March 2023

Gò0dNews March 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Beth Penny Brenda Dedmon Brian Johnson Chase Holtzclaw Detrick Redding Diana Fain Granger Hughes Judy Hood Karla Smedley Katie Hughes Kristen West Matt Jensen Susan Lavigne Zebbie Brewster

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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

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Contents MARCH 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Don’t Compromise

by Detrick Redding

GoodNews for Kids

8 I Wish

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Is An Annuity Right for Me?

by Granger Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 Stay on the Ride

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Women

14 One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Everyone

18 All Things Are Possible

by Kristen West

GoodNews Cover Story

20 The Herb Shop On Broad GoodNews for Everyone

22 Friendship

by Chase Holtzclaw

GoodNews for Marriage

24 Marriage—A Profound Mystery

by Matt Jensen GoodNews for Everyone

26 The Phone Call

by Zebbie Brewster

GoodNews Poetry

28 On My Mind

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 What Are You Thinking?

12

by Susan Lavigne

GoodNews for Everyone

32 No Man Is an Island

by Beth Penny

GoodNews for Everyone

34 Sitting Duck

by Karla Smedley

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Feed the Need GoodNews for Everyone

38 Don’t Look Back

20

by Diana Fain

38

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Don’t Compromise

T

by Detrick Redding

o compromise is to lower one standard for the

must not let it slip. We cannot bow down to the enemy, to

sake of agreeing with others. We do not need to

false ideologies, to extreme narratives, or simply to the lies

compromise our standards, especially in the day we

of the devil. However, when an alternative message comes

are living. This is literally damaging for a child of God. We

to us that opposes our faith, we must settle it in our hearts

must stand our ground in love but with true conviction.

that we will not transcend, nor will we relinquish our

The enemy of our faith has tried to weaken the Church,

convictions to any other. Even Jesus said, “My sheep know

and it’s sad to admit he has succeeded on some occasions.

my voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow!”

We are now at a pivotal time and we must stand for what

(John 10:27).

we know.

He was confident in us as His disciples. He knew that His voice, spoken or read by us, carried the very essence of life. His voice carries strength, power, healing, peace, direction, authority, and much more.

Therefore, any other voice is minimum to His voice. And once disciples truly identify with His voice, no other voice compares.

Therefore, we will not follow them because we are following His. We are to deliberately shut out all other voices and follow His. King Saul compromised and was expelled from kingly duty.

Daniel didn’t compromise and was promoted in the kingdom.

The compromising believer is also described as the

Samson compromised, and his life and ministry was cut

double-minded in the book of James. He gives a profound

short. Esther didn’t compromise and was used to save her

revelation concerning those who are double-minded. He

whole nation. Her uncle was promoted in the kingdom,

said that a man/woman should not even think they shall

too. Ananias and Sapphira compromised in the New

obtain anything from the Lord. Compromising makes

Testament Church and fell dead right where they stood.

one unstable in life. The foundation of their stand is

Paul didn’t compromise and was used to right 2/3 of the

now on two different platforms. Because of the unsettled

New Testament, and his ministry is still building the Body

foundation, the winds of opposition can easily bring

of Christ right now.

detriment to them. We must have a sure foundation, and

Will you be named among those that refuse to compromise?

The gospel message is the most crucial message of all times. We carry this message; we carry the Good News. We

6 // March 2023

About The Author

we must not compromise.

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.

Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Ben McWhorter

601 E 1st St. Rome, GA 30161-3143 (706) 234-8686 BMcWhorter@alfains.com

Gò0dNews for Kids

I Wish

“W

by Brenda Dedmon e all have the power to make wishes

that you can learn to be a good speller. You would need to

come true as long as we keep

decide how much you were willing to study and spend the

believing.”—Louisa May Alcott

time to make sure you were prepared for the spelling bee.

Have you ever said to your parents or teachers: I wish

As you continue to work through your list, remember

I would get an A on this test or I wish I could be a starter on the

that there is more than one way to make a wish come true.

team? It is good to have wishes about what we want, however,

You can make a list of things that you feel would help

only wishing will not make them happen. The following

you reach your goal and a list of things that you feel may

activities will be a way to help you accomplish your wishes

make it impossible to reach. Invite your parents to give you

and turn them into achievable goals for you to reach.

suggestions about the things that are most important to you

It is very important that you ask your parents

so that you can make your wishes come true. You

to help you with these ideas so that you

may choose to invite your teachers at school

can begin making your wishes happen.

and church to give you ideas in reaching

Tell your parents that you would like

your goals.

to have family time to talk about the

One of the most important things

things that you “wish” you could do.

you need to remember in making your

For the family time, have paper and

wishes come true is that God has a plan

markers to record your ideas. Talk with

for you. I would suggest you learn these

your parents about what is important

verses to help you remember God will

to you, for example: sports, dance,

take care of you and help to make your

school, friends, family, or any ideas

wishes come true.

in which you are interested. Write down in order of which is the most

“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon

important to you and what you

you, plans to give you the future

“wish” you could do in each area.

you hoped for” (Jeremiah

As you think about these

29:11, MSG).

wishes, discuss with your

“Take delight in the

parents what you can do

Lord, and he will give you

to help make those wishes

the desires of your heart”

become real. Remember,

(Psalm 37:4, RSV).

this may require you to do

“May He grant the

things to turn that wish

dreams of your heart and

into reality. If you wish

see your plans through

you could be in the spelling

to the end” (Psalm 20:4,

bee at school, then you will

The Voice).

have to set goals. It would be

8 // March 2023

About The Author

necessary for you to learn ways Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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Is An Annuity Right for Me? Money Matters Granger Hughes

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community.

