is that of spiritual and moral excellence, of faith. If standing your ground doesn’t maintain a level

1 Corinthians 16:13 may need another “boost” and I

of security, of spiritual well-being, or of a sharpened

believe Romans 5:3-5 can give us just that. It reminds

vision for that which you are leading, then not standing

us of all the rewards for fighting through the right

firm is not weakness—it is wisdom. I share that because

thing. “We know that suffering produces perseverance;

I know some men who have tried to cling to every little

perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope

opportunity that comes their way. If they don’t control in

does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been

excellence all that finds its way to them, then they are less

poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who

of a man. I pray today that lie is identified, spoken to, and

has been given to us.”

cast out. Now that we have filtered out what should really be stood for, you should feel renewed energy already

I pray that you are nourished in your spirit today, that you filter down where you wish your excellence to be, and that the Holy Spirit be with you in all you aim to do.

than you realized as you focused on something more special. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on guard. Stand

12 // January 2022

About The Author

about standing firm. Perhaps you have more in the tank Kyle Blevins is a husband and a father of three boys. He enjoys connecting with the world through skateboarding and music. Apart from his day job, he is a freelance writer and aspiring author. You can follow his work at iamredirected.com.

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Gò0dNews for Women

The Waiting Place

by Alison Nichols

longtime friend of mine and I recently connected

seemed like a black hole of waiting. Unwanted heartache

over coffee. As the coffee mugs warmed our hands,

would haunt her as she saw classmates and co-workers

the conversation warmed our hearts. The topics

moving forward, getting married, and having children. She

ranged from work to the weather until we finally landed

remarked with tears in her eyes, “I remember asking, why

on the subject of waiting. We both agreed that no matter

am I here?” She revealed raw parts of her past when she

your age or season of life, we all find ourselves in places

talked of hurt and frustration towards our Heavenly Father.

of waiting. Waiting is unavoidable, uncomfortable, and

She felt He had left her in an impossible situation.

literally unending. Whether waiting for food at a restaurant,

My friend spoke of her circumstances, and how she

the perfect job, or that special someone to finally come

allowed them to completely steal her joy. She commented, “I

knocking, each situation comes with its own ups and downs.

authorized that season of waiting to harden my heart, rather than embracing each moment of life.” I reminded her that our Father can see the entire picture of our lives. Knowing that He holds all the pieces to our stories in His hand gives us hope—hope that He will come through. It may not look exactly how we expected, but however it turns out, we can know it will be what’s best. If you find yourself staring at the clock wondering when this season will be over, I encourage you to lean in. Welcome the place where you are. If we walk through life bitter and constantly wishing each storm or situation away, we may just miss out on God using it for us to learn something new. He may just be setting the stage for a blessing. In the words of my favorite author, Mark

As the conversation continued, my friend referred to a season of waiting she had walked through. She shared,

Batterson, “You can never always sometimes tell.” Regardless of how long you’ve been waiting, remember

“Ever since I was young, I prayed for my future husband. A

He is always faithful. In His Word, He promises us a hope

few years back, I began writing him letters. I would usually

and future, and when God says something, He will do it.

write one or two a week. The few letters I started with have

Even though we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we can

now grown into a thick stack. While each letter contains no

rest easy because we know who holds all our tomorrows.

Leaning in, I listened carefully to her words. She mentioned times in her life when she felt “stuck” in what

14 // January 2022

About The Author

name at the top, each one is prayer-filled and heartfelt.” Alison Nichols is an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. She loves vintage clothing, antique cameras, and spending time with her family.

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Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113

Anglican

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551

Assembly of God

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

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790

16 // January 2022

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

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

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

Catholic

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

Christian & Missionary Alliance

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

Church of Christ

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

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

Church of God

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

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal

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

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

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

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084

Latter-day Saints

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

Lutheran

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

Methodist

Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC

801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214

Nazarene

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

Non-Denominational

Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561

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

Orthodox

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

Pentecostal

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

Presbyterian

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

Seventh-Day Adventist

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

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

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

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

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

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Courage For a New Year by Dr. Alan Hix

