Gò0dNews February 2017
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
ROME
•
Will You Be God’s Valentine? p. 8
•
A Moral Shift p. 22
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Beyond Love, Towards Cherish p. 32
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Writers
Andrew Lee Andrew Shaffer Delaney Walker Dr. Greg Collins Hannah Davis John Garrod Julius McCarter Kent Howard Keri Bush Mindy White Renita Carnes Rhiannon Skeen Stacey Brown Wally Coffman
About Us 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 four beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, and Leah Jean. We live in Cleveland 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!
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Letter from the Editor
F
ebruary is the month we face reality of our spending habits during the holidays. Because I have a minor in Economics in my undergraduate degree, I learned in my Money and Banking course that everyone has a relationship with money. Some people spend it when they’re feeling down, and others fall apart when it’s not around. There are people who love it, ignore it, crave it, resent it, and even worship it! Those who keep a tight leash on their checkbooks live in constant fear that an unexpected disaster could leave them in financial ruin. These individuals are called hoarders. In addition to experiencing unnecessary stress and feelings of guilt when they swipe their credit card or hand over cash for a purchase, their hoarding behavior prevents them from following their dreams, answering a divine call, and making profitable investments. No matter how much money these individuals acquire, it’s never enough. Rather than spend unnecessarily, they would rather live a safe and somewhat boring life that is usually below their means because they are saving and carefully planning for the future. Spenders, on the other hand, go beyond their financial means to buy the finest house, the best car, and the latest luxury gadgets. They appear happy on the outside, but many times they are suffering on the inside. Buying things gives spenders a temporary feeling of comfort, validation, and even power. They often justify big purchases by assuring themselves, “I deserve this,” and “I’m worth it”—even though they can’t afford it. Spenders also buy expensive gifts just to impress and wow their friends and family. The most extreme spenders equate their self-worth with name brands. Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci tend to make them feel important. God’s Word provides more than 2,000 verses that deal with money and money management. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24 NLT). An excellent question to ask is: Am I buying things to satisfy an emotional need, or am I buying items for a worthwhile purpose? Validation and self-worth can be achieved only by having a personal relationship with the One “who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17 NKJV).
February 2017
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 10 Pg 12 Pg 14 Pg 20 Pg 22 Pg 24 Pg 26 Pg 28 Pg 30 Pg 32 Pg 34
About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk This Too Shall Pass by Dr. Greg Collins GoodNews for Kids Will You Be God’s Valentine? by Mindy White GoodNews on Money Matters “Gifts that Won’t be Re-Gifted” by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men The Busy Enemy by John Garrod GoodNews for Women Some Days We Just Keep Going by Rhiannon Skeen GoodNews for Parents Teaching Children the Things of God by Wally Coffman GoodNews for Life A Moral Shift by Delaney Walker GoodNews for Health & Fitness Mastering A Healthier Lifestyle by Hannah Davis GoodNews for Teens Love Well by Andrew Shaffer GoodNews for Seniors The Health Field is Not a Job But a Calling from God by Renita Carnes GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk Reducing Stress Is Being Kind to Your Heart by Keri Bush GoodNews for Couples Beyond Love, Towards Cherish by Julius McCarter GoodNews for Couples Southern Grand-Momma by Stacey Brown
Pg 18-19
Pg 16-17
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.
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
This Too Shall Pass
T
When Christ becomes the focus of all we do and whatever state we find ourselves in, we can then find contentment to endure and continue on. by Dr. Greg Collins
he funny thing about human nature, we are never
be content” (Phil. 4:11 NKJV). Contentment can never
satisfied with the condition of our environment
be found in things, in places, or even in people. True
once we have settled in it for a while. An example
contentment comes from one place—a relationship with
would be in the midst of summer when we have been
Jesus Christ. He must not only be Savior, but he must also
dealing with extremely high temperatures for many weeks
be Lord. When found in Christ, circumstance, and situation
or months on a consistent basis, we begin to long for the
are no longer the deciding factors; it is the will of God for
cooler days of fall or winter. Likewise, in the winter, after
life we follow that becomes the deciding factor. Philippians
dealing with cold temperatures and heavy amounts of
4:11-13 says, “Not that I speak of being in regard to need,
snow, we find ourselves longing for the warm days of
for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
spring and summer. We struggle in being content, because
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
we always feel something we already experienced or could
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full
possible experience is better, and we long for what was or
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can
could be instead of being content with what we have.
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This reminds me of the consistency that seems to be
The cold of winter seems to last forever but this too
lacking in the church in the United States today. So many
shall pass. The truth is, God has promised that seasons will
people move from church to church, place to place, because
come and go. So this cold weather will give way very soon
they never find contentment. Many times we find folks
to the warmer temperatures and gentle rains of spring.
saying things like: “In my old church or at that church over
Flowers and trees will bloom and soon the bright sunshine
there.” Human nature struggles with contentment within
and warm temperatures of summer will be upon us.
consistency. That’s why we hear others talk about their
Seasons like circumstances and situations come and go, but
church or visit a church where the grass always seems
God is always with us and for us. What can separate me
greener over there. We see this issue within society today
from the love of God in Christ Jesus? Nothing!
in the secular world. The idea of long-term marriage seems far from the norm anymore. Today people bounce from relationship to relationship the moment they no longer fill like they are being fulfilled or feel satisfied. The apostle Paul said “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to
6 // February 2017
Dr. Greg Collins has served over 20 years in ministry. A graduate of Andersonville Seminary, Dr. Collins’ ministry has impacted thousands of people around the country and world through TV, print and internet outreaches. He also preaches and teaches in many venues and crusades around the world. Most Sundays he can be found in the Pulpit of Faith Worship Center in Chatsworth, Georgia.
Gò0dNews for Kids Will You Be God’s Valentine? “But anyone who does not love does not know God for God is love.” —1 John 4:8 MEV
W
by Mindy White
hen I was a kid, my mom would take me to the store, and I would pick out a box of Valentine cards. The store always had so many different boxes to choose from. There were boxes of cartoon characters, sports figures, animals, and more. I would look them over and over before finally deciding on which box I liked best. I would take my class list and make a Valentine for every student in the class, including my teacher. I carefully picked a card for each person on the list and signed my name to them. Then I would go over the list two times to make sure I did not leave anyone out. As a class project, we each made our own special Valentine's Day mailboxes. Then during our class party, we passed our Valentine cards out to each other. While enjoying our party treats, we would open our cards and read them. I would take my cards home after school and read them over and over. The cards always said words like, “Be Mine,” “Happy Valentine's Day,” “Will You Be My Valentine?” and messages like that.
