Gò0dNews November 2019
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Contents NOVEMBER 2019
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Be Thankful
by Joel Walker
GoodNews for Kids
8 Replace Fear With Love by Linda Ray Center
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Just Give Me the Money by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 How Men Should Lead by Chester Clark
GoodNews for Women
14 Living With Thankfulness by Lisa Hamilton
GoodNews for Parents
18 What DNA Can’t Say by Ruthiey Boggs
GoodNews for Health & Fitness
20 Understanding How to Lose Belly Fat
by Amy Lemieux GoodNews for Everyone
22 Are you GrateFULL or ThankFULL?
by Beth Penny GoodNews Cover Story
24 ComForCare Home Care of Northwest Georgia
GoodNews for Thanksgiving
26 Rediscover Thanksgiving
GoodNews for Everyone
28 There Is Hope In The Valley by Megan Van Meter
GoodNews for Gratefulness
30 The Gratitude Game by Amy Oyler
GoodNews for Couples
32 Calm
by Wesley Clay
GoodNews for Waiting
34 Waiting
12
by Christina Ramey
GoodNews for Everyone
36 All Hope
by Zebbie Brewster
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Thanksgiving
by Bill Fortenberry
GoodNews for Joy
40 Joy
by Lauren Simpson
GoodNews for Everyone
42 Focus On The Who
24
by Tia Wheelus
GoodNews for Everyone
44 Begin And End With Thanksgiving
by Candace Beard GoodNews on Giving
46 First Give Yourself by Jimmy Bryant
by Detrick Redding
44
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Be Thankful here are few constants in life. Our planet is ever-changing, as well as our society. But as the saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Every year we have seasons. And every year, about this time, we gather together as families to celebrate Thanksgiving.
We all have our traditions: turkey, dressing, football, and of course, the inevitable nap that follows our tryptophan overdose. An emerging Thanksgiving tradition in America is travel, as many of us will hop in our vehicles and make the trek to Grandma and Grandpa’s. Thanksgiving is odd if you think about it. Why in the world would we go to such lengths just 6 // November 2019
to get together and eat turkey, which—let’s be honest—isn’t exactly the tastiest meat? The meaning of the holiday is in the name itself: be thankful. Thankfulness is not a natural human emotion. Couple that with the reality that life can be difficult at times and it’s a recipe for bitterness and cynicism. Thanksgiving serves as a reminder that there are good things in our world, and wherever we are in life, we have been the recipients of them. Family. Friends. Love. And, the Bible tells us, God gave them all to us (James 1:17). Most of all, He’s given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. If you find yourself struggling to be thankful this year, let the cross be a reminder of God’s unchanging, unfailing love for you. Because of Jesus, we have reason to be thankful.
About The Author
T
by Joel Walker
Joel Walker lives with his wife, Lauren, and his two children, Ethan (4) and Addison (2). He pastors Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Silver Creek, Georgia.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Replace Fear With Love Excerpt from Linda Center’s book, Crystal Discovers The Glow.
H
by Linda Ray Center
ave you ever wandered away from your
me to stay seated while he got us something to eat.
parents and gotten lost? Has a younger sister
He was gone longer than I’d expected, so I decided
or brother or your pet escaped from the house?
to look for him. Not a good idea. I lost my way. I was
Everyone is scared sometimes—even adults! This is a story about a girl named Crystal, whose
dad helped her when she was afraid. Crystal ran down the street calling her dog, Louie, “Come on, boy, where are you?” Her hands trembled
so scared that I hid in a bathroom stall. My father couldn’t find me and called the police. If I had only kept still and trusted Dad to come back, everything would have been okay. In the end, I learned it’s important not to panic when you’re afraid.” God’s Word says a lot about fear. One of my favorite verses is 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love drives out fear.” God is perfect love, and the closer you are to Him, the less power fear has over you. His love can help you put your fears to rest. With Jesus in your heart, you might still feel afraid, but you can know that He is near. The key to shaking off fear is to accept God’s love and trust Him to help you. When Crystal became afraid, she put her trust in God. After she turned her fears over to
as she pushed the back door to the house open. “Dad, I can’t find him,” Crystal whimpered. “I’m scared someone took him or he’s hurt somewhere.” Dad touched Crystal’s shoulder. “Honey, it’s going
Him, they changed to love. Like Crystal, you can put your fears to rest. Imagine the fantastic ways you can “glow as you go” if you trust God too.
feeling. But everybody gets scared sometimes, even me. Once my dad took me to a football game and told
8 // November 2019
About The Author
to be okay. I know you’re frightened, and it’s a terrible Linda Ray Center is an author and inspirational speaker addressing the importance of education to children. She encourages God’s design in relationships of all kinds and for all ages. www.lindaraycenter.com.
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Just Give Me the Money 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.
B
elieve it or not, this isn’t an article about taxes, though the title may have made you think so (maybe I’ll discuss taxes in a future column). The title of this column refers to relatives, friends, or co-workers who request or even demand that you give or loan them money with “no strings attached.” It’s a touchy subject, but since your financial well-being could depend upon it, let’s proceed. I agree with Dave Ramsey about loaning money to family, friends, or co-workers, meaning it’s better to “give” the money rather than to “loan” it with expectation of being paid back. If you cannot afford to give the money with no expectation of repayment, it’s best to tell them “no.” Loaning them money means that these friends and family are now indebted to you. And since the Bible says (in Proverbs) that the “borrower is slave to the lender,” you have now “enslaved” your family member or friend, no matter how good your intentions may have been. So, this sounds very noble and altruistic—giving away “free” money to loved ones who are in need. But not so fast; even these “gifts” are not completely “no strings attached,” or at least they shouldn’t be. Before handing over your hard-earned money, it would be wise to ask some questions and offer some advice to the recipient. This is especially true if the friend or relative has a habit of asking for money. What are they doing with their money every month, and why are they always broke? Are they working full-time? If not, perhaps that’s the solution. (There’s a great place to go when you’re broke—to WORK!) Are they spending beyond their means? Do they have a written monthly budget to track all their expenses? Ask to see their budget and offer
10 // November 2019
helpful advice to “teach them to fish for themselves” rather than simply giving them a fish (money) on a regular basis. These are truly “teachable moments” where you can impart financial wisdom about disciplined personal finance. Not only can you help improve the financial health of those you care about, but you’ll also be helping yourself by not having to continue to give your money to those who perhaps are mismanaging their finances. With these types of situations, I have the same rule as Dave Ramsey: “if you want my money, you have to take my advice, too.” It’s easier to give money to help your loved ones if you are confident they are taking steps in the right direction to improve their finances, so they don’t keep asking for more money in the future. Don’t get me wrong: this applies to personal situations with friends and loved ones who are asking you directly for money to “help them out.” I don’t demand a face-to-face meeting with my church leadership every Sunday before I write my tithe check, nor do I meet with the Boards of Directors to review the budgets of every charity where my wife and I donate money. However, I highly recommend that you perform some due diligence by researching online to see what you can learn about any non-profit group before making a substantial donation. In recent years, we’ve seen many news stories about how some charities use most of their donations to pay high salaries to their administrators, with only a small portion of the money actually reaching the needy for whom it was intended. Be sure to do your homework so that your giving is effective. That’s part of being a good steward of God’s money.
