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Residents of Northwest Georgia can easily access expert heart care provided by AdventHealth Medical Group’s elite cardiology specialists that you know and love.
AdventHealth Medical Group now offers world-class heart care in three new locations:
Cardiology at Rome
7 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165
Cardiac Electrophysiology at Rome
100 John Maddox Drive NW Rome, GA 30165
Cardiology at Calhoun *New Location
1035 Red Bud Road
Calhoun, GA 30701
Learn More: GeorgiaHeartExperts.com
Schedule an Appointment: 706-307-6031
J. Christopher Merritt, MD, FACC Robert Styperek, MD, FHRS, FACC Himanshu Patel, MD Spencer Maddox, MD Charles F. Jackson, III, MD Andrew McCue, MD Kipp Slicker, DO, FACC G. Hunter Myers, MD, FACC G. Justin Tanner, MD J. Michael Ware, MD, FACCWRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Billy Carver
Brent Madaris
Charles Finney
Cindy J. Evans
Denise M. Shahan
Jan Merop
Kristen West
Monica Gambrell
Pam Wattenbarger
Paula Burgner
Reagan Beavers
Rick Hughes
Sarah Horne
Sharon Eldridge
Thomas Morrison
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!
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.
The Christian life sure is difficult sometimes, isn't it? God asks us to leave behind our selfishness and devote ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the service of His kingdom. This journey of faith has a clear beginning and an even clearer end, but the path is littered with dangerous obstructions and precarious curves. Thankfully, its destination provides lasting, eternal rewards and Jesus makes a way.
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” God's Word all but guarantees various trials in our lives, and those trials have a purpose. The challenge is for us to count it all joy. Why? Because it is His plan for our lives. If the various trials we face are all part of God's plan and they are meant to have a perfect and complete result, lacking nothing then that should give us joy.
Just this week, I attended the funeral of a young woman who went to see Jesus far too soon. Some would say she lost a battle with cancer, but I would say she won the war. Her eternal rewards outweigh her earthly struggles. But for those of us on this side of glory, we sometimes lose that perspective. For us who are still living in the difficulty of this life, we should have the perspective of James 1:2-3 NASB “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result,
In life, we all take on tasks. Some tasks as simple as baking a cake can illustrate what I am trying to say. When you bake a cake, the ingredients are beaten, stirred, poured, and put through immense heat, but there is joy in the final product. As Christians, we accept the task of being changed, perfected, and completed. Thankfully Jesus is the cook. I am reminded of Paul's words in Philippians 1:6 NASB, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” Jesus doesn't make mistakes and He is working on a plan in our lives.
Chances are you have experienced the difficulties of this life. Chances are you will face more challenges in the days ahead. Don't be discouraged. Rather, count it all joy: the highs and lows, the good times and bad, the process, the pressure, the heat. Count it all joy because the final destination is worth it.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup sour cream
• Juice from two lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
For Frosting:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a standard sized loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and the butter using a mixer.
4. Add eggs and mix well.
5. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, and the grated lemon rind.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch.
7. Mix flour into creamed sugar mixture until blended.
8. Pour mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out crumb free.
9. All bread to cool before removing from pan. If making frosting
10. Place powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition, until desired consistency is reached.
11. Pour the icing over the cooled bread.
* Sometimes I vary the recipe by adding a box of lemon pudding mix into the recipe.
* If you don't have fresh lemons, you can substitute an equal amount of bottled lemon juice.
* No lemon juice? No problem. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon extract to the batter instead. This depends on your taste. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, add two teaspoons, if you prefer a light lemon flavor, add one teaspoon.
* Be sure to grease the pan before beginning for easy clean-up and allow the bread to cool before removing from the pan.
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.
As the AEP (Annual Election Period) quickly approaches, it will be time for millions of people to look at their Annual Notice of Changes and make a decision on whether they want to choose a different plan for 2024. This period begins October 15 and runs through December 7. At Hughes Retirement Group we review your Medicare Supplement Options at NO COST. We educate you on all of your options and allow you to make the best decision for you.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for certain healthcare services to eligible individuals, primarily targeting people who are 65 years and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare is divided into several parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:
1. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):
• Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
• Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
2. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):
• Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, some home health care, and certain durable medical equipment.
• Requires a monthly premium payment, the amount of which can vary based on income.
3. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):
• This is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage plans include all benefits of Part A and Part B and often include additional coverage like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
• Premiums, coverage, and costs can vary widely among different Medicare Advantage plans.
4. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):
• Offers prescription drug coverage through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
• Individuals can choose a standalone Part D plan to add to Original Medicare or can get prescription drug coverage as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Premiums, deductibles, and coverage can vary among different Part D plans.
5. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance):
• These are private insurance plans designed to supplement Original Medicare by covering some of the costs not covered by Parts A and B, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
• Medigap plans are standardized, with varying levels of coverage, labeled by letters (Plan A, Plan B, etc.).
• You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medigap plan.
It's important to note that Medicare has specific enrollment periods and eligibility criteria. Annual Enrollment Periods, Initial Enrollment Periods, and Special Enrollment Periods provide opportunities to enroll or make changes to your coverage. Medicare coverage options, costs, and availability can change annually, so it's recommended to review your options during the Annual Enrollment Period to ensure you have the most suitable coverage for your needs.
If you are unsure about whether to go on a Medicare Advantage Plan, the government will allow you to test drive it for 12 months. At that time if you choose to go back to a Medicare Supplement, you will be afforded that without health questions.
Also, this is a very important time for you to review your prescriptions. You may say that you like your existing plan but remember, the company could have changed their formulary or made other changes that will affect you in the new year. Take this time to review and make any necessary changes.
If you have questions or concerns, please give us a call at 423664-4203. We will be more than glad to meet you in our Cleveland or Chattanooga office.
• Call ahead to pick your fresh, hot meal at our convenient pick-up window located just inside the front door before you enter the restaurant. Or enjoy delivery through Door Dash or Dinner Delivered!
• We Cater Events, Big & Small! Call for a quote.
595 Riverside Parkway | Rome, GA | 706.204.8321
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30am - 8:00pm | Sunday: 10:30am - 3:00pm pickodelicafeteria.com
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• Conference Room can accommodate groups up to 40 people
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How would you feel if you found out Captain America was prone to anxiety attacks? Surely the man in red, white, and blue would never hesitate or have self-doubts. Chris Evans, the actor who has played Captain America through 10 films, admits that he has struggled with anxiety attacks. The veneer of the character does not match the person inside.
Have you ever felt you had to present yourself in a certain way for people to accept you? How many times are we afraid that if the people around us saw who we really
In Luke chapter 22, Jesus is sharing the Passover meal with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. At one point, Jesus turns to Peter and shocks him when He says, 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:31–34 ESV).
Peter’s public face is one of unswerving loyalty. Jesus looks beneath to see the fear Peter preferred to hide from everyone. But notice that Jesus does more than just predict Peter’s betrayal. Jesus tells Peter, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” There is a big difference between giving in to your fear and giving up on your faith. Even though Jesus knows Peter will betray him, He wants Peter to know that this is not the end of the matter.
In John chapter 21, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Three times Jesus gives Peter the task of looking after the church—“feed my sheep.” What Jesus is saying to Peter in this interchange is: “Peter, I know all your failures and mistakes, and I love you.”
are, they would not like what they see? Fear of rejection and not being loved can motivate us to play a character everyone will accept.
Christian author John Powell shared with a friend that he was starting work on a book entitled Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am? His friend replied, “Would you like to know my answer to that question?—‘Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?’ I’m afraid to tell you who I am because, if I tell you who I am, you may not like who I am, and it’s all that I have.”
While this may be a common occurrence among people, have you ever felt that way about God? Has there been a time when you felt if God knew who you really are, He could not possibly love you?
Pastor and author Tim Keller put it this way: “When over the years someone has seen you at your worst and knows you with all your strengths and flaws, yet commits him—or herself to you wholly, it is a consummate experience. To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our selfrighteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
Since 1985, Bannister Roofing has been helping people with there roofing needs from leaks, full replacement, hail or tornado damage. Covering both commercial and residential roofs. We have maintained our commitment to our clients to provide quality roofing and the best customer service at reasonable prices. We are proud to be known as one of the oldest and most respected Roofing Contractors in North Georgia.
Iwas stuck. A project I was assigned at work had me spinning my wheels. I just wasn’t sure where to begin. I’m not much of a strategist and this task required some of that.
After some time, my supervisor became aware of my dilemma and assigned a co-worker to tag-team the endeavor with me. Game-changer! Immediately, the project began to take shape. My co-worker’s strategic ideas partnered with my drive to accomplish had us crossing the finish line on the task in no time.