n January of last year, we were deep into the pandemic

that is different and populated with challenges. But also, like

with little end in sight. In the January issue of this

Joshua, believers can be emboldened by the promise that

magazine, I wrote an article entitled “How Can We Sing

God will be with us wherever we go. Because of Christ’s

the Lord’s Song in a COVID-19 Land?” I reflected on the

presence within us, we can look forward with expectation

plight of the Jewish exiles in Babylon expressed in Psalm

and hope. Life moving forward will be different and

137. Removed from their homeland, they were facing an

marked by struggle. However, the most important thing to

uncertain future in a hostile country. Although the prophet

remember as we look forward is that whatever lies before

Jeremiah had prophesied that God would return his people to their land, few held out any hope. For many people in our world this past year, this sentiment reflected their own. Contrast that to the situation in the first chapter of Joshua. The Israelites were at the end of forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The Promised Land was finally in sight. They experienced both excitement and trepidation. While the land of Canaan appeared to be as fruitful as God promised, it was occupied by fortified cities. For the children of Israel to see the promises of God realized, they would face great struggle. With this mixture of emotions running through his mind, Joshua had an encounter with God. God renewed his promise to give his people this land. Anticipating Joshua’s concern over the fortified cities,

us, we face it in, with, and through God’s loving presence

God told him, “No man shall be able to stand before you

and his divine sovereignty over all creation.

all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will

The only New Year’s resolution that really matters is

be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you…Have I

the one in which we commit to living our lives in hope

not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not

and confidence in God’s providential care for us. His

be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your

care transcends the fear and uncertainty experienced by

God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5, 9 ESV). This

those who do not know him. May we be inspired by this

promise that God would be with him emboldened Joshua to

reassurance to share with others where hope for the future

lead the people in their conquest of the Promised Land.

can be found.

As we stand at the start of a new year, we can look back pandemic. Returning to the way things were may not be completely possible. But instead of looking back, we need to look forward. Like Joshua, we may be looking into a land

18 // January 2022

About The Author

to the struggles of living in a world impacted by a global Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Realizing the Unattainable

by Kaye Stein

hange is inevitable, thus trying to maintain your

yelling and realizing he wasn’t going to stop, I got up and

current position presents a constant bombardment

put him out. He didn’t like that at all, but he just didn’t

of challenges. So, one could assume that the

seem to learn. As I was thinking about it, I realized that

easier path in life doesn’t actually exist. And if it doesn’t

I’m kind of like that too. I get upset over being punished,

exist then why do we keep trying to approach life taking

instead of taking away a learning point. How you look

the easy way? When you look at creation, you will see a

at difficult situations, in turn, guides your emotions and

constant change from the wind and earth to the creatures

choices. The good news is that no matter how many times

and industries.

we fail, God still loves us! Elijah, who is said to be one of the greatest prophets, also had difficult and repeatable learning opportunities. (1 Kings 18:1-19:18). Elijah, on Mount Carmel, showed everyone in the land who the Lord was, and God rained fire down on the altar of sacrifice. Because of this, the Israelites returned to their God. 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah were killed that day which angered Jezebel. She swore that she would kill Elijah, and he became afraid and fled for his life. Elijah hid way far away in a cave, and God had to get his attention to get him out of the cave. So, if the great Elijah can falter, I think it’s safe to say that we all are quite possibly

Therefore, why should we make new year’s resolutions

going to falter at some point. But here’s what you need to

except to be proactive in our life of change? You are

get, God didn’t give up on Elijah! God still loved him! This

unwittingly aligning yourself with change in search of the

is great news for us! Even if we fail over and over again

plan God has specifically for you! Change is inevitable,

to blaze through tough times and challenges with perfect

from growth and development that you have no control

choices, God still loves us and wants us! God’s promises

over to exploring and challenging yourself. So, in

never change! If you are finding yourself on a path that’s

everything about us, we continue to move forward.

going nowhere or a path that has unattainable goals then

We face challenges every day at home, at work, with friends and families, and how we choose to handle these

look to God for guidance, for He will surely hear and come to your aid.

must be the pivotal point to determining the direction we are heading. older, feebler cat one afternoon. After a few minutes of

20 // January 2022

About The Author

I was watching my young athletic cat terrorizing our

Kaye Stein was raised in North Georgia and is now retired. She lives with her husband in Rome, Georgia. She loves her Lord and her family time.

