Gò0dNews June 2020
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
ROME
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About Us WRITERS
Aimee Hays Andrew Lee Angie Bishop Arlene Ledbetter Beth Penny Brandon Burns Chad Hess Doc James James Whaley Jessica Mathis Jimmy Bryant Karen Jeffery Nelson Haynes Pam Wattenbarger Reagan Marsh Shane Clements Tammy Madden
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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.
DISTRIBUTION
Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
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EDITOR
David Thompson
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
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WEBSITE
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GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, 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 JUNE 2020
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Trials Into Blessings by James Whaley
GoodNews for Kids
8 Fear Is A Liar! by Doc James
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Don’t Waste a Crisis by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 A Brief Self-Reflection by Chad Hess
GoodNews for Women
14 Wells Are Dug In The Wilderness
by Aimee Hays GoodNews for Teens
18 The Seniors Of 2020 by Tammy Madden
GoodNews for Everyone
20 Shaping The Life Of A Child by Jimmy Bryant
GoodNews Cover Story
22 The Pool Store GoodNews for Health & Fitness
24 The CORA Connection by Brandon Burns
GoodNews for Everyone
26 Every?
by Reagan Marsh
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Have We Missed The
Message Of Ministry?
by Shane Clements GoodNews for Everyone
30 Fear And Insecurity by Beth Penny
GoodNews for Everyone
32 The Great I AM
6
by Arlene Ledbetter
GoodNews for Everyone
34 If We Bestowed A Child’s Grace
by Jessica Mathis GoodNews for Everyone
36 Grow In Your Faith by Karen Jeffery
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Living The Dream by Angie Bishop
22
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Shaken While Waiting by Nelson Haynes
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Rocky Road Brownie Recipe by Pam Wattenbarger
38
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Trials Into Blessings
Y
by James Whaley
ou can turn your trials into blessings—if you
believe also in me. In my father's house are many
have the right ingredients.
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I
Are you familiar with the phrase, “When
go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare
life gives you lemons, turn it into lemonade”? Sounds
a place for you, I will come again and receive you
simple, doesn’t it? However, you have to know the
unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
right ingredients to add to the lemons to turn them
As a Christian, our goal is to enter into Heaven
into lemonade.
when this journey called life ends, but only through believing who Jesus is and accepting Him as our Savior is that possible. In Romans 10:9-10, Paul tells us, “That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Many years ago at an oldfashioned altar, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. It felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I had never experienced anything like that before, and I could not
The same thing is true with our everyday lives. We must know what ingredients are necessary to
wait to tell everyone what Jesus did for me. I pray you will begin to search the Scriptures
avoid being overtaken with fear, anxiety, depression,
and find out what ingredients are missing in your
oppression, or sin.
life so you can overcome your everyday challenges
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 tells us four things:
and experience the joy and peace that can only
1. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed.
come through knowing Jesus Christ as your
2. We are perplexed, but not in despair.
personal Savior.
3. We are persecuted, but not forsaken. John 14:1-4 are some of my favorite Scriptures: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God,
6 // June 2020
About The Author
4. We are cast down, but not destroyed. Pastor James Whaley and his wife Wanda live in Dalton and have been ministering and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over 40 years.
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THEMSELVES WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. PASSENGER MUST BE ABLE TO GRASP THE HAND HOLD WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND BOTH FEET ON THE FLOOR. RESPEC DRIVING. Pioneer® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (8/19)
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Fear Is A Liar! ave you ever been so afraid of something that when you go to bed at night, you just have to cry yourself to sleep? I struggle with this at night. I always get so afraid of what might happen while I’m asleep. If you do struggle with this, you just need to call on God to help you, but I’m just saying that it is not going to get better instantly; it is going to take a while. There are many solutions to this problem, such as going to sleep with a Bible verse, reciting all the Scripture that you know by heart, or just simply turning the radio on and starting to listen to Christian music (93.1 is my personal favorite). There are so many ways to conquer your fear, whether it is not being able to go to sleep at night, what will happen to your family members who aren’t saved, snakes, spiders, or any other fear that you can possibly have. I want you to know that you can talk to your parents about it, or even your friends. God is always with you, and He will never leave your side. My favorite verse is one that my GranJan showed me, and it is Philippians 4:8, which says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and
8 // June 2020
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” There are many other verses in the Bible that talk about fear, such as 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Corinthians 10:4, and James 4:7. There is also a song that my mom showed me that says, “You’re my courage when I worry in the dead of night. You’re my strength ’cause I’m not strong enough to win this fight. You are greater than the battle
raging in my mind. I will trust you more, and I will fear no more.” So when you lie awake, just wondering what the future will hold, call upon God and He will help you win this battle. Just remember, Satan isn’t in control of you—God is. Have a wonderful month!
About The Author
H
by Doc James
Hi! My name is Doc. I’m ten and I’m a sixth grade student at Candies Creek Academy. I attend Samples Baptist Church and I love to sing, draw, make lists, and meet new people.
