Gò0dNews
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Dr.
Elijah
Jan
Stephanie Stewart Susan Lavigne
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Melanie Abney
706-844-3818
GoodNews Rome
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com OFFICE
423-790-5378
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, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Such contents does not constitute
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.
What Does It Take to be Considered Righteous by God?
by Elijah Jenkins
“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing” (Galatians 2:19-21 CSB).
Paul, the one who wrote the quote above, is explaining to the readers why keeping the commands in the Bible, specifically the Old Testament, will not be the reason they are considered righteous by God. This seems like the opposite of what is true. Afterall, doesn’t God want us to obey Him? Doesn’t God want us to be good and not evil? Didn’t He give commands in the Bible to us for a reason? Yes to all of those questions! While obedience is desired by God, Paul wants the reader to understand that no one will be considered righteous based on their obedience. The reality is that we have all failed to be completely obedient to God, and therefore we have all failed to be the righteous people God desires us to be.
died for nothing. The purpose of Jesus dying on the cross was to give us another path for righteousness, one that comes through faith in His obedience, not ours. God knows that His commands are perfect. And, He knows that we fall short of obeying them. Because He loves us so much, He sent His son, Jesus, to be perfect on our behalf so we can have eternal life with Him, not based on our perfection, but based on our faith in Him who is perfect.
In the quote above, Paul says that he has died to the law and Christ now lives in him. What he means is that he is done trying to be perfect in order to please God. He recognizes that he simply isn’t good enough. And so he puts his faith in Jesus Christ. Specifically he is putting all his trust in the righteousness of Jesus instead of his own righteousness. This is the gospel message about Jesus and the cross. No one was without sin; all were guilty. Therefore, Jesus came from heaven to live a perfect human life and obtain righteousness in human flesh so that all who have faith in Him can be considered righteous not based on their life, but based on Jesus’ life. We need His righteousness because we don’t have any. This is why Paul says if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ
Why then did Jesus die? Because that is what our sins deserved. So to spare us from that punishment of death and separation from God, Jesus took it upon Himself. This is God’s display of His love for us, that Jesus would die in our place even though He was innocent. So through faith in this, you and I can ‘die’ to the burden of perfect obedience, and be alive by having faith in Jesus who did not die for nothing, but died for you and for me to be given God’s grace instead of wrath. Without faith in Jesus, you are still unrighteous. Through faith in Jesus, you are accepted and loved forever by God.
The Goodness of God
by Susan Lavigne
My pastor encouraged his congregation one weekend to share our testimonies. Having encouragement helps us to feel supported and more bold in sharing our testimonies. This is especially true when we go through a difficult circumstance where our testimony displays God’s love and mercy towards us. Some of our difficulties seem too embarrassing to share. However, as I hesitantly shared my own challenging event with my family and friends, I was blessed by their love, support, and understanding. I hope that by sharing this testimony, you will see the goodness of God.
isolating me from anyone who could help me. They also convinced me that I had made a terrible mistake when making a money transfer from my computer. I would need to pay them back a total of $5,000.00 in gift cards.
There were moments when I wondered if this was real, but I was caught in a web of deceit and the pressure being placed on me was heavy. I even made the trip to a local store to purchase 5 - $500 gift cards. Here’s where God’s grace and goodness came in.
While I was standing in line ready to purchase these gift cards, I started praying to God for help. Only one of the gift cards would actually activate. The store manager tried to activate over 15 cards and none of them would work. Thank God!!!
My testimony begins in March of 2022. I was experiencing severe anxiety from a hyperthyroid condition. At the end of the month, my credit card information was hacked and I started the long process of having the false charges taken off my credit card. What a mess! This heightened fear led me to fall into another scam.
A few months later I received an email that made it appear that money was being taken out of my newly established online bank account. It said that I needed to contact this company to correct it. Unfortunately, I was blinded by my fear and began to follow all their instructions. The scammers were very clever, providing false information that sounded very legitimate. They kept me on the phone
Then, the scammer tried to convince me to go to another store, but I told him I couldn’t do that and I needed to call a friend. I was repeatedly told that we could both get in terrible trouble if I hung up. It was an awful time of confusion and fear. I finally hung up and called my friend. Immediately, he helped me see the reality of this scam and gave me the information I needed to help me stop it.
Psalm 18:6 NLT, “But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.”
I’m so thankful that God only allowed one card to activate and that He hears our prayers. Perhaps you have experienced a similar situation. I hope my testimony reminds you of the goodness of God and that you are never alone.
Susan Lavigne attends West Rome Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
JNew Year, New Changes, New Unknowns
Money Matters Rick Hughes with
Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.
anuary always comes with changes, some of which we choose and some of which we have no control over. We almost always think about changes on a personal level and sometimes forget to think about these changes on a financial level. What changes are in store in 2025 that could have an impact on your savings and retirement planning future?
Let’s take a moment to look at the known changes and how they may benefit your retirement in the future. The Secure 2.0 Act went into effect in 2022 but some of the changes it mandated are to begin in 2025. Annual contribution and catch-up contribution limits to your 401k have increased.
