Gò0dNews June 2022
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About Us WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee Brian Branam Carl W. Corser Chad Hess Chad Van De Griek Chase Holtzclaw Danny Hesterly Jade Morgan Jodi Varnado Jonathon Wright Judy Hood Karla Smedley Katie Loveless Kristen West Shelley Knick Tim Marcum Zebbie Brewster
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Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary,
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Contents JUNE 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 How To Cry (Part 1) by Brian Branam
GoodNews for Kids
8 A Cheerful Heart by Danny Hesterly
GoodNews Money Matters
10 Let’s Get Real (Estate) by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Be A Man of Faith by Chad Hess
GoodNews for Women
14 Fighting the Unseen Opponent
by Karla Smedley GoodNews for Couples
18 The Two Stones of Marriage by Carl W. Corser
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Life
26 David And Nabal
by Jonathon Wright
GoodNews Poetry
28 Our New Home by Judy Hood
GoodNews for Father’s Day
30 What Kind of Father Should You Be?
by Dr. Alan Hix GoodNews for Everyone
32 Being Made in God’s Image by Chase Holtzclaw
GoodNews for Teachers
34 Give Our Hurts to God by Chad Van De Griek
GoodNews for Everyone
36 Living Water
by Katie Loveless
GoodNews for Everyone
20 Scoring For the Wrong Team 38 Walking With Molly—Part 2 by Kristen West
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Good Shepherd Funeral Home
by Jodi Varnado GoodNews for Everyone
24 Too Wet to Plow
by Zebbie Brewster
8
by Shelley Knick
GoodNews for Everyone
22
40 Praying Offensively by Jade Morgan
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Peach Surprise by Tim Marcum
40
Gò0dNews for Everyone
How To Cry (Part 1)
T
by Brian Branam
here is a book of the Bible that teaches us how to
regret and remorse. He’s not getting through it as much
cry. Lamentations is the Scripture’s record of the
as he is thinking it through. He works at what the Lord
mournful reflections of the grief-stricken prophet
has brought him to. Jeremiah has worked at preaching;
Jeremiah following Jerusalem’s destruction. Here are
now, he will work at weeping. Your time in the Word
some takeaways from the Bible’s book of tears.
is essential, and so is your weeping. Take time in it and
Embrace It, Don’t Avoid It
work at it.
In a hedonistic culture, we put a premium on pleasure and the avoidance of pain. When there is a loss, we want to rush through it and get back to life. Jeremiah doesn’t rush through his sorrow; he records it. He shares
Devotional Challenge Read Lamentations 1-3 • Write down some of the emotions Jeremiah shares in these passages.
the sights, sounds, and emotions of the moment. He
• What do these passages teach you about the Lord?
reflects on what brought him to this place and sees the
• What do these passages teach you about some of
Lord’s purpose in it.
the actions we should take during times of lament?
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger” (Lamentations 1:12). When it comes to sorrow, don’t rush it. Embrace it. Pause. Look around. Listen. Write it down. Answer the question, “Why am I here?” Work At It, Don’t Get Over It When it comes to Christian disciplines, we tend to think of actions like serving, witnessing, giving, worshipping, praying, and journaling. What about weeping? Should we not work at weeping as well? Lamentations is an action-packed book of the Bible. Jeremiah weeps. He grinds his teeth. He
If you are not in a time of lament, think back to your
remembers. He cries out. He groans. In Lamentations,
last time of great loss. Did you use that time to deepen
the Lord is at work. He crushes. He cuts down. He lays
your relationship with God, take corrective action, or
waste. He scorns.
did you rush through it? If you are currently in a time of
“He has filled me with bitterness; he has sated me
lament, use Lamentations to guide you through a time
with wormwood. He has made my teeth grind on gravel
of mourning that will help you deepen your relationship
and made me cower in ashes” (Lamentations 3:16-17).
with God and make some needed course corrections.
He is in a painful conversation with God that involves
6 // June 2022
About The Author
Instead of getting over it, Jeremiah is getting into it. Brian Branam is the Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, a multi-site church in NW Georgia. For more of his material visit www.FeelMyFaith.com.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
A Cheerful Heart
I
by Danny Hesterly
t’s summer! That’s something to be excited about.
Now to me, the kitchen held different importance
Let’s shout it out loud together. It’s S-U-M-M-E-R!
because it had the only TV connected to the Nintendo. Also,
That felt pretty good, right? I treasure this time of
nearly equal in importance as the TV was our only window
year because the days are long, and it brings back many
air conditioning unit in the house. Summertime in Southern
wonderful memories.
Illinois can be blistering hot, and sleeping in my bedroom
Growing up, on the last day of school, I would have
with only a box fan pushing hot air around was not my idea
this jittery excitement because I knew what awaited the
of a cool summer. So, my siblings and I would sort of take
next 2 ½ months for me and my siblings. Summer brought
over the kitchen each summer, enjoying countless hours
this special privilege of getting to stay up late each night
with one another while enjoying the cool breeze from the
playing the newest Nintendo video games with my sister
good old AC (short for air-conditioning). Proverbs 15:13 says, “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Summer is a great time to have fun and make wonderful memories with your family and friends. Did you notice what this proverb or piece of wisdom said? It said, “a cheerful heart brings a smile to your face.” A cheerful heart is a heart full of gratitude. Another way you could say that is a cheerful heart is a thankful heart. When you’re thankful, you’re showing an appreciation for something or that you treasure something special. I treasured my summers growing up as a kid because I knew there were things
and brother. Now, I’m talking about the old-school Nintendo
I got to do that I normally didn’t do while school was
Entertainment System (NES), also known as the best gaming
happening. I was thankful that my mom shared the kitchen
console ever made (at least in my opinion).
with us each summer.
