February 2016
Complimentary
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Chattanooga
Heath Eslinger
• Faith Will Overcome p. 14 • Happy Valentine’s Day p. 20 • Life’s a Gravel Road p. 32
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Writers
Alan Smith Alice Marie Abbott Andrew Lee Andrew Schaffer Darren Schalk Delaney Walker Esmerelda Lee Jay Fowler Jay Poag John Garrod Kristy Adams Mark Aitkenhead Nicole Wiley Samuel Burger
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
O
ne of the most popular gifts for all occasions (especially in February) is the delicious sweet chocolate we eat in cookies, cakes, candy bars, and other desserts. For centuries, legends from many cultures claimed that consuming chocolate instilled strength, health, faith, and passion in those who ate or drank it. These legends attributed magical properties to chocolate and endowed it with powerful symbolic value. Today, chocolate is still considered an icon of love and devotion. In her book, Love Adds the Chocolate, Linda Anderson writes: “Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to enclose a little love note inside. Later, she added: “Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often, love adds a little chocolate.” I don’t know if chocolate was available in the time of Christ, but this is a beautiful description of the way Jesus led His life. He went beyond the call of duty and acted out of love. He went out of His way to minister, and I believe He wants us to do the same. For many years Mother Teresa went out of her way to minister to the dying—first in Calcutta, India, and later around the world. She is quoted as saying, “True love hurts. It always has to hurt. If you truly love one another, you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices.” Mother Teresa’s ministry went far beyond simply holding hands and praying. She physically carried broken bodies in off the streets, cleaned foul-smelling wounds, mopped up accidents, and tenderly spooned warm food into toothless mouths. She loved unconditionally. Even though Mother Teresa is no longer with us, her Missionaries of Charity continue the work she began. If you ask them why they do it, they will tell you: “We do it because Jesus did.” You and I won’t always get to pick the time, the method, or the place of ministry in 2016, but 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV). Sometimes we may do nothing at all except pray and wait for God’s leading. But when we go to Him with a willingness to serve, He directs us to something we can do for Him. And that task will always be wrapped in love. 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.
February 2016
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
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About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk Give! by Samuel Burger GoodNews for Kids For the Love of Reading by Kristy Adams GoodNews on Money Matters Christians and Inequality by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men Theology by Nightlight by Darren Schalk GoodNews for Women Faith Will Overcome by Nicole Wiley GoodNews for Life Happy Valentine’s Day by Delaney Walker GoodNews for Parents The Love Level by Mark Aitkenhead GoodNews for Health & Fitness Master the Ordinary in 2016! by Jay Poag GoodNews for Teens The Lenten Season . . . by Andrew Schaffer GoodNews for Seniors Beauty in Every Age by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Daily Living Staying Positive in a Negative World by Alice Marie Abbot GoodNews for Couples Life’s a Gravel Road by John Garrod GoodNews for Everyone Questions by Alan Smith
Heath Eslinger 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
Give!
When we demonstrate trust through our giving, a cycle of blessing begins to flow.
A
by Samuel Burger
re you willing to trust God with what you give away more than you trust yourself with what you keep? What if you gave extravagantly? What if giving to God wasn’t your leftovers but your best? What if you gave out of happiness and not obligation? What if you gave over and above at least one time? What if you operated in a contributor mind-set? What if you didn’t think in terms of consuming? The story is told of a man who had a horrible dream. He said, “I dreamed that the Lord took my Sunday offering and multiplied it by ten, and this became my weekly income. In no time I lost my color TV, had to give up my new car and couldn’t make my house payment. After all, what can a fellow do on $10 a week?” If the Lord took your offering, multiplied it by ten, and made that your weekly income, how much would you make? Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (NKJV). A life of generosity produces an overflow in your life. You never lose when you give. Charles Spurgeon said,
6 // February 2016
“Earn all you can, save all you can, and then give all you can. Never try to save out of God’s cause; such money will canker the rest. Giving to God is no loss; it is putting your substance into the best bank. Giving is true having, as the old gravestone said of the dead man, ‘What I spent I had, what I saved I lost, what I gave I have.’” So why is giving so hard for some of us? I had a friend tell me what the Holy Spirit told him. He said, “If you can’t trust God with money, then how are you going to trust Him with your life?” I think it goes deeper than just trying to make sure you have enough. It’s more than an economical issue. It’s a trust issue. However, when you demonstrate trust through your giving, a cycle of blessing begins to flow. The trust you demonstrate produces the indescribable joy given by God. Giving is at the heart of our walk with God because it demonstrates the ultimate gift God has given us. Jesus came to earth so we could have eternal life. When we give, the door is open to tell the Good News. It’s time we give our time, money, gifts, resources and skills to the kingdom of God. Samuel Burger is pastor at Chestuee Worship Center, 1414 Athens Rd, Calhoun, TN 37309.
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Gò0dNews for Kids For the Love of Reading
Let your children (or your students) discover a love for reading by finding books on subjects that arouse their passion. by Kristy Adams
A
s an educator, I spend a
kids find a love for reading. So, let’s
considerable amount of
put down those electronics and hit
time providing advice to
the books!
parents whose children are finding it difficult to discover a love for reading. Most parents tell me that their child is disinterested, struggling, or that the child just simply refuse to read outside of what is required at school. With the TV, Internet, and the plethora of electronic gadgets bombarding our kids daily, it’s no surprise that kids, and even adults, aren’t reading as much as they may have in the past. Since February is the month of love, I decided to dedicate this article to helping our
Be a Model
It goes without saying that your
Stop telling children what to read.
I am absolutely positive that if you think back to your time in school, you can come up with several books you
child will model what you do. Let
were told to read that you disliked—
your child see you reading often.
loathed even. Stop picking books for
Even if you aren’t a fan of reading,
your kids. Let them discover a love for
find books that interest you and show
reading by finding books that interest
them that it is important. Talk about
them. Spend an afternoon at a local
books or articles that you are reading
library or bookstore. Allow them the
and share your excitement!
excitement of discovering books that
Now, let’s be real. Some of you do
they will enjoy. It is so simple, yet
not like to read. I get that. Maybe you
so important.
do not like to read simply because you
Read Together
were not able to discover your love for books. Try it. Do you like to cook? Read a cookbook. Do you work on cars? Read a book about engines (or whatever “car people” like to read). You get the idea.