Individually, we would not have been able to finish the project as efficiently as we did. Working together, though, we utilized our unique perspectives and roles with great results. It reminded me of a situation Paul addressed in the Corinthian church. They were struggling to embrace the value of diverse roles and instead were getting hung up playing favorites.
“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (I Corinthians 3:5-6 CSB, emphasis added by the author).
The Corinthians’ view of Kingdom work and roles had been very myopic. As a result, they were splintering into sects and adversely affecting the full impact of the Gospel in their midst. Paul’s words realigned their vision. Even today, we can see that all of us have a part to play. As Christ-followers, that’s a crucial reminder for us today, as well, isn’t it?
We can get distracted thinking our role, our voice, our position isn’t as valuable, as necessary, or as important as so-and-so’s. As a result, we get sucked into the whirlwind of comparison and immediately lose sight of how God made us to be unique. Then, He positions us so that uniqueness can shine. Comparison is such a trap. The role I played in my work assignment was no less valuable than my co-worker’s. It was just different. Today, each of us brings our own unique gifts, skill sets, and experiences to the roles we fill. Each role might seem small but they are uniquely beautiful roles in God’s big, divine plan. He wants to work through us all. I may be a helper and my co-worker a gifted strategist, but it is God who gives the blessed results and gets all of the glory.
African Methodist Episcopal
Bethel AME Church
22 Nichols Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0019
St. James AME Zion Church
3 Maxwell Lane
Rome, GA 30165
404-307-7396
Summer Hill AME Church
1981 Kingston Hwy NE
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church
42 Ash Street
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome
3213 Cave Spring Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church
105 Broadus Road NE
Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
4526 Big Texas Valley
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7248
Armuchee Baptist Church
6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-3169
Berean Baptist Church
8 Skyline Dr
Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-9832
Blue Pond Baptist Church
1291 Morrison Campground
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3296
Bryant Chapel Baptist Church
24 Shady Lane
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9768
Bush Arbor Baptist Church
3290 Black Bluff Rd
Rome, Ga. 30161
770-885-0779
Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church
1021 Calhoun Ave
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4431
Calvary Baptist Church
101 Broadus Rd NE
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-1461
Cedar Valley Baptist Church
3024 Cedartown Hwy SW
Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0978
Community Chapel Baptist Church
3733 Black Bluff Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4070
Desoto Park Baptist Church
1107 Cave Spring Rd.
Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-6207
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
3181 Kingston Hwy NE
Rome Ga, 30161
706-291-7790
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
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
Livingston UMC
21 E Lakeshore Dr SE
Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC
700 Broad St
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant UMC
4782 Alabama Hwy
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church
Reeceburg Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
North Rome UMC
706-291-6704
Oostanaula UMC
74 Battey Farm Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0084
Rome First UMC
202 E 3rd Ave
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8590
Rush Chapel UMC
1225 Rush Chapel Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-7986
Scott Chapel UMC
3 Chambers St NE
Rome, Ga 30161
Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW
Rome, GA 30161
Shannon UMC
600 First Street
Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Silver Creek UMC
36 Reeceburg Rd SE
Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
South Broad UMC
546 S Broad St
Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-5230
Trinity UMC
606 Turner McCall Blvd SW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0033
Wesley Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW
Rome, Ga 30161
West Rome UMC
1003 Shorter Ave
PO Box 2247
Rome, GA 30164
706-234-6214
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
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome
246 North 5th Avenue
Rome, Ga 30165
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church
6 Deer Run Trail
Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church
1818 Kingston Hwy
Rome, Ga 30161
Words of Faith Tabernacle
3134 Rockmart Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church
615 Cleveland Ave
Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St
Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church
1321 Martin L King
Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St.
Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave
Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6033
Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street
Rome, GA 30161
706-530-1630
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church
6 Old Rockmart Road
Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-6862
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave
Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church
307 E 14th St SW
Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0067
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
2526 Cedartown Hwy SW
Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church 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
As far back as I can remember, I have always slept on the very edge of the bed. It has never mattered which side, as long as I am right on the edge. Maybe because it was easier there to slip my arms and feet out from under the blankets – I don’t know. At any rate, this had never presented to be a problem until April 2008.