It was only in summer that my brother and sister and
Take a moment and write down or tell a parent, sibling,
I were allowed to sleep in the kitchen. The kitchen was a
or friend some of the things you’d like to do this summer
special place in our home. The kitchen was where my mom
that will bring a smile to your face. I bet some of those
would cook some of the tastiest food I’ve ever eaten. It was
things will also bring a smile to a parent, sibling, or friend’s
also a place that introduced me to the flavors of Korean
face too. Here’s to a fantastic, fun, and memorable summer!
Every dish she served was full of dedication and love for her family.
8 // June 2022
About The Author
cuisine. This was my mom’s favorite room in the home. Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.
Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter
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Let’s Get Real (Estate) MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
S
ince the start of the pandemic, the real estate market
two roommates who are each paying $500 per month (not
has been on an upward trajectory. Home prices and
including utilities), you’re basically living for “free” while
rental rates are soaring, and home buyers are offering
owning your own home.
well over “asking price” to win the bidding war. With a
If you’re wondering how an eighteen-year-old and
national shortage of available homes for sale, there are too
a twenty-year-old (my sons) were able to obtain FHA
many buyers competing for too few homes. At the same time,
mortgages, my wife and I allowed them to be “authorized
countless informercials and podcasts promote real estate
users” on a credit card when they were seventeen years old.
investing as a sure path to wealth. But with interest rates
They used the credit card only for gas in their cars, and they
now rising, some may believe they have missed their chance
paid off their balances in full every month. Within a year,
to realize the dream of home ownership. What to do now?
they both had credit scores over 760 and were able to qualify
One way of entering this expensive housing market is
for FHA mortgages on their “house hacks.”
by “house hacking.” House hacking means that you buy
If you’re wondering where my sons got their money for
a home to live in, and get roommates or tenants to share
their down payments, they saved it from working part-time
the home with you to help cover the mortgage, taxes, and
jobs from age 16-18. (Encourage your teens to get jobs. It
insurance. Many young people are currently doing this
won’t kill them!). Meanwhile, my wife and I own several
with great success. If you buy a house with a bedroom
rental properties, and I regularly talk to successful real estate
and bathroom in the basement, for instance, that might be
investors locally (many of them are my friends) to learn
ideal for a roommate or tenant (especially if you can add a
more. I’ve never paid some real estate “guru” for a course in
kitchen in the basement). In a single-family home, you can
real estate investing. I just read a lot of books and listen to
rent out extra bedrooms, or if you’re able to buy a multi-
podcasts. It’s hard work, but if I can do it, you can do it.
family property (duplex, triplex, or 4plex), you can live in
But is real estate currently too pricey? Should you sit
one unit for “free” while the rents from the other units cover
on the sidelines hoping for a drop in home prices? (I do not
the mortgage and expenses. Both of my sons are currently
offer professional or legal advice, just one man’s opinion).
“house hacking” single-family homes by sharing with
To me, the real question is, “Do you think this property will
roommates, and the rents nearly cover the entire mortgage
be more valuable or less valuable in ten or twenty years?” If
and expenses every month. Here’s an example using real
the answer is “more valuable” (and history has proven this
numbers. By using an FHA loan with a low 3.5% down
over time), then perhaps waiting on the sidelines may cost
payment of $7,000 a $200,000 house, the monthly payment,
you more in the future. “Those who work their land will
insurance, and taxes on a 30-year mortgage is approximately
have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have
$1,070 per month. Assuming you share the house with
their fill of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19).
10 // June 2022
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Gò0dNews for Men
Be A Man of Faith
I
by Chad Hess
n Matthew’s Gospel, beginning in Chapter 8
How much simpler would it be to be like the
Verse 5, we are told the story of the Roman
Centurion and pray his prayer? Lord, this is what I
Centurion and his servant. The Roman officer
am facing: illness, marital difficulties, problems at
approaches Jesus begging Him and telling Him
work or with the kids, issues with an elderly parent
that his servant is ill and lying paralyzed at the
(fill in your own blank). I am not worthy, but only
Centurion’s home. Jesus responds, “I will come and
say the word and my soul will be healed. To believe
heal him.” The Centurion replies with words that are repeated every day by Christians around the world: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.” This is known as the Centurion’s prayer and is a wonderful example of simple faith. The Centurion was a man of power and authority in the Roman government, commanding 100 soldiers. He understood well the power of command, and he recognized the power and authority of Jesus. He had faith that Jesus could heal the servant simply by saying the word. In Verse
this, truly believe this, would change everything.
13, Jesus rewards the man’s faith by saying, “Go, let
Keeping in mind that God’s will be done, not
it be done for you as you have believed.”
the fulfillment of all our wishes and desires, is a
As a man, father, brother, or friend, do you have faith in Jesus’ power and authority? Do you trust that
powerful thing. Knowing, really knowing, that Jesus has the
all you have to do is ask for His will to be done, and
authority in heaven and on earth to do His will
then have faith that it will be done? In our roles as
(that is what faith is, by the way) is a wondrous and
men in today’s society, we are inundated with trails
liberating thing for all believers. When the trials
and difficulties. Our faith can be put to the test on
and difficulties come, and they will, be like the
a daily basis. As men, we too are given power and
Centurion—be a man of faith.
to the authority of Jesus. How often do we make decisions without submitting them to Jesus’ will?