The tax bracket rates would revert to 2017 rates, which would mean higher marginal tax rates across income levels and a top tax rate of 39%. It has been stated that it would be the intent of the new Republican Administration to make these tax cuts permanent, rather than allowing them to expire.
Another change for 2025 is that there are now eligibility requirements for long-term, part-time employees. For 401k plans effective after December 31, 2020, the act provides that the employee be eligible if they have completed 3 consecutive 12-month periods, each with at least 500 hours of service. This will also cover 403b accounts in 2025 as well. For plan years after December 31, 2024, this term is shortened to 2 consecutive 12-month periods and the employee must have obtained age 21 by the end of the second 12-month period. These are all great additions to allowing individuals to save more for retirement.
We also know what the income tax brackets and standard deductions for 2025 will be.
What we do have to keep in mind is that these rates are set to expire on December 31, 2025. If this happens, the deduction amounts would lower to $8,300 for single filers and $16,000 for joint filers.
We can see how to save more for retirement and how tax brackets will affect our income in retirement, what we can’t see or know for sure is how administration policy changes and legislation will affect the markets and the direct impact that may have on our retirement funds. We saw the markets rally after Trump won the presidential election and then level out going into December. There are many unknowns for the economy with possible tariffs, a possible newly appointed Fed Chair in 2025, and a more domestic approach to drilling, all of which would have an impact on the economy and the markets.
Potential sectors that may benefit would be Banks & Financials, Defense, Oil & Gas, Small Cap Companies, and TIPS, while sectors tied to China, Mexico, electric vehicles, healthcare, renewable energy, and long-term Treasuries may decline. Pullbacks in the market are to be expected and understanding that money managers tend to have these pullbacks factored into their current portfolio allocations can help when we see market swings, but, as humans, we most often react with our emotions before analyzing the data. This is where meeting with your financial advisor and diving into your portfolio’s asset allocation mix will be key. A properly diversified portfolio can be allocated to balance out the winners and losers of market sectors so that your portfolio doesn’t decline or rise as sharply as the markets. Retirement planning is a marathon, not a sprint and our reactions to market changes should follow that stance.
If you would like to review your portfolio’s risk and allocation as we begin 2025, we would love to sit down with you. HRG’s goal is to help create your personal Retirement Playbook™ by developing your game plan and coaching you through your retirement season.
Investment advisory products and services made available through Impact Partnership Wealth, LLC (IPW), a Registered Investment Adviser.
What Satan Wants from You and How Fast He Works to Get It
by Rodney Jones
Satan wants from you exactly what he wanted from Eve: her soul. And he got her soul, at least for a while. He would have taken her to Hell with him had not God Himself shed innocent blood on her behalf. It only took Satan a matter of hours to get what He wanted!! Think about that: from perfection to corruption in hours! Make no mistake about it, Satan wants you dead, and worse still, he wants to drag you down to the pit.
He comes on the scene only three chapters from the beginning of the Bible and He continues tormenting mankind until three chapters from the end of the Bible. In between these chapters are thousands of years of deception, misery, and death. This fallen angel is vicious, feared by thousands, and hates you.
If you have not been saved, you are in incredible, eternal, danger. At death, you will wake up in a world that you cannot get out of, lost forever. The good news is that if you are saved, you are beyond Satan’s eternal reach. But if he cannot have your soul, he will settle for your total destruction. Satan spends his time seeking whom to destroy. And how quickly does Satan work? His work is immediate! When God makes progress in the human soul, Satan comes immediately to take it away.
In Mark 4:15 *KJV the Bible says, “….Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the Word that was sown in
their hearts.” He comes immediately because he knows that the Word of God itself is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (see Hebrews 4:12 KJV). The Word of God saves souls and transforms lives. Satan does not want that to happen. Therefore, he attacks quickly.
He wants your faith to fail. “Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you… But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:31-33).
He wants to corrupt your mind (see 2 Corinthians 11:13).
He wants an advantage over you. “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians. 2:9).
He wants to fill your heart. “why hath Satan filled thine heart?” (Acts 5:3).
He wants you to savor the wrong things. “Get thee behind me, Satan … for thou savourest not the things that be of God” (Matthew 16:23).
He wants you to turn aside from the work of God. “For some are already turned aside after Satan” (1 Timothy 5:15).
He wants you to speak things you ought not. “They learn to be idle … speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13-15).
He wants to take you captive. “Who are taken captive by him at his will” ( 2 Timothy 2:26).
He wants you to give place (flinch, hesitate, re-consider). “Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-2).
How do we defeat Satan? The same way that Jesus defeated him, by using the Word of God. In the wilderness, Jesus said, “It is written, it is written, it is written!” So, read it, memorize it, preach it, teach it, quote it, post it in your house and Satan will be defeated!
All Scriptures KJV.
Rodney Jones is a retired police officer and is presently a housing and residence life staff member at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Rodney is a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle in Ringgold, Georgia.
