Gò0dNews January 2026
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13
ROME
Keep reaching for what makes you feel whole.
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About Us WRITERS
Ande Frazier Candyce Carden Carl W. Corser Charles Finney Danette Reeves Dorothy Teague Filip Brunner Garrett Nudd Hayden Lanier Jan Merop Jonathon Wright Reagan Marsh Rhonda Cross Sandra Gilmore
SALES
Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kate Walton Email: kate@studio-kate.com
GoodNews Rome
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR Sandra Gilmore Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
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Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. 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!
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 2026
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Ask the Pastor: Modesty,
Legalism, and the Word of God by Reagan Marsh
GoodNews for Everyone
8 Stay Awake
by Hayden Lanier
GoodNews Money Moves
10 When Life Changes, Your Plan Should Too
by Ande Frazier GoodNews for Men
12 Milky Miracles and the Gospel of Gainz
by Charles Finney GoodNews for Women
14 Winter’s Reflections by Danette Reeves
GoodNews for Marriage
18 The Cure?
by Carl W. Corser
GoodNews Cover Story
20 Shift Therapy and Wellness: Where Your Comeback Begins
GoodNews for Everyone
22 Looking for Jesus in All the
GoodNews for Parents
24 Noah and God’s Help: Genesis 9
by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Kids
26 Chatty Critters and Friends: What’s all the Buzz about?
by Jan Merop
GoodNews for Discovering More
28 Starting with MORE THAN by Garrett Nudd
6
GoodNews for Seniors
30 Cleaning Out the Clutter by Dorothy Teague
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
32 Smoky Mountain Pinto Beans and Cornbread
GoodNews Poetry
34 Intimidation
by Rhonda Cross
GoodNews for the Season
36 The Joy of January by Sandra Gilmore
20
GoodNews for Health & Fitness
38 How to Mirror God’s Rhythm of Rest
by Candyce Carden
Wrong Places
by Filip Brunner
36
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Ask the Pastor: Modesty, Legalism, and the Word of God by Reagan Marsh
Q.
6 // January 2026
entered my death, and redeemed sinners for Himself. Modesty awaits the day Christians see Him as He is (1 John 3:2), when our lowly bodies are transformed to be like His heavenly body (Philippians 3:21), when all applause (Psalm 65:1) explodes forever—not for one adorned in clothing or accessories that rot, but from those wearing the unfading loveliness of Christ’s righteousness. So—is modesty a fruit of the Spirit? Cumulatively speaking, yes; like holiness, it’s the consequence of God’s indwelling Spirit. Can we regulate such fruit? No more than we regulate God’s sovereignty (Psalm 115:3) or Christian growth (Hebrews 6:1-3). What about basic standards? Absolutely. Ought they be rigid? No. Think more toward guidelines (Colossians 3:12): “Scripture does not specify particulars; our family/church dresses modestly, both sexes alike. We direct attention to the Saviour, not self.” Help people treasure Jesus above admiration—whether lustful (vice) or legalistic (virtue police). Developing a Christian conscience means walking in true freedom under Christ’s Lordship and Scripture’s authority, submitted to godly oversight by faithful elders, husbands, and fathers who lovingly lead and shepherd by teaching God’s character. Focused on hemlines, hypocrisy threatens; focused on God’s holiness, faithfulness grows. I enjoy hearing from readers. Submit questions at reformationdalton.com/contact—I’ll answer from Scripture. About The Author
I’m wrestling with modesty. My family aims for Godhonoring dress. Is modesty akin to a fruit of the Spirit, or a work we strive for? Some at church want rules concerning clothes; I’m worried about legalism or Pharisaical attitudes. A. Modesty is a moving target — should skirts be 1” or 1.5” above the knees? Scripture doesn’t specify—nor does it demand dresses, forbid pants, etc. It does specify outward modesty as reflecting inward humility before God and others. Humility lacks highmindedness (Romans 11:20), selfpromoting forwardness (James 4), and general haughtiness (Proverbs 6:16). Love seeks not its own (1 Corinthians 13:5), but immodesty certainly does. Ultimately, immodesty is idolatry, discarding the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3): aiming at admiration, displaying self-glory, exalting me. “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” as “very precious in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4) quickly becomes clear here. God’s eyes matter; any meaningful recognition and approval come from him; He looks on hearts, not outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). 1 Peter 3 addresses women, but men can also prove immodest (not merely in dress). The principle applies universally: every heart must be humbled before the Holy One. How many layers I wear doesn’t matter if my heart still “seeks its own”: pursuing self, prizing praise. Immodesty occurs at school, home, church, work, markets—any place where any heart goes unhumbled before God is a place where immodesty reigns. Immodesty forgets I am a creature of dust, bearing God’s image; He alone is resplendent in true beauty. Immodesty forgets my reason for existence is reflecting His worth (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). He owed me no knowledge of Himself; the Creator has sole prerogative to give or withhold. But choosing to reveal Himself in creation (Psalm 19:1-6), Scripture (Psalm 19:7-14), and Jesus (John 1:1-18), if God failed to declare His supremacy, sufficiency, and majesty as Lord, it would be incredible immodesty on His part. He’d fail to show where our instinct for beholding beauty and glory should lead—the Cross of Jesus. Modesty clothes itself with humility befitting a creature who knows the Creator clothed His splendors in my flesh,
Having served in the Gospel ministry since 1998, Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and founding pastorteacher to Reformation Baptist Church of Dalton, Georgia. For more about Pastor Marsh, see www.reformationdalton.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Stay Awake
I
by Hayden Lanier
n Luke chapter 12, Jesus tells a parable of servants who
chosen not to reveal the date of His return but rather to call
were ready for their master when he came. After this
us to live every day like it is the day He is coming back—
story, He tells us, “You also must be ready, for the Son
because it very well could be.
of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke
So how do we stay awake?
