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Keep reaching for what makes you feel whole.
Surprises. Triumphs. Breakthroughs. For every moment when words just won’t do, we give it our all so you can, too. Because there’s a whole lot of life to love, and the joy’s worth the journey. As you strive for what makes you come alive, we’ll be here — seeing, hearing and helping you feel whole.
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Ben Johnson
David Huff
Erin Clay
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Jan Merop
Jennifer Govea
Kirstin Reggel
Lindsey Hughes Kiker
Mitch Jolly
Dr. Rob Debelak
Stephanie Stewart Zebbie Brewster
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Kylie Fowler
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Melanie Abney
706-844-3818
GoodNews Rome
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Worship: We Center Our Mind’s Attention and Heart’s Affection on the Lord
by Mitch Jolly
The Lord gave Israel land as a tactical outpost to bless all nations with a saving knowledge of the Lord. In that land, the Lord chose a mountain city for the “come and see” revelation of His justifying righteousness in the temple that would sit on that mountain. In time, Israel came to see the temple as an end in itself rather than a place of worship and a “come and see” invitation to salvation. This would become a problem for them as, over time, they began to value the temple more than the Lord who made the temple a revelation of his glory.
“The Jews had become far too dependent on a physical place, the temple, for their worship. When Jesus arrived…, he proclaimed that He himself was the temple of God; in resurrection, He would provide the spiritual dwelling where God the Spirit and people…could have communion (see Mt 12:6; Jn 2:19–22). In other words, worship would no longer be in a place but in a person—through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit true worshipers could come directly to God (see Jn 14:6; Heb 10:19–20).” – Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Tyndale Reference Library (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), 1312.
Jesus reveals this massive shift in understanding worship in John 4 to the woman at the well. When the woman at the well experiences Jesus as THE prophet, she shifts the discussion to worship and the debate between Samaritans and Jews about the physical location of worship.
I believe that’s because, whether she realizes it or not, her created instincts to worship the Lord are being quickened to life from the previous state of death because the One she was created to worship is resurrecting her to saving life. She’s not fully awakened yet. She’s fixated on the physical location of worship. Jesus is about to change that, and He will instruct her about the nature of true worship.
Let’s read it! See John 4:19-24.
Jesus gives us principles of worship, and that leads us to our working definition of worship: Worship is communion
with God in which believers by grace center their mind’s attention and heart’s affection on the Lord humbly glorifying God in response to the revelation of his glory and majesty.
Applying the Spirit’s fruit of self-control to the exercise of our minds and hearts is real work. Don’t expect this to be easy. This is the work of sanctification in the lives of people truly transformed by the gospel. Learning worship was a challenge for Israel in the desert and the promised land and
it is for us today. We have the Holy Spirit and we still want to make it about us. Learning worship will be discipleship work. We cannot go through the motions of a worship service without engaging the mind and heart and believe we have truly worshiped.
What should we do? Prepare. Worship is an exercise of the will that requires us to be ready. No athlete competes without preparing, thereby, the same is true that no follower of Jesus Christ should worship without preparing for worship. Hear what Dean Inserra says, “Sunday worship is a Saturday night decision.”
How will you spend next Saturday evening?
for Everyone
A Letter to My Students (and to You)
by Hayden Lanier
As I have been doing my student teaching, I have been pleasantly surprised to see students incorporate Scripture into their work. They will use Bible verses in a speech or a slideshow to communicate their faith and share how it teaches and inspires them. This is a wonderful thing, and I am delighted to see that they not only hear the Word but understand how it applies to our lives.
If I had one piece of advice to encourage these young Christians, it would be this: cling to the Word. It has
warmed my heart to see them use God’s Word in their work, and nothing would bring me more joy than to know that these young men and women are holding onto the Bible, letting it direct their paths.
Cling to the Word, young girl, when you believe that you aren’t beautiful, that you fall short compared to other girls, or that your value is in your appearance. Cling to the words of David in Psalm 139 ESV when he wrote, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Let God’s Word inform you that your worth is not found in how you look but in that you were
created by a God who loves you and wants you to know Him. Cling to the Word.
Cling to the Word, young boy, when you are tempted to give in to temporary lusts and pleasures. The world offers many alluring images, but cling to the truth that these sinful acts will leave you even more empty. Make it your mission to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 ESV). Don’t give in to these temptations, for they never deliver what they promise. Instead, flee these youthful desires and instead run towards the Lord. He warns us of the danger of these actions and teaches us a better way instead. Cling to the Word.
Cling to the Word, young person, when you are discouraged and downtrodden. Maybe it’s from your parents or the other kids at school, but you feel stupid, like you are unloved, and wonder if you even have a place in this world. Let me assure you, young person, you are loved and you are valued. You may not receive this care or compassion from your family or friends, but God loves you. He loves you so much “that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). God gave up His Son, He came to earth, so that if you believe in Him, He will make you His child. I want to assure you that you could not be more loved than you are. You have value, worth, and God wants to save you and give you life. Never let yourself believe anything different. Cling to the Word.
Whoever you are reading this, cling to the Word. In a world full of lies, soak in the truth of the Bible. Don’t believe what others, the enemy, or even you think. Instead, cling to the Word—and don’t ever let go.
Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.
RPlanning for Retirement: Why It’s
Never Too Early to Start with HRG Money Matters
Lindsey Hughes Kiker with
etirement might seem like a long way off, especially if you’re in your 30s or 40s, but the truth is, the earlier you start planning, the more financially secure your future will be. Hughes Retirement Group understands that planning for retirement is a personal journey, and we are here to help guide you every step of the way. I’m Lindsey, and I’m excited to talk about the importance of retirement planning, especially because it’s something my family knows firsthand. My parents, Rick and Wendy Hughes, founded Hughes Retirement Group with the mission of helping families prepare for a secure financial future.