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Cultivate Confidence to Change Your Life
by Stephanie Stewart
Are you a happy and confident person, or do you struggle with the feeling of insecurity? I believe that once you understand your confidence comes from God, it’ll be easier to rest in who you are instead of wishing you were somebody else. Paul says in Philippians 1:6 (NLT), “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Why confidence is important
Confidence is one of the most powerful feelings you can embody. Going through life with confidence allows you to fully be yourself. Confident individuals are better equipped to work through obstacles, cope with setbacks, and stand up to adversity. They possess a strong belief in their abilities, which enables them to remain determined and optimistic, no matter the challenge.
Far too often, we fall into the comparison trap. Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” God created each of us to have unique looks, personalities, and talents. We all have a purpose in this world. And everyone has the power to inspire change, impact lives, and make a lasting difference in the world. The only thing holding us back is ourselves. And it all starts with having confidence.
The most common areas where people feel insecure
Here are some of the most common things people are insecure about:
Their Brain: Often, people are afraid that they’re not smart enough or qualified enough to fulfill their role as a student, employee, or business owner.
Even worse, they fear that they’re not smart enough to fit in with their social circle.
Their Body: Women are often insecure about their appearance. They may feel that they’re not pretty enough, or that they are too fat or too skinny, or that they’re too old or too young for whatever situation (or relationship) they’re in.
Their Economics: Many people feel inferior if their bank accounts, cars, or homes aren’t as large or as nice as others’. They wrongly believe that their value and worth is based upon their financial status rather than who they are as a person.
The Unknown: They’re afraid of the future because it can be unpredictable regardless of how well they’ve planned their life. They don’t understand the principle that life is really 50% good and 50% bad. Everyone will experience both happiness and devastation at some point in their life.
Their Relationships: They fear that nobody will love them for who they are. They are afraid of being an outcast, being abandoned, or being rejected. They tend to be people pleasers who sometimes sacrifice their own happiness in order to conform to others’ expectations.
As you work to build confidence in yourself, others will notice. You’ll begin to stand a little taller, smile a little more, and others will gravitate toward you. You’ll begin to shine brightly in this world that seems so dark at times. And what’s even more powerful is that you’ll inadvertently give others permission to drop their guard and start to live their own lives more authentically. When we free ourselves from others’ expectations in order to live a life that’s true to us, the world will automatically become a much kinder, better place.
This article was adapted with permission for our format from Stephanie’s blog, www.stephaniestewartcoaching.com.
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 Creek Baptist Church 3219 Fosters Mill Rd SW Rome, GA 30161
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
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
Eden Valley Baptist Church
348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
770-608-8168
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-3939
Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-5052
Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147
Fellowship Rome Baptist Church
314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-9416
First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6850
Flatrock Baptist Church
848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-9976
Flint Hill Baptist Church
3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104
706-232-8121
Friendship Baptist Church
2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-4803
Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-6615
Greater Mount Calvary Baptist
445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-5047
Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8806
Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6642
In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8963
Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2149
Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171
706-232-1917
McFall Baptist Church
3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5673
Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-6222
Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413
New Antioch Baptist Church
4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2248
New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706, 291-8939
New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-1984
New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga
706-235-0250
New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-0507
North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2100
Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147
Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4431
PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4431
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga
706-235-2800
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0731
Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165
706-232-6426
Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-1841
Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0689
Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8114
State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339
Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5037
Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-3663
Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172
Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8266
South Broad Baptist Church
508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-1220
Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7217
Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8132
Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga
706-766-0942
Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-3368
Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-8682
Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-2184
West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-1971
West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-9722
Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161
Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4171
Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165
706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0675
Lindale Church of Christ
3035 Maple Road
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-234-3027
Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165
706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ
121 Primrose Road
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4414
Church of God of Prophecy
94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165
706-528-4225
Lindale Church of God
585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147
706-232-5676
New Life Church of God
210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0704
New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4695
North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6687
Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2999
West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-880-6895
Church of God in Christ
Great Joy Church of God in Christ 60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161
706-766-6148
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161 Episcopal
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-9111
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
Ministerios El Vino Nuevo
4216 Alabama Hwy NW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0500
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
GracePoint Rome
43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161
Holsey Sinai CME Church
1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7265
Lindsay Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC
700 Broad St
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant Church
4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church
Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
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
Silver Creek UMC
36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
Trinity By The River, Global Methodist 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
Messianic
Congregation Hallelu HaShem
1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105
706-936-6711
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene
20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church
1905 Calhoun Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
705-584-7497
Beech Creek Church 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165
706-346-1018
Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165
706-235-0501
Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2045
Glory Tabernacle Church
300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0888
Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-9858
Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161
706-622-2448
Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165
LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165
706-728-3166
Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0864
New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-233-9200
Northside Church
75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165
706-233-9896
Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Shannon Community Church
600 First Street
Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church
1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161
Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
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
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW
Cave Spring Ga 30124
706-346-9786
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
for Marriage
Not One, Or Two, But ALL Things
by Nikki Hill
“How do you have the strength or the patience to keep going?” I am often asked this or similar questions when others find out that not only do I work from home, but I also homeschool my son. Moreover, I take care of my other little blessings (under the age of two) while also trying to maintain a clean household. I can answer the above question comfortably and boldly with thanksgiving in my heart, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).