K E L L I D G O N Z A L E Z C PA certified public accountant

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Kelli Gonzalez, CPA by Jodi Varnado

ver the past two years, our lives have been

For Gonzalez, the practice of accounting began as an

interrupted with a weary season of unexpected

unaware familiar association and evolved into a nurtured

changes. Amid all of our financial demands, the

talent. “I chose to pursue accounting because I loved math. I

last thing we want to worry about is taxes. Where do we start

don’t think I actually knew what an accountant actually did

with so many changes in new tax laws and programs? A trusted

besides taxes. Little did I know, my late grandfather was a

Certified Public Accountant can be a blessing during this

retired accountant from GE. I guess it was truly in my blood.

tricky time!

While still in high school, my grandmother went to see her

Kelli Gonzalez, CPA, has been independently serving

accountant to get her taxes done and mentioned that I was

the Rome community for nine years. “We started our

going to school at Shorter to be an accountant. The rest is

office in December 2012 in a small, two-room office in

just history,” said Gonzalez. “I started working as an intern

Garden Lakes. The business grew and we were able to

for a local firm while in school, and continued working there

move into our current location in October 2018,” said

for twelve years before I opened my own office.”

Gonzalez. If you find yourself in need of individual and

Although small businesses have faced unparalleled

business tax support, and or payroll and accounts payable

uncertainty over the last year, Gonzalez has remained

preparation, Kelli Gonzalez is eager to come along beside

faithful to her community of clients. “We have been

you and provide support with knowledge, confidence,

extremely blessed to see our business continue to grow

and kindness.

during 2021. We have been able to help so many more

22 // January 2022

new clients, help our current clients with ways to help

accommodate meeting times throughout the work-

grow their businesses, and sadly, had to help others find

week and on weekends by appointment. You can follow

resources to use to help keep their doors open during the

Gonzalez on Facebook @KelliDGonzalezCpa to stay up to

pandemic,” said Gonzalez.

date on new tax information!

A strong sense of community is established from Gonzalez’s business approach, as her clients are treated with personalized attention and care. “Most of my clients have now become some of my closest friends. When you come to my office, you see me. Most of the time, when you call the office, you get me on the other end of the line,” said Gonzalez. “I want to make sure that people know that I am here to help, and I am available if they need me.” Gonzalez also shows support throughout the Rome community, serving as a member of the Rome Noon Optimist Club, Coosa High School Local School Governance Team, and a founding member of the Floyd County Landlord’s Association. As we enter into a new year, now is the time to get ahead of a new tax season. Here are some helpful tax tips from your trusted CPA: 1) Do not wait until the last minute! That goes for planning for the next year, as well as getting everything into Gonzalez for tax preparation. 2) Keep up to date on tax law changes and how they directly affect you. 3) If something is going to change in your tax

A Thank You Note from Your Local CPA “Words don’t seem adequate to say thank you to my clients for the support over these last nine years. My business has grown because of my clients. So many of my clients have come from referrals. The phrase “A referral is the highest honor a business can receive from a customer” is so true. I am so grateful for the trust that my clients have put in me. When my clients go and tell their friends and family about me, it tells me that I am doing something right. I want to make sure when my clients leave my office, they are happy and know they got the best service they could have wanted,” said Gonzalez. “I also want to say a huge thank you to my husband. He has been the driving force and support for my office since day one. He comes in and helps out wherever he can. That includes helping out with clients, answering phones, translating for my Spanish speaking clients, keeping my office looking beautiful, and anything else that he finds to do. He is my rock and I am so grateful for all he does.”

situation (i.e., marriage, children, new job, sale of an asset), come in before the end of the year and see Gonzalez. Let her make sure you are doing everything you can now to avoid any surprises when you go to file. Set up an appointment with Kelli Gonzalez today! You can call Gonzalez at (706)-528-4159 or email her at kelligonzalezcpa@yahoo.com. Gonzalez’s office is located at 2518 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30165, and is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Gonzalez will also

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Why Do We Fear?

