Gò0dNews
DYKES CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
About Us
WRITERS
Brent Goodge
Brent Madaris
Brian Johnson
David Huff
David Voyles
Jade Morgan
Judy Hood
Kristen West
Mandy Harmon
Paul McGuire
Rick Hughes
Sandra Gilmore
Stephanie Daniels
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Melanie Abney
706-844-3818
GoodNews Rome
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
and should not
relied
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.
Practical Keys to Contentment
by Brent Madaris
Did you know that contentment is a biblical life-goal?
See *1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Godliness (in its practical aspect) is making God the practical priority of your life by consistently practicing principles that draw you closer to Him and allow Him to manifest Himself through you. Contentment is a state of mind in which no aid or support is needed. It is a mind that is satisfied, rested, and at peace with its lot in life. Fundamentally, contentment is a condition of the heart. Godliness with contentment is a source of “great gain.”
For all of us, men and women, the Bible states in 1 Timothy 6:7–8 7, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” It is not complex. Contentment is not based on what you have, how much you have, or how much you do. Why should godliness with contentment be a primary life goal? Shouldn’t education, material success, and marital happiness be paramount? While none of these goals are inherently wrong, they are secondary to godliness and contentment. Secondary goals are legitimate as long as they are accompanied by godliness and contentment.
Paul’s argument for godliness and contentment centers upon the fundamental equality of mankind and the temporary nature of physical things. At birth, everyone arrives completely dependent upon the care and resources of another. At death, every physical advantage disappears. Death is the great equalizer. The temporary enjoyment of affluence ceases forever at death.
Because all men are equal at the moment of death, it only makes sense to live life satisfied with what you have. Since basic necessities (food and clothing) sustain life, we should be satisfied when our basic needs are met. We should view everything beyond basic necessities as the richest of blessings!
Rather than concentrating on the accumulation of physical possessions, Christians should focus on their relationship with Christ and be content with their current lot in life. It is not wrong to have secondary goals: career
advancement, purchasing a home, etc. as long as godliness and contentment marks every step of the way. It is wrong to have basic necessities met (and a lot more) and to live in continual dissatisfaction and covetousness.
Let me give you some practical keys to contentment:
• Keep your expectations low, and life will have many pleasant surprises.
• See the abundance all around you.
• Develop a grateful/thankful heart.
• Be satisfied in the Lord and the blessings He has given.
• Obey God’s Word/follow its teachings in your daily life.
• Discipline yourself to be satisfied with exactly what you have at this very moment.
• Place your entire existence (past/present/future) in his care.
• Discover the will of God for your life. This alone solves many problems and simplifies many choices.
• Focus on the promise of the Lord’s abiding presence (He will guide you and satisfy you Himself!)
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
*All Scriptures KJV.
Brent Madaris is the pastor of New Haven Baptist Church. He is also a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has a Master of Divinity from Crown Seminary and is currently engaging Doctoral studies at Pensacola Theological Seminary.
Gò0 dNews for Everyone What Are You Full Of?
by Paul McGuire
Every man is usually full of himself: looks, appearance (clothing), opinions, what he thinks others think of him, and so on and so on.
God doesn't care for those things. Of course, He knows of them but He understands that those things are of the flesh, the natural man, and the natural life.
The Lord shares this message: But I have called you, I have redeemed you, not for that natural life to grow better and better. True, some things will get better when a person comes to Me and is rescued by redemption. But life will still stink, sometimes! I'm
The Lord came in Jesus to give remedy for that issue once and for all.
He did not come for nothing. This was no whim! For, from all eternity, this great pivotal act has been His plan and Jesus' purpose. This is why there is a Jesus: that God Himself might in His own way and by His own standards, pay the unpayable price, and redeem His own creation back to Himself.
John 3:16 KJV tells us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
not fixing everything in the world so you can live a life of ease, a life free of trouble. That has nothing to do with being My servant.
Jesus lived life as it actually was with stinky conditions, smelly people, no running water, and no plumbing. People rejected His offer of love and redemption. There was violence and brutality dispensed by Rome. It was brutal.
We hear some of this in Isaiah 53:3 KJV, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
But Jesus didn't come to end that. There is a worse thing than no nail clippers: There is dying without knowing Him!
Compared to this purpose, God cares nothing for this earth. He can – He will – make another, perfect, unpolluted by sin with no devil, no evil, no darkness. He could create an earth with only God on the throne. You will love it. It is what the human heart cries out for.
Phooey on expensive vehicles, exotic living conditions, and expensive stuff! There is so much better to be had! In His eternal Kingdom...well, you'll just have to wait and see, my child. But, boy! It's good.
Enjoy this life as you will. Remember that it is fragile and fleeting. Especially, remember what God holds for those who love Him exceeds your imagination by “light-years”. But for any man to experience even a small portion of this treasure-land, he and she must know the Lord, must come to the Lord. Those who know Him, tell them of Him. He'll do the other part.
Can you do this for Him? You will, won't you? The Lord has shown and proven His love for you.
And prove God on this: He'll make the way – every time!
