Gò0dNews
Keep reaching for what makes you feel whole.
Surprises. Triumphs. Breakthroughs. For every moment when words just won’t do, we give it our all so you can, too. Because there’s a whole lot of life to love, and the joy’s worth the journey. As you strive for what makes you come alive, we’ll be here — seeing, hearing and helping you feel whole.
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Barry Grider
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
Charles Finney
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Jan Merop
Lori McAfee
Matthew Bowden
Sandra Gilmore
Tammy Madden
Terrie Long
Thomas Morrison
Zebbie Brewster
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHS
Courtesy Of:
The Spires at Berry College
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
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome
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.
A Little Faith Will Do Ya
by Matthew Bowden
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Mark 4:30-34 ESV 30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Many of you may know (being Romans ourselves) the story of a woman named Martha Berry. Martha was born just outside Rome, GA in 1866. Martha was born into a wealthy family that owned a vast estate.
One Sunday as she was studying her Bible in the cabin playhouse, Martha heard the voices of children outside. She went out and saw some of the poor children from nearby Possum Trot playing (which is the original location of Mt. Alto by the way). Martha was a teenager by this time and she called the children to her and began to tell them stories from the Bible. Her Bible classes met each week in her playhouse. Martha taught children how to read and write that would never have had the opportunity to go to school.
Then, in 1902, Martha had the idea to start a boy’s school on nearby Lavender Mountain. She deeded land, raised funds, and opened the doors to students. The Berry Industrial School for Boys was formed. The school continued to grow, adding a program for girls.
If you visit Berry College today, you can see the cabin playhouse where Martha taught poor children about the love of God. When people visit Rome, Georgia, they can’t help but to be struck in seeing what her little mustard seed
school has become. Today, Berry College is the largest college campus in the world – nearly twice the land area of Manhattan! There are 46 buildings and well over 2,200 students. Berry College is widely recognized as one of the outstanding colleges in the southern United States.
A school that had very humble beginnings has been a blessing to tens of thousands of Americans. This example of beginning small and blossoming to breathtaking size is like Jesus’ teaching of the kingdom of God in our text shown above from the book of Mark.
No one would have ever believed that a small Bible study would have turned into the largest college campus in the world! But more amazing than that, God’s Kingdom begins with something so small, just like a mustard seed and blossoms into an entire new Earth made just for God and His people! And this is the truly amazing part: all it takes for you and me to be a part of God’s Kingdom is just a little faith in Jesus. Because a little faith in Jesus, will do ya!
With permission, this article is adapted for our format from Pastor Bowden’s sermon 5/28/23.
Rev. Matthew Bowden serves as pastor of Mt. Alto Baptist Church of Rome, Georgia. He is married with two children and is a two-time graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The
for Everyone
Christmas in July
by Hayden Lanier
Merry Christmas! Yes, even though it’s July, you read that right!
If you are flipping channels and come across the Hallmark Channel this month, you will be met with one of their infamous Christmas movie marathons. Or maybe you see some Christmas decorations in your local store or sing a carol at church. But why? The Christmas season is reserved for cold weather and the end of the year. How did this holiday make its way into the sweltering summer month of July?
While Christmas began over 2,000 years ago with the birth of Christ, Christmas in July originated over 90 years ago. In 1933, participants in a North Carolina girls’ camp caroled, put up a Christmas tree, scattered fake cotton snow, and even received a visit and gifts from Santa Claus on July 24th-25th. Seven years later, in 1940, a movie called — you guessed it — “Christmas in July” made the phrase famous and brought this concept to the attention of many men and women. Predictably enough, retailers took advantage of this sentiment, and “Christmas in July” was born.
You may believe that Christmas celebrations should be kept to their designated time frame. Or, if you’re not a Grinch, maybe you are all for Christmas in July and want to bring on any excuse to celebrate these festivities! Whichever side of the camp you fall into, I fear that sometimes we designate the meaning of Christmas only to
be thought, read, talked, and preached about in December. For example, if you read Luke 2 at a time of the year other than Christmastime, it can feel out of place. However, the birth and coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is a glorious truth that deserves to be celebrated and remembered year-round.
The disciple John puts it this way in his Gospel: “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 ESV). Jesus, who is God and was with God at the beginning; Jesus, who created all things; Jesus, who had never lived in a world full of brokenness and sin…He humbled Himself. He who formed Adam from the dust of the ground allowed Himself to be born of a woman as a baby. As the song “In Christ Alone” says, Jesus’ incarnation meant the “fullness of God in helpless babe.”
But why would Jesus do such a thing? Why would He willingly come to earth and live among selfish, stubborn people?
Because He loves you.
Jesus came and was born so that He could die one day. The only solution to our imperfection was for the perfect one to take our place, so that’s precisely what Jesus did. Because of His death and resurrection, we can know and experience eternal life if we believe in Jesus and trust Him.
Christmas is all about the Gospel. So go ahead and put up a tree in your house or watch a cheesy Christmas movie in the middle of July! But as you do so, remember what it all means. Thank Jesus for coming to earth and celebrate His selfless sacrifice, which we cannot even begin to comprehend. May we never lose our wonder at the fact that God Himself came and dwelt among us. He was “born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7 ESV) all because He loves us.
Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.
Eat to Live Cooking Classes
Location: Rome SDA Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy, Rome, GA 30161
Take charge of your health, and gain hands-on experience in cooking delicious plant-based, whole, food meals. Proven to be key to preventing, and in somecases reversing many chronic illnesses, this approach to health is sustainable in the long run. Learn techniques, flavors and styles to enjoy whole-food meals.
Instructor: Jennifer Day
What’s included: 3 sessions, all ingredients and utensils to prep the meal provided. Enjoy meal with your class.
Cost: $50
For more details or to register: Text or Call: Jennifer Day (406) 870-2358
for Celebrating 13 Years
What GoodNews Means to Me
by Dr. Alan Hix
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include this special piece. This contributor shares his personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to him. We hope his words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
One of the things I enjoy about writing for GoodNews Christian Magazine is that it allows me to step out of the classroom and write for the believers as they work to put their faith into practice in their daily lives. In doing so, it has become a ministry, a mission, and a source of deep encouragement for both me and the readers of this publication. Writing for this magazine has opened a door to share faith, truth, and hope to a community far greater than my immediate limited circle of influence.
From the start of our association, GoodNews has welcomed my voice, not merely as a content creator, but as someone with a message worth sharing. Writers from a variety of perspectives and life experiences are encouraged to speak from their hearts with both authenticity and creativity. This support has challenged me to explore new ways of expressing the truth of the Gospel.
But beyond my own growth, what truly makes GoodNews special is the way it impacts our local community. Through its pages, readers encounter testimonies of transformed lives, messages of redemption, and reminders of God’s promises. In a time where media often amplifies fear and division, this magazine offers a refreshing alternative—one that speaks peace, unity, and love. A number of people have shared with me how certain articles have come at “just the right time” in their lives. That feedback is humbling, reminding me that the words God gives us can plant seeds we may never fully see grow.
One of the greatest joys of writing for GoodNews is seeing how it creates a shared experience in our local community. It bridges denominational gaps and brings together believers from all walks of life under the banner of Christ. Whether it’s a devotional that brings comfort during a loss, a feature story that celebrates local ministry, or a teaching that clarifies Scripture, each issue fosters spiritual growth and conversation. This impact lifts it beyond the level of simple reading material to a vehicle of encouragement and ministry.
For aspiring writers in the area, the magazine is also a blessing of opportunity. For example, my son-in-law, who is an aspiring poet, has had the opportunity to share his own faith experience through poems that can connect with us on an emotional level that prose doesn’t always reach. It has also delighted me to see some of our Shorter University students given the opportunity to share their writing talent. The magazine’s openness to fresh perspectives and local stories serves to encourage new generations to step into their calling and see that faith and creativity are not mutually exclusive. This kind of investment in local talent creates a ripple effect—one that strengthens the body of Christ and equips us to serve our communities better.
Personally, writing for GoodNews has deepened my walk with God. Each article requires me to seek His direction, study His Word, and reflect on how He is moving in my life and the lives of others. It’s a spiritual discipline that brings joy and purpose, one that continually reminds me why I write in the first place: to glorify Him and serve His people.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with GoodNews in its much-needed ministry of encouragement and support to our local communities of faith.
Dr. Alan Hix is Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter
for Celebrating 13 Years
A Trumpet of Thanksgiving
by Charles Finney
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include this special piece. This contributor shares his personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to him. We hope his words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
Philippians 1:3 KJV “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
Today, we lift up a mighty shout of gratitude, a symphony of appreciation, and perhaps a well-placed hallelujah, for the laborers in the vineyard of GoodNews Christian Magazine!
Now, some folk may think magazines just appear out of thin air, as if the heavenly host dropped them from the clouds like manna in the wilderness. But lo, I say unto thee, behind each printed page and online article, there are mighty scribes, tireless editors, and faithful workers whose pens are dipped in the inkwell of inspiration! They are the unsung heroes, the Gospel warriors, the printers of truth, ensuring that each issue is a feast for the spirit, a balm for the weary soul, and a lighthouse in the tempest of modern life.
I beseech thee, dear saints, consider the diligence of these wordsmiths! While others rest upon their beds, the writers of GoodNews are burning the midnight oil, ensuring that the sheep of the Lord’s pasture are well-fed. They wrangle words as Jacob wrestled the angel, striving until they receive the blessing of a well-crafted article. Their keyboards clatter like the hooves of Elijah’s chariot, speeding forth to bring tidings of great joy!
And what of the editors? Verily, they are like the wise master builders spoken of in the Scriptures. With the precision of Solomon's temple artisans, they chip away
unnecessary words, smooth the rough edges of prose, and ensure that every article is a vessel of honor, fit for the Lord’s use. They have the patience of Job and the discernment of Daniel, sifting through commas and colons like a gleaner in the fields of Boaz, ensuring no grammatical sheaf is left behind!
Let us not forget the unsung warriors—those who labor behind the scenes, the diligent folk who ensure that each issue arrives as a polished gem in the hands of the faithful. Their work is unseen, yet their reward is great, for the Lord, who seeth in secret, shall reward them openly! (Matthew 6:6, KJV).