Socialize Around Reading
Invest the time in reading with
your children. It may be 15 minutes or 30 minutes, but the time you invest in reading together will make a huge difference. Be purposeful. Turn off the television and schedule time for family reading. Be creative with your
Set up book clubs, reading
reluctant reader. Start by engaging
groups, literature circles. Many
your child and students by asking
students (especially boys) need to
them a few simple questions:
interact with others around texts. It greatly enhances their comprehension and makes it so much more enjoyable. Boys are also very competitive. Make
• What are you most passionate about? • What do you want to know more about?
a reading chart that shows who is
• What do you like to do for fun?
reading what, and how much has
When we can connect reluctant
been read. I assure you that if it becomes a competition, the boys are all in.
8 // February 2016
Relax
readers with titles that reflect their interests, real learning—and a love of reading—can truly begin. Kristy Adams Centers for Creative Learning Owner Educational Therapist Dyslexia Specialist
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Gò0dNews on Money Matters
Christians and Inequality by Andrew Lee
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. —Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)
I
recently read a book by French
are distributing the wealth, while others
boisterously oppose. But these phrases
economist Thomas Piketty titled Capital
receive smaller bags of money. Whenever
have dozens of different meanings,
in the 21st Century, published in 2013.
I hear about the so-called distribution of
depending on who is talking at that
Early in the book, Piketty asserts that he
wealth, my question is simply this: Where
particular moment. It is imperative that
will examine the history of “inequality
is the money train (or truck, or yacht, or hot
Christians be informed about precisely
of wealth and capital” and will then
air balloon)? And where do I pick up my bag
what they are supporting or opposing.
conclude by offering suggestions about
of money? I’m quite certain I’m not the
how to solve this problem of inequality
only person who wants these questions
alike are fond of quoting Matthew
and economic injustice.
answered immediately, if not sooner.
26:11 where Jesus says, “The poor you
Some Christians and non-Christians
His proposed solution is a “global
I’m being facetious, but I hope
will always have with you” (NIV),
tax on wealth” whereby anyone whose
my point is made about the jargon
and I know people who have used
net worth exceeds one million dollars
employed by socialists like Piketty who
this scripture as an excuse never to
would be taxed at a nominal rate every
claim that there’s a pot or pie of money
aid the poor either through monetary
year, with the wealth tax rate increasing
somewhere, and that some people
contributions or through giving their
for those with higher net worth. Piketty
are unfairly receiving a smaller slice
personal time to serve the poor. This is an
believes that somehow all of these taxes
of the pie than others. As Christians,
erroneous application of Christ’s words,
will be redistributed to those with less
when we encounter terms that are
for the Bible reminds us countless times
net worth (i.e. the poor, or at least those
currently in vogue, such as social justice
that God expects His children to help
who consider themselves poor compared
and economic inequality, we are apt to
and to serve those who are poor (or, if
to millionaires and billionaires, which
be sympathetic. After all, who could
you prefer politically correct jargon, “the
I assume would include many folks
possibly be against these noble ideas?
underprivileged or disadvantaged”).
reading this column). On the surface,
The first phrase sounds like something
Piketty’s idea may seem like a fine idea.
any compassionate person should
be people who are in dire straits
After all, most of us don’t mind higher
support, and the second phrase sounds
financially, no matter how much help
taxes on somebody else’s wealth as long
like something awful that we should
they receive, just as there are some people
as it doesn’t apply to us. Personally, I balk at the
Jesus was right. There will always
who actually prefer the “freedom” of being homeless. But that fact shouldn’t
phrase distribution of wealth,
discourage us from helping
since to my mind it conjures
others in responsible and
an image of a big money
productive ways, namely by
train rolling by, while crew
helping them receive the
members toss out bags of
education and training
money to random people.
needed to be self-sufficient
In this strange metaphor,
and to escape poverty.
some folks are lucky enough to receive a big bag of money from the mysterious “they” who
10 // February 2016
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.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Theology by Nightlight
O
Explaining to a five year old how God knows everything. by Darren Schalk
nce while putting my daughters (yes, plural, I have identical twin girls) to bed, after prayer time, Abby looked up and out of the blue asked, “Daddy, how can God know everything?” WHOA, where did that come from? I tried to flip the neon sign of theology in my head to the “on” position and began forming my response: “God’s omnipotence is directly related to his omniscience and omnipresence. The sovereignty of the Godhead over all creation comes from His foreknowledge. . . .” Wait a minute, Darren, that’s not going to work with a five year old. This one needed to be as simple as possible. I couldn’t use the blinding neon light of theology, I needed more of a theological nightlight—simple and subtle. I would not be able to tell her about sovereignty, omniscience, and omnipotence. “Can’t possibly use those terms until at least six years old,” I thought to myself. I fumbled for words. “Well, baby, uhhh, I guess, He knows everything because . . . He made everything.” I was über pleased with my simple but deeply theological response, but Abby was still staring at me blankly. I realized she needed more. Then all at once it happened. The heavens parted and the Spirit descended on me like a dove of intelligence. I heard an angelic choir of a thousand
12 // February 2016
children’s voices singing in perfect 12-part harmony as I relayed this theological nightlight. “You know how when you draw me a picture, you can tell me every detail of that picture?” “Uh huh.” “You can do that because you created that picture, and that means you know everything about it, down to the smallest detail. Right?” “Uh huh.” “That’s how God knows everything. He drew it all.” As I finished speaking, the angelic choir of children’s voices faded into the distance, and then, as they faded, I’m sure I heard a still small voice say, “This is Darren, in whom I am well pleased.” We seem to think theology is complicated and incomprehensible, but the truth is, we are all theologians, and we theologize (yup, just made that word up) every single day, even when we don’t know it. And when the opportunity presents itself, don’t avoid it; tackle it head-on. God will help you. Otherwise, you may hear that angelic choir singing in falsetto: “It’s too late to theologize, it’s too laaaaaaate.” And here’s my attempt to draw it all. As the picture illustrates, we can be thankful that God drew it all, and I did not.