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Don’t Waste a Crisis MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
A
s of this writing, we in southeast Tennessee have just entered week nine of the coronavirus crisis. In many of our communities, restaurants and retail businesses are slowly re-opening, often with restrictions on the number of patrons allowed at one time. By now, many of us are accustomed to wearing a mask when out in public, and most of us are hypervigilant about hand washing. So, in numerous ways, many of us have lots in common during this crisis in terms of choices we are making to help keep everyone safe and to end this pandemic as quickly as possible. On the other hand, I’ve noticed a marked difference between how people are using their time during this crisis. First, the good news. From what I’ve witnessed on social media posts and heard from talking to various friends, this crisis has brought many families much closer together. With everybody at home all day and night, families are playing board games, actually talking to each other face to face, and growing emotionally closer. Furthermore, many people are getting a chance to tackle long overdue chores, home improvement projects, yardwork, etc. However, this is not the case for everybody. Many people are binge-watching Netflix all day and night, while many others are constantly complaining on social media about how “bored” they are. My wife and I read these complaints with utter amazement and incredulity. Bored? Are you kidding me? With so many books and articles to read, so many writing projects, so much to learn—and all of it just a mouse click away—how could anyone be bored right now? So, here’s my financial advice for this month—don’t waste this crisis! If you do have more free time on your hands due to coronavirus, use it wisely! Here are some
10 // June 2020
practical suggestions, financially speaking, in no particular order. Review your monthly budget and see where and how to make cuts to unnecessary expenses. If you’re married, be sure to include your spouse in this and get his or her input about the monthly budget. If you have teenagers or adult children living at home, they should also be included in this activity (teachable moment). If you don’t have a monthly written budget, cheer up: with all your extra time sitting at home during this crisis, now is the perfect opportunity to make a written budget! READ read read! Check your local library website and read books and articles online about saving, money management, investing, paying off debt, etc. Quit watching mindless TV shows on Netflix and instead find YouTube videos on personal finance, making budgets, etc. Join Audible.com and start downloading books on personal finance, money management, retirement investing, etc. I read countless audio books while doing yardwork, walking the dog, and cycling around the neighborhood. On that same note, search Apple podcasts and iHeartRadio for podcasts on money and financial matters and subscribe to all the ones that pique your interest. Also, during all your free time during coronavirus, why not log onto your company’s 401(k) website and review your retirement accounts to see how much you’ve accumulated at this point? Then use a free retirement planning calculator and see how much you’ll need to retire with the lifestyle you want, and see if you’re on track to meet your goals. Not started a Roth IRA yet? Good news—if you are feeling “bored” during this crisis, now’s your chance to open an account online and start contributing to your Roth IRA. Whatever you do, don’t sit around griping that you’re bored right now. You have way too much to do right now to change your future!
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Gò0dNews for Men
A Brief Self-Reflection
A
by Chad Hess
s you are reading this, the Coronavirus is
There is not a better time to trust in the Lord
hopefully in our rear-view mirror, and things
than in these latter days, with the current crisis, and
have returned to some semblance of normalcy.
with tribulations yet to come. The prophet Isiah said,
I am writing this during Holy Week and have been
“Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not
pondering how the pandemic, and our response to its
be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
effects, has impacted us as Americans but particularly
and He has become my salvation. The Psalmist gives
as believers in the One Triune God. Several things
even more encouragement when he says, “Those who
have come to mind. As Christian men, were we able
trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be
to continue to guide our families as believers should
moved, but abides forever.”
during adversity? God’s Word clearly teaches that we will face difficult times and that we should not fear. Angels and Christ Himself said many times, “Do not fear.” Did we trust in God and show our faith to others by firmly believing that we are eternal and that nothing in this world can harm us? How did we feel as Christians during the period, when it often appeared that our God-given right to worship was being infringed? How did we act? God calls us to serve others and love always, even in times of disease and plague. Did we do this? Hopefully, most were still able to gather together, albeit “socially distanced” and perhaps wearing masks.
This article is full of questions that each man must
Did we sense an emptiness and disconnectedness
answer. God welcomes questioning prayer and wants
because our institutions and liturgical traditions were
us to lean more deeply into Him. It is in the listening
impacted? Did we continue in prayer and Bible study?
for His answers and the contemplating of His Word
We know that we will face trials and woes. The
that we find the “peace of God which surpasses all
economic effects are being felt by many. The incidence
understanding.” In the words of Saint Peter, himself a
of suicide attempts, domestic violence, and drug
man of many questions and shortcomings, “May grace
overdoses has increased during this time, and many are
and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God
hurting. It is hard at times to trust and depend on God,
and of Jesus our Lord.”
is a form of idolatry that must be resisted.
12 // June 2020
About The Author
but to not do so and try as men to take it upon ourselves Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Wells Are Dug In The Wilderness
W
by Aimee Hays
e built our house on a ridge on the backside
her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also
of family property near the Etowah River in
here seen Him who sees me?’ Therefore the well was called
Northwest Georgia. The only concern was that
Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered.”
building codes required larger pipes for the flow of water
In our affliction and hurt, God sees. He not only sees,
to our house than what the older surrounding houses used
but He understands how we are feeling. We can call out to
when they were built years ago. As a result, we could not
Him. We can dig a well like Hagar by worshiping Him in
connect to the existing water source and had to dig a well to
the dry season. Everything looked hopeless for Hagar, and
supply water to our home. After 80 feet of drilling, we hit groundwater to supply our well. As a matter of fact, the company expressed that we actually hit the river and would never run dry! Life would be so much easier if it were like the well that we dug for supplying water to our home. Our groundwater well would never leave us in a dry season. In reality, you and I both know that life does usher us into dry seasons where everything around us appears dry, brittle, and lifeless. Where is God in those times? Where is He when life suddenly dries up like a mirage in the desert? Your mom is diagnosed with an incurable brain malformation. Your father loses every penny to his name because of tough economic times. Your friends have turned their
the very ones she trusted were the very ones who turned
backs on you. People are spreading gossip and making false
against her, but God saw her by the well.
