Gò0dNews March 2020
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Contents MARCH 2020
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Taking Charge Of 2020 by Detrick Redding
GoodNews for Kids
8 The Fort
by Mandi Bagwell
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Hard Work Never Hurt Anybody
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
12 Act Like Men
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
GoodNews for Women
14 There Is Hope In The Valley by Megan Van Meter
GoodNews for Parents
18 A New Perspective by Ashlee Abernathy
GoodNews for Life
20 Find Your Purpose by Catherine Tyler
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Unity Christian School Brings Alex Kendrick To Rome
GoodNews for Health & Fitness
24 Overcoming Dieting Depression
by Amy Lemieux
GoodNews for Teens
26 Returning the Clay by Jacob Chapman
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Once Upon a Time by Bridget Gray
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Epiphany: The AHA Moment by Angie Bishop
GoodNews on Finances
32 But I Like My Credit Card
6
by Charles Howell
GoodNews for Everyone
34 Live A Lived-In Life by Lauren Simpson
GoodNews on Worship
36 Worship Is Love by Zach Weeks
GoodNews for Everyone
38 A Fishing Story
by Zebbie Brewster
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Celebrating Maundy
22
Thursday
by Chad Hess GoodNews for Everyone
42 Stay Focused On The Destination
by Ruthiey Boggs
36
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Taking Charge Of 2020
A
by Detrick Redding
re you sacrificing your comfort to obtain your
already ordained us to do. This charge is still in place.
goals? Or are you sacrificing your goals to
It’s good to be fruitful, it’s good to multiply, it’s good to
obtain your comfort?
replenish, it’s good to subdue, and it’s good to take our
The process of GROWTH requires SACRIFICE!
dominion. Therefore, passivity for the believer is really
What are you sacrificing for the process of your
a denial of what God has for us. Let’s look at these a
GROWTH toward your ultimate goals?
little in detail.
As we step into a new year, a new decade, a new day, we really need to evaluate ourselves and our
What does it mean to be fruitful? To be fruitful is to reproduce in abundance on behalf of the Kingdom of God: plenteous and abundant in the things of God. What about to multiply? To multiply is to increase on a larger scale than normal. To replenish? This means to fill up or to refill, to bring life back to what’s dead. What about subdue? This is to bring under order, refusing to allow wilderness. And to understand dominion simply means to take authority over. I am well assured that this is convicting and may seem impossible. If God has said it, then it must be possible. Listen, don’t limit these
choices. 2020 is a new opportunity to do new things
words to a narrow place in your life; expand it to your
or to enhance the good things that we are already
world, and expand it to our world. 2020, and even the
doing. God gave Adam a charge found in Genesis 1: He
days to come, are not to wildly take us by storm. We are
commanded him to be fruitful, to multiply, to replenish,
to intercede for our world, declare God’s word over our
to subdue, and to have dominion. As believers, that
world, vote in our world, speak up in our world, and
same charge is in place today.
not be ashamed of the Gospel in our world. This is our
We have the mandate to produce these God
land, and this is our responsibility!
assignments. Ephesians 2:10 also tells us that we are the purpose of good works which God Himself has
6 // March 2020
About The Author
the masterpieces of God, recreated in Christ Jesus for
Detrick Redding, born and raised in Rome, Georgia, is a husband to Toris and father to 4 children. Called to pastor at an early age, he currently pastors at Rally Up International Ministries in Rome, Georgia. Detrick has a deep passion for not only seeing people born again, but knowing their true identity and what is made available to all in Jesus Christ.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
The Fort
M
by Mandi Bagwell
emories and rebuilding and learning from
So one of my nephews who had the best—or worst—
childhood memories are amazing. As a child—
temper, or just wanted it perfect, would have enough of
well, maybe like 10 years or so—my Mom worked
our architecture design, and before our parents got home,
hard, as did my Dad, and my sister watched me and my
he would get on his bike and ride as fast as he could and
three nephews at that time. We had the best of times and the
knock down that house we spent over half the day building.
disaster of times, too, but each one taught us many lessons.
The other three of us would be so upset we would feel like
The summer I remember so well was the summer my
giving up. So we would climb to the top of the barn and
Dad had scrap wood out by our barn just lying around, and since my nephews and I all were together during the days
look down at the disaster. The best part was, the next day, we all forgave and rebuilt that fort/tiny house, and sometimes we had four or five bedrooms. Yes, sometimes it still got knocked down— again. But we always rebuilt it. Those were the best summers. I guess what the forts and rebuilding mean the most to me now is, life is too short to be mad. And each day is a new day to rebuild and make things better. I cherish those memories—even those where we may
while our parents worked, we made really good use of our
have fussed, argued, or didn’t agree on the design of our
time: such good use of time that we would build basically
“rebuilt homes.”
tiny houses out of the scrap wood. Sometimes we would have two or three rooms and a living room, there was so
Each day is a new opportunity; that is the best part of what God allows us: a new start to rebuild. Psalm 30:5: “For his anger is but for a moment and his
4-foot-tall home so we could play in it. The only problem
favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but
was after the hours of building this fort/house, we usually
joy comes with the morning.”
ended up in some kind of a fuss or disagreement.
8 // March 2020
About The Author
much wood. We would spend hours making the perfect
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Hard Work Never Hurt Anybody 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.
W
hen I turned sixteen, I got my first job as a
the bank” among his friends since, apparently, many of his
dishwasher at the Holiday Inn restaurant. I
friends don’t work even though they are driving cars and
earned the minimum wage of $3.35 per hour.
about to begin college. I always reply with a simple, “You’re
Back then (1985) there were no teen labor laws restricting
welcome, son.”
work hours on school nights, so I would often clock in at
A recent online article was titled, “How to Ruin Your
four p.m. and clock out at midnight even on weeknights.