I was in the middle of a deep sleep when suddenly I found myself on the floor. Somewhat angered by the splitting pain in my head, I felt to see if anything was broken. I had rarely experienced pain so severe. Somehow, I had landed head first on my floor. Now I have to be honest here: my mattress is roughly 36” from the floor, and my floors are covered in vinyl, so we’re talking about a really hard fall. My head had a fleshy ridge from brow to crown for days. My elbow, hip, and top of my hand were bruised badly. My left knee was bloodied (never fully recovered from that). It was a little comical if I do say so myself to see my husband bolt out of bed in our blackened room and stumble around blindly attempting to turn on the light. And even then, he couldn’t find me immediately! I was not laughing though. As I recall, I was emitting more of a screeching howl. I remained a good half hour in the restroom trying to regain some measure of decorum before I went back to bed – this time not so close to the edge.
A couple of minutes later my husband was awakened again - this time because I was laughing uncontrollably. I told him I couldn’t help feeling that if God was trying to take my mind off of my continually troublesome shoulder by making everything else hurt, I got the message. My husband didn’t think that was the message. Truthfully, I didn’t either.
The point is, we sometimes live too close to the edge. Clear lines are drawn. It is written in God’s Word how we
are to conduct ourselves, yet we persist in inching our toes over the line in the sand. We like to see how far we can edge into the darkness and still walk in the light. Shame on us. Here are some examples to help us pray:
James 4:7: “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Revelation 3:16: ”So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Acts 24:16: “In view of this I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace
Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Father God, as long as we live, we will fight the battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. May we strive to be holy as You are holy. Maybe our lives (save one or two areas) are dedicated wholly to You. That’s not enough. That’s living on the edge. You gave Your all for us, now we must give our all for You. Amen.
Good Shepherd Funeral Home was founded by the Jennings family in 1930, and a legacy of compassion and care for grieving families was established. When the time came for the founders to pass on their legacy to the next generation, the Jennings family chose their most selfless, faithful, and experienced funeral director, Andy McGuire, to carry the baton. Mrs. Margaret Jennings rested easy knowing that Andy would uphold the moral standings and traditions that had become synonymous with Good Shepherd through the Rome, Georgia community.
as a mortuary cosmetologist. Families who chose Good Shepherd for their loved ones’ final arrangements were in awe of Merari’s distinctive expertise in capturing the essence of the dearly departed, even in stillness, and showcasing a sense of peace, closure, and beauty to their final memories.
In the process of Good Shepherd’s changing of the guard, Andy McGuire met his wife, Merari Morales. As their relationship grew, Merari, an established artist with the expert and unique ability to blend the world of traditional artistry with the precision of a licensed permanent makeup professional, began to use her exceptional talents and skills
Andy and Merari, already sharing a worklife, became closer as a couple, and soon the two became one, as they merged their lives and families under holy matrimony. With the funeral home now under their management, the McGuires realized the need to restructure Good Shepherd in a manner that morphed to reflect the needs of the community. Andy, thoroughly familiar with all the particulars of running a funeral home, having over 25 years of experience in the funeral home business and with 22 years of being a licensed funeral director and embalmer, which includes working at the Jennings North Broad Chapel, being Funeral Director in Full Continuous Charge and Embalmer for Daniel’s Funeral Home, Good Shepherd Funeral Home and Jennings Oaknoll Chapel, he began to share his knowledge
with the funeral home’s personnel. The process of taking on a new case was streamlined starting with the initial call from a family or facility to schedule a meeting to discuss a loved one’s final arrangements all the way through helping survivors find further closure with the aid of grief coaching and counseling. Andy also wrote a guide to funeral home etiquette to equip employees on the best practices of funeral home decorum. In addition, Merari took on the pivotal role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), through which she began to masterfully merge her economic aptitude with a profound understanding of the funeral service industry's varying nuances. Under their management, the financial health and sustainability of the business greatly increased, allowing them to buy out the investors and become the sole owners of Good Shepherd. As a result of Andy and Merari McGuire’s dedication and sacrifice, Good Shepherd has become Rome, Georgia’s premier multicultural funeral service provider, meeting the needs of bereaved families from every socio-economic status.
If one were to ask the McGuires why they have worked so hard to make Good Shepherd Funeral Home what it is today, they would say that they want to honor the calling that God has placed on their lives. They believe that in addition to spreading the Gospel, everyone is called to use their God-given talents to the benefit of God’s Kingdom. Andy, whose mother was a devout Christian, taught him to pray for all of mankind, and Merari, whose father was a dedicated pastor, instilled in her to love people despite their faults. God brought them together to work as one to bring Good Shepherd back to being a family run business, and to use their talents of making music that honors Him as our Creator.