8 // February 2017
There is someone who wants to ask you the same question. Only He asks this question all year long, and not just on Valentine's Day. Can you guess who that is? It is God! God is asking if you will be His Valentine. God loves you, and He wants you to love Him too. God is saying, “Happy Valentine's Day, I love you!” He is asking, “Will you be My Valentine?” Do you already know the scripture verse John 3:16? It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). This is one of the very first verses I memorized as a kid. If you don't already know it, try to memorize it. There are times when you may feel like no one loves you, but God loves you. I mean He really, really, really loves you so much, in fact, that He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Do you remember reading the verse John 3:16 above? That is what this verse means. God loved you so much He sent Jesus to die for your sins. That is a lot of love right there. Not only does God love us, but God is love! You can find that in the Bible by reading 1 John 4. I have another verse for you to memorize. Don't worry, it is really easy. First John 4:8b says, “God is love.” God is love, and that is how He is able to love us so much. Love is who He is. I have a project for you if you have a chance to work on it. Try and make a few special Valentine cards to let people know you love them. You can tell them that God loves them too. Then make a special Valentine for God, letting Him know how much you love Him.
Mindy White is married to her husband, Robert. They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.
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“Gifts that Won’t be Re-Gifted” MONEY MATTERS WITH DR. ANDREW LEE
S
o you survived the Christmas holidays, more or less, and by now you’re already stressed about Valentine’s Day (hint: it’s this month). What to give? First, allow me to make a quick disclaimer: the following suggestions are not necessarily applicable to Valentine’s Day. You might want to go ahead and get your special someone that distinctly romantic, mushy-gushy gift that is only appropriate on February fourteenth. But then for future gifts (birthdays, graduations, next Christmas), consider giving financially-themed gifts that truly have the potential to “keep giving” far into the future. No, I’m not talking about giving a wad of cash, although cash is almost always appreciated and rarely declined by the recipient. Nor am I talking about gift cards, though those are also usually greatly appreciated. Instead, think “bigger picture” and “longer term.” 1. Give a practical, easy to understand book on personal finance and money management. There are hundreds of these books out there, tailored toward teaching budgeting skills and investment knowledge to everyday people (just like you and your family and friends). I’m partial to Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover book, as well as Burton Malkiel’s A Random Walk Down Wall Street. Giving the gift of knowledge will pay enormous dividends (literal and figurative) both now and in the future for many years to come. 2. Open an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) for any friends or family members who has earned in-
10 // February 2017
Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children. come of their own. Sit down with them and discuss how retirement investing works, and explain which mutual funds you’re going to contribute money toward for their retirement to help them get started. This is especially exciting if the recipient is a teenager or 20-something with many decades of investing ahead of him or her. 3. Give a share (or shares) of stock, but only after carefully explaining how that stock has grown in the past, and how it might be projected to grow into the future if the recipient resists the temptation to sell the stock in the immediate or near future. 4. Give the gift of fun memories. Rather than buying another object that will eventually be discarded or forgotten or outgrown, consider giving tickets for memorable experiences such as sporting events, musical concerts, cooking lessons, short getaway trips, etc. The memory of this gift will last far into the future, much longer than most “stuff” that we receive as presents every year. 5. Give the gift of professional advice. Pay for a loved one to have a sit-down appointment with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide a detailed, custom-made financial checkup to show your relative or friend where he or she stands financially right now. My wife and I won a charity auction item last year, and the prize was a paid appointment with a local attorney to draft our Last Will and Testament. That might not sound glamorous, but it was invaluable. Happy Gifting!
Gò0dNews for Men
The Busy Enemy
T
Just because you beat the Enemy once, don’t think the war is over. by John Garrod
his was war. My enemy had shown itself to be
about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8 KJ21).
resourceful, industrious, and determined. It
And, just because you beat him once; don’t think the war is
had surveyed the terrain, knew where natural
over. He will come back, again and again, trying to stop the
vulnerabilities existed, and taken advantage of nearby resources. And it was making a mess of things. My first
flow of the Spirit in your life. Finally, after about three weeks of going back and forth
sign of trouble was a lack of movement, stagnancy. By
with the beavers, they quit rebuilding the dams. I kept
then, it was well entrenched. This did not bode well.
taking more of the sticks and leaves out of their structures,
I immediately took time to dismantle its work—not a thorough cleanup operation, but enough that at least a natural flow of things was restored. The next morning, not only
and when we finally got rain, the rest of their work got washed away . . . almost. When the waters receded, I found the beavers’ work below the waterline, too. They
had the enemy rebuilt what I
piled mud against the dams,
tore down; it had made progress
and while the flood waters had
overnight! The beavers were
washed away the surface work,
here, and they meant to stay.
their foundation remained. To
As I tore their dams up for
keep them from using this site
the umpteenth time, I thought
again, I would have to use a
about how the Enemy of men’s
shovel and get things back to the
souls operates in much the same
way they should be.
way. He surveys the terrain,
Men, we must do this in our
and identifies areas where we
own vulnerable areas, too. To
have natural weaknesses. In the
keep the Enemy from coming
creek, the beavers saw areas
back to the weak spots, you
where they could use a narrow
need to dig deep, and don’t be
spot to their advantage. Just
too proud. There is no shame in
upstream were low branches
seeking help from godly men.
and young trees they could
“Pride goeth before destruction,
easily fell and roll downhill into
and a haughty spirit before
the creek. The devil watches us
a fall,” warns Proverbs 16:18
to see our weaknesses: the second (and too long) glances
(KJ21). Be willing to swallow your pride, man up, and do
at attractive women, the way we engage in inappropriate
what needs to be done to make sure the Enemy can’t stop
conversations at work, what happens on our computers
up your flow. In the end, it’s worth it when you see the
when we think everyone is asleep. He scouts with the
Spirit flowing smoothly through your life.
skilled eye of an experienced predator. The Scripture cautions us about him, saying, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
12 // February 2017
John Garrod is a father of six, husband of one, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Some Days We Just Keep Going Remember that every day we are loved by a love that never changes.