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Gò0dNews for Men
How Men Should Lead
W
by Chester Clark
hen I was a teenager, a family attended for a time a small group Bible study at our home. They were a nice enough family and seemed to really enjoy the studies and
interaction. There was, however, one thing that was very strange. If the mother began contributing to the discussion, either the father or one of the older sons would ensure she kept quiet. They took Paul’s counsel about the noisy ladies in Corinth (who in their culture would have been sitting together, apart from their husbands) quite literally (1 Corinthians 14:35). For centuries in Christendom, men have read certain Bible passages with apparent satisfaction. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18). “For the husband is head of the wife…” (Ephesians 5:23). Armed with such texts, even well-meaning preachers have taught that men are to be in charge while women are to submit to them. Don’t get me wrong. I do believe that God created humans male and female in the beginning (Genesis 1:26) and that there are in certain arenas preferred roles that He designed them to fulfill. But those who have selectively focused on texts that seem to support male dominance have too often created a warped version of male headship theology that has provided cover for abuse— emotional, physical, and even sexual. Male domination is not the point of the passages when the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:22, 23). Do you see that phrase, “as also Christ is the head of the church?” Whatever this submission is supposed to look like in the home, Jesus has modeled it in His relationship with His bride, the church! Here’s how Jesus demonstrates headship: Love. It is often said, I believe truly, that love awakens love. Simply put, it’s easier to love someone who unselfishly loves you! “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Jesus is the one “who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). God “demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Service. The distorted male headship theology presumes that women exist to serve the needs of men. Maybe that’s an extreme way to state it, but it essentially is how I’ve seen men at times treat their wives. But that’s not the way Jesus lived when here on earth. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When we are touched by His sacrificial service, we are inspired and motivated to also serve
12 // November 2019
Him and others. And if men sought to be servants rather than lords, as Christ did, they would enjoy much happier homes. Submission. Maybe it’s a dirty word today, but submission lies at the heart of both the distorted male headship view as well as the true one. The distorted view is that God requires women to submit to their husbands, while men get to do what they want. In fact, this isn’t what Jesus modeled. “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done,” Jesus prayed as He submitted to His Father’s will in Luke 22:42. It was our sins—yours and mine—that He was submitting to bear. As leaders in the home, men are called to be leaders in submission: to model what it looks like so that the rest of the members of the family may find it easier to surrender in their domains as well. The distorted view would assume the wife should be the one to apologize when an argument has occurred; after all, the man is the one to be respected. But what I’ve come to understand is that, as the husband, I should be the proactive one in demonstrating humility and submission, making it easy for my wife and kids to reciprocate. We should lead like Jesus! About The Author
understood in context. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to
Chester Clark III has had the joy of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in more than fifty counties, and now enjoys living with his wife Jane and daughter Ella.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Living With Thankfulness
1
by Lisa Hamilton
Timothy 6:6-8: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” There are times in our life when we need to remind
ourselves of all that God has brought us through. Remembering our blessings helps us to remain thankful, helps to strengthen our faith during
• For our wonderful church family and ministries we are able to serve in, and • For our family’s testimony, books, and writing opportunities. I am most thankful for God’s love and companionship and for the deep joy He has given to me. I pray that each of you will journal and testify of all the great things God has
trials, and will encourage us when we don’t see the hand of God moving. Thanking God is another way to defeat the enemy when he tries to discourage us. There is not a problem or situation that God is unaware of. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Today, I thank God: • For His forgiveness and salvation, • For deliverance from anxiety, • For saving the life of our son Michael with a miracle healing, • For God’s deliverance and protection from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Asia, • For blessing my husband’s 30-year career and the provisions for our family, • For our children and their success in school, good opportunities, and favor with their teachers, • For the restoration of our marriage, family, and relationships, • For keeping my son Brian safe in his health challenges, • For bringing peace into my home and life,
14 // November 2019
done for you. We know that King David did this often to encourage himself. When we meditate on God’s Word and all that He has done for us, we please Him and are strengthened. We can keep our joy even through harsh trials. Psalm 77:11-14: “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.”
About The Author
depression, and addiction,
Lisa Hamilton is the author of His Legacy of Love. She lives with her husband and five children in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her passion is sharing the love of Christ. She encourages others to live in obedience to Him to experience the abundant life. Lisa shares devotions, testimonies, and encouragement on her Facebook page (Happyinsing).
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 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360 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
16 // November 2019
Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161 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 706-295-1150 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 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
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
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
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
Foursquare
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
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
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 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
What DNA Can’t Say
NA is capable of telling us many things now. It’s very trendy to do an ancestry DNA test to find out “where you come from.” As cool and fun as the findings may be, there are many things that DNA will never tell you. DNA can never tell you about all the long talks, advice, worries, or laughs that have been shared between me and my Bonus Dad whom I so lovingly call Pop. It will never tell you about the love between him and my daughters, his granddaughters. DNA would never call me his daughter, but he has many times. Our similarities can’t be credited to our relation, but they can be credited to our relationship. You see, this can’t even be an argument of nature vs. nurture because I was an adult when he came into my life. My mom, who had never been on a single date in the nine years since losing my dad, came home and told me she might go out with this guy. I wished her luck and figured this would go nowhere; I mean, she was busy focusing all of her time and attention on me. Fast forward six months and they are getting married. When my mom told me he had asked her to marry him and asked how I felt, I was quick to let her know that I was happy for her, but he was NOT walking me down the aisle when I got married. After they were married and he was living with us, every day, I would come home from school around lunchtime and he would be there since he was already retired and my mom was still working. He asked me to go to lunch one day; I don’t know the date, but I know that he waited on me for lunch every day after that. I would come in the door and he would say, “Alright, Ruthiey, you ready to go to Martha’s?” (That was our lunch place.) He invested his time and energy into getting to know me, one meal at a time. He never forced me or rushed me into loving him; he truly cared about me and the happenings in my life, and he shared his life with me. So I would encourage anyone getting a stepparent to give them a chance, don’t push them away, and give them a
18 // November 2019
chance to know you. Don’t push back because you could be pushing one of the greatest blessings in your life away. And to the new stepparents, give them time and don’t rush them to accept you, but do love them and demonstrate that love in patience and by investing your time, energy, and maybe even some lunch money into their lives. Oh, and guess what, y’all? Crow’s really not all that bad if it’s well done! In the spring of 2004, I gladly took his arm as he walked me down the aisle. Over the past 18 years, he has truly become one of my best friends, and I appreciate and love him more than words or DNA could ever describe. DNA is amazing stuff, but it isn’t everything.
