November 2022

Decades of Five-Star Service

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This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back. When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you – they care for all of you. That’s why more people prefer Atrium Health, with the most complete care that lets you get back to the moments that matter. That’s what it’s like to live fully.

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

Beth Penny Brent Goodge Detrick Redding Granger Hughes Jodi Varnado

Judy Hood Karla Smedley Katie Loveless

Kaye Stein Kristen West Matt Jensen Regina Law Smith Sandra Gilmore Stephanie Daniels Terrie Ruff Zebbie Brewster

SALES

Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHS

Courtesy of Toles, Temple & Wright FACEBOOK GoodNews Rome

DISTRIBUTION

5000 Monthly

Jodi Varnado

COORDINATOR

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE 423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome

Hello Friends,

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

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Disclaimer

All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 The Art of My Thanksgiving by Detrick Redding

GoodNews for Kids

8 Count Your Blessings by Katie Loveless

GoodNews Money Matters

10 How Long Will My Money Last? by Granger Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 Did God Really Say...? by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Women

14 Living Abundantly by Kristen West

GoodNews for Grandparents

18 Thank You Lord by Zebbie Brewster

GoodNews for Everyone

20 A Thankful Heart, For Real by Kaye Stein

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Five Decades of Five-Star Service Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc. Real Estate

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Objects In the Mirror Are Smaller Than They Appear by Beth Penny

GoodNews for Everyone

26 PS138V8 by Regina Law Smith

GoodNews Poetry

28 Thanksgiving Day by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Best Plan: God’s Way by Karla Smedley

GoodNews for Everyone

32 I Finally Got Over Myself! by Terrie Ruff

GoodNews for Everyone

34 Are You Tilting at Windmills? by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Is God One Person? by Matt Jensen

GoodNews for Everyone

38 While He Was Thinking by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Rejoice In Your Harvest by Stephanie Daniels

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole Boats by Jodi Varnado

The Art of My Thanksgiving

As we go into a very traditional and festive season of Thanksgiving, we are readily preparing for the family gathering. Many of us are preparing a big meal for our family and friends—from turkey, ham, dressing/stuffing, sweet potato souffle, deviled (or as we called them, angel) eggs, and so much more. It’s a family tradition for us to come together to celebrate the year, to reminisce on accomplishments and even failures. I am personally reminded of a family member that has passed

on, even on the night of Thanksgiving, my mom. However, during this time, we find comfort in the gathering of family and friends.

Let’s look at the Word of God concerning this, 1 Thess. 5:18 tells us, “In everything give thanks…!” Wow, in everything? Yes, we are encouraged to give thanks in everything—good, bad, and even the ugly. That sounds almost impossible, but it is not. Paul continued to tell us that this is the will of God for us. Thanksgiving is a commandment. Now in Eph. 5:20, Paul tells us that thanks should also be “for all things.” I know that can seem challenging to some of us. This act of thanksgiving is the will of God for His children. That means even when things are opposing our desires, thanksgiving is to be done. When

by Detrick Redding About The Author

pressures of life are weighing us down, we are to still mustard up thanksgiving.

Now, what is thanksgiving according to Scripture?

Looking at Luke 17:11-19, we find that there are ten lepers that desired to be healed. When they saw that Jesus was present, they all beckoned for the cleansing of the leprosy. Jesus, a Spirit-filled man full of compassion gave instructions for them to go show themselves to the priest. This was an instruction to activate their faith, and it was also, at the very same time, a testimony of their coming healing. You see, the priests were the only ones that could verify the cleansing away of leprosy. So, as they went, they were all cleansed. Isn’t that exciting! I know that they all were happy, as they could finally be moved back into the population. I’m sure they were excited to be free to live again like a normal citizen. However, one of the lepers turned and went back to give acknowledgment to the one who had performed the miracle. Jesus said, where are the nine…only one has come back to give (me) thanks. That’s the difference, appreciation of the act that was done.

As we enter Thanksgiving season, we need to embrace the art of thanksgiving. It’s time to be deliberate in our knowledge of God. God is the source of our provision, our healing, our deliverance, and so much more. All ten lepers received a miracle. All ten lepers walked free from leprosy. All ten got delivered. All ten—but only one entered the true realm of thanksgiving. Those of us that are believers, let’s stay in this realm. We must always acknowledge that God is the source of our praise. Don’t get caught up in the acts that have transpired because of God and not even recognize God. Psalms 100:4 says, “Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and enter into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him and bless His Name!”

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.

Count Your Blessings

by Katie Loveless

Have you ever heard the expression attitude is everything? Attitude really is important. The Bible says so in Proverbs 23:7, where we gain the phrase adapted from the KJV, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” We can believe the Bible. It tells us what is true about God and ourselves. The Bible tells us that the way we think will shape who we become and what we do. In other words, our thinking steers the direction of our hearts.

My middle son, Sawyer, came into my room with a Scholastic book. The book is written about different types of animal feet and has a very interesting cover of a boy with aardvark feet. Sawyer cannot yet read at four-years-old. He made an assumption about truth based on what he saw on the cover. He pointed at the animal feet, the boy on the cover, and the aardvark. He assumed the boy turned into an aardvark by touching the animal’s feet. That is not at all what the book says.

The book actually presents interesting facts about animal feet and stirs your imagination to think about what it would be like to have animal feet. In the case of the boy with the aardvark feet, he could quickly unearth buried treasure. However, we don’t need animal feet to uncover treasure. We can find it in our hearts by letting Jesus in. We can even find it in our own backyard by taking time to count our blessings.

My prayer for you as you take time to do this is for you to ask God to help you unearth truth. I pray you will dig into the word. I challenge you to learn from the Bible and its teachings so you can read for yourself what is true about God and you. Finding the truth is as simple as 1, 2, 3. If you are ready for adventure, take the 1, 2, 3 challenge below!