Brethren, let us now turn our gaze upon the readers—ye noble saints who devour each issue with joy and gladness! What good is a preacher without a congregation? What good is a candle if none behold its light? The good folk of GoodNews write with purpose, but it is YOU, dear reader, who carry forth the message, who are edified and strengthened to go forth and do great exploits for the Lord!
Now, let us bring this home with a final exhortation. Paul the Apostle wrote to the Thessalonians saying, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). So, let us give thanks this day for GoodNews Christian Magazine! May their pens never run dry, their faith never waver, and their joy be full! May their words continue to be a clarion call, a trumpet of truth, a herald of the King of Kings!
And so, I leave you with these words: The next time you hold a copy of GoodNews Christian Magazine in your hands, do not merely flip through its pages. Nay! Rejoice! Appreciate! And perhaps, whisper a prayer of thanks for the hands that labored to bring it to you. For truly, the workers of GoodNews are a blessing unto the body of Christ, and for them, we give the Lord a mighty praise!
for Women
Praise God
by Zebbie Brewster
One holiday Monday, I decided to spend my afternoon hiking the road next to our house.
Having just moved there, I was not very familiar with my new neighborhood. In my reasoning, the road made a circle. I started out. not even taking a bottle of water on that warm Labor Day. I steadfastly continued to put one foot in front of the other. When I came to a railroad track, a bridge, and a new road, I rested. I looked across to see a house with a car parked in the driveway. I knocked at the door and asked, “Where am I?” He asked if I was ok and gave me a bottle of water. For a moment, I was lost. I had hiked about 3 miles and decided that this had been a learning experience. I was tired and was so glad to turn around and go back the way I came. I traveled that road again, but the next time, we were riding bikes and I was not alone. My sweet husband and I biked it together. That was back in 2010, almost 15 years ago! My husband and I loved to bike together back then. We were doing it together, and it helped us stay in shape.
make the curve. He cut too sharply and disappeared out of sight! His bike went into a deep ditch. I remember turning around to make sure he was still behind me. As I went back and looked for him, there he was down in the ditch. As he landed, it knocked his breath out of him. We determined he was ok as he got himself and the bike out of the ditch. What was so amazing was that right next to him in the ditch was a steel reinforcement rod. Thank God he did not land on that rod! Would you say that God was watching over us? I would say without a doubt, He was! Just as He was watching over me, the day I went hiking on a strange road.
The KJV Bible says in Psalm 91, verse 1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Verse 2, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Verse 3, Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” I would encourage you to read the whole 91st Psalm. It will encourage your heart.
God is so good to watch over us. My husband just came home from a trip to town. I know because I heard a strange sound. Seems the serpentine belt had just broken on his older model truck. He was praying that he would make it home safely, and praise God, he did.
When you are going through a struggle, praise God anyway. It is not always easy to do, but do it anyway! The other night as I was leaving my Mom’s house, there on the rose bush next to her porch was the most beautiful red rose. Mom said it was her gift from God that day. It gave her joy. Happiness is fleeting, joy comes from trusting God. I pray you find many joys in your life today.
One night, we decided to take a quick trip up our road on the bikes. Coming back home, as I turned in the driveway ahead of my spouse, something happened. He had been holding a flashlight in his hand as he tried to
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal
Bethel AME Church
22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0019
St. James AME Zion Church
3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165
404-307-7396
Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
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
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
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
3000 Garden Lakes Blvd
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7257
Methodist
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
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
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
Celebrating Our Differences As Husbands and Wives
by Barry Grider
Many couples get married and after a while come to the realization that perhaps they were not meant for each other. They become acutely aware that they are not as alike as they previously, before marriage, thought they were. While it is good during the dating and engagement phase of a relationship to pay attention to differences and see how compatible a couple may be, it should be understood at the outset that there will always be differences between the husband and the wife. Simply stated, men and women are different. God made us this way that He might make us one. Both a husband and a wife bring specific strengths and weaknesses to the marriage. The fact that we can help each other with our shortfalls ought to encourage us. That is why the differences between the man and the woman ought to be celebrated. God gave us these differences to teach us how to love and to appreciate one another and become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Surveys have shown that a woman (wife) needs affection in the marriage relationship more than anything else. She wants to be assured she is loved. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, “Husbands love your wives” (Ephesians 5:25). With the realization that she is the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7), a husband secures his wife by loving her, honoring her, embracing her, accepting her, adoring her, and romancing her. She is the “weaker “vessel” only in her physical strength. While she may be superior to the man in intellect, wisdom, and judgment, generally the man is stronger physically, and God expects the husband to remember that and communicate to her with kindness and affection.
A man (husband), while needing to be loved also, more than anything desires admiration. A longing for admiration and respect is what drives him to work lengthy hours to support his family and make an honorable living. It is not normal for a man to be lazy and a deadbeat. Those who are sin against their own nature or the way that God made them. Because a man needs admiration and respect, Paul continued, “and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Reverence in this
passage does not mean that the husband is to be worshipped by his wife, rather that she respects and appreciates him. Have you ever noticed that most greeting card companies use the same language regarding their romantic poetry for both husbands and wives? The key word expressed is always love. Perhaps for the husband more should be said about respect, which is what he craves and needs. A wife should be her husband’s number one cheerleader.