accusations about you. Where is God then? Genesis 16 tells us about Hagar, the maidservant
John 7:38 says, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
to Sarai, Abram’s wife. Sarai was barren and unable to
When the doctor delivers an unexpected report or your child
conceive. Instead of waiting on God’s timing, Sarai did
calls home ready to call it quits in life, call out to the One
what most women do. She came up with a plan to fix the
who sees you. Lift up your voice and let the rivers of living
problem. She wanted to give Abram a son, so she gave him
water flow from your mouth to the One who hears you.
her maidservant, Hagar. When Hagar conceived a child by
Worship is the water of our well within us. Let it flow even
Abram, Sarai despised her and dealt harshly with her, so
in the driest times, and watch God move in the situation. As
she fled from Sarai’s presence into the wilderness.
Hagar said, “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees.”
God saw Hagar where she was. She was hurting and an angel of the Lord to speak with Hagar. Genesis 16:13-14 says, “Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to
14 // June 2020
About The Author
afraid of Sarai. She was afflicted, but God saw her and sent
My name is Aimee Hays. I am a native Roman and graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. I am married to my husband Tony Hays who teaches 8th grade and mother to Hunter and Landon Hays. I am an elementary school principal and educator of 24 years and have a passion for sharing the love of God with others.
Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
16 // June 2020
706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 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 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy
Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church
614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112
Silver Creek UMC 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, GA 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 1941 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue
Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-777-8360 Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist 6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC 30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 (706) 777-8624
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Teens
The Seniors Of 2020
18 // June 2020
gun violence unfolded in school after school. In their time, they have watched as we lost the amazing actor Paul Walker. We lost Robin Williams and the wonderful Billy Graham. They watched us lose Michael Jackson and never really even knew him. Yes, they have witnessed tragedy in their time. But this elite group of kids has also witnessed the good. In 2010, they were able to see the iPad come to life! They watched with the whole world as Prince William and Catherine Middleton married in 2011. They jumped in and joined the famous “ice bucket challenge” in 2014, and more people became aware of ALS. Theirs was the “EMOJI” generation! And they became the kids of TikTok. They dreamed big, and in September of 2019, they prepared for their biggest moment ever. They were seniors! They planned all year. Senior pictures. They planned a prom night. They ordered caps and gowns. Class rings. Invitations. They were ready to take on the world.
About The Author
B
efore they were born, they were a special bunch. They were born at a time when the world was mourning: mourning the loss of the twin towers. To them, it was just a memory in a history book because they will never remember when it happened. Most of them were still in their mama’s bellies when it happened. Then they entered kindergarten, and they were ready to take on the world. This class of 2020. They worked for 13 long years. They grew up listening to Casting Crowns and Newsboys. They are graduating with Lauren Daigle and Hillsong being the top Christian artists. They watched as America swore in the first black president. They have watched as Donald J. Trump took office. They watched the death of Osama Bin Laden take place. They were born into a world at war. They know many of our boys never came home, though I don’t think it rings true to them as to the “why” of it all. Theirs was a time that had to watch as
by Tammy Madden
But then their world came crashing down in one week. The coronavirus hit us. It hit hard. The president said it would be best if everything shut down to contain this horrible virus. No more planning for them. There would be no prom. No senior skip day. No valedictorian speeches. No walking across that stage to get their diploma. They will be remembered as the Quarantined Class of 2020. Yes, this is sad. These kids deserve so much more. The last 13 years have consisted of early mornings, homework, classwork, speeches in classes, gym classes, cheerleading, football playing, and basketball games, and in the end, they walk away with no recognition. These awesome kids deserve so much more. So, to all of the Class of 2020, let me just say, keep pushing on. Hold your heads high! Put God first, and the rest will come easy! He will guide you no matter where you go or what you do. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” He has already walked this walk before all of you; you got this. Be strong, Class of 2020: your day to shine will be here soon enough! You have a whole life ahead of you!
My name is Tammy Madden. I am 52 years old and live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter named Megan.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Shaping The Life Of A Child by Jimmy Bryant
I
n the 1940s, Northeast Mississippi provided a variety of
“War Games” with corn cobs and sweet gum balls could
real characters. Farmers, factory workers, and even some
have never taught me. I learned something about character,
non-workers. Women who cooked three meals a day,
honesty, hard work, kindness, and integrity. These people
usually from scratch, worked alongside their husbands or in
showed me a few things about living in the real world at
factories, kept the house as neat as a pin, and made it look
that time.
easy. Men who were hunters, fishermen, sawmillers, factory
I was fortunate to grow up in a time of trust, safety,
workers, and many odd ones with no desire to do such
concern, and love for those who do not belong to you. Mr.
trivial things as hunt, fish, or work.