Challenge 1 Kids: Explore in your yard, at a park, or help a grown-up tend to a houseplant. As you do, take note of the shapes and edges of the foliage around you. Count your blessings for every point. For a leaf with 3 points, identify 3 things you are grateful for. For a leaf with 5 points, name 5 things you like.

Challenge 2 Jewels: Find a verse in the Bible that mentions counting, thankfulness, or discovery. What treasure did you find? What is the truth you found and want to keep?

Challenge 3 Keepers: Keep it in your heart. Pray about a person or thing you counted as a blessing. Make this month one where you ask God to bless and protect someone or something you discovered is a blessing in your life. Partner with a grown-up to help you pray or to talk about what God has put on your heart in prayer. Consider whether God is prompting you to serve with an act of kindness to keep the blessings coming.

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.

About The Author

Shaping Hearts

Sharpening

How Long Will My Money Last?

Money Matters Granger Hugheswith

works with his father

by

He feels

to

for

as well as

This is a tough question many of us will ask at some point in our lives as we face many obstacles when planning for things like long-term care, taxes, potential market downturns, and even longevity risk.

Men at age 65 today can expect to live until age 84 on average, and women on average, until age 87. About one of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one of ten past 95.1

This poses a problem our parents or grandparents didn’t face—it’s a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. Let’s address strategies to combat these realities and work toward making your retirement income last 20 to 30 years!

Long-term care (LTC)

The average annual cost of LTC is $108,405.2 Someone turning 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some type of LTC.3 This means LTC is worth accounting for in our retirement plans. Let’s look at a few ways to do this.

Indexed universal life policy

This allows you to access the death benefit in the event you need LTC and are unable to perform two of the six activities of daily living (ADLs), like feeding, bathing, toileting, etc., and aren’t tied to certain care facilities. This money can also be used to build a handicap accessible home if you’d rather — it’s your choice.

Traditional LTC policy

This is a “use it or lose it” product with the potential of wasting money on something you may never need. A lot of these policies also restrict which care facilities you can use, which might be problematic for some.

LTC-focused financial vehicles

This would be utilizing an annuity with an LTC rider. This is a good option for someone who doesn’t want the “use it or lose it” strategy.

The key here is you aren’t qualifying from a health standpoint; however, if you tried to purchase an annuity and couldn’t perform two of the six aforementioned ADLs before you purchased it, the LTC rider wouldn’t be an option.

For example, let’s say you invested $300,000 that generated a lifetime income check of $2,000 a month. In the event you couldn’t

in the

those who may otherwise not be aware of

when

perform two of those six ADLs, your check would double to $4,000 a month for up to five years.

Taxes

We’ve been hardwired to reduce taxable income by loading our 401(k)s and other tax-deferred accounts, forgetting about our silent partner: the IRS. We must realize the risk of future tax hikes we may encounter with deferred funds due to outstanding and ever-increasing national debt. Here are some brief solutions.

Roth Conversion

You can convert money in a deferred account to pay the taxes now rather than later. There are no income limits to do this, but remember, you have to pay these taxes eventually!

Roth IRA

This takes a while to build up at $7,000 a year for those over 50 and comes with income limitations, which could be difficult for highincome earners.

Life Insurance Retirement Plan

This can be indexed and there are no contribution or income limits. Also, when you need the money, it can be withdrawn tax-free, if done correctly.

Market downturn

If you’ve been contributing to your retirement income for any amount of time, you know market downturn is always a risk. To better create a retirement income plan, it’s important to assess your risk tolerance by having your portfolio tested to discover your statistical risk versus reward. If you haven’t tested your portfolio, now is the time to do it. Many of us could be positioning ourselves to experience another 2008 and don’t even know it.

These are three key components to help ensure that we don’t run out of money. I urge you to take all into consideration when developing your retirement plan. Working alongside an experienced financial professional can help you explore your options and develop a plan that works for your retirement needs.

Remember: It’s not what we make, it’s what we keep that counts!

Did God Really Say…?

by Brent Goodge

There’s a story at the end of the book of Jeremiah that doesn’t often make it to the Bible bedtime storybooks. The story is touched on in five verses of 2 Kings (2 Kings 25:22-26), and the Chronicles don’t mention it. It’s the story of the “fortunate” Jews who survived the siege of Nebuchadnezzar and were not carried off to Babylon.

By direct order of Nebuchadnezzar himself, Jeremiah was released from prison after the Babylonian army took Jerusalem. Given the choice to travel to Babylon as a guest of Nebuchadnezzar or to stay behind with the other remaining Jews, Jeremiah chose to remain in Judah. He moved to Mizpah to live. There he joined Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar had appointed governor of the remaining people.

Read Jeremiah chapters 40-45 to get the entire story. In short, Gedaliah was murdered and the Jews remaining were at a loss for what to do. Some favored staying in Judah. Others favored escaping to Egypt in fear that Babylon would come to destroy them for the murder of Gedaliah.

Thankfully, Jeremiah was yet among them, and he could relate God’s instructions to them. Their request to Jeremiah could hardly have been more respectful. “Please let our petition be acceptable to you, and pray for us to the Lord your God… that the Lord your God may show us the way in which we should walk and the thing we should do” (Jeremiah 42:2,3). When

Jeremiah promised to bring them God’s word, they added, “Let the Lord be a true and faithful Witness between us… whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God” (Jeremiah 42:5,6).

Ten days later, Jeremiah brought them the word of the Lord. God instructed that the people stay in the land of Judah. God would move the heart of Nebuchadnezzar to spare them. Conversely, if they chose to go to Egypt, hardly any of them would survive to return. The devastation they were desperate to escape would find them in Egypt.

The leaders of the people, having already made up their minds to go to Egypt, proclaimed, “You speak falsely! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘Do not go into Egypt’” (Jeremiah 43:2). Having already promised to accept the word of the Lord through Jeremiah, they denied that God actually inspired the words His prophet was sharing with them.