Before we dive into how to plan for retirement, I want to share a personal story that highlights why it’s so important to plan for the unexpected. I was born three months early and weighed just 1 lb. 7 oz. Doctors were very concerned, and many predicted I would face severe complications. It was a long, difficult journey, but by the grace of God, I’m here today, having defied the odds. From the very beginning, God had a plan for my life, and His hand was upon me through every struggle and triumph. This experience reminds me that life is unpredictable—things don’t always go according to our plans, but God’s plan is always greater. It’s a reminder that preparation, faith, and trust in His guidance can help us navigate the uncertainties of life, including financial planning for the future.
My brother, Granger, and I are at different stages, but we both understand the importance of planning early. In your 30s and 40s, you’re still in a prime position to grow your retirement savings, and we want to show you why that’s so important.
Why Start Planning for Retirement in Your 30s and 40s?
1. The Power of Compound Interest
The earlier you start saving, the more your money can grow over time. Compound interest essentially means
that the money you invest now will earn interest, and that interest will continue to grow as it compounds. Even small contributions in your 30s can have a significant impact on your retirement funds by the time you’re ready to retire.
2. Setting Goals for the Future
By planning now, you have time to figure out exactly what kind of retirement lifestyle you want and set realistic goals. Whether it’s traveling the world or simply enjoying a more relaxed pace of life, knowing what you want helps you determine how much you need to save and where to invest.
3.
More Time to Adjust
Life can be unpredictable, but starting early gives you room to adjust your retirement plan as your circumstances change. Whether you’re building a family, changing careers, or navigating unexpected expenses, having a solid retirement strategy in place can help you adapt.
At Hughes Retirement Group, we take the guesswork out of retirement planning. Our team can provide tailored financial advice to help you make informed decisions. We help you understand things like:
□ Retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs, etc.)
□ Investment strategies
□ Tax planning
□ How to plan for healthcare costs in retirement
We know that everyone’s financial situation is different, and that’s why we create personalized strategies that fit your life, your goals, and your future. No matter where you are in your retirement journey, it’s always a good time to get professional advice and start planning. Remember, it’s never too early to plan for your future! Call HRG to help begin your Retirement Playbook™ by developing your game plan and coaching you to retirement
Crouching Beast - Hidden (Great Red) Dragon: Genesis 4
by Dr. Rob Debelak
613 Old Testament laws...infractions are potentially endless. The most famous laws are Sinai’s Ten Commandments and examples of failure to follow them abound. In Eden, a single prohibition existed (Genesis 2:1517), and it was broken (3:1-7), setting an avalanche of tragic consequences in motion.
Like Father
Deceived into doubting God’s instruction, the first human pair paid more attention to the words of a serpent. Eating themselves out of house and home, creation was altered in a moment. Lost was the tender stewarding of creatures, abundant resources, and peaceful fellowship. Sin exacted heavy tribute
as their relationship with God, each other, and with themselves suffered. Evicted from Eden, life outside the garden was fraught with pain, tension, and hard work to make a living (3:16-19).
Years of struggle ended in death.
Like Son(s)
Two sons were born (4:1-2), each reflecting on Adam’s vocational traits. Abel’s pastoral inclination recalled Adam’s pre-fall care for animals (2:19-20). Cain was a man of the soil (4:1). Farming was noble work, but the labor required was associated with his father’s penalty. Together, these boys were a portrait of the first man – a man who had a choice.
Each sacrificed (4:3-4). The elder offered from his field; the younger from his flocks. Forbidden fruit, a self-devised covering of leaves, and hiding among the foliage (Genesis 2-3) were negative reminders in Cain’s bloodless gift of vegetation. Abel’s offering, however, (prophetically) kept God’s (anticipated) remedy for sin central in his worship. His was a
sacrifice where the life of one is laid down for another, retelling God’s silent provision of an acceptable covering (3.21).
Both acts of worship are scrutinized against God’s example. God gazed approvingly at Abel’s offering (4:4) but not Cain’s (4:5). Despite each (potentially) offering their best, obedience was preferred (1 Samuel 15:22). There would be no acceptance without obedience and no obedience without humility.
Cain became angry. God calls Cain to turn from ill behavior, and like Adam, he is given a choice for life with a warning of death (4:6–7). The hope of repentance promises acceptance; pursuing the wrong decision courts disaster. Cain faces the temptation to sin, unaware that the threat crouches as a beast lying in wait, ready to pounce and devour a victim (4:7).
Unwilling to humbly follow God’s example, Cain arrogantly preferred to re-define the terms of devotion – the same error of his parents in the garden. Ironically, he would not offer life from the flock, but he would take the life of his brother.
Sadly, Cain succumbed to his enemy. The loss of both sons (4:8-16) recast the life events of their father in themes of death and banishment.
Like Now
The craftiness of a serpent in the garden stood behind the enticement to undermine God’s counsel. Tactically, the enemy gained a foothold by skepticism and redefining God’s command. The adversary’s dart of doubt hit its mark. In Cain’s struggle, evil lurks like the strategic maneuvering of a ferocious predator. Ignoring God’s offer, Cain loved his anger more than life. Opening the door to sin, the stalking beast moved in for the kill.
Centuries later, Peter unmasks this hunter as a ravenous lion pursuing prey (1 Peter 5:8) and John unveils him as a great red dragon persecuting Messiah’s people (Revelation 12:3). The metaphors are flexible, but evil’s intent remains the same.
What About Us?
The threat persists, but the child of God is not defenseless! God’s praiseworthy sacrifice and eternal Word still conquer this foe (Revelation 12:11). Victory or defeat? You choose.
How to Stay Motivated When You Feel Like Giving Up
by Stephanie Stewart
Have you ever started a goal with excitement in your heart, only to hit a wall weeks (or even days) later? If you’re there right now, let me gently remind you: you’re not alone, and this isn’t the end of your journey.