Paul McGuire has been born again for over 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of over 50 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.
NFinancial Factors for This Fall
Money Matters
Rick Hughes with
Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.
ovember is a monumental month for us. Election day is November 5th, which will yield us a new president. The Feds will meet again November 6th – 7th, which could have impacts to the economy and rates, and it marks the mid-way point of the 4th quarter of 2024. Ironically enough, it is also a time for us to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time whose original purpose was intended to celebrate gratitude and unity. There has been much division amongst our country during this election year. As we move forward with our newly elected president, it seems a good time to remind ourselves of how post-election developments can directly impact your retirement planning and financial security.
Investment portfolio volatility is most likely the first thing to come to mind as these fluctuations are the easiest way to see an impact to your retirement plans. These, however, are usually short-term effects of the election and shouldn’t be a factor that we use in making long-term planning decisions or account changes. What follows in the months after the election will be what needs to be monitored and evaluated with your financial advisor.
Changes to tax policy will be one of the biggest factors to actively monitor and discuss with your advisor. Higher tax brackets will mean lower net income. Lower net income will reduce spending, which could impact various economic areas. Lower tax brackets would be viewed to have the opposite effect. Changes to capital gains tax could cause people to try and sell assets before a higher rate goes into effect, which would have a short-term impact on stock markets and stock pricing. Any of these types of changes would have a direct impact on how and when you withdraw money from your retirement assets. If you are
currently saving for retirement, it could also impact how much you can continue to save towards retirement.
Social Security and Medicare policy changes also have a substantial impact on retirement planning. Changes that could be made to eligibility benefits and how these programs are funded could directly impact every current retiree and everyone nearing retirement and when they may be able to retire. These programs and their funding have a direct correlation with the national deficit so how the new president and controlling party address this will have to be closely monitored to determine its effects on retirement.
With any election period, the full impact of these policy changes will depend on the specifics of the legislation, how effectively they are implemented, and the broader economic conditions at the time. Given these potential impacts, it's important for individuals to regularly review and adjust their retirement plans in response to political and economic changes, ensuring they remain aligned with their financial goals. Diversification, staying informed about policy changes, and consulting with your financial advisor can help navigate these uncertainties effectively.
Reach out to our office today to begin drawing up your Retirement Playbook so that Hughes Retirement Group can begin developing your game plan and coaching you through your retirement season.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving month, we would like you to join us at Hughes Retirement Group in continuous prayer for those affected by recent hurricanes. It will fade from the news with all the things happening in this world but we, as a community, can still commit to coming together to pray for and help provide what is needed for our neighbors to begin to heal from such tragedy and devastation.
for Men Being Grateful
by David Huff
How grateful are we to God who gives us life every day? Do we offer Him praises of thanksgiving or do we complain because we do not have the things we want? What if the things we wanted are the very same things that would drive us farther away from God?
and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
Many times, we come to God with petitions of our wants and needs and we fail to thank Him for the things we have. If you struggle for things to be thankful for, start small with the basic things that you would not normally think of. Thank God for the breath in your lungs and the life in your body. Thank God for the food on your table no matter how little or much it may be. Thank God for the job you have, yes even that one that you may not like. There are so many things that we can thank God for including the trials in our lives. It is through trials that we learn to depend deeper upon God. It is through the trials that we grow as a more disciplined Christian. Also, what may seem like a trial could very well be a sweater that is meant for our protection. When we honor God with the little and we become more thankful God opens our eyes more to His blessings.
As a child, I remember receiving a sweater for Christmas. A sweater, really? Come on! I wanted a toy car or truck. Something that I could actually have fun with. A sweater would only keep me warm and protect me from the outside weather. That’s not something you can have fun with, right? Oh, wait a second, it kept me warm and protected me from the outside weather. How many times do we approach God with this very same scenario? It may not be a sweater but a boat, jet ski, or new car you want. You know, something to have fun with, and yet God gives us something else.
Could it be that our perspectives are in the wrong place? *Psalm 107:1 says “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above
In this season, begin to practice being more thankful and in it, you will see a blessing develop that words cannot express. In the storm and in the trials, God is still God and He is still on His throne. As we become more thankful, we begin to see the beauty of God all around us in His beautiful creation.
*All Scriptures quoted from NKJV.
David Huff and his wife, Brittany, have five wonderful kids. Their family attends Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where David serves on the production team. David is a graduate of Liberty University and will be starting his master’s degree in January 2025.
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Rise And Shine
by Mandy Harmon
Here's the deal: don’t quit! If you can, just keep rising every morning, you will get to see God shining through. You see, I’ve struggled with several addictions for over 29 years. I was molested when I was young, and before I realized it, I had been in abusive/ codependent relationships through the years. My life was nearly taken when I was mistakenly shot while I was pregnant! When the devil wanted me to quit, wanted me to throw in the towel, I didn’t quit. I rose up! My desire is that God would take my mess and make it His message.