About The Author
D
by Ruthiey Boggs
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.
Church Activities & Events North Rome Church of God Message in the Music
Saturday, November 2nd | 8:30AM - 2:00PM 1929 North Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161
Summer Hill AME Church
Church Anniversary - Celebrating 150 Years! Sunday, November 10th | 3:00PM - 6:00PM 1981 Kingston Rd NE, Rome, GA 30161
Rome Seventh-Day Adventist Church The King’s Heralds
Saturday, November 2nd | 6:00PM - 7:00PM 1981 Kingston Rd NE, Rome, GA 30161
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
2nd Annual Crafts For Christmas Bazaar November 9th | 9:00AM - 4:00PM 46 Dykes Creek Road NE, Rome, GA 30161
First Presbyterian Church of Rome
Comprehension: Helping Students Remember What They Read Tuesday, November 19th 101 East 3rd Avenue, Rome, GA 30161 Call for more info (706) 291-6033
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Understanding How to Lose Belly Fat
W
by Amy Lemieux
hen it comes to getting trim, it helps to know
abdomen. There’s a reason the term “beer belly” exists.
Alcohol is one those substances that is dangerously high Gò0dNews for Health & ofFitness
how to lose belly fat. Belly fat is that stubborn excess that surrounds your midsection. It can
in calories and is frequently consumed in large amounts
make your clothes look lumpy and bumpy. It can also
because it’s liquid. When you drink a lot of alcohol, you’ll
hang over your belt and embarrass you.
have more problems with fat around the middle.
But you don’t have to live with stubborn belly fat.
If you don’t have proper sleep patterns, you’ll also
There are some specific things you can do that will help
have problems with belly fat. When you lack sleep, the
you lose it. When you know how to lose belly fat, the
hormone cortisol becomes out of balance. This hormone will actually cause fat to go straight to the belly area. That means you’ll have more belly fat, regardless of your diet. In addition to sleepless nights, high
Be Beach Body in 8 Weeks
stress can affect your cortisol levels in a bad way. You’ll have more belly fat when you
H
by Amy Mendez
live a high-stress life. So, if you’re looking
20 // November 2019 24 // May 2018
About Author The Author
too much. Reducing calories too much or too fast can cause ere we are again! This is that time of the year where for how to lose belly fat, make sure you your weight loss to backfire. Be sure you’re not missing meals. people start getting serious about getting into shape, Tip 3: Up your weight trainingas intensity by adding 10-15 looking forward to that beach body to make its debut. reduce stress as much possible. Exercises reps to what you are already doing. Also add some supersets But, don’t wait until two weeks before your yearly trip to the like weight training and aerobic activity can 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 the remainder of your prep, move to and from each exercise at a reasonable timeline to make it happen. Plan ahead for your help you to reduce stress and normalize beach body by strategically preparing for at least eight to twelve a faster pace. Avoid resting too long and don’t get caught up in cortisol levels.Remember Also, they increase your casual conversation. you’reboth on a mission! weeks. Now is the time to up your intensity in the gym and Tip 4: Eliminate carbs from your last meal of the day. But tighten up your diet. Be determined that this year is your year. metabolic rate, which helps you to burn still eat your protein and veggies. This will help to speed up Change your perception of how you view your more calories throughout the day. fat loss. “program” of losing weight. When you call it a “program” you your Tip 5: Add a second session of cardio 30-40 minutes set yourself to fail because you are preparing your mind for an Understanding how to lose belly fatin the evening. This will really boost your fat burning and cut off end date, at which point you plan to return to your previous canpounds help you to be more at a faster rate.more successful. While life style that got you here in the first place. If you want to Tip 6: Don’t miss breakfast! Your body has been fasting all keep off your weight loss change your mind in how you view some amount of belly fat can be caused by night and possibly early morning if you did fasted cardio. Be your “program”. View it as a life style change. canto still overcome this by oftaking process becomes much easier Make for you. Believe itset oryou not, eat a full meal of 30-40 grams protein control with a complex changes that won’t up to fail bygenetics, reducing tooyousure carb like oatmeal. Don’t do meal replacements for breakfast if many calories too fast. Keep yourself from getting bored in the instead of allowing it to take over. there are some things you can do to reduce the fat in this you can. gym by switching up your routine and challenging yourself. toEatmake getting anddieters staying in shape one specific area of your body. Tip 7: 5-6 meals a day. Most will decrease the a Don’t get complacent and just go through the motions. Be determined Drink plenty of water. Carry a gallon jug around with you amount of daily meals in an attempt to reduce calories. Most lifelong commitment. If you revert back to your old way Start by making sure you drink lots of water. Water people have the mentality of only eating one of two times throughout the day and have it finished before bedtime. This daily,then but that mentality will crash your weight loss goals way you ensure adequate waterin intake. The gallon takes things, ofjug doing you will get the same results thatfast. retention can happen when your diet is too high Tip 8: Eliminate junk food – Junk food offers nothing but the guess work out of asking yourself “How much water did I got you where you were to begin with. It’s never going to sodium and you don’t keep hydrated. Unfortunately, empty calories. There’s no nutritional value in snack foods like take in”? chips,Set sweets, andgoals French fries. occasional or a Here are eight-weekthe tipsbelly for yourfat fat-burn plan. be a “quick fix.” your andAn stick withhamburger it! You can that often causes bloating, which enhances 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 do this! on your body. Even though it’s not technically fat, it can dieting, but not on a regular basis. day eat a high carb day. I usually consider this the day for my Stick to these simple weight-loss tips and watch the fat cheat meal. make you look like you have more fat than you do. And melt away! Tip 2: Leave your carb intake the same but add 30-40 nobody wants that! minutes cardio before eating your first meal of the day. Fasted proven burn fat. more fat. Cardio allows you to Ditch the alcohol if youcardio wanthastobeen lose the to belly Amy Mendez Lemieuxisisaalife lifecoach, coach,mentor, mentor, push through plateaus without having to alter caloric intake personal trainer, and a nutritionist nutritionist at at Alcohol can cause you to collect fat specifically in your Results Unlimited in Calhoun, Ga. Georgia.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Are You GrateFULL or ThankFULL?