There are situations that sometimes occur while working that make me ask the question, “Is this job for me? Am I not good enough? Should I come back to this type of
work when I feel I am able to?” And the last question which encourages me to let me know I must be doing something wrong or right depending on how one looks at it, “Why haven't they fired me yet?” Whether it is rebuke, a warning, or more training, I am thankful that there is still mercy and grace from my place of work. Instead of receiving the rebuke, warning, and training as an insult or attack, I see it as God giving me mercy, grace, and another huge benefit: discipline. As I continue to work my job, God has exposed more dark areas in my life that I need to work on as well as the good things and talents I can do to further my career for the common good.
Furthermore, I have come to find homeschooling is not an easy task to accomplish for many reasons, but the main one is if I, or my child, don’t have patience with one
another as well as with my other children or his younger siblings, homeschooling will not work. Yes, patience with one another is vital in my household (my husband is not excluded). My Lord is patient. He is the ultimate example of who I should look up to when I am feeling anxious and impatient when there are days that my son does not want to fully engage in his lessons while his brother is throwing a tantrum, and the baby is getting fussy, in need of sleep and food. So, when I look to the Lord and call upon Him for His strength in these times, He restores me. I am reminded of how He may feel when I am being a difficult child, yet exposing the disobedience in my heart, in which I am, in turn, remembering to have patience with my children.
Lastly, after finishing work and school with my son, it seems I barely have the energy to do housework. Although I have not been diagnosed with OCD, there are things I have to do to accomplish certain tasks before moving to the next task. Moreover, when my husband lends a helping hand, I sometimes reject it because of the above sentence and so I feel overwhelmed by the mess and wonder how I will get it clean. In addition, I struggle to utilize the help given to accomplish my tasks.
But God exposes the messes in my life and encourages and reminds me, “...With men, this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 KJV). Enter faith, trust, and hope. He cleanses me of my thoughts of selfinadequacies and places in me a renewed mind of self-worth and improvement. He reminds me to keep ripened fruit like a fresh apple available. This symbolizes patience to me when dealing with my son when he is hungry and cranky. In my son’s weakest moments, I am reminded of myself, just as the Father sent Jesus to save us from our sins when we were weak. And when filth and foulness begin to rave my home and my life, I am reminded that God wants me to give all my anxiety to Him as well as my trust and obedience. He works ALL things out for my good!
Safe Haven Boys Ranch: Making Room, Making a Way, Making a Difference
Jude 1:22 — “And some have compassion making a difference.”
Making Room
There’s a dusty dirt road off in some fields that looks like any other road of its kind in the South. But, it’s truly not the same. It’s not the length or the condition or the age of this road that makes the difference, it’s the destination. This road leads to hope. There’s hope along that dusty dirt road because Safe Haven Ranch for Boys is waiting at the end of it.
Jason Slaughter of Community Share Ministries describes the road building, “We are building roads to make room for what God’s got coming. We don’t know just who or just when but we know the children are coming. We know God’s got something He’s working on and we’re making room for it.”
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch is nestled in the former Corn family farm. The Corn family never raised children there. They raised animals and vegetables and eventually, they’ve raised hopes. The Corn family bestowed the farm into the
care of Jason and Ginger Slaughter of Community Share Ministries who saw a vision for helping boys on a working farm throughout their childhood by providing a caring environment, a sound education both academic and practical, and a sense of true belonging in a community through a family both at home and a welcoming church family.
Jason continues, “We have been called by God to take care of the children who have known great suffering and have no place to call home. Safe Haven Ranch is dedicated to demonstrating Christ's love by creating a nurturing environment for children who have known great suffering. Our mission is to address both the physical and spiritual needs of these children, providing them with the tools to overcome emotional and mental health challenges while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We aim to inspire and instill hope in the children we serve, empowering them to grow and heal despite their difficult circumstances. Our organization believes in
building a strong sense of community and providing a safe haven for children in need. Through our efforts, we strive to make a positive change in the lives of the children and families we serve, embodying the love of Christ in all that we do.”
Making a Way
Hope can come through the kind of hard work that brings a sense of accomplishment and achievement. The Safe Haven Boys Ranch provides such an opportunity. The farm offers interaction with the land and with animals. Every interaction brings a chance to learn about nature, about sowing and reaping, and about the joy and pride that come from taking responsibility for the farm’s production.
Mentors and helpers start teaching the boys at the level of their ability at the time. With careful attention, the growth process takes forth, not only for the farm produce but for the boys as well. Fences as well as trust are mended. Healthy self-esteem and outlooks as well as gardens are planted. Vision as well as hearty appetites are nurtured. Hope thrives. Seeds – both in nature and in nurture– yield fruit and fruit yields seeds and round the cycle goes toward a healthy, hearty crop of hope.