D
by Rhiannon Skeen
o you ever have those days where emotions
need You more. It's those days I long for God in the flesh
overtake you and you feel overwhelmed? Those
to come and sit and hold me. It's those days my heart’s
days where you feel forgotten, alone, or left out?
only desire is to feel the arms of the Father reaching out.
We all do. We have days where, for one reason or anoth-
Those are the days I am not brave. The days I am not put
er, life just hurts. When I was in my early teens and some
together, the days where life just feels off. On those days
in my early twenties on those days I would cry to God to
I cry. I pray. I try to keep busy. On those days, days like
remove me from earth. I thought the answer to the hard
this day, I pray, “God, I need You more. I feel weak for
days was giving up and being with Him. I mean I was in
these emotions, but I know that when I am weak then
pain emotionally and heaven was perfect. Couldn't I just
You are strong.”
quit life and leave? I am older now and I have grown to realize giving up is not the answer.
The "some days" do end. We lay our heads down on pillows, often times with tears pouring, but morning
Life hurts more than words can describe but pain
does come. The sun comes up, strength is renewed and
can make us stronger. Now the pain seems to come from
bravery is once again acquired. On those days the most
different sources than it did in the early years. Now the
important thing to remember is not to give up.
pain that creeps in is loneliness and the feeling of being
Keep going. When you feel alone, reach out. When
invisible. I didn't know being a mom would feel that way
you feel invisible do something that makes you smile:
at times. I didn't know that for some people I would stop
paint, write, go for a ride, walk around and window
existing as me and begin to only exist as "Eleanor's Mom."
shop. Get out and remember you are still you. We have
Those are the moments I find I need God more than
our brave days and we have our some days, but we have
ever—including my some days.
to remember that every day we are loved by a love that is
Some days I am brave. Some days I sing. Some days everything is great! Then there are other days—days where I feel invisible, days I feel alone, days the tears well up from a place deep in my soul. On those days, God, I
14 // February 2017
everlasting and the same from day to day. Rhiannon Skeen is a mom, wife, blogger, designer, vlogger and coffee addict that can be found at www.rhiannonskeen.com. That is her corner of the inter-webs where she shares her heart about being a wife, a mom, and loving Jesus. You can also join her Bible Study group “Coffee and the Word” on Facebook.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 20161 706-235-9551
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 706-766-3018 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-1461 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
16 // February 2017
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 Fifth Avenue Baptist Church 416 N 5th Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-1150 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 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 Church 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 Huffaker Road Baptist Church 94 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-0384 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 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 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Riverside Baptist Church 38 Ash St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist Church 823 E 2nd Ave
Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 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 706-235-7811 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
Charismatic
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Solid Holy Rock Church 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3022
Christian & Missionary Alliance
706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Redmond Road Church of Christ 30 Redmond Rd Rome, Ga 30165
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Church of Christ
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 East Rome Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming COG 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-3516 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999
Church of the Nazarene
Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023 Rome First 26 Glenda Dr SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165
Independent Bible
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek 1537 Old Summerville Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 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 100 Dodd St 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 Silver Creek UMC 585 Reynolds Bend Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 United Methodist Church 700 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6113 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 706-290-9223
Non-Denominational
Chapel Hill 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Cornerstone Church of Rome 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 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 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-5102 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 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
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 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
FREE Add/Update Church Directory
issuu.com/goodnewsrome // 17
FEATURED
COVER STORY
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Ministry
J
To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. by Kent Howard esus is the light of the world. Our world is in a
tying in the spiritual side of life with our players’ day-to-
position where we desperately need His light, His
day challenges,” said Muhammed Abdellatif, Head Football
grace, His mercy and His provision. It is our desire
Coach, Armuchee High School, when asked about the
at FCA Rome Area to bring light to the lost and hurting
impact of FCA volunteer and local pastor, Bob Agan.
coaches and athletes of our community. We hope to see
God has uniquely called us to impact the world of
them come to know Christ and then develop a strong and
sports. We carry out our work at FCA Rome Area through
vibrant relationship with Him, giving them the opportunity
the “Four C’s of Ministry,” which are coaches, campus,
to minister in their realms of influence. God gave us the gift
camps, and community. These areas of focus allow us to
of His Son, and every day He pours out His blessings on us.
leave a legacy and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our gift back to Him is how we live our life, how we touch
We’d love to share with you some of the exciting things that
others and the legacy we leave. But it’s not something we do
have been going on.
alone! Through our donors, volunteers, and staff, our local
Coaches Ministry
ministry has impacted approximately 3,000 coaches and athletes during 2016 and it looks forward to reaching even more in 2017. “Bob Agan is viewed as so much more than just our team’s FCA Character Coach. He does a tremendous job of
18 // February 2017
FCA Coaches Ministry is the ministry method to
coaches through huddles, events, training, and resources. FCA Coaches Ministry focuses on ministering to the heart of the coach first, and then supporting the coach as he
or she engages with the Four C’s of Ministry. In 2016, approximately 150 coaches in Rome and Floyd County were impacted through camps, coaches Bible studies, banquets, retreats, and outreach events. “We were able to slow down, take a deep breath, look into each other’s eyes, and realize the passion that God has provided us in our marriage,” commented Brian Crick, Head Soccer Coach, Pepperell High School, who attended a marriage retreat in Estes Park, Colorado.
Campus Ministry
The school campus is one of the most strategic
mission fields with the vast majority of all youth passing through this portal. FCA focuses on equipping, enabling,
are touching lives in Rome through partnerships with
empowering, and encouraging student athletes, coaches,
local churches, recreation centers, and youth-development
and adult leaders to impact and influence their campus
leagues. As we grow, our goal is to have a ministry presence
for Christ. This year FCA campus groups are active on
in all of our local athletic organizations and leagues.
seventeen campuses in our area. In partnership with our
The highlight of the year was seeing 146 individuals
local churches and campuses, our first ever Fields of Faith
make a decision to follow Christ through our local ministry
event was hosted by Coosa High School in October. Close
during the 2015-2016 school year and another thirty-two
to 1,000 students from the community were in attendance to
so far in 2016-17. This is truly the greatest gift, and we give
hear live praise and worship music, student testimonies, and
God all the glory. We know that God has great plans for the
participated in a circle of prayer on the field.
ministry in the year to come.