Darren Schalk is the curriculum editor for the Church of God of Prophecy and author of the book, Dear God We Need To Talk, from Charisma House. He has been featured on radio and television programs across the nation discussing topics of faith and discipleship. Learn more at DarrensChalk.com.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Faith Will Overcome
P
by Nicole Wiley The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. —Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
overty, discrimination, economic struggles,
and the shimmering white snow. The Creator of all of
sickness, and pure terror: all things that our world
these beautiful things knows your name. He knows every
is facing today. We may believe that there is
single thing about you, and He loves every part of you.
nothing we can do to turn things around, and we believe
That same God sent his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to hang
that we will walk around in fear that something horrible
upon a cross for all of your sins. This is the same God
may happen at any given time. It’s so easy to become
who tells His children not to fear, for He is with us every
so absorbed in the current events of the world that we
step of the way.
often forget who is truly in control. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So
If we learn to trust His grace and His discretion, we
do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I
will find that even the toughest hardships can’t bring
am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will
us down. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but
uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).
of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7
The Lord promises that He will be with us and that
NKJV). So, no matter what happens in this ever-changing
He will provide strength against anything and everything
world we live in, we must place our unshakeable trust
as long as we place our unconditional trust in Him. In
in the Lord, and do not be overcome with fear of any
my mind, unconditional trust is trust without borders. It
person or anything. God will always love us and will
is believing that God has the best plans for us even in the
forever protect us from all harm. He is and always will be
darkest days or times of our lives.
stronger than any threat that this world can place on us. I
If you are having difficulty casting away your fears
feel as though “Faith Will Overcome” is a motto that we
and replacing it with love for God, take a moment to
should proclaim to the world, for we have the Savior of
realize who is promising you safety. We serve the God of
the world watching over us every single day.
the universe who created the heavens and the earth. The
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace
great God that you praise is the God who made the soft
that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not
green grass, the fluffy white clouds, the deep blue waters,
be worried and upset; do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
14 // February 2016
Nicole Wiley is a sophomore at Cleveland High School who attends First Baptist Church.
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Chattanooga Church Directory Anglican
Anglican Church of the Redeemer 423.892.1101 104 McBrien Rd, 37411
Assembly of God
Calvary Church 423.629.1200 1212 South Seminole Drive, 37412 Fresh Fire Awakening 423.255.3103 Chattanooga, 37421
Baptist Bayside Baptist Church 423-344-8327 6100 Hwy 58 Harrison, TN 37416 Covenant Baptist Church 423.892.5542 1640 N. Joiner Rd, 37421 Duncan Park Baptist Church 706.899.3707 1609 Glowmont Dr, 37412 New Haven Baptist Church 423.855.4910 1058 Graysville Rd, 37421 Middle Cross Baptist Church 423.877.5742 4009 Norcross Rd, 37343 Heritage Baptist Church 423.499.5060 2934 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Ridgeview Baptist Church 423.899.1530 6 Moore Rd, 37411 Spring Creek Road Baptist 423.894.0700 1312 Spring Creek Rd, 37412 Alpine Baptist Church 423.875.3522 4720 Stagg Rd, 37415 Ashland Terrace Baptist Church 423.877.4392 906 Ashland Terrace, 37415 Avondale Baptist Church 423.344.2208 5479 Hwy 58, 37416 Bartle Baugh Baptist Church 423.344.5207 6129 Champion Rd, 37416 Berean Baptist Church 423.629.1634 1614 Kirby Ave, 37404 Bethel Baptist Church 423.875.9107 632 Lullwater Rd, 37405 Bethlehem Baptist Church 423.266.5484 101 Lawn St, 37405 Bible Way Baptist Church 423.624.2149
16 // February 2016
2003 Elmendorf St, 37406 Brainerd Baptist Church 423.624.2606 300 Brookfield Ave, 37411 Brainerd Hills Baptist Church 423.892.6645 6611 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Calvary Baptist Church 423.875.8154 5201 Dayton Blvd, 37415 Central Baptist Church 423.624.4678 901 Woodmore Ln, 37411 Charity Baptist Church 423.267.6576 2340 Rossville Blvd, 37408 Clifton Hill Baptist Church 423.867.4887 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Concord Baptist Church 423.892.9313 7025 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Brainerd Baptist Church 423.892.4235 1047 Graysville Rd, 37421 East Lake Baptist Church 423.698.1597 3315 12th Ave, 37407 East Ridge Baptist Church 423.698.2421 4201 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Edgewood Baptist Church 423.629.5821 3604 Ringgold Road, 37412 Empowerment Church 423.355.5576 1203 Blocker Lane, 37412 Faith Baptist Church 423.344.9712 8834 North Hickory Valley, 37416 Fellowship Baptist Church 423.894.8080 5335 Clemons Rd, 37412 First Baptist Church 423.265.2257 401 Gateway Ave, 37402 First Baptist Church 423.629.1950 1228 Latta St, 37406 First Baptist Church 423.265.3229 506 East 8th St., 37403 First Calvary Baptist Church 423.267.5159 300 Bell Ave, 37405 Grace Baptist Church 423.892.4869 7815 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Greater Beulah Baptist Church 423.624.0418 1301 Commerce St, 37404 Harmony Baptist Church
423.629.9660 3832 Youngstown Rd, 37406 Hickory Valley Baptist Church 423.892.1916 2320 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of the Highlands 423.493.4111 6621 Hunter Road, Harrison, TN 37341 Hillcrest Baptist Church 423.867.2812 3300 East 42nd St, 37407 Independent Baptist Church 423.875.3054 2624 Lyndon Ave, 37412 International Baptist Church 423.624.8638 1512 Old Ringgold Rd, 37404 Kings Point Baptist Church 423.624.5202 2834 Harrison Pike, 37403 Kingwood Baptist Church 423.624.7301 3522 Ringgold Rd, 37412 LifeSpring Baptist Church 423.892.8469 1701 Hickory Valley Road, 3742 Lighthouse Baptist Church 423.624.4125 3777 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 Lookout Valley Baptist Church 423.825.5335 23 Lilac Ave, 37419 Macedonia Baptist Church 423.267.6915 1156 East Main St, 374081 Mission Ridge Baptist Church 423.624.0424 302 Shallowford Rd, 37411 Morris Hill Baptist Church 423.892.2071 1804 Morris Hill Rd, 37421 Mount Paran Baptist Church 423.629.2377 1319 Moss Dr, 37411 New Grace Baptist Church 423.899.5510 7861 Lee Hwy, 37421 Orchard Knob Baptist Church 423.629.6115 1734 East 3rd St, 37404 Philadelphia Baptist Church 423.629.5786 2230 East 18th St, 37404 Pilgrim Rock Baptist Church 423.894.7548 1726 Church Rd, 37421 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 423.892.0237 1441 Crawford Rd, 37421 Prospect Baptist Church 423.698.4149 734 Dodson Ave, 37404