Here are some of the Bible verses that became dear to me through my recovery:
Psalms 34:4 TPT
“Listen to my testimony I cried to God in my distress and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. gaze upon Him, join your life with His, and joy will come. your faces will glisten with glory. you’ll never wear that shameface again. when I had nothing desperate and defeated. I cried out to the lord and he heard me, bringing his miracle deliverance when I needed it most.”
Psalms 86:15
“My friend, when people give up on you, and even when you give up on yourself, I want to assure you that God has not given up on you. He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for your sins and this God of grace will never give up on you”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future”
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
“but they that wait upon the lord will renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint.”
Deuteronomy 30:3 The Message
“God your God will restore everything you lost. He’ll have compassion on you. He’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.”
Ezra 10:4
“Rise up, take courage, and do it.”
On May 14, 2007, in Floyd County Jail, I gave my whole heart and life to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have to thank God for my parents who raised me in church because I knew who to turn to. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I was in jail for 91 days. That’s a lot of time for me to reflect on my life and what I had done to my family. You know though, I had found peace. It was a peace I had never known before. The hole inside of me had been filled with the Holy Spirit and my life could finally begin.
Psalm 86:15 says “My friend, when people give up on you, and even when you give up on yourself, I want to assure you that God has not given up on you. He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for your sins and this God of grace will never give up on you.”
Even through the recovery process, our family faced significant loss and pain with miscarriages, the passing of dear loved ones, as well as disappointments and setbacks.
I am learning each and every day how to face difficulties by relying on the Lord and standing on His word. I will hold my head up high and straighten my crown because I am a child of the King who is not moved by this world for my God goes before me. I do not fear because I am His! So don’t quit. Keep rising and shining!
Mandy Harmon declares, “Most importantly I am
Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal
Bethel AME Church
22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0019
St. James AME Zion Church
3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165
404-307-7396
Summer Hill AME Church
1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church
105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7248
Armuchee Baptist Church
6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-3169
Berean Baptist Church
8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-9832
Blue Pond Baptist Church
1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3296
Bryant Chapel Baptist Church
24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9768
Bush Arbor Baptist Church
3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161
770-885-0779
Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4431
Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-1461
Cedar Creek Baptist Church
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. Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-6207
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
3181 Kingston Hwy NE
November 2024
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
Eden Valley Baptist Church
348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
770-608-8168
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-3939
Enon Baptist Church
3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-5052
Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147
Fellowship Rome Baptist Church
314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-9416
First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6850
Flatrock Baptist Church
848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-9976
Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104
706-232-8121
Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-4803
Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-6615
Greater Mount Calvary Baptist
445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-5047
Hill Crest Baptist Church
2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8806
Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6642
In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8963
Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2149
Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171
706-232-1917
McFall Baptist Church
3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5673
Mount Alto Church
1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-6222
Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413
New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2248
New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706, 291-8939
New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-1984
New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga
706-235-0250
New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-0507
North Broad Baptist Church
1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2100
Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147
Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4431
PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4431
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga
706-235-2800
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0731
Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165
706-232-6426
Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-1841
Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0689
Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8114
State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339
Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5037
Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-3663
Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172
Sherwood Forest Baptist Church
1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church
1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8266
South Broad Baptist Church
508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
Spring Creek Baptist Church
2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-1220
Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7217
Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8132
Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga
706-766-0942
Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-3368
Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-8682
Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-2184
West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-1971
West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-9722
Wilkerson Road Baptist Church
Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161
Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4171
Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165
706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0675
Lindale Church of Christ
3035 Maple Road
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-234-3027
Oak Hill Church of Christ
1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165
706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God
4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4414
Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165
706-528-4225
Lindale Church of God
585 Park Ave
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-232-5676
New Life Church of God
210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0704
New Hope Overcoming Church of God
200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4695
North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6687
Rome AOH Church of God
504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2999
West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-880-6895
Church of God in Christ
Great Joy Church of God in Christ 60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161
706-766-6148
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church
308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational Cornerstone Church
324 Mathis Dr
Rome, Ga 30165
Ministerios El Vino Nuevo
4216 Alabama Hwy NW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0500
Renovation Church
13 Redmond Ct. Rome, Ga 30165
706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy
Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
3000 Garden Lakes Blvd
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7257
Methodist
GracePoint Rome 43 Chateau Court
Rome, Ga 30161
Holsey Sinai CME Church
1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7265
Lindsay Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC
700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant Church 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church
Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
Oostanaula UMC
74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0084
Rome First UMC
202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8590
Rush Chapel UMC
1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-7986
Scott Chapel UMC
3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161
Silver Creek UMC
36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
Trinity By The River, Global Methodist 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0033
Wesley Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW
Rome, Ga 30161
West Rome UMC
1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164
706-234-6214
Messianic
Congregation Hallelu HaShem 1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105
706-936-6711
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church
1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161
705-584-7497
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
Shannon Community Church
600 First Street
Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161
Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6033
Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161
706-530-1630
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-6862
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0067
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God
19 Mill Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8348
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW
Cave Spring Ga 30124
706-346-9786
Live Oak Baptist Church
5506 GA-100
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8566
The Empty Tomb
5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3313
First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3566
Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8624
Jackson Chapel UMC
301 Jackson Chapel Rd
Cave Spring, GA 30125
706-777-3750
Gò0 dNews for Relationships Unflappable
by Jade Morgan
Iteach a high school reading class and one of our terms is “conflict.” The literary definition of conflict is: A struggle between two opposing forces, usually the protagonist and antagonist. There are different kinds of conflict, but the two most common are internal and external. We experience conflict on a daily basis. We have struggles with ourselves and in our own minds. We are involved in strife or competition with others. We even face contention in various forms of social media in which we choose to participate. Sure, most of these clashes are not intentional or even desired, but even so, they occur.