He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

probably hear more and more about it. The biggest thing with any

A

portion of a 401k, for example $300k. The positive about this example is that

retirement tool is understanding if that tool is right for you. We’ve

you are basically going to have two accounts, a lifetime income (LTI) account

all heard the saying if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

and a life time income base. The income side will be credited with a bonus

As fiduciaries, this is something we avoid when working with clients, as

up front in a lot of cases. For this example, let’s use 20%. The income side

annuities aren’t as bad as you have heard, and they aren’t the answer to all

has grown to $360k day one. In addition, every year that we wait to take that

your financial problems, but they can be a valuable tool for a retiree.

income, they would give us an additional 8%. After five years, your income

lot of people ask this question, and as we approach retirement, we

Let’s look at some types of annuities. One of the most common that

2). Another option is creating an income stream. Let’s say you have a

account would be close to $530k. If you decided at that point that you wanted

we use is called a fixed indexed annuity. This means it’s linked to an index

to activate the LTI, the payout would be based on a mortality table at that

such as the S & P, but the fixed component means that the principal (the

time. Meaning if you were 70, that percentage would be 6%. This would

portion you put in) is safe. Taking that into consideration, the next step is

create $31k of annual income for the rest of your life. If you passed away,

what am I trying to accomplish?

your spouse would have the option of taking a lump sum or continuing that

1). Do I want to protect a portion of my portfolio?

stream of income. One common misconception is that if both spouses pass,

2). Do I need an income stream?

the money is gone and that isn’t necessarily the case. As mentioned earlier,

3). Is there a Long-Term Care need?

there are two accounts, the income account and the actual account value.

1). Annuities in today’s day and age can be structured based on the need for protection. For instance, let’s say you want to take some risk out of your portfolio by purchasing an annuity. There are annuities in this current

Should both husband and wife pass away, whatever is left in the account value would be distributed to the beneficiaries you had selected.

3). The third option is creating some support for Long Term Care

environment that will actually give you a bonus when you purchase one!

(LTC). This option will piggy back off of option 2. Let’s go back to the

This is one of the benefits in a rising interest rate environment that is

previous example and say we have created a stream of income annually of

actually a benefit to those who don’t want to risk their money in the market

$31k. This strategy would actually double that income to $62K, should you

and want to save in a safer environment. In addition, there are no fees with

need LTC. The key here is, are you able to perform the activities of daily

this strategy, and as mentioned before, you would be linked to the S & P,

living (ADL)? If you can’t perform two of the six, for example you can’t

which means if the S & P does x percentage, you would receive a portion,

feed or bathe yourself, the LTC option would be eligible to be activated.

but if the S & P loses money, your principal is still safe. One of the potential

All you would need is a doctor to sign off stating that you can’t perform

drawbacks is liquidity (access to your money). Typically, a lot of carriers

two of the six ADLs. This can help provide some much-needed support,

will give you 7% to 10% a year penalty free. But if you wanted to take

as the likelihood of us needing some form of LTC as we get older increases

out all your money, you could face a penalty of 10% as well, so you need

drastically. The positive aspect of this strategy is it is your money, and you

to make sure that the annuity is a piece of your overall portfolio and not

can use it how you want to. You don’t have to go into a facility, you can

your only option for withdrawals. Contracts also differ on length, though

make your home handicap accessible, hire a nurse etc., whereas a lot of

its common to see 7 to 12 years. Some misconceptions could be if I pass

traditional LTC policies only give you the option to use an actual facility.

away, my beneficiary will have to pay penalties and that is not the case.

The key is to look at what options and tools you have in retirement.

The annuity would be liquid to them, though tax liability could potentially

An annuity can be a great tool and can be structured in different ways to

ensue, as will most accounts. In addition, a lot of annuities will allow a

meet your specific needs. They aren’t going to suit everyone’s needs and

higher percentage of access should you need long term care or have a

desires, but it is important to know what your options are entering into

chronic or terminal illness. Once again, it’s important to know your options

retirement and how each tool can help protect and preserve what you have

and find the annuity that suits your needs the best.

made throughout your working years.

10 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Men

Stay on the Ride

W

by Brian Johnson

e don’t like trials. I think that goes without

Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,

being said, but it’s one of the methods God

stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

uses to conform us to the image of Christ.

