September 2022

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine September 2022 ROMEComplimentary® OCTOBER 4 - 8, 2022

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WRITERS Abdiel Medina Dr. Alan D. Hix Dr. Andrew Lee Brent SusanShelleySandraReaganPhillipPamMonicaLinettaKristenKarenJudyGregDonaldDannyDanetteCherylGoodgeL.DunsonReevesHesterlyCantrellGrotewoldHoodJefferyWestCainGambrellWattenbargerBurkhalterMarshGilmoreKnickLavigne SALES Matthew Email:423-503-1410Ruckmangoodnewstn@gmail.com DESIGN Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER Melanie 706-844-3818Abney FACEBOOK GoodNews Rome DISTRIBUTION 5000 Monthly EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR Jodi Email:Varnadoarticles.goodnews@gmail.com PUBLISHER Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: E-mail:423-503-1410goodnewstn@gmail.com OFFICE 423-790-5378 WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome

ContentsSEPTEMBER2022 GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk 6 We Don’t Talk About Bruno (or Melchisedec!) by Rev. Reagan Marsh GoodNews for Kids 8 More-ish by Danny Hesterly GoodNews Money Matters 10 “ABOUT THAT ONE MILLION DOLLARS...” by Dr. Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men 12 Who is Your Superhero? by Dr. Alan Hix GoodNews for Women 14 Worship 24/7 by Kristen West GoodNews for Everyone 18 Is Obedience Necessary? by Danette Reeves GoodNews for Everyone 20 Pleasures Forevermore by Greg Grotewold GoodNews for Everyone 22 Walking With Molly: Part 3 by Shelley Knick GoodNews Cover Story 24 Coosa Valley Fair Association by Phillip Burkhalter GoodNews for Life 26 God’s Story by Linetta Cain GoodNews Poetry 28 Thinking Of Me and You by Judy Hood GoodNews for Parents 30 From Tents to Tweens by Donald Cantrell GoodNews for Everyone 32 Enjoying Our Differences by Susan Lavigne GoodNews for Everyone 34 Who’s Watching? by Monica Gambrell GoodNews for Everyone 36 A Family-tree Hugger by Sandra Gilmore GoodNews for Students 38 Courage to Write by Abdiel Medina GoodNews for Everyone 40 Here Today. Gone Tomorrow. by Cheryl L. Dunson GoodNews for your Taste Buds 42 Apple Streusel Cake by Pam Wattenbarger GoodNews for Everyone 44 Be Sober by Brent Goodge GoodNews for Everyone 46 Disappointed by Karen Jeffery 42246

2. Communion with God (v. 18). It’s no mistake that bread and wine are used: a man justified by faith alone (James 2:23) enters God’s presence through God’s priest. This priest embodies God’s righteousness (Hebrews 7:2) brought near to him (incarnation!) This certainly points us to the Lord’s Supper, and ultimately to the end of the age, when Christians “will be forever with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Gò0 dNews from the Pastor’s Desk 6 // September 2022

4. Special revelation (vv. 19b-20). God’s word reveals God’s character in his attributes (v. 19b) and mighty acts (v. 20). So, Scripture presents Melchisedec as a “type” (that is, a foreshadowing, or pointing-forward-to) of Christ. Hebrews 7 speaks of Jesus as being better than Melchisedec, arising in his likeness, and having a superior priesthood. If Jesus is better than himself, in his own image, and improves on his prior ministry, then there’s contradiction and change in the unchangeable God…and that’s impossible (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). Further, Hebrews 7 records that Melchisedec died (v. 23). Take that to its local end: if Melchisedec is the preincarnate Christ, then Jesus died twice, Hebrews 7:24-25 is utterly false, and “your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). It’s a fascinating question to work out biblically, but wellworth our consideration—because Jesus, the only Son of God, has indeed come for sinners like Melchisedec, and Abram… and you and me. He showed by his life, death, and resurrection that he is the Eternal One who alone can forgive sin, bring fellowship with God the Father, and make us true worshippers by his Word and Spirit. “Types” like Melchisedec point us forward to the day when “we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2), “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12), forever. That’s the best news I’ve ever heard! We might not talk about Bruno…but we should talk about Melchisedec, because he helps us talk about Jesus. Feel free to send in your questions at reformationdalton.com, and I’ll do my best to answer them biblically! Grace to you.

1. The plain description of him as a man, v. 18; “he,” v. 19; “he…him,” v. 20 (Hebrews 7:4 names him “this man”).

Genesis 14:18-20 shows he’s a priest and king (v. 18):

3. The physical nature of Melchisedec bringing out food, v. 18. 4. The genuine concern for Abram’s well-being, v. 20: “God…has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Melchisedec is a man like us. This isn’t a Christophany, but there are strong pointers to Jesus: 1. Eternality (v. 18). Melchisedec just appears on the scene unannounced. Hebrews 7:3 explains this, showing how his entering the scene with no introduction (simply Moses using a literary device) points to the Eternal One.

3. Worship (v. 19). Abram receives God’s blessing from him—while Melchisedec leads in God’s worship (vv. 19b-20).

We Talk About Bruno (or Melchisedec!)

As a pastor for nearly 25 years, I often receive thoughtprovoking questions about the Bible. Here’s an interesting one—I hope it’ll be helpful for you!

2. The geographical location of his home: “Salem,” v. 18. Christophanies don’t typically mention a home or “roots” (see, for example, Joshua 5:13ff).

Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and founding Pastor-Teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. A biblical counselor and Th.D. student in Puritan Studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998. Learn more at reformationdalton.com.

Q: How are we supposed to think about Melchisedec? He’s pretty difficult to understand.

About AuthorThe by Rev. Reagan Marsh

Don’t

A: The recent film Encanto has a catchy tune: “We don’t talk about Bruno, no, no…” It seems that’s also how we treat certain people in Scripture—Melchisedec among them! Some think he’s Jesus making a brief OT appearance (theologians call these “Christophanies,” lit. “Christ-sightings”); others aren’t so sure. But Scripture gives answers!

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Quick story: When I was growing up in Southern Illinois, my mom and dad would tell me, my brother, and my sister that when we all grew up, they would sell everything and move to Korea. My mom is from Seoul, South Korea, and hasn’t been home in a long time. My parents said this ALL the time. I never thought they’d actually do it. When I was twenty-nine, they sold everything and moved to Korea! They actually did it. I’m so happy my mom is reunited with her family and my dad gets to eat all the good Korean food all the time. Done with the quick story. When my parents moved to Korea, Erin’s parents became an important part of my life. I still talk with my parents over video calls and they get to talk with their grandkids, but it’s nice to have Erin’s family close by— especially because Mimi (Erin’s mom) makes some of the best desserts in Ringgold, GA (some might even say the world).Haveyou ever had a piece of chocolate pie or a snickerdoodle cookie or an apple turnover, where when you finish the late bite, you’re going for more? It happens to me every time. Every dessert Mimi makes is from scratch (never from a box) and is full of love, which makes it out-of-this-world-yummy. We always say her desserts have a “more-ish” taste.