Lately, I have been thinking about all of the animosity and tension going on in our country, but really, do we truly want everyone to think exactly the same, or like we do? Do we want everyone to have the same opinions? Do we want everyone to act equally? I don’t. How boring would life be? Moreover, how boring would we be? There would be nothing to challenge us or to strive for. We would have no surprises in life. Some would argue that we would have unity, but would we really? As much as most people hate to admit it, we need one another. We cannot grow or be sharpened with a one tract mind that never is tested, stimulated, or asserted.
So, again, conflict is inevitable and even necessary at times. I read recently that there is no such thing as an isolated incident in life. Each person involved is coming into the dilemma with our own backgrounds and life experiences, plus a few battle scars and wounds. We are treating said
situation as an isolated incident, but there is no way it can be handled as such. Old feelings and emotions start to pop up that have absolutely nothing to do with the present circumstances, but once we feel offended, man, those previous hurts are exposed in a hurry. I am totally guilty of this as well.
Matthew 18:15-17 AMPC says:
“If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church.”
I want to seek out peace and harmony. I truly believe it is a dream for a majority of the population. However, have we ever seen it? Do we even know what it will be like? Is this even possible? Probably not. There will always be someone who does not like you. There will always be someone that you annoy just by being you. It is human nature. However, we can fight for inner peace, contentment, and harmony. We cannot control others, but we can control ourselves, our reactions, and our emotions. We can be set apart and let others see that we are unflappable and that, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to not get offended by every single thing.
I read a quote from Alejandra Lugunes recently that put it so well: “Be a woman other women can trust. Have the courage to tell another woman directly when she has offended, hurt, or disappointed you. Successful women have a loyal tribe of loyal and honest women behind them. Not haters. Not backstabbers or women who whisper behind their back. Be a woman who lifts other women.”
Of course, this does not apply solely to women, men are included too. Let’s care enough to make ourselves better, as well as others in the process. Have the hard conversation. It is worth it, to you and them.
Jade is the connect & serve director at Public Church. She is a 2008 graduate of Lee University with a degree in Special Education. Jade Morgan’s focus is helping people find their place and purpose in Jesus’ church. A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, she enjoys traveling the world on missions.
Upward Basketball: Play with Purpose
When parents seek to raise children with a sense of play, purpose, and participation in something bigger than themselves, it’s hard to find just the right combination of all those elements. Enter the Upward basketball program. It’s a national program rooted in local communities. For the Rome, GA area, that’s at Dykes Creek Baptist Church and has been for 25 years.
Jump Ball: Getting Started in 2000
Director Ryan Edwards explains, “My brother Brad Edwards and myself, along with our pastor at the time Mike Garrett, wanted to foster something for our community that blended wholesome team-building with Christian principles. Upward basketball which is a national program met all the criteria we were looking for. We launched our local Upward basketball at Dykes Creek Baptist Church in the year 2000. In our first season, we had 55 kids. Since then, we have had the better part of 200 youngsters per season but we average around 125 to 150. Upward Basketball is a basketball league supported by churches all across the country. It’s basically a Christ-centered league focused on
Jesus and focused on positive reinforcement from parents and coaches.”
The Upward website highlights the beginnings of the program before it expanded nationwide, “Founded in 1995 out of a church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, founder Caz McCaslin had a passion for sports and a deep desire to reach his community. He created a sports experience that met the unmet needs of children and their families, focused on the sports experience and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. This vision for one community quickly grew into a team of individuals committed to supporting churches everywhere to maximize their unique resources and personalities to serve and meet the needs of their communities.
“Today, there are over 2,000 Upward sports experiences across the U.S. serving hundreds of thousands of young athletes playing basketball, soccer, cheerleading, volleyball, flag football, baseball, and softball. What began as a local, recreational basketball league focused on reaching the surrounding community with the message of Jesus Christ has grown into a nationwide movement
helping churches use sports to engage their local communities with the gospel.”