Resurrected Reformed Baptist 423.698.8086 2230 East 18th Street, 37404 Ridgedale Baptist Church 423.499.0994 1831 Hickory Valley Road, 37421 Rose of Sharon Baptist Church 423.629.9534 2001 Blackford St, 37404 Second Baptist Church 423.629.6039 1619 East Main St, 37404 Shiloh Baptist Church 423.267.3131 1708 Carr St, 37408 Silverdale Baptist Church 423.892.2173 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37421 Standifer Gap Baptist Church 423.892.8596 8159 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421 Stanley Heights Baptist Church 423.867.8060 1512 Mcbrien Rd, 37412 Temple Baptist Church 423.622.1913 3200 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Terra Vista Baptist Church 423.892.3879 4412 Oakwood Dr, 37416 Tucker Baptist Church 423.510.9684 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Washington Park Baptist 423.899.9408 1823 Shepherd Rd, 37421 Westview Baptist Church 423.899.0127 9516 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Woodland Park Baptist Church 423.899.9185 6735 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Church of God East Chattanooga COG 423.894.7926 4924 Hwy 58, 37416 East Lake Church of God 423.698.6522 2949 East 29th St, 37407 Brainerd Hills Church of God 423.892.2092 410 Friar Rd, 37421 City Church of Chattanooga 423.894.6982 7122 Lee Hwy, 37421 Church of God of Prophecy 423.899.4074 3927 Webb Rd, 37416 Church of God of Prophecy 423.894.0597 2201 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of God Seventh Day
423.899.5490 7504 Old Lee Hwy, 37421 East Brainerd Church of God 423.899.4755 8312 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 The Crossing Church 423.867.7287 7501 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421 East Side Church of God 423.624.8797 2105 Citico Ave, 37404 Fellowship Church of God 423.867.3194 3426 Clio Ave, 37407 Fourth Avenie Church of God 423.867.4545 3912 4th Ave, 37407 Holy Temple Church of God 423.629.2649 2311 Bliss St, 37406 Joyful Noise Church of God 423.698.1813 1614 Foust St, 37404 Pure Holiness Church of God 423.622.4667 420 North Holly St, 37404 Redemption Point 423-855-7321 3831 Ooltewah-Ringgold Rd. Ooltewah, TN 37363 Redemption Point Highland Park 423.855.7321 1907 Bailey Ave, 37404 Temple of Faith Church of God 423.698.2700 2139 East 27th 37407 United Temple Church of God 423.624.1037 2418 Dodson Ave, 37406 Vision Church of God 423.624.7170 4901 Midland Pike, 37411 Woodmore Church of God 423.899.0827 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Word Center Church of God 423.867.3330 4803 13th Ave, 37407 Church of God in Christ
Nazarene Alton Park Church of the Nazarene 423.756.2468 4004 Dorris St, 37410 Nazarene Calvary Church of the Nazarene 423.892.5771 4400 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37416 East Brainerd Church of the Nazarene 423.499.8643 8101 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Church of the Nazarene 423.894.8656 1202 Spring Creek Rd, 37412
First Church of the Nazarene 423.624.2679 2099 East Main St, 37404
Community Church Cosmopolitan Community Church 423.622.3217 3031 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 Friendship Community Church 423.698.3471 7 North Tuxedo Dr, 37411 Metropolitan Community Church 423.629.2737 1601 Foust St, 37404
Lutheran
Ascension Lutheran Church 423.698.5047 720 South Germantown Rd, 37412 First Lutheran Church Pastor Mark McCrory 423-629-5990; www.first4u.org 2800 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 Good Shepherd Lutheran Rev. H. Christopher Sheets 423.629.4661 www.gslcflock.org 822 Belvoir Ave, 37412 Saint Phillip Lutheran Church 423.267.1475 51 West 25th St, 37408
Methodist Jones Memorial UMC 423.624.6073 4131 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Mount Crest UMC 423.881.4165 8206 Cicero Tr, 37421 St John UMC 423.892.2257 3921 Murray Hills Dr, 37416 Wesley Memorial UMC 423.892.6446 6314 E. Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge UMC Pastor Ken Sauer 423-892-8451; eastridgeumc.org 1601 Prater Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 Stanley UMC 423.624.6729 501 Dodson Ave, 37404 Washington Hills UMC 423.892.8050 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416 Cleveland Trinity UMC 423.892.6926 9028 Warbler Ln, 37421 East Lake UMC 423.624.4921 2903 East 37th St, 37407 St Elmo UMC 423.855.0807 3030 Towerway Dr, 37406 Lake Vista UMC
423.892.4941 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416 Saint Mary CME Church 423.622.2742 1417 Wheeler Ave, 37406 Sheares Memorial UMC 423.855.2004 515 Airport Rd, 37421 Sheares Memorial UMC 423.698.4114 400 Glenwood Dr, 37404 Tyner UMC 423.892-0444 6805 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Non-Denominational Christian Family Church 423.774.8888 88 Hunt Drive Rossville, GA 30741 Celebration Church 423.892.8979 6425 Lee Highway, 37421 The Sacred Heart Mission of Chattanooga 423.238.3835 3914 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Faith Connection Church 423.933.6986 7312 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Metropolitan Tabernacle 423.894.3377 2101 West Shepherd Rd, 37422 Carpenters Cowboy Church 423.867.4232 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Brainerd Hills Chapel Church 423.899.3098 5931 Pinegrove Tr, 37421 Chattanooga Church 423.892.2888 6188 Adamson Circle, 37416 Christian Church of Hope 423.855.0767 2330 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of Jesus 423.629.5051 2118 Wilson St, 37406 Church of the First Born 423.756.0704 3418 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Church of the Lord Jesus 423.265.8235 200 West 19th St, 37408 Mount Summit of Peace Church 423.899.0434 6925 Shallowford Rd, 37421 New Covenant Church 423.867.2121 3700 Clio Ave, 37407 New Covenant Fellowship Church 423.899.8001 1326 North Moore Road, 37411 Walker Avenue First Church 423.622.2982 2101 Walker St, 37404 Worlds Church of the Living God
423.622.2992 2110 Glass St, 37406
Pentecostal Emanuel Pentecostal Church 423.821.5261 4204 Ohls Ave, 37410 Sharon Pentecostal Church 423.867.7088 1400 East 48th St, 37407 Virtuous Church Pastor Richard O. Smith 5952 Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN 37412 (423)521-4440 www.virtuouschurch.org Word of Pentecost Church 423.624.2620 1722 Newton St, 37406
Presbyterian First Cumberland Presbyterian 423.698.2556 1505 North Moore Rd, 37411 Central Presbyterian Church 423.629.1401 1815 McCallie Ave, 37404 Covenant Presbyterian Church 423.899.5377 8451 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Presbyterian Church 423.867.2717 4919 Court Dr, 37412 First Presbyterian Church 423.267.1206 554 McCallie Ave, 37402 New Hope Presbyterian Church 423.892.0853 7301 Shallowford Rd, 37421 North Minster Presbyterian 423.894.3773 4791 Hal Dr, 37416 St Elmo Presbyterian Church 423.821.1424 4400 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Second Presbyterian Church 423.266.2828 700 Pine St, 37402
Vineyard Vineyard Christian Fellowship 423.704.2188 10615 London Ln, 37302
Seventh-Day Collegedale Community 4995 Swinyar Dr. Ooltewah, TN 37363 Hamilton County Church 7997 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421
Wesleyan Faith Community Wesleyan 7725 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421
issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 17
FEATURED COVER STORY
A Better Way . . .