About AuthorThe

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

T

More-ishbyDannyHesterly

In Psalm 34:8 it says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good! How blessed is the person who trusts in him!” We see in the passage that God is good. Just like my Mimi’s desserts have a “moreish” taste, you can never get enough of God’s goodness in your life. Now, we don’t taste God in the same way we eat food, that’s just funny. But we do experience His blessings every day in our lives. Think about it, when do you experience the goodness of God? How about a wake-up hug, or when you eat lunch with a friend, or get a high five on the playground? How about when you do something wrong and you ask God to forgive you? God’s goodness is all around you all the time. So, the next time you have a cookie and you think to yourself, “I could eat another one!” think about how much better the goodness of God is in your life. I promise you’ll never get enough of the “more-ish” blessings He has for you.

his may not seem all that impressive to a 10-yearold, but I’ve been married for 6,570 days. I’ve known people who have been married 3 times that number (I know, I’ll stop with the math but if you want to get some practice in, what is 6,570 x 3 =?). One of the best things about being married to Erin is getting to be a part of her family.

Gò0 dNews for Kids 8 // September 2022

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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.

Withdrawing 4% of your one million dollars means you’re living on $40,000 per year, or $3,333 per month. But don’t forget about taxes: if your retirement account was tax-deferred like a 401(k) account, you’ll be taxed on each withdrawal during retirement. So that $3,333 income per month is really looking more like $3,000 (or less) per month.

Suddenly that one-million-dollar nest egg is providing less income per month than you were likely bringing home while working (shucks)! The good news, however, is that you should be getting something from Social Security, perhaps between $1,000-$2500 per month, and your monthly expenses might well be lower during retirement, if for instance, you have paid off your home mortgage by the time you retire. The 4% Rule adjusts for inflation each year, so if inflation is 3% during your second year of retirement, you’d withdraw $41,200 that following year, and so on. Hitting that milestone of $1 million isn’t impossible: by investing only $200 per month in the stock markets from age 25-65, you’d have $1 million at retirement (at a historical 10% rate of return each year). So, George Bailey’s one million dollar wish in 1946 would be worth only $66,000 in today’s buying power. But conversely, you’d need $15 million in 2022 to have the equivalent buying power of $1 million in 1946. What would the 4% Rule look like on a nest egg of fifteen million dollars? You’d be withdrawing $600,000 per year, or $50,000 per month (and that’s not including any Social Security check). But don’t forget about paying income taxes at the current top rate of 37% (ouch). After taxes of $18,500 per month, you’d be forced to scrape by on a paltry $31,500 per month. Still, that’s a lot of Grey Poupon mustard. So make a plan now. “He who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands” (Isaiah 32:8).

“ABOUT THAT ONE

MONEY

n Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, young George Bailey walks up to the soda counter in the drug store, pulls the handle on the whatchamacallit, and exclaims, “I wish I had a million dollars!” When the lighter ignites, he shouts, “Hot dog!” In 1946, one million dollars seemed like an enormous sum. But one million of those 1946 dollars would be worth about $66,000 today, all because of that dreaded word that’s all over the financial news this year: inflation. Inflation isn’t just what Uncle Bob’s waistline experiences after Thanksgiving dinner. Rising costs mean that our money buys less with each passing year, especially when the reported inflation rate has reached 9.1 % as of summer 2022. Yet, the idea of accumulating a retirement nest egg of one million dollars continues to tantalize us as being the “magic number,” while also discouraging many who view that magic number as out of reach and unrealistic. What would a one-million-dollar nest egg look like today, in terms of sustaining someone’s retirement? Let’s start with the “4% Rule.” This is a phrase coined by Bill Bengen around 1994; Bengen used decades of historical data to conclude that investors could withdraw 4% of their nest egg every year during retirement and never run out of money, assuming that the nest egg is invested in fifty percent stocks and fifty percent bonds. Taking into account historical periods such as bear markets, recessions, and pandemics, the 4% withdrawal rate should ensure that you don’t outlive your money in retirement. Granted, there are those who feel differently, arguing for a 3% withdrawal rate (let’s call them “Negative Nancy”) or a 5%-6% withdrawal rate (“Optimistic Oscar”), but for illustration purposes, let’s use the wellknown 4% Rule.

WITH DR. ANDREW LEE MILLION DOLLARS...”

10 // September 2022

MATTERS

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Gò0 dNews for Men

We live in a time in which the institutions and people we have previously looked to for encouragement, stability, and strength have crumbled around us. I know people who have given up and resigned themselves to a fatalistic hopelessness. Do you feel powerless against the forces swirling around you? Do you long for a superhero to come and rescue you?

by Dr. Alan Hix

While superheroes only save us from the fleeting crisis of the moment, God not only saves us, He transforms us into eternal creatures who are no longer prisoners of a fallen world. From that perspective, Paul encouraged the Roman Christians in this way: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

For the last decade or more, our culture has been enamored with superheroes. Movie block busters abound, and new streaming shows appear with increasing frequency. I have wondered what it is about superheroes that continues to draw us? Why do fans attach themselves to a particular character, rejoicing or crying over events in that character’s story arc? Is it because we feel powerless in a chaotic world, and our character has the strength we long for? Some fans will go as far to imagine themselves as that character as the character’s story plays out in movies or videoThisgames.desire to live our lives through another more powerful character is counter to what we find in Scripture. In fact, the Bible talks about the reverse. In Ephesians 3:1617, the Apostle Paul writes that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Our ability to face a troubled and chaotic world with confidence and strength comes from Christ’s indwelling presence as He lives in and through us. We don’t have to look for some other outside power to rescue us, for Christ has already done so and more.

Paul concludes this section of his letter with these words: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. When we remember that when Paul wrote these words, he was in prison in Rome awaiting a trial before the emperor, his declaration is a manifesto of confidence and hope. He remembered that the God who lived within him was the creator of the universe, and that understanding allowed him to view the world around him from a completely different viewpoint—an eternal one.

Who is Your Superhero?

12 // September

About AuthorThe Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years. 2022 When we watch old family videos, we experience a range of emotions. We might smile at some memories and cringe at others. Other memories may make us wistful or nostalgic for things past. We may even ache for people we see who are no longer with us. One of those memories from my family’s videos that makes me smile comes from a Christmas morning when I was around four. Of all the presents I received that morning, my favorite appears to have been a Superman costume. There is ample footage of my pretending to fly like my hero. My best friend, who received a similar outfit, took that a bit further and somehow got up on the roof of his house, proclaiming he was going to fly off. Fortunately, his parents were able to talk him down. Imagining ourselves as Superman made us feel invincible.