God doesn’t promise that we won’t go through

James 1:2 says, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers

suffering. In fact, He tells us we will. But, after that

temptations.” Paul says, in Romans 5:3 that “…we glory in

suffering, we gain so much and become more like Christ

tribulations…” and they eventually end up with hope in

in the process. That’s why we can have hope. When God

verse 4. How can that be? How can a difficult beginning end

continually shows His power in our lives by bringing

in hope? Let’s discuss.

us through trial after trial as we trust Him, we become

I love roller coasters. So, I was excited to take my oldest son on his first roller coaster when he was nine years old. While we waited in line for about an hour, I checked with him frequently to make sure he was still okay with the ride. He assured me he was. As coasters typically do, it started slowly creeping up the first hill, creating anticipation for the first dip. We got over the hill and started to come down when, all of a sudden, the ride stopped.

We were stuck on the ride, strapped in our seats in a declined position.

Obviously, I was concerned about my son. A couple of workers walked up the stairs to let us know they were working on the ride. I

spiritually mature, established, settled, and hopeful

asked one of them if they wouldn’t mind taking my son

regardless of the circumstances. The hope that’s developed

back down with them. He said to me, “Once we get the

gives us the ability to have peace that passes understanding

ride going again, it’s actually safer to go through it.” I said

in the midst of the ride and will give us a testimony to share

okay, and after a few minutes, they got things going, and

about the power of God in our lives.

everything ended up okay.

The ride that God takes us on isn’t smooth, but if you stay on, He’ll be able to take you to places and work through

inclination is to get away from it as quickly as possible.

you in ways you never would’ve imagined. Trust Him in the

That’s understandable. We want off of the ride. But, if

trial. Stay on the ride. By the way, my son is 22 now and still

you’ve prayed about it and God still allows it, trust that He

likes roller coasters.

knows what He’s doing. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ

12 // March 2023

About The Author

When difficulty comes into our lives, our natural

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

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Gò0dNews for Women

One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

I

have fond memories of my childhood playground on

that all these years later, I still stand in the flow of His

Arista Mountain in West Virginia. My grandparents

goodness and trust Him to wash me and make me clean. It’s

lived there, and we visited often. The memories are so

a miracle that He can take the potsherds of my life and make

prominent for me that I can remember the backdrop of the cool blue sky that hovered like a canopy, a dinosaur-like

them beautiful and functional again.

I think about Job and how he sat among ash and broken

mountainside by the clothesline, and the sounds of singing

pottery as he was reeling from grief, unspeakable loss, and

birds like wallpaper in my mind.

physical affliction (see Job 2:8). I consider how he lanced

There was ample opportunity to explore and shake

his own weeping wounds with shards of broken pottery to

hands with nature. Walking to the forks of the road with my

bring relief. We are not so different. We try to foster healing

siblings and grandfather is one of many fond memories as

in the necrotic places of our hearts by introducing them to the broken places and we marvel why it doesn’t work.

Neither one can cure the other. Brokenness alone won’t heal the stench of death in me. I need my brokenness and humility to be coupled with God’s power and grace like a hitch to get anywhere at all.

As my heart is joined with His, I am in a position to make better choices, more redemptive ones. I begin to meditate on His goodness with the stamina of a one-track mind like a locomotive. And with that, my mind is kept in perfect peace. The peace is not a stagnant pond with life

we interacted with the lush landscape. It is a place where

ebbing away. Instead, it is a river that is moving, productive,

the power to choose is outwardly evident. In fact, it was

life-giving, and never will run dry.

during one of those walks that my grandfather talked with

I hear a train whistle blaring near my home as I write.

me about the temporary nature of the human life. He was a

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a train to switch

new Christian and eagerly commented on how the human

tracks or make a turn among two divergent paths? A train

life is like vapor that disappears, grass that withers, and a

conductor cannot make a detour independently. He relies on

puff of smoke that wafts away. My young mind whirred to

the flip of a switch to elevate the chosen path. This process

connect the dots at the forks of the road in that moment, but

means that the old, forgotten path is seemingly recessed in

the conversation remains with me to this day.

the earth, and the new, chosen path is elevated, making it

There isn’t time to waste on indecision. Entertaining

the only way to go.

doubt is an expense much too extravagant. We can’t afford

The Holy Spirit will do that for you. He will be your

it. With my childhood sprinkled with poverty at times, I

switch operator if you allow it. He will elevate righteousness

understand the importance of making even a little count and

for you and make that path the only way to go. He will give

stretch. Little is much when God is in it.

you a one-track mind. “Righteousness shall go before him, and

As I pray for bystanders refusing grace’s invitation,

shall make His footsteps our pathway,” (Psalm 85:13, NKJV).

make good ones without God’s continual aid. It’s a miracle I ever chose to surrender my life to God at all. It’s a miracle

14 // March 2023

About The Author

I consider the frailty of my own decisions. I simply can’t Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

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Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113

Anglican

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551

Assembly of God

Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 706-291-7790

16 // March 2023

East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777 Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729

Catholic

Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190

Church of Christ

Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351

Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895

706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 30165 706-314-9084

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2281

Lutheran

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257

Methodist

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

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 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 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518

Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360

Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161

Episcopal

Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

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 Beech Creek Church 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-1018 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 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 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 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

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

All Things Are Possible

H

by Kristen West

ave you ever noticed that the Bible is full

Maybe you feel like you’re drowning in your own

of “impossible” stories? Had they been

personal flood right now, unable to see how things

published in an ancient newspaper, I can

will ever get better. Perhaps you are facing your own

imagine some of the bold headlines reading:

personal giant who challenges you with taunts, guilt,

Noah and His Family Survive Destructive Worldwide Flood!

and ridicule as he tempts you to think you’ll never get

Puny Shepherd Boy Annihilates Battle-Hardened Giant!