R
by Beth Penny
obert Fulghum took the self-help world by storm
(Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-4), and to do “everything in the
with his book entitled, Everything I Need to Know I
name of Jesus out of a spirit of gratitude” (Colossians 3:17).
Learned in Kindergarten. That was some really solid
Everything we have, every little thing, is a gift from God.
advice. “Share everything. Play fair. Wash your hands before
Thank God every day that we are able to open our eyes and
you eat. Flush.” And, I think, most importantly, “Always say
face another day. Even though we may think the stresses of
please and thank you.” Simple rules for life that go a long
the day might be unbearable at times, if we have tuned in to
way. Always say thank you. But, going a step further, mean
focus on the small things, our reality is much more positive.
it. Express gratitude and thankfulness with sincerity without
On the alternative side, being ungrateful and unthankful
expecting anything in return. Melodie Beattie also offers inspirational words that
leads to a hardened heart (Romans 1:18-21). Being ungrateful is a stressful burden to bear. It leads to bitterness
we can live by. “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” The small act of being grateful for the things around us opens the door to an entirely new way of thinking. Her words can apply to all aspects of our lives. Being grateful and content with what we have at hand makes everything enough and more. It relieves a burden that we always have to have more or better things or “stuff.” We live in such a fast-paced world that we don’t take the time to stop, slow down, or even really relax. We don’t take the
and unforgiveness, and it becomes like a stone around our
time to soak in all the small things around us that we should
necks. We are pulled down by the weight of the unseen
be grateful for. Unplug the technology, TV, computer, or
mountains that we don’t even need to climb. Simply just go
whatever is monopolizing our time. The more in tune we are
around by being thankful for what we have.
with the world around us, often those small things that we
Thank you, God, for giving us everything we have and
sometimes don’t even see become the biggest things in our
don’t deserve. Thank you for the small daily blessings that
lives that we are grateful for. We see the small things in our
we forget to count. Thank you most of all for sending your
lives with new eyes.
Son to unclog our hearts so that your love can flow through.
Paul, on his missionary journeys, counseled new
Amen.
(Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18), “even in suffering”
22 // November 2019
About The Author
believers to “give thanks in all things, in all circumstances” Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair. She and her husband, Chad, have four children.
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ComForCare Home Care of Northwest Georgia
C
omForCare Home Care has been servicing the 15
mother with three children, of which I was the youngest, so
counties of Northwest Georgia since 2011 and is
most of my free time was spent with her and the residents,”
very proud to consistently be awarded Provider
Moriah said. “I joke that I had a thousand grandparents
of Choice and Employer of Choice by Home Care Pulse
growing up. This community is where I learned to play
(homecarepulse.com). ComForCare provides in-home care
piano, learned how to play board games like cribbage and
for clients who need assistance with the activities of daily
rummy-o, started my first stamp collecting club, and even
living. The majority of the company’s clients are seniors,
played on their baseball team (the gentlemen would hit the
but employees can also help anyone who needs assistance,
ball and I would run around the bases for them).”
including handicapped or disabled individuals, new mothers (performing tasks such as light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation to appointments, and running errands), and even individuals who are recovering from surgery (whether medically necessary, elective, or cosmetic). Moriah Medina, the Community Outreach Coordinator for ComForCare, has a special connection to the senior care industry. “When I was young, my mother was the Activity Director for a nursing home in a senior community called Bristol Village, located in Waverly, Ohio. She was a single
24 // November 2019
“I would read stories I had just learned to the residents and would also ask them to help me with my schoolwork
by using flash cards and practice tests. I was someone who grew up directly benefiting from the value and knowledge of my senior community, so when I got the opportunity to get into the senior industry as an adult, it seemed like it was meant to be. I have a three-year-old daughter, and she has started visiting senior communities with me because I would love for her to have the same experiences I had growing up.” ComForCare is very proud of its team of employees, which consists of CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) and PCAs (Personal Care Assistants). ComForCare requires that all employees have a background in caregiving but also puts them through additional training, including DementiaWise training. One employee who provides valuable knowledge and experience to the team is Director of Care Mary Harrell. The head of the scheduling department, Mary has been with ComForCare for over five years and has worked in elder care since 2006. She is originally from Calhoun, and she and her family currently live in the Armuchee area. Moriah had this to say about Mary: “She’s an amazing part of the team.” For more information about ComForCare’s caregivers and how the company staffs, visit comforcare.com/our-caregivers. This year, the company is very excited to roll out its new ComForCare Community Cares Division. Putting the industry expertise of its staff to use, ComForCare is creating lots of opportunities to benefit the entire community and not just its clients, from community education projects and home safety inspections to fundraisers the organization puts to cover different needs in the community. According to Moriah, “Our most current fundraiser is to benefit Project Lifesaver, a non-profit organization that makes tracking devices that can help find people who may have wandered off and become lost because of Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or other cognitive impairments.” Another way ComForCare employees interact with the community is through their podcast, Growing Gray in Georgia. The podcast gives Moriah, Mary, and others an opportunity to talk candidly about “the joys and some of the challenges of growing older in the state of Georgia.” You can
art projects, social events, Braves games, card games, and woodworking. The company’s Community Cares Division brings this same idea to the community. Moriah said, “I personally go into senior communities and put on music programs (we call it Joyful Memories) where I play music from different generations. Each participant gets an instrument, and we sing songs together and play our instruments. It’s a great opportunity to hear stories about the memories that the music brings up.” ComForCare has also partnered with Petland to bring puppies to visit for pet therapy and with Christin Warden from the organization Brighter Birthdays to help pack birthday supply bags for children in need in the area.