Children’s Financial Future” and the first point was “Don’t
After two weeks, I received my first paycheck and gaped
Make Your Kid Get a Job.” Remember, not making your
in wonder at the amount which was over two hundred
kids get a job would ruin their financial future. In fact,
dollars—I was rich! Similarly, the day my sons each turned
many parents who are millionaires and multi-millionaires
sixteen, they got jobs and went to work, paying for their
insist that their teenagers get jobs at the first opportunity—
own gas, oil changes, car insurance, and spending money.
not because they “need” the money (which they don’t),
But they knew this day was coming because I’d been telling
but to teach them about paying bills, learn about taxation,
them since they were very young, so it was no surprise.
and about being financially responsible. If this is how
Every now and then, my sons might gripe that they were the
millionaires raise their children, maybe there’s a lesson
“only teenagers they knew” whose parents “made them”
here. I’ve had students come into my office to chat about
pay for their own gas, car insurance, and so forth (they don’t
their “problems.” These students were not doing well in
have car payments since they saved money for many years
my class; in fact, they were failing nearly all their classes.
and paid cash for their cars). In response, I would always
They were aimless souls, binge-watching movies every
smile and say that I cannot apologize for training my teens
night or playing video games. As I talked with these
to be responsible and independent adults instead of hapless
students, I noticed a common trend. None of them had a
and clueless progeny who may be living in their parents’
job. They were broke. Maybe there’s a connection here?
basement when they were in their 30’s, as is increasingly
I’ve noticed that my best students all have jobs; they have
common these days. Eventually, my sons came to realize
money and pay their own bills. They are involved in
that (shockingly), their old Dad was right. My older son
countless activities outside of their studies which makes
Caleb is now twenty, and he just bought his first home with
them learn time management skills as well as financial
an FHA loan in his own name, while still in college. He’s
management. Frankly, their lives are incredibly busy
paying his bills now like a grownup, and he’s moved out
and productive. Scripture warns us in 1 Timothy 5:13
on his own (praise God). My middle son Samuel is a high
against idleness and aimlessness. Moreover, Psalms 128:2
school senior, seventeen years old, and he now admits that
promises, “You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your
he seems to be “the only one with money in
hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.”
10 // March 2020
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Gò0dNews for Men
Act Like Men
I
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
n today’s world and our culture, living like men is
loved ones fall upon our willingness to stand. Godly men
counter to the Bible’s definition of how men should act.
stand firm in their faith and are “not ashamed of the Gospel
1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on the alert, stand firm in
of Jesus Christ, for they know that it is the power of God
the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done
unto salvation for all men.”
in love.”
Act Like Men
These are powerful verses when taken to heart for men.
1 Corinthians 6:9 says the effeminate man will not
We are to:
inherit the kingdom of Heaven. It means to have feminine
Be on the Alert
traits; dress, talk, and be dainty like a woman; and to love
It means to be awake and never let one’s guard down.
other men like a woman. We were created in Christ to be
Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you
men fashioned after Him. Therefore, we should act like
will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the
Christian men. Lead your home, family, church, and
devil.” The devil is scheming to take your life,
community like a man of God.
marriage, family, community, and church from
Be Strong
you. All one needs to do is look around. We can see the devil at work destroying the lives of men, husbands, fathers, and their marriages, families, and communities. We must, with all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all
We’re talking about good character and conduct: living a life of purity and holiness. Don’t leave home without it, and come home with it intact. Refuse to waste your life and energy on foolish, fleshly lusts. Let All That You Do Be Done in Love The Bible has much to say about
perseverance and petition for all
love: how a man loves a woman, a
the saints.
husband loves his wife, a father
Stand Firm in the Faith
loves his children, a man loves his
In Scripture, we’re
church, a man loves his fellow
encouraged with words like,
man, and most importantly,
“Walk by faith and not by
how a man loves God—with
sight,” “Faith comes by
all his heart, mind, soul, and
hearing and hearing by the
strength. You can have all the
Word of Christ,” and, “I
other qualities—be on the alert,
have kept the faith.” What
stand firm in the faith, act like
is faith? It’s receiving,
men, and be strong—but it’s
believing, accepting, and
worthless if all you do is not
acting upon the truth of
in love for God, family, friends,
Scripture. We must stand
and others, even your enemies.
firm, proclaim, contend, and eternal lives and souls of our
12 // March 2020
About The Author
defend the faith. Why? The Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Cartersville Ga. and a native of Rome, Ga. He and His wife Tammy have served the Lord in ministry for over 20 years and pastored three churches. He loves to win souls, preach the gospel, shepherd God’s people, and work on the farm.
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Gò0dNews for Women
There Is Hope In The Valley
H
by Megan Van Meter
ow many times a day do we look at our calendars
will give us direction on every one of them. God gives us
and wonder how we will get everything
Scripture to get us through those valleys and dry seasons
completed? As women, we find ourselves running
of life. Isaiah 40:3-4 plainly states, “In the desert prepare
full steam ahead during our day. There are kids to drop
the way for the Lord…every valley shall be raised up…the
off at school, work, errands, practices for our children,
rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.”
supper, and the list goes on. When do we find time for
This is His promise to us.
ourselves? A better question is, when do we find time for God? We run so much that some days, we feel we are
Making time for ourselves is easy to say but difficult to accomplish. Women need other women for fellowship, to bear one another’s burdens, and to share the good times and the bad times. We know in our hearts how much we need the kinship, but applying the words, in some cases, does not happen. If we do not take care of ourselves, we will become exhausted and spread too thin; it will be difficult to be effective for anyone else. Draw upon Scripture, worship music, and hymns to find your peace. The old hymn “There Will be Peace in the Valley” reminds us that the bear will be gentle, the wolves will be tame, and the lion shall lay down with the lamb. Trusting in God allows our bears, lions, and wolves to all be eased by the Word of God and the promise of His love. If we first find our peace in God, we will find a peace that
running toward the cross but just can’t seem to make it. We
surpasses all understanding, and it will guard your hearts
know where our rest lies if we could only have that time
and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
carved out in our day. When we reach the end of ourselves,
When your stream is dry and you do not know where to
we look around, and we are in a valley from not being fed
turn, remember, God has a beautiful lake waiting for you in
by the Word, wondering where we go from there. Do not
the middle of green pastures and fresh flowers. The man on
despair, for there is hope in the valley.
the middle cross said you can come.
I am reminded of three simple words my pastor says
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men
over and over about our Lord: “I’ve got this.” No matter the
stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew
situation, Jesus is right beside us even when we lose sight of
their strength” (Isaiah 40:30-31).
even when we feel a million miles from Him. He knows all the details of our schedule, and if we allow Him to, He
14 // March 2020
About The Author
Him, and “He’s got this.” He holds us in His tender hands Megan Van Meter has been on staff at West Rome Church for 8 years. She finds joy in helping others. She is a grandmother of 2 and loves making memories for her family.