Man Trapped Overnight with Lions Lives to Tell About It! EMPTY Tomb Discovered?!?

You’d be hard pressed to find a

passed him. God knew we would need those faithboosting stories (and promises) about the impossible to spur us on in our own lives.

What is your “impossible” today, friend? Whatever it is, He already sees, cares, and is there with you. Roll

story in the Bible where a country, a people, or an individual wasn’t boxed in at one time or another.

Solutions proved to be out of their reach. Their circumstances seemed bleak. It always appeared like the end was near, unavoidable, and without hope.

Yet, time after time, these stories get to a point where all the struggles, white-knuckle moments, and intense perplexity and pain is turned on its head as God moves, intervenes, and does the impossible.

The Bible—God’s incredible written Word to us—is a faithit is packed with stories intentionally meant to grow and challenge us in our daily spiritual walk. The crux of every impossible story, when believed, continually reminds us that in our own strength, we are powerless.

But God is not. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

18 // March 2023

up your sleeves and dig in to some of those incredible faith-boosting stories so that just like Noah, David, Daniel, and Jesus, you can face your impossible with utter dependency on God as you believe today that with Him all things ARE possible!

About The Author

building book. From cover to cover,

Kristen West recently published a book of 40 devotions called He’s an Everyday God.

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HOME HEALTH

FEATURED COVER STORY

H

The Herb Shop On Broad

ealth and wellness are popular buzzwords in

especially with the recent arrival of COVID-19, and the

today’s society, but for The Herb Shop on Broad, it’s

store offers many products to help this recurring issue.

more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a way of life.

The Herb Shop also carries products that can help alleviate

Larry and Linda have run The Herb Shop since 2013,

other common problems, such as general aches and pains

and both are dedicated to helping people feel better about

and trouble sleeping. Some of the more popular remedies

themselves and live healthier. “It’s a way of life I love and

they offer for these particular problems are passionflower,

enjoy,” said Larry, who has been interested in natural

L-theanine, and several other homeopathic remedies as well.

vitamins and supplements since high school. Linda has had

The Herb Shop buys products directly from the

an inherent passion for vitamins and herbs for many years,

companies that create them. In fact, they also sell some

and she learned more about the body and the benefits of

products which are specially formulated for their store

supplements while becoming a foot reflexologist.

(while still being rigorously tested for quality). These one-of-

The Herb Shop offers a large and varied selection of

a-kind products include an apple cider vinegar product that

products: whatever a customer might want. They carry

aids in weight loss, a formula that helps control cholesterol,

multivitamins and supplements that support almost any

and another that aids in blood pressure support.

brand, any function, and anything a person would need

If you’re unfamiliar with natural remedies or herb-

to be healthy. Linda offers foot reflexology treatments by

based supplements and don’t know where to begin, don’t

appointment, and the store also provides ionic foot baths,

worry! Linda said that many customers come in with a

which can attract positively charged ions in the body,

central complaint—not having enough energy—and she

helping it to heal itself faster.

recommends a good, simple multivitamin by Life’s Fortune

Linda said that the most common reason customers

that customers can actually sample for three days before

come in is for supplements that boost the immune system,

they decide to purchase it. “Honestly, when we give the

20 // March 2023

samples out for three days, people come back and buy it because they feel better,” said Linda. It’s plant-based, contains several important enzymes, and customers routinely come back to purchase the product because they have more energy after just three days. You can buy a month’s supply of that specific product for just $29.99 or a two-month supply for $49.99, smoothly taking the load off your body without lightening your wallet.

Today, more and more people are becoming aware of natural vitamins and herbs versus taking chemical medication. When a customer comes in and sees that an herb works for what they need, they’d much rather take it than a prescription, whatever their problem may be.

However, The Herb Shop ensures all of its products are routinely tested for quality by the manufacturers on a regular basis. Linda said, “We don’t sell anything that’s just randomly tested.” This focus on safety and excellence is what makes their products better than traditional options. If you’ve been wanting to try something other than traditional chemical medication, as many people across the nation are nowadays, The Herb Shop is here to help you choose a product that will work for you. As Linda put it, “We just want [customers] to achieve good health, and if we can help, that’s what we’re going to do.”

If your old car is filled with rust, it won’t run properly,

is ready to help clear out anything that might be holding you back, from aches and pains to a weak immune system to a general lack of energy. The Herb Shop offers veteran, teacher, and healthcare professional discounts, in addition to a special “family and friends” discount for long-time, repeat customers—whether it be seniors or teens—as a way of rewarding that loyalty. Larry said, “We’re grateful for our customers and thankful for their business. We’ve done quite well and business has thrived because of our customers.”