12:40 ESV). In Mark’s record of this same teaching of
When I think about staying awake, I think about how
Christ, Jesus says, “Concerning that day or that hour, no
easy it can be to fall asleep. I enjoy taking naps, sometimes
one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but
unintentionally. Similarly, it can be difficult to stay awake
only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not
spiritually, but it can be done if we keep our eyes focused
know when the time will come” (Mark 13:32-33 ESV). Jesus
on Christ.
issues this command to stay awake to His disciples and, subsequently, to us. But what does Jesus mean by telling us
We must ask ourselves, as we begin a new year, are we staying awake? We don’t know when He is coming
to stay awake? See, Jesus is referring to a metaphorical awakeness regarding His second coming. Jesus is coming again; we just don’t know when. The Bible tells us that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 ESV). A few verses from this, Paul issues the same call to spiritual preparedness when he says, “you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). From God’s Word, we know two
back. It could be today; it could be tomorrow; it could be a
main truths about the Second Coming of Christ. We know
thousand years from now; but He is coming back! Jesus has
that Jesus is coming back, and we know that nobody except
never broken a promise before, and it’s safe to say that He
God the Father knows when that day will be.
won’t break one now. I hope you are ready for Him. If not,
Therefore, we are called to be ready! If God revealed to us the day of His return, then being the fallen people
place your hope and trust in Jesus today. He will never let you down.
to clean up our act or repent at the last second. But God knows us and He knows that His way is better, and He has
8 // January 2026
About The Author
we are, we would most likely live recklessly and then try Hayden Lanier is a follower of Jesus, a graduate of Shorter University, and he works as an elementary school teacher.
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When Life Changes, Your Plan Should Too with
Money Moves Ande Frazier
Ande Frazier is a nationally recognized author and financial expert specializing in behavioral finance. A frequent contributor to media outlets like CNBC, HuffPost, and Yahoo Finance, she writes about the emotional and psychological forces that shape our financial choices. Ande is the author of the Amazon best-seller Fin(anci)ally Free!, a guide to transforming your mindset around money and self-worth. She is based in Rome, Georgia, and works with clients across the U.S.
C
ouples spend years building plans together—financial plans, retirement plans, “one day when life slows down” plans. Most of those plans assume you’ll both be
here, side-by-side, carrying them out. But life, with its perfect timing and total disregard for our spreadsheets, doesn’t always cooperate. When the first spouse passes away, the surviving spouse enters a new reality emotionally, financially, and practically. And in that new reality, the original plan may no longer fit. This is where my core belief comes in: money isn’t math, it’s personal. Few moments make that clearer than the shift from planning as a couple to planning as a party of one.
The Plan You Built Together Was Built Together Think about the conversations that shaped your retirement vision: travel, downsizing, staying in the family home, setting up income streams, deciding whether to keep a business, or when to start Social Security. Even the choices that seemed purely “financial” were influenced by two sets of preferences, two comfort levels, and two visions of what a good life looks like. When one of those voices is no longer here, the surviving spouse often finds that some of those decisions don’t feel right anymore.
When the Plan No Longer Fits I’ve sat with many surviving spouses over the years, and I can tell you this: even the most well-constructed financial plan needs revisiting after the first death. Not because it was wrong, but because life changed. Common shifts include: 1. Rethinking “home”—A house that once felt right may now feel too big, too empty, or too full of memories. A move might mean being closer to children, community, or simply choosing a space that’s easier to manage.
10 // January 2026
2. A new view of risk—Couples often balance one another. When that balance changes, comfort levels around investments, income, and financial protection can shift too. 3. Updated goals and priorities—The life you planned together may not match the life you want going forward. Maybe you want more simplicity, more travel, more giving, or even permission to enjoy things your spouse once questioned. 4. New estate decisions—Beneficiaries, gifts, trusts, and legacy goals often need a fresh look as family needs and relationships evolve.
A New Phase of Meaning-Seeking After the first death, many surviving spouses begin asking deeper questions: What do I want the rest of my life to stand for? How do I want to spend my time and resources? What legacy feels true now? These aren’t just financial considerations; they live at the intersection of identity and intention. The decisions ahead aren’t simply about preserving assets; they’re about creating a life that reflects who you are becoming.
Why Professional Guidance Matters This chapter deserves attention, not autopilot. A qualified professional, someone who understands both finance and human behavior, can help you rethink priorities, clarify needs, and avoid expensive, irreversible mistakes. The goal isn’t to rush decisions but to thoughtfully reimagine your next chapter.
A Plan Built for Two Can Evolve for One You don’t have to start over. You can simply reshape your plan to fit the life you’re living now. If you’re navigating life after loss, give yourself permission to rethink your financial picture. It isn’t disloyal. It's part of honoring who you’ve become. And when you’re ready, a steady, experienced hand can help lighten the weight and guide you forward with clarity and confidence.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Milky Miracles and the Gospel of Gainz
L
by Charles Finney
isten, we’ve all heard stories about newborns and their
Not just drinks—chugs. This kid latches on like it’s been in a
passionate love affair with milk. But what happens when
desert and just spotted an oasis made of dairy. And guess what?
a first-born shows up, ready to conquer the world with
Weight begins to return. Slowly at first. Like it’s sneaking
their tiny clenched fists—and there’s no milk to be found?
back in, hoping no one notices. Then faster. Rolls reappear.
That’s where our story begins.
The cheeks plump up. The thighs get that delicious Michelin-
So, there’s this brand-new human—first-born, royalty of
man squish. The baby transforms from “concerned raisin” to
the nursery, fresh out of the womb with cheeks puffier than a
“glorious dumpling.”
sourdough starter and a cry that sounds like it’s demanding a
And this, friends, brings us to 1 Corinthians 3:2 KJV: “I have
full buffet. But alas, the milk bar is underperforming. In fact,
fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to
let’s call it what it is: closed for renovations.
bear it…”
Now, in newborn economics, milk is currency. And our little CEO is bankrupt. Each day, the scales whisper bad news: down another
Look, Paul gets it. This verse? It’s the New Testament equivalent of Baby Nutrition 101. Sometimes you’re just not ready for steak. You’re barely hanging in there with strained
ounce. Then another. Until suddenly, this once-fluffy cherub
peas. But you know what you can handle? Milk. Sweet, creamy,
is losing weight like it's trying to win a reality TV show called
miracle-working milk.