“Fields of Faith was amazing! It was cool to see all of the
FCA is a ministry that is 100 percent locally funded.
schools unified in worship. As believers, we are all on Team
We need your prayers and support as we continue to
Jesus,” said one 12th grade student at Model High School.
grow the ministry by presenting the gospel to more and
Camp Ministry
more of our community. Our annual Home Team Banquet
coaches and athletes to reach their potential by offering
Table sponsorships are available and individual tickets
Camp is a time of inspiration and perspiration for
comprehensive athletic, spiritual, and leadership training. In FCA, we offer seven types of camps: sports camps, leadership camps, coaches camps, power camps, partnership camps, team camps, and international camps. This past summer, fifty-seven campers attended FCA Camps in St. Simons Island, Toccoa, LaGrange, and Demorest. These campers included high school athletic teams from Armuchee, Coosa, and Model and student leaders from several campuses, including our first middle
will be held on Thursday, March 2 at the Forum in Rome. can be purchased in advance. This is a great event where we celebrate our Lord and all He is doing in and through our ministry. FCA also welcomes annual gifts or offers the opportunity to spread your gift out monthly by signing up for our Automatic Monthly Partner Plan (AMP). For details go to www.fcaromearea.org to submit your gift online, sign up for AMP, or learn about noncash ways of giving to FCA. May God’s richest blessings be upon you and your family this year!
school campers ever! "FCA Camp has provided me with a life-changing opportunity to further invest spiritually into my players,” stated Nic Hann, Head Volleyball Coach, Coosa High School.
Community Ministry
FCA Community Ministry includes the off-campus
opportunities to reach coaches and athletes for Christ through the club and recreation sport environment. We
issuu.com/goodnewsrome // 19
Gò0dNews for Parents
Teaching Children the Things of God
W
God gives wisdom generously without criticism. by Wally Coffman
hile on our way back from a recent vacation, my
and was being unjust toward her little brother. The last thing I
then two-year-old son was beating the seat my wife
would ever want to do is to intimidate my child into thinking
was sitting in with his toy fishing rod. Every now
that I believe that I am unaccountable to her and God or that she
and then, one of his strikes landed on my wife’s shoulders. After
shouldn’t stand up for her brother. The more I think about her
repeatedly telling him to stop, I reached back from the driver’s
making such a stand over one of God’s commandments, even
seat and took the toy from him.
though she misunderstood, the prouder I become. I really want
I was expecting a vocal objection from my son, but to my
to encourage these character traits in my daughter; yet, I still
surprise, I only heard from my then four-year-old daughter.
needed to correct her understanding. Like I said, it’s awkward.
With tear-filled eyes, my daughter cried, “Daddy! That isn’t
If you are like me, you would rather endure anything but
right! You are not supposed to take things. God said that we
awkwardness, and this makes it very easy to just avoid the issue
shouldn’t steal!”
with some distraction. Maybe pointing toward the passenger
With gaping mouth, I looked to my wife for some indica-
window and yelling “squirrel!” But God is very clear in His
tion at what just happened, who only chuckled at my expres-
Word that parents, particularly Dads, are to teach their children
sion. After gaining my composure and seeing my daughter’s
the things of God (see Deut. 4:9-10; 11:18-20; 32:7). There is no
tear-filled eyes in my rearview mirror, I spent the next thirty
way around it. We are responsible to God to teach our children
minutes of the trip back awkwardly trying to explain to her the
about Him and His ways.
difference between stealing and parental discipline.
If that seems like bad news, it's not. God would never
It was awkward because I felt that I was completely
expect anything from us without first providing a way for us
unprepared for what happened and what had happened was
to make it happen. Teaching our kids requires courageous wis-
important enough to help define what my daughter believed
dom and the good news to that is that God will provide us the
about right and wrong. It didn’t help to know that I am not the
wisdom we need for something such as this if we only ask Him
most eloquently speaking person who also believed that I could
for it (see James 1:5). God wants us to teach our kids about Him
really screw up by not saying the right thing, or even saying
and will provide us with the wisdom we need. Teaching our
the right thing in the wrong way. It also didn’t help that my
children about God glorifies Him which He deserves.
daughter who weighs literally twenty-five pounds soaking wet was bold enough to confront her bald, bearded, and full-grown dad when she felt that he was breaking one of God’s commands
20 // February 2017
Wally Coffman lives in McDonald, TN with his wife of 16 years, Angela, and their two children, Ella (age 5), and Eli (age 3). He and his family attend Silverdale Baptist Church. He is a professional engineer licensed in multiple states.
Church Activities & Events Fellowship Baptist Church Valentine’s Dinner
February 11, 2017 at 5:00pm $20 each: Steak*Baked Potato*Salad*Dessert. Proceeds Benefit Fellowship Baptist Student Ministry Purchase Tickets Today!
Cornerstone Church
» Rebirth/Winter Jam 2017! » February 3rd–5th | $89 Per Student
Cornerstone Students! Mark your calendars now for Rebirth/Winter Jam Weekend February 3rd-5th. This will be an action packed weekend that includes food, games, concerts, small group Bible Study. The cost for the entire weekend is only $79 per student. Cost includes lodging, meals, concert tickets and a t-shirt. We are sure our students will grow closer to God and to one another during this incredible weekend.
The Church at Northside Souper-Bowl Party
February 5th, 12:30pm Come, taste and help us find the favorite soup at Northside. Soups will be provided by Northside’s Lifegroups.
