Gò0dNews January 2017
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
Chattanooga
• “Thanks Be to God” p. 6 • A New Year Does Not Mean A New Beginning p. 26 • Maybe Bono Had It Wrong p. 32
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Writers
Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Angie Parris Caleb Prytherch David Gray Delaney Walker Esmerelda Lee Hannah Davis Julius McCarter Kristy Adams Mark Klepper Mike Shreve Rosana Hughes Rusty Asble Terrie Ruff
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
I
have a framed picture in my office, given to me by a friend, that has three different shoes on it—a dressy high-heeled shoe, a fancy boot, and a walking shoe. The caption reads: “I can deal with anything if I have the right shoes.” This is one of many shoe “things”—scarves, hats, pins, blouses, dresses, umbrellas, purses, and many miniature collectible shoes—given to me since my book, Sand in My Shoes, was published. However, this particular picture is meaningful, especially in times of disappointments. And along with the joyful occasions and momentous happenings, there will be times of disappointment in the coming year. In his book, The Windshield Is Bigger Than the Rearview Mirror, Jeff Wickwire describes the pain of dealing with disappointment: “There are some needles only God can thread on our life tapestries.” We try so hard to figure out the whys, but each time we come up with more hurt and questions. Only when we practice forgiveness do we discover a fresh ability to focus on the future. Wickwire adds: “The scene out of the rearview mirror is replaced with an expanded view through the windshield of hope and faith.” I know it takes more than the right kind of shoes to deal with whatever life throws in our paths, but God’s decree will overshadow any disappointment, failure, wrong decision, or misstep we might take. I’m confident that with God’s Word (and maybe some comfortable shoes), we can deal with anything because when God’s Spirit covers our feet, His love will be our safeguard during those times of disappointment as promised in Psalm 3:3: “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head” (NKJV). Have a joyful and meaningful 2017! 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.
January 2017
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About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk “Thanks Be to God” by Julius McCarter GoodNews for Kids 2017 Reading Challenge by Kristy Adams GoodNews on Money Matters “Make a Will, Insure a Way” by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men “Guys, Are We Chasing the Right Dreams?” by Mark Klepper GoodNews for Women Your 2017 New Year’s Resolution: “I AM ENOUGH!” by Alicia Klepper GoodNews for your Taste Buds Fajita Chicken Casserole by Angie Parris GoodNews for Parents Pray God’s Promises Over Your Offspring! by Mike Shreve GoodNews for Health & Fitness Just Desker-cise! by Hannah Davis GoodNews for Teens A New Year Does Not Mean A New Beginning by Caleb Prytherch GoodNews for Seniors “New Year’s Resolutions of Ninety-Year-Olds” by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone The God Appointment by Terrie Ruff GoodNews for Couples Maybe Bono Had It Wrong by David Gray GoodNews for Life Celebrate the Sanctity of Life by Delaney Walker GoodNews from the Outdoors A Moment to Remember by Rusty Asble
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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
“Thanks Be to God”
The good news to us pastors is that the resources for our watchfulness are as near as the resources we offer our brothers and sisters week in and week out: prayer, communal accountability, and responsibility. by Julius McCarter
S
ome years ago I was sitting with a candidate for
pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and
ordained ministry. A newly minted seminary gradu-
they defile a person” (Mark 7.20-23 ESV).
ate, he was prepared for a theological dispute with me
When temptations come, they find a natural ally in me. In
of one variety or another—an interview that was meant to
other words, my sin problem isn’t simply a surface anomaly
demonstrate to me whether he was intellectually prepared
that can be removed with laser precision but a metastasized
for ministry. As the interviewer and counsel to the ordaining
melanoma that will require long and intensive treatment to
body, I had other plans.
avoid a deadly result. We pastors often forget this.
As we sat down, I opened my Bible and began to read:
I tell young ordinands that there are three sins that will
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God
always take down a pastor—those sins related to money, sex,
so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your
and power. It’s always easy for pastors to be susceptible to that
anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded;
old lie of our pride “It won’t happen to me.” So Peter begins
be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a
by encouraging us to remain humble by keeping our feet
roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in
planted on the earth so as to follow Jesus in our lives.
your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being
What pastors need most is to remind themselves daily
experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And
of the good news: “Follow me,” Jesus says. That is often into
after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,
places of pain and brokenness—and sometimes, into the heart
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself
of our own pain and brokenness. So we must remain on guard:
restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil
dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 5:6-11 ESV).