Tom was never too busy to stop what he was doing and
The characters who shaped my life were men and women like Tom Smith, a Jake-leg carpenter (which is about like a shade-tree mechanic), who was glad for an inquisitive little boy to follow him around. He had a cotton field across a gravel road from where I lived, and he always let me hold the reins of his mules while he adjusted the straps and harnesses. He never seemed to tire of giving answers to an inquisitive little boy. Then, there was Mr. Clarence, who let me ride with him in the truck, delivering lumber from the sawmill to various customers. He wasn’t much bigger than a straw, but he was married to a woman who made up for it. (If she had been two inches taller, she would have been round.) They had no children but seemed to love me and loved having
share a bit of wisdom or answer the questions of a little boy.
me around. And best of all, there was Mrs. Angelina Stovall,
Mrs. Angelina treated that little boy like he was her own,
who invited me to eat a formal lunch with her occasionally.
and she wanted him to grow up infused with her influence
She was very old, very elegant, and seemed to enjoy having
in his life.
a little boy eat with her from time to time. She set the table
Jesus Himself said, “suffer little children…to come unto
with cloth napkins and real silverware. Over time, she
me…” (Matthew 19:14). I wonder if there is not a little boy
taught a little towheaded kid the proper use of each item on
or girl in your community who you could demonstrate that
the table, from knives to napkins.
kind of love and acceptance to and take a little time to show
From the time I was about 10 and for the next four or
some interest in?
than with playmates my own age. I did not know what you called it at the time, but I learned some things from these people that playing “Cowboys and Indians” or playing
20 // June 2020
About The Author
five years, I found myself spending more time with them Jimmy Bryant and his wife of almost 60 years reside in Summerville, GA. He is interim pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Gore Community. He has authored a book, “Confessions of a Baptist Minister,” available at Amazon.com.
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The Pool Store
he Pool Store is where you can find swimming pools
As part of the business landscape in Rome, we have
and all your pool supplies. The store itself has had
had the pleasure of not only being Rome’s go-to pool place
several owners throughout the years while being in
but also being part of several of our community’s events
continuous operation since 1971, making it the oldest full-
and organizations. These include the Rome-Floyd Parks
service pool store in Floyd County. The company grew to its
and Recreational Department, Relay for Life, the YMCA,
current state via the entrepreneurial dreams of its founders,
Mercy Senior Care, and Toys for Tots, and we are strong
Tom Fox and Dave Ficquette, both of whom began their
supporters of Rome’s Masonic and Shriners’ clubs. The list
careers in the pool industry with Leslie’s Pool Supplies,
goes on, as giving back to the community that supports us
one of the largest pool suppliers in the U.S., many years
is one of the cornerstones of our business practices. We are
before coming to Rome in 2000. I joined the team in May of
truly grateful for these opportunities when they arise.
2010 and have had the privilege of being a part of The Pool Store ever since. Between the three of us, we have over 70 years of pool professional experience, most of that expertise belonging to Dave. Being part of this organization has been one of the greatest opportunities of my professional career. I take joy in the fact that we are such a close-knit team with a staff that feels more like family than co-workers. In fact, a great many of our customers just assume we are family. It gives real meaning to the saying, “Not all family is blood.”
22 // June 2020
your pool is completed promptly, correctly, and precisely to your satisfaction. And we will always be nearby to answer your questions, provide expert pool service, and be the swimming pool professionals you can rely on. We also know that understanding the products you use to maintain your pool is paramount to keeping it clean and protecting it through the years. We carry professional brands of pool products you can rely on. Our customers agree that they see better results using full-concentration chemicals and high-quality tools. There is an unwritten saying in the swimming pool industry: “Once you’re in, there’s no getting out.” While some may view this as having a negative connotation, I don’t foresee any of us getting out anytime soon simply because we love serving both our customers and our community. Whether it’s a first-time pool owner or one of our many repeat customers who have owned a pool so long their great-great-grandkids are learning to swim in it, we want to be a part of your swimming pool experience. We know that a swimming pool is a lot of work, but owning one is worth the investment and time. Our goal is to make the demands of pool ownership easier for you.
In addition, our staff is specialized. We are pool
Whether you need a one-time repair, weekly cleaning
professionals, not sales associates. Rely on us to answer your
service throughout the year, products and supplies, or
questions and advise you on products and pool care. We
are just getting started adding a pool of your own to your
offer free in-store water testing with step-by-step chemical
backyard, we can help.
application instructions and year-round pool care to make
Whether you intend to build a new swimming pool or would like to upgrade an existing one, we promise to
your life easier. Our service team is fast, efficient, and on time. We are
provide quality work, strong customer service, and the
knowledgeable and conscientious when it comes to the
full breadth of our experience. We can help you design
needs of our customers and pride ourselves on the level of
a project that is as simple or as complex as you envision,
care we provide, which is evident by the number of repeat
taking into consideration all pertinent factors such as
customers and referrals we receive. Regardless of what the
the site, the budget, and of course, any city or county
question may be, feel free to reach out to us and give us the
guidelines that need to be taken into account. Ensuring
opportunity to earn your loyalty as well. The only thing
our customers’ satisfaction is key, so we take the time to
stronger than our chlorine is our love for our customers!
walk each customer through the process, making sure any questions are answered before, during, and after completion of the project. Backed by years of hands-on experience in the poolbuilding industry, we stay with you every step of the way to monitor the pool construction process and ensure that
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
The CORA Connection
H
by Brandon Burns
ow many people reading this have, or have had,
more, hear me out. You have to understand one thing. You are
low back pain? I’ll tell you what the research says.