North Rome Church of God
The ONE - Marriage Gathering- One heart. One Home. One Mind. Topics: His Needs, Her Needs// His Brain, Her Brain//I see you// & More! Friday, February 10, 7:00-9:30pm, Saturday, February 11, 9:00-11:30am Cost: $25 per couple, $15 per individual Special Guests: Bryan & Faith Cutshall “...and they shall become one flesh.” —Genesis 2:24
Pleasant Valley North
Defending the Faith Conference
March 17-18, 2017 Featuring: Dr. Frank Turek, Dr. Richard Howe, & More! Cost (Includes Lunch on Saturday): Students- $15 (If not attending with other family members) Adults- $25 (If not attending with other family members) Families- $50 (Max. Cost for two or more members from same household) Registration: www.PleasantValleyNorth.com or register at the door!
Gò0dNews for Life
A Moral Shift
M
Shining a Light on the Evils of Abortion by Delaney Walker
arco Rubio shared a belief about the
means our society has recognized the sanctity
consequences of abortion that I have
of human life. It means abortion is no longer a
heard many people reiterate since I
viable solution for an unplanned pregnancy.
joined the staff at New Hope Pregnancy Care
The words of Rubio (and those of many
Center. He said, “I think future generations
prolife supporters) will fall flat time and time
will look back at this history of our country
again unless they are paired with action in the
and call us barbarians for murdering millions
following ways:
of babies we never gave a chance to live.” Similar words usually tumble out of
• We need to educate our country on the sanctity of human life.
people’s mouths after they hear a particularly
• We must provide support for those
disturbing statistic about abortion. Initially,
facing unplanned pregnancies.
I readily agreed. However, the words have since rattled around so much in my head that a new response has emerged: hope. I hope future Americans look back on us
• We must continue to shine a light on the evils of abortion. • We need to work today to ensure tomorrow’s judgment.
as barbarians. If we are condemned as barbarians then that means there has been a moral shift. It
22 // February 2017
Delaney Walker is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. She is an avid fan of reading, exercising, and making silly faces at babies in the grocery store.
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Mastering a Healthier Lifestyle
N
It’s hard at first, but by taking it day by day, choice by choice, you will succeed in leading a healthy life that will also inspire those around you. by Hannah Davis
your big goals and start tackling the smaller goals first. Write the o doubt it has been my innate aversion to being told lifestyle changes you need to make to reach the bigger goal and what to do myself that fueled my entrepreneurship spirit start implementing them one by one. Master one and move on to throughout life. At the age of thirteen, I had a babysitting the next. We’re trying to eliminate the overwhelming factor that and neighborhood home-cleaning business. At twenty, I was often causes failure. You’ll have a greater sense of accomplishment working my way through college as a shift manager at Moe’s Southwest Grill, a position I scored after just one month of working moving from one small goal to another rather than trying to tackle the mountain. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. there. From the age of twenty-two, I’ve essentially started and ran my own businesses, everything from marketing myself as an Take It Day By Day actress, to starting a babysitting agency in NYC, to what I do now Defeat is part of the road to success! You will have days you as a certified personal trainer. I own a personal training studio didn’t meet any of your small goals. Remember that success does and have a thriving presence nationally online and as a published not follow a linear path upward. All the Greats’ success stories fitness expert. have been marked with failure along the way. We tend to assume I continue to be very successful as a business owner, which successful people had it easy, that they had it all together and never has everything to do with the talent God gave me. He blessed struggled to achieve their greatness. All great stories are marked by me with leadership skills that help me equip failures. Take your goals day by day, putting by Hannah Davis clients effectively with the right skills to take yesterday completely behind you. Don’t let control over their own health and Or do youattain not know that your body is a temple of the the road to treat major health issues like heart disease the failures impede your ultimate progress. a better quality of life. When individuals Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are and diabetes. Your health should be a priority because Remember that it’s all a part of the journey. your own, you were bought with a price. So glorify your family needs you. live more healthfully, it not bleeds overforinto Trust the process! It is important that the sum God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6: 1920 (ESV) 4. Be accountable. The importance of having every other aspect of their work life and your successes be greater than the sum of someone to report to is of priceless. Create a reward relationships. Most importantly, believe t’s March,I and if you made New Year’s health/ system together. For example, if you lose 8 pounds by your failures. fitness resolutions, it honors God. Here are five of the most now is when you might be getting the end of the month, you get a spa treatment, or you frustrated and contemplate giving up. You may think Find Some treat yourself to a sporting event. Using aCheerleaders tracking app important lessons I help clients master in order it’s been too hard or that you have already failed. There or fitness device like MyFitnessPal or FitBit can be an having a team behind Accountability and to be successful at livingisagood healthful life! reason why you should not give up. You are excellent motivator. you might be the greatest factor in achieving worth it to your Maker and those around you. The Take Control 5. Focus on today. your Finally,goals. be encouraged by system is vital. Get the following tips will help you get over the hump of selfA support achieving small daily goals. Take the stairs instead of Human beings have an innate desire to be in control doubt and achieve lasting results this year.and family on board. Hire a trainer. Join a social media support group. the elevator. Park away from a store’s entrance. Eat a make their own decisions. God usIffree whyloss, wouldn’t 1. Be gave specific. yourwill, goal isso weight I You need people toacheer you time, on and do it with you. It takes healthy dinner. Go for walk. Over thesetosmall encourage you to attach a reasonable we? Studies on human behavior in the workplace havetimeline. shownFor feats add up and have a huge impact! initiative to create this support network for yourself, but we are example, if your end goal is to lose 50 that individual employees and work teams are more productive, Remember, it’s a marathon, not a more successful when we know we are not in this alone. pounds by August, your weekly sprint. Trust the process! Improving more creative, more successful, and overall enjoy their jobs more goal could be to lose one to two your health is a daily journey. deeply when their leaders provide environment that fosters and Be the Inspiration pounds eachan week. These Focus on physiological are This example sheds Make yourself an authority on eating healthier and becoming encourages taking moresmaller controlincrements over projects. improvements that can happen realistic and will encourage more fit. You don’t have your life withto justhave one workout andperfectly together to be light on how we can apply this to our personal life—specifically you to stay on track. a weekNone of healthier eating. the inspiration for others. of us have it all together. When our health goals. When you wake up one day and you say to 2. Have a plan. Reduced stress, better sleep, you give yourself the responsibility of being an authority, you yourself, Where in the world did this 30 pounds come from and Schedule yourextra workouts and more energy will be quickly create pressure on achieved. yourself to keep moving forward. People are meal plan The just like youanswer is that you why do I feel so exhausted and all the time? short other appointments. It helps to Good habitsthey on a consistent looking to you for guidance; depend on you. Share your lost control. You stoppeddobeing in control of your own health. With go to the gym or workout at home basiswith will help you achieve a healthier struggles, along your successes. I truly believe that God the strength God gives you, you can take back control and be on with a written plan. If you’re a member of a mind and body. For more fitness tips, find me on means for all of us to share our journey if it will help somebody gym, ask version the desk of staff if one of their best trainers your way to becoming the best yourself. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram@bodybyhannah. else to be successful. These five most important lessons will help can show you how to use the equipment properly. Break It Down you master a healthier lifestyle. Stay in control of your destiny and 3. Prioritize. I hear the excuse that “I just don’t You’ve made the decision take control, sohealthier now it’s time have the to time or money to get and moretofit.” create healthier habits. You can’t afford notbecause to! Out-of-pocket healthcare set some goals. Write down your goals that gives themcosts Hannah Davis ownsowns Body ByBody HannahBy personal Hannah Davis Hannah personal training studio rise. Youitcan either spend less money on training studio in downtown Cleveland, TN. Hannah power. Share them withcontinue others to because gives you accountability. in Cleveland, TN. Hannah served on the advisory board as the served on the advisory board as the fitness expert a gym membership, a personal trainer, and healthier fitness expert Magazine for Cosmopolitan Magazine and has contributed to for Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Because goals can be overwhelming to tackle unless big goals are foods now, or you can spend even more money down publications and and booksbooks includingincluding Women’s Health publications Women’s Health Magazine, SELF, Magazine, SELF, Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and broken into smaller, more achievable goals, create a flowchart from
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals
I
24 // February 2017 24 // March 2016
Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and She the Rodale published book, the Rodale published book, Shape Up Shortcuts. is the author of the Operation Bikini Bodyauthor series youof the Operation Bikini Shape Up Shortcuts. She is the can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com. Body series, you can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com.
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Gò0dNews for Teens Gò0dNews for Teens
The Lenten Season . . .
H
A time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading to Easter. by Andrew Schaffer
Love Well
ooray, fasting! Lent begins this month; get excited.
40 days can produce. I fasted from various foods: bread,
I didn’t grow up practicing Lent. I didn’t know
meat, soda, caffeine, and so forth. Although mine were
God’s love is about sacrifice, commitment, and even community. always food oriented (priorities), my friends gave up music, bymass Andrew Shaffer different. Lent was something Catholic kids did, like or Facebook, and even driving. Each created a unique moment what I was missing. I knew about lint, but that’s
W
confirmation, but that was the extent of my knowledge. My
or opportunity to consciously refocus on God. It can be
familiarity eventually increased as I ventured outside of my
challenging to find the sweet spot between difficult and
little Protestant bubble and discovered how impactful these
ridiculous—sacrificing something too insignificant misses
ell it’s February. Love is in the air or something. You know how we do flowers, red hearts, romance, and
so on. This month we decorate everything with paper
six weeks could be.
hearts and If baby Everyone gets all sentimental and mushy youangels. aren’t familiar about relationships andseason, luuuuv (cue woo woo woo sounds). with the Lenten it is
Maybetraditionally you’re looking forward to single awareness/celebration day a time of prayer,
One of you smarty-pants may be thinking something about
that whole multiple Greek words for love thing, and you’re right. There are six and all have tothe do point with various types: romantic, of both fasting
brotherly, self, playful, longstanding, unconditional. But before and Lent, and but something we get too caught up in that,too four them even bigofand wearen’t give up or used in the Bible. Only φιλία (philía – deep andintent ἀγάπη (agápē – evenfriendship) become more
because you’reand all about lovingleading yourself, and good for you if you fasting, almsgiving
unconditional) are used. That said, philía is really onbeing self-discipline than faith. only used a
are. Orto maybe sodays over(doesn’t it. Regardless of where you stand on Easter.you’re This 40
couple of times, compared toPart over for agápē. of 250 the beauty of Because Lent is as Christ-
include Sundays) analogous to the issue, and before we is give in and oversimplify this whole love
becoming self-aware followers we’re called to love, to reallymore love—St. Valentine love, real
Jesus’ time that in the desert and once thing, remember we, as people of God are called to love.
examining our habits and that. love, Jesus love. During this in month of luuuuv, remember
served as aon period of purification Since we’re the topic, let’s consider St. Valentine. We all
quirks, revealing we can First John 4 tells us God is love. Literally,what they’re the same
and enlightenment forguy new know St. Valentine was the who invented those terrible chalk
live without what thing. God and love are the same. Lovingand well isn’tmight about naked
werehe baptized on Easter know who really was? Also,Sunday. probably not.
time with God. people of God. Isn’t this what Valentine showed us?
converts back right? when all believers conversation hearts, No, of course he didn’t. But do we Beginning with Ash Wednesday
Valentine was a Roman priest in the time when the emperor and awareness of our own
(Claudius) persecuted the church like it was his job and had
be taking precedence over baby angels and hearts; it’s about being who we’re called to be as Got it. So what do I do?
First John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what real love is, Just like our faith, this
that Jesus gave His life for us. So now we do the same for others.”
finitude, brokenness, and general uselessness apart from
is a personal thing. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to look
Christ, it culminates in our celebration of the Resurrection.
miserable while we fast because that only attracts attention.
This is why the Orthodox Church calls Lent the season of
Outside of the necessary accountability, this is between you
“Bright Sadness.” We celebrate Lent in that spirit, calling us
and God. Honestly, we don’t really have to give up anything
outlawed the marriage of young people for reasons that don’t
make any sense. So Valentine was all about marriage for the young folks in the Christian church, even though it was totally against
the law. Legend has it that after he was arrested, Valentine prayed back to God and deepening our faith. with and healed daughter. Asterius, who was one That’sAsterius’ cool. Whyblind fasting? of the judges, was so affected heday became a ChristHow much do you by do this in a that given without even
Again, we probably aren’t going to have to literally give our lives, but we can live sacrificially. We can live as we’re called to live by putting the interests of others’ before our own. In the same way, we’ll begin to see the power and value of love, and discover the
to “fast.” We can take on more intentional time to create space
person of Christ others even in ourselves as a result. and commune withinGod; it’sand the concept that’s important.