There is a much older story that reveals where this attitude originated. About 3,500 years before Jeremiah, a snake waited in a tree. The snake was eating fruit that Adam and Eve had been forbidden to partake of. His conversation began with “Did God really say…?” and quickly moved to “You shall not surely die,” in direct contradiction to the word of God. Then he added that, through disobedience, Eve could become like God (Genesis 3:15). Satan inspired the Jews who rejected the word of Jeremiah.

Satan inspires all those today who, by their words and deeds implies the question, “Did God REALLY say…?”

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County, and he wants the quote of his life to be like Jesus, “It is written…” rather than “Did God REALLY say…?”

About The Author

Living Abundantly

by Kristen West

Once upon a time, I was a single mother. Living paycheck to paycheck was the norm, ramen noodles was a gourmet meal, and thrift store clothing filled our closets. Taking care of my children’s basic necessities was my sole focus. I didn’t have the margin to lavish them with the hottest toys, coolest snacks, or nicest clothes. Our needs were always met.

The abundance Jesus is referring to here is the abundant life that can be found in Him. Abundant joy, abundant peace, abundant wisdom, and an abundance of God’s Spirit dwelling in us as we believe in Him.

And, herein lies the secret of how a single mother on welfare or a family living below the poverty line can have joy unspeakable and live from a spiritual place that surpasses the amassed prosperity of those on the Fortune 500’s Most Wealthy People in the World list.

Abundant life comes as we learn there is no worry He cannot carry, no heartache He cannot mend, and no fear He cannot handle. Yet, how often do we find ourselves acting like He’s the God of scarcity? The God of barely enough and meager handouts? The God who has control of the faucet but only turns it on enough to give us a trickle?

We just didn’t have the extra. It was during this season, though, when God taught us about abundance. It seems contradictory to the natural mind, I know, but with God all things are possible, right?

In John 10:10, Jesus proclaims that He came to give us life. He didn’t stop there, though. He went on to add that He would give us “…life more abundantly.”

So often, American Christianity has interpreted this verse to mean stacks of cash, the finest of clothes, and Car of the Year’s most trendy vehicle. But this promise goes so much deeper than the external abundance of possessions.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “…to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think…” Don’t settle for scarcity of peace, joy, or hope today, friend, when we serve a God who came to give us life more abundantly! Your bank account will never give you that. Doctor’s reports can never give you that. The newest, nicest, and best can never give you that. Only Jesus Christ can give you that.

About The Author

Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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 Church3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161

770-885-0779

Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4431

Calvary Baptist Church101 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 Church3733 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

East Rome Baptist Church601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-8553

East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250

Emmanuel Baptist Church1414 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 Church100 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 Church2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803

Garden Lakes Baptist Church2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615

Greater Mount Calvary Baptist445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047

Hill Crest Baptist Church2202 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 Church80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149

Lovejoy Baptist Church436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917

McFall Baptist Church3011 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 ChurchE 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777

Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413

New Antioch Baptist Church4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248

New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939

New Canaan Baptist Church3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984

New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250

New Hope Baptist Church399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507

North Broad Baptist Church1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100

Northwood Missionary Baptist4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

Park Ave Baptist Church531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147

Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431

PisGah Baptist ChurchAlabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431

Pleasant Hope Baptist Church5935 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 Baptist735 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 Church48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114

State Line Baptist Church8536 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 Baptist823 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 Church1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174

Shorter Avenue Baptist Church1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-8266

South Broad Baptist Church508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

Spring Creek Baptist Church2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-1220

Springfield Baptist Church113 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 Church1728 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 Church914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-9722

Wilkerson Road Baptist ChurchWilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161

Woodlawn Baptist Church

1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4171

Word & Way Baptist ChurchNew 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 Prophecy94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165

706-528-4225

Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147

706-232-5676

New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-0704

New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4695

North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6687

Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165

706-295-2999

West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165

706-880-6895

Disciples of Christ

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

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-0197

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church

308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-4923

Renovation Church

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

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 UMC21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161

Metropolitan UMC700 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 UMC3 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

South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230

Trinity UMC606 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 Church6 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 Joy118 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 EPC101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6033

Seven Hills Fellowship530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-530-1630

Silver Creek Presbyterian Church6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862

Westminster Presbyterian Church1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church

307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-292-0067

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4117

Cave Spring Church Directory

Cave Spring Church of God

19 Mill Street

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8348

Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-777-8360

Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566

The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

6 Rehoboth Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3313

First Baptist Church

4 Old Cedartown Rd.

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3566

Cave Spring UMC

30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8624

Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750

for

Grandparents

Thank You Lord

by Zebbie Brewster

Ihad gone to my husband’s doctor’s appointment with him. As I followed behind him, trying to find his doctor’s office, a sign in another doctor’s office caught my eye. It was a simple sign, but to me, it spoke volumes. It said, “Work Hard, Stay Humble, Be Kind.” I thought to myself, is that the secret to a successful life? I knew in my heart that I had fallen way behind in following those simple directions. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Seeking God’s way for my life was always the right road to travel on, even though I knew there had been times I had veered off that path. My grandfather set the example for me as a child for how to walk with God and be successful for God.

My grandfather was always working hard at whatever job he was doing. From working in the hay field, to cutting fire wood, he worked hard at it. He was no shirker and got the job done. I loved to listen to him talk to God in prayer. He always said, “Thank You Lord, that everything is as well with us as it is.” As a child, hearing him say that in his prayers, I never fully understood the meaning behind it.

Life was not always easy, yet God was real in my grandfather’s life. He loved God and his family, and stayed faithful to the God who was faithful to him.

I remember how he would often visit my family after I had a family of my own. It seems that he would often forget his hat, which he always wore. That gave him an excuse to come back to get it and visit again. My mom told me that she and her dad were prayer partners. They would meet and have

prayer together. What a blessing that was to hear about! Praying for them was important. It also helped increase our faith as we saw their prayers come to fruition.

I am thankful God blessed me and allowed me to be born into a Christian home. Thank You Lord, that everything is as well with us as it is. For Lord, You truly are worthy of all our love and praise.