Focusing on How to Live instead of How to Win
A
by Jay Fowler
t the end of 1 Corinthian 12, Paul writes, “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” This prelude to one of the most famous chapters in the Bible, the love chapter, has been a rallying cry that drives UTC head wrestling coach, Heath Eslinger. “There is a better way—a more excellent way for us to coach athletes in any sport at any age,” states Eslinger. “In the end, coaching is not about wins, losses, or championships. My job is to love my wrestlers and inspire them to love one another.” This better way of coaching—to try to reach the heart of every athlete rather than focus on individual or even team achievements—is what Heath Eslinger is striving for in his own life and what he is sharing with fellow coaches all across this country.
Eslinger’s Main Focus
In the rough and tumble sport of wrestling where extreme strength, stamina, skill, and mental toughness are vital to success, you might not expect one of the NCAA’s top Division I coaches to claim his main focus is loving his wrestlers. Don’t think for a moment that Coach Eslinger is soft, though, as evidenced by his
18 // February 2016
own athletic feats. Eslinger grew up in Cleveland and was a two-time state wrestling champion at Bradley Central High School. He went from there to have one of the most successful careers in UTC wrestling history as he stands in second place in all-time victories as a Mocs’ grappler. An intense competitor who remains in excellent physical condition, Eslinger thought he’d like to compete in the Iron Man Triathlon the second year it was held in Chattanooga. Despite limited training time due to work and family responsibilities, he finished in the top 10 percent of all competitors in his first time at this distance this past September. So what has pushed an extremely successful coach like Eslinger who has led UTC to five Southern Conference Championships in his six full seasons as head coach to seek and promote a better way? “I’ve seen so many instances in my sport and in other sports that coaches and parents are pushing kids so hard to win by training year round in a single sport at ages as young as eight to nine years old,” Eslinger shared. “There is so much pressure on these kids that the ‘games’ they are playing just aren’t fun anymore, and kids are getting burned out on a sport before they even get to high school.”
Staying on Track
It also hasn’t escaped his observation that the amount of pressure on high school and even middle school coaches to have winning seasons and win championships is now akin to the pressure that used to be on college and professional coaches. “I talk to so many coaches at all levels of sports, and I truly believe that most of us get into this for the right reasons—to teach character and be a positive influence on kids, but the pressures from parents, administrators, and our own selfish desires—all these things can get us off track.”
game-changer because it really speaks to coaches in a language we understand.” A few years ago, Eslinger attended a FCA Coaches Academy Conference where he became a certified instructor in 3-D Coaching and has become one of the ministry’s top advocates for the program in the country. In the last three years, he has presented the 3-D Coaching curriculum in more than a dozen settings in multiple states. As executive director of Chattanooga FCA, I have known Coach Eslinger since 2003 when he was an assistant wrestling coach at UTC. It has been an amazing blessing to our ministry to have a coach like him who has reached the highest level of his sport be a spokesperson for 3-D Coaching. It is one thing for the FCA staff to present this material to coaches, but when you have a Division I College Coach presenting, it really is effective. Plus, Coach Eslinger is one of the most passionate and gifted speakers you will ever hear.
Eslinger further added, “In some instances there is just a lack of knowledge in our profession in how to teach what is truly important to our athletes. Coaches will spend countless dollars and hours at clinics to learn the latest trends in motivation, physical training, and on-field tactics that will give them an edge in a game or match, but we often haven’t invested the same energy in being better mentors for our players.”
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Coach Eslinger isn’t alone in recognizing the brokenness in much of our youth sports culture and specifically in coaching. Books such as Inside Out Coaching by Joe Ehrman and Uncommon by Tony Dungy have been great aides to many who are looking for a better way to coach. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is the largest sports ministry in the United States, has a long history of seeking to aid Christian coaches in impacting their athletes for Christ. One tool that FCA has launched in the last few years to aid coaches is a comprehensive character-coaching curriculum titled “3-Dimensional Coaching.” Coach Eslinger has been connected with FCA for many years and was one of the first coaches introduced to 3-D Coaching. “FCA has absolutely hit a home run with 3-D Coaching,” Eslinger stated. “From the first presentation I attended, I knew that this material would be a
FCA Road to Victory Banquet
Along with the rest of the Chattanooga FCA staff and board, I have been so impressed by Coach Eslinger’s passion for the FCA ministry and his ability to communicate the Gospel. This year we have asked him to be the keynote speaker for the annual Road to Victory Banquet. We are super excited to have Coach Eslinger speak at this year’s fundraising banquet, and I know that everyone who attends will be blessed by his message. The FCA Road to Victory Banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Colonnade Center in Ringgold, Georgia. For more information on how you can participate in this banquet or to learn more about FCA’s 3-D Coaching and its ministry to coaches and athletes throughout Southeast Tennessee, go to www. chattanoogafca.org or call the ministry at (423) 309-4255.
issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 19
Gò0dNews for Life
Happy Valentine’s Day
Step up your February 14 celebrations by paying it forward to someone—maybe even a stranger. by Delaney Walker
A
round Christmas a joke had me laughing, cringing, and nodding my head in agreement. Luckily for you, I remember how it goes: A girl walks up to Santa Claus. She requests a dragon for Christmas. Santa balks and says, “Child, be more realistic.” She frowns, thinks for a second and responds, “Fine, in that case, I would like a boyfriend.” Santa laughs and asks, “What color would you like your dragon to be?” Chances are this joke was written by a single female who has had one too many well-intentioned relatives ask how a sweet, pretty, talented girl like her is still single. This question is akin to asking someone the meaning of life: there are a plethora of theories, but few people can give a concrete answer. Society places a huge emphasis on relationships, and when someone falls short of the standard they are reminded of their “lack” time and time again. This might be the reason Valentine’s Day is known in many circles as Single Awareness Day, or S.A.D. for short. Single Awareness Day tends to include a lot of ice cream, crying, ranting, and bashing of exes. Although I have been single for many a Valentine’s Day, I have never joined in on the S.A.D. festivities. (I have seen the day celebrated in style though thanks to social media and the lives of my friends.) Honestly, S.A.D. activities look like they take too much work, and anyway, I happen to be a hopeless
20 // February 2016
romantic. This means I love Valentine’s Day. I enjoy seeing what couples do for each other, listening to love stories, and reminiscing on childhood card exchanges. In fact, I enjoy the holiday so much I want to join in on the fun. Seeing as I do not have the ability to make a boyfriend appear out of thin air, my celebration of the day is a little different from both the traditional and S.A.D. route. Mostly, I just celebrate love— and not just the romantic kind. I wear pink, I shout “Happy Valentine’s Day” to friends and co-workers, I remind people I love how much I care about them, I eat chocolate (duh), and squeeze in a chick flick for good measure. Lately, I’ve been thinking about stepping up my Valentine’s Day celebrations. Instead of enjoying the day on my own, I’m considering using the day of love as an opportunity to pay it forward. Maybe I will leave coins on a vending machine, pay for the order behind me in a drive-thru line, or make cookies for my neighbors. Whatever my decision, I guarantee it will be more fun than a Single Awareness Day party (as if I need a reminder) and just as memorable as sharing the day with the one I love. Here’s to you however you decide to celebrate (or ignore) this Valentine’s Day.
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.
Church Activities & Events OPEN MIC NIGHT The Meeting House
February 13, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Join us for our monthly Open Mic Night! Free to play! Sign ups are at 7:30pm and music starts at 7:45pm. Bring your friends to hear some slammin local talent! Coffee bar open. 3912 Dayton Blvd. • Red Bank, TN.
Grace Baptist Church Celebrate Recovery Tuesdays from 6 - 9pm
Start the new year by kicking old habits, hang-ups and hurts to the curb! If you’re interested in participating in this Christ-centered recovery program, call 892-4869.Anyone can benefit from CR! Some issues that can be addressed include: Alcohol & drug addiction, Eating disorders, Anger & control issues, Abuse victims, Financial distress, Co-dependent relationships
New City Fellowship Black Heritage Month
Friday, February 5 • 5:30pm Heritage Movie/Game Night
Sunday, February 21 • 10am & 6pm
Racial Reconciliation Discussions (Dr. Carl Ellis)
Wednesday, February 24th • 7 pm
“What’s God doing in Syria?” An Evening with Michelline Makkar, will feature stories of her ministry during Syria’s ongoing civil war, and Q&A moderated by Prof. Karen A. Ellis, Ambassador for International Christian Response (ICR-USA).
Saturday, February 27 • 5pm
Black Heritage Program & Dinner
Sunday, February 28 • 10am & 6pm
Racial Reconciliation Discussions (Rev. A. Randy Nabors)
Gò0dNews for Parents
The Love Level
The job of parents is to civilize their children and help them to become everything God created them to be.
P
by Mark Aitkenhead
ositive thoughts about kids will definitely make
outcome. About 50 percent of marriages work at keeping
a difference in their future. Let’s get real and face
the Love Level high, and the outcome is success.
it: kids will be kids. They’re naughty, disobedient,
It is not the same with kids. We have no choice as
unruly, and you have to keep repeating your instructions.
to who God gives us to steward. All of them are born
It can be quite a daunting task, but there is hope!
beautiful but completely uncivilized. Left to their own
I call it the Love Level. Actually I’ve seen it work over the twenty years of my life in ministry. Love Levels are an important part of our lives, and here is how it works. When you meet someone you want to be with, you
devices with no input, most children would be dirty, blubbering barbarians, selfish, and dangerous. Our job as parents is civilize the little barbarian and make them a viable part of society. We have to work
tend to overlook the person’s faults. You look beyond any
continually at helping them to overcome their natural
idiosyncrasies, bad habits, and issues. Actually, it’s like
fleshly desires and become everything God created them
you really want to see the person as you imagine (love is
to be. This is probably one of the most important ministries
blind) right? As you do, the Love Level grows. Most times,
any parent can have.
when it reaches 100 percent, the guy proposes, they get
Discipline in raising kids is a vital part of child-
married, and then life—real life—hits them. As they move
rearing. Consequence for wrong doing is carried through
beyond the first and second year of marriage, those little
to adulthood. Just drive past a policeman 20 miles over the
quirks start to become irritating. Love Levels begin to drop,
speed limit and let’s see how that works. Consequence is
and when it goes beyond 0 percent, divorce becomes the
vital, but love is greater. Keep those Love Levels high when raising your children and then the discipline becomes easier. The Bible tells us that if we do not discipline, we hate out children. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth (or disicplines) him betimes” (KJV). Love has to be the motivation. Some say that they cannot discipline their child because they just love them so much. That is not true. If discipline does not come into your child-rearing, you actually hate them. Why? because you are setting them up for future failure, and no parent wants that. Keep the Love Levels high. Bring it up to 100 percent and see what God can do with parents who truly love their child. Think positively and overlook their little things. Give them time to change, and keep on repeating. It eventually works. Here’s to Love Levels! Let’s prove that we are a nation of strong families.
22 // February 2016
Dr. Mark Aitkenhead is a pastor, business owner and family man. He loves God with all his heart and loves people.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Master the Ordinary in 2016!
T
Focusing on the ordinary decisions of daily living prepares us for the extraordinary moments God will put in our paths. by Jay Poag
he winter months always bring a renewed sense of
applied in the daily grind that were necessary to be at their best
urgency toward physical fitness training. The early
when the game was on the line.