I may be aseason, little cynical about the whole Valentine’s Day This Lenten try something a bit different. If
follower himself.We’re Just before his execution, Valentine signed a thinking? so accustomed to being on autopilot—grab a
mushiness, but maybe knowing of St.soValentine can you’ve never participated, anythingthe willreal be story different,
letter tosoda, Asterius’ daughter Valentine.” The point is, St. eat dinner, turn“from on theyour TV, check instagram/snapchat,
alter golden. our perspective a little. Maybe weThis canyear remember you’re If you have, change it up! I invitethat love
Valentine gave his life for love. loved well. He sacrificed you is about commitment, even community. andliterally binge on Netflix. Giving up aHe part of this could to fast;sacrifice, give up something youand know you’ll miss, takeWe can completely our routine. removes something, his own life for thederail love of others . . . Fasting sound familiar?
onbetter something new, and God can shownot you in learn what agápēdiscover means.what Disclaimer: It may include paper
typically something difficult to go without and interrupts Don’t worry; I’m not advocating that we sacrifice our lives
this season of Brightor Sadness. hearts, chocolate, naked baby angels, but that’s probably okay.
our lives. It’sisn’t not about simplyromance; about forgoing your favorite for marriage. This it’s about the love ofuseless God.
We can and will learn what it means to love unconditionally, real
habitstory or snack; it’s self-denial, creating a space for Valentine’s is about commitment and sacrifice. Heintimacy embodied withlove Christ. the selfless that God calls us all to live. St. Valentine risked
Practicing Lent quickly taught me both the value of (and lost) his life for the love of others. This is what it means to love fasting and the challenges that avoiding something for
well. This is agape, unconditional love of Biblical proportion.
// February 2016 26 //26 February 2017
love, God’s love. We can love well. Andrew Shaffer thethe minister to to youth and Andrew Shafferis is minister youth families and theirat families at First Baptheir First Baptist Dalton, GA. He tist Dalton, GA. He is a graduate of is a graduate of Mississippi State, Samford Mississippi State, Samford and Truett and TruettHeSeminary. worked in Seminary. has workedHe in has youth youth ministry way orsince another since ministry one way one or another 2000, andhas hasbeen been bitten byotter. an otter. 2000, and bitten by an
Gò0dNews for Seniors The health field is not a job but a calling from God. by Renita Carnes
F
ebruary, the month of love, is a time when we
through, or when they just simply sit with someone who
may express love with chocolate, flowers, cards,
may be having a difficult day. It is so evident to see their
or maybe even some lovely jewelry. Telling some-
servant hearts as they strive to serve the greatest genera-
one or showing someone we love them should happen
tion with honor, respect, faith, and integrity.
every day, as there is never enough love in this world. It
We are family here at Renaissance Marquis. We are
is the time of year some of us get further out of our com-
important to each other, which is what God requires of
fort zone to express love, but have we ever really taken
us; to love one another, care for one another, and help
time to define what love is in our life?
when needed. It is a privilege that we are able to do
We need to remember where love originates—from
what we do; we never take for granted the honor we’ve
God. Without God there is no love. Because of God’s
been given. I have always felt the health field is not a job
love I have the incredible honor of seeing love all
but a calling we receive from God. Without the guidance
around me. Each day, as I stroll through the halls visit-
of God and the constant reminders of the true mean-
ing with my residents, I hear love in their stories of the
ing of love, we would surely fall short. So within our
past, the present and the future, stories of their families,
reading audience, please remember us when you pray.
and their experiences. Love is to see written letters sent
Pray that we are always mindful of the love of God, the
out through email by one particular resident, describing
privilege we have to serve this greatest generation, to
his personal experience with his faith and his love for
always keep our servants hearts, and to show others the
God, always offering words of encouragement to every-
respect, honor, and dignity that we all deserve.
one. Love is shown when I watch our care staff caring
I seem to recall a song titled “I Want to Know What
for my residents every day, as they stay longer after
Love Is.” Do you want to know what love is? Well,
their shifts because they desire to see a certain situation
come by, visit us here at Renaissance Marquis and The Harbor. Listen to the laughter, sit in on the Bible study, hear some of the most amazing stories ever told, watch as we participate in wonderful purposeful activities, and spend time with someone who opens up his or her heart to share in God’s Word. This is our mission; this is our love.
28 // February 2017
Renita Carnes began her career with Renaissance Marquis in 2005 and has worked her way into many different positions in the company. In 2012, she became the executive director of Renaissance Marquis. Renita proudly serves the greatest generation with honor, respect, faith and integrity.
We’re here for you! For more information about the care and services offered at Renaissance Marquis, or to schedule a tour of your new home, please call us at 706-295-0014.
706-295-0014 | 3126 Cedartown Hwy | Rome, GA 30161 | renaissancemarquis.com
Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk Reducing Stress Is Being Kind to Your Heart
Whether you tend to burn the candle at both ends or you are drowning under a pile of circumstances and responsibilities, the resulting stress may be taking a greater toll than you realize. by Keri Bush
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cience has long-suspected that stress is not good for your physical health. Now there’s proof. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have
confirmed a link between activity in the amygdala, the stress area of the brain, and the physical conditions that lead to heart disease. That’s right, stress is bad for your heart. What can you do when life is not getting any easier? Calendars are full. You’re likely caring for more than one person who is at least partially dependent on you. The bills keep coming, and your Facebook feed isn’t getting any more positive. Keri Bush, coordinator of the Chest Pain Center at Floyd, said there are some simple techniques to help reduce stress in your life. The American Heart Association supports a fourpronged approach:
Concentrate on the Positive Positive thoughts combat the negativity that increases stress. Rather than think or say, “I can’t do this,” remember that you don’t have to tackle life by yourself. If you tend to say “Everything is going wrong,” remind yourself of all that is going right.