If you’d like to become one of their many satisfied shoppers, you can visit their Facebook page, @ theherbshoponbroad, call (706) 232-4447, or stop by the store at 103 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161. Come by The Herb Shop today, and discover a healthier, happier you!

The

HERB Shop

and your body is no different. The Herb Shop on Broad

goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Friendship

J

by Chase Holtzclaw

esus gives us the best example of friendship. Jesus

ourselves. We are to love the Father above all things, and

shows us how to love others and be there for them.

how we love the Father is to give Him glory. Jesus says, “If

He tells us to lay one’s life down for a friend. In John

you love me, you’ll keep my commands” (John 14:15). Love

Chapter 13, Jesus tells His disciples He leaves them with

is one of the main themes of the Bible. It shows God’s love

a new commandment: to love one another just as He has

for us, that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever

loved them. This is the perfect example of how to love your

shall believe in Him will have eternal life.

friends. Jesus knew that following Him would take more

The benefits of being a good friend can change the

than followers; it would take leaders. Not many of Jesus’s

outcome of your life. It can make your life abundant when

disciples showed leadership qualities at first. He had to show them how to become leaders, love people, and love each other. He showed them how to truly become a friend with their neighbor.

What does it mean to be there for someone? What does it mean to be there for a friend? How can we accomplish these things when we are busy and can’t find the time? It’s just like anything else—if we can find time to watch TV and movies or goof off and flip through TikTok and Facebook, then we have enough time for our friends. We have enough time to call our friends and ask them how they’re doing. That could mean the world to them. It can change their entire day, and it can also

you fill those friendships with love. When you don’t show

change your entire day. What we do with our time is very

love, your life will reflect that as well. Following the life of

important. If we spend it with those we love, it will be even

Jesus while He was on this earth is one of the best ways of

more important. We might even find that we become a little

learning how to become true friends with others. Following

happier knowing that we talked to our friends.

the example that Jesus gives us is the only way of having a

Life’s not easy, and it never has been. But what does

true friendship and showing love to those close to you. Let

make it easier is having those around us that love us and

us, as Christians, be the walking-talking example of Jesus

that we love. Jesus knew that we would need each other and

and express love to everyone around us. Let us be more

that life would not be the same if we did it ourselves. That is

than Christians. Let us be Christ-like in everything we do.

why Jesus chose His disciples. He knew they would all need

Let us love like Jesus and not walk another day on this earth

one another. Jesus wanted to give us an example of love to

wishing we could have loved better.

He said the greatest thing was love and that we must learn to show love to our neighbors just the same as we love

22 // March 2023

About The Author

show us how to love and explain why it is so important.

Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids.

God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.

Church Activities & Events Berry College

Berry Half Marathon Saturday, March 11 | 2PM Rome, GA

The Refuge Church Bible Study

Wednesday, March 15 1771 Wax Rd SE, Silver Creek, GA

Rome City Auditorium The Inspirations

Saturday, March 18 | 6PM 601 Broad St, Rome, GA

LIFE Church

Disney’s The Lion King Jr

Thursday, March 23 - Saturday, March 25 19 John Davenport Drive NW, Rome, GA

Gò0dNews for Marriage

Marriage—A Profound Mystery

“T

by Matt Jensen

herefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and

Women have an indispensable role in this task (1 Corinthians

hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one

1:11-12). Finally, marriage is a supremely intimate relationship.

flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying

It’s described as being naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). To

that it refers to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).

know and love another completely in a physical and spiritual

Family is the most important unit in society and the

sense. To be one in communion even as you are one in union.

Church. Societies and churches are made up of families.

This is the marvelous intimacy of a godly marriage. Paul can

Marriage—the covenant bond between one man and one

only call it a mystery! This mystery calls us to action.

woman until death—is the most important unit of the family.

A man must leave his father and mother. Not in an

Without biblical marriage, families derail from God’s good

absolute sense, as if he can’t have anything to do with them anymore. It means that he leaves the authority of his parents’ house to become the head of a new family.

This doesn’t exclude seeking advice, but much damage is done when a man slavishly follows the wishes of his parents to the detriment of his own family. Likewise, a woman is to leave her parents, and the two are to hold fast to one another. The moment you say, “I do,” your relationship with your spouse becomes your highest priority, second only to your relationship with God. It’s more important than your relationship with your work, parents, or even your kids. This is what it means to leave and hold fast to your spouse.