Andy fell in love with music as a small boy, watching his father pick out the chords to Wildwood Flower at the family’s dinner table. He taught himself how to play guitar and had written a catalog of songs before his mid-twenties. His love of singing overpowered his fear of performing in public, and he began showcasing his music in local contests. Throughout the years, he released a few songs here and there until he met Merari. Growing up with a father who was a musician, in addition to being a pastor, Merari developed a love of the arts practically at birth. She honed her craft of artist career development, marketing, and promotion with over twenty years of working with artists and musical acts. When Andy began to share his songs with her, Merari knew she had to help him share his music with the world. Since they began working together, Andy has been able to complete his latest EP, Almighty God. Merari has also produced music videos for two of Andy’s songs. The latest video for the title track of the Almighty God EP has recently been completed and will have the video premiere at The West Cinema theater in Cedartown on October 07, 2023. The EP release party was in June of this year, where it was met with much excitement and enthusiasm by the fans. Merari also organized and coordinated The Country and Gospel Music Fest in August, at which Andy and his band headlined, and several local music artists performed in the Good Shepherd Chapel. It was a night to remember as people from all walks of life came to praise and worship God through song.
Good Shepherd Funeral Home isn’t your ordinary funeral home, and the McGuires aren’t your ordinary couple. Fiercely believing, 1 Peter 4:10-11 KJV “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord,” they strive to uphold the principles and virtues that have been entrusted to them and count it a blessing to serve families generation after generation with outstanding service, honesty, and integrity. They work together to build a business and life together that utilizes the talents and gifts God bestowed upon them to honor God, family, and community.
Good Shepherd Funeral Home is located at 2750 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30165. Families in need can contact the staff at 706-234-9622.
For Mother's Day, Olivia made a plaque for me at school. It says, "Moms are the buttons that hold everything together." This is surrounded by buttons, glued down in the shape of a heart. I absolutely love it. (Poor dads don't get cool gifts made at school, LOL.) I hung it on the wall in the living room. This past weekend, I was looking at it and thought about the strain "this button" was feeling. The tension, the pull of life, all the daily responsibilities, and the stress make me feel like I can't hold it all together any longer.
Grandma was an excellent seamstress. She could make just about anything with a needle and thread. She made all of our Halloween costumes and our dresses for school programs. There was always a pile of mending next to her chair. Many evenings she would go up to her room, sit down, and rest as she darned socks, added patches, or replaced buttons. I recall and cherish many hours spent just sitting with her and talking while watching her work. I am not a seamstress, but I did learn how to mend a tear (although it never looks as good as what she would have done) and sew on a button.
The most important part of sewing on a button is selecting the thread. If the thread is weak, the button won't hold anything together. In Colossians 3, Paul tells us to set our sight on the realities of heaven because we have died to this life and our real life is in Christ. We are to strip off our old nature and all its sin and put on our new nature. He's basically telling us to change our clothes. We are to take off the clothes that are dirty, covered in holes, and have buttons missing. We are to put on a whole new outfit, held together by
Jesus. You can't get thread any stronger than that! We are to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and most importantly, love. Doesn't that sound like the most comfortable outfit ever? Wouldn't you expect it to feel soft and fit better than anything you've ever tried on? And it would make us look really attractive too!
Everywhere we go, we should be telling people how much we love our new outfit and about the Designer. It
should become the greatest fashion trend ever. It gives us a little boost as we head out to tackle the messiness of this life. And the best part is: it's stain-proof!
I can be the button that holds everything together if I am secured by my Thread, my Savior Jesus. I will stay in place if I am wrapped and anchored by Jesus. And I can encourage others to keep their new outfits on too, so we can all start looking like our Designer!
At ten years old, Madison Square Garden in New York City was humongous to me. Of course, it is a very large facility. But to a child, the enormity is impressionable. This was to be a life-changing evening for me, though I didn’t know it yet.
The 1957 Madison Square Garden Billy Graham Crusade was about to begin and the buzzing of many voices was quieting down. My parents, little brother, aunt, uncle, and cousin were in the ‘nose bleed’ section with a bird’s eye view of multitudes of people filling the seats and the aisles.