January weeks see training facilities packed with those
The devotion author talks about the legendary UCLA
intent to make good on their New Year’s resolutions to get in
basketball coach, John Wooden, who “spent hours training
shape. All of the high school football, softball, volleyball, and
his athletes on the mundane, such as tying their shoes and
other fall sport athletes have seen their seasons come and go
putting on their socks correctly. It was paramount to Wooden
and now are committed to prepare for next year’s hopes and
that his players always embrace the daily routine. He knew if
dreams. Parents of elementary and middle school kids look for
his team ever hoped to rise up to the challenges they faced in
fitness options for their kids in an effort to get them off of the
competition, they had to be exceptional in the ordinary.”
couch and off of the Xbox. Whatever the reasons, the new year brings with it the best
Going back to the words found in Luke, Jesus echoed those same sentiments. “He was addressing His disciples, who had
of intentions. As the weeks pass and January turns to February,
recently experienced the miracle of the mass feeding of the
only a select few have the determination to stick to their
5,000. Yet, after such a major, public showing of His power, He
workout programs. Schedules get in the way, and we just can’t
drew them away and reminded them that being true followers
seem to find the time to fit everything, so our good intentions
meant submitting and taking up their cross daily.”
fall by the wayside. I recently read a devotion that came from the Fellowship
Oswald Chambers once reminded us that “It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we
of Christian Athletes that focused on Luke 9:23, “Then He said
do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life,
to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny
and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people.” Said
himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (NASB). The
another way, we don’t have to hit homeruns every time at bat!
devotion goes on to say, “So often, as athletes, we dream of
There needs to be a ton of singles along the way.
making the extraordinary play: taking the last-second shot,
As we settle into 2016, let’s all become masters of the
making the game-clinching goal, delivering the critical play that
ordinary! By sticking to the daily grind of our fitness programs
seals the victory. However, we must not forget the reality of
or focusing more on the ordinary decisions of daily living, we
sport (or life). In order to be ready for that extraordinary moment, we
can prepare for those extraordinary moments that God will
have to master the ordinary. What does this mean? Great athletes
most definitely put in our paths.
are made in the off season, on the practice field, in the early
I invite you to come see us at Champions if you are looking
morning when no one is watching. When we hear the back-
for athletic or academic training for you or your kids. We train
stories of great athletes, the recurring theme is the diligence they
ages six through adults every day. We’d love to see you!
24 // February 2016
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Gò0dNews for Teens
The Lenten Season . . .
H
A time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading to Easter. by Andrew Schaffer
ooray, fasting! Lent begins this month; get excited. I didn’t grow up practicing Lent. I didn’t know
what I was missing. I knew about lint, but that’s
40 days can produce. I fasted from various foods: bread, meat, soda, caffeine, and so forth. Although mine were always food oriented (priorities), my friends gave up music,
different. Lent was something Catholic kids did, like mass or
Facebook, and even driving. Each created a unique moment
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
six weeks could be.
the point of both fasting
If you aren’t familiar
and Lent, but something
with the Lenten season, it is
too big and we give up or
traditionally a time of prayer,
even become more intent
fasting, and almsgiving leading
on self-discipline than faith.
to Easter. This 40 days (doesn’t
Part of the beauty of Lent is
include Sundays) is analogous to
becoming more self-aware
Jesus’ time in the desert and once
in examining our habits and
served as a period of purification
quirks, revealing what we can
and enlightenment for new
live without and what might
converts back when all believers
be taking precedence over
were baptized on Easter Sunday.
time with God.
Beginning with Ash Wednesday
Got it. So what do I do?
and awareness of our own
Just like our faith, this
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
back to God and deepening our faith.
to “fast.” We can take on more intentional time to create space
That’s cool. Why fasting? How much do you do in a given day without even
and commune with God; it’s the concept that’s important. This Lenten season, try something a bit different. If
thinking? We’re so accustomed to being on autopilot—grab a
you’ve never participated, anything will be different, so
soda, eat dinner, turn on the TV, check instagram/snapchat,
you’re golden. If you have, change it up! This year I invite
and binge on Netflix. Giving up a part of this could
you to fast; give up something you know you’ll miss, take
completely derail our routine. Fasting removes something,
on something new, and discover what God can show you in
typically something difficult to go without and interrupts
this season of Bright Sadness.
our lives. It’s not simply about forgoing your favorite useless habit or snack; it’s self-denial, creating a space for intimacy with Christ. Practicing Lent quickly taught me both the value of fasting and the challenges that avoiding something for
26 // February 2016
Andrew Shaffer is the minister to youth and their families at First Baptist Dalton, GA. He is a graduate of Mississippi State, Samford and Truett Seminary. He has worked in youth ministry one way or another since 2000, and has been bitten by an otter.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
Beauty in Every Age
A
As you make your resolutions, I hope you will go easy on yourself and serve wherever you are planted. by Esmerelda Lee
t the beginning of each year, some people begin
yourself is powerful; however, respecting yourself is key to
to make changes to their diet, purchase a gym
seeing the beauty at every age.
membership, and set goals to change their body, alter
Healthy older adults don’t give up. The word retire is
their negative habits, and improve their current situation. As I
not in their vocabulary. They live their lives knowing that
write this article, I refer to my own 2015 resolutions—marking
they have something to offer the world. They may go about
the ones I have accomplished and others that never saw the
life differently than the typical “rat race,” but most still
dawn. Most older adults tend to look at life differently. They
mentor and encourage others. They volunteer and offer their
may want to lose a pound or reach new goals. However, most
assistance to those in need. A beautiful older lady, whom I
of them are content with how they look, who they are, and how
sit next to at church, still travels on missions trips, chauffeurs
they see themselves.
people to their doctor’s appointments, and helps so many
Healthy older adults realize that while they do not have
others in our community. All of her good works are done in
the body they had in their twenties, that’s okay. They’ve grown
secret. She inspires me daily with her zest and determination
to appreciate what is really important in life, and it’s definitely
to contribute to the lives of others and share Jesus. No matter
not how one looks in a swimsuit. Many older adults choose
what her future holds, I know she will never retire. I can see
to exercise. They play pickle ball, doubles tennis, spend an
her still serving wherever she is planted.
hour at the gym, or enjoy long walks. They also take the time
As I reflect on 2016, one important resolution I chose to
to appreciate the enjoyment of the game, the conversation
keep is that I will still continue learning from older adults. As
with others at the gym, and the nature they are surrounded by
I grow older, I desire the art of seeing the beauty at any age.
along the way. Life becomes more about quality than quantity.
Wrinkles are in! True joy and zest for life are definitely in! My
Mature adults care more for a select circle of friends rather than
hope is that as people make their resolutions, they will go easy
being accepted and loved in a large circle of superficial friends.
on themselves.
I am also learning that at this season in life, they respect
I don’t want to wake up twenty years from now and realize
and love the person they have become. Recently, I heard an
that I do not like who I have become. I want to be like the many
older lady I love say, “I respect myself too much to allow
older adults who surround me; I want to love and respect
negative words to hurt me.” How powerful is that statement?
myself. I desire to see the beauty in others and the beauty of
However, this does not happen to everyone. Most healthy older
being me. I want to embrace my wrinkles and never retire. I
adults respect and love the person
want to know that at every stage of my life, I can contribute to
in the mirror with all her flaws
the lives of others. This is the kind of person I want to grow into.
and imperfections. Loving
In the words of Betty White, “I may be a senior, but so what? I’m still hot.”