not your MRI…or x-ray, for that matter. Don’t let these images
Approximately 80%. While that number may seem
fool you. Why shouldn’t you let your MRI dictate how healthy
high to you, in my nearly 10 years of clinical practice, I would have to agree. Low back pain is one of the more common
you think your spine is? Well, I’m glad you asked. Did you know a lumbar (low back) MRI has over a 50%
conditions that I see walk through the door of my clinic. Of
false positive rate? That means, what is seen on your MRI is
those patients who seek physical therapy for low back pain,
correct less than half the time. That’s worse than flipping a
some of the most common diagnoses I see are degenerative
coin. I’ll say it again. There is more than a 50% chance that
disc disease and bulging discs. (More on those later.)
what was found is NOT causing your pain. Let that sink in. Here is one thing the researchers did to find that out. They decided to see how common these “abnormalities” are in the general population, meaning people like you and me. To take it one step further they only tested people who had NO low back pain. Essentially, they went around and asked people…do you have back pain? If the person said, “no, my back feels fine,” an MRI was performed. You remember the two diagnoses I mentioned earlier, degenerative disc disease and disc bulge? Guess what? If you’re over the age of 50 and have NO LOW BACK PAIN, there is an 80% chance that you will have a degenerative disc, and a 60% chance that you’ll have a disc bulge. So what does this mean? These MRI findings are not abnormal. They are normal. This is part of the normal
I could go on and on about the types of low back pain,
aging process. The structures of our bodies change over
how I treat them and why physical therapy is the answer.
time, and yours is not the same as it was when it was 13. It’s
But instead, I am going to ask another question: Of that
no different than getting wrinkles. People without pain walk
80%, how many have had an x-ray or MRI taken to try to
around with these “abnormalities” every day, and don’t
diagnose the cause of their back pain?
even know it.
While I don’t know the exact answer to that question,
So you’re probably asking yourself, if it’s “normal” then
I know that it is a lot. Nearly everyone has had one by the
why do I hurt? Well, the good news is you don’t have to.
time they get to me. This x-ray or MRI is usually showing
Sometimes these conditions are painful, but still very treatable.
some “abnormality” that is causing their pain. Often times
And there are options, other than pain medication and surgery,
what is seen is described as a “disease,” “degeneration,”
available. Physical therapy is one of those options.
confusing and at worst frightening. So before you start scouring the internet for answers, which may scare you even
24 // June 2020
About The Author
“abnormal” or some other medical term that is at best Brandon Burns is the clinic manager at CORA Physical Therapy in Cleveland. He is an alumni of UT Knoxville and TN State. He specializes in orthopedics, balance training, and sports medicine. For an appointment call 423-458-6298.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Every?
E
by Reagan Marsh
very hair? Numbered.
Every denial? Championed.
Every tear? Counted.
Every hope? Deferred.
Every day? Ordained.
Every race? Marked out.
Every saint? Represented.
Every saint? Chosen.
Every promise? Kept.
Every history? Written.
Every law? Satisfied. Every demand? Achieved. Every word? Accomplished.
Every decree? Unchallenged.
Every temptation? Repulsed.
Every circumstance? Subjected.
Every obedience? Perfected.
Every ruler? Appointed.
Every requirement? Fulfilled.
Every purpose? Certain.
Every son? Substituted.
Every pain? Measured.
Every judgment? Propitiated.
Every trial? Specified.
Every sorrow? Felt.
Every cell? Submissive.
Every agony? Known.
Every atom? Obedient.
Every sin? Carried.
Every detail? Designed.
Every shame? Experienced. Every penalty? Endured.
Every person? Represented.
Every drop? Required.
Every opportunity? Afforded. Every advantage? Present.
Every day? Foretold.
Every word? Required.
Every precaution? Useless. Every soldier? Gone.
Every suggestion? Believed.
Every gravecloth? Empty.
Every temptation? Embraced.
Every witness? Sure.
Every word? Disregarded.
Every record? Verified.
Every peace? Forfeited.
Every detail? Precious.
Every fellowship? Broken. Every man? Infected.
Every saint? Purchased.
Every soul? Estranged.
Every penitent? Forgiven.
Every one? Included.
Every son? Redeemed. Every believer? Justified.
Every situation? Worsened.
Every grace? Secured.
Every abomination? Celebrated.
Every guilt? Removed.
Every rebellion? Pursued.
Every blessing? Bestowed.
Every lawlessness? Paraded.
Every aid? Given.
Every desire? Perverse.
Every blood-bought? Sealed. Every warrior? Upheld.
26 // June 2020
Every counsel? Provided. Every adopted? Beloved. Every mercy? Sure. Every secret? Uncovered. Every motive? Unveiled. Every deed? Judged. Every obedience? Remembered. Every service? Rewarded. Every evil? Vindicated. Every glory? Beheld. Every knee? Bowed. Every tongue? Confessed. Every beauty? Radiant. Every attribute? Displayed. Every perfection? Majestic. Every shadow? Dispelled. Every saint? Perfected. Every brother? Welcomed. Every tear? Wiped. Every praise? Expressed. Every fellowship? Restored. Every longing? Fulfilled. These are our comforts. About The Author
Every providence? Governed.
Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG & AG, and founding pastor-teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. An SBTS graduate, biblical counselor, and Th.D student in Puritan Studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Have We Missed The Message Of Ministry?