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During the month of September, we are offering our Tuesday and Thursday Farm Tours to both lodging and non-lodging guests! This is the FIRST TIME EVER that the general public has been offered the opportunity to participate in our most popular farm experience. These tours will be offered at 3PM and 4:30PM on both days and you will have the option to add camel and/or pony rides to your tour which already includes entry into our petting zoo. Space is limited so register early through our website.

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

T here I was, sitting in the extremely cushy spa chair. A very sweet lady kindly worked away on my pedicure while I completely relaxed and sunk into this moment of self-care. As I flipped through the color book trying to decide on which shade of pink polish to get, I worshipped. (Perhaps you’re scratching your head and thinking, “Wait…what??”) The truth is, we don’t tend to equate getting our nails done as an act of worship, do we? For most, the word worship evokes thoughts of church attendance and singing hymns or praise songs to God. And while both of those things are absolutely true, I would challenge us to go even deeper than that. By relegating worship to just a Sunday morning experience, we really limit our application of what God intends true worship to be. The simple dictionary definition of worship is “to show reverence and adoration for God.” As Christfollowers, don’t we do that just by being alive? Aren’t our transformed lives an expression of worship every minute of every day? Romans 12:1 says it this way, “…I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship” (HCSB).

Elsewhere, the Scriptures say, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV).

Gò0 dNews for Women 14 // September 2022 Worship 24/7

by Kristen West

Enjoying some date time with your spouse = worship. Spending quality time with great friends = worship. Walking next door to meet the new neighbors = worship. Taking some time for self-care = worship. Sleeping at night = worship. See the

certainorthinkingespecially,(EphesiansasGod.havearetoarebecause,word,Everything—everypattern?breath,andaction—isworshipasChrist-followers,wesayingordoingthosethingsultimatelyglorifyGod!Weliving,breathingvesselsthatcomealivebytheSpiritofOurlivesarenowondisplayanunbrokenactofworship2:1-10)!Sometimes,inreligiouscircleswecangetderailedworshipisaspecialactwork.Thatweneedtohaveafeelingorbeinaspecific

posture. Not true. Jesus gave us an incredible example to follow. He modeled a life of worship for us—every minute of His day was poured out as a living sacrifice in reverence and adoration to His Father. Whether He was having dinner at a stranger’s house, speaking to thousands from a hilltop, attending a wedding, or hanging out at the beach with His friends, His life was worship 24/7. He was worshipping just by being alive! So. Are. You.

Whatever you do…sitting at the park during a lunchbreak = worship. Playing with your kids = worship.

About AuthorThe

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Northwood Missionary Baptist4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 706-232-443130165

Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 706-291-813230161 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, 706-766-0942Ga Trinity Baptist Church1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 706-295-336830161 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 706-235-868230161

Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 706-232-218430161

Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 706-291-779030161

Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 706-295-983230161

Second Avenue Baptist823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 706-232-366330161

Calvary Baptist Church101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 706-291-146130161

Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Rome,PenningtonGa30161 706-234-6413

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 706-235-073130165

Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 706-232-622230165

South Broad Baptist Church508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 706-234-122030161

Bush Arbor Baptist Church3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 770-885-077930161

Springfield Baptist Church113 Smith St Rome, Ga 706-295-721730161

Riverside Baptist Church48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 706-291-811430161

New Canaan Baptist Church3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 706-291-198430165

Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 706-295-097830161

Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841

Lakeview Baptist Church80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 706-235-214930165

Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 706-232-812130104

Shorter Avenue Baptist Church1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 706-234-826630165

West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 706-235-197130165 West Rome Baptist Church914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 706-232-972230165 Wilkerson Road Baptist ChurchWilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 706-232-417130161 Word & Way Baptist ChurchNew Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 706-234-872930161 Catholic Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 706-295-701430161 Christian & Missionary Alliance Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 706-235-919020165 Church of Christ Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 706-291-067530161 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 706-234-302730147 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 706-291-035120165

Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 706-235-976830161

New Antioch Baptist Church4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 706-295-224830161

First Baptist Church100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-685030161

North Broad Baptist Church1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 706-295-210030161

Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 706-235-329630161

Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 706-291-068930165

New Hope Baptist Church399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 706-290-050730161

Friendship Baptist Church2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 706-295-480330161

Hill Crest Baptist Church2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 706-291-880630161

16 // September 2022 Rome Church Directory

Assembly of God Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 706-232-027730161

Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 706-234-443130161

Garden Lakes Baptist Church2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 706-234-661530165

Greater Mount Calvary Baptist445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 706-234-504730161

Community Chapel Baptist Church3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 706-232-407030161

State Line Baptist Church8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339

Sherwood Forest Baptist Church1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174

Emmanuel Baptist Church1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 706-232-393930165

Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 706-295-505230161

Anglican St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 706-235-589230161

Mount Carmel Baptist ChurchE 20th St Rome, Ga 706-232-877730161

Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 706-235-316930165

Apostolic First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 706-235-955130161

Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 706-234-941630165

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

Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 706-235-711330161

PisGah Baptist ChurchAlabama Rd Rome, Ga 706-232-443130161

Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 706-232-620730161

Pleasant Hope Baptist Church5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, 706-235-2800Ga

Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 706-234-997630161

Pleasant Valley North Baptist735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 706-232-642630165

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

Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 706-234-664230161

East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-825030161

Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box Shannon,997,GA 30172

Lovejoy Baptist Church436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 706-232-191730171

McFall Baptist Church3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 706-235-567330161

Baptist Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 706-232-724830165

St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 404-307-739630165

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 706-295-001930161

Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 706-235-503730161

East Rome Baptist Church601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 706-234-855330161

In Focus Baptist Church 12 N 706-234-8963Rome,HughesGa30165

New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 706-234-469530161

Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 706-295-204530165

Trinity United Christian Church6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 706-204-827030165

Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 706-234-621430164

Lutheran Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 706-232-725730165

Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-859030161

706-234-4923 Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome GA 706-314-908430165

Full Gospel Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 706-234-774430161

Church of God

Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 706-290-985830161

The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 706-346-273330165

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

Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 706-622-244830161

New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 706-232-070430161

Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 706-234-502330165

Methodist Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 706-235-497330165 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 706-232-917730161

Presbyterian Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 706-767-837330161

LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 706-728-316630165

Cave Spring Church Directory

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

Church of God of Prophecy94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 706-528-422530165

Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 706-235-088830165

New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 706-233-920030161

Silver Creek Presbyterian Church6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 706-235-856130165

Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348

Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street

Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-894830161

Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 706-235-856130165

Disciples of Christ

Scott Chapel UMC3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Shannon,StreetGA30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518

Orthodox All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 706-378-447430165

Seventh-Day Adventist Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 706-292-006730161 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 706-234-411730161

Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 706-777-836030161

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 706-235-228130165

Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 706-234-444430161

Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 706-295-726530161

First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 706-234-019730165

Non-Denominational Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 705-584-749730161

Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 706-291-086430161

Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC700 Broad St Rome, Ga 706-291-866030161

West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 706-880-689530165

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-911130161

North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 706-291-668730161

Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 706-295-299930165

Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 706-232-435030165

New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 706-235-970030161 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 706-292-008430161

Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165

Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 706-233-989630165

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

Trinity UMC606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 706-291-003330165

First Presbyterian Church EPC101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 706-291-603330161 Seven Hills Fellowship530 Broad Street Rome, GA 706-530-163030161

Pentecostal Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 706-233-900120161 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 706-235-378730161 Victory Temple Of Joy118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 706-766-386530165

South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 706-232-523030161

Latter-day Saints

Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 706-232-567630147

Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 706-291-798630161

goodnewscm.com // 17

Foursquare Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Interdenominational Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 706-314-915830161

Nazarene

Independent Bible Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 706-235-050130165

Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 706-232-441430165

About AuthorThe “And Samuel said, Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:22-23a, ESV).

ThatReally?isthecall to obedience. To live daily, hourly, minute-by-minute, following Jesus. It sounds great until my feet hit the floor in the mornings, and I realize this is more than reading my Bible verse and saying a quick prayer. It is my heart, my inner being, my whole life. It is Jesus calling me to follow Him closely, living out His ministry His way and denying myself. If I truly believe Jesus is coming soon, will I not throw off all distractions and run to follow Him? What does that even look like?

2 Peter 1:5-11 tells us to “make EVERY effort to supplement our faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and selfcontrol with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” He says that if we are growing in these qualities, we will be effective and fruitful. In other words, we will take up our crosses and follow Jesus. Obedience. Is it necessary?Jesusstates in Matthew 10:38, “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of Me.” Yes, obedience IS necessary.

Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, Tennessee. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.

Gò0 dNews for Everyone 18 // September 2022 Is Obedience Necessary?

Another portion reads: “Well, you speak of grace and my love so sweet. How you thrive on milk but reject my meat!” I was a young Christian then and had not been taught about obedience to God’s Word. I spent many years feasting on milk and accomplishing my daily check-off list: Read my Bible verse, pray, thank God, ask forgiveness, forgive others, tell Him what I want, and do it again the next day.

by Danette Reeves

When one is a student of the Word, we see that the Bible teaches obedience is central to our Christian life and goes far beyond milk and the easy fluff. Jesus calls us to the hard stuff when He says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34). In Luke, He states it even firmer, “If anyone would come after Me, let him take up his cross DAILY and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Take up my cross DAILY?

When I was in college, Keith Green sang a song about obedience. I remember thinking at that time that it was harsh. In all honesty, sometimes I still do. Even though I may not agree with all of the lyrics, he wrote some very thought-provoking words: “To obey is better than sacrifice. I don’t need your money; I want your life. And I hear you say that I’m coming back soon, but you act like I’ll never return.”

BUSINESS2022EXPO Another reminder for everyone to Shop Rome-Floyd!12:00www.RomeGa.comP.M.TO4:00P.M.FORUMRIVERCENTER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOVEMBER 3, 2022 COME VISIT OVER 100 BOOTHS AND MEET HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AT THIS TRADE SHOW-STYLE EVENT! Church Activities & Events Rome Area History Center Downtown Rome Georgia History Tour: Places of Worship Saturday, September 3 | 9:45AM - 11:45AM 305 Broad St, Rome, GA Oothcalooga Baptist Church Ladies Conference Saturday, September 10 | 9AM - 1PM 10 Woody Rd, Adairsville, GA Coosa Valley Praise and Worship Center Clearvision Music Ministries Saturday, September 24 | 7PM 10 General Ave, Rome, GA The Refuge Church Bible Study Wednesday, September 28 | 2:30PM - 3:30PM 1771 Wax Rd SE, Silver Creek, GA

About AuthorThe

n an age where hyperbole and amplification run amok, assessing the true value of an object has become a challenging proposition. The culture’s propensity to inflate reality impacts our ability to make necessary distinctions between competing items. As we artificially elevate the common, we conceal the uniqueness of the uncommon and our adjectives lose their relevancy. Good gets lumped together with legitimate greatness, dumbing down the entireThiscategory.isnotwithout consequence. It’s important to recognize that at our very core we are worshippers. We are wired to exalt. Whether it’s a sports team, a loved one, or some other aim of our affection, we have a need to lift up that which is meaningful to us. It’s who we are and what we do. But here’s the issue. Our worship of an item is a function of its perceived worth. Perceived worth is, in large part, a derivative of the language we use in describing it. And when that language becomes factitiously inflated, so does our praise. The result is inescapable. As the object inevitably fails to produce a blessing that is commensurate with the worship offered, we are left at best disappointed. There does exist, however, a target where there is no such thing as overinflating its value and thus overextending our worship. Exaggeration doesn’t apply for anything said, regardless of how outrageously wonderful it may sound, would be true. The target’s glorious reality exceeds our ability to adequately describe it; the English language is simply ill-equipped to do so. That glorious reality is Jesus Christ. As the audacious assurances the Lord provides in Scripture indicate, He is in a category all of His own. Jesus carries not only the might to pull off these precious guarantees, but equally as important, the desire. He is both all-powerful and all-loving, an awe-inspiring combination as He fulfills His promises. There is good, there is great, and then there is the Risen Lamb. While the assurances are as widespread as they are glorious, there’s one in particular that should cause us to take note. It surrounds a key reason we worship in the first place: joy. We elevate that which is meaningful in large part because of the delight produced. Jesus promises a delight that has no parallel. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV). Unlike what the world offers, His isn’t dependent upon happy circumstances. In fact, the primary reason it’s considered full or complete is because there isn’t a circumstance that has the power in and of itself to penetrate and thus disrupt the peace He offers. Jesus is an immutable rock whose sovereign mercies never wane. It was this very same Godly joy that sustained Jesus Himself at Calvary. “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). And it’s the same hope that will sustain and prosper us too in all seasons of life. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13, ESV). We are wired to worship. More pointedly, we are wired to worship Jesus. He is the One who in fact did the electrical work and gave us not only the desire for joy but the primary mechanism from which to receive it: Himself. While there is nothing wrong with gaining a degree of pleasure from the good things of this world, don’t mistake them for anything more than they are—inferior forms of delight. Humble yourself before Jesus, the true treasure, and make Him the primary object of your affection. You will not be left disappointed. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore.

by Greg Grotewold

I

Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

Gò0 dNews for Everyone 20 // September 2022 Pleasures Forevermore

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Gò0 dNews for Everyone 22 // September 2022