The staggering mystery and dignity of marriage is that it “refers to Christ and the Church.” It’s not merely for human flourishing. It’s a picture or living representation of the relationship between Christ and

design. When families derail, societies and churches derail.

his Church. Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again for

There is much at stake here!

his Church. He enters an unbreakable covenant with Her

Not unhitching himself from the Old Testament, Paul

sealed with His own blood and merit. The marriage has

quotes Genesis 2:24, saying, “Therefore, a man shall leave his

been established (union), and life with Christ has begun

father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall

(communion). Christian, Christ knows everything about

become one flesh.” The context of Genesis 2:24 reveals some

you and loves you! You may be reading this because you’re

important things about marriage.

interested in marriage, but if you don’t know Christ, that

First, God made man and woman in His own image

needs to be your top priority. Knowing Christ is not the

(Genesis 1:27). Maleness and femaleness are not fluid. They’re

means to a good marriage. Marriage—as wonderful as it

not socially constructed. Maleness and femaleness are God’s

is—points to something greater than itself—a union and

chosen way of manifesting His own glory in and upon human

communion with God that is not ‘til death do us part. Death

beings. Secondly, woman was created as a suitable helper for

only ushers in the eternal celebration (Revelation 19:6-9)!

man (Genesis 2:23). The task of filling and subduing the earth

Repent and believe the gospel.

heavily upon his shoulders. However, man can’t do it alone.

24 // March 2023

About The Author

was primarily given to man; thus, the responsibility falls more

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah.

They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Phone Call

by Zebbie Brewster

I

was thanking God for a Monday off work. I am retired

a worker in the church also. She taught Sunday School

from my full-time job, working part-time during the week

and loved her church family. I am thanking God for the

for a couple of hours. They say if you love your job, it

godly women God has put in my life. I have a daughter,

isn’t really work. I love my job, but I still have a hard time

granddaughter, and even a great-granddaughter now that

getting up on Monday mornings. My mom, who is still

will always need prayer and encouragement in the Lord.

struggling with declining health, had asked me to call her in the mornings. I was trying to figure out the best time to do

As Christians, we lift each other up in the Lord. When we may feel that we are limited in what we can do to help

so. I made my call this morning, and she did not answer her phone. That always scares me. I was thankful that in about five minutes, she called me back.

My mom said that she and her dog, Sunshine, are doing fair.

She had gotten some of what she needed to do done and was going to try to lay down and rest. She is dealing with so much pain that to be able to sleep is a blessing from the Good Lord.

My mom always asks for prayers when people ask how she is doing. She misses not being able to go to church and worship with her church family.

As far as I can remember, my mom has been active in the

others, we can still fervently pray for them. James 5:16

church. God blessed her with the gift of teaching Sunday

says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for

School. I got to sit under her teaching. She loved the ladies

another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer

in our class, and they always shared prayer requests. So

of a righteous man availed much.” God is an ever-present

many of the ladies have now gone on to be with their Lord.

help in our time of need, and I thank Him for that. “God

I would say that the ladies in that class shared a special

is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”

sisterhood. Most of them had already raised their families

(Psalm 46:1). I pray that God will encourage you today

and were widows alone at home. We all go through seasons

as you continue to trust your life to His loving care. He is

in our lives and it is God who puts those special people we

indeed trustworthy.

It seems only yesterday that I was sitting next to my grandmother in church as a child. My grandmother was

26 // March 2023

About The Author

need for that season in our life.

Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

On My Mind

by Judy Hood

I woke up this morning with you on my mind My feelings for you I just cannot hide My faith grows stronger with each passing day From your word, it’s my manna, you made a way I look to the heavens looking for you But there you are right beside me in everything I do I will not fear as I walk through this life on earth What can man do to me? You knew me before birth Lord, you have loved me with an everlasting love I can’t wait to get to heaven to give you a long-lasting hug My love for you I’ll not be able to control as we stroll down those streets of gold And I look upon your face your radiance to behold 28 // March 2023

Gò0dNews for Everyone

What Are You Thinking?

M

by Susan Lavigne

aybe you are like me and have a hard time anticipating a positive outcome to an event. My mind can easily lapse into negative thinking.

While I was teaching a conflict management class, I learned that actions are rooted in thoughts that happen so quickly that we sometimes act “without thinking” or analyzing our thoughts. I realized that if I could consciously change my negative thoughts to positive ones, my actions and reactions would also be more optimistic. When we slow down our thinking, there are basically three steps that lead to our actions.

Step by Step: 1. Facts: We see and hear what is going on.

2. Story: Then, we tell ourselves a story about the facts based on our beliefs.

Of these three, the key step is the story we tell ourselves.

Our story is influenced either positively or negatively by our prior experiences or our beliefs. However, I have discovered that I can tell myself a different story if I choose. Here’s an example from my own life.

Presently, I am a member of the Rome Toastmasters group. In 2000, the group encouraged and selected me to participate in a speech contest. There were two other competitors from different Toastmaster’s clubs also participating. When the winners were announced, I came in third out of the three participants. My step-by-step reaction was: 1. Facts: I came in third with three competitors.

2. My Story: “I am a total loser and terrible speaker.”

(Negative view) 3. My Action: I was discouraged and didn’t compete in another speech contest for four years.

Now, I could have told myself a more positive story from the same set of facts. I could have encouraged myself

30 // March 2023

knowing that my club selected me to represent them at this contest because they had confidence in my ability. I could have further built myself up by realizing that each person competing came from clubs comprised of 25 members like my club, so that I actually came in third out of 75 members.

That is a much more positive perspective! Also, I could have commended myself for even having the courage to compete in my very first speech contest.