SERVICING CUSTOMERS SINCE ~ 415~ SHORTER AVE • ROME GA2003 30165
415 SHORTER AVE • ROME, GA • 706.252.0450
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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 706 853-8059 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
16 // March 2020
706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy
Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church
614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, GA 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 1941 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-777-8360 Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist 6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC 30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 (706) 777-8624
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Parents
A New Perspective
A
by Ashlee Abernathy
ll too often, I have worried that my children were
difficult for him to fit in or to make friends, but his church
too noisy during church. I have worried that they
family provides him with a place to be himself. He is able
shouldn’t get up on the stage after church while
to express himself in his own way, and because he feels
all the adults are all chatting and discussing their plans
free to be himself, he has been able to truly fall in love with
for the week after the church service. I am guilty of being
learning about Christ.
overbearing and strict on my sons’ every move inside the
My husband and I worried about our oldest when we
walls of the church. One Sunday morning, my pastor said
found out we were expecting our second baby. He had
something so profound it shook me to my core. He said
been an only child for almost five years, and adjusting to a
to me, “I know you worry about the boys making noise
new routine is never easy. We would make a big deal about how he was going to be the perfect big brother, and that’s exactly what he is. He learned to love playing with other children in Sunday school and junior’s church, in addition to other church activities. When the time came for his little brother to come home, he was ready and beyond excited. Now, they play together at church with all the other children, knowing all the while that it is acceptable and encouraged to have fun in the Lord’s house. My oldest son loves church, and I pray that love for church and Christ continues throughout his life.
and running around too much, but I want you to know it
In Matthew 19:14, it says, “But Jesus said, Suffer little
doesn’t bother me a bit. The day we stop hearing the noises
children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such
made by children in this place is the day we might as well
is the kingdom of heaven.” We should always encourage
close the doors because the church will be done for.” His
children to love church and to enjoy being in the Lord’s
words were exactly what I needed to hear.
house. My youngest’s idea of fun is different than his
I have two amazing young boys. My oldest son is 6
brother’s, but they always manage to love being at church
and is on the autism spectrum. My youngest is 1 and is
together, learning and growing in Christ. Children should
bursting with infectious joy and energy. My oldest sees
feel at home in church so that as they grow older, they
things differently than those we call “neurotypical,” and
always feel at home and church remains a place where they
he isn’t always accepted everywhere we go. Sometimes it is
desire to be.
18 // March 2020
Church Activities & Events Hill Crest Baptist Church Church Revival
Sunday – Wednesday, March 15 - March 18 Sunday @ 6PM - Speaker, Pastor Mark Evans Mon. – Wed. @ 7PM - Guest Speaker, Reverend Tyler Smith
Yard Sale & Bake Sale
Saturday, March 21 | 8AM - 12PM In the Christian Life Center
Red Back Hymnal Singing
Sunday, March 29 | 6PM 2202 North Broad Street NE, Cleveland, TN 706.291.8066
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church Unseen Women’s Conference Saturday, March 14 | 10:30AM - 12:30PM 1410 Shorter Avenue NW, Rome, GA
Fellowship Baptist Church
Breaking Down Barriers - Men’s Conference 2020 Friday, March 6th 314 Burnett Ferry Road SW, Rome, GA
Gò0dNews for Life
Find Your Purpose
“B
by Catherine Tyler
ut godliness with contentment is great
purpose God has for you can simplify your life. Plus, we
gain. For we brought nothing into this
can’t take all that stuff with us anyway! This year, I am
world, and we can take nothing out of it”
going to take some time for spring cleaning and clear out
(1 Timothy 6:6-7). Spring is right around the corner, so do you know
what that means? It’s time for spring cleaning! Do you
all the stuff and clutter in my life. I challenge you to do the same! Do some spring cleaning this year. Clean out your home, your car, your
feel overwhelmed by all the stuff in your life? All the stuff in your house, car, and mind? Your calendar, overflowing with events and obligations? You just can’t seem to get away from all the stuff, and it’s constantly distracting you? You probably have more stuff in your life than you know what to do with, and it can be a bit overwhelming. I understand this because I am in the same boat. I have recently been working through a journaling
mind, and your calendar. Do the KonMari decluttering
book called “The Purpose Driven Life Journal: What on
method, do meditation to clear your mind, and
Earth Am I Here For?” It challenges you to think about
decide what is important for your calendar. Get rid of
the purpose God has placed on your life and reminds
everything that distracts you from spending time with
you that we are on Earth to fulfill that purpose. We are
God, and you’ll see the huge impact it has on your life!
not here for all the stuff that overwhelms us in our day-
Living a life of simplicity and with purpose is living a
to-day life.
life closer to God.
I have realized that all the stuff and clutter in my life
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now
has been distracting me from time with God and figuring
I consider them worthless because of what Christ has
out what purpose it is that He has for me! Knowing the
done” (Philippians 3:7).
20 // March 2020
TAYLOR ESTATE
AN EVENING WITH CHRISTIAN FILMMAKER
549 Minshew Rd NE Rome, GA 30161
ALEX KENDRICK BENEFITTING UNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
MONDAY MARCH 30 6:00PM
tickets on sale now!
Come in on your birthday and receive a free pasta dinner, including our famous house salad and garlic rolls, with spumoni ice cream for dessert.
288 Shorter Avenue NW, Rome, Georgia 706.378.9009 | www.provinos.com
FEATURED COVER STORY
Coach Harrison (Alex Kendrick), Amy Harrison (Shari Rigby) and Hannah Scott (Aryn WrightThomspon) talk strategy before a track meet.