As a life coach, I’ve walked with many women who hit that same wall—and I’ve hit it myself more times than I can count. That’s why today we’re diving deep into how to stay motivated when you feel like giving up. Because your calling and your goals are too important to quit. There is a way forward that respects both your struggles and your dreams.
Reconnect With Your Why
When motivation fades, the first place to look is your “why.” Why did you begin this journey? What dream stirred in your heart? What prayer launched you into action? Reconnecting with your why helps you refocus and gives you the desire to keep going when things get hard. Jesus didn’t promise “easy,” but He did promise to be with us every step of the way. Galatians 6:9 NIV reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” If the Lord gave you the vision, He will also provide the strength for you to see it through.
Break It Down to Build It Up
Overwhelm is a motivation killer. When the goal feels too big, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. The solution? Break it down. Set mini-milestones that feel achievable and celebrate each step. For example, instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” start with “I’ll write 300 words today.” Instead of “I want to lose 20 pounds,” focus on nourishing your body with one healthy meal at a time. Speak Life—Even When You Don’t Feel It
If you constantly say, “This is too hard,” your mind and body will start believing it. But when you declare truth over your situation—even when it doesn’t feel true—you invite God’s strength into your weakness. Say it out loud: God gave me this desire, and He will equip me to achieve my goal. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am not quitting—I’m pressing forward by faith.
Refuel With Rest, Not Regret
You don’t have to hustle to prove your worth. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a nap, go for a
walk, or simply pause and breathe. Rest isn’t quitting—it’s refueling. And when your soul and mind are rested, your motivation returns with fresh clarity. Don’t confuse fatigue with failure. Even Jesus took time to withdraw and rest (Luke 5:16). So give yourself grace and permission to breathe.
Surround Yourself With Purpose-Driven People
When your motivation is low, your circle matters more than ever. Surround yourself with people who see your potential, speak life into your vision, and remind you who you are in Christ.
Be Consistent, Not Perfect
Perfection is an illusion. You don’t need perfect days—you need persistence. Every small act of obedience matters. It’s not about how fast you move, but that you keep moving. The truth is, how to stay motivated when you feel like giving up isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions—it’s about choosing to keep showing up, even in the hard moments.
Final Encouragement: You’re Stronger Than You Think
Don’t quit now. The breakthrough could be just beyond the moment you feel like giving up. Keep praying. Keep showing up. God is faithful to finish what He started in you. You’ve got this. And more importantly—God’s got you!
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706-252-8117
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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 Creek Baptist Church 3219 Fosters Mill Rd SW Rome, GA 30161
Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0978
Community Chapel Baptist Church
3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4070
Desoto Park Baptist Church
1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-6207
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
16 // June 2025
706-291-7790
East Rome Baptist Church
601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8553
East View Baptist Church
901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8250
Eden Valley Baptist Church
348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
770-608-8168
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-3939
Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-5052
Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147
Fellowship Rome Baptist Church
314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-9416
First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6850
Flatrock Baptist Church
848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-9976
Flint Hill Baptist Church
3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104
706-232-8121
Friendship Baptist Church
2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-4803
Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-6615
Greater Mount Calvary Baptist
445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-5047
Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8806
Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6642
In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8963
Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2149
Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171
706-232-1917
McFall Baptist Church
3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5673
Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-6222
Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413
New Antioch Baptist Church
4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2248
New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706, 291-8939
New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-1984
New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga
706-235-0250
New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-0507
North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2100
Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147
Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4431
PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4431
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga
706-235-2800
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0731
Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165
706-232-6426
Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-1841
Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0689
Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8114
State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339
Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5037
Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-3663
Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172
Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8266
South Broad Baptist Church
508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-1220
Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7217
Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8132
Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga
706-766-0942
Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-3368
Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-8682
Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-2184
West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-1971
West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-9722
Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161
Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4171
Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165
706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0675
Lindale Church of Christ
3035 Maple Road
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-234-3027
Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165
706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ
121 Primrose Road
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4414
Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165
706-528-4225
Lindale Church of God
585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147
706-232-5676
New Life Church of God
210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0704
New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4695
North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6687
Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2999
West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-880-6895
Church of God in Christ
Great Joy Church of God in Christ 60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161
706-766-6148
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church
308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr
Rome, Ga 30165
Ministerios El Vino Nuevo
4216 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0500
Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome, Ga 30165
706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
3000 Garden Lakes Blvd
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek Methodist 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165
706-506-8980
GracePoint Rome
43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161
Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7265
Lindsay Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant Church
4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
Oostanaula UMC
74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0084
Rome First UMC
202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8590
Rush Chapel UMC
1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-7986
Scott Chapel UMC
3 Chambers St NE
Rome, Ga 30161
Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161
Silver Creek UMC
36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
Trinity By The River, Global Methodist
606 Turner McCall Blvd SW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0033
Wesley Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
West Rome UMC
1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247
Rome, GA 30164
706-234-6214
Messianic
Congregation Hallelu HaShem 1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105
706-936-6711
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church
1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161
705-584-7497
Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165
706-235-0501
Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2045
Glory Tabernacle Church
300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0888
Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-9858
Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161
706-622-2448
Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165
LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165
706-728-3166
Lighthouse Church of Rome
Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0864
New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-233-9200
Northside Church
75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165
706-233-9896
Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Shannon Community Church
600 First Street
Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161
Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6033
Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161
706-530-1630
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-6862
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0067
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God
19 Mill Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8348
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW
Cave Spring Ga 30124
706-346-9786
Live Oak Baptist Church
5506 GA-100
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8566
The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3313
First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3566
Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8624
Jackson Chapel UMC
301 Jackson Chapel Rd
Cave Spring, GA 30125
706-777-3750
Gò0 dNews for Marriage
Spirit Led Marriages
by David Huff
The Bible is full of wisdom, and guidance for everything that we encounter or do in life. We may not always like or agree with what we see or hear, but the wisdom is there, nonetheless. In Ephesians 5 Paul introduces us to how to live a Spirit-guided relationship as husband and wife. We live in a day and time where divorce is at an all-time high. Roughly 42% of all marriages end in divorce. So, relying on the guidance of God's word to lead our lives and marriages can help us to become stronger and more mature in our marriages.
Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This does not mean we only love when we get sex, food, or whatever dominating task that we use to dictate. I will love you as long as you (fill in the blank). It means we love with all our hearts and that we live a life in Christ that guides and leads our marriages. We are called to love our wives as our bodies. If we as husbands struggle to love ourselves, we must sit down at the foot of the cross and allow ourselves to be cleansed so we can love unconditionally.
We are called to submit to one another as we do to Christ. Here is our first step. If we have not submitted our lives to Christ then we first must start there. By doing this, Christ will lead us to do the following: Wives are called to submit to their husbands as they do to the Lord. The husband is the head of the family just like Christ is the head of the church. Notice it says, “as Christ is the church.” This does not mean husbands are called to dominate, rule over, or have a dictatorship over their wives. Husbands are to lead as Christ leads.
We are called to leave our mothers and fathers and to live a life united as one. This does not mean that we cannot ask for advice. What it means is that we live a life of three. Husband, wife, and Spirit all rolled into one cord. We live a life joined as one man and one woman.
These verses in Ephesians 5:21-31 go against everything we see in this world today. We live in a culture where we are taught from the very beginning of life looking out for ourselves is king. However, God’s word tells us, leads us, and encourages us to treat our marriages as Christ does the church. Is it easy? NO. Does it take constant work? YES. However, it can be done. Doing life together is not always easy, but it is rewarding, and allowing God’s blueprint to guide us is priceless. While I have written this from a husband’s perspective, we are called to do our part in marriage. While some will agree with what has been said and others will not, it is Biblical and the word of God leads us to live and treat each other as Christ does the church and each one of us.
David Huff and his wife, Brittany, have five wonderful kids. Their family attends Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where David serves on the production team. David is a graduate of Liberty University and is currently studying for his MBA at Shorter University.
Northwest Georgia Neuropathy
Located in Rome, GA is a specialized clinic that has focused on helping people with a condition that is becoming much more common. Northwest Georgia Neuropathy uses a holistic approach to help patients with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. We sat down recently with owner Dr. Vincent Mendes to ask him a few questions about what he does.
GN: What is peripheral neuropathy, and who suffers from it?
Dr. Mendes: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the “peripheral” (meaning outer) nerves of the body. So mostly it affects the feet and hands, but can affect much larger areas. It can create burning, tingling, numbness, pins and needles, and weakness, and can be truly devastating. If you have ever known anyone who had carpal tunnel syndrome, technically, that is a peripheral neuropathy, but most often the cases we are dealing with are caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or injuries to the nerves where they exit the spine. Over 20 million people in the U.S. have peripheral neuropathy, although it’s likely much higher than that because of the high number of undiagnosed cases.
GN: What treatments do you do?
Dr. Mendes: We do a LOT. First, we evaluate the patient to see the extent of their problem. We will not take a patient that we don’t think we can help. Then we prescribe a care plan based on their needs. That said, we use a FDA approved, patented red and infrared light therapy, cold laser therapy, essential oils, radiofrequency nerve stimulator, chiropractic care, spinal traction, nutritional supplementation, balance exercises, foot massage, vibration plates, ionic detox baths...there’s more, but off the top of my head that’s most of it.
GN: Wow that is a lot! How do these treatments work?
Dr. Mendes: Each treatment is geared towards helping to naturally improve the health of your peripheral nerves – some of the techniques work by increasing circulation, others by decreasing inflammation, still others work to reset or “wake-up,” if you will, nerve endings that have gone dormant. As the patient progresses, we continually evaluate their progress to determine what is the best course for them.
GN: You say these treatments work naturally. Are there more standard therapies, like drugs and surgery?
Dr. Mendes: Yes, in fact most of the patients that come to us have already tried several different medical options,
such as gabapentin, Neurontin, Lyrica or other drugs. Some have had failed back surgeries. We find the drugs seem to help mask the symptoms for a while, but don’t ever cure the condition. We try to address the cause, not the symptom.
GN: How long does it take for a patient to start feeling improvement?
Dr. Mendes: That depends a lot on the patient and what has caused their problem, how severe it is, and how long they have had it. Everyone we have treated has started to feel improvement within a month of starting care, some much sooner. We do active treatments on a patient three times a week for 12 to 16 weeks. By that time they have reached their maximum improvement. Then we allow them to continue coming in for maintenance care to help keep the benefits they have achieved.
GN: What motivates you to do this?
Dr. Mendes: I am motivated by helping a patient get their life back – it’s not just about burning or tingling feet – it’s about being able to play with your grandchildren, or walk to your mailbox and back. Oftentimes the first sign that a patient is getting better is when they come in and tell us that foot pain did not wake them up the previous night, and that’s huge, because if you can’t sleep, you can’t heal. You see, your body has a natural healing power – it’s always trying to heal, to get better, and often the most important thing a doctor can do is just remove any impediments to healing so your body can do the rest.
GN: Does a patient have to live close to do this?
Dr. Mendes: Not necessarily. Because we prefer to see a patient in the office three times per week, it helps if they live within 30 - 45 minutes of our clinic. But some patients who live farther than that have chosen to just purchase the equipment from us and do their own self treatment plan at home. We can coach them remotely to do our protocol. Also, there are some things that any patient can do at home for free, even without coming to see us. For example, healthier eating and moderate exercise are of great benefit for many cases of neuropathy. But to get the best results, we recommend getting treated with our protocol three times per week in the clinic.