12 // June 2022
About The Author
authority, but like the Centurion, we must submit 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
Fighting the Unseen Opponent pponents are everywhere! On the court and on the screen, they have the potential to make a good sports game and an interesting movie, but real-life rivals are not so fun. We have faced adversaries for years. They came in many forms. Some as people we did not know, like a rude customer service representative or a flippant driver. However, the people who we consider opponents at times are our co-workers, the ones we live with, or extended family. Think about it. One minute we are sailing along smoothly with a friend or family member when the wave of a disrespectful action occurs and rocks our boat. Learning to recognize these moments and having the wisdom to overcome them is a must in the world in which we live. Perhaps a loved-one does not respond in a way we expected. His reply is too quick, too short, or down-right wrong in our eyes. Maybe the adverse situation is with a teenager who has huffed one too many times. Whatever the situation that causes us to be on the defense, we often result in negative reactions. We must prepare our minds for a better way. While we will encounter rivals that we do not know personally and those that we are close with, our unseen adversary is our most
14 // June 2022
dangerous one. He sneaks up on us; he slams us. He creates uncertainty and doubt. He is Satan, and I don’t like him. Though I do not believe the saying, “The devil made me do it,” I do perceive the statement, “The devil tempted me to do it,” is an absolute truth—as God is not the author of confusion, Satan is (1 Cor. 14:33). In addition, we find that John 10:10a states, “The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” That is just what he wants. He wants to take us down and all those around us as well. I want to recognize my ultimate opponent and have a plan that promotes peace, not added hostility, which will only aid Satan in his wicked ways. I must defend myself because when I allow Satan to take hold, my actions affect my families’ lives. Thus, I am opening the door wider for Satan to come into my home. The armor of God is what I need…what we need. By putting on the armor of God, I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18). My mom used to say, “We make it together or crumble together.” I think a paperchain is a wonderful visual for families. When each link is secured, it can be stretched, even under pressure, but it will stay strong. However, when one little link is not secured, the whole chain will weaken. Families should connect like those chains, unify by learning God’s word and applying His principals. As women, we should help each other and the children in our families to learn about the armor of God. One of our best teaching tools is that of example. Our families need to see us putting on the armor of God when we must combat our battles. Our families need to see us act and react to our opponents, those visible or unseen (Satan), so that they too can learn to defend themselves using the word of God— for it is sharper than a doubleedged sword.
About The Author
O
by Karla Smedley
Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790
16 // June 2022
East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 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
706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165
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
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
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
706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
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
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
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
Nazarene
Non-Denominational
Orthodox
Pentecostal
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 goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Couples
The Two Stones of Marriage
M
by Carl W. Corser
arriage milestones or millstones? Can both
so slowly, and so fine that we fail to recognize it’s affects upon
become part of a marriage? Which one is most
our marriage. We need to take inventory of our marriage
commonly discussed while marriage is the topic
relationship to identify the millstones that have begun
of the discussion? Doesn’t God intend for us to celebrate
grinding away at its integrity. Destruction of our marriage
milestones in our marriage? How about millstones? Hum?
will sneak up on us if we do not change our behavior.
There’s only one letter that is different in the spelling of these words, but there is a vast difference in the meaning or
If we return to the proper respect and love for our marriage, then the millstone will not have the opportunity
circumstance surrounding each one. It is a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to celebrate a milestone that becomes a reality in our marriage. “We met on this day, ten, twenty, or even fifty years ago” or “We’ve been married for one year today or some other length of time.” How about a new home, children, or another good memory in our past? Why is a millstone so different? Why is its meaning so tragic? How many marriages do millstones destroy? What does it feel like to become saddled with a millstone within your marriage? Isn’t a common term used in application of this word slow grinding? How can this philosophy be applied to our marriage? Do marriages dissolve overnight? How long does it take for something that occurs within your marriage to
to destroy what God has put together. The celebration
become so terrible that it causes the marriage to split?
of milestones within a marriage will continue to be a
Love can cause us to make some foolish decisions. Sometimes, we are living in the name of love, not
wonderful time. God, help us all to be very protective of our marriage
recognizing that the millstone issue is still slowly grinding
relationship. The family will definitely benefit from the
on our marriage relationship. Then when the split occurs,
celebrations. Our world will become a much better place to
we are in wonder of what and when this all happened.
live. Our society will become healthier and more conducive
Wouldn’t it be so much better if we did not allow the
to the survival of successful marriage relationships. God’s
millstone the opportunity to start its grinding process?
institution of marriage will be re-established as He intended.
Wouldn’t it be so much less pain and suffering if we would
Blessings to you all as you become better custodians of your
ask for forgiveness instead of the millstone of bitterness
marriage, family, and life.
There are many issues that we can allow to become a millstone within our marriage. They become so heavy, grind
18 // June 2022
About The Author
grinding away so slowing at our marriage? Carl Corser is an ordained bishop, business owner, farmer, and is the author of the devotion website, www. sundaymorningdevotion.wordpress.com/living.