by Chase Holtzclaw

or a long time, I have wondered, why do we fear

cannot live without fear and walk in faith, then the enemy

the future? What is it about fear that we let it take

has already crippled us. Without faith, we cannot stand for

full control over our thoughts and emotions, even

God much less have the courage to talk about the good news

affecting us physically? How can we let something we cannot see control every move we make? This question

of Jesus. We often have to step out in faith, but how can we when

led me to the most wonderful answer. It’s simple and has

the enemy tells us to be fearful of all these other things that

already been given to us. The word of God tells us to not

could happen, you might ask? God already tells us what we

fear what this world or man can do. The only thing we

are to do in His word and we should follow the example of

should fear is God and Him alone. I have always asked

Jesus. The enemy will come to you when you are susceptible

myself why would God want me to fear Him and why would a loving Father tell me to fear Him? God the Father wants us to fear Him and only Him because He knows that if we fear anything else it will have control over our lives. His will for our lives is perfect. When we work in our will, we mess things up. The enemy has a way of twisting will with fear. This kind of control with fear is the easiest and quickest way to control someone and the enemy knows this. This is why God our Father wants us to fear only Him. It is not because He wants us to be afraid of Him, it is because He loves us and He knows what we could fear will define our lives. The question we have to ask now is, how do we live a life without fear? The depth of this question can be simple to

to hearing his lies. Remember he is the ultimate liar after

some and complicated for others. Complications come when

all. Paul tells us, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, to take every thought

we are fearful of things and those things take over our lives.

captive to the obedience of Christ. Should we not take the

Fear begins to control us in many ways and can take our

fear captive in our minds? Fear can cause us to do some

lives away from what God wants for us. If you believe that

crazy things if we believe what we fear is actually real. I

we are in a spiritual battle that affects our reality around

urge you to take those thoughts captive, and in the name

us, then this will be easy for you to understand. The way

of Jesus tell them to leave you, until you can live your life

the enemy will try to place fear in you is simple. He will

without the fear the enemy is trying to feed you. Life is too

whisper into your ear and tell you things will not work out

short to waste on fear. Pray to God and ask for wisdom and

the way you want. He will tell you bad things will happen if

He will give it to you. Pray you have faith to step out when

you step out in faith. He will do these things through people

it is time and live your life as Jesus would. Let us step out

you trust and the world around you. Do these things sound

and glorify our Creator and walk without fear.

us. The enemy wants us to fear everything so he can control us. If we live our lives in fear, we cannot walk in faith. If we

24 // January 2022

About The Author

familiar to you? God wants us to fear Him because He loves

Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids. God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

New Beginnings

by Brent Goodge

ew Year. 2022. Wondering how we can go back to

shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give

a pre-Covid, pre-Zoom, pre-arguing over vaccines

the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face

and masks kind of life. But to get to a real new

of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). If Christ cannot speak

beginning, let’s go back to earth’s actual beginning. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the

physical light into existence, how could He ever create light in the hearts of His enemies? (Romans 5:8). What right

earth” (Genesis 1:1). We live in a world where the Genesis account of Creation is considered a myth. Those who believe the God of Heaven spoke and things happened are thought to be ignorant. The words of Genesis 1 and 2 are echoed throughout the Bible. When speaking the Ten Commandments, God pointed to the seven-day week as continual evidence that He alone is our Creator (Exodus 20:8-11). When identifying Himself as the only true God, the Bible points to His creative power (Psalm 33:8, 9). When Paul explained the “Unknown God” to the wisest men of Athens, he told of the One who “made from one blood every nation of men” (Acts 17:26). The arguments against Biblical Creation, rather than weakening the faith of the faithful, should strengthen it. Peter foretold that in the last days scoffers would “willfully forget that by the Word of the

or power would He have, were He not our Creator, to be

Lord the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of

our Savior? To fulfill His New Covenant promise to write

water and in the water, by which the world that then existed

His law in our hearts and remember our sins no more?

perished, being flooded with water” (2 Peter 3:5, 6). Who

(Hebrews 10:16, 17).

should we believe? The scoffers who have grown in strength

The final messages of warning to planet earth call all

over the past 175 years? Or the God who prophesied their

humanity to worship Jesus Christ as our Creator. This call

coming 2000 years ago?

depicts Creation as an integral part of the everlasting gospel

As Christians, we must realize that Satan’s attack on Creation is an attack on Jesus Christ Himself. At least three

of Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:6, 7). As sinners, our only Hope is in our Creator, our Re-

times, the New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the

Creator, Jesus Christ. “Create in me a clean heart, O God,

One who spoke our physical world into existence (John 1:3;

and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Trust

Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Doubting the Genesis account

Him to re-create your heart today.