This year marks the 25th season for the Upward basketball program at Dykes Creek Baptist Church. Stability in leadership and steady focus on the goal keep this community staple in motion. Perhaps you’ve known some of the directors: Founder Brad Edwards, Tad Vaughn, Johnathon Cannon, Mark Baldwin, Justin Carroll, and current director, Ryan Edwards. Buzzer Beater
If you think children’s sports are for novices and newbies with no thrills or major moments, think again. Last January, everyone was on their feet for a buzzer beater like no other. The 5th and 6th graders were playing a regular game giving it their all. And yet there was one more thrill waiting to unfold. Giving it all to the end, these budding athletes kept pushing through, one team defending their lead while the other team was pressing to even the score. No one could have expected what was about to happen with the last play of the game. A young hooper threw the ball down the court in a last effort to tidy up the score. If you were reaching for your car keys thinking the excitement was over, you would have missed it. This young hooper made the swoosh! Everyone was on their feet, hands raised, and voices cheering! Even the other team members, coaches, and supporters had to give to this lad. Coach Ryan Edwards recalls, “He made the basket when the clock hit zero. It was the longest shot I’ve ever seen made during a game at Upward.”
And that’s what it’s all about folks: giving kids a chance to learn, to grow, and especially to shine. Upward basketball provides youngsters the opportunity to absorb and practice the fundamentals of life such as giving it their “all,” all the way through to the buzzer.
Full Court Press
Building communities means building young people. The Upward basketball administration and coaching crew at Dykes Creek Baptist Church are committed to just that principle. From the registrar to the referee, from the concession clerks to the coaches, this team is dedicated to building young people with the goal in mind of these youngsters becoming strongly committed to themselves with healthy, wholesome principles, to their sport with athletic fundamentals, to their teams with excellent sportsmanship conduct, and to their communities with pride, growth, and giving back.
When describing the organization’s goals, the Upward Sports website includes the following key points:
“Big Picture: We view sport through the lens of a greater purpose – which means the impact can extend far beyond the game. Sports break down barriers and create a powerful catalyst for churches to build relationships and serve others.
Play: All children deserve opportunities to be active, learn, and have fun! That’s why we value co-creating new and different play experiences with church partners to welcome and reach all children.
Whole Person: Based on Luke 2:52 ‘Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.’ Our experiences are designed to equip churches to engage the whole athlete – mind, body, spirit and soul.”
If you are seeking a wholesome environment with a challenge to become better each time your child participates, call the registrar for more information. Or, see the website or Facebook page. You’ll find lots of examples of this very concept in action.
Let’s Play Ball
How do you sign up? Contact Ryan Edwards at 770-8810947 or see Facebook Upward at DCBC. Register online at registration.upward.org/UPW84897.
Gratitude
by Brian Johnson
The Bible is an amazing book! Since you’re reading this, you probably agree. It has so much to say about history and, at the same time, helps us spiritually, gives us truth and the ability to spend eternity with God along with showing us how to live now.
It’s also scientifically true. When I read *I Corinthians 12, as Paul compares the Church to the physical body, it makes me wonder if he got that thought from Luke. Luke accompanied Paul on his journeys. Since Luke was a doctor,
fascinating statement because of the difference in technology and knowledge we have today versus what he had then. It speaks to the fact that God inspired those words.
Our white blood cells comprise our immune system and they’re produced in bone marrow. There are several different types of white blood cells. Specific ones designed to fight bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, allergies, and even cancer!
I imagine they may have had conversations about how the body works. Could that have been why Paul told Timothy to “use a little wine” for his “stomach’s sake” and “often infirmities” (I Tim. 5:23)? Did he learn this medicinal cure from Luke? The Bible doesn’t tell us about that instance, but there are some things about the body that we can see clearly in the Bible.
God instructs us to be content. Why? One reason is that it keeps us physically healthy. Proverbs 3:7-8 says, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Solomon lets us know if we rely on the wisdom of God’s word instead of what makes sense to us, it keeps us healthy. He specifically says it will be marrow to our bones, a
A study called psychoneuroimmunology began in 1975. It has to do with the effect of the mind on health and resistance to disease. Based on this study, we know that when we’re happy, our immune system functions better. Conversely speaking, when we’re sad or anxious, its function is crippled. This is why it’s so important to have gratitude, to be thankful and content.
Philippians 4:6 says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Don’t be full of care about anything. That can be difficult but when we thank God for what we have in our prayers, it reminds us that He is still blessing us. This reminder helps maintain an attitude of gratitude which, in turn, keeps us healthy.
Proverbs 17:22 says “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” The medicine is in us and functions the way God intended when we’re happy and trusting Him but it does not when we’re focused on what we don’t have and are unthankful. Appreciate what you have. Don’t focus on the negative. Focusing on the blessings God has given us makes an attitude of gratitude easy to maintain. It’ll also keep you healthy!
*All Scriptures quoted from KJV.
Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.
dNews for Parents From Care to Compassion
by Stephanie Daniels
November 18, 2024 is National Adoption Day. This is especially significant because November is National Adoption Month bringing focus to the foster care system and the need for adoptive families.
God has recently placed a concern for the foster care system within my heart. I’ve been deeply moved by the heart-wrenching stories of children who, while in foster care, endure unimaginable abuse and neglect. It is disheartening to hear that some children are provided with subpar food while they watch the families around them enjoy healthy meals. This should never happen. It is my firm belief that we need to implement a higher level of inspections and thorough screenings to ensure that these children are being properly cared for.