Church Activities & Events Hollywood Baptist Church
Greater Refuge Ministries
Monday, June 13 112 Lombardy Way SE, Rome, GA
Saturday, June 18 | 7PM - 10PM 1604 N Broad St, Rome, GA 30161
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
Shorter University
Saturday, June 18 | 5PM 46 Dykes Creek Church Rd NE, Rome, GA
Monday, June 20 315 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Scoring For the Wrong Team
M
by Kristen West
y teammates were bewildered. My coach was
vulnerable to our old ways or one hot-button decision away
dismayed. The crowd was confused. My eighth-
from making a lay-up for our former team. The truth is, we
grade basketball team was pitted against a rival
all stumble in many things (James 3:2), are prone to sin, and
team on that very cold night in 1982. It was one of those
tend to get easily derailed in our faith journey. So, what do
small-town, everyone-gets-hot-under-the-collar kinds of
we do if we find we just scored for our old team? Get back in
games. The kind where, when you’re fourteen years old, it
the game!
feels like a life-or-death match. At one point in the game, I had stolen the ball from the opposing team’s point guard and dribbled to the basket as fast as I could. Most of the other players were behind me. The court ahead was clear. I went in for a lay-up and scored! An easy two points! I was thrilled… until I noticed my team wasn’t cheering and the other team was laughing. That was the mortifying moment when I realized I had just scored for the opposite team! I had succumbed to a moment of familiarity. You see, just one year before this embarrassing flub, I had been a player on the other team! Between my seventh and eighthgrade years, my family had moved. As a result, I changed
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He [God] is
schools. This game was the first time I had been on the court
faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us
with my new team, facing my old team. For just a moment,
from all unrighteousness.”
I had a lapse in judgment and thought I was, once again, playing for my old team. Have you ever done that? Perhaps not in basketball,
God knows our weaknesses and is forever faithful and kind to help get us on our feet, brush us off, give us some great coaching encouragement, and send us back on the
but your Christian walk? In the spiritual scope of things,
court! And, the wonderful reality is that the longer you play
there are only two teams—God’s team and “the opposing”
for God’s team, the less likely you’ll be inclined to score for
team. According to Romans 3:23, we have all been a part of
your former team. It proved true for me in basketball, as
that opposing team at one point or another. As a result, we
well. I went on to play with the same girls from my eighth-
became familiar with it—the rhythms of a self-centered life;
grade ball team for the next five years. I didn’t make the
the habits of selfishness; the team support of the world and
mistake of scoring for my old team again.
all its trappings.
Lesson learned.
ultimately, the best decision we’ll ever make for ourselves and our neighbor; however, that doesn’t mean we’re not
20 // June 2022
About The Author
Joining God’s team is essential for eternal life and, Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
Parnick Jennings SR, Memorial Chapel
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“T
by Jodi Varnado
here is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant
and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3). Parnick Jennings Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home has served the Rome community for more than thirteen years, providing families with support during the most challenging seasons of life. Parnick Jennings Sr. and his wife, Margaret Eads Jennings, opened Good Shepherd Funeral Home in West Rome in 2008. Jennings was rooted in the funeral business, as his father, James William Jennings, opened Jennings Funeral Home in the 1930s. Together, the
Today, Good Shepherd Funeral Home continues
Jennings became a foundational name in the community
the Jennings way. Andy McGuire, a longtime friend and
known for their compassionate Christian care.
employee of the Jennings family, purchased Good Shepherd
Parnick Jennings Sr. passed away on June 27, 2021 at the
Funeral Home in January of 2022. Now, with the support
age of ninety-one. Jennings faithfully ministered to Rome
of Margaret Jennings and other Jennings family members,
and Floyd County families for nearly seventy years in the
McGuire is upholding the same principles that have guided
family-owned funeral home business. His legacy pervades
the business for over a decade. Along with McGuire,
the business still, perfectly described by its founding
Bobby Don Rogers, Manager, Cameron O’Neal, Licensed
mission statement: Striving to serve you best in this sacred
Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer, and the rest of
responsibility, with a staff trained to render a service equaled by
the Good Shepherd Funeral Home employees take care of
few and surpassed by none, at the lowest cost in the community.
day-to-day operations.
22 // June 2022
after the services conclude. Good Shepherd Funeral Home offers Veterans Burial Benefits for families who are honoring the loss of their loved ones, including cremation services, a funeral or memorial ceremony, and an online interactive memorial website. Good Shepherd Funeral Home encourages the process of pre-planning arrangements, and will work with individuals to fill out paperwork and coordinate with third-party entities. As a member of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, McGuire and his staff sponsor local schools and churches in the community. In May of 2022, McGuire had the honor Although Good Shepherd Funeral Home is under new leadership, McGuire assures the Rome community that the business will stay the same. “Our principles have stayed the same; we are here to serve families according to their budget,” said McGuire. “We are thankful for the families who trust us. This is more than just a job for us; it’s more of a ministry.” The often overlooked and unseen realities of the funeral home business, from around the clock business hours to comforting families in the midst of grief, reveal the hearts of McGuire and the complete Good Shepherd Funeral Home staff. “We offer many service options for all individuals with varying budgets—it’s not all about the money for us. A lot of families cannot afford to spend 10,000 dollars on
of performing the National Anthem at the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service of Floyd County. “We love being involved in our community,” said McGuire. Whether you are looking to begin the pre-planning process or searching for people to guide you through a difficult time, the staff at Good Shepherd Funeral Home is here to help you! Good Shepherd Funeral Home and Memorial Chapel is located at 2750 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA. You can contact Andy McGuire and the Good Shepherd Funeral Home staff at (706)-234-9622 or visit their website for more information and resources: www.goodshepherdfh.net. You can also connect with Good Shepherd Funeral Home on their Facebook page: @parnickjenningssrgoodshepherdfuneralhome.