But there’s an even greater story of beginnings that the Bible portrays. “For it is God who commanded light to

26 // January 2022

About The Author

is to question the power and honesty of Jesus Christ Himself. Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and wants Christ to re-create a new heart in him every day (1 Corinthians 15:31).

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A New Start

by Brian Johnson

022. A new year and a new start. The new year always brings a time of reflection and evaluation. We think about our regrets, the things we want to

change, and the new person we want to be. The great thing about our relationship with God is that we can make those changes anytime. Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” What I love about that verse is God knows we’re going to mess up. Even a just person is going to fall. “He remembereth that we are dust,” (Psalms 103:14). The problem isn’t the falling; the problem is when we stay down. I’m a big sports fan. My favorites are football and baseball. In football, there’s a position called defensive back. These players usually defend receivers one on one or, if you’re sports challenged, they try to stop other players from catching the ball when the quarterback throws it to them. Sometimes defensive backs will give up a big play. It’s part of playing that position. It’s going to happen from

sin among you, let him first cast a stone of her” (John 8:7).

time to time but if they dwell on the mistake, it will affect

After all of the men dropped their stones, Jesus told her to

the next play.

“go, and sin no more.”

When we mess up as Christians and stay down, it

David committed murder and adultery and he was

prevents God from being able to use us as affectively in the

called a man after God’s own heart. He’s also mentioned in

next situation or for the next person we meet that needs to

Christ’s genealogy in Matthew and Luke.

hear the Gospel. Don’t listen to the lies of Satan: you’re not good enough,

Paul, when he was Saul, persecuted and jailed Christians. He presided over the stoning of Stephen, and

God won’t forgive you, you could never come back from

God made him the apostle to the Gentiles. He wrote a

what you’ve done. Remember what Jesus said about the

large portion of the New Testament and took the Gospel to

Devil, “…there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie,

Europe. There are many examples!

he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

There’s nothing wrong with evaluations and resolutions. Just know, as long as you’re still breathing, God can, will,

Listen to the truth of God: you’re forgiven, you’re loved, if

and wants to use you, no matter what you’ve done. Get up,

you’re saved, you’re still His child and, according to Titus 1:2,

move forward. God’s not taking you out of the game. Don’t

God cannot lie.

take yourself out.

caught in the act of adultery. There were several men standing ready to stone her. Jesus said, “He that is without

28 // January 2022

About The Author

There’s a well-known story about a woman that was

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

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Gò0dNews for Parents

What A $40 Jogging Stroller Taught Me by Jordan Burchette

have been taking advantage of our local greenway each

I stayed in a constant state of fear and panic during

morning after breakfast. I load my two kids in the car and

that time of their lives. What if someone snatched them

head to the park. The walk is peaceful, as the greenway is

up? What if they fell off of the swings or slide? These were

surrounded by thick trees, a gently flowing river, and many

questions that kept me at home, free from danger. Even

beautiful stops along the way, including a duck refuge.

when we were home, I rarely went outside for longer than

It is a perfect way to start one’s day, especially with two

an hour. What if they got mauled by a dog? Or what if

littles full of energy upon waking up each morning. After a

they got hit by a car? Many of the fears were completely

few days of enjoying the local landscape, they started to get

irrational, but I couldn’t see it at that time.

lazy. “We don’t want to walk anymore,” they whined. “My legs hurt,” they grumpily complained. “We just want to go

Isn’t that how life goes? We don’t always see God using those seasons to mold us at the time.

to the park,” they griped. So, in true Type-A fashion, I decided to “kill two birds with one stone.” I would run/ walk while the kids enjoyed the bumpy ride and then finish our morning exercise at the end of the track, where a beautiful playground was conveniently located. A win for all of us! I wanted a basic jogging stroller to run with and scored one on Facebook Marketplace for $40. I arranged a pick-up time with the seller and stuffed the lightly-used stroller into the back of my SUV. We headed towards the park, where I proceeded to fumble with the new stroller for ten minutes until I finally figured out how to use it. Once I finally got the stroller opened, locked, and