GN: How can a patient get in touch with your clinic?
Dr. Mendes: They can check out our website at www.nwganeuropathy.com or go to our Facebook page to see videos of real patients in our clinic. Then when they are ready to call us, our number is (706) 234-2046.
GN: Is there anything else you’d like to tell people about peripheral neuropathy, or anything about health in general?
Dr. Mendes: Yes, the most important thing you can do is to not lose hope! It can be hard to stay optimistic when you have been suffering for a long time, but a positive mental attitude is vital to healing. Like I said before, your body is always trying to heal itself. Make sure you are giving your body the basic building blocks of health – nutritious diet, enough rest, plenty of water, moderate exercise – these don’t sound too exciting, but oftentimes we ignore the basics and find ourselves in poor health. The good news is, as soon as you start treating your body better, it responds by increasing its healing capacity. Everything that we do in our clinic helps augment what your body is already trying to do.We look forward to helping you or someone you love.
NORTHWEST GEORGIA
NEUROPATHY
for Everyone
The God Who Sees Me
Have you ever found yourself in a desperate situation devoid of all hope? That is where Hagar finds herself in Genesis 16:7-14. Abram’s wife, Sarai, was barren. According to the custom of Canaanite culture, she used her Egyptian slave, Hagar, as a surrogate mother in hopes of fulfilling God’s promise of an heir by her own efforts.
Once she had conceived, Hagar looked on Sarai with contempt. In the culture of the day, Hagar would still have had the status of a slave in the household, but she appears to have sought to elevate herself into a more favored status. The infuriated Sarai treats Hagar so poorly that she runs away.
Based on the geographic clues in the narrative, the pregnant Hagar had most likely been traveling for at least a week. Exhausted from her journey, Hagar is confronted by an angel of the Lord who asks her where she is going. She confesses that she has run away. God commands her to return and tells her that He will make a great people from her son. “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ (El Roi) for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’” (Genesis 16:13 NIV).
Hagar’s story reminds us that God’s gaze penetrates our most hidden struggles. In the wilderness, far from human help or comfort, Hagar experienced God’s personal attention. The angel acknowledged her pain and gave her a future—a promise that her son, Ishmael, would grow into a great nation. Hagar responded by coining a name for
by Dr. Alan Hix About
God. She named the Lord El Roi, saying, “You are the God who sees me.” This name reflects God’s character, and that understanding of God’s nature transformed her own sense of worth and purpose.
The name El Roi reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent. He is fully aware of our circumstances, our fears, and our heartaches. He sees us not as nameless faces in a crowd but as individuals who are deeply known and loved. This understanding can bring us comfort, especially in times when we feel invisible, overlooked, or abandoned.
Hagar’s story can speak directly to these struggles, even in those times when we are the cause of our problems. Her experience assures us that even when others fail to see us, God always does. His “seeing” is compassionate and purposeful. He meets us in our wilderness—those lonely, barren places where we feel like we’re barely surviving—and He speaks life into our situations. Just as He did with Hagar, He calls us by name and reminds us of our value to Him.
Hagar’s story can also challenge us to reflect God’s character in our interactions with others. If God is the One who sees, we are called to see as well. This means paying attention to those who may feel invisible—the coworker who eats lunch alone, the neighbor who seems withdrawn, or the friend who’s been unusually quiet. As we reach out to people in these situations, we powerfully reflect God’s own love.
As believers, we have the assurance that God’s watchful care extends to every area of our lives. Nothing escapes His notice—not our struggles, our efforts, or our tears. Psalm 56:8 beautifully reminds us that God collects our tears in His bottle and records them in His book. This imagery underscores His deep empathy and care. May this truth move us to be His hands and feet to those around us who need to be seen.
The Author
Alan Hix is 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. 22 // June 2025
Dr.
for Parents
The Lord’s Prayer: A Reflection on Fatherhood
by Erin Clay
The Lord's Prayer, familiar to many, begins with a deeply personal address to God: “Our Father in Heaven...” This simple phrase, taught by Jesus Himself, reveals a profound truth: God desires a personal relationship with us.
Jesus' use of "Father" was revolutionary. It shocked and angered religious leaders of His time. Jesus presented a God who is deeply caring and desires to be intimately involved in the lives of His children. This concept, though
revolutionary, resonates deeply with our human desire for a loving and involved parent.
A father, in his many roles, provides a framework for understanding God's character. He is the provider, ensuring our needs are met. He is the protector, shielding us from harm. He is the disciplinarian, guiding us with love and correction. He is the role model, demonstrating how to live a life of integrity. He is the companion, always present and ready to listen. He is the motivator, encouraging us to reach our full potential. He is the encourager, celebrating our successes and offering comfort in our failures. He is the teacher, imparting wisdom and knowledge. And finally, he is the emotional supporter, offering a safe haven for our joys and sorrows.
This understanding of God as “Father” had a profound impact on me. Growing up with a loving and supportive
father provided a wonderful example for understanding God's love. The concept of a “God-sized Father” felt incredibly comforting.
However, I later realized that not everyone has experienced this kind of fatherly love. The absence of a loving father figure can deeply impact a person's ability to trust and rely on God. When this is the case in someone's life, they are faced with the challenge of seeing beyond their earthly father's limitations and recognizing what God intended fathers to be.
God is a God of love, and the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates this point. It depicts a father's unwavering love and forgiveness, offering hope and restoration to those who have strayed.
The Lord's Prayer, with its simple yet profound address, invites us to a deeper understanding of God's love. It reminds us that we are not alone, but cherished children of a Heavenly Father who desires to have a close and intimate relationship with us.