What becomes of all this produce? Ginger Slaughter shares about the Safe Haven Markets, “You can find handmade goods (honey, soap, candles, and canned goods) or our Safe Haven Ranch apparel at the Safe Haven Market
at our Community Share's Crazy Mart (1116 N Main St, Cedartown, GA 30125) or at Cotton Block Pickers (137 E 1st Street, Rome, GA 30161).”
Making a Difference
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch has plans to provide a long-term home to more than 70 children over its course, not including nine children who have already found their forever homes.
What Role Do You Play in Making a Difference?
Are you ready to make room, make a way, and make a difference? When you take the journey down the dusty dirt road to Safe Haven Boys Ranch you are immediately impacting children and nurturing not only the lives of these young people but the life of the community as well.
Mark your calendars for February 15th, 2025, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm for an elegant evening at Safe Haven Boys Ranch “For the Love of the Children Gala,” hosted at the Taylor Estate Events Venue, located at 549 Minshew Rd. in Rome, GA 30161.
This highly anticipated event aims to unite individuals, organizations, and community leaders to support and raise funds for Safe Haven Boys Ranch. The gala will be a celebration of philanthropy and a call to action for those committed to making a positive impact on lives. The evening will feature a dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, powerful speeches, and moving testimonials. We hope attendees will be inspired to contribute to the betterment of these boys' futures.
By fostering partnerships between organizations, businesses, and individuals, we can create a significant impact that will positively influence the boys at Safe Haven Boys Ranch for years to come.
There are several other opportunities to sponsor or donate to this event such as becoming a table sponsor:
A sponsor of the “Jace circle” is $1500.00: This includes a table closest to the stage, eight reserved tickets, recognition in the program and on our social media, as well as a personalized plaque to commemorate your kindness.
A sponsor of the “Camdon Circle” is $750.00: This includes a table a little farther from the stage, four tickets, recognition in the program and on our social media, and a plaque.
Individual tickets are available for purchase at $75.00 each.
If you wish to help but cannot attend, you may be interested in sponsorship of the venue. Our cost for the night is $3000.00. A venue sponsor receives recognition in the program, on our social media, and will have a tree planted with a plaque at the base in honor of their donation.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who support our mission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these deserving children.
For tickets, please visit www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2024-fundraising-gala-for-the-love-of-the-children. Contact the Slaughters and their team through their website www.helpsafehaven.org. Or, leave a message when you shop at one of the markets.
for Everyone Blinded by Fear
by Dr. Alan Hix
Have you ever been in a situation in which it feels like all the forces of life are against you? As I write this article on the day after Hurricane Helene devastated much of the Southeast, I wonder how many people who were in Helene’s path might feel like that. Living in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana for several years, we ran from many hurricanes. I understand what it is like to hurriedly evacuate and not know what you will have to come back to. We rode out a few lesser hurricanes, but nothing that packed the devastation of Helene. My heart goes out to those who feel helpless in the face of nature’s power.
Once, when I was staying at a hotel in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a strong storm appeared. Bursting through the narrow confines of a mountain pass, it surged into the bowl-like area of the Sea of Galilee with great force. I was amazed at the size and force of the waves it generated. This experience gave me a clearer picture of the disciples’ situation in John 6:18-20 ESV,
18 “The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
The disciples knew their lives were at risk, and they were afraid. Notice that John tells us that after they see Jesus, they are still afraid. It might be Jesus coming to them, but they had other things to worry about. They were focused on the storm and trying to save themselves. Jesus literally says to them, “I am. Do not be afraid.” It is the same phrase that He will use seven more times in John—“I am the bread of life;” “I am the living water;” “I am the resurrection and the life.” And each time Jesus makes that statement, He is pointing His hearers back to that moment on the mountain when Moses asked God His name, and the LORD replied, “I AM, THAT I AM.” However, the disciples didn’t expect to be rescued from the storm, even when the creator OF the storm was present.
The disciples were so overcome by fear in the face of a situation they were totally helpless to control, that even the sight of Jesus did not give them hope. When we experience that same kind of fear, and we cry out to God in desperation, and we feverishly search through the Scriptures hoping we will find some answer, we can be like the drowning man who struggles against his rescuer because all he can see is that he is drowning.
In those moments, Jesus calls out to us, “I am; do not be afraid.” As “I am,” not only does He have power to save us from the storm, but as creator, He has power over the storm. The disciples’ problem is that they were not willing to let go of their fear—that’s why even Jesus’ walking on the water did not phase them. But when we can release our fears and grasp hold of Jesus as the I am, note what happens next: 21 “Then they were glad to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6:21 ESV).
is Professor of Christian Studies
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.