Unity Christian School Brings Alex Kendrick To Rome
“F
lywheel,” “Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof,”
sought. “Facing the Giants” had been screened by several
“Courageous,” “War Room,” and
distributors but had not received a release date until seeking
“Overcomer” are incredible Christian films
permission to license a song from Provident Label Group in
that have touched many lives. Born and raised in Georgia,
Nashville, Tennessee. At this time, the film was requested
the Kendrick brothers, Shannon, Alex, and Stephen, have
for review, and the president of the company sent “Facing
been producing Christian films since 2002. Their journey
the Giants” to its parent company, Sony. Shortly thereafter,
started as young boys who had a passion for filmmaking
Provident and Sony partnered for the release of “Facing
and shooting movies on Super 8mm film. As sons of
the Giants.” Much to everyone’s surprise, it received a PG
an ordained minister and schoolteacher, Scripture and
rating for “explicit Christian content.” “Facing the Giants”
faith were poured into them daily. Through this strong,
astounded Hollywood by earning $10.1 million in theaters
faith-based upbringing, they each developed a personal
and selling 2.5 million units on DVD. Again, God prevailed.
relationship with God. Eventually, Alex and Stephen were
Through diligent prayer, God once again inspired
in ministry together at Sherwood Baptist Church, where
the storyline for “Fireproof,” a marriage-focused film that
they were led to produce a low-budget, full-length movie
was produced through partnering with Provident Films.
as an outreach to their community. This led to their first
A pivotal part of the film is “The Love Dare,” a 40-day
film, “Flywheel,” which unexpectedly sold out multiple
challenge that the husband takes on while endeavoring to
showtimes and was the week’s second highest-grossing
save his marriage. Following the production of the film,
movie of the cinema’s 16 screens.
Alex and Stephen wrote “The Love Dare,” a ministry tool
After months of prayerful consideration, a second film
for couples. B&H Publishers published and released it
was developed about a high school football team who had to
in conjunction with the release of the film. “Fireproof”
face their fear with faith. God answered prayer after prayer
generated $33.5 million at the box office and was the No. 1
with funding and equipment which were not “formally”
independent film of 2008. Both “Fireproof,” the novel, and
22 // March 2020
“The Love Dare” were on the New York Times Bestsellers List. Needless to say, Sherwood was inundated with calls and testimonies of lives, particularly marriages, being changed in radical ways. “Proceeds from the movies were used to build an 82-acre sports park and to fund mission work and new church plants.” After a short sabbatical, the brothers felt a call to produce a film about fatherhood. “Courageous” is the story of four police officer fathers and the struggles they face at work and home. The film challenges them to lovingly lead their families. “The Resolution for Men” was birthed through the production of this film. Matt Catt, Sherwood’s Pastor, and several cast members were sought after to speak about the role of men as spiritual leaders and protectors of their homes. Following “The Resolution for Men,” Priscilla Shirer partnered to write the companion book, “The Resolution for Women.” Again, both books and the novelization appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list! “Courageous” generated $34.5 million at the box office and was released in 20 countries. When released, the DVD was the No. 1-selling DVD in the country. At this point, the third Kendrick brother, Shannon, joined his brothers in this amazing journey as Director of Business Operations, and filmmaking moved beyond the walls of Sherwood. The team not only expanded with Shannon but with a long-time volunteer, Kim Sancinito, as executive assistant and Brenda Harris as communications associate. The Kendrick Brothers were set to embark upon the next endeavor. The Lord led them to focus on the power of prayer with the film “War Room.” As the Kendrick Brothers stated, “God orchestrated every detail as we prayed and trusted Him.” With cast members Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings, Karen Abercrombie, Alena Pitts, and Michael Jr., this film not only had prayer in its making but exuded the power of prayer on the screen. Again, the Kendrick Brothers were amazed by God’s graciousness with the success of “War Room.” It generated over $70 million at the box office. Most recently, in 2019, “Overcomer” was released in theaters and has just been released digitally and on DVD. According to Stephen Kendrick, the movie “is about identity, an issue that everyone deals with. Everyone needs to answer the questions: ‘Who is God?’ and, ‘Who am I?’ and the Scriptures deal with both of those things. When a person discovers who they are in Christ, it opens up an
Coach Harrison (Alex Kendrick), has a pep talk with cross country runner Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson).
understanding of how they can live that out on a daily basis in what they do in their relationships with others.” While the final financial results are not definitive yet, “Overcomer” had grossed $38 million as of January 2020. Unity Christian School believes in the message of each Kendrick Brothers film. “Overcomer” resonates most closely with what Unity is all about. Unity exists to partner with Christian parents in the process of preparing their children to impact the world for Jesus Christ and to achieve their God-given potential in academics, leadership, and service. A student’s ability to achieve his or her God-given potential depends on his or her ability to find identity in Christ. Unity Christian School is filled with joy and great expectation as we plan for Alex Kendrick’s arrival on March 30, 2020. There are several ways to enjoy hearing Alex Kendrick at the Benefit Dinner. Unity would love to have you as a sponsor partner at the Gold or Silver level. You may also simply sponsor a table and invite guests to join you or purchase an individual ticket. Ticket information can be found on our website, www.unitychristianschool.org, or simply by using the QR code here. Please contact Jeannie King at jking@unitychristianschool.org with any questions or to reserve tickets over the phone. For more information on Alex Kendrick and for movie trailers, visit www.kendrickbrothers.com.
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Overcoming Dieting Depression
W
by Amy Lemieux
henever you’re dieting, there’s only one thing that you’re focused on—shedding the pounds. Everything else suddenly feels burdensome and annoying. You hate having to give up your favorite foods. You whimper at the idea of drastically reducing your portion sizes, and you’re left feeling desperate, sad, and anxious about whether or not you’ll ever get to where you want to be in terms of weight loss goals.
Paul exhorts us in 1 Corinthians 9:27 to bring our bodies under subjection. Discipline has to be exercised. The more you practice something, the better you become at it. Healthy living is no different. Practice it every day! Do it even when you don’t want to. You have to be your own motivational coach—no one else can do this for you. There will days when it doesn’t bother you and days when you get so angry about your weight that you throw your hands up in the air and say, “I quit!”
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Get Rid of Extremist Thoughts Dieters are desperate. Whether you have 5 pounds to lose or 500, your mindset can be the same. And when you’re desperate, you talk yourself into taking drastic measures to get the weight off. Don’t do that; when you do, you set yourself up to fail. The extremist mindset never results in long-term weight loss. It simply causes by Amy Mendez you to failtoo repeatedly. You wanttootomuch loseorthe and much. Reducing calories too weight fast can cause ere we are again! This is that time of the year where people start getting serious about getting into shape, keep it offyour for weight good.loss to backfire. Be sure you’re not missing meals.