Now, several years later, I see how far God has brought

packed full of snacks and water bottles, we took off down

me. Somewhere in the last few years, I woke up and realized

the greenway. I walked for a few minutes to warm my

I wanted to be the mom that went out and really lived life

calve muscles up, and then I took off jogging, pushing

with her kids. I didn’t want to be a slave to fear any longer,

them as I jogged.

nor did I want to pass that fear onto my children. I want

As I was walking, I looked down at both of my kids, and

them to watch me live life even if I am scared. This morning,

my mind immediately returned to a few years ago when

I read my Bible and read about Jesus casting out demons that

we lived in Greenville, South Carolina. Isn’t it strange how

knew and feared Him because they knew who He was and

certain moments trigger memories? Our youngest was a

how powerful He was. Jesus, in the same chapter, rebuked a

baby, and our oldest was probably two or two and a half

storm. That is the God I, and hopefully, you, serve.

when we lived in that beautiful city. I remembered how I mile run/walk on a wooded greenway. I barely went outside in general, to be honest.

30 // January 2022

About The Author

would have never ventured out to take both kids on a three-

Jordan Burchette writes stories to encourage, inspire, and challenge others. When she isn’t writing, she is running her small business, enjoying time with her family, and drinking coffee. You can follow her blog at www.thewordsofjordannoel.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Little Is Much by Karen D. Jeffery

n the Bible, we read that Jesus left us a wonderful

sitting with His disciples near the temple treasury watching

example of a humbling experience: He washed the

people depositing money into the offering receptacles. The

disciples’ feet, a task that was usually done by the lowest

court of women held thirteen such receptacles, and people

servant. In those days, everyone’s feet were probably very

could cast their money in as they walked by. Jesus watched

dirty since they walked everywhere they needed to go

as the rich were contributing large sums of money, but along

unless they had a donkey or a camel.

came a widow with two small coins in her hand.

Jesus, the King of Kings, stopped and washed more than

The two small copper coins made a penny. Mark

His disciples’ feet. He even washed the feet of Judea, who

12:41 calls the coins “mites.” These were the smallest

would soon betray Him.

denomination of coins. The widow put her coins into the box, and Jesus called His disciples to Him and pointed out her action: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” We must remember to give our all, even if it doesn’t seem like very much. Whatever we have a talent to do is our gift. We should do it with all we have because a little is much. Even though God doesn’t reward us for how

John 13:12-14, “So after he had washed their feet, and

much we can do for Him, but according to how willingly

had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said

we can do what we can. All He asks is we trust Him with

unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me

all the aspects of our lives.

Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your

I pray we all will call these words into 2022 and refuse

Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to

to reconsider a decision we know is right. Always give your

wash one another’s feet.”

all to Jesus. He gave us all He had when He gave His life for

By doing this, Jesus showed us He had a big purpose for

us on Calvary’s hill.

what He was doing. He wanted to teach us that no deed of In Mark 12:41-42, the poor widow gave little, but she was willing to give it all. Her reward was much. Jesus was

32 // January 2022

About The Author

brotherly love is unimportant, as any small thing. Karen D. Jeffery lives in Chatsworth, Georgia, and loves the Lord. He is first in her life.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Deserted at The Cross

by Kristen West

re you on a faith journey? If so, here’s a little spoiler

Statistically, it’s been shown that people will avoid pain

alert—there will be countless times when you feel

at all cost. Yet, it’s also been noted that pain—hardships,

like you’re walking the path alone. For the last thirty-

difficulties, and problems—are the very areas where

five years of my life, I have been journeying with Jesus. Much

we tend to learn the best and take away the most. Life’s

of that time has been spent surrounded by people that love

deepest lessons are discovered there. In the heartbreak. In

me, care for me, and have “been there” for me. But, when

the problem. It was a truth even the Son of Man faced,

God has called me to pick up my cross (navigating divorce,

“Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient

blending a family, dealing with the shadows of my past, and

to the Father], He learned [active] obedience through what

various other this-doesn’t-feel-good moments), it tends to be in a very personal and isolated kind of way. Now, before you all email me the contact information of your favorite Christian counselor, hear me out. Hours before Jesus was crucified, He had been praying in a garden with three of His closest friends. The burden of the next 24-hours was weighing heavily upon Him. The expectation of betrayal, abuse, and a violent execution had Jesus sweating blood. It was about to be His darkest hour. The Gospel of Mark gives us a snapshot as to the level of support Jesus received from His family and friends at this time. “Then they all deserted Him and ran away” (Mark 14:50). He was alone. As Christ-followers, we all face moments, seasons, and circumstances in our lives when it looks like we’ve