Dr. Alan Hix
at Shorter
for Parents
How Can I Help My Child Get Closer to God?
by Dr. Brent Madaris
Irecall reading an account about Celeste Sibley, one-time columnist for the Atlanta (GA) Constitution, when she took her three children to a diner for breakfast one morning. With the diner full of patrons and limited seating available, the family sat apart from each other. All was moving along well until the eight-year-old daughter named Mary broke over the usual diner hub-bub with a loud voice, speaking to her mother as if no one else was around, “Mother, don’t people say grace in this place?” While the stunned Mrs. Sibley stalled and gathered her thoughts, silence reigned over the dining room. It was the counterman’s turn to speak as if no one else was around. He said, “Yes, we do, sister. You say it.” With bowed heads, the patrons sat in reverent silence as Mary offered thanks for the meal, “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food…”
Don’t you just love kids?
It has always been distressing to me to see so many children so far removed from God in their daily lives. I do not know the reasons for this, nor the answers to it in every case, but parents must realize their great responsibility in this matter. The following suggestions, I feel, are extremely important in keeping your children close to God. Choose, and implement, as many of them as you possibly can.
Establish a family altar. Read and study the Bible together. Sing gospel songs together. Pray together. This will be a difficult project to establish and maintain, but it will reap eternal dividends and rewards in the lives of your children. It is best to start a family altar when children are very young. Make it a natural part of their lives.
Labor to lead your child to faith in Christ. Live the right kind of life before your children. Be a genuine Christian in every sense of the word. Get as close to (and stay as close to) God as you possibly can. Hypocrisy, on the parents' part in this matter, is terribly destructive to children. There is no doubt that one of the main reasons why many children turn away from God is because their parents are pretending to be Christians. Maintain a genuine spirit of praise and joy. Nothing turns off young people any more than a gossiping, backbiting, critical, pessimistic, negative approach to life.
Go, as a family, to a strong Bible believing, Bible preaching, soulwinning, fundamental church. Participating
with your child in some form of Christian service with the express intent of leading others to Christ is a powerful way to keep your child in love with God. Encourage them in their efforts to serve God. If they show interest in devoting their lives to God in some full time capacity (Pastor, Missionary, Evangelist, etc.), do everything in your power to encourage that desire and help them fulfill it.
Spend time with your children doing fun things together. Take an interest in them and their interests.
Praise your children when they do right. Lovingly correct them when they do wrong.
Greatly limit or even eliminate television. Television has been the greatest means of moral destruction in our generation, It constantly bombards the mind with a worldly approach to life. No child (or adult either) can get close to God, or stay close to God with such materials being constantly put into the mind. Be extremely careful with electronics, like cellphones, iPads, iPods, computers, etc.
Be very careful about which school your child attends. If a child is exposed to worldly, humanistic, and evolutionary philosophy for eight hours per day, even the strongest Christian home will struggle to raise godly kids.
Be careful who you let your children run with. Many a child has been ruined by the wrong kind of friends.
Last but not least: Pray for, and with, your children! Pray! Pray!! PRAY!!!
Flying Jewels
by Jan Merop
Hello, Kids! This article is part of our Chatty Critters series. Check in future issues for another installment in this series.
One hot summer day, Jewell, the caterpillar, crept along complaining as she crawled.
“If I had been a duck, I’d have been the ugly duckling.” Never mind that she and her fellow caterpillars looked alike. She couldn’t see passed her worm-like appearance.
“Mom, why did you give someone creepy like me an elegant name? I wish I looked like you.”
and see.”
how to learn. But her impatience robbed her from listening fully and learning details that would have helped her understand her nature. She dragged herself in another direction as soon as words like struggle, hope, and future change came up.
to feel the stirrings of something deep within her. She couldn’t describe it or ignore it. Again, her mom said, “Just wait and see,” knowing God’s process was about to begin.
After a time in the cocoon, she felt restless. So she pushed and struggled against the wrapping. “Won’t someone help me get out of here?” she called. But, the answer came back that it was in the struggle that she would develop strong wings.
“Wings like my mother has?” came her heartfelt hope.
At the right time, Jewell emerged with bright yellow/ orange wings edged in black. Transformed into a delicate, graceful butterfly, she finally fit her name…Flying Jewell.
soon find out, her Creator had fashioned her uniquely. Jewell awoke to find her unattractive body becoming wrapped in a cocoon. She didn’t understand, yet it seemed the most natural occurrence and she easily gave into the process.
Joining the many other “flying jewels," she brought the beauty of new birth to the world: from a creepy, complaining caterpillar to a gentle, graceful, breath-taking, exquisite butterfly.
Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV).
The Butterfly and You
Discontentment and lack of patience cause us to be unhappy and unable to learn the truth about our sinful nature. When at last we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts, He enables us to work out the beauty He has put in us. Be content (accepting) in your circumstances and show joy! In Christ, you have been transformed from your old self into a new, ‘uniquely His’ creation. You can be a “flying jewel” for His kingdom!
The Good News, You Are More Than
by Garrett Nudd
After all the Christmas decorations are packed and returned to the attic, and the children head back to school, things are slowly settling back to normal. A long January ushers in new beginnings, fresh challenges, and opportunities to start the year on the right foot.
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I used to make resolutions every year, but I stopped because I was tired of falling short and disappointing myself. Did you know sources indicate the average New Year’s resolution is broken before January 31?