“Newborns: Drop the Ounces!” At this point, the baby has lost
That baby wasn’t ready for meat. It wasn’t even ready for
nearly half its birth weight. HALF. This is no longer a baby; it’s
solid sleep. But give it the right milk—and boom: life returns.
a raisin with a personality.
Growth happens. Hope is restored.
Family, doctors, and random aunts with unsolicited
And in the grand spiritual metaphor of it all, aren’t we all
advice gather around like it’s a crisis summit. The diagnosis?
just squalling little newborns sometimes? Spiritually anemic,
Insufficient volume. The milk factory has not only gone on
underweight from too much stress and not enough grace,
strike—it didn’t even clock in for the first shift. Chaos ensues.
trying to muscle our way through life when what we really need is a good old-fashioned feeding.
The baby is still noble and
So, whether you’re a new parent
determined, sucking away like it’s trying
staring at the bottle praying for
to extract milk from a rock. But the scales
ounces, or a weary soul in need of a
don’t lie, and neither do the skinny thighs. The
little sustenance, remember: there
onesie is baggy. The baby hat keeps falling
is milk. It might not come how
over its eyes. People start referring to it as
or when you expected. But
“petite,” which is adult code for “is that
when it arrives?
baby okay?”
It nourishes. It transforms.
But then. Oh, then. A miracle.
It gives life.
Somewhere between desperation
And yes—eventually, meat
and delirium, someone discovers a milk
will come. But for now, pass
substitute—let’s call it “Liquid Gold:
the milk. The baby’s hungry.
The Sequel.” Maybe it’s formula. Maybe
And frankly, so are we.
it’s donated breast milk. Maybe it’s made by angels and shipped overnight Whatever it is, it flows, and the baby drinks.
12 // January 2026
About The Author
via a heavenly Amazon Prime account. Charles Finney—minister of inspirational Good News, retired various positions and industries, management and operational, freelance writer, author of “Grandpa-Good News From The Good Feel Cornfield.” Writings are a remembrance of family, farm life and church upbringing to be a blessing to all!
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Gò0dNews for Women
Winter’s Reflections
T
by Danette Reeves
he beauty of fall turned into the cold, bleakness of
wool.” My sin is black and dark. It stands in opposition
winter. I enjoy the colors of fall and the reprieve from
to the purity of God. It sets me in hostility toward the
the sweltering heat, but I dread winter. I do not like
Almighty with no hope of entering into a relationship with
the long hours of darkness or the frigid temperatures. But
Him. The starkness of my sin against His holiness is vivid.
sometimes, in the South, we get a surprise: SNOW!
Yet, His solution is even more intense. He sent Jesus, His perfect, pure, innocent Son, to shed His blood for my black sin. And He washed me white as snow. I do not pretend to understand how this amazing work of God produces righteousness in me. I cannot fathom how the Holy God chooses to love His sinful creatures. Yet, I know it is real. His love and sacrifice for me covered all the stains of my sin and washed me white as snow. Jesus made the way for me to come into God's holy presence. There are no words that truly express my gratefulness. I stand in awe! James Nicholson wrote a hymn in the 1800s that reminds me of the transforming power of God's work, titled
Snowflakes fall from the gray skies, covering the brown
Whiter Than Snow.
ground like a blanket. The darkness disappears in the
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
brightness of the deepening snow. The ground glistens like
I want Thee forever to live in my soul,
diamonds when the sun lights it up. The trees appear lively
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
and brilliant as the snow lies on the once-vacant branches.
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
The atmosphere is so quiet that the silence resonates.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
What was once bleak and unwelcoming is now lively and beautiful. The dark has become bright. What appeared lifeless and dead is now cheerful and dazzling. Everything is shimmering white. And then, a stunning red cardinal alights on the blanketed ground. The starkness of the vivid red cardinal against the pristine white snow is incredible. At that moment, Isaiah 1:18 NASB becomes real in my
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. I am thankful for this winter season, which has been a profound reminder of the reality of God's love for His human creations. It has been a stark reminder of His work in my life—a work only He can do. It's as vivid as a bright red cardinal on a pristine, undisturbed blanket of snow.
LORD, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they will be like
14 // January 2026
About The Author
heart. “Come, now, and let us reason together,” says the
Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, Tennessee. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.
We are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of finance.
Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of our foundation of success. It’s about empowering people to create generational impact.
Ande Frazier
CFP®, CLU, ChFC, RICP, ChSNC, CDFA®, CEPA, CExP Head of Advisor Development & Innovation, Peachtree Planning/Partner, Peachtree Planning of North Georgia, LLC
Direct/Cell: (470) 524-6280 Main Office: (706) 234-7468 Ande's Assistant, Toni Libby: (470) 748-3013 Email: ande.frazier@peachtreeplanning.com Rome Office: 500 East 2nd Street Rome, GA 30161-3112 www.ppnga.com Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 5040 Roswell Road. Atlanta, GA 30342. 404-260-1600. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Peachtree Planning of North Georgia is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof. 8176500.1 (Exp. 7/27) Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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
16 // January 2026
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
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
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
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
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Beech Creek Methodist 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-506-8980 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
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 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
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
Methodist
Non-Denominational
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 Wilderness Church Rome 2730 Martha Berry Highway NE Rome, Ga 30165 706-237-6395 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
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 Marriage
The Cure?