H
Be Beach Body in 8 Weeks
24 // March 2020
24 // May 2018
About Author The Author
Tip 3: Up your weight training intensity by adding 10-15 looking forward to that beach body to make its debut. reps to what you are already doing. AlsoGoals add some supersets But, don’t wait until two weeks before your yearly tripSet to theand Celebrate Realistic Success and burn out sets to your routine. During this week and through beach to decide “now is the time to dial it in.” Give yourself It’s good to have goals. In fact, it can actually help the remainder of your prep, move to and from each exercise at a reasonable timeline to make it happen. Plan ahead for your get ahead yourresting weight lossand efforts. when a fasterwith pace. Avoid too long don’t getBut caught up in beach body by strategically preparing for at least eightyou to twelve casual conversation. Remember you’re on a mission! weeks. Now is the time to up your intensity in the gymyou and start creating ridiculously hard goals like what you Tip 4: Eliminate carbs from your last meal of the day. But tighten up your diet. Be determined that this year is your year. might seestill oneat The Biggest Loser on TV (25 pounds in a your protein and veggies. This will help to speed up Change your perception of how you view your your fat loss. you feel defeated every time you “program” of losing weight. When you call it a “program” youit will week), make You can have the most perfect nutrition andyou exercise Tip 5: Add a second session of cardio 30-40 minutes in set yourself to fail because are preparing your mind for an can’t achieve that goal. the evening. This will really boost your fat burning and cut off date, at which point youday plan after to return to your previous programs imaginable—andend implementing them Set goals to begin with so that you’re celebrating pounds at a faster rate. life style that got you here in the first place. If you want to small more day without fail. But without the right frame of mind, you’ll 6: Don’t Your vegetables body has been a fasting keep off your weight loss change your mind in how you view GoalsTip constantly. like “Eatmiss fivebreakfast! fruits and day”all eventually falter, and this can be“program”. devastating. night and possibly early morning if you did fasted cardio. Be your View it as a life style change. or “Lose 1 pound this week” set you up for success. Goals Make changes that dieting won’t set you For most people, men and women alike, is aup to fail by reducing too sure to eat a full meal of 30-40 grams of protein with a complex pounds this week” “Eat 800 calories a day” like oatmeal. Don’t door meal replacements for breakfast if many calories too fast. Keep yourself from gettinglike, bored“Lose in the 10carb ritual that they repeat year after year. It’s not a daily or you can. gym by switching up your routine and challenging yourself. are a recipe for disaster. Tip 7: Eat 5-6 meals a day. Most dieters will decrease the Don’t get complacent and just go through monthly commitment yet. It’s simply a process they put the motions. can also setofexercise goals, but make sure they’re amount daily meals in an attempt to reduce calories. Most Drink plenty of water. Carry a gallon jug around You with you themselves through every year. have the your mentality of only eating one of twoBut times throughout the day and have it finished before bedtime. doable.This If youpeople go beyond goals, then GREAT! it Every time we fall off the wagon, it sets us up for deep daily, but that mentality will crash your weight loss goals fast. way you ensure adequate water intake. The gallon jug takes won’t make you Tip label yourself as a failure if you can’t. 8: Eliminate junk food – Junk food offers nothing but work outI of asking yourself “How much water did I depression. You see yourselftheasguess a failure. often tell people, Dieting depression isThere’s a realnoproblem, empty calories. nutritional and valueit in can snackhappen foods like take in”? “Don’t take it personally. You are not a failure; it’s just that chips, sweets, and French fries. An occasional hamburger Here are eight-week tips for your fat-burn plan. to everyone if you’re not careful. You can put yourself in or a what you are doing is not working.” slice of pizza on the other hand can be a benefit when you’re Tip 1: Cut your carbs by half for six days. On the seventh that if you influences in—or if you dieting, butallow not on aoutside regular basis. day eat a high carb day. I usually consider this the daydark for myplace You have to be determined to make a permanent Stick to these simple weight-loss watchof the fat cheat meal. beat yourself up for every single thing, sotips be and aware your lifestyle change and not have a Tip “quick fix” mindset. melt away! 2: Leave your carb intakeIt’s the same but add 30-40 mindset at all times. minutes cardio eating your first meal of the day. Fasted short-lived because you’re looking at it before like it’s a chore cardio has been proven to burn more fat. Cardio allows you to with an end date on it. Your body, your mind, and your Amy Mendez Lemieuxisisaalife lifecoach, coach,mentor, mentor, push through plateaus without having to alter caloric intake personal trainer, and a nutritionist nutritionist at at emotions are going to resist you. That’s why the Apostle Results Unlimited in Calhoun, Ga. Georgia.
• Personal Care • Medication Reminders • Chores & Errands • Meal Preparation
Call for an immediate free in-home visit with safety check. Moriah Medina
Community Outreach Coordinator
706.622.3065 moriah@comforcare.com
Let Us Turn Your Backyard Into An Oasis Of Your Dreams! ROME’S FULL SERVICE POOL STORE SINCE 1971 13 JOHN DAVENPORT DRIVE, ROME, GA 30165 706.291.0875 | THEPOOLSTOREOFROME.COM
Gò0dNews for Teens
Returning the Clay
P
by Jacob Chapman
erspective can often be viewed as the hands that
He never misleads you, and He never is self-serving or
shape the clay of our lives. The way we view life is
selfish. He is always working things out for the betterment
often the way the potter is going to shape the clay.
of those who give their lives, their trust, and their love
Our lives are the clay, and our perspectives are the hands that form it. Could that be the reason we so often think
wholly to Him. The truth is, He is enough. He views our lives better
the clay is ugly, disgraceful, and maybe even in shambles?
than we do. If you are tired of being tired and seeing your
Maybe sometimes we look at what the clay has become and
life as a pile of mistakes, ask God to show you the way He
think, “It cannot be right,” “It should not look that way,” or even that “it is just a pile of our mistakes and anxieties.” I would like to offer a new way to look at how we see and shape our lives. This first thing you need to know is, it should not be this way. You should not be shaping the clay. You were never meant to be the potter. This is what Isaiah 64:8 says: “Yet, still Yahweh, you are our father. We are like clay and you are our Potter. Each one of us is the creative, artistic work of your hands” (Isaiah 64:8). We were never supposed to be shaping the way we see our lives. It is time to give your life back to God. It is time to hand the clay back to God; we cannot do it on our own. It is time to give the way you see your life back to God. It is time to start
sees you. If you trust Him, He will take that clay, the mess
seeing our lives the way God sees them and the way He is
you made when you saw your life that way, and He will
shaping them to be. If you are tired of the way you see your
make it a new creation. In fact, this is what the Bible says
life, maybe it is time you ask for a Heavenly Perspective: the
He sees us as: “Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he
way God views your life.