The differences between husbands and wives should be celebrated. Where there are disagreements, calmly work through them, and your marriage will become stronger. Divorce is common today because couples have a difficult time relating to one another or understanding these differences. In marriage, companionship is what it’s all about (Genesis 2:18). However, being alike in every area is not what keeps the marriage together, but accepting our differences, celebrating them, and laughing about them. So being different is not a bad thing in a marriage relationship. Usually, a husband and wife complement each other because of these differences. Once this is understood, keep the Lord Jesus as the center of the marriage, nurture the marriage through humility, trust, and selflessness, and grow old together with a commitment that can only be broken by death itself.
Barry Grider is the pulpit minister for the Riverbend Church of Christ in Dalton, Georgia. He has served as an evangelist for 35 years, a trainer for preachers, and proclaimed the Word in many states and countries.
Five Years of Vibrant Living: The Spires at Berry College Celebrates a Milestone in Rome
This year marks a remarkable milestone for The Spires at Berry College – five years of opening doors, enriching lives, and engaging meaningfully with the vibrant community of Rome, Georgia.
Since welcoming its first residents in 2020, The Spires has grown into more than just a senior living community. It has become a dynamic hub of connection, lifelong learning, and well-being – a place where older adults thrive and new chapters are written every day.
Set against the backdrop of Berry College’s 27,000 acres of majestic woodlands, with quick access to Rome’s thriving downtown and top-tier healthcare, The Spires has carved out a unique place in the heart of Northwest Georgia.
The Spires was designed as a visionary Life Plan Community – a place where independence, wellness, and future security are thoughtfully built into every aspect of life. Over the past five years, it has become home to a diverse group of residents who have brought with them rich life experiences, deep curiosity, and a desire to continue growing – personally, socially, and intellectually.
“Our fifth anniversary is more than just a celebration of time – it’s a celebration of the relationships we’ve built with one another and with the larger Rome community,” says Laurie Steber, Executive Director at The Spires. “From the beginning, we’ve been intentional about creating a place where residents not only feel at home, but where they feel truly alive.”
Perhaps the most significant indicator of The Spires’ impact is the extraordinary success it has achieved in just five short years. Since opening in 2020, amidst a global pandemic that challenged senior living communities nationwide, The Spires has not only weathered the storm but has emerged as a model of resilience and vitality. The community's strategic planning, strong leadership, and unshakable commitment to safety, engagement, and quality of life allowed it to persevere where others faltered.
Within just the first three years, the community achieved stable, community-wide occupancy. In 2025, the community achieved total occupancy in independent living. And throughout it all, the community's health services
neighborhoods, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, consistently remain over 94% occupied. These milestones reflect the confidence residents and families have in The Spires, as well as the unmatched sense of purpose, wellness, and community that continues to permeate throughout the community.
“Maintaining a five-year track record of stability, growth, and exceptional community engagement, especially during a once-in-a-century public health crisis, is something we don’t take for granted,” Steber notes. “It shows that people saw the value in what we’re offering: not just a place to live, but a better way to live.” And even now, as the community celebrates its fifth year, new individuals and couples continue to express interest, eager to become part of the vibrant, welcoming community that sets The Spires apart.
From that very first year to now, the mission has remained the same: to offer a senior living experience that’s not only exceptional but extraordinary. Here's to five years of friendship, growth, and community – and to many more to come.
A key part of that vitality comes from The Spires’ unique relationship with Berry College. From sitting in on classes and enjoying student performances, to attending athletic events and engaging with faculty and staff, residents have been able to tap into the energy of campus life –without the stress of exams. This rare intergenerational connection enriches both residents and students, fostering mutual respect, inspiration, and shared perspective.
“We love seeing how our residents light up when they’re on campus – and how students gain from the wisdom and warmth of older adults,” says Steber. “That connection is what makes us so different.”
In five years, The Spires has built a legacy rooted in whole-person wellness. Residents enjoy access to a state-
of-the-art fitness center, an indoor heated saltwater pool, a robust calendar of fitness and wellness classes, and nourishing, chef-prepared meals served daily. Whether it’s a pickleball match, a walking group through wooded trails, or a relaxed evening at Eagle’s Landing bar, there’s always something to keep the spirit moving and the heart full.
Residents like Mike and Alice Pittman are a testament to the community’s positive approach to aging. “I work out in the gym with a trainer three times a week,” Alice shares. “It’s been so rewarding – physically, mentally, and socially.”
Beyond amenities, The Spires offers the reassurance of a complete continuum of care. With Magnolia Place onsite, residents have access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, ensuring peace of mind for whatever the future may bring.
This future-focused mindset is why many residents, like the Pittmans, chose to make the move earlier rather than later. “We’ve told our children that we’re taking care of all of this now,” says Mike. “They won’t have to worry, and we get to enjoy this beautiful chapter of life.”