H
by Carl W. Corser
ow many diseases is science attempting to discover a cure
It does not provide a cure for wandering eyes, the urge to lust,
for today? How many television ads do we see, telling
the tendency to yield to sexual misbehavior, and so much more. If
us that their medicine is the perfect cure for what ails us?
it did, then the word 'adultery' wouldn't be in our vocabulary or
Doesn’t it seem that the television ad market today is consumed
mentioned so many times in Scripture. In fact, adultery wouldn't
with medicine solutions?
even exist. Would the word ‘lust’ exist either? Are these behavioral
How many social behaviors is the psychological world attempting to cure for us? How many medications are being
actions any respecter of persons? Lots of couples think that rushing into marriage will solve all
advertised on television promising us that they will cure all of our
of their relationship challenges. But, in actuality, it creates bigger
emotional instability?
responsibilities, which creates bigger challenges, which adds more
“The Marriage Cure” is continuously sought for many
frustration to their lives. Tying the marriage knot will soon become
different items in many different areas. What shall we do? The
a big “ouch” in their lives when it begins to unravel their marriage.
world always seems to have an answer. If we evaluate our lives, how many people in our society really need “The Marriage Cure”? There's one cure that affects so many people without their realization. That cure is "The Marriage Cure.” It's strongly believed in our society today that it will cure lots of difficulties in a couple's
“The Marriage Cure” should provide couples the basis to encourage each other in self-control. It should become an opportunity for a marriage to be pleasant and successful. Selfcontrol is very difficult and painful at times, but the rewards are long-lasting in a beautiful marriage relationship. If we exercise wisdom in our marriage decisions though,
relationship if they accelerate the wedding plans. That is true to
which is “The Marriage Cure,” and put God first, share praise
some extent.
for and of each other, have faith in each other's capabilities and abilities, be a warrior in the protection of the marriage union, be disciplined as Joseph used self-control toward Pharaoh's wife, then our marriage knot will not unravel because we’ve applied the proper medicine, “The Marriage Cure.” If it does become destroyed, it's because couples have ignored “The Marriage Cure” advice and allowed its pillars and foundations to crumble. Many marriages will end in destruction, being plagued with relationship issues, without “The Marriage Cure.” While the medical and psychological fields heavily advertise their cures, those cures are all flawed and imperfect. If God is at the center of our marriages, He’s the only unflawed and perfect cure in our world. God is “The Marriage Cure.” He is the answer for all
Marriage does alleviate a few problems concerning the relationship, especially in the religious arena, but most likely, a commitment in marriage magnifies the already present and stressful relationship challenges. The signature on the marriage license brings
marriage relationship illnesses. God’s medicine for relationships is capable of doing miracles within our marriages. May God help us all to guard our marriage relationships well. It’s a proven fact that people living in happy and healthy
with it finality, which causes the current couple’s challenges to
marriages tend to live happy, healthier, and longer lives. What
multiply and magnify greatly.
about “The Marriage Cure" magic? Is it?
Cure” cure? Maybe the need for companionship, intimacy, or stability? What does “The Marriage Cure” not cure?
18 // January 2026
About The Author
Marriage does not fix everything. So, what does “The Marriage Carl Corser is an ordained bishop, author of a devotion book, “Living Past Sunday,” business owner, farmer, author of a devotion website, carlcorser.com. Carl has pastored several churches.
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Shift Therapy and Wellness: Where Your Comeback Begins
A
t Shift Therapy and Wellness in Rome, GA, the focus is simple: helping people move better, feel stronger, and live fully at every stage of life. Whether you’re a teen athlete striving to perform at your best, a weekend warrior recovering from an injury, or an active adult wanting to stay mobile and independent as you age, Shift Therapy and Wellness is the place where your comeback begins.
Less Pain. More Life.
This isn’t your typical therapy clinic. At Shift, the team lives up to the name. Therapy here is personal, progress is measurable, and results speak for themselves. Every session is one-on-one, meaning you get the undivided attention of a skilled physical or occupational therapist who’s committed to your success. From post-op recovery and injury rehab to improving balance, bone health, or mobility, the team at Shift works with you to restore movement, reduce pain, and help you live your best life.
A 4-Phase Approach to Real Results
What sets Shift Therapy and Wellness apart is their proven, step-by-step approach to recovery and performance:
20 // January 2026
1. Pain – Minimize discomfort and reduce inflammation. 2. Prime – Restore strength, mobility, and flexibility. 3. Perform – Return to normal activity and function. 4. Prevent – Go beyond recovery to prevent future injuries and unlock your full potential.
This approach ensures that care doesn’t stop when the pain does. It’s about moving forward with confidence and continuing to do the things you love for years to come. Shift Therapy and Wellness provides a wide range of physical and occupational therapy services designed to meet you where you are:
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Occupational Therapy for:
• Balance and fall prevention • Bone health and osteoporosis support
moving. Other events have explored topics such as improving mobility, building bone strength, and mastering body mechanics for daily life. Each workshop reflects Shift’s mission to get people moving, and keep them moving, no matter their age or health conditions, so they can live their fullest lives.
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“I’ve started going to the Master’s workout class which has helped my confidence. I can’t do everything but I can do most of it. And as I improve, I will be able to do it with more confidence and ease and not fear of falling or hurting myself again. And I feel confident that I’m here with therapists watching me do it correctly. That’s a big thing to me.” “A specific moment that stood out to me was when I injured my rib and I couldn’t keep doing the things that we had been doing which was really discouraging to me. But, you were very encouraging. We just kept going with the things that I could do. That stood out to me. I would have probably felt like giving up. Because of everything I had learned from you, and the techniques and exercises, I felt like I could keep going and progress.”
Workshops That Inspire Movement
Beyond one-on-one care, Shift Therapy and Wellness engages the community with a variety of wellness workshops and recovery events. From Aging Well sessions that build confidence and prevent falls to Training Recovery Clinics that help athletes recover like pros, these workshops are designed to educate, inspire, and keep the community
Shift Therapy and Wellness has earned the trust of its patients and the community alike, being honored as Best Physical Therapy Clinic of Rome. Their own Dr. Matt Owens, DPT, was also named Best PT of Rome 2025, a recognition that reflects his dedication, skill, and genuine care for every patient he serves. The founders envisioned a place that utilized a better way than clients could find elsewhere. Lindsey Bellcase shares about the launch, “In 2020, we launched Shift Therapy just before Covid. It's evolved from just two therapists going out to see people in their homes and a small group fitness class at CrossFit Rome for people 55 years old and older to a small clinic attached to CrossFit Rome, to now a 3000 square foot clinic with six therapists and 60 members in our CrossFit Masters program. We've helped over 2000 people stay active over the last five years! In 2026, we’re excited to have plans to expand our business to Cartersville.” The Shift team’s passion is evident from the moment clients walk in the door. Their mission is clear: to solve problems others overlook, help folks move with confidence, and remind folks that it’s never too late to feel strong again.