As the Crusade choir began to sing, I joined in with the multitudes and wished, even then, that I could be in that choir. I sang in our junior choir at church. So, this immense gathering of voices inspired me.
When Billy Graham came to the podium to begin his preaching, even the whisper of a sigh was unheard. Everyone seemed to listen in reverent awe to the words spoken from Scripture.
Then, at the invitation, people streamed forward as the choir lifted their voices to the old hymn, “Just As I Am.” I looked up at my Dad and taking his hand said, “I want to go, too.” He asked if I was sure and with my affirmation, we began the long walk down to the front. That day, as I received new life in Christ, Dad rededicated his life to the Lord. To this day when I hear “Just As I Am” tears of joyful memory fill my eyes.
Fast forward forty-some-odd years, and Dad and I attended another Billy Graham crusade together with my family, remembering with thanksgiving that special night.
As a ten-year-old child, I came, just as I was. It’s Jesus’ invitation to all of us: “Come to me,” He says with his arms open wide.
Daily I come in rededication and renewal knowing the last verse says it all: Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come. I come!
Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt Fighting and fears within without, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am and waiting not, To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose Blood can cleanse each spot, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor wretched blind, Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need, in Thee to find, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown has broken every barrier down; Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love, The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, Here for a season, then above, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve Because Thy promise I believe, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause…and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She enjoys reading, cooking/baking, sewing, and music. New to Cleveland, she and her husband Ken enjoy walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.
A cord of three strands we are with Him, He has woven us in love.
With His connection and His power, we have extra strength from above.
With His help, we are given an extra measure of grace, showered down on us for good, keeping us in place.
All things are held together by Him. I'm glad we've become one, yet three. May we stand and forever be faithful, and to God be all the glory!
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV).
Flexibility and mobility exercises are the least intense exercises of all and can be a fantastic place to start if you are seriously thinking about trying to get in shape. Simply moving your joints each day with circular motions can help you restore lost ranges of motion, maintain joint health, and help you move with more grace. Mobility and stretching exercises also make you feel good when you don't try to overstretch.
You can stretch the muscles of the neck, hips, and torso and it will have a gentle toning effect on the rest of your body, encouraging more vigorous exercise naturally when done right. Clifton Azok, a football coach who successfully lost well over 100 lbs. (without surgery) said that this was a vital key for him:
“This natural need to exercise is crucial to sustained exercise. For me when exercise was both physical and mental work, I did not do it. When exercise is a daily battle of willpower, the body overrules the mind. The result is no exercise. As I became more flexible, I started becoming more active without thinking about it. It was a natural occurrence. As I became more active, I started developing the strength and endurance needed to sustain an exercise program. As my strength, endurance, and flexibility improved, exercise became a focal point in my life. When I first started my fat reduction program, I struggled to walk 100 yards. Today, I can easily walk 10 miles in a day. This improvement occurred naturally and it all began with flexibility.”
As Clifton has discovered, regular calisthenic-type exercise with an emphasis on gently improving range of motion is critical to being able to start and sustain an effective exercise program. Let’s see more of why.
The joints in your body suffer from the fact that they have no blood supply. Instead, the body secretes a fluid called synovial fluid to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage and lubricate the joint. As we age, unfortunately, too many of us have become more inactive which leads to joint stiffness, exacerbates degenerative conditions, and can even promote infections. To combat this, some people take supplements like glucosamine or MSM—but you might as well take nothing at all if your joints don’t get some movement! You see, joint health relies almost entirely on movement—because that is what releases the synovial fluid and keeps the cartilage surfaces free from contaminates. If you want to keep your joints from getting rusty, you have to move them often! And the older or more out of shape you are, the more important that is! A series of light exercises and stretches is wonderful to keep your joints feeling good and maintaining a youthful range of motion.
Going through a daily mobility routine that gets you moving each joint will help you increase or maintain your active ranges of motion, optimize the health of your joint surfaces, and help prepare you for any other kind of activity you have planned for your day. This is what Clifton was talking about when he said that merely attempting to rotate and stretch his joints each day helped him to become more active naturally. That greater activity built more fitness, which led to even more activity and so on in a positive upward cycle.
In the heart of Dixie, where the magnolias sway and the sweet tea flows like a lazy river, lived two old Grannys who were county-wide known for their biscuits which were the talk of the town. Now, these weren't just any two ordinary old Granny's making biscuits – no siree! They were known far and wide as the Jelly Biscuit Granny and the Gravy Biscuit Granny.