As The Spires celebrates five years, it’s also honoring the bonds formed among neighbors who have become friends, and friends who have become like family. From lively bridge games and community committees to resident-led clubs and volunteer opportunities, the spirit of connection is alive in every corner.
“Residents often joke that there’s too much to do here,” Steber laughs. “Whether it’s a quiet walk by the lake or an event downtown, life at The Spires is full – and five years in, we’re just getting started.”
for Celebrating 13 Years
Celebrating With GoodNews
by Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey. We hope her words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
In the waiting room of Dr. Roger ‘s office with my BP rising (white coat syndrome), one of the magazines caught my attention. It was a Christian magazine, very high-quality and not very large. I had never seen this magazine before so I picked up GoodNews and started looking through it, scanning articles as I turned the pages. The double page of addresses of all the churches in Rome is unique. I’ve never seen one like this before in a magazine. It is so helpful to newcomers.
Dr. Rogers' office is very welcoming, but it’s still a doctor's office! When my family came to Rome, GA, I was so afraid that Dr. Rogers wouldn’t take me as a patient. Or, that he would retire soon, and I’d have to find yet another doctor. He had been my mother‘s doctor and we thought he was great. He was truly compassionate, thorough, and knowledgeable. At that point, he was in his 38th year as a doctor.
Turns out, he didn’t retire, and he did take my husband and me as patients. Also, he left the group he was practicing with and even built a new office. And this year, he just won Rome, GA, Intern of the Year!
In the waiting room, with my blood pressure rising because of my apprehension about seeing a doctor, I noticed the magazine. It had an attractive cover and was a Christian magazine. I picked it up and looked through it. I immediately liked what I saw, but I didn’t get to read all of it before I was called back to the exam room. I was disappointed that I couldn’t read through the entire issue. Later, I had a follow-up visit to the doctor’s office. I went early for some reason. This time, there was a new issue of GoodNews, and I started looking at it. The issue had a varied index, and most of the topics interested me.
Two years later, I still read GoodNews in Dr. Rogers’ office and even bring old issues home so I can finish. Then I share them! I’ve learned that other folks around town enjoy GoodNews as much as I do.
From the articles in GoodNews, I have learned about a variety of topics. I’ve been encouraged through interesting testimonies; and I have appreciated the attractive layout and design. In fact, I haven’t missed many issues!
This month marks 13 years of publication for GoodNews Christian Magazine. Congratulations to the publishers, Matt and Bethany Ruckman, the staff who produce each issue, the advertisers, and team of gifted writers.
Congratulations, GoodNews, on 13 years of touching lives in an encouraging and refreshing way! It is a very interesting voice in our shaking world. You must have had Deuteronomy 31 in your mind and on your heart as you were developing the magazine and overcoming any obstacles that appeared:
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).
How that verse reinforces all of us! Happy Anniversary to the GoodNews Christian Magazine team and readers.
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson, known to most as Jo, lives in Rome, Georgia. She enjoys writing and sharing about Jesus. She became a teacher without intending to be. She’ll write about that adventure soon. Stay tuned for more in future issues!
for Celebrating 13 Years
What GoodNews Means to Me
by Tammy Madden
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey. We hope her words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
Ihave been writing for the GoodNews Christian Magazine for many years now. My first article was about my own daughter and how she survived a life-saving heart transplant and a brain injury at 14 months old. After writing that article, I was asked to write for the magazine and I was more than thrilled because all of my life my passion has been writing. It's a way that I'm able to get my feelings on paper and it helps me. It's a therapy of sorts.
However, last year I almost died. My colon had exploded before they could get me to the hospital and into the operating room where I had a life saving surgery. I went from writing for the magazine to reading the magazine. It's been my outlet during this past year because I could sit down and read the articles in the magazine when there was nothing else that I could do. I could not even use my hands to type because I was so weak.
The editor of this magazine has been a wonderful friend and godsend to me as I travel down this road of regaining my health and writing again. She never once gave up on me and my writing. She never once told me I couldn't write anymore. She has stood beside me on behalf of the magazine.
It's hard to believe that just a simple magazine can help you along such a hard long journey but this one has. Many times I was at the end of my rope and ready to give up because I had been in the hospital for over a month and I had to relearn to walk again because I had been in the bed for so long. I would pick up the magazine and read a story that was just so inspiring to me and it helped me to go on. To me, being a part of GoodNews Christian Magazine is more than being a writer. It's more than having something to do to pass the time away. To me, GoodNews Christian Magazine is a family. A family that is there for each other when the times get hard.
I hope and pray that I can continue to write for this magazine for years to come. To say this is one of the best things that's happened in my life is an understatement. If you haven’t ever sat down and read an article from GoodNews Christian Magazine, you have no idea what you're missing! The stories are so uplifting. They don't mind to mention my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that is the main reason that I love this magazine. In today's world, you can't hardly find articles like that or magazines like that. To be honest, this is the only magazine that I read now especially in today's world because everything you pick up is not of the Lord.
I hope to see more and more people become involved with this magazine and more and more writers who add their stories to this wonderful magazine. I can tell you now from personal experience: This is the best reading I have ever sat down and enjoyed. I hope I stay with them forever. I also pray that God blesses every writer and every staff member who is involved with GoodNews Christian Magazine.