He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, AMP). Jesus knew what it felt like to suffer…and be alone. He truly was. The good news is that we never are. His promise from

been abandoned and deserted by others. It feels like

Hebrews 13:5 that He’ll “never leave us or forsake us”

we’re facing the dark by ourselves. And, from a human

remains true and, following His resurrection, He even left

standpoint, we are. No one else can really understand

us with the Holy Spirit (also called the “Comforter” in John

what it feels like to navigate the pain of your miscarriage,

14:26)! Are you feeling alone today, friend? Isolated and like

the devastation of that trauma or addiction, or that

no one understands what you’re going through or how you’re

difficult medical diagnosis you received. No one else can

really feeling? May I introduce you to the One who never has

truly feel the weight of your broken marriage or prodigal

(or will) abandoned you? Let Him comfort and strengthen

child. Sure, friends can empathize; family can support;

you today. He sees you. He loves you. He is with you.

can (and will) feel very, very lonely.

34 // January 2022

About The Author

the church can pray. But only you can walk the path. It Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Soar With the Eagles by Judy Hood

As you walk through this life, grab it by the horns You need to learn that from the day you are born The days go by so fast they will just pass you by And before you know it, you’ll be old with a sigh So, live your life, live it well, soar with the eagles, fly high Tap into your talents, don’t let the naysayers be your demise God has filled us with so much talent, if we just look deep within our soul We’ll learn who we are, we’ll find our life’s goal When you find your goal run with it, don’t ever look back To reach the pinnacle in your endeavors don’t ever slack Your reward is waiting over on the horizon When you achieve that, the sun will be a rising So, get up each morning, live your life to the full Always remember to live by the Golden Rule 36 // January 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

New Horizon

by Janise Copeman

s we see the hustle and bustle of the times we live

more like Christ and not an imitation of someone else. What

in, it can get harder to slow it down—to take a look

better role model to have than the Lord? He has given us all

over the past year and meditate on it. It has been an

a purpose and particular gifts to fulfill that purpose with

interesting one for sure! Many new struggles and challenges

this guidance. When we focus more on His agenda versus

have faced us all. We get in the habit of making New Year’s

our own, we will find our true fulfillment. Now, with all

resolutions and a fresh start. We think about our successes or

those projects, goals, aspirations, if we put them in the

failures and start setting goals or projects for the new year. We

Lord’s hands and ask Him to help us reach those goals, the

hear all the time, “I will get to it after the holidays.” Whatever

outcome may be put in a whole different perspective.

it may be, we are wanting to put the past behind us and start with a whole new beginning or outlook come January.

As I am getting older, my goals and my wants have changed. As we enter every new season in our lives, our perspectives and lists change. My eyes are more set on the eternal things—the inward man or woman which will never die but is renewed daily and will go on forever. The things we do in the here and now will be a major part of that. The materialistic world we live in, which is flooded daily with TV, social media, etc. can blind us to what is really important and those things that will never rust or decay. Matthew 6:19-20, “Do no store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” I hope this is an encouragement to someone

As I spend my quiet time alone with the Lord, He gently

(and myself) who has struggled with New Year’s resolutions

reminds me just how temporary our life is here. It’s just a

or goals and felt the pain of failure, to ask the Lord to

vapor. And the things we may hold important will only

show you what is truly important and have Him cut away

fade. It’s those things that are eternal and will last forever

anything that is not in His best interest for you. To align you

that our hearts should lean into. Things such as family and

to focus on those things He has purposed for you, to bring

showing the love of Christ to others, bringing others closer

Him glory, and to fulfill His great commission. To set our

to Christ, and planting seeds for His Kingdom. Our eternal

priorities according to His plan for our lives.