I encourage you to read and, if possible, memorize The Lord's Prayer. When you struggle to pray or don't know what to say, this is always a good place to start. It is found in Matthew 6:9-13.
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV).
Erin Clay and her husband are Sunday School teachers at Calvary Baptist Church. She has lived her whole life in Rome, Georgia. She created the blog wheninromega.com to share her love of Rome with others.
for Kids
Munchable Lunchables and So Much More
by Jan Merop
This is a story retold from John 6:1-13 (with a hint of poetic license).
Iskidded to a halt in front of my mother and stuttered out, “Pl.. please can I fo..follow the crowd to the meadows? They are fo… following Jesus.”
By the way she looked at me, I could tell she was about to say, “No, Micah!” So I kept pleading.
I had become fascinated with the new Teacher. I knew if my mom didn’t have several other little ones to care for, she may have come along with me.
Finally she said, “Promise me that you won’t wander and will stay with the people of our town?”
‘Y..es! Y..es!” I stammered.
Before she could change her mind, I quickly took the basket of five small barley loaves and two fish mom had packed for me and, blowing her a kiss, I was off.
I could hear the voice of the great Teacher at a distance as my friends and I reached the remote place where the crowd had gathered. We wiggled our way through the crowd till we sat close enough to almost touch Him.
“I’ve ne…never been in such a huge crowd before, have you?” I asked my friends. Shaking their heads no, we poked and elbowed each other in excitement.
One by one, people pressed in till they stood in front of Jesus. Right before my eyes, I saw a lame person leap in the air and run back to his friends. A blind child led by the hand, looked into the face of Jesus and reached to touch her Healer. Astonished, I couldn’t speak as a lump of emotion lodged in my throat.
But, more was still to come…and I had no idea that I would get caught up in it.
I heard the crowd murmuring that they were hungry. My own growling stomach agreed! But it w disciples that really got my attention. Jesus asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”
Philip looked at Jesus and said, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
My eyes swept over the crowd and I knew the situation was impossible. So, I opened my small
meal. But, just as I was ready to take a bite, I was pulled into a moment I will never, ever forget.
One of Jesus’ disciples, Andrew, pointed to me and said, “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
Now it seemed slow motion took over as Andrew drew me up and brought me to Jesus. Instinctively, I placed my small snack into Jesus’ hands and watched Him look up to heaven and pray thanking God for the bread and later for the fish.
My heart swelled with wonder and wide-eyed adoration as I realized that my tiny offering in the hands of the Master had miraculously multiplied to feed over 5,000 people. Bread and fish never tasted so good; nor would I ever forget the touch of Jesus on me as the basket passed from my hands to His.
At home, I couldn’t sit still as I retold what I had experienced. “And, not only that, He had twelve baskets left over!” Story after story spilled out like a waterfall. And never did a stutter leave my lips.
Exploring Truth Through God’s Word
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (He is the God of much more than we can ask or think). Ephesians 3: 20, The Message Micah learned this truth from God’s Word first hand.
Children of the King
God loves children! They possess enthusiasm, energy, wonder, excitement and trust. When that energy is channeled into positive activities that please God, much can be accomplished.
Stay close to God like branches cling to a vine, and He will help you bear much fruit, so much more than you can do on your own.
Gò0 dNews for Seniors Joyful
by Zebbie Brewster
When I still worked, I loved to treat myself to a Saturday of loafing. I would allot myself so much money to spend and would set off for an adventure. I usually had something in mind that I was looking for. Sometimes it could be found and sometimes not. Please know that we have Trade Day in our town on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It has always been fun to go and see what you might find on that particular Tuesday or Saturday. I remember often you would see people just stopping and visiting with others as they walked around
Trade Day. I can fondly bring to remembrance a homemade porch swing that I bought at Trade Day. I still have it on my porch and that is my happy place. It is amazing how peaceful it is to sit on the front porch and watch the world go by. My cat loves to get my attention and enjoy the quiet time with me. How would I have ever known that swing would bring so much joy?
*Proverbs 17:22a KJV, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
On another Saturday, we ran upon a dachshund puppy someone had for sale. He was so tiny and my daughter named him “Little Bit.” He could be found where she was at,
as they soon became best friends. I do believe that dog had to be a God-send for all the joy that he brought into our lives. I also will never forget a really special need that God met at Trade Day for me. My young daughter needed some church dresses to wear to church. I remember feeling discouraged as it seemed that I had walked all over Trade Day and not found what I was looking for. I remember looking one more place before we left and found those sweet little dresses that were just her size. You would never believe how much they cost? I bought them for 10 cents each! Without a doubt that was a blessing from The Good Lord. Even now as I remember that special blessing, it is never too late to thank God again for His loving kindness.
Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Trade Day has been around for a long time and there are many stories that can be told by others who visit there. It was a time to visit with old friends and make new friends. We need each other and I hope you can take time today to say a kind word to someone. A friend of mine had a T-shirt that asked the question, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? The answer was “They are breathing!“ A kind word can go a long way, let it begin with you. With a kind word or even a smile, you can bring joy to someone.
Psalm 35:9, “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.”
Nehemiah 8:10, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Stay strong in Jesus.
*All Scriptures are KJV.
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
for Discovering More
Re-loading
by Garrett Nudd
Igrew up the oldest of three boys, and after 40-plus years, I’m still the oldest. When we were teens, we worked at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Cleveland. We picked range balls, washed golf carts, mowed greens and tees, changed pins, and pretty much anything else that needed to be done.
It can get hot on the golf course, especially during the peak summer months. One year during spring break— in anticipation of the upcoming summer—at our boss’s request, my brothers and I volunteered to build small houselike structures to hold the water coolers that would sit at key locations around the course.
We sketched out our plan, showed our boss, and gave him a budget proposal. My brother, Brandon and I borrowed the golf course owner’s pick-up truck and headed to the local building supply and lumber yard.