My name is Tammy Madden. I live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful daughter named Megan.
dNews for Kids
Up, Up, and Away!
by Jan Merop
“Whee! I love being me!” sang out Dizzy. “I love being a dragon that flies,” he crooned; then giggled at his joke.
This flying wonder knew how to have fun. He and his playmates would wager who could fly forward the fastest per second. Dizzy’s friend Zippy clocked the best time of all: 100 body lengths per second going forward and three body lengths per second going backwards. He was the oldest of the group of friends and all the others aspired to bring their speed up to his.
“I love knowing that I am one of the fastest creatures on the face of the earth,” he declared to no one in particular.
Dizzy was one smart dragonfly.
He listened intently as his mother and father taught him the facts about his amazing body. He wanted to know all he could about how his magnificent Creator had made him. His instincts told him a lot. But one look in the mirror and he could get pretty heady about his good looks! His great big eyes take up most of his head; two pairs of transparent wings and a nice long body compliment his overall appearance.
“Pretty impressive,” he had to admit.
It was his wings he was most proud of. Not only did they enable him to go 22-34 miles per hour, but he could dart to the side and hover in the air like a helicopter. And his wings had spectacular iridescent coloring and transparency.
One day Dizzy zipped by the head of a human. He had been watching how the sun glinted off his iridescent wings and laughing at the human ducking to get away from him (even though dragonflies don’t sting or hurt humans).
But his pride in his beauty and laughter at another of God’s creation was his undoing. By not looking where he was going, he flew into a leafy plant that snagged one of his wings.
“Help!” he cried. But no one came. Until a freckled-face boy approached for a closer look.
Curious, the red-headed boy reached out his hand and gently lifted injured Dizzy (who, by the way, was quite dizzy from his crash landing).
Dizzy sensed God’s protection and correction in the care he received from the boy. If not rescued, a bird, lizard,
frog, or even a larger dragonfly might have eaten him for supper. But, he was safe in the boy’s tree house until his wing healed.
He may have the sharpest vision of all insects; but, he had been blinded by pride.
After all, Dizzy didn’t create himself.
Once healed, he went up, up, and away with thanksgiving. He praised his Creator for his amazing body and for the human child with the gentle touch.
Exploring Truth Through God’s Word
“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…
Be thankful to Him and bless His name.”
Psalm 100: 3 & 4b
The Dragonfly and You
Dizzy was a smart dragonfly, depending on the instincts God had given him to hunt and fly. He listened to his parents to learn how God had made him. But Dizzy made a mistake that could have cost him his beautiful life. He looked at himself with pride as if he should take credit for his beauty instead of praising God. Then he did an unkind thing by laughing at God’s wonderful design in creating people. But God is kind (even to prideful dragonflies!). He led a little boy to rescue him and show him the truth. Remember Dizzy. Don’t get a big head and be sure to treat all of God’s creation with care.
Gò0 dNews from the Editor’s Desk
PenPoints
by Sandra Gilmore, Editor
Summertime is full of milestones. It’s fun to celebrate graduations, weddings, or vacations. This summer holds a special milestone for GoodNews with the anniversary of 13 years of publication.
For wedding anniversaries, each year has an associated gift or symbol. Traditionally, lace or textiles represent the 13th year. Parallelling that tradition, our writers certainly give this publication its texture and pattern, its strength and utility. Their words connect us and weave threads of darker times and lighter days to bring hope, inspiration, and persistence.
It’s a joy for me to share more about a few of these faithful writers.
Dr. Alan Hix has a heart to share the Gospel. His connections with readers come from having been a pastor, serving on missions, and even from archaeological excavations in Israel. He shares, “My first article appeared in the January issue for 2021. I chose to use Psalm 137, which opens with the psalmist asking the question, ‘How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?’ The Israelite captives in Babylon were struggling to understand where God fit into their world that had been turned upside down. That’s how we felt under COVID. I sought to offer the encouragement that God is present even in our most difficult moments of our lives. Over the years, GoodNews has given me a platform for addressing how we respond to the ups and downs of life in the light of God’s loving presence.”
Kristen West shares about life radiating from home to the community and back. She shares, “I’ve been writing for GoodNews for a little more than four years. It is such an honor and joy to know that the stories I contribute might make someone’s day a little brighter. My prayer is that Jesus would always shine through those written words and that His everlasting hope would spring off the page and into the hearts of those who read them!” For more of Kristen’s awardwinning messages and books, see www.kristen-west.com.
Hayden Lanier is one of our newest writers this year. He shares, “When I was at Shorter University, I would
always grab a copy when I went in Truett’s Chick-fil-A and enjoyed reading the great contributions from a variety of people. I’ve been writing devotionals for several years now, so being able to have these published is an honor. My hope is simply that they always point people closer to Jesus.”
Space here doesn’t afford the luxury of sharing about each and every one of our writers. With upcoming issues, you’ll find me sharing more. What I can share for now is that our writers indeed weave a tapestry from their variety of styles, experiences, and perspectives, all with the same theme: to encourage the reader while giving God glory!