28 // February 2016
Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Daily Living Staying Positive in a Negative World Laughter is healing and worry will make you sick.
H
by Alice Marie Abbott
ave you ever stopped and paid attention to how much negativity you hear in a single day? It is really quite overwhelming. We are surrounded by negative complaints from family and friends, to co-workers, and sometimes even church members. You can’t even turn on the TV or radio or look at the Internet or Facebook without seeing or hearing something negative.
In Exodus 3 God reveals Himself to Moses and tells him that He indeed has heard the cries of suffering from the children of Israel. Then He instructs Moses to go before Pharaoh and tell him to let the people go. Can you imagine the thoughts that must have been racing through Moses’ mind? Most were not positive, I’m sure. In chapter 4 Moses goes to Egypt; then in chapter 5, Moses has his first encounter with Pharaoh. At that
There is a wonderful example in the Bible of what happened to a group of people who grumbled and complained. It is found in Exodus, and it is the story of the children of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. I’m sure most of you know the story well. However, in the day we are living, let’s take a closer look just to remind us how negativity can affect our lives adversely.
time, Pharaoh had no intention of letting the Israelites go. Not until a series of plagues and the death of his own son did he agreed to free the Israelites. As they packed up and prepared to leave, the journey ahead of them should have only taken eleven days; instead, it took forty years for the next generation to reach their destination. It wasn’t just their complaining but also their disobedience that caused that first generation to die in the wilderness never having reached the Promised Land. This is a great lesson on how negativity and complaining can bring about harmful consequences in our lives. God’s Word says in Proverbs 15:13: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken” (NKJV). It is impossible to stay cheerful and positive when all you do is complain about things. Also Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (NKJV). In other words, laughter is healing and worry will make you sick. Even doctors will tell you this. I have never known anyone who complained that didn’t worry, and worry is not an attribute the people of God should possess. So let me encourage you to stay positive. You will be surprised at the changes you will see take place around you. A positive attitude is contagious. It will draw people to you so that you, in turn, can share Christ with others. It is the greatest purpose to being positive in a negative world. Until next month, keep studying God’s Word.
30 // February 2016
Alice Marie Abbott DD (HN)
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Life’s a Gravel Road
The secret to a successful marriage is in navigating the “rocky” times. by John Garrod
I
f you’ve been married for 50 years, and never argued, fought, or had a disagreement, and it’s all been roses and honey, go ahead and turn the page. I have nothing for you. And honestly, we probably wouldn’t get along anyway. Marriage isn’t a glass-smooth interstate with all of the lanes clearly marked, the potholes patched before you get to them, and McDonald’s and a gas station
about my disappearance, but eventually, I reached it, and I knew. I was there, and it was worth it. When I got married, I had no idea what the future would hold. I have few memories of hearing my parents argue, and I couldn’t tell you if there were any points where there were financial struggles. If I took anything about marriage from my childhood with me into adulthood, it was a simple notion: You don’t give
every ten miles so you can pull off, rest, refuel, and confirm your direction. No, marriage is more like a gravel road you’ve never traveled down. Not long after I moved here, a neighbor gave me directions to a remote spot along a scenic river, with trout, bass, bear, deer, and beautiful views. The key part of the directions was, “When you get to the end of the pavement, bear right onto the gravel road, and go about four or five miles I think (maybe more), and you’ll know when you get to it.” With that, I was off. The road twisted and turned back through the hills. In more than a few spots, the road was almost washed out, and potholes threatened to rip my car apart. I went uphill, downhill, stopped for wild turkeys, and probably would have turned around if I could have found a place wide enough. I would have called my friend, to make sure I was on the right track, but I lost cell signal as soon as I left pavement. I started to have visions of headlines
up. Divorce wasn’t something that was discussed as an option. Of course, looking back, I know there were struggles, there were arguments, there was stress. But there was determination. Marriage is a commitment, a three-way agreement between man, wife, and God. Scripture doesn’t promise us that married life will be any easier than single life. But in marriage, while you still reach those places where you don’t know where you are, have no room to turn around, and you’re not sure what’s ahead of you, you have two tremendous advantages. You have with you a partner to help you steer, to watch for the signs and dangers, to help you pass the time, to sing with you while you pass the miles. And you have the promise that you’re not on this journey alone: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12. So stand strong together, weather the bumps and hills, and enjoy the journey and the company.
32 // February 2016
John Garrod is a father of six, husband of one, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee for the past four years. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Questions
Giving thanks for everything good in life that comes from a Father’s loving hand. by Alan Smith
I
f you knew that tomorrow you would not wake
another shot to try again? Would you want to tell Him
up, what would you want to tell God before you lie
how grateful you are that every time your heart was
down to go to sleep?
broken that He remembered you and came to your aid
Would you want to thank Him for all the
opportunity that came your way? Would you want to thank Him for being a perfect provider? Would you
with love and compassion? Would you thank Him for allowing your story to be a blessing to others? Would you mention that you were glad that you
want to tell Him how much joy your kids and your
got to make your own choices? Would thank Him
family members have brought you through the years?
for His guidance on all the right choices and His
Would you praise Him for the people He sent your way
forgiveness for all the bad choices? Would you boldly
that spoke into your life when times were hard? Would
thank Him for sending His only Son Jesus to the cross
you want to tell Him that you were always so thankful
to die for your sins? Would you give thanks to the fact
that He never left your side when things were tough?
that He waited on you year after year without giving
Would you thank Him that He gave you grace and mercy every time you messed up with
up for you to accept to Him, or would you ask Him into your heart for the first time? Would say out loud, “Lord, I thank You for clearing a path for me to come to the cross. I have sinned and ask Your forgiveness. I believe that it is Your Son who died in my place on that cross for me. I know it to be true that only You, God, brought Jesus back to life from the dead and who still lives today. Everything that I am and everything I have, I want You to have it. I am laying my burdens down before you Lord and willfully asking Your Son Jesus to come into my heart and to be Lord of my life. Thank You, thank You, and thank You. Amen!”
34 // February 2016
Alan Smith is a Dalton native and an entrepreneur. He specializes in sales, marketing, and legal services. izaakalan@gmail.com
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