About The Author

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

Church Activities & Events

Cornerstone Church Men’s Tailgate Event

Saturday, November 5 | 12PM

324 Mathis Dr NW, Rome, GA

Rally Up Ministries Reset 22

Saturday, November 12

2460 Shorter Ave NW, Rome, GA

Northside Church

Daniel Crews

Sunday, November 13 | 10:45AM

75 N Floyd Park Rd, Rome, GA

Trinity United Methodist Small Group Study

Sunday, November 13 | 3PM - 4PM

606 Turner McCall Blvd, Rome, GA

for Everyone

A Thankful Heart, For Real

by Kaye Stein

November—the month we are most thankful in! Raise your hand if you’re guilty. Can you see mine? My hand is up. At my age, I’ve celebrated so many Thanksgiving meals in so many different homes, and with so many different people, that I can’t say I have a tradition. But that’s okay. I moved around, living in several different states and I wasn’t always able to get back home. So, I guess my tradition is that I don’t have a tradition. Don’t get me wrong, I do have a meal with family, but it’s been a changing dynamic. I’m sure there are plenty of you who have been in the same place in life. Dynamics change for different reasons, and we could go on and on listing them, but that’s not the point we need to dwell on. The point is, are we thankful and ministering to the ones God gives us during the time we have?

Jesus’s ministry took Him to many places, but His focus stayed the same. Everywhere He went He ministered to people and was focused on His Father’s work. All throughout the New Testament, there are stories of His love for us! Are we following in His steps

and loving on our people? Are we showing a thankful heart towards the people God has put in our lives? It’s okay to start with small steps, maybe even better. Try listing your gratitude. Or when you sit down at the table with others, have everyone say something they are thankful for.

Being thankful is an action and showing thankfulness can be a little difficult or even scary at times. Letting go of bad history can possibly require much more effort, so start small. Say like, learning to be thankful for yourself! Be thankful for the way God made you—all the way down to your nose hairs! I’m sure you have heard the saying, “you must learn to love yourself before you can love someone else!” It is very true. Your nose hairs have a job to do even though it’s not a major part of you. But just the same, they have a purpose. It may not be as significant as the iris in your eye, but every part of you is made to perfection to do your Lord’s work. I know it’s kind of a funny analogy, and not too glamorous to think about nose hairs, yet every part of you is put together by God. Likewise, He put together each one of us to fulfill His purpose and bring Him glory!

Ephesians 3:19, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” So, shout your praises to the God almighty and be thankful for His love for you! Let that joy and peace permeate your being, and that joy will spread to the people in your life!

Kaye Stein lives with her amazing husband, Mike, in Rome, Georgia, and attends Pleasant Valley North. She loves learning about God in Bible Study Groups and Sunday School in the Woman’s Class. She loves her family, especially her grands! She is retired and is starting her bucket list travels.

About The Author

Five Decades of Five-Star Service Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc. Real Estate

A Second-Generation, Family-Owned Small Business

In 1972, a new chapter in Rome-Floyd County real estate began. Emerging on the market for the first time as Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc., the company has a rich history in the Rome-Floyd landscape. While the modern company finds much of its beginnings in Covington & Toles, Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc. (TTW) can actually trace back its roots more than 72 years to 1949 with Adrian Howell & Company, and eventually, Adrian Howell & Covington. Although the organization naturally evolved over time, the practice of marrying a traditional brokerage with real estate development and new construction remains the same.

Fifty years ago, C. Max Toles hired Brooke J. Temple, and together they recruited Sara Wright as their Associate Broker. TTW was born from these three entrepreneurial and established leaders in the community. “Max was one of the best, sharpest sales people I’ve ever known, and Sara was beyond belief,” said Brooke J. Temple, Co-founder, President, and Principal Broker. “Throughout the long history of our company, the strategy has always been to keep our eyes and ears on the movements and trends affecting local real estate, and to methodically hire agents that deliver only the best experience for our clients.”

In 2002, TTW formally became a second-generation family business. Brooke J. Temple’s son, Bill Temple, joined

the company as Vice President and Associate Broker. This addition further showcases TTW’s commitment to build and sustain a business that serves their community with intention and care. Many sales associates— past and present—have served the agency for years in response to the fast-paced work environment that positively encourages and promotes longevity. TTW continues to maintain its headquarters out of the familiar Georgian-style brick building in the heart of Rome.

Developing Relationships and Developing Communities

The early reception, success, and momentum created from TTW’s predecessors, including landmark neighborhoods such as Fieldwood, Horseleg Estates, Maplewood Square, North Hills, and Saddle Mountain, have helped the modern leaders of the agency cement themselves as a champion for future developments. “Our story and our legacy will always be one of seeing a need in the community—a void—and filling it with a quality product,” said Temple.

In addition to supplying the Rome-Floyd area with essential housing, developments including Huntcliff, Hunters Glen, River Place, and Woodfin Estates have provided a positive economic impact. These early subdivisions paved the way for later successful firsts in the area: The Oaks at Collinwood, the area’s first gated cluster home development; Hamilton Ridge, one of the first luxury apartments in Rome; Berry Forest, one of its first true golf course communities; as well as later phases in Maplewood East, transforming the neighborhood into Rome’s first swim and tennis community.

From residential and commercial real estate to commercial leasing and business brokerage, TTW has more than 40 REALTORS that collectively represent different specialties with licensures in Georgia, Alabama, and beyond. Every agent is an active member of the Greater Rome Board of REALTORS, Georgia Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS, and Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce. These sales associates are not only experts in their fields, but experts in the Rome community. TTW agents live locally and care deeply for the community’s unique quality of life. Agents foster long-lasting relationships with their clients and treat each individual and family with the time and care they deserve. They volunteer as individuals and as groups for causes like Adopt-a-Mile, Brighter Birthdays, and the P.A.W.S. animal

shelter, as well as in various civic clubs and non-profit and governmental boards and committees throughout the area.