So much has changed since Molly left. When she passed, I knew that she had come to mother me. Odd, however, because I have a mother. A great mother! But at that time in my adult life, I needed an unrealistic level of attention. My friends, husband, and family members couldn’t fill the crack in my leaky bucket, and I know this because I tried to consume them as if they could. So, I consumed God instead, and He responded in abundant grace—with a touch of humor. In a type of poetic justice, He delivered a tongue in cheek response to what I needed: A soul who literally had nothing to do but spend her waking hours watching me, waiting for me, and walking with me. Albeit needy, without judgement, God simply met my need.Since she left, we moved three times, fell into pits of ridiculous tragedy, and summited mountains of miraculous victory. The groundwork laid during our time together proved to be instrumental to thriving during the chaos. As the saying goes, “suffering vines makes great wines.” She taught me about calm submission and divine harmony, both about which I have previously written. Lastly, she trained me to focus when walking the gauntlet. The road we walked was perfectly straight, with a cul de sac at one end and a 90-degree bend at the other. It was lined with twenty-four, five-acre properties. Almost every house had a dog. For properties with perimeter fences, the resident dogs behaved like savages. They would run full force and charge the fence when we walked by. The barking, the growling, and the fury could make any pulse race. If I could feel it, imagine what it did to Molly’s primal nature. The upside-down fact in her training was that while primal, she wasn’t allowed to behave primally. As unfair as it sounds, I was calling her to be more than a beast. Rest assured, the blood bath that could erupt if she were given the chance to unleash was unquestionable. Regardless of her capability to dominate, those neighbor dogs existed to make her who she was meant to be with me. We walked that road like it was the gauntlet. It was every bit the technical meaning of the word: Two rows of characters lined up on opposite sides of each other to assault the one who traveled the space between them.

Walking With Molly: Part 3

by Shelley Knick

So, we walked. I dictated the pace and tempo. I used specific physical pressures with leash and collar to prompt and remind her to focus on me. I made audible sounds to signal her to listen to my voice. I even adjusted my placement next to her to train her to keep a constant awareness of my presence. This was because her attention had to be anchored in her Alpha. I would intentionally fade from her when I could see her attention had been hijacked. When I could tell she was locked into the opposition, I would drift back. When it was evident that she wasn’t aware, I would purposefully take off running in the opposite direction, which provided a quick choke. It also snapped her out of that state and returned her awareness back to my presence. With her attention back on me, we continued, and she would obsessively verify my location. This pattern repeated to strengthen her bonded attention.

Shelley is an aspiring writer. She is also a nurse, a wife to her high school sweetheart of 22 years, a brand-new mama to their miracle baby, and a new resident of Rome after moving from Washington state.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus is about our attention. The training isn’t punishment. The distractions might be strategically placed. Our repetitive return to the gauntlet could be exactly what will bond our attention to an invincible state, thereby proving that the daily walk is a vehicle for God’s compounding affect.

About AuthorThe

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FEATURED COVER STORY 24 // September 2022

Rome City Schools and Floyd County Schools students will be displaying art and pottery pieces that showcase our local hometown artistic talent. We also will be showing local photography of various age groups and skill levels that encourages participation from everyone in our community. You do not have to be a professional to enter any of our exhibits, you need only to have a desire to show your stuff.

This year, Camp Carousel Petting Zoo will be available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after the livestock events have concluded. Other special events scheduled are: (1) Space Adventures Thrill Show, which features a trampoline wall, fire performance, comedy juggling, and motorcycle globe of death; (2) Circus Incredible, a show of airborne acrobatics and precarious balancing acts, and consists of a seventh-generation circus performer of the renowned “World Famous Wallenda Family,” and (3) Michael Frisbee, Magician, Comedian, and Entertainer.

Our Community Building will be full of live flowers, canned goods, local vegetables, quilts,

by Phillip Burkhalter, 2022 President I t is summer in Rome, GA. However, fall is just around the corner and the Board of Directors of The Coosa Valley Fair Association are hard at work preparing for “Fall’s Finest Festival,” The Coosa Valley Fair. This year will bring thrills and chills with rides and acts that promise to have something for everyone, young and old.

Coosa Valley Fair Association

Wade Shows will return with dozens of rides and carnival games that will challenge everyone’s gaming skills. Wade Shows is a national carnival provider that has worked with The Coosa Valley Fair for decades, bringing safe, exciting carnival rides and shows to Rome.

I am personally inviting you to attend this year’s Fair which begins on Tuesday, October 4 and runs through Saturday, October 8, 2022. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the rides, shows, fair food, and fellowship as we celebrate our 73rd Annual Coosa ValleyTheFair.Coosa Valley Fair is located at 1400 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rome, GA 30161. Visit www.coosavalleyfair.com for more information.

Phillip Burkhalter, 2022 President

Our Village Building will once again be full of local businesses that want to show you what they have to offer and to give fair-goers a chance to see the myriad of opportunities that are available in our hometown. As we began as an Agricultural Fair, we have not forgotten our roots. We will have cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, lambs, and probably a donkey or two. This will showcase what our local farmers and ranchers do every day. Be sure to catch the “Lamb Show,” where youngsters try and make their prize lambs pose for judging. It is truly worth taking the time to enjoy an event that one will not soon forget.

goodnewscm.com // 25 garments, and toys, all of which are made by local folks for local competition. The Coosa Valley Fair is not just a county fair, it is a regional fair showcasing Northwest Georgia’s talent across every imaginable spectrum.

A phone call I received on December 2, 2021 changed it all. “Mrs. Cain, we have a match for you!” The call from Vanderbilt I had waited on for almost five years was here! One day short of 13 weeks on dialysis and without it, I wouldn’t have been as prepared. On December 3, 2021, after all tests were run to determine a “perfect match,” I received my gift! God ceremoniously orchestrated every step. I’m forever grateful to my donor’s family that chose to donate life in the midst of theirHaveheartache.therebeen challenges since? Oh yes! But I see the big picture now. A 25-year puzzle pieced together. God’s story!