We carefully selected our materials. Several 2x2s for the corners, 2x4s for the roof peak, cedar siding for the sides and the roof, hinges so the back door would swing open, and plenty of nails and screws.
After getting our supplies, we loaded up our boss’s truck. We were excited and optimistic as we headed back to the maintenance barn at the golf course, where our creativity and craftsmanship would be on full display.
I carefully pulled out of the parking lot and turned right at the light onto 22nd Street next to the on-ramp to I-75. And as I did, we heard a loud woosh followed by an even louder crashing sound. I frantically looked in the rearview mirror, and to my horror, our stack of lumber lay scattered in the intersection behind us like a pile of pick-up sticks! In our excitement to begin construction, I had forgotten to close the tailgate and secure our load.
Cars were swerving and honking, and I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and turned on the emergency flashers. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find your emergency flashers when you actually need them? Well, you should try finding them in someone else’s vehicle when you’ve just dropped a load of lumber in the middle of the street! Yikes!
Mere seconds later, a car pulled in behind us, and out popped our grandfather. As a realtor, he spent a lot of time in his car driving around town, so he just happened to be driving by. He had no idea it was us. I guess he just felt sorry for the person in the pick-up truck whose cargo was scattered throughout the intersection, so he stopped to help.
When he saw it was Brandon and me, he laughed and laughed while helping us reload our lumber into the truck and close the tailgate.
Years later, and as an adult, I’ve realized that sometimes we lose our grip and life goes spilling into the intersection. It can be discouraging, awkward, embarrassing, and sometimes downright devastating.
But God says, “When you call on me, I will listen. When you search for me, I will restore you” (Jeremiah 29:12-14).
Is God your first call? Do you talk to Him daily? Do you ask Him for protection, guidance, patience, wisdom, and discernment? Is He on your speed dial or list of iPhone favorites?
I used to think God was always watching, waiting for us to mess up. But now I know He’s watching because He’s ready to help, eager to provide us with everything we need, just when we need it.
When we come to an intersection and everything we’re carrying goes spilling across the road, God pulls in behind us and helps pick things up.
Eat to Live Cooking Classes
Location: Rome SDA Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy, Rome, GA 30161
Take charge of your health, and gain hands-on experience in cooking delicious plant-based, whole, food meals. Proven to be key to preventing, and in some cases reversiving many chronic illnesses, this approach to health is sustainable in the long run. Learn techniques, flavors and styles to enjoy whole-food meals. Instructor: Jennifer Day
What’s included:
3 sessions, all ingredients and utensils to prep the meal provided. Enjoy meal with class.
Cost: $50
For more details or to register: Text or Call: Jennifer Day (406) 870-2358
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds Easy Chocolate Fudge
Celebrate Father’s Day in time for National Fudge Day on June 16, 2025, with a simple and delicious Chocolate Fudge recipe. This easy-to-make treat requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family. Dad will want some too!
Ingredients
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sea salt, or sprinkles
1. Prepare the Pan:
Instructions
• Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
2. Melt the Ingredients:
• In a medium saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt:
• R emove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Pour and Set:
• Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
5. Add Toppings (Optional):
• If desired, sprinkle your choice of toppings over the top of the fudge while it is still soft. Press them gently into the surface.
6. Chill:
• Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm and set.
7. Cut and Serve:
• Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Cut into small squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
• For a richer flavor, you can use high-quality chocolate chips or even a mix of milk and dark chocolate.
• If you prefer a different flavor, you can stir in ingredients like crushed peppermint, dried fruit, or toffee bits before chilling.
There’s a dusty dirt road off in some fields that looks like any other road of its kind in the South. But, it’s truly not the same. It’s not the length or the condition or the age of this road that makes the difference, it’s the destination. This road leads to hope. There’s hope along that dusty dirt road because Safe Haven Ranch for Boys is waiting at the end of it.
Jason Slaughter of Community Share Ministries describes the road building, “We are building roads to make room for what God’s got coming. We don’t know just who or just when but we know the children are coming. We know God’s got something He’s working on and we’re making room for it.”
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch is nestled in the former Corn family farm. The Corn family never raised children there. They raised animals and vegetables and eventually, they’ve raised hopes. The Corn family bestowed the farm into the care of Jason and Ginger Slaughter of Community Share Ministries who saw a vision for helping boys on a working farm throughout their childhood by providing a caring environment, a sound education both academic and practical, and a sense of true belonging in a community through a family both at home and a welcoming church family.
Jason continues, “We have been called by God to take care of the children who have known great suffering and
have no place to call home. Safe Haven Ranch is dedicated to demonstrating Christ's love by creating a nurturing environment for children who have known great suffering. Our mission is to address both the physical and spiritual needs of these children, providing them with the tools to overcome emotional and mental health challenges while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We aim to inspire and instill hope in the children we serve, empowering them to grow and heal despite their difficult circumstances. Our organization believes in building a strong sense of community and providing a safe haven for children in need. Through our efforts, we strive to make a positive change in the lives of the children and families we serve, embodying the love of Christ in all that we do.”
Making a Difference
The Safe Haven Boys Ranch has plans to provide a long-term home to more than 70 children over its course, not including nine children who have already found their forever homes.
What Role Do You Play in Making a Difference?
Are you ready to make room, make a way, and make a difference? When you take the journey down the dusty dirt road to Safe Haven Boys Ranch you are immediately impacting children and nurturing not only the lives of these young people but the life of the community as well.
Crowned By Choice
by Ben Johnson
They labeled our Savior The King of the Jews. He died with this title— For our right to choose.
Free will is a power Beyond recognition, But let’s not delay In making a decision. A choice that can bind us, Or one that sets free— To reject the Redeemer, Or love as we’re called to be.