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”
I knew that time and again, temptation and culture aim to undermine pastors. So I intend, when I first sit with candidates
(1 Pet. 5:8 ESV) We aren’t in this alone, and the pastor who attempts to
for ministry, to inquire about the state of their soul and how
go it alone will inevitably stumble. Those resources have been
they prepare to handle those temptations and pressures. Be-
given to us in our baptism, in the body and blood of Christ,
cause, make no doubt about it, temptation for pastors happens
in the forgiveness of our sins through confession. As a pastor,
in spades. We’ve seen how both the devil and the world target
you deliver these gifts to your people in the Word of God, but
pastors and their families. If they can take a pastor down,
you need the gifts too. No one, including you, can live without
they can often take others down with him. What is more, we
them. The greatest help in temptation is our Lord’s promise:
pastors, like everyone else, have beating in our own chests a
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
heart full of sin, that is “deceitful above all things, and desper-
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1.9
ately sick; who can understand it?” (Jere. 17:9 ESV). Why so
ESV). You are loved in Christ, washed clean in Christ’s blood.
negative today? Jesus explains: “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander,
6 // January 2017
That is the Good News. Thanks be to God. The Reverend Julius McCarter, Ph.D., is a minister and spiritual director who lives in Loudon, TN. He is the author of eleven books—most recently a theological commentary on the Book of Revelation. His ministry, Sunergoi Ministries, maintains a blog at www.the-little-friar.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
2017 Reading Challenge Make time to develop a love of reading as a family.
M
by Kristy Adams
ost of us know how important reading is and its long-term value to our children’s success in school and in life. But on the list of priorities families face each day, reading together sometimes falls to the bottom. No matter how old children become, your involvement in their reading can allow your child to become a lifelong reader. As parents, when we take time out from our hectic schedules to give our children quality, undivided attention, this resonates with them, showing them they are important to us. Reading for and with children, therefore, gives parents the opportunity to establish a strong and nurturing bond. This time spent together also fosters one-on-one communication between parent and child. Starting this tradition early will allow children to understand that reading does not have to be a stressful subject in school, but rather a bonding time filled with mystery, laughter, suspense, and quality time with loved ones. As an educator, I find all too often that the majority of my students fear, or rather, loathe reading. The thought of a possible book study, report, or reading
8 // January 2017
assignment sends them into a tailspin. The challenge then for me is to take these precious students and introduce them to reading at a whole new level. To show them that a book does not have to be something to stress over, but rather something to look forward to and enjoy. The struggle to teach them this late in their academic career that reading can actually be for pleasure and not just for a grade is next to impossible. If these students developed a love for reading at an early age, by being read to, by family reading time, by understanding that reading books can be a pleasurable, relaxing experience, I truly believe that more and more students would not struggle with finding joy in reading during their school years. I challenge you to start a new tradition with your family. With the new year, challenges and goals are often set for adults, so why not use this strategy to start a 52-week reading challenge at home with your children? Pinterest is filled with fun reading challenges that are completely age appropriate for everyone in your home. I was shocked at the plethora of lists to choose a print for 52-week family reading challenges. For 2017, I challenge you to read one book each week aloud with your family. Do not make this about school! This is not a homework assignment, nor is it to determine if your child’s reading level is on track. This is a time to develop a love of reading as a family. Show your child that reading does not have to be stressful, or even scary. Build this time into your schedule so that it is done when you are most relaxed and can truly enjoy the book that you have picked out together. A love of reading is such an important gift that we can give to our kids. I challenge you for 2017 to develop a love of reading in your home. Kristy Adams Centers for Creative Learning Owner Educational Therapist Dyslexia Specialist
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“Make a Will, Insure a Way” MONEY MATTERS WITH DR. ANDREW LEE
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.