Our publisher set out 13 years ago with the idea that “if God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.” The concepts of combining, weaving, and even collecting show up in the Hebrew words for ‘hope’ and also for ‘wait.’ Isaiah 40:31 NKJV states, “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This network of readers and writers, staff and sponsors weaves together a bright pattern each month aimed toward changing lives. Whether we find ourselves in the running phase or the walking phase (maybe even, at times, in a stalled phase!), may we all find ourselves waiting—combining, weaving, working together—in His blessed hope.
for Discovering More
When You’re Gone
by Garrett Nudd
Ireally don’t enjoy funerals but I’m discovering the older I get the more funerals I’m attending.
Back in the Old Testament, people lived a long time. Several patriarchs of the Bible lived to be over 900 years old. Can you imagine? I wonder what retirement age was back then.
Today, the average lifespan is probably around eighty, maybe a little less. Definitely nowhere close to 900! I’d say if I live to be eighty years old, that’s a pretty good life.
Do you ever think about what things will be like when you’re gone? What will things be like for your family—your spouse and children? Your siblings? Your grandchildren?
Eighty years is a lot of living. And at your funeral they’ll spend an hour or so talking about you, remembering you, and honoring you. Eighty years is 700,800 hours. And all we get at the end of it all is a one-hour tribute. It’s a bit disappointing, really.
What are you doing now to make a difference after you’re gone? It’s called legacy. How are you using the gifts God gave you? Are you burying your talents in the sand or are you maximizing them so they’re earning interest?
has a unique plan designed specifically for you. And it’s a plan better than you can imagine!
Here’s the deal: most plans don’t happen overnight. He’s begun a “good work” in you. The rest is up to you.
Paul also talks about running a race. Most races I’ve run required a significant amount of perseverance. Good work takes effort and persevering, adjustments and refining. Good work takes noodling. There’s lots of work to do before “good work” is complete.
Throw a small pebble in a pond and watch the ripples go. Throw a big rock in a pond and watch a splash followed by more ripples Throw a handful of rocks and watch the ripples intersect. When it comes to your life and the size of the splash and the number of ripples, that’s up to you.
If you visit the ocean, look at the shoreline. As you gaze out into the ocean, you’ll see waves swell, crest, break, and then flood the shore. Do they stop there? No, they go back out and do it all over again. The ocean doesn’t disappear. It keeps coming back, over and over again.
One of my favorite promises is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it unto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
The same God that created the universe also created you. The same God that created the heavens and the earth
But Paul says, God began a “good work” in you and will carry it until completion.
If God started it, He will finish it. And then here’s the best part... “until the day of Christ Jesus.” Wow!
Did you catch that? His plan for you is so unique, so special, and so amazing that it won’t be complete until the day of Christ Jesus. Not just until your day or my day, but until the day of Christ Jesus.
Our lives are finite—eighty years. But God’s plan for you is infinite. God’s plan for you is more than you can ever imagine.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
All-American BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Celebrate the 4th of July with these mouthwatering AllAmerican BBQ Baby Back Ribs. These ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, making them the perfect centerpiece for your Independence Day BBQ. Follow this simple recipe for ribs that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy these All-American BBQ Baby Back Ribs as the star of your 4th of July BBQ. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans for a true Independence Day feast!
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup apple juice
For the Dry Rub:
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the BBQ Sauce:
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs:
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender meat. Use a knife to loosen the membrane at one end of the rack, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
• Rub the ribs with olive oil to help the dry rub stick.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
• In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients. Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat. Let the ribs sit at room temperature while you prepare the grill.
3. Prepare the Grill:
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 275°F) for indirect cooking. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side. If using a gas grill, leave one burner off and set the others to medium.
4. Cook the Ribs:
• Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat, bone-side down. Close the lid and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. During the last hour, spritz the ribs occasionally with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and apple juice to keep them moist.
5. Make the BBQ Sauce:
• While the ribs are cooking, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
6. Finish the Ribs:
• During the last 30 minutes of cooking, generously brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce. Continue cooking, basting occasionally with more sauce.
7. Serve:
• Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut between the bones to separate the ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Conformity
by Lori McAfee
This is where you will find me, Torn between the River and Sea. Oh, behold such enticing beauty. My soul grows more and more suety. It’s one then the other, In sequence, they mutter. Then I hear a tranquilizing voice, “The time has come to make a choice.”
Where the two collide, Joined as one but diversified. The River and Sea, They do not struggle with identity. Who am I?
Longs to be defined. My soul must not succumb, By the beckon to leave the flesh or spirit behind. Yearning deep, the desire to be free, Forever torn between the River and Sea.
Lori McAfee, author of Burning Hope, is a certified life coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast Get Your Rear In Gear.
dNews for Celebrating 13 Years
I’m Blessed
by Terrie Long
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey.
“Iwill bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 31:1 KJV).
I began my writing journey with GoodNews Christian Magazine in 2014. I had recently begun working in the Behavioral Health Program at the local hospital in Etowah and was recently divorced. It was a bittersweet time in my life, and writing to encourage others was such a blessing. I learned that through sharing openly the aspects of my experiences, God was healing, growing, and strengthening me. He taught me to be grateful as I read the amazing articles of other contributors, and I began to recognize that through all the hurts, I was blessed!