Client and Family Reviews “The people they send out here are so nice. I couldn’t get anything done on my own, and it would hurt me so bad to do things. It’s been a miracle to have someone here. I used to have a complete mess and it would upset me.” –Charlotte (January 2018) “I can’t say enough about ComForCare Senior Services. The caregivers were compassionate and did a fantastic job caring for my parents. ComForCare has allowed my parents to stay in the home and maintain their independence. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ComForCare!!!” –Google Review “The caregivers from ComForCare address something immediately if I or my mother mentions it to them. They don't waste time.” –Willie (May 2017)
visit growinggrayinga.com to listen to their episodes for free. ComForCare also has a program called Meaningful Activities. In this program, employees can focus on their clients’ interests and hobbies to make sure that they are engaging with them in a way that gives them purpose, entertainment, and value each day. These activities include
goodnewscm.com // 25
Gò0dNews for Thanksgiving
Rediscover Thanksgiving
A
by Detrick Redding
s we enter the fall season, smelling the cinnamon
by His compassion for me. A truly thankful heart does not
and pumpkin pies and drinking our favorite
have to have things but is grateful that His heart is always
pumpkin spice drinks, we see orange, green,
toward them.
and different shades of yellow. Sensations of gratitude
Back to the lepers in Luke 17. The last gentleman was
overwhelm our hearts, especially as we come to our
truly thankful. He took a different approach from the
traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. We tend to reminisce
nine others who received cleansing. He, just like them,
about the year and recall life’s challenges. We then become
got a touch of healing, but he recognized the Healer. He
grateful for endurance and even escape. This is a very
knew that Jesus represented the heart of God. He was
positive time for most of us, and even when those memories include the deaths of loved ones, we still seem to relish these moments. However, do we really understand the art of thanksgiving? The giving of thanks is not for the faint of heart. True thanksgiving is from a heart full of gratitude and passion. We must dig deep within the wells of our being and release the expressions of our hearts. Thanksgiving is designed to be one of the most selfless acts of our lives. Let’s talk about what thanksgiving really does. I stated that thanksgiving is selfless because those who refuse to say thank you generally are focused on themselves and what they want. To not be thankful says that you are the most important thing in your life. Remember the 10 lepers in Luke 17? For nine out of the 10,
compelled to openly express his heart of gratitude to God.
the fact that the leprosy was cleansed was enough for them.
He was grateful that God cared enough about him to
Many times, we will all be tempted to just see what we have,
reach out to him.
what we have gained, and what has happened in our favor and not be verbal with our appreciation.
This season in our lives, let's be thankful: not just about things but because God is God. Always consider that He
True thanksgiving is not only about you and me, the
is who the Word of God says that He is. No matter if you
recipients of the blessing. Thanksgiving is not limited to
see evidence or not, do not be self-focused. Thanksgiving
having my answer given, my life enhanced, or my prayers
will do for you what it did for the 10th leper. More of
answered. Thanksgiving is gratefulness for the Source of
God and more from God is imparted unto you because of
the answer, thankfulness to the One whom all answers
your Thanksgiving to Him. Not only was the former leper
come from. Thankfulness considers the heart of God and
cleansed, but he was also made whole. A thankful heart will
His desire to be our Father. Thanksgiving considers that life
always be rewarded.
could have been worse had it not been for a sovereign God the ability of God and His heart are connected. He is moved
26 // November 2019
About The Author
who sits on the throne. Thankful hearts are fully aware that 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 Journey Church 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 Everyone
There Is Hope In The Valley
H
by Megan Van Meter
ow many times a day do we look at our calendars
Scripture to get us through those valleys and dry seasons
and wonder how we will get everything
of life. Isaiah 40:3-4 plainly states, “In the desert prepare
completed? As women, we find ourselves running
the way for the Lord…every valley shall be raised up…the
full steam ahead during our day. There are kids to drop
rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.”
off at school, work, errands, practices for our children,
This is His promise to us.
supper, and the list goes on. When do we find time for
Making time for ourselves is easy to say but difficult
ourselves? A better question is, when do we find time
to accomplish. Women need other women for fellowship,
for God? We run so much that some days, we feel we are
to bear one another’s burdens, and to share the good times
running toward the cross but just can’t seem to make it. We
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 surpasses all understanding, and it will guard your hearts and your minds in
know where our rest lies if we could only have that time
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).
Him, and “He’s got this.” He holds us in His tender hands even when we feel a million miles from Him. He knows will give us direction on every one of them. God gives us
28 // November 2019
About The Author
all the details of our schedule, and if we allow Him to, He Megan VanMeter 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.
Gò0dNews for Gratefulness
The Gratitude Game
“G
by Amy Oyler
ive thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His
deserve. The Gratitude Game deals with all the other things
love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).
in life I find to complain about (and is maybe a little more
Here we are again in the season
of thanks as we approach Thanksgiving Day. I love
lighthearted). So how does the Gratitude Game work? I’m glad
Thanksgiving—it’s actually one of my favorite holidays!
you asked! A Gratitude Game would be as follows:
This is when we think more about our blessings and enjoy
Myself—Ugh, I hate vacuuming the house; Response—Be
time with family and friends as we kick off the holiday
thankful you have a house to vacuum. Here’s another one:
season. The gratitude I feel around the Thanksgiving table
Myself—I don’t want to exercise; Response—You have the
is immense as well as convicting as we remember those who
physical ability to walk and therefore the responsibility to
are suffering in so many ways.
keep yourself healthy. See how it works? An “attitude of gratitude” can be very convicting! Here are more examples that could apply to anyone’s life. Complaint—It’s too early to get up; Response—You woke up, alive and well! Complaint—I don’t want to answer that text from a (friend or relative); Response—That (friend or relative) wanted to talk to you in particular. Complaint—I hate cooking (yes, this one is specific to me!); Response—You have food to cook and people whom you love to cook it for. Complaint—I don’t want to read Scripture; Response—But you have plenty of time to spend on social media. The Gratitude Game is a simple way to remind ourselves to “turn that frown upside down.” I am in no way making light of people’s problems
I haven’t always been the most thankful person. I have
or suggesting that we don’t all have times of fatigue,
tried to remedy that in adulthood with maturity. Even as
legitimate concerns with jobs, home, or health, or times
I became a more grateful person, I still struggled with a
when we simply need a break. Furthermore, I am certainly
negative mindset, so I made the conscious decision to focus
not suggesting that I myself am successful in always being
on positivity several years back, which is sometimes an
positive. In going about my day-to-day business, I find
uphill battle.
myself complaining and whining about small, unimportant
One way I try to be more positive is to play a game with myself—the Gratitude Game. First, let me state clearly: I am most grateful for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; my
nuisances, and the Gratitude Game is a way of refocusing. So Lord, thank you for my vacuum cleaner! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
and safety; and all of the truly important blessings in life. I realize that I have much more than I could ever ask for or
30 // November 2019
About The Author
husband, sons, and extended family and friends; health Amy Oyler is a native Roman and a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church. She is wife to Jason, a dentist in Rome, and mother to Tanner, Timothy, and Thomas. A former English teacher, she enjoys working with the youth at Rush Chapel and “floating” where God leads her!
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Calm
C
by Wesley Clay alm in one’s life is important. Calm reduces
jobs, and our social lives. It is important that everyone
stress and creates an inviting and healthy
knows that they can come to someone else at any time
environment. While some stress is unavoidable,
with their worries and cares. Along with this, we all
I feel it is important to minimize unnecessary stress in
have to demonstrate a willingness to listen and respond
your environment and the environment of those you care
appropriately.
about most.