Ready to Shift the Way You Move?
If you or someone you love has an upcoming surgery or is struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Call or text (706) 3148504 to schedule a free consultation and see if Shift Therapy and Wellness is a good fit. Located at 314 E. 1st Ave in Rome, the clinic offers a welcoming, motivating environment where you can heal, grow, and thrive — at your own pace, with expert support. Because at Shift Therapy and Wellness, it’s about more than recovery. It’s about rediscovering strength, movement, and joy in every step. Visit shift.physio or follow @Shift_Therapy_Wellness to learn more and stay up to date on workshops, success stories, and community events.
goodnewscm.com // 21
Gò0dNews for Everyone Looking for Jesus in All the Wrong Places
T
by Chaplain Filip Brunner
he book of Genesis is the book filled with “firsts.”
immediately. Unlike us, God is not limited by time and
The first time anything was created. The first
He does not work on our timetable. So, the “seed of the
time we learn about God and the first time we learn
woman” comes through the virgin in Nazareth “in the
about the man who will bruise the head of the serpent.
fullness of time.”
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman,
My reconciliation with God rests on His shoulders,
and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head,
not on mine. The proverb: “when the student is ready, the
and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NIV).
master appears” is true. It is not when I found Jesus but
So who is this person? When will he get here to set things right? We are not told outright, but consider this, is it possible
when Jesus found me. Now that we understand “when” is Jesus, let us turn to “where” is Jesus. At times, it is possible that Jesus is not where
that Eve had the idea that the serpent’s head bruiser would
we expect Him to be. My aunt and uncle were under the
come through her and that in her lifetime?
impression that because they lived in a Christian country that
“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD” (Genesis 4:1 KJV). “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son,
they were by default Christians. But, how does that stack up? When Jesus was a boy, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the annual Passover. On the way back, Jesus stayed in Jerusalem in the temple. When they finally
and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed
noticed that Jesus was not with them, they returned to
me another SEED instead of Abel, whom Cain slew”
Jerusalem. Just like any good parent would ask: “We looked
(Genesis 4:25 KJV).
everywhere for you, where have you been?” The answer
It is evident from verse 25 that Eve believed that the savior of the world would come
Jesus gives may seem rude: “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?”(Luke 2:49 KJV). Jesus is where He needs to be, not where we suppose Him to be. Lastly, let’s understand where Jesus is “not.” After the crucifixion, the body of Jesus is placed into a tomb carved out of stone and a round stone was placed in front of it. It is sealed and guarded. In the morning, some women come to the tomb but the body of Jesus is gone. An angel asks: “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5b KJV). Jesus is not in the
22 // January 2026
About The Author
grave. He is alive!
Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
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Gò0dNews for Parents
Noah and God's Help: Genesis 9
P
by Jonathon Wright
arents have the huge responsibility to mentor their children in the ways of the Lord. Discipline is not always pleasant for the parent or the child. The Lord
had to punish the world for their wickedness. But He chose to save Noah and his family in the ark. After the Flood, God had a tender conversation with His children. He promised never to destroy the earth again by flood. God wanted His children to know that He loved them. Good parents know how to show their love even when they have to punish their children. They also point their children to God as the ultimate source of help. Here are four
3. God helped Noah in his struggle for justice. He gave Noah's family and the world the right to defend
ways God showed His love and help to Noah and his family.
themselves and carry out justice. Justice was one life for one
1. God removed the curse on the ground, blessing the land and Noah’s family.
life. Whoever shed the blood of man would also have his blood shed by man. (Genesis 9:2-6). In the beginning, God
I can almost hear Noah and those present rejoicing
didn’t allow man the right to take care of justice. God told
when they heard the good news! They had struggled for so
Adam that whoever killed Cain would suffer a sevenfold
many years with the unyielding ground. Afterwards, the
vengeance from Him. See Genesis 4. After the Flood, the
Lord told Noah and his descendants to be fruitful, multiply,
Lord lifted His stern restriction. Good parents teach their
and fill the earth. This decree reminds us of God’s original
kids justice, fair play, and the value of all human life.
intentions for man in Genesis 1. His grace brought a new
4. A Covenant And Sign (Genesis 9:8-17).
opportunity for them to live the abundant life the Lord
The Lord made a covenant with Noah, his
called them to. Kids need to know, after they have been
descendants, and the rest of the world. He promised
punished, that their parents still love them. It helps them
never again to destroy the earth or all living things with
better understand God's love and forgiveness.
a flood and then gave a beautiful sign. God gave them a
2. God helped Noah with the world's animal problem.
brief glimpse of Heaven through His rainbow. Revelation
We haven’t heard much about the animals in the Bible
4:3 describes a rainbow near the throne of God in Heaven.
thus far. But, the animals may have been a major problem
The Lord set the rainbow in the clouds as a reminder of
and a threat to the world's survival. In Genesis 9:2-6, God
His everlasting covenant.
put fear in the heart of every beast. He also mentions
Later, Christ introduced a New Covenant. He gave the
demanding a reckoning for every beast that shed the blood
world the opportunity of eternal life with Him. See John
of man.
3:16-17, John 14:1-4, and Hebrews 8 for more information on
Were the animals calm and peaceful when the world began? Did man’s violence and wickedness make them
the New Covenant. Do our children see and know about the beautiful things that God has done in our lives? It has the power to inspire
about the existence of dinosaurs during this time. Either
their faith. Praise God for He is faithful, and sent His Son
way, I am glad the Lord stepped in! Good parents know
Jesus as a sign of His love.
when to step in, help their kids, and show their love in practical ways.