“Whether working on the behalf of clients to get them the best property for their needs, round-tabling new construction and laying out the plans for a subdivision, or the giving of our time and talent for an important cause or event, 50 years later we remain committed to developing relationships and developing communities,” said Temple, who was officially recognized this year with a ceremonial Key to the City of Rome. “This is how we support and strengthen our area’s quality of life, and we are sincerely grateful to our clients past and present for the opportunity to serve them and their real estate needs.”

Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

TTW is proud to have served the Rome-Floyd community for 50 years! To learn more about the brokerage’s history, meet the Co-founders, access a dynamic timeline with archival materials, and find additional information on the golden anniversary, visit www.TolesTemple.com/50years and search the hashtag #TTW50 on social media.

Whether you are starting a new chapter or closing another, Toles, Temple & Wright’s close-knit family of Rome-based realtors are committed to using their expertise to help you write your story. Working together with their clients to meet their real estate goals is how they ensure a storybook ending for everyone at the closing table. If your roads lead to or from Rome, TTW is here for every new chapter in real estate. TTW is located at 611 Turner McCall Blvd NE, Rome, GA 30165. To set up an appointment with a TTW agent or for more information, call 706-291-0202.

Everyone

Objects In the Mirror Are Smaller Than They Appear

by Beth Penny

There are so many pivotal moments in our lives that imprint on our memories. One of those for me will always be the day I turned sixteen and got my driver’s license. For me, as for so many others, being able to drive alone was the first step in young freedom and independence. It signified so much more than that little piece of paper you receive that says you passed a test. But learning to drive, on the other hand, was full of so many more issues. Learning to be totally aware of your surroundings proves difficult until it becomes second nature. One of the first driving lessons my dad gave me was learning to use the mirrors. The side mirrors and rearview mirror have their own purpose, and we have to learn to use them to aid the process of driving. However, they aren’t the most important thing to help us drive.

As we drive, we glance in the mirrors to look for things beside us, right behind us, or even further behind us. We use those to help us know our surroundings or potential dangers. We don’t, however, continuously drive while looking through the rearview mirror. There is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview. We always have to look forward to where we are going and be aware but not focused on what is behind us.

In life, we have to remember the same lessons. We have to be aware of what is behind us but not let it control what is in front of us. We have to continue to look

forward and move forward as we understand that the past has a presence in our future but does not control it. My advice is to live life as you would drive a car. Look forward and move on from what mistakes or errors you have made in the past. Look forward and remember that God is always above. An old adage says, “If what is ahead scares you and what’s behind hurts you, just look up. He never fails to help you.”

Those words ring true. Just as the words in Psalm 121, “Look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth…The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade” (1-2, 5). Don’t let mistakes of the past guide what you can accomplish in the present. Remember that the windshield is bigger than the rearview.

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.

About The Author

go together.

together. you & good neighbor.

Like you & a good neighbor.

Eldridge Ins and Fin Svcs Inc

Some things in life just go together. Like home and auto insurance from State Farm®. And you with a good neighbor to help life go right. Save time and money.

Melissa Eldridge, Agent

415 Shorter Ave SW Rome, GA 30165 Bus: 706-234-5333

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171 W Belmont Drive Suite 8 Calhoun, GA 30701 Bus: 706-383-8787

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Eldridge Ins and Fin Svcs Inc

Melissa Eldridge, Agent 415 Shorter Ave SW Rome, GA 30165 Bus: 706-234-5333

171 W Belmont Drive Suite 8 Calhoun, GA 30701 Bus: 706-383-8787

Home & Auto go together. Like you & a good neighbor.

Home & Auto go together. Like you & a good neighbor.

Home & Auto go together. Like you & a good neighbor.

A good neighbor has your back.

Life’s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both. And who has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years.

CALL ME TODAY.

Some things in life just go together. Like home and auto insurance from State Farm®. And you with a good neighbor to help life go right. Save time and money.

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Some things in life just go together. Like home and auto insurance from State Farm®. And you with a good neighbor to help life go right. Save time and money.

Some things in life just go together. Like home and auto insurance from State Farm®. And you with a good neighbor to help life go right. Save time and money.

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Melissa Eldridge, Agent

Eldridge Ins and Fin Svcs Inc

Eldridge Ins and Fin Svcs Inc

415 Shorter Ave SW Rome, GA 30165 Bus: 706-234-5333

Melissa Eldridge, Agent

Melissa Eldridge, Agent

415 Shorter Ave SW Rome, GA 30165 Bus: 706-234-5333

415 Shorter Ave SW GA 30165

State Farm Bloomington, IL 1606040

171 W Belmont Drive Suite 8 Calhoun, GA 30701 Bus: 706-383-8787

Bus: 706-234-5333

171 W Belmont Drive Suite 8 Calhoun, GA 30701 Bus: 706-383-8787

171 W Belmont Drive Suite 8 Calhoun, GA 30701 Bus: 706-383-8787

for Everyone

PS138V8

by Regina Law Smith

Ihave always believed that God provides everything we need. He may not answer our prayers in the ways we want or on the timelines we expect, but He does answer. And every now and then, in the midst of daily living, we are allowed a powerful glimpse of our Father’s hand at work.

I’ve certainly seen His hand in my life. One morning on my way to work, I was troubled and crying so hard I was heaving. Suddenly, a car swerved in front of me. I can’t tell you the make, model, or color of the car, but I’ll never forget the license plate: PS138V8—Psalm 138, Verse 8—which says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (KJV). Well, what else could I do but dry my eyes, blow my nose, and give a prayer of thanks to God?

ways,” he said. “I had been praying for some extra money for my business license and insurance, with no idea where it was going to come from. Today, I went to the mailbox and found a check for $2,000 from online classes I had dropped weeks after the refund date. But somehow, someway, the refund was processed and sent to me. Prayer is an amazing, amazing thing!” The assurance that your children know God is priceless.