Also, honesty, openness, and trust play a big part in
One of the things my wife and I discussed before we
this. When we have been honest with each other, we don’t
married was what we wanted our home to represent to our
carry around baggage and secrets which can destroy our
children and ourselves. Together, we placed a high priority
family. We share our social media passwords and regularly
on providing a safe haven from the craziness that life throws
use our phones interchangeably. Trust has been cultivated,
at us all each day. When my wife or I have had a rough
and while I am not in any way perfect, my wife knows she can count on me and I can count on her when we need each other. Lastly, we try to minimize unnecessary stressors from our environment before they can grow into big issues. Our household is truly a group effort. Cooking, cleaning, and dishes are just some of the stressors we try to share. We also try to keep our finances under control. Don’t get me wrong here. We have bills like everyone else, but we do our best to not let our “wants” get out of control to the point of letting bills affect our relationship. It has been said that money problems are the cause of most marital issues, and we make a conscious effort to keep these to a minimum by sometimes saying “no” or “wait.”
day at work, we want our home to be a place we can leave
I’m definitely no expert on marriage or relationships,
the worries of the day behind us. When our kids are going
but I thought I’d share a few observations I have made and
through things at school that so many times seem big and
provide a few suggestions based on what works for me
overwhelming, we want our home to be a safe place for
and my family. There is much more to a healthy family
them to come to and feel loved and appreciated.
environment that what I have discussed here, but I feel that
How do we accomplish this?
providing a calm environment is an essential building block
Well, one way we do this is to keep lines of
for a functional and healthy home.
communication open. Talking to each other and actually easy, especially when we all carry our daily “baggage.” Also, life can get busy, especially with football, band,
32 // November 2019
About The Author
listening is an important aspect of this. This is not always My name is Wesley Clay. I spent 20 years in the Navy. During that time, I was stationed on five different submarines and visited many places. I now work in industrial electronics repair. My wife and I have five children ranging in age from 15 to 21. We also are the owners of the website wheninromega.com, which provides us with many local adventure opportunities and ideas.
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Gò0dNews for Waiting
Waiting
C
by Christina Ramey
an I be honest? Lately has been a STRUGGLE for
the parts of me that I didn’t realize were there: the flaws
me: I mean an ugly, not-like-the-person-I-was,
in me that don’t surface until my world has been shaken,
crybaby, impatient, anxious mess of a struggle.
until I have nowhere left to turn except up. I don’t get
We’ve been in a pretty tough season of our lives. I had a
frustrated or overwhelmed when everything is cruising
job at a ministry that I thought I would be a part of for life.
along. But let me hit one bump in the road and it all breaks
I truly believed that’s where the Lord had called me to be.
loose. And I believe the Lord is showing me those areas
When we left, my world was turned upside down. I felt
that I need to work on and the parts of me that I need to
shattered, lost, and hopeless. I was scared. Leaving there led
release to Him.
to our both being unemployed. It was one of the scariest decisions we had made, and I couldn’t see the purpose. All I knew was that this was what the Lord was telling me to do. Fast forward a year, and I can see exactly why the Lord had us leave. I had to put my family first. That’s my first calling, my true ministry. My family needed me. Has it been easy? No; it’s been one of the most difficult years of my life. I have struggled, cried, questioned, and fought. But I’ve also learned to trust God. We’ve had a year of very limited financial stability. Jobs have come and gone for us both. We’ve gone week to week and month to month not knowing if the money would be there. It’s been difficult,
I’ve found Him the most in the waiting: in those times
but it’s brought me much closer to Him. It’s easy to say
of my life where I don’t have a plan, where things are
you trust Him when everything is going great. What about
changing minute to minute, and when I look around and
those times when you can’t see what’s coming? When you
realize the only true stability I have in my life is in Him. I
have no idea what His plan is? When you’re waiting on
can try to force myself into a ministry I don’t belong in or a
Him to show you what the purpose and plan is? Do you
job that isn’t mine, but it’s not going to be what brings me
still trust Him enough when it all looks like it’s crumbling
true fulfillment. If it’s not what the Lord has for me, then I
around you? How do you handle those waiting times the
don’t want it!
Lord places you in? period, the Lord has been working on me and taking out
34 // November 2019
About The Author
I haven’t handled it well, but through this waiting
Christina Ramey is a mom and wife who works from home for a bankruptcy law firm. Her husband is the worship leader at their church, 1-Church, and she is the leader over the dance team. She is mom to 7 year old Colton, 4 year old Carsyn, and angel in heaven Cooper. —1 Timothy 1:14.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
All Hope
D
by Zebbie Brewster
o you have a favorite ice cream, holiday, day of the
where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us
week, friend, or place to eat? What about a favorite
go into Judaea again.”
word? I have always loved the word “hope.”
Webster says hope is a thing desired. A desire combined with expectation gives grounds for hoping. It can also be to desire with belief in the possibility of obtaining.
Look ahead to verse 17: “Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.” Was Jesus four days late? Was all hope lost? In verses 32-33 it says, “Then when Mary was come where Jesus was,
I remember hearing the saying many years ago that
and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him,
hope is like a bird that sits in a tree and sings a tune all day
Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
long without even knowing the words. What does it mean
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also
to have hope? What does it mean to you?
weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” Jesus was feeling Mary and Martha’s grief. He also knows whatever you might be going through in your life right now. When our heart breaks, His heart breaks for us. We find Jesus to be the One who comes to us in our time of great need. Read the rest of John 11 and see that Jesus did show up on the scene and right on time. Titus talks about “the blessed hope.” Titus 2:11-14: “ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the
I think about the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-7: “Now a
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town
Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with
zealous of good works.”
her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his
I do believe that Jesus blesses us with hope. I pray
sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou
today that you have found Jesus to be your blessed hope
lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness
in your life, for truly, without a doubt, I believe that hope
is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of
changes everything.
God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place
36 // November 2019
About The Author
and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Thanksgiving
have two primary images of Thanksgiving. The first comes from my childhood. It’s Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, Sally, Franklin, and Marcie, all gathered for a meal of toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans, and ice cream. A socially awkward Peppermint Patty invited herself and their friends to dinner at Charlie Brown’s house, then complained because there’s no mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie. The second is Norman Rockwell’s painting, Freedom from Want. Mr. Rockwell painted a family gathered for the holiday. An elderly gentleman dressed in his best suit stands behind his aproned wife as she presents a perfectly-cooked turkey to their family, all seated around a table decked out with their best china. Growing up, my Thanksgivings were usually celebrated with relatives—I have more cousins than I can count on my fingers and toes, but those meals did not happen around a table. It was too full of the food to have room for plates and glasses. Uncles, aunts, and cousins would spread out all over, balancing paper plates and trying to figure out how to cut a turkey with a plastic knife. Here’s the thing: I don’t ever recall anyone actually giving thanks on Thanksgiving, and without that element, isn’t Thanksgiving really just Turkey Day? Paul told the Philippians that they should give thanks in every situation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). But it’s the verse that follows that does my heart good: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). When we are thankful, God gives us peace. When we are thankful, God quiets our hearts. When we are thankful for what we have, the desire for other things is not as strong.