Jelly Biscuit Granny fans and the Gravy Biscuit Granny supporters gathered in the town square, armed with baskets of biscuits and jars of jelly and gravy.
As the sun rose high in the sky, Great Granny Maybelle stepped onto the stage, a glint in her eye and a Bible in her hand. “Now y'all," she drawled, "let's settle this the way the Good Book says – with a bit of wisdom from the Lord himself.”
With that, Great Granny Maybelle opened the Bible to a verse that had been highlighted for generations: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord” (Matthew 4:4 KJV).
The crowd nodded, taking in the solemnity of the moment. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, Great Granny Maybelle added, "But remember, even the Lord himself wouldn't mind a good biscuit now and then."
The Jelly Biscuit Granny was just as sweet as a Georgia peach in July. Her spirit had a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that could make a grown man weep. Her motto was a classic southern saying straight from the cotton fields: “Spread love like jelly on a biscuit, and life will be sweeter than a honeysuckle breeze.” This biscuit-making Granny believed in the power of kindness and a good dollop of jelly on every occasion.
On the other side of the oven, we had the Granny Gravy Biscuit. Now, this Granny and her biscuit was as hearty as a barn-raising feast. Both had a robustness that could stand up to the fiercest of gravies and the toughest of mamas. Her mantra was a down-home adage passed down through generations: “Stick to your roots like gravy on a biscuit, and you'll weather any storm that comes your way.” This biscuit-making Granny believed in the strength of tradition and a good ladle of gravy for every belly.
One sunny morning, the townsfolk decided to settle the score once and for all: which biscuit was the best? The
The square erupted in laughter, and the Great Biscuit Showdown commenced. Plates were passed around, and biscuits were piled high with jelly and gravy. Folks bit into the Jelly Biscuit and sighed in delight – it was like a hug from an old friend. Then they tried the Gravy Biscuit and nodded approvingly – it was like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
After much munching and munching, the verdict was in: it was a tie! The Jelly Biscuit Granny and the Gravy Biscuit Granny were both winners in their own right, proving that there was a time and a place for sweetness and strength, for tenderness and tradition.
And so, in that charming southern town, the Jelly Biscuit Granny and the Gravy Biscuit Granny became a legendary duo, a testament to the wonderful dichotomy of life below the Mason-Dixon line. Great Granny Maybelle's wise words echoed through the years: “Just like these biscuits, we all need a little jelly and a little gravy to make life truly delicious.”
And they all lived biscuitfully ever after.
This poem won 2nd place at the 2023 SWA Writing Competition in the Lowcountry Award for Excellence in Southern Writing category.
by Denise M. ShahanSittin’ on the porch swing talking ‘bout everything, sippin’ tea, shelling peas. Head would tilt, voice would lilt, filled with laughter ever after. She was just a Southern girl.
Pink polished toes, little button nose, alabaster skin, so petite and thin, eyes of blue seeing always true. Blonde, bouncy curls, the envy of all girls, She was just a Southern girl.
Mama taught her well, a Daddy’s girl – we could tell, Knew right from wrong, sang a sweet country song, had fun when the schoolwork was done.
Lipstick just so, hair tied with a bow. She was just a Southern girl.
“Yes, Sir. No, Ma’am. Thank you kindly, yes, I am.” Hallmarks of culture and class.
But when crossed, watch out! We will hear her shout, “Bless your heart, Darlin’, I choose class over sass!” After all, she was just a Southern girl!
Ifind it fascinating such a question would even have to be asked. It seems to me the answer would be obvious. But what appears obvious to some is a complete mystery to others. Allow me to share with you some personal experiences on this subject.
My parents were both saved when I was about 5 years old. After getting saved, they were convinced regular church attendance was extremely important to the development of their new lives as Christians. We began going to church. From that day until the day I left my parent’s home, our whole family always attended church regularly.
the vehicle and we kids were in the back. We all rode together to the House of God. Such wonderful memories are these! If parents did what was right, there would not be any need for a Sunday School bus ministry anywhere in America.
I have worked with children and young people off and on for over 40 years. I see a very disturbing trend. Parents are not taking the leadership role in matters of spirituality for their families. They are allowing children to “make up their own minds” and “do their own thing.” Many do not seem to really care whether their child grows up with or without a knowledge of God or a strong moral influence.