Many of these children age out of the system, only to find themselves struggling to secure employment and housing. I implore each one of you reading this article to take a moment to consider what you can do to support the foster care system. I understand that not everyone can or should become a foster parent, but there are various ways you can make a difference. You may be inspired to make donations to your local foster care center or volunteer your time to guide and encourage these youngsters. Contact your local program to discover ways to be a blessing. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us to consider one another to stir up love and good works.
Your support may be rooted in heartfelt prayers. We must not underestimate the profound impact that prayer can have on the lives of these youngsters. Let us step forward in faith, knowing that our investment in these young lives will echo through eternity.
Personally, I am collaborating with my employer to explore ways in which we can help foster children in our community develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). One thing I am certain I can contribute is my ability to motivate and inspire these youth. Over the years, I’ve accumulated valuable life lessons that I can share. Sometimes, just a word of encouragement and guidance can lead a young person toward employment opportunities that they might not have considered before, such as starting with an entrylevel position at an apartment community. This could be
a stepping stone to becoming a leasing consultant or a maintenance worker, paving the way for them to become an apartment manager and secure discounted housing. It is essential that we broaden their horizons beyond seeing themselves only in fast-food jobs; there are numerous entrylevel opportunities that can offer more promising prospects.
Investing in the lives of young people is not only rewarding but a wise investment to ensure the future and stability of our country. We need foster parents who not only look after the physical and emotional needs of our
youth but who also care for the spiritual needs. The Word tells us that “Iron sharpens Iron” (see Proverbs 27:17) Being a Christian foster parent gives you an opportunity to instill godly principles into youth and to create a discipline of church attendance and Bible reading in the life of a child who will grow up to make a difference.
If you are currently a foster parent or involved in any way in the foster care system, please take a bow and I hope you can hear my applause! You are truly helping our communities in more ways than can be counted. Your investment in these children and youth is making a significant impact now and will have a ripple effect for years and generations to come.
Being Thankful: A Special Gift
Today, let's talk about something very special: being thankful. Being thankful means showing gratitude for the good things we have. It’s like saying "thank you" with a happy heart. Let’s explore why being thankful is important and what the Bible says about it.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible has many verses that teach us about thankfulness. *Here are a few to think about:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
These verses remind us that God wants us to be thankful in every situation. When we say thank you, we are not only polite, but we also make God happy.
Why Should We Be Thankful?
Being thankful has many benefits:
● It makes us happy: When we focus on the good things, we feel more joy.
● It strengthens our relationships: Saying thank you shows others we appreciate them.
● It pleases God: God loves it when we are thankful for His blessings.
Discussion Prompts for Parents and Children
Here are some questions parents can ask to help children think more about thankfulness:
What are three things you are thankful for today? This helps children reflect on their day and recognize the good things in their lives.
How do you feel when someone says thank you to you? Discussing this can help children understand how their thankfulness can positively impact others.
Can you think of a time when you forgot to say thank you? How can we remember to be more thankful? This can lead to a discussion on the importance of mindfulness and being aware of our actions.
Why do you think God wants us to be thankful in every situation, even when things are hard? This helps children
understand that thankfulness isn't just for good times but also helps us stay positive during challenges.
Activities to Encourage Thankfulness
1. Thankful Tree: Create a tree out of paper and write things you are thankful for on the leaves. Watch your tree grow as you add more leaves each day.
2. Thank You Notes: Make homemade cards for people who have done something nice for you, like your teacher, a friend, or a family member. Expressing your gratitude in writing is a wonderful way to show appreciation.
3. Gratitude Walk: Take a walk outside with your family and point out things you see that you’re thankful for, like the trees, birds, or a friendly neighbor. This helps you appreciate the world around you.
4. Gratitude Stones: Collect small stones and paint or write things you are thankful for on them. Place the stones in a visible area of your home as a daily reminder of your blessings.
5. Acts of Kindness: Show your thankfulness by doing something kind for someone else. This could be helping with chores, sharing a toy, or giving someone a hug. Acts of kindness are a way to express gratitude through action.
6. Thankfulness Chain: Cut strips of colored paper and write one thing you're thankful for on each strip. Link the strips together to create a chain that you can hang in your home. Watch the chain grow as you add more links each day.
*All Scriptures KJV.
for Everyone
Thanksgiving: Before the Mayflower
by Brent Goodge
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV).
Over two millennia before the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England, another group of pilgrims was walking from Jerusalem to Babylon. Captured by Nebuchadnezzar’s army, the leaders of Judah were to become his servants. The people God called out of Babylon were going back to Abraham’s original homeland.
Among the thousands demoted from royalty to slavery were four young Hebrews. Unlike the apostasy prevailing in Jerusalem, these young men had been raised in families that loved and obeyed the King of Heaven.
Upon arriving in Babylon, the easy route would be to appease their captors, to do whatever it took to preserve their lives in the short term, hoping for some turn of events where their situation would be reversed. The faithful four decided they would obey God regardless of the consequences, leaving the results to Him. If faithfulness cost them their lives in Babylon, they would die having been faithful to God.