38 // November 2019
When we are thankful, we see God as a provider who cares for us and supplies our needs. He is a good, good Father, and we are made in His image. Don’t you love it when your kids express gratitude to you or others? Don’t you love it when your kids tell you they appreciate you? Don’t you love it when your kids don’t take the provision in their lives for granted?
That’s why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Our Father in Heaven, who would not give us a stone when we ask for bread or a snake when we ask for a fish, is Abba. He desires thanksgiving because He knows that a thankful, grateful heart is a quiet heart, a content heart, and a heart ready to spend time with the Father. This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? Take time to make a list, especially if you’ve had a rough year. Are you breathing? Do you have shelter and clothes? Will you eat today? Are you in a war-torn country? Are you able to read this article or hear someone read it to you? Give thanks.
About The Author
I
by Bill Fortenberry
Bill Fortenberry worked 17 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, and has worked in healthcare communications since 2001. Bill serves as the chairman of the board of managers of Haven Health Clinic for Women and is a men’s ministry leader and small group facilitator at his church, HBC Rome. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Ethan and Autumn. A storyteller at heart, Bill writes an occasional blog at kudzudad.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Joy
Joy
by Lauren Simpson
I
ran into an old friend recently who was talking
complimentary, I get that yucky feeling that someone
about my blog, and she made a comment that I
may feel “less than” instead of encouraged. Does that
always struggle with. I wrestle with when to share
even make sense? You see, comparison steals my joy
and when not to share; I think I’ve shared that before.
almost daily, and it is never anyone’s fault but my
I wrestle because I never want any of my blogs to be in
own. The most well-meaning, Jesus-seeking folks that I
vain or out of self-seeking motives. I know when I’m
long to be “as good as” can be a total joy-sucker for me
inspired by God, and I know that He has blessed me
if I allow it. I never want to leave anyone feeling “less
with the “gift of gab,” but still I wrestle.
than” after reading my blog, and it terrifies me because
This all relates, I promise, but I do realize I got a little wordy up there, so I digress.
I live the “less than” feeling. I felt whispered to me today, while in a joy-sucking moment, “You don’t
The comment: “I wish I could write like you.”
want their inspiration.” Wow. Just wow. It hit me like
What do you say? “Thank you”? “It’s all God”? It’s
a ton of bricks and I can’t get it out of my mind.
a completely innocent, well-meant comment that often
You may want to be as encouraging, as good of
makes me cringe. Terrible, right? I’m sorry to anyone
a speaker, as good as a writer, but do you want the
who has ever said this—I truly appreciate all the kind
experience that led them to do those incredible things?
words, but I cringe at this statement only because
Likely, no. I find it incredibly humbling to be given
it brings to light one of my biggest fears.
the words to write and incredibly heartbroken at the
I know the pain of comparison, and
words that leave my pen. So while someone may
while someone could truly just being
“wish they could,” they don’t want the pain that led me on a blog journey. Isn’t that where encouragement comes anyway: pain covered in grace? Behind most inspiring people in our lives is a dark, crushing experience that Jesus rescued them from. I say this as a gentle reminder, one I was blessed with today: maybe, next time any of us are in a joy-sucking moment, we can reflect more on God’s grace and His ability to create beauty from pain instead of how we wish we could be “as good as.” “But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’”
About The Author
(2 Corinthians 10:17).
40 // November 2019
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 for Everyone
Focus On The Who
W
by Tia Wheelus
hat is your purpose? Have you ever thought
faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but
about this question? I sure have. We can try to
those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they
find purpose in all sorts of things like work,
shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and
family, material possessions, and the list goes on. But these
not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
things will always fall short in our search for purpose.
What hope we have in God, the Lord Jesus, our Creator!
There is no lasting security to be found in these things.
He knows everything. He sees our struggles and strengthens
Jobs can be lost, people will let us down, and material
us that we might be able to bear our own load (Gal 6:5) as
possessions are temporary.
we look to Him and as we wait on Him. When we fix our
I often find myself asking God questions like, “How long will this last?” “When will this end?” “Where am I going next?” “Why is this happening?” “What does this mean?” “Why am I even here?” These are not necessarily wrong questions to ask, but they are secondary. Instead, we should be focused on the Who and less on the what, where, when, why, or how. Society says to strive, achieve, and accomplish, but that only leaves us empty, longing for things that do not satisfy. Then, we have to keep at it, and it becomes a futile effort to maintain a successful reputation or even a meaningful existence. Thankfully, as a child of God, we can find peace and rest in His presence. You see, we don’t have to know the answers to those questions.
eyes on things above (Col 3:2), our need to figure things out
When we walk closely with Jesus, we don’t have to see the
diminishes and we find understanding and purpose in Him.
whole picture because He sees it. His eyes are on everything,
We’re able to trust that no matter what our circumstances
and we can trust in His faithfulness.
might look like, God is working all things together for His
Isaiah 40:26-31 says, “Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by
glory and our good. He has neither forgotten us nor will He ever leave us.
number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His
As sisters in Christ, our purpose is simply to love
might and the strength of His power; not one is missing.
God and love others for His glory. Our purpose is to use
Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: ‘My way
our talents, resources, and passions to point people to the
is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over
Father. Our purpose is to be so caught up in the majesty
by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard?
of Jesus that we no longer have to get the answers to the
The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of
where, what, when, why, or how because our lives are all
the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is
about the Who—Him.
have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall
42 // November 2019
About The Author
unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who
Tia Wheelus found her love for writing at a very early age. She is a victim advocate at the Sexual Assault Center of NWGA and works as the director of marketing for a missions organization named Global Year.