a funeral. We can work with families and their insurance companies to discuss and plan for more affordable options,” said McGuire. Good Shepherd Funeral Home offers a variety of options for funeral and memorial services, including Jennings SR, Memorial Chapel both burial and cremation Parnick services, to offer families a
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706-234-9622 706-234-9622 goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Too Wet to Plow
T
by Zebbie Brewster
here is an old saying, “Too wet to plow, too windy to
And He sat down and taught the people from the boat.
stack rocks.” My husband will tell me this sometimes
Now when He was through speaking, He said unto Simon,
when I ask him if he wants to do something. With no
‘Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draft.’
good excuse not to go, it seems like a good day to go fishing.
And Simon answering said unto Him, ‘Master, we have
To go fishing on a windy day could be quite challenging if
toiled all the night and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at
you are float fishing, as your float could be blowing around
Thy word I will let down the net.’ And when they had done
on top of the water. It would make it difficult to see if you
this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their
were really getting a bite or not. A true fisherman or woman
net began to break. And they beckoned unto their partners,
would know how to work around the problem, especially if
who were in the other boat, that they should come and help
the fish were biting. It is just a joy to be out fishing.
them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he was astonished, and all those who were with him, at the draft of the fishes which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, ‘Fear not. From henceforth thou shalt catch men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Normally, it would not be good to have broken nets and sunken ships. This time, it was the blessing of catching an overabundance of fish for these fishermen. God’s blessing upon them had
where I had written in the margin, “Broken Nets and Sunken Ships.” This was in Luke 5:1-11 and the call of the first disciples. The date was September 3, 2006, and the preacher was Bobby Stamey. Luke 5:1-11: “And it came to pass that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the Word of God, He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret and saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen were gone out of them and were washing their nets. And He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land.
24 // June 2022
just begun. Look again at Verse 10, where Jesus told Simon, Fear not. From henceforth thou shalt catch men. They were answering Jesus’ call upon their life to forsake all and follow Him. Missionaries often leave all to follow the call God has put on their lives. They—like the first disciples—are going forward to tell others about the saving grace of a loving Savior. They need our prayers and support as they serve Jesus in the ministry. God has work for all to do. Do it all with a loving heart unto the Lord, for it is a work that is not in vain. About The Author
While reading my Bible this morning, I noticed
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for Life
David And Nabal 1 Samuel 25
D
by Jonathon Wright
avid was well known throughout Israel and Judah. He defeated the great Goliath and his popularity soared. But there were some like
Nabal who were not impressed by David’s ability to take on a giant. Some did not appreciate David in their territory and were faithful to King Saul. This would describe Nabal, who was not only rich but influential, coming from the family of Caleb. When Joshua gave Caleb the land of Judah, he and his family drove out the giant Canaanites. This may explain why Nabal was not impressed by David. As the story continues, David and his men come all, taken care of Nabal’s sheep, and there was a celebration throughout the land. Yet, Nabal was harsh, offensive, and insulted David’s men. Of course, it is true in life that harsh, mean words often lead to violence and problems. When David heard these words, he was furious. He told his men to put on their swords because they were going to wipe these guys out. David was taking matters into his own hands and let anger get the best of him. This is never a good thing. But God had other plans. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, had not seen David’s men or heard of his request, so she went and secretly prepared a feast. Notice verses 18-19. “Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. And she said to her servants,
26 // June 2022
“Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal” (NKJV). When she got there, she talked some sense into David. In the end, God took care of these potentially disastrous problems. David thanked and blessed God for her wisdom and gift. Abigail wisely waited until her husband was sober to tell him all she had done. He became like a stone, and ten days later, scripture records his death. David recognized God’s sovereign hand in his life and these events. He eventually would marry this kind and wise woman. In the same way, God stands sovereignly over our lives to prevent major problems. Yet, we still need to walk in kindness, listen to God, and the wise advice of others to see His best.
About The Author
to Nabal expecting some hospitality. They had, after
Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. He is currently beginning the process of writing a book on Genesis entitled, God’s Good Prophetic Plan: From Beginning to End.
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Gò0dNews Poetry
Our New Home by Judy Hood
We’ll fly like an eagle when Jesus calls us home
We’ll be such a happy bunch—just you wait and see
We’ll dance in the clouds never more to roam
As we worship our Lord, He will be so pleased
It will be such a party; don’t you want to go?