When copies of the magazines were delivered to the hospital, I would share them with coworkers, patients, friends, and family. Everyone loved to read the articles and if I had an article submitted, they would be so proud of me. I would just smile, knowing that the True Author had inspired every word, and I praised God, recognizing that I was blessed!
When my Aunt Della died, I wrote “Holding Hands Again.” When I received a ticket for not properly stopping at a stop sign one evening on my way home from work, I wrote “The Stop Sign.” When I felt alone, when I was afraid, when I was happy, when I was sad, when I felt invisible and misunderstood (from which “Single Elegance”
36 // July 2025
flowed), I wrote. When Mack, my only brother, died unexpectedly, I grabbed my pen and paper, and I began to write (“Blueprint” resulted). The GoodNews Christian Magazine gave me a safe platform to share and extend hope to others while reminding me that I am blessed!
As I reflect on the blessing of being blessed, I can’t help but think of Sister Coleman. When she entered the small Bible study class at our church, I knew she was special. Her friendly smile, kind eyes, gentle voice, and sweet giggle were so inviting. I was immediately drawn to her, and as I got to know her, I realized she was a genuine Christian who always had a word of praise to offer. No matter what was going on around her, she would declare in her soft but convincing voice, “I’m blessed!”
I usually call her on Tuesday mornings on my way to work, and I began to realize that although she had many struggles, she had more praises to give to God than complaints to focus on! She literally blesses the Lord at all times. When she is not feeling well, she says, “I am blessed.” When she’s disappointed, she says, “I am blessed.” When she has lost a loved one, she says, “I am blessed.” She has taught me the beauty, power, and simplicity of praise. She has taught me that a magazine such as GoodNews Christian Magazine can be God’s vehicle to offer praise. So today, I am thankful for the mountaintop experiences, but I am also thankful for the valleys. I am thankful for all opportunities to be used by God to share His goodness with others.
GoodNews Christian Magazine family, here I am 11 years later, thankful for you and the love and support I feel in being given the opportunity to share what God is doing in my life. I celebrate this powerful ministry. And guess what family… God restored my marriage!!! So like Sister Coleman, I want to declare that indeed I am blessed!
Terrie Long is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.
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 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.
dNews for Health & Fitness
Debunking 5 Common Fitness Myths
by Thomas Morrison
Many of us have been misled by inaccurate advice when it comes to exercise and diet. Many of the old ideas that have been handed down have had to change in the light of new science. With that in mind here are five common fitness misconceptions that you can avoid in pursuing your own better health.
You Will Get a Flat Stomach by Doing Crunches
Crunches are one of the most popular ways to flatten your stomach, but they won't actually help you lose more belly fat. There is no such thing as spot reduction. Just like you don’t decide where you would put on fat when you eat too much, you can’t control where you will lose it when you eat too little. So while doing crunches can help strengthen your abdominal muscles, they won't burn the fat from that area. Eating fewer calories than your body needs will burn its stored fat for energy.
Doing Exercise is a Good Way to Lose Weight
The reality is that most people can only burn an average of about 5-10 calories per minute in any form of exercise. With over 3,500 calories stored in every pound of fat, it is necessary to put in an average of 6-11 hours of exercise just to burn one pound. This is why the primary method to burn fat is your diet—NOT your exercise program. The main purpose of your exercise program is NOT to burn calories— it is to preserve your muscle and metabolism!
Women Will “Bulk Up” If They Strength Train
Women DO have the ability to build muscle when they strength train, but generally NOT in a way that would be considered “manly” or ‘bulking up.” Indeed, a pound of muscle is actually about 20% smaller than a pound of fat. So, if you build a few pounds of muscle and lose a few pounds of fat over many months of strength training, you could weigh the same and actually be smaller!
Your Workout Isn't Effective If You Are Not Sore
Soreness is not a good indicator of how well you are working out. It is actually a sign that you have pushed your muscles a bit too far and slightly damaged them.
Some micro trauma is inevitable from high intensity activity. However, if you try something new, and lift too much weight or do too many reps beyond what you are accustomed to (and therefore experience excessive amounts of microtrauma), this can delay, rather than enhance your adaptive response to the workout. Far better to start out a bit lighter and easier than you think, and build up slowly as your fitness and strength improve.
If You Stop Working Out Your Muscle Turns to Fat
No, these are two totally different things. Muscle will no more turn into fat than an apple will turn into an orange. If not used, muscle will become smaller and fat may appear over the muscle if caloric intake is not controlled, but the muscle CANNOT change into fat. Many people worry that if they stop regularly lifting weights, their muscles will turn into fat. But muscle cells and fat cells are two very different types of tissue.
The fitness industry is full of myths and misconceptions, and this list just scratches the surface. There are plenty more to be found. But don't let that deter you from pursuing your goals; instead, seek the most evidence-based training help you can find and then start putting it into practice!
Thomas Morrison is the Fitness Coordinator at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 25 years.
“WE love IT HERE!”
our
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-524-0600 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.