I
by Shane Clements
n the Gospel of Mark, Jesus ministered to people in many settings and diverse locations. Thirteen times by the lake. Six times on a mountain. Seven times in houses. Twelve times in town. And only six times in the temple. That’s 38 times written in the earliest Gospel record of Jesus ministering to folk in places other than the building designated for religious activity. Do you ever wonder why we feel we must conduct ministry from a church building? When we “go out” in what we call “outreach” or ministry endeavors today, it usually consists of inviting people back to our buildings so we can talk with them about why they should join our group, come to our building, participate in our programs, and help fund our ability to go out and invite more people in. The problem with this is that we have entered a post-congregational era in our Western culture, and because of this, people are far less likely to be “congregationalized.” For some, their jobs don’t afford them many Sundays off (mine hasn’t for the last eight years). And many don’t want to go through the vain repetitions of listening to very similar Sunday school lessons, singing the same songs, and hearing the same three-point, alliterated sermon every seven days for 52 weeks because you should be there every time the doors are open. Rather than the voice of condemnation that is so prevalent in the majority of pulpits across America on any given Sunday at 11 a.m., the overarching story
28 // June 2020
throughout both the Old and New Testaments is one of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. In the Gospel according to John, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He goes on to say, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for his sheep” (John 10:10-11). It is a picture of a man willing to give his life away for the benefit of others. In John’s
story, Jesus is denied, betrayed, forsaken, prosecuted, and killed, yet He still offered an unconditional love even to those who wronged Him. That is a beautiful picture of how humanity should be. There is nothing, according to the Apostle Paul, and the picture of Jesus on the cross, and that we see in John’s Gospel, that can separate us from the love of God. Even when we kill the love of God, He still loves us. That is the Christian story, and that is the story we should be telling others we see while out and about. That is the story of the Good News we should be not only telling but, more importantly, living for those we have the opportunity to interact with.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Fear And Insecurity
H
by Beth Penny
ave you ever thought about why sitcoms
be one of the best songs ever, “The Me You Made.” The
make us laugh? Why are we drawn to watch
chorus says it all: “Hey I don’t wanna spend my life,
episodes over and over? The one-liners are
Wishing I was different, That would be a waste of time,
so repeatable and make sense out of our everyday
Cause I know You love me just as I am, And I know
laughable moments. They bring to light our daily
my God don’t make mistakes, So, I’m just gonna be the
struggles and unite us as a people. Sitcoms allow us
me you made.”
to relate to others on an even level. They show that
That says it all. God doesn’t make mistakes. He
really at the roots, we are all the same. The sarcasm
has made us just the way He wants. Satan will use any
and humor brought from everyday happenings show
weakness he can to chip away at the faith that we have.
us that we have common ground. My all-time favorite sitcom is chockfull of repeatable one-liners. One main character in one episode says it all: “What must it be like not to be crippled with fear and selfloathing?” The second character answers, “Pretty good.” Cue the canned laughter. We laugh, sitting on our couches and recliners. But isn’t that the truth? We can all relate; we all struggle with fear and insecurity on some level. We spend years and sometimes even lifetimes chasing perfection: against what measuring stick? Against societal norms of what is perfect? We can all
1 Samuel 16:7 says, “And the Lord said to Samuel, Do
relate to the deep-seated insecurities that come from
not consider his appearance or his height, for I have
not feeling good enough. Eventually, those insecurities
rejected him. The Lord does not look at things people
and self-doubt not only weaken us but become
look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the
completely paralyzing. The feelings of “not enough”
Lord looks at the heart.” I encourage you to look in the
take over relationships, jobs, daily interactions, and
mirror and repeat the words, “I am enough,” because
continue to chip away at true joy and happiness. This
it’s true. You ARE enough. You don’t have to chase
is a hold that Satan uses over us. This weakens our
perfection by a warped measuring stick.
On Matthew West’s new album, he penned what might
30 // June 2020
About The Author
spirit and makes us only a shell of what we could be. Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair. She and her husband, Chad, have four children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Great I AM
A
by Arlene Ledbetter
s I listened to the Sunday morning sermon at Cedar
have closure on the meaning of a passage that had long
Hill Church, my eyes felt heavy. Earlier, I’d stood
eluded me.
to sing the old hymns, bowed my head in prayer,
“The Great I Am,” the preacher continued, “is bread
and placed my weekly quarter in the offering plate. Now,
when you are hungry and light when you grope in
though, my eyes closed and my mind wandered.
the darkness. If you are lost, He is the door into God’s
“Stay awake,” Mama whispered.
sheepfold. If you’re uneasy about the next step, the Good
Just then, the preacher said something like, “So God told
Shepherd wants to guide you in paths of righteousness.
Moses to go tell the Pharaoh ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Have you believed a lie? Are you facing death? Are you
I sat up straight. “I AM? Oh, man, I missed it again.” Through the years, I’d heard my preacher and guest speakers talk about The Great I AM passage in the third chapter of Exodus. I always tuned in too late. The Great I AM what? I am strong? I am holy? I am old? I am angry? I am the great and powerful Oz? Years flew by. I was a young adult sitting in Central Emmanuel Church. As I had all my life, I sang and prayed and gave and listened. The preacher was doing a series of messages on The Seven I Am Passages in John’s Gospel. • I Am the Bread of Life • I Am the Light of the World • I Am the Door of the Sheep
wandering aimlessly? Jesus is life, truth, and the way. Do
• I Am the Good Shepherd
you want to make a difference in this world? His Spirit can
• I Am the Resurrection and the Life
flow through you. Please listen carefully, my friends. The
• I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life
Great I Am is anything and everything you will ever need.”