You can’t get to heaven by paying a fee
He’ll take us to that land called our new home
All you need to do is bow on your knee
We’ll watch the angels singing in the choir
God loves everyone, He says in His word
What a sound we will hear like the Holy Ghost fire
He wants you to come and be a part of His herd
It will be brighter than the sunshine we all know
He painted heaven with splendor; we’ll be so amazed
We’ll bathe in His beauty as He calls the roll
We’ll spend eternity with Jesus all of our days
28 // June 2022
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Gò0dNews for Father’s Day
What Kind of Father Should You Be? hat is the most important thing a father can do for his children? You might respond by saying he should provide for his family; make sure that they have a roof over their heads, food to eat, clothes to wear, and some sense of security. So many children in our troubled world don’t have those things, so that is the best thing a father can do for his children. If we look to the Bible for models to follow for passing on our faith, we might think of several prominent individuals. David had a great passion for God. We can see that passion in his Psalms. Although he is seen as Israel’s greatest king and was called “A Man After God’s Own Heart,” he was a disaster as a parent. His oldest son Amon raped his half-sister and was later murdered by their brother Absalom. David banishes Absalom, then relents, and in return, Absalom leads a rebellion against David until he is finally killed in battle. And although David’s heir Solomon starts well, he falls to worshipping the false gods of his many wives, thus leading Israel to do so as well. Hezekiah is considered Israel’s second greatest king, and he purified the practice of the Temple worship of God more than any other king. We are told that God loved Hezekiah so much that he spared his life and gave him an additional 15 years. And yet Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh (who reigned for 50+ years), is considered the evilest king in Israel’s history. Here we have children who were provided for better than anyone else in the land, and yet their father’s faith did not seem to translate to them. What are we to make of that? What kind of faith did they seek to pass on to their children? We can see the evidence of what happens when that faith is not effectively passed on. When we consider King David, we know from the Psalms that he had a great passion for God. When we study Hezekiah’s reign, we find that he practiced his faith better than any king before him. When we think about what type of faith we should pass on to our children, which is more important? Practice without passion is empty action. Practice without passion cannot answer the question of “Why?” On
30 // June 2022
the other hand, passion without the practical expression of faith leaves us vulnerable to being led astray by every whim of doctrine or action that touches us emotionally. It is the practice of faith driven by the passion of our relationship to Christ that communicates effectively and powerfully the full message of the gospel. Passion gives us the “why,” while practice gives us the “what” and the “how.”
Jesus summed that up in one simple statement in John 14:15. On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The answer to the question of what kind of faith should we pass on to our children is BOTH. God calls us to be fathers whose experience of faith is central to and guides every area of our lives. It is a faith that is PROFESSED though one’s lips and is PRACTICED through one’s life. This Father’s Day, I encourage you to commit to being the father, the grandfather, the greatgrandfather that God has called you to be. As fathers, let us fulfill the role as the priest of our homes and commit to teaching and living Christ before our families.
About The Author
W
by Dr. Alan Hix
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Being Made in God’s Image
L
by Chase Holtzclaw
ook up and tell me what you see. If you are a believer,
should look at ourselves. How wonderful it is to think
you might see something besides clouds and the sky.
about His love for us. God knew how we would be when
You might see the heavens and look up and say Abba
He chose us. He knew how we would betray Him and sin
or Father God. When I look up, it reminds me of how small
against Him, and yet He still chose us before the foundation
I truly am compared to the existence of the things God has
of the earth. How beautiful is His perfect love for us that He
created. I like to look up at the sky and talk to my Father
would put Himself through death to give us life—a life for
God who is in heaven. God said, “Let us make man in our image according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). God created man in His own image to remind us of Him. What do you think God sees when He looks at us? This question has so many answers from so many well-educated scholars, and these scholars have much to say about this topic. When I ask myself this question, I must look back to the work of God and think, God said that He made us in His own image. In this image is a perfect plan for our lives and the future we are created for. When we are born, our parents looked at us and compared us to them. How we have the same nose or the same color eyes. We often look at our children and see ourselves in them or parts
a life, after all, is the cost of sin. Sin will cause death, and
of our loved ones. When our kids act a certain way, we can
through our sinfulness, Jesus chose death of His body for us.
see where they may get it from. Father God knows where
The enemy does not want us to see ourselves the way
we get our likeness from. He knows all things about us from
God sees us. He wants us to see the same disappointment
the inside to the outside.
that he sees when he looks at himself. Imagine the jealously
When we look at ourselves in the mirror, do we see
that the enemy has for us because of the love God has for
the love of the Father on us, or do we see the weight of the
you and I. We can overcome the enemy when we truly
sins that we have committed? Sin will not allow us to look
look at ourselves and can see the love of our Heavenly
at ourselves as the image of God. It only lets us look at
Father resting on us. The peace that comes with that is
ourselves with guilt and shame. We are children of the God
overwhelming and is contagious to others. When we are
Almighty, and when we look at ourselves, we should see
walking with the image we were created to walk in, people
Him through us.
can immediately see the light of the Lord through us.
Bearing the image of God is nothing to take lightly us in His image. Our God, the creator of all things, chose to make us His own, which completely changes how we
32 // June 2022
About The Author
considering He loved us so much that He chose to make
Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids. God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Give Our Hurts to God
I
by Chad Van De Griek
remember back to when I was around nine years old or so, I was getting out of the minivan and working to make my way into the house with the rest of the
family. At that point in my life, I was still learning how to accomplish physical tasks (like getting out of the car) by myself. As a result, it would often take a little bit of time for me to do. On this particular night, a former family member was growing impatient as I slowly made my way from the van to my awaiting reverse walker. He quickly and assertively picks me up and begins to carry me into the house. As we made our way into the house, he began to tell me that “people would get tired of carrying me around,” that I needed to learn to do things on my own, and to quit being, as he put it, “babied.” It’s interesting how little moments like the one I just described can often bring the most damage to one’s heart and mind. Even after fifteen plus years have passed, these painful words can still very much impact the way I think, speak, and act on a daily basis. I often find myself trying to get things done quickly when I know that people are waiting on me, and I am very apologetic if I feel like I am taking too much time to complete a particular task. I don’t want to feel like a burden or hindrance, so I try to shoulder everything on my own. And most of those habits stem from those words spoken on a quiet evening all those years ago. For so long, I took those words to heart, and I let them
my job to make sure they understand how much they hurt
control me in a lot of ways. But as I think back on things,
me or for me to prove them wrong. I can’t let the pain that
I realize that I can’t let someone else’s unhealthy choices
they caused control me. I have to give it to God and trust
become the loudest voice in my head. Of course, those
that I am never alone in that battle. No, it’s not easy. Yes,
words hurt, and I won’t deny that or pretend like they
there will be plenty of days where the pain comes flooding
didn’t impact me. But I can’t let the words of broken and
back or days where we have to wrestle with that pain and
hurting people be the ones that carry the most weight in my
forgiveness over and over. That doesn’t mean that anything
heart and mind.