24 // January 2026
About The Author
angry and cause them to snap? There are many questions
Jonathon Wright loves the Lord and uses writing as a way to share his faith. See jonathonwright7.wordpress.com and jwright231.substack.com for more.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Chatty Critters and Friends: What’s all the Buzz about? by Jan Merop
H
ello, Kids! This article is part of our Chatty Critters series.
a human! Just sweaty flesh and a hand ready to smash me! But
Check in future issues for another installment in this series.
if they get too close and I feel threatened, then my stinger is
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
my ready defense. Quite often many of my fellow worker bees
Hey, Kids! Where does a queen live? If you said, “In a
will help me swarm all around the intruder. Actually, I want
castle,” you’d be right—most of the time. But, there is a very
humans to like me and respect the work I do, and appreciate
different kind of queen who lives in a special place.
the sweet honey I produce for them.
Can you guess? That’s right! She is a queen bee and lives in a hive. Her bee hive
Did you know that my Creator God has high regard for honey? He promised the children of Israel to give them
is her castle where she rules.
“a land flowing with milk and honey.” That was
A bee hive is a beautifully
God’s way of telling them that He would
designed house that has
provide a beautiful and fertile
waxen cells where the honey
place where they would have
is stored very neatly and
everything they needed. Even
orderly. Besides its curious
King David, who really did live
design, the buzzing sound lets
in a castle, has some things to say
you know you have found my home. The queen bee is served by all the worker bees. I’m a worker bee, so I know what I’m talking about. My queen is larger than the rest of us and there is
about honey. Read the Bible and see!
Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation “How sweet are your words to my taste,
only one queen bee in a hive at a time. She does not leave
sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
the hive to gather honey. That is why she has workers like me. If she says, “I’m hungry,” one of the worker bees is always there to serve her and give her all the honey she needs.
King David wrote that God’s Word is, “More to be desired…than gold…sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”
Worker bees are obedient and loyal. In fact, if anything happens to the queen, the workers leave their work until she’s restored or another queen takes her place. Workers will refuse to eat and will die without the queen. When I saw the camera man taking my picture, I had no time to pose. My Creator made me to be very useful. I had a job
(Psalms 119:103; 19:10 NKJV).
The Honey Bee and You You are given 24 hours in a day. How are you going to spend those hours? Be useful like the bee and loyal to God.
to do and couldn’t give him my attention. Maybe you have seen
He wants your life to be fruitful and overflowing
me buzzing from flower to flower. I am seeking nectar from the
with love and kindness.
flower’s pollen. I store it in my body until I get back to the hive.
Bee-ware of anything that would distract you from God’s best for your life.
There the work continues. I’m little; but when people hear me buzzing, that’s their usually start running if I get too close to them. I don’t want to chase them. There’s nothing sweet or nourishing about stinging
26 // January 2026
About The Author
warning to stay away. I’m harmless unless disturbed. People
Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause...and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She and her husband Ken have lived in Cleveland for about one year. They enjoy hospitality, Bible study, and walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.
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Gò0dNews for Discovering More
Starting with MORE THAN by Garrett Nudd
I
’ll admit I enjoy social media and I appreciate all the positives that social media provides such as discovering relatives I didn’t know I had and watching hilarious
videos of people falling unexpectedly into swimming pools. But social media’s never-ending highlight reel makes it easy to compare what others have and what others do to ours. Comparison isn’t limited to strangers and social media “friends,” sometimes siblings can be just as bad. Early in the Bible we find the story of Joseph. Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers because they thought he was their father’s favorite. Have you ever noticed that in most cases, those closest to the favorite rarely like the favorite? So, when Joseph went to check on his brothers in the fields, they roughed him up and tossed him in a pit. Really? Who does that to someone? Especially their sibling! Talk about making someone feel less than. A group of travelers came along, and in one of the worst judgment calls in history, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery. They agreed to tell their father that their little brother had died, and they made a pact to never reveal the truth. I come from a family of brothers. We’ve had our occasional minor differences, but we’ve never considered tossing each other into a pit or selling one another into slavery. Or if we have, I haven’t been included in the plans. Even as a slave, Joseph was a hard worker, honest, and trustworthy. Eventually he earned the attention and respect of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Potiphar then promoted Joseph to serve as his personal assistant. From a pit to a promotion, that’s definitely MORE THAN. The story has yet another twist. Eventually, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, but he refused her advances. To make a long soap opera short, Joseph was framed for a crime he didn’t commit and then imprisoned where he ended up interpreting the Pharaoh’s dreams. He convinced Pharaoh that there would be a famine and he should store up enough
life may have taken a dramatic turn for the worse multiple times, but his faithfulness positioned him to help sustain his people through several years of peril, and his commitment to God allowed him to save thousands of lives. Years later, overcome by famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt desperate for grain. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Before granting their request, he asked them to return home and bring their father and younger brother with them. Upon their return he revealed his identity. He forgave his brothers for their misdeeds, and there was great rejoicing. God had used the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers for one of the biggest MORE THAN experiences in all of Scripture. And He can use you too. Remember, when God gives you MORE THAN, He expects you to give MORE THAN so others can experience MORE THAN too. You may not be thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, or framed for a crime you didn’t commit. In fact, I hope none of those things happen to you, but I guarantee God can take your everyday ordinary life and turn it into MORE THAN. As this year launches, are you ready for MORE THAN? Are you ready to approach everyday ordinary life with the expectation that God can take it and turn it into MORE THAN?
As a young man, Joseph’s life was simple, but God had big plans—MORE THAN plans—for Joseph. Joseph’s
28 // January 2026
About The Author
grain to sustain Egypt through seven years of famine.