• I Am the Vine, and You are the Branches (6:35, 8:12,
Closure. I’d wanted closure for so long. Instead, the eyes
10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1)
of my heart were opened and I began a lifelong journey of
Somewhere in the midst of that series, the preacher
discovering all Jesus is and all I am through Him.
directed us back to Moses and The Great I AM. He asked us, “Have you ever wondered, ‘The Great I AM what?’”
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am’” (John 8:58).
stung my eyes. I leaned forward, determined to finally
32 // June 2020
About The Author
Goosebumps popped up on my arms. Hot tears Arlene Ledbetter holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dalton College in Georgia. She has written adult Sunday school curriculum and contributed to five Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Visit her at www.arleneledbetter.net.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
If We Bestowed A Child’s Grace n our walks upon this earth, we will come in contact with people who might not view the world the way we do or have the same heart that we do. It’s so easy to get caught up in what others say and do. We let them bring our positive attitudes down and turn our hearts cold. In His Word, God tells us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). After reading this, it’s easy for us to say, “God, you never had to deal with these people.” You’re right. He had to deal with much worse ridicule and hate during His walk upon this earth. Forgiving those who wrong us is something I’m sure a lot of us struggle with. We harbor hate in our hearts. Every time we come in contact with these specific people, it’s hard to open up and forget what they might have said or done. 34 //June 2020
As a parent, I know I sometimes let my frustration and tiredness get the best of me. I sometimes yell when unnecessary or say things I don’t mean. No matter how angry I might act toward my little three-year-old, she is so gracious and forgiving. She never holds grudges in her heart and loves no matter what. She bestows grace upon me on a daily basis. Why can’t we all be like an innocent, loving child toward one another? God didn’t send His Son to die an awful death so we could hate one another. What would all of His suffering be worth? The flesh we are born with harbors hate, deceit, and hurt, but our born-again souls should be better. Instead of treating those who hurt us with the same attitude and heart they showed us, let’s try to be more childlike and show them grace and mercy—forgiving and understanding—no matter how hurt we might be. Let’s live so Jesus’ death wasn’t all for nothing.
About The Author
I
by Jessica Mathis
My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Grow In Your Faith
T
by Karen D. Jeffery
he more you grow your faith, the stronger
We all have to work out our own salvation. This
your relationship with God will become. The
is where we put our faith into action. We have the
stronger your relationship is, the more in
opportunity to read the Word, pray, and sing praises
touch you will be with the one who will lead you to
unto God; this is where we draw our strength. Plus,
many wonderful places in your everyday Christian
being a part of a church will help lift our spirits. Keep
walk that you may never have imagined or dreamed
moving forward in your daily walk with the Lord;
you could do. This will become easier, and you will grow in wisdom. The great adventure will begin as you approach the Word of God with reverence, read the Scriptures, and intend to hear the voice of the Lord. He will speak to you through His Holy Word. Have you ever gone to the Lord in prayer with a broken heart, crying bitter tears and pouring out your soul to Him? By doing this, you learn to put your true trust in Him and Him alone. His compassion will provide you with the trust you need to grow in faith. Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of
He will always be there to help guide you in the right direction.
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Philippians 2:12: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye
We, as Christians, must have the desire to come to
have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but
obedience to the Lord.
now much more in my absence, work out your own
What is your current situation? Do you feel as though life is testing you? Has your faith grown weak,
salvation with fear and trembling.” Today you can proclaim the victory.
or do you feel you have failed the Heavenly Father? patience” (James 1:3).
36 // June 2020
About The Author
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh Karen D. Jeffery loves the Heavenly Father, her family, and her church. Keep looking up Jesus is coming soon.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
motivated, and passionately engaged in
professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484
reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Living The Dream
A
by Angie Bishop
re you living the dream? Are you successful? Is
Do we have a success story, or do we have a living
your life simple, mediocre? How do you measure
testimony of how God has helped us through? Success isn’t
life in terms of success? Last night, I was watching
what we accomplish but what God accomplishes through
America’s Got Talent. As I watched each contestant, I was
us. Remember, we accomplish nothing in this world on
drawn in by how they viewed life. In most of their stories,
our own! It’s not our victory: it’s God’s! I’m not “living
they shared their struggles in life and how those things have
the dream”: I’m living the reality of life out with a real,
driven them to want to become more in this life. So they
living God dwelling inside of me, helping me recognize the
went for it: taking their talent to a big stage, showing the
importance of life, praying and doing my best to stay in
world you can do anything you want to and “live out the
God’s will to accomplish what He wants me to be successful
dream,” as most of them stated. I love a good overcomer
in to bring Him honor and glory. I am living a simplified, but glorious, life with trials, temptations, failures, heartaches, and struggles. That’s life! The difference between dreams and reality is that dreams are fairy tale-like, taking you to a state of mind of unreality. Reality is the here and now, things that actually exist rather than appearing to be imagined. Those things mentioned above— temptations, trials, etc.—exist in all of our lives, and none go unscathed, but we can all face them and endure them and even see the beauty in them when Christ lives in us. If you’re going through life wondering if there’s something more or what you can do to live out the dream, stop. The best success
story! They certainly do inspire me, but I just couldn’t help
in this life is when we decide to let God live in us and
but think, “I pray they don’t think this is all there is to life.”