be in our focus. The world we live in can be so upside down as far as what is important and considered success. Our focus should be on what the Lord desires. We should only strive to be

38 // January 2022

Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” About The Author

residence and those who we touch along this journey should

Janise Copeman lives in Trion,Georgia, is 49 years old, and she is blessed to be married to her soulmate for 26 years. She enjoys reading, writing, and encouraging others by spreading joy and love in the Lord.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

What’s Your Mountain?

by Paul McGuire

his is a special and significant year for me. January is

In my personal pursuit of exhibiting the Love and Life

my birthday month. And my age is the same as the

of Christ, the Lord told me, “Give them ears to hear by

year my sweetheart and I were married, fifty years

what you are to them.” A phrase I’ve heard says, “People

ago. (No, I’m not 1972 years old!) Significantly, this is also a

don’t care how much you know until they know how

Jubilee year on the Jewish calendar.

much you care.” And Jesus said, “By this shall all men

Many folks of my age are thinking more about cutting

know that you are My disciples, that you have love for one

back the pace, retiring to piddle around, and awaiting the

other” (John 13:35, NKJ). Then Apostle John penned these

glorious second coming of our Lord. As for me, I’m excited

words: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from

to see and participate in the great awakening and revival

God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows

among the Lord’s people, and to work in the anticipated

God” (1 John 4:7, ESV). My desire of the Lord is to take the mountain He has assigned to me. Part of this effort is to walk out the Life Christ Jesus has birthed in me. It will mean doing this in every area of life in general, not just Sunday School. It means every day. In every place and circumstance, I must hold up and insist on God’s Righteousness to rule, starting in me. “Are you gonna beat people over the head with the Bible?” I can hear some wonder. No. The Love of God is our most powerful weapon. The Apostle Paul wrote how it is the “kindness of God that leads [Men] to repentance” (Romans 2:4, NASB), not a stick, not criticism. When we can show His Love, which is certainly kindness, by living out

great harvest of souls. I have a view much more like ol’

the Life of God, their ears will open to the message of God’s

Caleb as the Israelites were preparing to cross over into the

Salvation for them. We can tell them, and they will listen.

Promised Land. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for forty

There are many mountains influencing people. Most

years,” he proclaimed. “I’m 85, now, strong as ever. Give me

of those mountains are occupied by wicked giants which

my mountain!” And he took on a number of giants living on

have been leading us and our nations away from the

his mountain—and won! Retire? Bah! Gimme my mountain!

Righteous rule of God. Let’s take those mountains back to

These are the times when the Body of Christ must

where the greatest influence on us there is—the Kingdom

proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Church cannot look the same anymore. We’ve been effective by our own

of Jesus Christ. What’s your mountain? Will you retire or be a Caleb?

measure, but the world passes us off as rather an annoyance! earth and its people.

40 10 // January 2022

About The Author

It remains largely unaffected. That’s not God’s Plan for the Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 49 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake

by Pam Wattenbarger

his gluten-free recipe takes some time to prepare but the decadent chocolate taste is worth the wait! Use good quality chocolate chips for the best

results. Plan to make the cake in advance, as it needs to set for at least six hours before serving.

Ingredients • 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips • 2 sticks butter, softened • 6 eggs, at room temperature • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup water • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon salt • Whipped cream, optional • Chocolate shavings, optional

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. 2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and the butter. Heat for 1 minute at 50% power. Stir. Return to the microwave and heat for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring after each minute, until the chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, water, cornstarch, vanilla extract and salt until blended. 4. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. 5. Spray a springform pan with cooking spray. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan. Leave the pan on the countertop for 10 minutes to allow air bubbles to rise to the top. Gently pop any air bubbles with a fork. 6. Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center of the cake should still jiggle. 7. Let the cake cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight until it is set.

42 // January 2022

About The Author

8. Before serving, top each piece with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and Modern Twists on Old Favorites & The Southern Air Fryer Cookbook. Find her recipes and more at SimplySouthernMom.com.

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2595 Shorter Ave SW • Rome, GA 706.232.2624 • hondaofrome.com powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course is available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)

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6am - 10pm Closed Sunday