The first test of their commitment would come almost immediately after their arrival. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to show his benevolence, so the slaves that seemed wise enough to be useful to his government would be seated to eat at the king’s table. But that table was filled with food declared by God’s Word as an abomination. Also, it had been offered in pagan sacrificial services. A decision had to be made quickly.
the dream, Nebuchadnezzar was enraged when they weren’t able to. The subsequent death decree was expansive, including the young Hebrews.
Daniel went to Nebuchadnezzar and told him that where the gods of Babylon were helpless, the God of Heaven was all-powerful. With no obvious evidence of impending help, other than the opportunity to bring glory to His Name, Daniel declared that God could and would reveal the dream and the interpretation.
During the night, Daniel’s faithfulness was honored again. The prophetic dream, which has been accurate in every detail through over 2600 years of human history, was given to Daniel. The four men got on their knees and celebrated Thanksgiving. Not with feasting, but with prayers of utter gratitude to the God who preserved their lives!
“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8 NKJV).
God blessed their faithfulness, and the four young men advanced in the government. But a greater threat loomed ahead. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. Nebuchadnezzar wanted the dream interpreted, but he couldn’t remember it. Demanding his sorcerers interpret
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.”
“I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand” (Daniel 2:20,23 NKJV).
Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County. He loves Thanksgiving and hopes he will always keep the real purpose in focus.
for Everyone
Thank Him through the Fog!
by David Voyles
It's easy to be thankful when we feel happy and blessed, but what about those times when our whole world is falling apart? Paul the apostle says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” While it is biblical to be thankful in the good and bad times, it's not always easy to do. However, I have found my weakest moments and hardest struggles are the times I ended up being most thankful for. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s these experiences that build and strengthen our minds, bodies, and spirits. These are the moments that will bring us closer to our Lord and provide a glimpse into the awesome power of prayer and gratitude. That is why it is so important to be thankful and rely on Him during our worst moments. Thank Him when the fog is thick and the answers are not clear. Ultimately, our thankfulness will reveal and confirm our faith in the Savior and teach us what it is to share our burden with Him.
God doesn't promise to never give us more than we can handle. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He wants us to seek Him in the difficult times and crave His intervention. While He may not immediately lead us out of the darkest moments, He will walk beside us through the fire and difficulties. He will share the burden with us and sustain us through it all. The Word says in Psalms 55:22 CSB “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.”
Next time you think everything is lost, take a step back and look at the blessings you possess. For each breath you take to each step you make, God should be thanked and praised. Without Him, none of it would have been possible and there would be no opportunity for a better tomorrow or a better life after this one has run its course. There truly is so much we can be thankful for if we just open our eyes a bit wider and look deeper into our hearts. We can be thankful because God is worthy of our praise. God has blessed us. God gives us hope. God grows us through our challenges. God Gives us strength. God has provided a better life after
this one. I will leave you with a poem I wrote as a teen when I was at a dark place in my life. This poem was my way of praising God even when I didn’t always know there would be a better day tomorrow.
As I felt that the world would never let me be, He was there to hide me so no one could see.
As I lost all hope for a world full of hate, He showed me so quickly it's never too late.
As I shed many tears for all love that had passed. He shared His love, more than one could ever ask.
As I thought I walked alone in a life dark and gray, He was there the whole time leading the way.
God, thank you for being my hope.
Dear God, thank you for teaching me to cope. Thank you for lifting me up.
Dear God, thank you for overfilling my cup. Thank you for easing my fears.
Dear God, thank you for drying my tears. I wish to thank you God for all the help.
If life is a dance, please continue to show me the steps.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
David Voyles loves Jesus, his family, cars of all sorts, and folks of all sorts. That’s why he is sharing this message about the love of Jesus with you.
for your Taste Buds
Smoky Mountain-Inspired Easy Thanksgiving Recipe
Experience the rustic charm of the Smoky Mountains right at your Thanksgiving table with this easy and delicious recipe. Inspired by the flavors of the mountains, this dish combines the warmth of traditional Thanksgiving ingredients with a touch of Southern Appalachian flair. Get ready to savor the essence of the Smokies in every bite.
Ingredients
• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Begin by preparing the turkey. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful rub. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the seasoning.
In the roasting pan, arrange the chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic around the turkey. These aromatic vegetables will infuse the turkey with their flavors as it roasts.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, apple cider, and maple syrup. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the roasting pan to create a flavorful basting liquid. Add the fresh rosemary,
Celebrate Him
by Judy Hood
Make the season bright For Jesus is the light. He came to show His love.
Love is something we never tire of In this season of wonderful bliss.
There’s a spirit of joy; we also reminisce. Thankful for the blessings God has bestowed, How He kept us and led us down the right road. What a day to celebrate as His birthday arrives!
Praise Him for His goodness; praise Him for our lives!
We praise Him for the salvation He brought. We are always on His mind; always in His thoughts.