May I say this kindly and yet forcefully? Children are a gift from God (see Psalms 127:3). It is the God-given responsibility of every parent to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (see Deuteronomy 6:6,7; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6). This necessitates that the parents know God too. Please, parents, do not abdicate or forsake this parental duty. It is too important to be left to chance. Joshua (the great warrior / statesman) said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
I have been going to church now for 49 years. It has been a rare occasion when I have had to miss a service. I love going to church meetings and fellowshipping with God's people. I believe it is the right thing to do. I have been a member of seven different churches over these years. Memberships in these churches have ranged from about three to over 3000. It is now my great privilege to be the pastor of a church. The very first pastor I ever had (when we started going to church years ago) remained a close friend until he passed away a few years ago.
I say this from the depths of my heart: I thank God for my parents who took me to church! My parents did not send me to church, they took me. My parents were in the front seat of
It is not enough to send your child to church. They are watching you carefully. It has broken my heart many times to see a child start out excited about God, and church, and then slowly lose that excitement and take on the parent’s negative, neglectful, and negligent attitudes. They get discouraged when they have no encouragement to live for God at home, and often give up. If parents don’t see the importance of God and the church, it is going to be rare that their children will see it. You are doing damage to your child’s future happiness and welfare when you do not lead the way.
Start today parents. Make a difference. Even your grown children need to see you setting the example. Your grandchildren need you to lead the way!
We all get those thoughts that we are not good enough, or not smart enough. Too often we can feel like we are always the last one that is picked for something, such as being picked to play on a team, or picked for a job, or even feeling like we are never going to get picked by that special someone and have the chance to become a husband or wife we are longing to be one day.
Just remember don’t rush the process. It’s just like when fall time comes around, most of us want the stores to hurry up and get out all of the pumpkins and fall décor. We are
things are become new.” When we start living our lives for the Lord, we find a new joy in life and have a new outlook about life in general.
It’s kind of the same way a pumpkin looks just like all the other pumpkins, until we take it home and carve it out to be what we want it to become. The same goes for us before we accept God into our hearts. We are just like everyone else on the outside. Then when we become changed by the love of God He will carve our lives into the way He sees us. He carves a new smiling face. The Bible tells us this in Psalm 71:23, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” So don’t ever feel like you are unworthy or unloved and full of grime, because just as a pumpkin is full of crud and bad seeds until we open it up and clean it out, we then can see the full potential it has to offer.
all wanting to go pick out a pumpkin to place on our front porch. Even so, it still takes time for the pumpkins to grow into the fullness of their life, just like the way we grow into the fullness of becoming a Christian.
We are like pumpkins in many ways. God will pick you from the patch and bring you in. Just as the Bible tells us in John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” Once we accept Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, He then washes all of the dirt off of us. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all
This is the same way that God will work for us. He will open up our hearts and scoop out all of the yucky stuff and clean it out of our lives, as He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. The Bible tells us this in Romans 6:6, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” When the time comes and you make the choice to turn your life over to God He will put a light inside you to shine for all the world to see. As the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
*All Scriptures were quoted from KJV.
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.
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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Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com
Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Several years ago, the high school ministry that I served in got invited to lead worship for Virginia Church of God Youth Camp. During the last night of camp, as the altar was filled with middle school students, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to speak over them. I sat my guitar down, walked up to the speaker, and asked for the mic. I opened my Bible and began reading the story of Paul and Silas in prison and how their praises not only broke their chains but also opened the prison doors for everyone inside that jail.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God” (Acts 16: 25-3 ESV).
Knowing that a lot of those kids who had had an encounter with Jesus during this week at camp would be going home to families who were unbelievers, I encouraged them to keep singing praises. No matter what their household may look like or what environment they lived in, their songs of praise and worship could create an atmosphere where the Lord could move and radically change their family.
The same can be true in your life. I want to encourage you to not let your song of praise go silent. As one of my favorite songs declares, let your weapon be a melody. I have witnessed so many times what the Holy Spirit can do through song.
To my fellow church musicians: our role is so important. We get to participate in creating spaces for the Lord to work. Psalm 150 instructs us to praise with our instruments. Music itself is a powerful tool, but when it is anointed by the Lord, it can change lives.
Never stop singing.
“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU, AND GUIDE YOU AS TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.” —MICHAEL MINTER