Garrett Nudd serves as director of communications for AdventHealth Georgia. His recent book, MORE THAN: Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, challenges readers to shift their paradigm from less than to MORE THAN.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
Cleaning Out the Clutter
I
by Dorothy Teague
t’s a brand-new year! Did you make any New Year’s
life, doing unrighteous deeds, and spewing hurtful words.
resolutions? I always have a few, which include losing
Anything that stirs up strife among a Christian and others
weight and cleaning out the clutter in my house. My
shouldn’t happen, but when it does, forgiveness must be
husband says I’m a nester. I like all my favorite things
asked for and given. Christians can also get sidetracked by
within arm’s reach at my spot in the living room. I’m also
doing good things for the wrong reasons. Like rungs on a
a collector, and my collections can overwhelm our home
ladder to Heaven, they climb higher and higher, trying to
at times.
outdo another, and the ladder gives way under their feet
I like to buy items that are a good deal, whether I
from doing God’s work with the wrong attitude of heart.
need them or not. That sales sign that says “fifty percent
It’s like the Tower of Babel—trying to reach Heaven
off” or “buy one, get one free” always gets my attention!
with manmade architecture. Like the Babylonians, we all can
So, I accumulate a lot of clutter in my house. But as I
sometimes have pride and arrogance in our hearts (Genesis
was thinking about how to get my cabinets and drawers
11). The Babylonians were proud that they all spoke one language, so God caused the people to suddenly speak different languages so that they couldn’t communicate or work together to build the great tower. “The Lord detests all the proud of heart… they will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5 NIV). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NIV). It really all comes down to the right attitude of heart in what we do in God’s name. “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to
organized, I thought about the clutter that has built up in
him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Set your house in order, for you
my mind and spirit in the past year. I’m talking about the
shall die and not live”’” (Isaiah 38:1 NKJV).
distractions that fill up my days and occupy my mind in
We, like the King, will one day die, and we need
place of prayer time and reading God’s Word. Also, feelings
to get our house in order as well. We all carry spiritual
of resentment or bitterness that are cluttering my heart need
baggage and clutter around with us, but “let us lay aside
to be swept out before they take up permanent residence.
every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us”
Cluttered lives tend to be filled with meaningless
(Hebrews 12:1 NKJV).
pursuits in search of happiness and fulfillment, especially
Just as I work on my physical house, cleaning and
for the unsaved (i.e., drugs, alcohol, sex, adrenaline highs).
organizing it to be more efficient, God wants me to get my
While not all pursuits are evil, they can waste precious time
spiritual house clean by sweeping out the clutter so that I
we could be using to serve in God’s kingdom. For instance,
can be productive in His name.
too much time on social media, shopping, talking—anything
Happy New Year!
Even though Believers have Christ to fill them, they can still clutter their lives by seeking the wrong path for their
30 // January 2026
About The Author
that takes God out of His rightful place in your life. Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.
3420 Kingston Hwy SE, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 234-1807 • mathistrailers.com
Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds Smoky Mountain Pinto Beans and Cornbread A taste of Appalachian winter comfort
I
n the quiet stillness of a Smoky Mountain winter, there’s something deeply satisfying about a simple pot of slow-simmered pinto beans and a hot skillet of
golden cornbread. For generations, Appalachian families have relied on hearty, humble meals like this to carry them through the coldest months. Who remembers a
Simple Skillet Cornbread: • 1 cup cornmeal • 1 cup all-purpose flour
grandparent saying, “You don’t need much—just beans,
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
bread, and someone to share it with”? This dish is more
• 1 teaspoon salt
than sustenance—it’s a piece of history, passed from hand to hand, pot to pot, hearth to hearth. As January rolls in
• 1 egg
with its gray skies and brisk air, this classic mountain meal
• 1 cup buttermilk
offers warmth, nourishment, and a comforting reminder of
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted bacon grease
simpler times.
• 2 tablespoons butter for greasing the skillet
Pinto Beans: • 1 lb dried pinto beans • 6 cups water • 1 small onion, diced • 1 ham hock or 4 slices thick-cut bacon • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper • Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions: 1. Rinse the beans and soak overnight, or use the quicksoak method (boil 2 minutes, then let sit 1 hour). 2. Drain and place beans in a large pot with fresh water. 3. Add ham hock or bacon, onion, salt, and pepper. 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy. Add water if needed. 5. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove the ham hock and shred any meat back into the pot.
32 // January 2026
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a cast-iron skillet with the butter in the oven to heat. 2. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat the egg, then add buttermilk and oil. Combine wet and dry mixtures. 3. Pour batter into the hot, buttered skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Serve together with chopped onions or chow-chow on the side, and you’ve got a Smoky Mountain classic to warm the soul.
Come in on your birthday and receive a free pasta dinner, including our famous house salad and garlic rolls, with spumoni ice cream for dessert.
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Gò0dNews Poetry
Intimidation
Y
by Rhonda Cross
ou crept in quiet, cloaked in fear,
Held by the One who broke the curse.
A whisper first, then sharp and clear.
No longer will I shrink or bow,
You told me I was weak and small,
My soul stands tall, unshaken now.
That I should run, that I would fall.
Your chains have cracked beneath my song,
You shadowed dreams with doubt and dread,
I’ve found where I belong all along.
Played wicked games inside my head.
For perfect love casts out all fear,
You mocked my voice, you stilled my praise,
And where He walks, you disappear.
You dimmed my fire with fearsome haze.
So leave, your lies can’t hold me down,
But I’ve been forged through fire and storm,
I wear my Savior’s victor’s crown.
You speak of fear? I’ve walked through worse. 34 // January 2026
About The Author
By hands divine, my heart was formed. Rhonda Cross holds a M.A. in pastoral counseling and is a Church of God ordained minister.
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Gò0dNews for the Season
The Joy of January
T
by Sandra Gilmore
here’s a joy in January like no other month. Have you noticed that January, unlike other months,
not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for
has its own rhythm? Other months seem to adapt to
the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will
schedules, wrap around agendas, even become the perfect
not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and
backdrop for gatherings or community events. Not January.
achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55: 10-11 NIV).
This one-twelfth-of-the-year insists on having its own way.
Psalms echoes that same process: “He spreads the snow
January can send a pop-up snowstorm in its sleep. It can
like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his
welcome balmy temps with open arms and then send them
hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his
packing as though their reservations ran out. January can
Word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters
embrace ice as quickly as a diva dons diamonds.
flow” (Psalm 147: 16-18 NIV).