About AuthorThe God’s Story... Iremember, as a teenager, hearing my mom tell the stories of my childhood health difficulties. A bad UTI once landing me in Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. She would then proceed to tell of how God healed me, and there were no complications after that. Fast forward to the year 1997. Just twenty-one years old, young, happy, my whole life ahead of me! It was my first annual exam. I’m so thankful for the doctor God placed in my life at that moment. She took what she saw seriously and referred me to Shands Nephrology in Gainesville, Florida, where I lived at the time. After numerous tests and labs, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD. There are five stages of CKD, and I was already showing at stage 2. How did this happen? Why me, God? Please heal me, Lord, was my cry. It was a devastating moment filled with questions, fears, and tears. I felt so alone. What was this degenerative disease going to do to my future? Would I still be able to have children? The list wentThen,on.that warrior spirit rose up within me. I still remember the day. After much research, I created a meal plan that would hopefully help improve creatinine and slow the progression of CKD. It did work, and my lab work started looking better. By 2005, I was only stage 3 and stable. I had moved to the Cleveland area and married. Life was an adventure, but my CKD was always in the back of my mind. I prayed every day for healing and truly believed it would be divine. Having our daughter in 2009 lowered my kidney function some as expected, but what a blessing from God! Each nephrology appointment, I would hold my breath, anticipating results. I would picture, in my mind, the doctor being amazed by them. My faith was strong! By 2020, my numbers were declining each visit. Now stage 5, dreading the thoughts of possible dialysis. You see, for 23 years, I had always said I would not need dialysis or transplant because God was going to heal me. I kept my strong faith, but where I went wrong was predicting what God was going to do. He was writing another story—a painful experience with a beautiful ending. By 2021, I had been on Vanderbilt’s kidney transplant list for almost five years. For the first time that summer, I was feeling the symptoms of kidney failure—metal taste, chronic fatigue, decreased concentration. During my August nephrology appointment, I said those words I had hoped to never have to say, “Doc, I think it’s time.”

On September 6, 2021, I went to my first dialysis treatment. I was terrified! My dad drove me and prayed with me. I remember crying in fear, like a child again. It was rough! But each week improved, and I started to feel better. The team at my center were now great friends that I looked forward to seeing three times a week. By week four, I was in a routine I could handle!

by Linetta Cain

Gò0 dNews for Life 26 // September 2022 God’s Story

Linetta Cain is wife to Greg, mother to Abigail, and 18-year resident of Cleveland, TN. Her family attends Mt Olive Church of God. Growing up in a minister’s home, Linetta learned at an early age to adapt to change and challenges.

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Thinking Of Me and You 2022 by Judy Hood

He painted the sky so blue And the trees so green He was thinking of me and you

As they perpetually glide

He’ll soon be on his way To take his bride to a better place

You can get Judy Hood’s newly released book, But For The Grace Of God Go I, through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ebooks.

He was thinking of me and you When he sent his Only Son Who gave his life for me and you So we could smell the morning dew He’s coming back someday

Looking over earth’s beautiful scene He made the ocean so big and wide When he made the birds to fly He made them to fly, oh, so high

Gò0 dNews Poetry

For the ones who served and won the race

28 // September

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About AuthorThe

From Tents to Tweens by Donald Cantrell

Donald Cantrell is a lifelong native of Murray county and has been pastoring and preaching since 1980. He has had the honor of publishing over thirty books and his sermon material is sold all over the world by various online companies. If you visit his house any weekend in the fall you will find them watching the “Florida Gators or the New England Patriots… Chomp Chomp.”

Gò0 dNews for Parents 30 // September 2022

Now my little girl is merely six months from being a tween. Just this past week, my wife and I saw her go from sleeping in her little blanket and pillow fort—as I slept on the bed beside her—to sleeping by herself on her bed with the door closed. Each and every day we are witnessing her growth, and sadly we cannot slow it down. She will soon be a tween, then a teen, and I will still want to see her in her fort.

I find it amazing to watch my nine-year-old granddaughter go from stage to stage in her life. In all honesty, I was not the best dad in helping my wife with our daughter. Oh, I was there, but I was young and clueless, so I was not that great at changing diapers and feeding. Sadly, I missed out on the bonding that takes place in those early years of her life. So, I made up my mind that I would not do the same as she began growing up, entering school, going to dance classes, recitals, and cheerleading. It was during those years that I stepped up to the plate and became the dad that I should have always been, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I was even the chaplain for some of her middle school football and basketball teams—what a joy it was to be so involved in her life during those years. Then came along my granddaughter, who decided to try and enter into this life nine weeks early. So, the doctor put my daughter in the hospital for two weeks before allowing her to have Kinsley seven weeks early. She came into this life with bright blue eyes and dark hair, she weighed in at 3.10 pounds, and I was immediately in love and began to understand why they called them “grand.” My daughter went back to work after staying home for four months, and guess who volunteered to keep our most precious commodity of life—yes, it was me, and obviously they had no other options, so they hesitantly placed that precious little girl into my care. I quickly learned the art of feeding and changing diapers, along with our poodle Coco, who loved her as much as we did.

Over the past nine years, I have literally witnessed every moment that mattered in her life as she progressed from step to step. I was there when she rolled over, when she took her first steps, and when she uttered her first words. I tried with all my might to teach her to say poppy first. I was the one that took her to most of her doctor’s appointments and eventually dental appointments. In time she began to go to preschool and then to kindergarten, where she literally cried until around Thanksgiving, day in and day out. I watched her as she battled the loneliness of having to take online classes during the pandemic and saw the joy on her face as she was able to return to school full time again. It has been the most awesome opportunity that this poppy has ever had.

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Gò0 dNews for Everyone 32 // September 2022

Enjoying Our Differences

by Susan Lavigne

Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.

About AuthorThe Are we really so unaware of how different we are from each other? That may sound like a silly question, but how many times are we disappointed when someone doesn’t act in a way similar to us or in a way we expect? When I was in college, my roommate and I decided to paint our dorm room. I had been taught in my youth the “proper” way of painting with even strokes of the roller up and down. Meanwhile, on the opposite wall, my roommate was being a free spirit. She was creatively making circles. She was having fun, and I confess, I was angry. In my mind, she wasn’t doing it “right.” But who is to say what is right or wrong in this situation or in a lot of situations we face? The end product was what mattered most, and in this case, the room got painted. There are many situations in our lives where as long as the task gets completed, does it really matter how it gets done? Now, think about some of the struggles with which you deal. Are the conflicts in your life about little things that really don’t matter? Is your child not cleaning his/her room exactly the way you would like? Is your spouse not doing the household repair/ task exactly how or when you would like it done? Are you upset because maybe the dinner is not the way your mother used to make it? How hard is it to let go of our expectations and let others be who God created them to be? What about you? Are you too hard on yourself? Are you trying to live up to an unrealistic standard of perfectionism?

Despite popular belief, most people are not trying to be difficult. They are just different. When we open our minds to this concept, we will have less conflict and more peace. When we have expectations of others or compare ourselves with others, we are setting ourselves up to be disappointed. Our greatest disappointments normally start when we don’t talk about our expectations. Sadly enough, most of the time, we don’t even realize we have expectations until we get disappointed. (I thought you were going to stay at home tonight with the kids)! These unspoken expectations occur when we don’t inform the other person of our expectation and just assume they should know. (I shouldn’t have to ask. You should have known that I wanted flowers for my birthday). So, what is the best way to deal with our differences? Talk about what we want and make sure it’s fair and agreed upon by everyone. Once we do this, we will really start to enjoy our differences and our lives more.

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Who’s Watching?