is wrong with you or me. It shows that we’re human. We
Life is hard. People are going to say and do things that hurt. But I am realizing that forgiving those people is much
must continuously give our hurts to God and lean on those around us that we trust.
It’s about me trusting God enough to let them go. It’s not
34 // June 2022
About The Author
more about me and less about the person who hurt me. Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.
K E L L I D G O N Z A L E Z C PA certified public accountant
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Living Water by Katie Loveless
I
recently marveled at how casually a significant relationship
searching. Jesus came to make a way as He says:
seems to wax and wane in my life. The most tender spot
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him
stems from how casually they enter and exit when what I
really long for is continuity—a stay. As I prayed about it, God used this concern as a teachable moment to correct me. Isn’t that often what I do? Isn’t that sometimes how I worship? I come into His courts with praise, and then I leave. I enter His gates with thanksgiving, and then I go on about my day murmuring. I casually stroll into the presence of God, and then I exit when what God is longing for from me is
shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14, KJV). Later Jesus says again: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth of me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37b-38, KJV).
continuity—a stay. I want my relationship to be one in which there is no punctuation. There is no beginning and no ending—always with Him and Him always with me. I want to lock eyes with Jesus. I don’t want to go where He is not. I don’t want to be where He is not. And where He is on the move, that is where I want to be moving too. I began to think about water and how many of us get thirsty and visit wells for our supply. Wells of entertainment. Wells of knowledge. Wells of wishful thinking. Wells of nostalgia. Wells of judgement. Wells of superstition. Wells of tradition. In the natural sense, satisfying our thirst with well water has limitations. We must be in proximity to the supply. We also need a clean Finally, we need a reliable way to access the water. Friend, let’s remember that Jesus is our most significant relationship. We can stay tapped in to our source at all times. He came to revitalize our drinking habits. He came so that we wouldn’t have to go in search of people, places, and things outside of us but rather that we could draw from a fountain of life that springs forth from the inside of the life dedicated to Jesus. The story about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well explains it all. He used a conversation with an outsider to reveal to us that we, too, are an outsider in need of a Savior and in need of a divine supply (see John 4:9-18). So many of us don’t have access to clean drinking water in the spiritual sense. We may feel lost and undone—thirsty and
36 // June 2022
Maybe you’re like me and going through drought in meaningful relationships. Maybe, you are dry and dusty from being cut off from the source of things or people previously significant to you. Maybe, you don’t feel worthy to drink anything at all to free your tongue from the roof of your mouth. Beloved, it’s not all about what is going on all around you. It is about the stirring that takes place from the inside. If you are willing, invite God into the dusty places of your soul. Ask Him to come and fill you as only He can. Ask Him to cause water to come that springs up into everlasting life. Ask him to stir up a well of water that will never run dry. About The Author
supply of water free of sediment and harmful pollutants.
Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22
Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Walking With Molly—Part 2
T
by Shelley Knick
raining sessions with Molly continued to grow deeper,
impulse would be to kneel down to her, hold her sweet face
offering more insights. One day, in particular, still
in my hands to remind her, “We are two different species my
stands out. In the world of Washington state weather,
dear. You are missing the point here.”
the days seem to vacillate between romantic summers,
Tears filled my eyes when I thought about God seeing
painfully harsh winters, and chronic in-betweens of blah.
all my trying and failing and holding me close nonetheless.
Routine walks would often take on the temperament of
He likely saw effort, fight, and perseverance—qualities He
the weather. Which is to say, Washington weather and
respected, perhaps admired. Likewise, he saw my impatience
Washington moods are not that far apart.
and demanding responses to failed expectations. It hit me
Molly, however, became a constant for me. Her mood was steady when mine was not. It was humbling how she looked at me with admiration and reverence. She lived for our time together. Molly had a past that was unknown to me. When she came into my life, I knew nothing about how she might have been abandoned. I knew only that she looked like she had recently nursed a litter of puppies and was now discarded. She had lived some years and accumulated some experiences. Her path had refined her, and this intrigued me. Like Molly, at that time, I was a mother without her children and geographically far from my family. Unlike Molly, I had not been used and abandoned along a country road. My story wasn’t overtly tragic. But I had accumulated
that I was ambitious to be awesome like God rather than
enough years and experiences to leave my soul familiar
awesome with God. When we walk with God, we become
with being dislocated in life, detached from purpose, and
a unit. Ultimately, we share in God-Likeness because of
seeking to resolve an ache that consumed me. When Molly
our harmony. He offers transcendent qualities beyond our
arrived, she came with her breeding mate. He was strong and
species. We offer him a vessel, a character, and a reach that
relentless in his will. When they were together, she was his.
is uniquely human. Absent of Him, our striving is in ego. In
After we found him a new home, she and I walked together
truth, He teaches us that relationship is transformative and
like two women in their thirties trying to figure out our
transaction is religious.
purposes together. Something about her poise and elegance made me
Inevitably, Molly gets distracted and defaults to her animal instincts. In response, I apply training techniques
proud of her, though I wasn’t responsible for these qualities.
on the walk to bring her mind back to calm submission.