has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to
I think the next thing you need to look at is whether or
the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and
not you are willing to admit that His ways are better than
new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you are tired of the way you see
our ways. Even more importantly, His thoughts are better
your life, ask for a Heavenly Perspective and trust God; He
than our thoughts. Once we admit this, we need to declare
is the potter, and He always shapes our lives the way they
that we trust Him. We declare that what He has for us,
were meant to look. It is time to give the clay back.
the way He thinks about us, and the path He has for us is for ourselves. When you trust Him with your life, He will not let go of it. When you trust Him with your emotions,
26 // March 2020
About The Author
better and abundantly more than we could ever imagine
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Once Upon a Time
“M
by Bridget Gray
ama, just one more story…” “Grandmother, will you tell me a bed-
time story?”
“Nana, will you tell me a story about when I was a baby
or when my mama was a little?”
your house down” sound like nothing more than a little tease, not a ferocious threat. And now, it’s my turn. My two blonde-headed little girls absolutely LOVE their story time at night. If you need leverage to get them to clean their room, threaten to take
When I was a little girl, I used to LOVE to hear stories.
their bedtime story away. Cue the crocodile tears. Our night-
My Nana used to sit with me on her front porch swing, and
ly bedtime story routine is more than just sharing my love
we would spend hours swinging in the summer breeze. I
of books with them. It’s more than just entertaining them or
used to ask her, “Nana, tell me a story about a long time ago.” She often would tell me the story of how her house used to sit somewhere else, but that it was moved to its current location. But in her version of the story, she was a little girl and had been playing with her dolls and just looked out the window one day and the house was going down the road— with her inside—almost like Dorothy, sitting in her house while the tornado picked it up on her way to Oz! It was years before I realized Nana had made that part up. Nana would also read to us from old nursey rhymes or the old Dr. Seuss books. What I didn’t realize as a little child, though,
getting them to wind down. It’s spending those few special
was that Nana was improvising half of the story to make
minutes with them when you have their complete, undi-
it “more fun.” Evidently, I’d go home and ask my parents
vided attention. They hang onto every word. Often, after
to read me the same story, but my comment was always,
turning the lights off, I hear, “Will you tell me a story about
“That’s not how Nana told it!”
when you were little?” These are the moments to share those
My Grandmother Moore relied more on the old faithful
special stories about grandparents they only know through
stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little
stories. And guess what? Those stories—the ones about the
Pigs, and The Billy Goats Gruff. Whenever I spent the night
people they love, even though they have never met them—
with her, I would always sleep in her bed, and I just couldn’t
those stories are the ones that they ask for over and over.
her. When Grandmother told the story, though, the Big Bad Wolf wasn’t so bad. The Billy Goats weren’t so gruff. Her sweet little voice made, “I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow
28 // March 2020
About The Author
even consider going to sleep without hearing a story from Bridget Gray is a native Roman & received her BA in English from the University of West Georgia in 2002. A self-professed “book nerd”, Bridget enjoys roaming through Barnes & Noble in her rare free time. Bridget & her family (husband Jarrett & daughters Carter & Avery) attend LIFE Church.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Epiphany: The AHA! Moment
D
by Angie Bishop
o you ever have that moment where you go,
my small task of making my bed that day, I realized that
“Aha!”? Today as I was making my bed, thinking
one day, he wouldn’t be here for me to miss the way he did
of my husband who passed away exactly one year
or didn’t do things. It softened my heart and helped me to
ago on this day, I reflected back to a few years past when I
extend grace and keep my mouth shut instead of unloading
was making my bed then. So often, when I’d return home
frustration on him. It made me aware of what’s really
from a long day’s work and running the kids here and there,
important: him, and time with him. It wasn’t about the little
getting this and that errand done, along with all the other
things that don’t matter or how I obsessed over having
tasks we moms and wives have, I’d run into my house and
things done just right or my way!
expect perfection! After all, my husband stayed home all day due to his illness.
If you’re married, this is for you. I get not all marriages happen for the right reasons—therefore, not all marriages last—but if yours happened for the right reasons and your intent was to spend a lifetime with the person God gave you, then pay attention. Marriage isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s hard! Even in good marriages, there are just reasons to call it quits. I had several reasons I could have walked out on mine, but I had one reason to stay: LOVE. Agape love for my soul mate! The deepest and highest form of unconditional love. The kind our Father in Heaven has for us. That kind of love helped me grow into the wife God ¬¬intended me to be. It taught me grace was better than my grumpy attitude and helped us survive through the hard times. If you have a spouse and
Needless to say, and much to my own hopes and
you find yourself finding more faults in him than all the
dreams’ getting crushed, the walls were not shining, floors
good you once saw and you’re constantly nagging and
were not glowing, dinner wasn’t always cooked, and my
complaining, step back and assess! You may have an
bed, when made, wasn’t made the way I’d do it. Heck,
epiphany like I did. Ask yourself what’s important: the way
sometimes it didn’t even look like he tried! This frustrated
he “makes a bed,” or him? Allow that aha moment to be a
me until one day, that aha moment took over and I vowed
reset, letting it show you how to extend grace. Make every
to myself I’d let those frustrations go because I was struck
day count with each other. Life comes and goes so quickly,
with the realization that changed the rest of our story as we
and you want no regrets in the end!
Oftentimes, even though my husband was sick, on his good days, I’d complain about the lack of help. Nag! But in
30 // March 2020
About The Author
knew it. Angie Bishop is from Rome, Georgia. She loves sharing her story with others in hopes to encouraged and show them a way to Christ. No stranger to life’s woes, but gives God all the glory for his guiding hand and unending love and provisions for her. Her goal is to share with others that Gods love changes the person despite their circumstances!