Maybe it’s time to pause and think about what we are thinking. When I came in third at the speech contest, I initially told myself that I was a loser, but today I will follow Paul’s instructions in Romans and tell myself a different story. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). God desires for us to examine our thoughts and tell ourselves a positive story based on “His good and perfect will” for our lives.

About The Author

3. Action: Then, based on our story, we respond.

Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

No Man Is an Island

T

by Beth Penny

he phrase “No man is an island” was coined

Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, Moses

by scholar and poet turned church cleric, John

and Aaron; the list goes on and on. Lasting bonds in

Donne, in his poem: “No man is an island; entire

all relationships are created through trust and loyalty.

of itself. Every man is a piece of a continent; a part of

Proverbs 17:17 advises us, “A friend loves us at all times;

the main…” His argument is people are at their best

and a brother is born for times of need.”

when working with others rather than in isolation.

That’s companionship in the condensed version. We

Every person is an individual piece of humanity. Look

need a circle of friends, family, and loved ones around

ahead 200 years to 1816, and 18-year-old Mary Shelley

us to share in times of joy and need. There are always

pens Frankenstein, which is not the story of an iconic

both happiness and struggles, and having more than one

horror monster who has bolts in his neck and walks stiff-legged with outstretched arms. It is a classic story of companionship versus isolation.

Stories of friendship and camaraderie are as old at time…for a reason.

Companionship is a basic human need right behind food, water, and shelter. God perfectly designed us that way. In the very beginning, Genesis 2:18 reminds us that God created woman as a companion for man. “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” God created Eve not only as a wife for Adam but also as a companion.

There are so many sociological theories on the importance of relationships. Helen Fien, a sociologist

person to share a burden lightens the load and allows more for a joyful celebration.

Remember how important all your relationships

specializing in human rights and genocide relating to the

are in your everyday lives. Take care of your circle and

Holocaust, put forth a theory of human behavior called

treasure those around you. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the

The Universe of Obligation. This describes a hierarchy of

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your

caring. Who belongs in your “inner circle,” and who do

soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest

we have a responsibility to in our ranked circles?

commandment. And the second is like it: Love your

We see many times throughout the Bible how all

neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-38).

examples of marriage relationships but also familial and friend relationships: Ruth and Naomi, David and

32 // March 2023

About The Author

different relationships are so important. We see not only Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair.

She and her husband, Chad, have four children.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference.

h elp com m u n it ysh a re . c om

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sitting Duck

H

by Karla Smedley

ow ignorant are we to simply sit stagnant, making us

I find myself just sitting there like that ignorant duck resisting

an easy target to be tempted by Satan? God’s Holy

Satan’s blatant temptations, but making no movement toward

Word states no one is immune to the temptations of

God. Thus, I drift away from Him whenever Satan tosses a

Satan, and yet, we often sit still, like a duck waiting for the

pebble, one of his less subtle allures, in the pond, causing me

hunter to take his shot. Will you sit like a dumb duck, or will

to drift with the ripples. When I give in to his coaxing, my boat

you take action and protect yourself?

weighs more, producing increased difficulties in managing the

Take A Page from Dobson’s Book

oars to draw closer to Him.

Have you ever read a line that sticks with you forever? I gleaned one such thought that has resonated with me for over twenty years. In James Dobson’s book, Coming Home: Timeless

The Good News There is a way to find my way back to God. Dump the contents of my sin out of my boat, and turn toward Him.

Wisdom, he creates the image of a couple sitting on a lake in

• Ask for forgiveness and repent

separate row boats. As the title indicates, he shares wise words,

• Know that God forgives as far as the East is to the West

hoping the reader will apply them to his/her own life. He

• Remember God loves me

draws the picture of the separate boats drifting apart because

• Pray, asking God to help me feel His presence

neither of the rowers are willing to put in the effort to move

• Read His word and seek His wise ways

toward one another—just sitting like ducks with a target on

• Apply this wisdom to my life, overcoming

their backs. While motionless, Satan will tempt them, and if they act upon these temptations, they will actually shift further away in the opposite direction. He suggests that both are in control of their boat and should pursue action, intentionally

my consequences • Learn from my mistakes and strive to live like Jesus more each day Ditch that sitting duck attitude and migrate towards the

rowing to one another.

Lord. You will be surprised by the peace you will find when

Applying to My Relationship with God

you cultivate your relationship, rowing toward God every day.

What a wonderful comparison for a stagnant marriage.

However, couldn’t this be said about our relationship with God? God does pursue us. In the book of Matthew, he shares the parable that Jesus told concerning the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine, seeking to gather the one sheep that is lost! Yes, God would row towards me while I chase after a temptation that Satan has baited me with.

Sometimes, I fall for his methods: hook,

34 // March 2023

About The Author

line, and sinker. More often though,

Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484

reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

T

Feed the Need hirteen years. 2,340 days. 16,380 hours. Before graduating high school, a child will spend 16,380 hours at school.

With the addition of extracurricular activities, a child may

spend up to 30,000 hours inside the walls of their school before they graduate.