So how is that joyful? Not only does this month usher in the start of a new year, January ushers in a cadence that’s unmistakable. Just about the time other voices are steadily and loudly raising cries to get motivated, gear up, and get stuff done, this top-of-theyear month’s message whispers softly like snowfall. And like snowfall, there’s quite enough evidence that it’s on the scene. Snow’s blanket covers a multitude of sins—such as the front flowerbeds that didn’t get weeded or the back deck that didn’t get painted in the busy summer. Snow transforms the landscape into a white canvas perfect for winter colors. There’s the ruby cardinal who flitters about finding both a perch and a provisional morsel. The emerald pines stand stoically with their
As January escorts us to another trip around the sun, how
evergreen branches. With the help of the sun, the snow and
will you enjoy this winter? Ecclesiastes declares: “To every
ice explode with color, tiny prisms that turn loose grounded
thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the
rainbows. There’s no doubt, a different season is on the scene.
heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).
In past centuries, society went by the Roman calendar
Research hints at and even shows several benefits: We
which held 10 months, leaving winter or an extended “January”
sleep better in the colder months (or even in a colder room
as one season with no delineated months. Romans considered
throughout the year.) With better rest, cold temperatures, and a
winter a time of peace without deliberate effort in agriculture
slower pace, our minds yield more creative ideas. We humans
or war.
tend to postpone decisions or milestones in the summer, so
In fact, Scripture confirms this slower cadence of January and winter. In the Book of Job, we hear Elihu
winter could become the season to work through projects or tackle obligations. What will you tackle?
describing what the Lord set in motion: “He says to the
Or maybe, will you simply listen to the snow fall?
snow, ‘Fall to the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty
This article was first included in our January 2022 issue.
downpour.’ So that everyone He has made may know His Isaiah connects winter’s snow with the Word of the Lord: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do
36 // January 2026
About The Author
work, He stops all people from their labor” (Job 37:6-7 NIV). Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org.
SafeHaven RANCH A Home Where Kids Can Grow And Excel In A Christian Environment.
Jude 1:22
There’s a dusty dirt road off in some fields that looks like
have no place to call home. Safe Haven Ranch is dedicated
any other road of its kind in the South. But, it’s truly not
to demonstrating Christ's love by creating a nurturing
the same. It’s not the length or the condition or the age of
environment for children who have known great
this road that makes the difference, it’s the destination.
suffering. Our mission is to address both the physical and
This road leads to hope. There’s hope along that dusty dirt
spiritual needs of these children, providing them with the
road because Safe Haven Ranch for Boys is waiting at the
tools to overcome emotional and mental health challenges
end of it.
while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jason Slaughter of Community Share Ministries
“We aim to inspire and instill hope in the children
describes the road building, “We are building roads to
we serve, empowering them to grow and heal despite
make room for what God’s got coming. We don’t know
their difficult circumstances. Our organization believes
just who or just when but we know the children are
in building a strong sense of community and providing a
coming. We know God’s got something He’s working on
safe haven for children in need. Through our efforts, we
and we’re making room for it.”
strive to make a positive change in the lives of the children
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch is nestled in the
and families we serve, embodying the love of Christ in all
former Corn family farm. The Corn family never raised
that we do.”
children there. They raised animals and vegetables
Making a Difference
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
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.
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
How to Mirror God’s Rhythm of Rest by Candyce Carden
I
usually love my group exercise class. The strength
consistent sound of ocean waves alters brainwave patterns
training routine is choreographed to ten tracks of music
and induces a restful state. Researchers say that simply
and almost makes working out fun. But in yesterday’s
gazing at a body of water calms us. Pausing to watch a
class, worry and a growing to-do list distracted me. I tried
sunset slows our inner rhythm.
to follow the instructor, but I wasn’t fully present. As my
Because most of us can’t be at the beach all the time or
thoughts wandered, I’d find myself off-beat. Instead of
live alone in a forest, we’re often surrounded by an excess of
syncing with the music, I mirrored the rhythm of a guy in
noise pollution and stressed-out individuals. But we can call
my peripheral vision. He continually “jumped the gun” and
timeouts to rest in God’s presence.
stayed two counts ahead of the music.
Grow Still
I’d resolve to block him out and focus on the instructor. Then the process would happen all over again as my mind followed its thin stream of worry. Later, I recalled other examples of my environment determining my rhythm. For instance, when I commuted an hour to and from work, I’d find myself matching the speed of other drivers on the interstate. And I used to let the frantic pace of Christmas shoppers affect my tempo.
In Psalm 46:10 NLT, God cautions us to: “Be still, and know that I am God!” God’s rhythm is one of rest and stillness. When we block extraneous stimuli, we clear space for our Creator and hear Him more clearly. God’s rhythm is one of rest and stillness. I struggled in exercise class because I didn’t keep my focus on the instructor. Likewise, when I don’t keep my gaze on Jesus, I fall into the world’s trap of frenzied living. What if, instead of dragging my burdens to class, I had talked to God first and left my worries with Him? When we move toward God, He moves toward us. God’s presence is always available to us, but we have to seek it. When we feel ourselves mirroring a stressful pace, the briefest of pauses help calm and sync us to God’s rhythm.
Ten Ways to Rest in God’s Presence 1. Say a prayer. 2. Listen to music. 3. Play an ocean soundtrack. 4. Sip tea.
Mirroring the rhythms of our environment is a natural phenomenon. The Theory of Entrainment says rhythmic beings close to each other will gradually sync their movements. Crickets chirp in harmony and fireflies flash in unison. Even clocks with swinging pendulums hanging on the same wall eventually sync up. Aligning ourselves with our surroundings isn’t always a bad thing. My Fitbit shows a lower resting heart rate when I’m at the beach. Why? The
38 // January 2026
5. Sit in a pretty spot outdoors. 6. Listen to the birds or other sounds of nature. 7. Attend a sunset or sunrise. 8. Gaze upon water. 9. Take a leisurely walk. 10. Breathe slowly and deeply. Which appeals to you, and what would you add to the list? About The Author
Entrainment
Candyce Carden is a writer, educator, and nature lover. Her beach devotional, Immersed: Sixty Devotions to Wade Deeper, Dive In, and Surf the Wave of God’s Love will be released in 2026. Subscribe to her newsletter at CandyceCarden.com.
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