NOV

He is present in the workplace, too. My niece, a single mother of two, arrived at work not long ago with her gas tank on empty. “Okay, God,” she prayed at her desk. “You promised to take care of my needs, and I need gas!” Before my niece could complete her prayer, a coworker asked for a lift home that entire week. In exchange? The co-worker offered to fill up the gas tank.

God has been active in my co-workers’ lives as well. When I was on an out-of-town training assignment, a colleague became disoriented. Two other co-workers took her to the emergency room. One co-worker recognized her symptoms as those of a stroke, and the other knew just where to find the nearest hospital. My ailing colleague made a full recovery, and says we were her “angel family” placed by God in her path that day.

It warmed my heart recently to receive this voice message from my grown son: “God works in mysterious

I was most aware of God providing for my needs one December long ago. It was one of those months when there was more month than money, and I knew with Christmas just a week away, I wouldn’t have the means to buy presents for my young sons. I spent the night pondering ways to help them understand that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true meaning of Christmas and the only gift we need. The next morning, a friend from church called and said, “Just hear me out. My husband and I want to give you $250 to help with Christmas for your boys.” Through my tears, I whispered, “Thank you” to my friend—and to my Father.

It was I, not my sons, who needed to understand the true meaning of Christmas that year. I was reminded in a powerful way that God knows our needs more than we do.

And, through the birth of Jesus Christ, He has a divine plan to provide for all of them—in ways that are beautifully clear to our humble human hearts.

About The Author

Regina Law Smith is presently married and God blessed her with the opportunity to raise six sons and one daughter. Her life experiences are of immeasurable value to this world and her community. It is no surprise that her favorite quote is, “Believe what you want to believe, but know the Truth.”

G A

Thanksgiving Day

by Judy Hood

On this day of Thanksgiving

I thank you Lord for all you have been giving I thank you for the air I breathe

That gives life in and through me

If you had not given your life for me I would cease to exist, you see

I know my mom gave me birth

But you gave me rebirth

To save my soul

And make me whole

I wish everyone would give their life to you

But some people act like they don’t want any part of you

I’m glad we have a Thanksgiving Day

To thank you for each and every day

As I look up into the sky to praise you for being so good to me I honor you, for without you, I don’t know where I would be I know I have made many mistakes along the way

But I serve a big God that forgives me and brightens my day So, “Happy Thanksgiving,” Lord, thank you, for all you do Remind us before we judge people to try our foot in their shoe

for Everyone

Best Plan: God’s Way

by Karla Smedley

Ilike to be in the know! I dream of my future, whether it be the events of the current day or the upcoming years. I enjoy designing what’s to come.

Plan A: My Plan, Ideal Target

In my mind’s eye, I see how my day will play out. I rise, I dress, I forge ahead. I strive to move toward my target. Then life happens. When I am distracted and forcefully navigated in a different direction with the world’s twists and turns, I am left frustrated and confused because my mental perception of what I wanted gets delayed.

Plan B: My Back-Up Plan, Let Down, but Keep Trucking

I tweak my course of action for a better chance of success, beginning to diagram long-term details for my life, desiring to be in control of my future. The day is foggy with interruptions, so I visualize the month, the year, and even decades ahead. And without even realizing, I have created an expectation of what lies ahead. At times, I act like a fortune teller in my own life, creating and forecasting through my own crystal ball. I know that life takes perseverance, so I press on. Again, developing my idea of what is to come. Wouldn’t you know it, life happens again. I seem to be even further from my goals. The envisioned masterpiece in my mind becomes dented all the more. Tired and a bit weary, I pick up a hammer and try to bump the indentions back in place.

Plan C: My Back-Up for the Back-Up Plan, Deflated and Struggling to Survive

I now handle my quest with tunnel vision. Droning forward, I have become obsessed with acquiring my desired vision into reality. All the while, the uncompromising stomps towards my target may cause me to miss something around me.

Plan D: I Give, Simply Flailing in the Wind

It’s time to wave the white flag. Throw in the towel. The uncontrollable is too much. It’s time to climb in

the bed and pull the covers over my head. Life can just happen to me; I am too tired to try anymore. That is my Plan D—no plan at all! Que Sera Sera; whatever will be will be. The world is in control of my life. Like a sky dance, that inflatable tube advertising wacky waving thing, I will just flail around, getting slapped in the face as life comes at me! What’s the point? Then suddenly as I am flailing . . . God allows a wind of wisdom to slap me across the face! I remember . . .

God’s Plan: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

What am I trying to do? Live my life – doing it my way? Don’t misconstrue my words, I believe it is actually good to think ahead, to be prepared. However, we must

stay in fellowship with God and allow Him to guide us with His intentions for our life. How do we do this? Prayer. Ask for forgiveness of sins and guidance. He will take us by the hand and lead us through life, if we will allow Him. “Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow” (Psalm 5:8).

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.

Author

for Everyone

I Finally Got Over Myself!

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

by Terrie Ruff

Iwas so happy to see my friend Trish today! Her bright and cheerful smile is such a refreshing greeting as I pass by her department or as she enters my office. The joy of the Lord is all over her! As we made plans for lunch, I was excited because whenever I spend time with her, I always walk away with food for thought, and today would be no exception. In a timely manner, I completed my morning tasks and hurriedly gathered my lunch bag and headed towards Trish’s office. From there, we made our way to a quiet spot in the cafeteria.

As we sat down, she began sharing how God had been blessing her and her husband. He had been leading and guiding them as they were making life-changing decisions. She talked about wanting to do more for God and how she was more ready now to do whatever He asked of her, to go wherever He asked her to go, and to be bold for Him and not concerned with what others thought. Wow! I look at her enthusiasm with amazement, and before I could ask her the “how” question, she answered my silent questioning. “Terrie, I finally got over myself. Now I can really serve God.” Her laugh was evidence of the new found freedom and joy she had in emptying herself completely for God to fill her to overflow, so that she could be His vessel and used as He pleased.