through us. He is real, He exists, and He’s all you need in
Personally, I don’t feel having all the money, riches,
this life to accomplish success! Nothing, absolutely nothing,
and fame in the world brings peace to anyone. Happiness, yes, for a moment, but that fades. Those things are earthly,
comes from ourselves. “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we
and “success syndrome” is a great enemy of an effective
ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great
ministry. I know not everyone thinks heavenly minded, so
treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from
for some in this life, it is “living the dream.” They measure
God, not ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7). This is how I
their success by their own accomplishments. I couldn’t
measure success!
a beautiful reality. I’m blessed with needs met, and I have overcome a lot!
38 // June 2020
About The Author
help but think, though, I’m not living the dream; I’m living Angie Bishop is from Rome, Georgia. She loves sharing her story with others in hopes to encouraged and show them a way to Christ. No stranger to life’s woes, but gives God all the glory for his guiding hand and unending love and provisions for her. Her goal is to share with others that Gods love changes the person despite their circumstances!
423-503-1410
Gò0dNews
SHARE YOUR STORY Everyone has a story to tell. Share yours with us and see how your story can change someone's life.
Contact Bekah Prytherch: articles.goodnews@gmail.com Contact Melissa Phillips: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Shaken While Waiting
W
by Nelson Haynes
eird. That’s the word people keep posting on
they have more time on their hands. Neighbors saying
Facebook and Instagram as they describe how
“Hi!” for the very first time as they pass each other walking
they feel during the Coronavirus pandemic.
around the same neighborhood they’ve lived in for years.
Can anything good come out of a bewildering
You and I won’t grow when we are comfortably numb.
experience? Listen to Geoff Gentry and Bryan Ye-Chung.
As John Eldridge said on Facebook Palm Sunday, April 5,
“It’s the weird things that wake us up to the world
2020, “When life is good and you’ve got your cupcakes, you
around us.
know, what do you need God for?” Stagnant people stink.
“It’s the weird things that open up new ways of seeing.
But Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 2:15, “Our lives are a
“It’s the weird things that reimagine the experience
Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is
of healing. “It’s the weird things that disrupt our lives to bring us into God’s presence. “Weirdness is a tool of the Divine. As people of faith, our lives get weird before they become clear. Their prophetic words were published in 2019 in “All That Is Made.” Has God brought the world to its knees? That’s a legitimate question, with no intent of judgment by this writer. Regardless of your answer, the world has stopped, halting the educational, economic, entertainment, and religious worlds besides the medical environment. So what do we do during this eerie time? Wait it out? There are many things that happen to us that are far from chance. As Christians, we believe God is sovereign. Within that word is another word: reign. God is still on the throne despite how it feels down here on planet earth. He’s in control.
perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” Paul’s referring to two types of people. The latter group
What God allows to happen in our world which gets
is the people who find the Gospel message nauseating. The
a person’s attention, causing him or her to sincerely seek
former are the folks who believe the Gospel is a pledge of a
Him for maybe the first time, is something we’ll never
glorious future.
comprehend this side of Heaven.
A lot of folks feel lost now and want a future. God offers
However, a lot of folks still want their normal back,
that. Some reject it. Some accept it. There is nothing weird
and when this is over and we look back at the crisis of the
about “Someone” throwing a life preserver to those who are
Coronavirus, will we see blessings or curses?
perishing. Take hold of Christ. There couldn’t be a better time!
there are blessings that are born out of adversity. Couples talking to each other like they never have before because
40 // June 2020
About The Author
There is the sad curse of death that the virus caused. But
Nelson Haynes lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with his wife and 2 Labrador Retrievers. Both of their daughters are grown. Check out his writer’s blog at www.nelsonhaynes500words.com for more meditations. He has a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and besides writing, his hobbies include riding his mountain bike; reading; movies; gardening ; painting and going on dates with his bride.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Rocky Road Brownie Recipe by Pam Wattenbarger
T
his easy Rocky Road Brownie recipe is the perfect dessert for those lazy summer days. Because it begins with a boxed mix, there’s hardly any preparation time. Kids can help make the dessert by sprinkling the marshmallows, pecans, and chocolate chips over the brownies. If you need a gluten-free version of the recipe, simply substitute a gluten-free brownie mix.
Ingredients • 1 box (18.25 ounces) brownie mix • 2 eggs • 2/3 cup vegetable oil • 1/4 cup water • 3 cups miniature marshmallows • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, mix together brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until blended. 3. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour brownie mix into the dish. 4. Bake brownies for 18-22 minutes. Remove from oven. 5. Immediately sprinkle marshmallows onto brownies. Top with pecans and chocolate chips.
About The Author
6. Allow to cool completely and cut the brownies into squares.
42 // June 2020
Pam Wattenbarger is the author of “The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and Modern Twists on Old Favorites” and the upcoming “Southern Air Fryer Cookbook.” You can find more of her recipes on her website, Simply Southern Mom.
LAWNMOWER SHOP 23 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 706.777.8877
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