We’re called to follow, To rise, be disciples, To trust in God’s mercy, And the help of Michael.
Do you feel alone? Do you feel forsaken? Just know in your heart— God will not leave you shaken.
David faced Goliath, And Peter walked on waves. No shepherd will lead His lambs to the grave.
Inhale your burdens, Exhale your pain. Will you kneel and confess, Let grace fall like rain?
God is listening—He hears. He’s forgiven your wrongs. He asks just one thing: Call Him King in your song.
Ben Johnson is an introspective, motivational, and confessional poet. He explores trauma, healing, emotional growth, and life appreciation. His work delves into the human condition and highlights the unique challenges of modern Christianity, fatherhood, and neurodivergence.
for Runners
The LORD Provides
by Jennifer Govea
As a runner, there are several things to take into account before stepping out the door including dressing properly based on the season, getting your playlist ready, stretching, and of course, checking the weather. During the summer months in Georgia, however, there is no way around the fact that it is going to be hot, which means that you just have to get over it and get out there anyway. Running in high temperatures can also slow you down, but there are cooler parts of the day when you don’t feel like your skin is melting and you are breathing in hot, humid air. Early morning and early evening are optimal times to be outdoors when doing something as rigorous as running, but going even between 5 pm and 8 pm can prove to be a challenge since temperatures don’t generally drop until after sunset. But running after dark isn’t wise, so that leaves us then with the only option of running in the morning. What’s a girl to do who doesn’t like to get up early?
You may think that running at 7:11 am is early enough, but not on June 30, 2019. I was training for a marathon and set a goal of running 14 miles that day, which meant that I would be under the baking sun for two hours, 23 minutes and 46 seconds. Running that long generates heat anyway in addition to the rising thermometer reaching a maximum of 91.2 degrees a little later that day.
My mom was a media specialist at my middle school. On her office desk was a sign that read, “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” So true, so true. Actually stepping out the door takes mental fortitude, knowing you are going to be physically engaged for so long. Besides making sure your phone, headphones, and watch are charged, there is a checklist of eating properly the night before, applying sunscreen the day of, putting on double socks (to reduce blisters), sunglasses, hat, fanny pack, ice in the water bottle, packing a granola bar or gel pack, and then you can begin, which leads me to the heart of this article.
Even though I should have left the house earlier that day to take advantage of cooler temperatures, God was there. He provided “wonderful times of refreshment” 1 on a scorching morning. And He did it in creative ways! There I was, running up Cleveland Highway on a sunny day, and there would be a cluster of trees to provide shade. Or I would run by a small creek or pond where it was naturally cooler. Then a big tractor trailer would fly
by me ushering in a nice breeze. Or, as in the picture here, God would send some cloud coverage to cool me off and screen me from the sun’s searing rays.
Those examples remind me that even when I make the wrong decision, God doesn’t just leave me hanging to fend for myself. He loves me so much that He still helps me despite my poor judgment. Of course there are consequences for being foolish, and His provision doesn’t give me an excuse to continue being unwise. He wants the best for me always 2 and provides multiple opportunities for me to make better choices by turning back to him. He is Jehovah-Jireh. The LORD provides. 3
1 Acts 3:19-20
2 Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10
3 Genesis 22:14
for Health & Fitness
Focusing on Healthy Living
by Kirstin Reggel
It would be fair to say that we all could use more movement during the day. Some of us are behind a desk, riding in a truck, standing for long periods of time, sitting and doing notes, or reading emails for a good portion of the day. Do you know how much activity we should be getting? The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends the following exercise guidelines for healthy adults:
• Aerobic Activity: Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, or perform vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes, 3 days a week.
• Resistance Training: Perform resistance exercises that target all major muscle groups at least 2 days a week and each exercise should involve 8-12 repetitions.
• Flexibility Work: Engage in flexibility exercises that target all major muscle groups at least 2 days a week. Each stretch should be held for 15-30 seconds.
That seems like a lot to ask from what can be a fully packed day with work, family, household obligations, and so on. Counterpoint: we deserve to move. These bodies are designed to move and as time goes on if we don’t use it, we lose it. Oftentimes, I hear comments from those I work with about how they haven’t lain on their stomachs in years or can’t recall the last time they were able to get up from the ground successfully. Maintaining our strength, aerobic capacity, and flexibility will serve us better in the future if we work on it now.
The strength that we build in our 20s-30s will pay it forward to our future selves in our 40s-50s and will continue for decades later, as the Lord allows. Strength training is beneficial for all individuals and all age groups. When pursued across one’s lifespan and into the later decades, it will continue to serve individuals in a very real and functional capacity. I enjoy strength training. Yes, lifting heavy things can be empowering, functionally life-giving, and reduce the need for assistance from others for basic activities. But it's also fun!!
Other ways to keep a workout fun are music and having a buddy or a group to work out with. Music is a huge part of the workout environment. It can provide timing and external cues to keep up with the beat as well as provide distraction. Training is also more fun with a friend or a whole community, like a class setting. Some of my closest friend groups started at the gym, attending the same class almost every day. I confess I am not one who goes through a heavy/hard workout well by myself. I need others around me, or even better, I enjoy friends that are working out at the same time as I am. If you ask me to get up at 6 am for a 5k,
I can promise you I will be so much more willing to go if I have a friend I can spend time with while we run…and go grab coffee after. I can tolerate so much more when I have someone beside me doing the same thing. We can encourage each other to continue and finish well.
Focusing on healthy living and taking care of our bodies reminds me of the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 NIV of the master who gave talents to his servants, especially verse 23, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Kirstin Reggel is a physical therapist, avid CrossFit enthusiast, and coach who loves the Lord. She lives near Rome, Georgia, and encourages others to focus on their fitness and health, both mental and physical.
“WE love IT HERE!”
our
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-524-0600 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.