Take a Break Give yourself permission to stop. Sometimes when responsibilities are hitting you from all angles, it’s best just to take a breather. Go for a walk, take a break from social media, and look for a way to purposefully find enjoyment, such as hugging a child, smiling at someone, or paying the bill for the person in line behind you.
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Replace Stress with Pleasure Find pleasure in an activity that takes your mind off your current situation. This could be reading a good book or watching an inspirational video or film. Listening to music or playing a game with friends or family can also help you reduce the stress in your life.
Pray Take control of the moment. Rather than worry about things in your past or future, take time to be aware of where you are in the present moment. Give your undivided attention to the people in the room with you. If you are alone, look for something beautiful and appreciate the opportunity to simply relax. If you are able, dim the lights and get comfortable. Take several deep breaths to quiet your mind, and then pray. Prayer takes the focus off of you and your current situation and moves it to something bigger than you are. February is “Heart Month.” Make sure you are taking care of your heart and the hearts of those you care about. Floyd’s comprehensive cardiology services program provides a full range of heart services, as well as education in the community—including early heartattack care and hands-only CPR. Floyd’s cardiology program provides heart health education to local churches, schools, and civic groups in the community. Call Floyd’s Community Outreach coordinator at 706.509.3270 for more information.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Beyond Love, Towards Cherish
God wants to raise the level of Christian marriages beyond merely sticking it out, sacrificing, or persevering.
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by Julius McCarter
he Song of Songs has always been a significant part of our marriage. That’s because marriage becomes particularly Christian when we learn to cherish one another in marriage, much in the way these two lovers in the Song cherish one another. The verse that has stood out to me lately has been Song of Songs 6.9: “My dove, my perfect one, is the only one” (ESV). Kendra and I usually have very different work and therefore different sleep schedules. Yesterday, as I was writing, I heard Kendra begin to wake. My heart went out to her. I hadn’t seen her yet, but just knowing she was moving and awake flooded my soul with new affection. Since Kendra and I married, cherish has been the word I hang on to. I have sought and prayed for a cherishing heart toward my wife, and God has answered my prayer. Millions of couples have pledged on their wedding day, “To love and to cherish until death do us part,” but virtually every marriage book focuses almost exclusively on love. What does it mean to cherish? Why is it a part of the wedding vows? Does it even matter? I think it does.
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This month, our culture celebrates love. I think Christians should celebrate cherish. Cherishing our spouses draws us closer together. It makes our relationships and thus our homes that much more pleasant. There’s a certain sense of delight when you truly cherish someone you live with and come home to every day. If you cherish your spouse, it’s a treat just to see him or her—or to hear that she is awake. Especially if you’re a believer, you can choose to grow and build a cherishing marriage. It’s what your spouse wants. It’s what you want. One way to distinguish cherish from love is to consider the ballet. A ballerina has to be strong, athletic, and have endurance. The moves are physically demanding. But that’s similar to an NFL linebacker, who must also be strong, athletic, and have endurance. What sets the ballerina apart is the grace, the beauty, the poetry. Love is the athletic strength of marriage—unquestionably the supporting spiritual mechanism of any union. Cherish is the grace, the poetry, and the beauty of enjoyment. It takes your marriage to another place and makes it not only beautiful to dance, but beautiful to watch. I believe God wants to raise the level of Christian marriages beyond merely sticking it out, sacrificing, or persevering. These are all important and wonderful things, but I believe God also wants to set in motion delighted relationships that speak of God’s passionate joy. The Father who cherished Jerusalem and the Son who cherishes the Church wants to teach us to cherish our spouse. While our culture wants to focus on love this February, I think it’s time for Christians to focus on that other word—cherish. In so doing, we learn to grow strong marriages as a testament to the love of Jesus for the Church. The Reverend Julius McCarter, Ph.D., is a minister and spiritual director who lives in Loudon, TN. He is the author of eleven books—most recently a theological commentary on the Book of Revelation. His ministry, Sunergoi Ministries, maintains a blog at www.the-little-friar.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Southern Grand-Momma Grandmothers are the history lesson and the family connection.
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by Stacey Brown
ellow Grandmothers (Grannies, Nanna’s, Mi-Mi’s, and the like), this is our time to shine. Our purpose is very clear: “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children” (Deut. 4:9 MEV). With our children, we were so very busy multitasking that at the end of the day, we were desperately seeking just fifteen minutes to take an uninterrupted bath. Now we get to be more relaxed with our grandchildren because we aren’t stressed about the details. With the pressures on families today, we can help provide assistance when needed. By the time we are grandmothers, we have learned what is truly important in this life, which is love. “God is Love” (see 1 John 4:8), and God’s love can emanate from us, if we will allow it, with patience, smiles, and cookie recipes. Yes—it is important to pray for your grandchildren, to read Bible stories to them and take them to church, but the most important thing we can do for them is live it. Live God’s plan right in front of them. Share time with them and offer a listening ear. Add in lots of hugs, reassurance, and a little wisdom to complete their experience. The granddaughter loves to see pictures of her Mommy at my house and to listen to stories about her childhood.
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We sit on the front porch swing and share these magical moments. No technological devices are needed—just us and a sippy cup. We, the Grandmothers, can build up their identity and help them find God’s purpose for their own lives. We can construct a memory of unconditional love that is so powerful it withstands the test of time. It is an awesome responsibility and an opportunity to serve. I accept this call to “grandmothering” without hesitation, knowing that this is God’s plan for me, and that with Him, all things will work out for good. I hope I can say in the years to come: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children [and grandchildren] are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4 NIV). From the moment I met my beautiful brand new granddaughter, and to this day, I sing two songs with her: First, “Jesus Loves Me.” We change it up a bit. Instead of saying “Yes, Jesus loves me,” we sing “Jesus loves Lori.” The second is “You Are My Sunshine.” She will say to me, “Grand-ma-ma’, I am your sunshine.” Someday the Good Lord will call me home, but for the rest of her life whenever she hears either one of these songs, she will know that she is truly and unconditionally loved. Stacey Brown is a Solutions Analyst and Office Manager for JBM Office Solutions in Rome, she and her husband, Tom are members of Calvary Baptist Church and she is a proud Southern Grand-Momma.
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