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nd Side-by-Sides made MARTHA on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank,NE member FDIC. 3120 BERRY HWY rough 12/31/19. Available to cardholders of the WebBank Yamaha Card. Account must GA, 301657709 %,9.99% or ROME 16.99% APR with Minimum Payments of 2.92%, 3.05%, 3.24% or 3.57% are effective706-234-8502 until the purchase is paid in full. Minimum Interest Charge $2 per month. ugh 12/31/19. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains d laws. ATV Riders: ATV models are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and maha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and 0-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, Riders:1Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years Offer available on approved purchases of new 2016-2020 Yamaha ATVs and Side-by-Sides made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank, member FDIC. nced operators only. Always wear your seatOffer belt,validhelmet, eye12/31/19. protection protective Subject to credit approval as determined by WebBank. 9/1/19 through Availableand to cardholders of the WebBank Yamaha Card. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. Promotional 2.99%, 5.99%,9.99% or 16.99% APR with Minimum Payments trainingrespectively course. ofFor Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call of 2.92%, 3.05%, 3.24% or 3.57% the purchase price balance, based on your creditworthiness, are effective until the purchase is paid in full. Minimum Interest Charge $2 per month. er’s Manual the product†Customer warning before operation. Avoid Standardand APR 15.99%-23.99%. Cashlabels good on select models through 12/31/19. Offer excessive good only in thespeeds U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws. ATV Riders: ATV models are recommended e on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the for use only by riders 16 years and older. Raptor 700 / Raptor 700R recommended for experienced riders only. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and your dealer or call©2019 the ATV Safety Institute Motor at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs canU.S.A. be hazardous operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, s showntraining withinformation, optionalseeaccessories. Yamaha Corporation, All torights eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers. Side-by-Side Riders: Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. YXZ1000R is recommended for experienced operators only. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. ATV and Side-by-Side Riders: Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Some models shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Begin And End With Thanksgiving
T
by Candace Beard
he celebration of Thanksgiving was initially a time
providing you with food to eat, a roof over your head,
of prayer, sermons, and songs of praise. For a three-
clothes and shoes to wear, your family, your friends, your
day period, the Pilgrims spent their time feasting
church…just everything, and you should always start with
and praying. They celebrated their religious freedom, gave
thanksgiving, but you should also end your prayer with
thanks to God for providing them with the ability to find
thanksgiving.” He referred to the passage in Psalm 100:4:
20 acres of land for their very own, and for their Indian
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts
interpreter, Squanto; without him, they would have not
with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.”
been able to communicate with the Indians and prosper in
When I was in the second grade at Pepperell
the land.
Elementary, my teacher was Mrs. Ruland. She taught us a lot; we learned how to waltz, to listen, to pray, and to be kind to our classmates and our elders. But something unforgettable we learned was the ability to memorize. To emphasize this, she taught us the 100th Psalm. We learned it verse by verse, and then, the final test was speaking it aloud to our classmates. I loved her, even though she got onto me repeatedly and sent notes home to my parents for “talking too much,” can you believe that…keep the answers to yourself! To this day, my prayers start and end with thanksgiving and praise; many times, I quote the entire 100th Psalm before I begin my requests to God. He is a good, good Father, the
From 1621 to today, Thanksgiving is a day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November to give thanks to God for His many provisions in our lives.
Shepherd of my heart and the lover of my soul. We owe all our praise and thanksgiving to Him. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve
Throughout Scripture, we are directed toward a
the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with
constant heart of thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath
says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything
made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the
give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for
sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
you.” Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in
and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is
let your requests be made known to God.” 2 Corinthians
everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations”
9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
(Psalm 100).
age HOW to pray. He said, “The most important part of your prayer is thanking God for living in your heart,
44 // November 2019
About The Author
Growing up, my Daddy taught me from a very young Candace Beard is a wife, mother, daughter, and lifelong member of the Lindale Church of God where she assists in leading worship. Candace is employed as HR/Safety Manager for VT Industries, Inc.
Gò0dNews on Giving
First Give Yourself
“F
by Jimmy Bryant
or I can testify that they gave not only what
Father, it is only natural that we, His children, should have
they could afford, but far more. And they
the same quality.
did it of their own free will…They even did
What do you have that you could give because you are
more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give
God’s child? How could you “first give yourself?” It won’t
themselves to the Lord and to us” (2 Corinthians 8:3, 5a).
be the same for each one of us. Remember, a little further
June was a healthy 25-year-old young woman filled
down in 2 Corinthians 8, Paul said, “Give in proportion
with all the vim, vigor, and excitement of life. For several
to what you have.” He explains that in verse 12: “Give
weeks, she noticed that her energy level did not seem to be
according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”
the same as usual. She thought, “Oh, it’s just a virus.” A trip to the doctor, a few routine blood tests, and a prescription I can’t afford, and everything will be fine. However, when the test results came in, the diagnosis was not what she or any of her family expected. In the doctor’s office that day, he broke the news: it is a type of leukemia. Her best hope for effective treatment would be a bone marrow transplant. June and her family were filled with anxiety as the search for a suitable donor filled the days that followed. Then, one day the call came: they have a perfect match…her 19-year-old brother. Several weeks later she would enter the hospital
Don’t sit back and do nothing because you can’t do what
for extensive chemotherapy, followed by the transplant.
others can do. You have unique abilities, qualities, gifts, and
One Tuesday, Bruce entered the hospital for an overnight
talents. Perhaps you could spend one morning helping at
stay to harvest the bone marrow. As soon as his procedure
the food pantry. How about keeping that young couple’s
was finished, June received the bone marrow transplant.
new baby while they run some errands? It could even be
Ultimately, the transplant proved unsuccessful.
taking a stroll downtown just so you could greet people
Bruce did what any loving sibling would do; he gave the most precious gift possible. He first gave himself. He demonstrated the riches of liberality toward his sister. In a similar way, the Macedonian Christians demonstrated their
with a friendly smile. It doesn’t have to be bone marrow; it just must be for God and others. Pray that God will help you to be generous enough to “first give yourself.”
love for God and Paul through their giving spirit. When giving extended to others. Since we have a giving heavenly
46 // November 2019
About The Author
they “first gave themselves to the Lord,” that spirit of Jimmy Bryant, retired. Interim pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Jimmy and his wife of 58-years have 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
yawn.
The birth of your baby is one of life’s most important moments. It’s a time filled with hope and promise. At The Family Birth Center at Floyd, we understand. After all, we’ve been welcoming life’s first breath for almost 80 years. Today, our expert and caring team continues our commitment to provide the best experience possible, from family education to childbirth to newborn care and beyond. And, it’s all delivered in a safe, family-centered, state-of-the-art environment. Plus, you can take comfort in knowing the area’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stands ready right here, 24/7. The Family Birth Center at Floyd, where mothers and babies always come first. • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • Expert medical team • Education and support classes • Lactation consultation
floyd.org/baby
264 Shorter Avenue 706.232.9233 6am-10pm Closed Sunday