Wow! Like Trish, I want to follow the example that Jesus left for us. He gave all as He poured out His life to fulfill God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. He got over Himself and His sole purpose was to glorify His Father and edify others. I, too, have determined to get over myself in surrender to God’s purpose for my life. Daily, I give Him all. Daily, I die so that I can live for Him. Trish, I get it, and like you, I finally got over myself too!

Humility! What does it look like in your life? Do you think of others before yourself? Do you serve, pray or worship in a spirit of humility? Reflect on ways that you can develop a humble spirit in practical, everyday ways.

Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

About The Author

MAKING A DIFFERENCE,

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.

for Everyone

Are You Tilting at Windmills?

by Dr. Alan Hix

As we approach Thanksgiving, are the day-to-day challenges of life making it hard for you to get in a thankful mood? Let me tell you a story.

Don Quixote is a novel written by Miguel Cervantes in the early 17th century. In the story Alonso Quixano is a lowranking member of the Spanish nobility. As he approaches middle age, he imagines a life far more exciting than his mundane existence. Alonso dons a suit of armor and takes up a lance. In his new imagined life, he is a knight errant in search of adventure and glory.

In his quest for meaning and purpose, Alonso challenges peasants to duels and views inns as castles. In one of the more well-known parts of his story, he comes upon a group of windmills. However, for Alonso, they are giants that need vanquishing, so he charges them with his lance. You can imagine the outcome was not what he intended. Having been unhorsed, he believes that magicians changed windmills into giants to thwart his noble quest.

While we smile and chuckle at Alonso’s passion for a noble quest that exists only in his imagination, I wonder if sometimes we might find ourselves on an imagined quest of our own. I recently read a blog in which the author proposed that many Christians prefer a “comfortable” Christianity. He went on to argue that this longing for “comfort” can result in believers not being particularly excited about heaven or seeing God face to face.

I found myself saying, “Wait a minute; you can’t be serious?” However, the author argued that many Church members are too busy setting up their own “heaven on earth,” that they don’t have time to think about eternity. They busy themselves trying to check all the boxes on what they want out of life—impressive career, great marriage, good kids, perfect home, and countless other things. They find themselves imagining this is what life is all about.

Heaven and an eternity with God seem so distant that the issues of the moment take center stage in our lives.

As I sat down to write about Thanksgiving, this blog came to mind. When we focus on getting through the

challenges of a stressful work environment, difficult family situations, unrealized expectations, and a host of other things we pursue as we search for meaning and purpose in life, we imagine that this is what brings meaning and purpose to life, and we lose sight of God’s blessings and provisions. And like Alonso, we end up tilting at the windmills of earthly things that have no eternal value. No wonder we feel unfulfilled.

However, a thankful heart has a whole new set of priorities. When the Apostle Paul writes to the Colossian believers, he gives them—and us—a picture of what a life focused on eternal things looks like:

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3:15-17).

Now are you in the mood for Thanksgiving?

About The Author

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

for Everyone

Is God One Person?

by Matt Jensen

Monotheism–the belief that there is only one God–has always been essential to the Christian faith. The early church steadfastly defended monotheism but ran into a difficulty–Jesus is equated with God in the New Testament. In fact, the deity of Jesus was a major reason that people wanted to kill Him (John 5:18; 8:58-59; 10:30-31). Desiring to hold to monotheism, some denied the full deity of Jesus. However, others desired to hold to monotheism and the full deity of Jesus. One solution proposed by men like Sabellius, Noetus, and Praxeas, was to say that the Father and the Son are actually not distinct persons. Like an actor playing different characters, God plays Father and then Son. This became known as the heresy of Sabellianism. Many strains of this error have surfaced over time, but its distinctive feature is that God is unipersonal. In other words, God is one God existing as one person, sometimes acting as different persons. Against this, orthodoxy confesses one God eternally existing in three persons. Here is what orthodoxy confesses. God is one divine nature.

• The divine nature is not shared by anything in creation.

• The divine nature is not divided among the persons (like three pieces of the same pie).

• The divine nature is not cloned three times (like three copies of the same picture). God eternally exists in three persons.

• The person of the Father:

Is unbegotten – He has His person from none

Is neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit

Therefore, He is truly the Father

• The person of the Son:

Is eternally begotten – He has His person from the Father alone

Is neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit

Therefore, He is truly the Son

• The person of the Holy Spirit:

Is eternally proceeding – He has His person from the Father and the Son

◦ Is neither the Father nor the Son ◦ Therefore, He is truly the Holy Spirit

It’s terribly important to confess that God is one God, but it’s vitally important to confess that this one God eternally exists in three persons, too. Here are a few reasons why:

It’s biblical – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Sabellianism and orthodoxy agree that the Word was God (i.e. the one divine nature). However, Sabellianism can’t explain how the Word was with God. They must say something like “The Word appeared to be with God.” Orthodoxy can say that the Word was God (divine nature) and with God (person). Sabellianism also can’t account for passages such as Matthew 3:16-17. Orthodoxy can say that Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended, and the Father spoke. Sabellianism turns the events of this passage into a charade.

God’s worship – This is the greatest reason. God has revealed Himself as one God eternally existing in three persons. Therefore, we must worship Him as one God eternally existing in three persons. The most serious theological errors we can possibly make concern God. He is not the unipersonal God of Islam, but the blessed Trinity in unity and unity in Trinity.

Our salvation and communion with God – Was it really the Son who came to save us? Was it really the Father who gave a people to His Son? Is it really the Holy Spirit who applies Christ’s redemptive work? Sabellianism must say, “No.” Can we really believe in Jesus (John 6:29)? Can we really pray to our Father in heaven (Matthew 6:9)? Can we really walk by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)? Sabellianism must again say, “No.” If Sabellianism is true, our salvation and communion with God cannot be Trinitarian. We would be saved and commune with a God who is one person having multiple personalities. Thankfully, that is not the God who reveals Himself to us in the Bible. The one true God eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Author

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.

for Everyone

While He Was Thinking

by Sandra Gilmore

Have you been following this series? Check each month as we explore often-overlooked connections to Christmas and wind our way back to this sacred event.