A few years ago, at AdventHealth, we did an advertising campaign centered around the concept of ditching traditional resolutions and instead focusing on living with resolve. The headline was “Fewer Resolutions, More Resolve,” and I loved it.
As we start 2025, I’m not going to ask you to make resolutions, but I would like to encourage you to have resolve. Take some time to think about the things in your life that you can adjust—even slightly—and get closer to becoming the person God intended you to be.
For whatever it’s worth, here’s my list of 10 qualities I’m resolving to work on in 2025:
I resolve to be loving.
I resolve to be forgiving.
I resolve to be positive and optimistic.
I resolve to be peaceful.
I resolve to be content.
I resolve to be proactive.
I resolve to be intentional.
I resolve to be consistent.
I resolve to be more present.
I resolve to assume positive intent.
There’s no magic to coming up with ten, just come up with whatever feels right for you. The truth is, I’m addicted to these types of things, and ten is overkill—kinda makes it hard to focus. (Maybe I should add “I resolve to be focused” to my list, but that would be crazy because no one has enough resolve to focus on eleven items!)
Perhaps a more realistic strategy would be to identify a single word for 2025—a word that you can own and make yours throughout 2025. This word would be one you can carry with you as your north star, your bullseye, and your personal battle cry for the year.
So, think about it. What’s your word for 2025? Skip the resolutions and resolve to focus on one word. My friend’s word for the year is intentional. His goal is to be intentional with his family, with his work, with his relationships, with his faith, with his time, and with his finances. I really like this because his word—intentional—will impact several areas of his life, resulting in significant positive gains for the year.
At the heart of resolutions is the desire we all have—at least I hope you have!—of becoming a better version of yourself.
I recently came across the following quote that really resonated with me: “Who you are is God’s gift to you. And who you become is your gift to Him.”
Think about that for a minute. Go ahead re-read it.
What does God want for you? And what does He want FROM you?
Aesop, in his classic fable “The Tortoise and the Hare,” teaches us that slow and steady wins the race. And current author, James Clear, in his wildly popular book, Atomic Habits, reminds us that small, incremental adjustments every day add up to significant improvements over time.
Aesop and Clear remind me of the fact that God has given me the tools I need and the foundation to do something remarkable for Him. And maybe that’s the best New Year’s resolution of all.
for Everyone
Nothing (and Everything) for the New Year
by Hayden Lanier
As we approach the New Year, you have probably made some “New Year’s resolutions.” These are plans we make for the new year at its start, goals we say we will work to achieve, or negative habits we want to break. However, if you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution, chances are you have also not kept it. A resolution is a decision to act on or change something. Far too often, however, we instead resolve not to follow through on our plans, to forsake the goals we set, and to continue
Yes, we can achieve things in life on our own. We can build a career or start a family without following Jesus. But it's only with Jesus that we can use our lives to do things with real, lasting, eternal value. Only by abiding in Him can we bear fruit and do anything that impacts God’s Kingdom. Everything else, according to Jesus, is ultimately futile.
This truth has always been evident. The author of Ecclesiastes said, “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind” (1:14 ESV). Everything that is done on earth is fleeting. The years and the centuries pass, and along with them, everything men and women work for. This is why Jesus used the illustration of building your house on a rock (recorded in Matthew 7:24-27). This means it is wise to abide in Jesus and live our lives for Him. If we build our lives on Christ, they will stand firm through the storms. But for those who do not heed Jesus’ words, their house—or life—will fall when difficulties come.
the harmful habits that we know we should lay aside. One of the main reasons our resolutions are cast by the wayside whenever the year is no longer new is because these are often centered on our effort and strength.
In the Bible, Jesus cuts to the heart of this issue with a strong, worthy-of-eyebrow-raising statement. In John 15:5 ESV, He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
What does this mean when Jesus says that we can’t do anything apart from Him? What about the many successful people who are not believers, who attribute their accomplishments to themselves?
So, as we step into 2025, will you set your goals aside and learn to abide in Christ? Will you seek Jesus instead of simply trying hard to do better? Most importantly, are you living your life through and for Jesus? This is the ultimate commitment, the one that brings true fulfillment and purpose.
The reality is that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is sad to think that all those who strive for things “under the sun” are ultimately not accomplishing anything. But when we recognize that we can do nothing apart from Jesus, we learn that He is everything. By knowing and abiding in Christ, He will work through us for His purposes.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew
January calls for comfort food that warms you up from the inside, and a hearty vegetable stew is the perfect answer. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Packed with seasonal vegetables, this stew is not only nutritious but also incredibly flavorful. Here's a detailed recipe to guide you through making this delightful dish.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Peel and chop the carrots, celery, potatoes, sweet potato, and butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. This prep work ensures everything cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This forms the aromatic base of your stew.