It was admiration. I wondered what it would be like if she
Restoring our peace becomes my primary objective, as it is
knew how I thought of her. If I felt this way towards her, I
with God. “Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be
considered how similarly God thought of me as we walked.
recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires;
Then I imagined her growing insecure and anxious because she had big ambitions that she wouldn’t have if not
rather he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him” (2 Sam. 14:14).
up on two legs, to walk and talk with me? Would she grow guilty and wrecked with self-defeat because she couldn’t do more human things? This seemed ridiculous to me. My
38 // June 2022
About The Author
for knowing me. What if she began pressuring herself to stand Shelley is an aspiring writer. She is also a nurse, a wife to her high school sweetheart of 22 years, a brand-new mama to their miracle baby, and a new resident of Rome after moving from Washington state.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Praying Offensively
D
by Jade Morgan
o you ever watch a movie or TV show with
of Esther in such a way God’s power and deity cannot be
someone and they start predicting what will
denied. When it seems we do not see, hear, or feel God, He
happen? It can be so annoying when this happens,
is there, and His promises and Word are being fulfilled.
especially when what they are predicting turns out to
With anxiety and depression more commonly spoken
actually happen. Unfortunately, I am totally this person. My
about than ever before, it seems it is easier for our minds
close friends have learned this about me, and at first, they
to be bent more towards the negative. No wonder it has
were impressed. Now, I am not so sure!
become accepted and commonplace to assume the enemy
Just last week, I was watching a movie with a group of friends, and the uncontrollable urge to audibly say what I
is lurking, or thwarting plans, before we choose to see what God is doing in our midst.
could see coming overtook me. I gave in and verbalized my prediction. My close friend said, “She always does that.” My response was, “They give you every clue about what is going to happen!” A few days later, I was watching a suspenseful TV show and I felt that feeling creep in again. I knew what was about to happen. It was so clear to me. Then, about five minutes later, it did indeed occur. In that moment, I began to realize how this concept parallels our spiritual lives. At first, my thought was that, more often than not, there seem to be clues indicating forthcoming danger or sorrow. I can look back and see this clearly in my own life. Indicators and signs that seemed so hidden at the time but now seem abundantly clear. I had
My pastor said something to me last year that I did
an adversary clearly fighting against me. Having been
not understand at the time, but that has become more
born and bred in the south, I have often been the recipient
and more clear the last several months. He said, “Pray
of the phrases, “The enemy is lurking about,” and “God
offensive prayers, not defensive ones.” I see now how
must be up to something for the enemy to be fighting you
vital it is to not wait until we are in conflict, or tension, or
so hard.” These expressions are said in abundance, and
something stressful happens to pray—this would be praying
often without thought of the power we are giving the
defensively. Creating the habit of praying offensively,
enemy when we say these words and just believe them as
praying to be “Alert and sober minded,” as 1 Peter 5:8 says,
truth. There are often clues about what the enemy is up
and putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6 shifts
to, sure. Yet, there are always indications of what God is
our brains and spiritual lives to be on the offense before the
doing and how He is working.
trials even come. Intentional practice will not make perfect,
The story of Esther is so intriguing to me because of
but it will make purpose.
no direct mention of Jesus, nor any of the names people call God. However, it is evident He was there working the entire time. The gospel story is woven throughout the entirely
40 // June 2022
About The Author
how it lacks the mention of the Lord in any way. There is Jade Morgan taught special education for thirteen years before God called her to ministry. She is currently the Connect & Serve Director at Public Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she also leads a ladies Community Group.
TWO YEARS IN A ROW
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Peach Surprise by Tim Marcum
Ingredients
Instructions
• ½ cup of milk
1. Combine the first five ingredients until smooth.
• ¾ cup of self-rising flour
2. Then, spread into pan to form crust.
• 1 large box of vanilla instant pudding mix
3. Arrange drained peaches on top of the crust mixture.
• 3 tbsp of butter • 1 egg • Large can of sliced peaches (drain and reserve juice) • 8 oz of cream cheese, softened • ½ cup of sugar • 4-5 tbsp of peach juice • 1 more tbsp of sugar (for sprinkle) • ½ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkle)
42 // June 2022
4. Combine cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and peach juice. Mix with mixer on medium for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Pour over crust. 5. Mix cinnamon and 1 tbsp of sugar and sprinkle on top. 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. To double the recipe, use a 9x13 disposable pan at 350 degrees for 40 minutes (do not cook longer).
Life Is Better On A Honda Honda of Rome
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Life is Better on a Honda
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2595 Shorter Ave SW • Rome, GA 706.232.2624 • hondaofrome.com powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course is available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)
264 Shorter Avenue
706.232.9233
6am - 10pm Closed Sunday