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

“God, You are my God; I shall be watching for You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

Gò0 dNews for Everyone 34 // September 2022

hands and leisurely walked. One Sunday morning a visitor approached me and told me something that just blew me away. She and her husband had been going through some challenging times, and were even considering divorce. Their daily trek took them past the track almost every day. She said that the sight of us enjoying one another so completely made her believe that they could revive their marriage. How humbling! Others are watching us, but most importantly, God is always watching us.

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

by Monica Gambrell My husband and oldest son, Daniel, were always known for their lack of physical grace. Countless times they seemed to trip over thin air. One fine morning I joined their ranks. I was heading out the door to work and was met by a cold, stiff wind. I hadn’t realized that it was going to be so cold. As usual, I had both hands full; a briefcase in one hand and a cup of hot tea in the other. We had nine or ten steep wooden steps leading from the porch to the sidewalk. It was impossible to detect, but there was a thin layer of ice on the stairs, and my first step became my only step as I tumbled thumpity-thump down to the sidewalk. It must have truly been a hilarious sight. If I had been watching, I don’t know if I could have stifled my laughter. I don’t know why it was so immediate and instinctual to look up for witnesses, but it was. I didn’t even take time to survey and assess the damages before I scanned the neighborhood to see who might have been watching. Our house was on a very high hill. We could see a lot of the city from the porch. Every other house near us, save one, was twenty or more feet lower than ours, so it would surprise me to know that no one witnessed the event. I didn’t have any broken bones, but I was bruised and bloodied. I had to climb back up those icy stairs in order to change my torn and now stained clothing. You can be sure I was much more careful on my way up than I was on my way down!

In our hometown there was a neighborhood walking track my husband and I frequented often. The children played on the whilecenterequipmentplaygroundintheofthetrackweheld

Father God, we must be more cognizant than ever that every thought, word, and deed are in full view of You. May I live in such a way as to be fully invisible so that You are visible to those whom You place in my path. Every heartbeat brings us closer to the moment when we will be at the judgement seat of Christ. May I truly feel the urgency to sow seed in as many souls as possible, that they might enjoyrelationshipbothandfellowshipwithYou.

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Consider the uniqueness of your family tree. It’s like no other in history and will remain unique no matter how many generations follow you. Yet, branches upon branches are spread out across the globe, intertwined with other unique family trees functioning, networking, supporting, supplying each other through seasons as life carries on—all to the glory of God!

Have you been following this series? Check each month as we explore often-overlooked connections to Christmas and wind our way back to this sacred event. George Santayana almost got it right when he mused, “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” In fact, the family is one of God’s masterpieces. When I was younger, I thought little of genealogy, meaning ‘not often’ as well as where it fell on the roaster of priorities. Folks who were family-tree huggers were not on my “want-to-be-like-them-when-I-grow-up” target.

by Sandra Gilmore

You are significant in your family tree as well. You carry position and purpose in God’s grand plan. Have you heard the saying “You’re one in a million!”? Consider this: if you allow for 25 years between each generation, 500 years ago there were 1,048,576 people involved in creating you!

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

Application: Read through the first chapter of Matthew once again. Consider your own family line with generations before you and ones still branched out today. Here are some potential prayer points: Pray for your family members, far and near. Pray for their salvation. Forgive those who have fallen short. Praise the Lord for His gifts of talent and abilities granted to your family line. Praise the Lord for their influence on your life. Ask the Lord to draw them closer to Him. Ask for opportunities for them to impact their communities for the sake of the Good News.

Have you given much thought to the Begats chapters in Scripture? Me neither, at one time. What changed my perspective? Bible study, particularly in the books of Matthew and Luke. Just like re-wiring an old lamp or re-finishing a stately sideboard, the Begats can be seen through a fresh perspective with a little study. Have you read through the names not as names but as definitions? Here’s a Abiudsample: (My Father is Glorious!) Eliakim (My God will raise up) Azor (a helper) Zadok (the Just One) Akim (will the Lord raise up) Eliud (My God is my praise) Eleazar (God will help) Matthan (May the gift of) Jacob (Jacob) Joseph (increase in greatness) Emmanuel (for God is with us, our Messiah and Savior)! Wow! Each person’s position in the family tree of the Messiah is significant. Each person carries purpose, starting with his name, the first gift we receive in this world. When we consider the magnitude of how many grandparents are represented by one person, we can see the orchestration of an Almighty Hand. Just how does this look in practical terms? Given calculations to the 10th great-grandparent level, the number of people represented is 4,096! Only an Almighty Hand could and would create a family tree leading to Emmanuel while narrating it with their names all the way to “God with us,” the ultimate Christmas gift. He dwelt among us. He provided our salvation on the Cross. Then, Holy Spirit was sent as our ever-present Comforter.

A Family-tree Hugger

Gò0 dNews for Everyone 36 // September 2022

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Because God gave me a desire to write, it also served as an outlet to express my struggles. Vulnerability has never been easy for me, and during middle school, there were some personal struggles I was going through. Writing became a way for me to be vulnerable with God about my struggles.

Finally, I want to share how writing has become a tool for me to encourage and show my appreciation for others. During my time in high school, I started trying to be intentional about writing letters of encouragement and gratitude to others. Throughout my years of doing so, the impact that it can have on a person’s life has amazed me. Sometimes, I may not know what a person may be going through, but God will use the letter I wrote to provide the person with encouragement or appreciation deeply needed. I’ve been blessed that through writing, God has enabled me the opportunity to use GoodNews Magazine as a platform to encourage and share God’s truth with my fellow citizens here in Cleveland.Proverbs 3:5-6 declares, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Back when I was a 7th grader, I never envisioned that God would use my passion for writing to help me grow as a Christian, endure tough trials, and positively impact several lives. Therefore, I want to encourage you that if you feel uncertain or confused about a prompting from the Lord or where He may be leading you, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Lean onto God beyond your own understanding, and even if it takes a couple of years, you will be grateful for where God will take you.

Gò0 dNews for Students

About AuthorThe

A

ny of my teachers from elementary to college would agree that I have bad writing. I even used to consider writing an unenjoyable, tedious task. Despite my negative perspective on writing, it became a passion that God ingrained in my heart all the way back when I was in the 7th grade. Honestly, I was surprised when God put a passion in my heart for writing, and it would take me a while to begin to understand the impact God would have in my life through it. For example, writing became an outlet for me to live out my faith and go into a deeper relationship with God. During my time in middle school, I was uncertain about what I should be doing as a Christian. So, during my time at lunch, I would read my Bible and write about what I read and songs of praise. My writing was not deep or profound, but it enabled me to have a platform to worship God and dig into His Word.

Abdiel Medina is a young writer working on his second year at Lee University. He loves God, his fam, and church fam at Keith Street Ministries!