But all the celebrations on earth could never compare,
To the joy and splendor when we get there. Heaven will shine brighter than anything we have ever known. We’ll be walking those streets of glory as we head to God’s throne. We can’t even imagine in our wildest dreams, What’s in store: how He went to extremes. How could He be so creative? With colors, He went wild! I just know as I look around, I’m so happy to be his child!
in honor of Veteran’s Day
A Father’s Sacrifice
by Kristen West
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established in the United States in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. The holiday was created to honor those who died in World War I and to commemorate the end of the war on November 11, 1918, when fighting ceased on the Western Front at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Veteran’s Day is personal to me. My father is a Vietnam War veteran.
While I haven’t heard many of his stories, I know that the circumstances he found himself in, the atrocities that he witnessed, and the lingering aftereffects can never be erased. No matter how much time goes by.
Beyond the battlefield experience, my father returned home from Vietnam to find America not looking anything like the land that he loved. It was suffering from the collateral damage of this war and was struggling with how deeply the conflict had polarized its inhabitants. Americans were divided in their opinions of our country’s involvement and many took their passionate stances out on the veterans returning home.
My father and thousands of other Vietnam vets returned to the States to face scorn, shame, and insult. Getting back to “normal life” was nonexistent as political, social, and personal unrest became the new norm. (Is it any wonder that Vietnam vets went on to experience a 90% divorce rate, one of the highest post-war PTSD rates, and saw suicides from their ranks skyrocket?)
My father sacrificed so much. He sacrificed his time – more than a year was spent away from his brand new wife. Instead, it was dedicated to the terrifying jungles and unknown culture of a foreign country. He sacrificed his innocence – images seared into his mind from frontline war, ambushes, and humanity at its worst that cannot be undone. He sacrificed his freedom – when drafted, he bravely answered the call and stepped up to serve not knowing if he’d ever return to the comforts of his American life. He sacrificed his peace – fear gripped his heart and mind daily as he learned to live in “fight or flight” mode. Exhaustion; stress and terror consumed him.
Life, liberties, freedom, and peace all come at a very heavy price. My father’s example taught me that. My Savior’s life did, as well. Jesus proved that sacrifice was the ultimate part of living a selfless life. His voluntary decision to endure the most brutal of Roman culture tortures of the day – crucifixion – demonstrated that.
That divine sacrifice continues to resonate around the world as scores of Christ-followers choose to pick up their cross and die to themselves daily as they love God supremely, love others as themselves, and live with mission and purpose (see Luke 9:23).
I am forever grateful for God’s ultimate sacrifice as Jesus exchanged His life for me. I am also daily grateful for my father’s sacrifice as he bravely served in a war that proved to be a magnet for controversy. But a war his country called him to serve in regardless.
Today, I write this in honor of my father and all the other men and women who have answered that call to serve, protect, and defend our country.
Thank you. Your service, devotion, and sacrifices will forever be written on the pages of history and the deepest places of our hearts.
Until next time, Grace and Glory!
Gò0dNews
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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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Fitness
Why Not Hope?
by Sandra Gilmore
If there were a booster shot capable of boosting your health in multiple aspects, would you take it? If there were a preventative measure to slow the effects of stress, would you use it? The Bible is blatantly clear about something that science still finds mysterious. Experiments and studies point to the same conclusions, yet researchers don’t always know why. What results have they found? This booster can lower the effects of stress on the body. It can:
● Lower risk of heart attack and/or cardio-related illness
● Lower the perception of pain
● Lower blood pressure
● Lower inflammation
● Boost circulation, respiration, and motor function
● Become a catalyst for change, breakthrough, and motivation
● Sustain intentional healthy habits
● Ease the impact of setbacks and difficulties
If sold in stores, this booster would fly off the shelves. Lines would form outside the doors and around the sidewalk. Eager shoppers would camp outside when a new shipment was on its way. Alas, it’s not sold in stores. There’s nothing to order on the web. No way to make a homemade batch. Fortunately, we have a prescription, indeed a preScripture-tion. The Lord put many references to this booster in plain view. Can you catch the pattern?
● “Through Him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:2-5 NIV).
● “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 NIV).
● “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
● “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (I Timothy 6:17 NIV).
● “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7 NIV).
● “Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying” (Romans 12:12 CEV).
Do you see the booster? It’s hope in our hearts. The original word “heart” in Scripture refers to both the organ in the body and the emotions. Research consistently confirms a mind/body connection. Want to improve your health, especially your heart health? Foster hope. Take on a hopeful mindset and outlook. Establish healthy habits rooted in hope. Make plans for the future. Look up Scriptures pertaining to hope and memorize a few. You’ll see a difference. You’ll find the boost you’ve been needing!
Surrounded by natural splendor on the banks of Eagle Lake, the simple things in life are made even better at The Spires. With all the serenity of our 27,000 wooded acres yet all the vitality of our location at Berry College, it’s second nature to explore new opportunities and make genuine connections when you’re here.
This spectacular setting is brought to life by resort-style amenities, chef-prepared dining, friendly neighbors and a carefree lifestyle — plus the assurance of quality care available on-site if ever needed.