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Gò0dNews on Finances
But I Like My Credit Card
T
by Charles Howell
he Scripture verse, “The borrower is slave to the
your relationship with them. There can be unspoken
lender,” may seem a bit antiquated. You may have
feelings of anger, regret, or shame if you are not paying
debt and don’t feel enslaved. I believe DEBT=RISK,
them back on time.
and it exists on a spectrum.
The issue is DEBT=RISK. Bad things happen and at
On the far end, you have people who use credit cards
the worst times. You can lose your job. Both you and your
for the miles or cash back. They pay off their balance each
spouse can lose your jobs. Someone can become very ill or
month. They see no issue with that approach. For a truly
be in an accident. All these things can and do happen: not to
disciplined person, the risk may be low to nonexistent.
everyone and not all at the same time. But they do happen
There may be other downsides to this approach. Studies
with regularity.
show you spend more when you use a card, especially a credit card. That was my experience. I was this person, and when I stopped using a credit card, I felt like I had received a pay raise because I no longer tapped into my savings to ensure the balance was paid in full each month. On the other end of the spectrum, you do have actual enslavement due to debt. Vulnerable people, often women, are held as slaves to evil people until they can pay off some debt. Human trafficking, to a great extent, uses people because of debt to unscrupulous lenders. The evil lender pretty much owns the victim. These lenders are not the payday loan people you see in certain parts of town; they are human traffickers preying on innocent people. Somewhere in the middle but toward the extreme end are the payday lenders. They legally prey upon people at their weakest point. Onerous interest rates are killers and lead to long payoff periods. Continuing along the spectrum, you have debt from loans against your 401(k). But this is your own money, so it
As you build your finances with emergency funds and pay off all debt, your risk profile lowers, or at least it feels like it. The risks above can still happen, but they have less impact. If you have no emergency funds and have debt, start today and begin to master your money so you can live a life with less risk, no longer a slave to any lender. Ultimately, you can become incredibly generous to others.
doesn’t seem so bad. But it is holding your financial future hostage. If you leave your employer, chances are you will If you have loans from family or friends, you probably already know how that can negatively impact
32 // March 2020
About The Author
have to repay that loan immediately.
Charles Howell was trained under the Dave Ramsey Master Coach program. He has been a money nerd all his life. After retiring from a career in Information Technology in 2017, he is pursuing his dream career. Charles lives in Silver Creek, Georgia, and serves clients anywhere in the country.
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SHARE YOUR STORY Everyone has a story to tell. Share yours with us and see how your story can change someone's life.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Live A Lived-In Life by Lauren Simpson
I
was tidying up the house a few days ago, and as I threw
will carry us, so why do we try and cover it up, suggesting
something in a bedroom and closed the door, I was
that we paint on “I’m doing pretty well” better than He can
immediately struck with conviction. I was cleaning up for
carry us?
someone to come over, and I wanted to make sure the living
He can give us that perfect peace even when we aren’t
spaces were tidy, but I had zero concern for the bedrooms.
doing well, when we’re in the trenches. There is something
Why? Because they weren’t going in the bedroom. They
so beautiful about His grace in those dark places. And y’all,
wouldn’t see that I just threw in ladybug wings, a pack of
if we tuck the dark places away, we’re tucking that grace
wipes, and dirty socks. They would see the tidy house, the
away with it. I do it all the time. Her name is fake Lauren,
one that doesn’t show all the clutter that’s usually laying around. They would see the un-lived-in house, the HGTV-ready show house. And y’all, it hit me: isn’t this what we do with our lives? We tuck the worst parts of us in corners of our hearts and package ourselves up neat and tidy to present ourselves to the world. It’s the “fake it ’til you make it” mentality. We don’t want people to see just how truly “lived-in” that we are. We don’t want them to see the dark thoughts, the battle scars, and the "not-so “Jesus girl” moments. But then, I read this: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more
and she is amazing: literally amazing, y’all. I have mastered
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may
the skills to the point that real Lauren and fake Lauren can
rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
almost look identical. It takes a person super close to me to
We don’t have to tuck the dark places away from
see the difference. It’s so sad because it’s so unnecessary.
anyone. In fact, we can boast about those weaknesses. We
And hiding my weakness is hiding God’s grace. I don’t
can be open, honest, and vulnerable about our dark places.
know about y’all, but hiding anything about God just
Why? Because in those dark places, there’s grace.
sounds like a bad idea to me.
Y’all, we don’t have to hide it all. We don’t have to paint
I want to live my life more lived-in than “show-ready.” I
on an un-lived-in look. But it’s exactly what we do. We tuck
want to be honest with myself and others about where I am
the shame, heartache, and failures away, never to be seen.
and how God has been faithful in those times.
I’m not suggesting that we live in dark places forever: just that maybe we try to be where we are. He is faithful, and He
34 // March 2020
About The Author
Now, there is a time and place for things, I know that. And Lauren Simpson is a follower of Christ, wife to David, and mother of three. Her daughter Berkley and son Henry passed away shortly after their birth, while her daughter Sadie is a thriving 4-year-old. Lauren enjoys reading, blogging, and spending time with her family!
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Gò0dNews on Worship
Worship Is Love
W
by Zach Weeks
hen I was approached and asked if I would
have realized worship is: our love represented to God in
like to write a small article, I thought of
whatever we do.
course, and it seemed like a no-brainer to
Worship has a singular focus, and that focus is God.
write about worship as I play guitar on my church’s
I love in 1 Chronicles 16 where David gives 10 newly
worship team. I honestly thought, well, that would be
appointed ministers instruments and it says they all
an easy subject for me; I do it week in and week out, and
worshipped to the Lord. It doesn’t say they had lights
I have a firm grasp on what worship is. That thought
or a stage or even knew how to play an instrument, but
couldn’t have been further from the truth. As I started
what they did have were hearts for the Lord, and what they did know was how to worship the King. Worship doesn’t come in a tempo and it doesn’t come in key, but worship comes in the form of love for our God. I know sometimes it can be easy—at least it can for me—to get caught up in our busy schedules and forget to just let Jesus know we love Him. I don’t go a day without telling my wife or my kids that I love them, but I will often go a day without just simply telling God, “I love You.” God sent His Son to die a horrible
to read and search out what true worship is, I realized
death on the cross, and we forget some days to just stop
maybe I have no clue what true worship is.
and say, “Lord, I love You and thank You for Your great
How can I play on a worship team and not be able to explain what worship is? Worship is not just the thing we
sacrifice.” Worship is love. The beautiful thing about worship is it comes in many
all do before the sermon. Worship isn’t the song that gets
expressions, and we can show our love for God at any
us excited and makes us want to jump. It’s not the song
and all moments of our life. God is everywhere; therefore,
that gives us goosebumps and makes us emotional, it’s
worship is everywhere. This all started with the question
not the lights, and it’s not an altar call. Worship is love. I
of what worship is to me, and I came up with multiple
know that’s extremely simple, but that is what I
answers: it is a weapon, it is my calling, it is part of my identity, but most importantly, worship is love.