3. Add the Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, sweet potato, and butternut squash into the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the oil and onions, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This initial cooking step enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
5. Add Green Beans and Peas: Once the root vegetables are tender, add the green beans and frozen peas to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes to cook the green beans and heat the peas through.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
We Shall Overcome
by Jamie Renee Hill
We will walk together We’ll walk hand in hand
Breaking racial barriers And together we will stand
We are not afraid Of what the enemy may do We will overcome
The Lord will see us through
We will live in peace
Yes, the whole human race
Every heart will sing Of God’s amazing grace
We will overcome We will overcome
And the victory will be won some day.
Gò0dNews
Mission Statement:
We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.
Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, He did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
Writer Guidelines:
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to reach out to people through words of encouragement.
What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!
Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com
Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
A Holistic Approach to Health: The TruPoint Physicians Way
The team at TruPoint Physicians cares about your health and well-being. Dr. Gregory Rogers is an internal medicine physician committed to providing holistic, patient-centered care. Along with Lauren Hatcher, PA-C and Cara Esme, FNP, Dr. Rogers specializes in creating individualized health plans emphasizing lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
Dr. Rogers highlights what makes the difference at TruPoint Physicians, “We believe that true health goes beyond simply treating symptoms. As an internal medicine physician, I've dedicated my practice to embracing a holistic "tolle totem" approach, which in Latin means "treat the whole person." This philosophy guides us to consider every aspect of your well-being, not just the immediate concerns, ensuring that your care is as comprehensive and personalized as possible.”
Unlike traditional practices that may focus solely on addressing acute medical issues, TruPoint Physicians take a broader view of your health. The human body is a complex, interconnected system, and treating just one part without understanding the whole can leave critical gaps in care. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, dealing with stress, or looking to improve your overall wellness, the doctors at TruPoint aim to help you achieve a balanced, healthier life.
This team is committed to personalized care, tailored to your unique health journey. When you visit this practice, you’ll experience more than a quick consultation. They'll take the time to understand your medical history, lifestyle, and personal health goals. From there, a comprehensive, individualized plan will be designed specifically for you.
A key differentiator at TruPoint Physicians is the emphasis on prevention and lifestyle. It’s widely recognized that elements like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management significantly impact your overall health. Yet, many people underestimate just how powerful these factors can be in preventing and even reversing chronic illnesses.
“We guide our patients in making sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term health. Nutrition is a cornerstone of our approach and we provide nutritional advice that you can integrate into your everyday life. Whether it’s reducing inflammation, managing blood sugar, or boosting energy levels, our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to nourish your body
through healthy nutritional choices,” Dr. Rogers explains. Exercise is another vital component of a holistic approach to wellness.
Where Trust and Care Connect
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit www. trupointphysicians.com or call (706) 252-8117.
“The entire TruPoint team is committed to providing outstanding service and compassionate care grounded in true respect for you and unique health needs.” – Gregory M. Rogers,
for Health & Fitness
Exercise is not a Bad Word
by Richard Eberhart
Humans know that we are supposed to move but in today's world we choose to sit at our desks or on the couch. We need to move everyday. Come to think of it: why not start using a different term other than exercise?
The word “exercise” has been turned into a bad word. I know that I had thought exercise was only at the gym. I would be surrounded by people who were in shape and I would feel like an outsider. When we change how we look at the word and trade “exercise” for “movement,” we are now winning the fight and a daily walk becomes just part of our day.
As a nurse, I know that we are all different. We have different skin color, hair, height, and yes we have different movement goals. I want everyone to know that you do not have to be as skillful as David was with a sling shot but you can be a mover of your body. Exercise is listed with the American Diabetes Association as 150 minutes a week. That is a large number so I recommend looking at 22 minutes per day. That is a much better number and much easier to do compared to skipping 6 days of movement and trying to walk for 150 minutes in one day!
troubles. When you return home, your troubles will be 11 minutes away from you!
The greatest benefit of daily movement is that your muscles will work burning glucose in your blood for up to 48 hours after you finish exercising. This will help anyone, not just people with diabetes. Muscle growth will also help with bone strength. I know that as I age I want my bones to be as strong as possible to protect me if I fall.
The way I look at movement is that it is part of my retirement plan. At work we invest in our retirement so we will have money later in life. I look at my daily movement as an investment in my health so I can walk hand in hand with my wife for years to come. I also want to be able to run and chase my grandson. I know that if I move every day then when I do get to play with him, I will be able to keep up. We talked about 22 minutes a day. Now I want to let you know that if you walk 11 minutes away from your house and then simply walk back, you will be done for the day. You can also mentally drop off all of your daily
All you need to start a walking program is to make sure your doctor is ok with you walking daily. Next you will need a good pair of shoes. Lastly, you need a place to go. If you check your local Parks and Recreation Department, they will let you know of all the paved walkways in your town. If you live in an area that has a mall, then you can walk indoors when the weather is not favorable for outside walks.
I hope you start slowly and keep walking every day. It is simple: just one foot in front of the other.
Richard Eberhart: 44 years Type 1 Diabetic, 21 years paramedic, 15 years RN with a bachelor’s degree, married to Janet, 30 years. We have 2 adult children, William and Elizabeth. We also have a 3-year-old grandson who keeps us moving. I enjoy walking/hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family.
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