What can you do in 30,000 hours?

Unity Christian School views these hours as an opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with students by disciplining them through academics, athletics, and fine arts. For 25 years, Unity Christian School has been investing in young leaders in the Rome community by providing a rigorous, college-preparatory education that focuses not only on developing critical thinking skills but also wisdom and virtue through its emphasis on the four

Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries, and the Anti-hunger

pillars of academics, fine arts, athletics, and spiritual formation.

Initiatives to meet the needs of our neighbors with food insecurity

Unity invests in its students through Gospel-saturated, relational

and internationally via Unity’s partnership with a mission

teaching, and a vertically-aligned curriculum, recognizing that God

organization in Eleuthera, Bahamas.

has a unique call on the life of each student.

While each child has a unique call for his or her life,

Not only will all Unity faculty and students serve through packing meals, but Unity’s students will also have the opportunity

God calls all His children to serve others. To that end, Unity

to distribute the meals in Floyd and Polk County. This past

Christian School promotes service projects within classrooms,

summer, the high school mission trip distributed meals in

student extracurricular groups, and athletic teams. From yearly

Eleuthera to a Haitian refugee group. Our students look forward to

participation in Samaritan’s Purse ministries to the Salvation

this opportunity again in summer 2024.

Army’s annual can drive, Unity provides opportunities for its

“Service is an integral part of Unity’s mission,” said Head of

students to connect with organizations in our community that are

School Eric Munn. “Our mission statement specifically states that

actively serving God’s children, both locally and globally.

we partner with parents in preparing their children to impact the

At the annual State of the School event on Friday, March

world for Christ by pursuing their God-given gifts in academics,

3, Unity launched a unique fundraiser called Feed the Need. In

leadership, and service. While we have traditionally invested a

partnership with Birmingham-area consulting firm, The Champion

great deal of energy in service projects by class, Feed the Need

Group, Unity administration shared the goals of Feed the Need

allows us to incorporate the service mandate specifically into our

with its families. As Unity is committed to providing a high-

fundraising efforts. By doing this, we hope to live out the Gospel

quality, college preparatory, Christ-centered education to families

message for our students, teaching them that all good gifts come

regardless of their financial means, annual fundraisers bridge

from the Father and that He calls us to give of our time, talents,

the gap between tuition revenue and operational expenses while

and finances to meet the needs of His children in the community in

allowing Unity to invest in the future of the school. Typically,

which he has planted us.”

with fundraising events, a portion of the funds raised goes toward

To learn more about Unity’s impact in Northwest Georgia or

the event itself, such as banquet food, auction items, and a venue.

to find out how you can be a part of Feed the Need, please contact

What makes Feed the Need unique is that Unity will invest

Jeannie King, at jking@unitychristianschool.org.

the typical fundraising overhead into serving those with food insecurity. On March 31, 2023, all 363 students at Unity Christian School will gather to pack 10,000 meals. These meals will then be distributed both locally via Community Share Ministries,

36 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Don’t Look Back

T

by Diana Fain

he word of God instructs us in many scriptures about

former lives to follow Christ, we will receive a hundredfold

looking back, but many of us find ourselves going

in return and eternal life. So, the life we live for Christ is a

back over our past hurts, wrongdoings, or even

100 percent return on investment on whatever we think we

failed relationships. God warns us about not looking back because we can sometimes find ourselves back in those same situations that He has delivered us from (Genesis 19:26).

left or lost.

2 Peter 2:20-22 tells us, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the

Luke 9:61-62 says, “And another also said, Lord, I will

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in

follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who

them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than

are at my house. But Jesus said to him, no one having put

the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to

his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.” We can see from this Scripture that we cannot keep looking back and do what God has called us to do. This is because looking back can be a distraction and can often cause us to get off track from our Godgiven purpose.

Hebrews 10:39 says, “But we are not of these who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

We do not go back to willingly sinning once God has delivered us. This is especially important to remember when we find ourselves in difficult situations,

have known the way of righteousness than having known

because it is during those times, we can often think about

it, to turn from the holy commandments delivered to them.”

going back to what worked for us in our past. Although it

We can again become entangled in sins we were once

may not be the best course of action for us, it may be our

delivered from. This is why we shouldn’t look back.

comfort zone. The enemy loves to keep us in our comfort zones because we will never step out and trust God. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “Do not say, why were the

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Remember not the former things nor the things of old.” We do not have to dwell on our past failures or mistakes. God is ever faithful and forgiving.

He does not want us feeling guilty for things that He has

concerning this.” The enemy would have us believe that our

already forgiven us for. Our past is indeed in the past, so we

former days before we received salvation were better than

do not need to go back and pick those things up.

the life we now live for Christ, but that is a lie. Matthew 19:29 lets us know that whatever we left or lost in our

38 // March 2023

About The Author

former days better than these? For you do not inquire wisely

My name is Diana Fain, and I am from Rome, Georgia.

I have worked in healthcare for many years and enjoy being of help to others. I also love to garden, travel, and write; thus, when God gives me a word, I enjoy sharing it.

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