Courage to Write by Abdiel Medina

38 // September 2022

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Gò0 dNews for Everyone 40 // September 2022 Here Today. Gone Tomorrow.

by Cheryl L. Dunson T his year marked the 10th anniversary of my father’s homegoing, but it only seemed like yesterday when he passed from this life into the arms of Jesus. It made me mindful God is not limited by time, but I am. During a recent Sunday school lesson, my teacher used a scripture to emphasize a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. In Psalm 90, Moses wrote, “For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry andInwithered.”2Peter3:8, we read, “But do not forget this one, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a Oneday…”ofmy favorite songs is Who Am I by Casting Crowns. The first time I heard the song was shortly after my father died. The lyrics reduced me to tears because they reminded me how fleeting and fragile life truly is: “…I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow, a wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the Realizingwind…”

life is short should help us use the little time we have here on earth more wisely and for eternal good. One of the most profound moments in my life was when a local pastor told members of my Rotary Club, “You have been blessed to be a blessing.” Those words totally changed my perspective on life and how they compel me to ask myself on a daily basis, “What do I want to see happen in my life before I die? What small step or action can I take towards that purpose today? How can I use my blessings to blessBecauseothers?”our days are numbered, we should want to make our work count, to be effective and productive Christians. Life is short no matter how many years we live. It’s easy to be deceived into thinking we have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, enjoy our loved ones, or do what we know we should do. Before he retired, my pastor eloquently reminded us to live for God today and do so with excellence. Then, no matter when our life ends, hopefully, we have fulfilled God’s plan for each of our lives.

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3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes or until apples are tender. Spread apple mixture over the cake batter and top with pecans. Spread remaining cake batter over the apple mixture.

About AuthorThe

4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and butter until small clumps form. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the cake.

6. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and milk until blended. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake.

2. In a medium bowl, stir flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar until blended. Add in the diced apples and stir to coat.

1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Take advantage of apple season with this semi-homemade cake. It uses a boxed cake mix as a base, along with an easy filling prepared from fresh apples. Perfect for tailgating, brunch, or dessert, this cake is delicious served warm. Any type of baking apple will work well in this recipe. Good choices include Honey Crisp, Jonathon, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady.

Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds Apple Streusel Cake by Pam Wattenbarger 42 // September 2022 Instructions Ingredients Cake:  1 (18-ounce) box white cake mix 1 (3-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix  4 eggs 1 (8-ounce container) sour cream ½ cup vegetable oil Apple Filling: 1 ½ cups baking apples, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon flour ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt ½ cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted Streusel Topping: ¾ cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon flour 2 tablespoons butter, melted Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional): ¾ cup powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spritz a 9” by 13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, and oil on low speed for 2 minutes. Pour ½ of the cake mixture into the baking dish. Set aside.

5. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Begin testing the cake after 35 minutes.

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Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and prays God’s people will practice temperance in all things.

t Mount Sinai, a select group of leaders were given an utterly amazing privilege. “Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:9, 10). Wow! But just a few months later, tragedy struck. Nadab and Abihu got drunk. They became intoxicated and decided to serve in the tabernacle with unholy fire in their censers. Coming before the Lord with strange fire cost Nadab and Abihu their Speakinglives.tothe priestly family after the death of the two brothers, God instructed Aaron and his remaining sons to avoid alcohol when serving in the tabernacle, on pain of death, “that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean” (Leviticus 10:9, 10).

Around a thousand years later, King Belshazzar of Babylon saw the hand of God writing on the wall during an idolatrous party. The partygoers had blasphemously used the holy vessels of God’s house to drink the wine of Babylon. When called to interpret the writing on the wall, Daniel reprimanded the king. “You have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified” (Daniel 5:23). King Belshazzar died that verySolomonnight. wrote, “It is not for kings, oh Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink, lest they drink and forget the law” (Proverbs 31:4, 5).

About AuthorThe

The men of Israel were to wear a thread of blue on the hem of their sleeves and of their robes so that when they reached out their hand or watched their steps, they would see the blue thread and remember the law of God. They were reminded to evaluate if their plans and actions were in accordance with His will, guarding them from spiritual harlotry (Numbers 15:39, 40). Through His precious blood, Christ has made us “kings and priests” unto God (Revelation 1:6). Revelation tells us that spiritual harlotry in the last days will seek to have the world drunk with the spiritual wine of Babylon (Revelation 17:2). Those intoxicated will be unable to distinguish the holy from the unholy, and they will forget the law of God. The wine of Babylon is not fit for God’s kings and priests. Have you ever noticed that the harlot of Babylon is dressed in sanctuary colors? She wears purple and scarlet and is decked with gold (Revelation 17:4). But she is missing blue and white, representing the law of God and the clean and holy righteousness of Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:14).

Isn’t it interesting that Revelation identifies the kings and priests of God as those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus? (Revelation 14:12).

Gò0 dNews for Everyone 44 // September 2022 Be Sober

A

by Brent Goodge

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE

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1:22

the key to achieving anything truly meaningful or lasting is realizing we will not achieve anything truly meaningful or lasting on our own. If you feel weak, you do not need more of you, you need more of God. He is only a prayer away. God fills us with His strength and issues us with armor for more than the eye can see. He is not simply preparing us to survive another day of work, or marriage, or family, or even ministry. He’s preparing us to defeat the devil, to stand in His strength against evil deceiving us from within, and the evil attacking us from without. If you try to battle Satan and his demons on your own, burnout will be the least of your problems. Let it go and let God handle all your problems. He’s definitely a way maker.

Psalms 138:7-8, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Where do we find our strength? That is necessary for eachPsalmday.46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

DisappointedbyKarenJeffery

Gò0 dNews for Everyone

Karen D. Jeffery lives in Chatsworth, Georgia, and loves the Lord. He is first in her life.

When we begin to feel weak or exhausted, it may be that we’re physically worn out from work, from relationships, from parenting, from life. We all have those days where we could go to sleep and let all our troubles fade away, but in reality, they are mostly always there when we greet the new dawn. With God, He can give us the experience of real strength. It will not be because you finally tapped into your strength, but because you finally gave up relying on your own strength and gave it all to Him.

Today’s society may want you to believe you’re filled with unbound potential to accomplish the impossible. But

September

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This is a very encouraging verse because when we have the Lord on our side, we don’t have to fear anything. But we do have to follow His Word. James 4:7-8, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Again, Jesus is asking us to live every day to our best and give Him our whole heart, that we might become established in His true wisdom and righteousness.

About AuthorThe 46 // 2022

t’s often easy to have disappointments and challenges in life. Without realizing it, our hearts become heavy and our hope for a fulfilling life turns sour and gets lonely. But we can always count on the Lord to see us through all trials and tribulations. In His Kindness, God has provided uplifting promises to help and encourage His children. Within the Bible, we can find scriptures and the principles we need to get us through all the issues life throws at Psalmsus.27:1 tells us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

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