His mind was anywhere but there. What was he going to do? How could he get out of this pickle?

He was a craftsman. Years of working with resistant materials had taught him a few things. He envisioned a use for a material that the material couldn’t even see for itself. He shaped the stone. He carved the wood. He avoided the delicate areas that could crack later, relying on the strength around it to achieve the goal, which was to transition something typically left alone or behind into something that would serve, something that would become a part of daily life. His work would bear his mark. His design and years of training, planning, working, and re-working would all be reflected in the craftsmanship of the final product.

Still, his day was ordinary. To a casual onlooker, his day would have seemed routine, no fuss, nothing unusual, until that evening. During the day, his hands were busy with the wood. He was carving, pounding, shaving, clearing shavings, staining, expertly crafting a resistant material into what he envisioned it to be. After years of honing his trade, his hands could maneuver without his mind engaged. And on that day, his thoughts took the focus while his craftsmanship ebbed out on autopilot.

Joseph had questions, sticky questions directed by society’s mores and religious considerations. He just couldn’t see a way out or a way in, for that matter. He was stuck with an urgent desire to run. He was running with a sincere desire to stay committed. What should he do? Everyone would know the baby wasn’t his. But he didn’t do anything wrong. And this girl genuinely believed God gave her this baby!

That evening The Master Craftsman worked with an immalleable material. The Lord expertly crafted the heart of a man who could have possibly been left behind by history into a role that would enter daily life for centuries to come. According to Matthew Chapter 1, the Lord sent an angel to Joseph in a

dream. This messenger delivered stout answers to Joseph’s sticky questions.

Matthew 1:20 states, “But while he thought on these things, behold an angel appeared unto him in a dream.” The angel assured Joseph about following through with his marriage to Mary, even affirming the child was indeed the Son of God.

The original language gives us insight into Joseph’s ponderings. This verb can be translated ponder, deliberate, and revolve in the mind. Another passage in the book of Acts describes, “While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him…” These two examples highlight the promise in Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you.”

Do you ever ponder with your mind stayed on the Lord? Does your heart yield to The Master Craftsman? Or do you worry with your mind focused on other things with a heart resistant and stiff? With our minds stayed on the Lord, we can invite the Holy Spirit to give us insight, answers, and direction. He brings peace. When we worry, we give the enemy of our souls an invitation to weigh us down, confuse us, or stagnate us. As we enter this season of thanksgiving soon followed by Christmas, the Lord is indeed our Immanuel, God with us. We can ponder, wonder, and even question with renewed hope and peace!

About The Author

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

Gò0dNews

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Mission Statement:

We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they 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.

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Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to reach out to people through words of encouragement.

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for Everyone

Rejoice In Your Harvest

by Stephanie Daniels

Farmers are intentional about the seed they sow and the harvest they reap. They don’t plant apple seeds and expect cabbage. They put a specific seed in the ground and patiently wait for harvest season. They nurture and water the seed, then at the right time, a harvest grows up out of the fertile soil. Many people don’t realize how much our lives are like farming. Seed time and harvest time are a part of life. We sow seeds daily. The harvest we receive is based on what was sown.

As we reflect on our lives over the course of the year, we can anticipate a harvest of all we have done. The greatest harvest of all is a harvest of souls into the kingdom of God. Jesus sowed His life so that anyone who calls on His name shall be saved. We can play a part in that wonderful harvest by simply sharing our faith. Sowing seeds of faith can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do in their lifetime. Matthew 9:37-38 tells us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Another way to sow seed is

to give monetary gifts to your local churches, charities, or alms, giving wherever you see a need. Everything we do is a seed sown. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). One of the wisest things we can do is sow good seeds. Sowing seeds of faith into the lives of others not only blesses them but it impacts us as well. Psalms 107:37 reminds us, “They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest.” We can ensure a good crop of favor and blessings in our lives by simply being intentional about what we say, do, and think. The word of God says, “As a man thinks so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). When we continuously think negative thoughts, it is just a matter of time before we speak negative things, which can result in negative actions. Negative thoughts, words, and actions can produce bad fruit in your life. Speak life over yourself and others, and meditate on the word of God to help keep your thoughts pure. These are just some of the things that can help produce a good harvest in your life.

So, whether you have sown time, money, shared your faith or planted a garden, expect God to give you a bountiful harvest. The apostle Paul explains that our righteousness comes from God, and He is faithful to provide seed to the sower. “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10). It is never too late to sow seed with intention and purpose. In this harvest season, expect God’s goodness and mercy to overtake you.

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Buds

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole Boats

by Jodi Varnado

Ilove gathering around a table with good food and good company. The Thanksgiving holiday grants us the perfect opportunity to foster this connection and fellowship. This twist on the classic sweet potato casserole only enhances the experience! This recipe is sure to bring comfort to your friends and family this Thanksgiving dinner. With only eight ingredients and one pan, you can present this sweet side dish and leave your guests impressed. (And don’t worry, they won’t know how easy it was it prepare. Your secret’s safe with me. )

Ingredients

• 4 medium-large sweet potatoes or yams

• 1 tablespoon of neutral oil

Toppings

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar

• 1 cup of raw pecans, roughly chopped

• 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup

• 1 cup of mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Slice the sweet potatoes in half, but leave the skin on. Rub both sides with oil and arrange cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Use a fork to poke holes in the back sides of the potatoes, then bake for 25-35 minutes.

4. Once tender, remove potatoes from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip the potatoes over. Use a fork to gently mash the insides of the potatoes until they are slightly pressed down and the surface is flat.

5. Swipe the top of each potato with butter. Then, shake a light dusting of cinnamon on each potato, followed by brown sugar, pecans, and maple syrup. Top with mini marshmallows.

6. Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the toppings are slightly toasty!

7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.