36 // March 2020
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Fishing Story remember when I worked, I would catch myself looking out the window of my office on a warm sunny day, wishing I were sitting on the fishing bank somewhere, fishing. Just the memories of the warm sun, peace, and serenity found there were beckoning me to come. I think back, and then, I must have considered that to be my “Happy Place.” You have to really love to fish to understand that. I love in the Bible how it speaks of fishermen. 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 ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of
38 // March 2020
fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help then. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ feet saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” If you are a fisherman, you probably have a fish story about the one that got away or the best day ever you had fishing. A story worth repeating. Especially if you shared the experience with someone else. I saw for the first time the word “draught” in Scripture: verse 4, Jesus’ words in red, when He tells Simon, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught,” and in verse 9, “For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes which they had taken.” God performed a miracle right there in front of them, a miracle that I am sure that they shared with anyone who would listen. Because they obeyed Jesus, He was able to bless their obedience with a miracle so powerful that these men forsook all and followed Jesus. When Jesus saves a lost soul, that, too, is a miracle. We are the souls that those fishermen are still fishing for now. Have you given your heart to Jesus? Salvation is only a prayer away. Call unto Him, and He will hear. Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I am praying for you today, Dear Friend. Now go and share that good news with someone else. About The Author
I
by Zebbie Brewster
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Celebrating Maundy Thursday
M
by Chad Hess
aundy Thursday is celebrated in Christendom on the day before Good Friday. It has been celebrated for many years in the Catholic and
Anglican Church and in recent years has begun to be memorialized by other denominations as an important part of Holy Week. During Maundy Thursday services, clergy and lay persons wash the feet of others as a memorial to Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples. The Gospel of John recounts the story of Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet in chapter 13, verses 1-20. There are many wonderful facets to this story that can teach us lessons, from humility (Jesus) to pride (Peter), from foreshadowing cleansing through the blood of Christ to the hardening of our hearts to the truth through the actions of Judas Iscariot. Each Holy Week gives us an opportunity to examine our hearts and meditate on the many dimensions of this beautiful scene. Beginning in verse 14, Jesus says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have also washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you.” Jesus goes on to tell them that the servant is not greater than the master, nor is the messenger greater than the one who sent him. In verse 17, Jesus says, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” The examples of humility, loving others, and putting others before self were exemplified for us by our Lord on many occasions while He was here on earth as God incarnate. In addition, the fact that He was 100% man as well as 100% God serves to remind us that we, as imperfect humans, can with His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit live and love as He did. Washing the feet of others and having your feet washed by others is a humbling experience for both the giver and the receiver. It is also, and perhaps most
would make them and all who would ultimately believe and repent clean from sin. This story of foot washing was and is a message of repentance and forgiveness, the very heart of Christ’s message. In our world today, the simplicity and beauty of Christ’s act is oftentimes lost because it is strange and foreign to our modern culture. The intimacy of the act makes some feel that they could not participate in it. In verse 15, Jesus told us to do “just as I have done to you.” There are churches in our area that have Maundy Thursday foot washing services. This Holy Week, take the opportunity to find a service, and involve your body and spirit in an act of humility that is symbolic of the cleansing of our bodies by the blood of Christ.
the disciples’ feet clean, but in the next few days, He
40 // March 2020
About The Author
importantly, a reminder that Jesus was making not only 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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Stay Focused On The Destination
L
by Ruthiey Boggs ife can be so incredibly overwhelming, hard, and
the road or you will drive straight into them. You have to
scary. There are seasons we experience where it
keep your eyes focused above those things on the road to
feels like the walls are closing in: that’s where I am
your destination.
today. I would describe it as the ocean in the middle of a
The same is true in life for us today, just as it was for
hurricane, and I only know how to doggy paddle. I was
the Israelites: when we start focusing on the dangers or
feeling that this morning, especially as I was rushing from
distractions behind us or those raging seas beside us, we
oversleeping; I had one kid to get to school and another
can’t keep moving toward our destination. But when we
sick, so I was waiting for the pediatrician’s office to open
keep our eyes focused above all the messy potholes and
so I could call for an appointment, and I had already called into work to let them know that I was going to at least be late. In the midst of my chaotic morning, I could not stop thinking of the Israelites when they were crossing the Red Sea. I cannot begin to imagine how scary that must have been; that first step must have been terrifying, and then they took it and it was dry land and they had to have had a little bit of a “whew, we might make it” moment. People always say the first step’s always the hardest; it may or may not be, but it certainly isn’t the only hard step. I could be wrong, but I think that more than one of those Israelites probably got somewhere between the two shores and just got tired—they started looking at the wall of water to their left and the wall of water to their
stuff in our way and focus on Jesus, who is above it all
right and probably felt a little like the walls were closing
and our final destination if we are saved by His grace,
in. Some of them probably even tried to stop, but they
then we can keep moving and putting one foot in front
had their fellow travelers there with them to encourage
of the other. Is it always easy? Absolutely not. That’s
them and help drag them on when they felt paralyzed by
why He gave us our brothers and sisters in Him: to help
their fear. Thank you, Jesus, for those in our paths who
encourage each other and drag them for a step or two
drag us when we can’t remember how to put one foot in
until they can look up again.
front of the other. a Sunday School lesson YEARS ago: that when you ride a bicycle, you cannot focus on the potholes or obstacles in
42 // March 2020
About The Author
All of this got me thinking about something I read in Ruthiey Boggs received her Bachelor of Science, Human Services from Shorter university. She is currently serving her family as a stay at home mom. She is on the Board of Directors for the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter. She and her husband Jim are members of Philadelphia Baptist Church.
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