A
recent survey by the website Legal Zoom reveals
Will because they have a weird superstition that doing so
that over half of all Americans have no Last
somehow hastens their death. That’s just silliness. Others
Will and Testament in place. Why not? The one
don’t make a will because they think they don’t possess
certainty in this life is that someday (should the Lord tarry)
much of a legacy to leave to family and friends. But most
we will all die. Having a written and signed Will in place
would be surprised, if they did a serious self-inventory,
helps to ensure that your possessions (both financial assets
at just how much they actually possess that might have
as well as personal items such as collections, furniture,
sentimental or economic value for their loved ones. Finally,
artwork, china pattern, etc.) will be left to specific people.
many people believe that making a Will is too expensive.
Furthermore, having a Will can help guard against
But today there are many low-cost legal documents and
unpleasant estate battles in probate court where a total
software programs that can be purchased online and are
stranger (the Judge) will decide who gets what bequest
specially written to accommodate the laws of your specific
from your estate. It would be better to make that decision
state of residence.
for yourself while still alive by writing a Will, wouldn’t it?
Just as important as having a Will is having an
1 Timothy 5:8 reads, “But if anyone does not provide for
adequate amount of term life insurance. My readers
his relatives, and especially for members of his household,
know that I’m an advocate of Dave Ramsey and his
he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
financial principles, so I recommend having the proper
Part of providing for family includes providing a peaceful
amount of term life insurance rather than whole life,
path for spouses, children, and grandchildren to receive
universal life, variable life. Term life offers much
their allotted portion of the deceased’s estate without
more insurance at a much less expensive premium
undue bickering or confusion. Having a written Will
cost. Ten to twelve times your annual income is the
doesn’t guarantee that family members will never squabble
recommended amount of term life insurance to buy,
about what each of them received after your death. After
so if you earn $40,000 annually, you should purchase
all, we live in a fallen world with imperfect people. But
between $400,000-500,000 worth of term life insurance.
it does clarify the intentions and wishes of the deceased,
Don’t leave your loved ones unprotected. I’ve personally
and this goes a long way toward helping to keep the peace
known fathers of young children who died with no life
among the surviving family. Some people don’t make a
insurance, and the results were financially disastrous for
10 // January 2017
their families. Make a Will, and insure yourself.
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Gò0dNews for Men
“Guys, Are We Chasing the Right Dreams?” “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” —Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
I
by Mark Klepper n Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he is encouraging the
Our intentions are often noble: to do well, succeed,
believer to persevere in the journey with Christ, always
provide for our families, or build a legacy. Again, it’s not
keeping the focus on the heavenly prize of eternal life.
always in what we do, but in how we go about doing them.
However, along the way to the finish line, we can lose
Too often the pressure of obtaining the prizes of earth have
sight of the eternal and place our focus on the temporary.
left us relying on ourselves. We are chasing our dreams
Paul’s motivation for men to press on with God and
by chasing our own abilities, apart from God. Matthew
receive the heavenly prize has been distorted into us
6:33 instructs us to, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all
chasing down earthly rewards, an effective tactic of the
else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything
Enemy. Satan is fine with the perseverance God has given
you need” (NLT). God has given us a dream, a passion,
man, as long as man doesn’t use it to acquire the things
a calling, and in our excitement to succeed in it, we have
of God. He’d rather we pursue temporal treasures—
made it our idol. We stopped walking with God’s presence
whatever satisfies the here and now of what we can see
and started pounding on the door of opportunity, all in the
and touch.
name of God-given passion pursuits.
The earthly blessings given from the hand of God
The wonderful news is that if the world has twisted
that are here today and gone tomorrow, do not snare the
our desires into pursuing the wrong dreams, or we are
hearts of men unless we make them the objects of our
chasing the calling instead of the Caller, Romans 12:2
affection. The trap is not always in what we have, but in
welcomes us, invites us, urges us, to receive a renewing of
how we pursue those things of success, prosperity, skill,
our minds. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
gifting, opportunity, desires, blessings, a life abundant is
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
the desire of God for His children (see John 10:10). God is
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—
the Giver of all good things (see Matt. 7:11). We must ask
his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2 NIV).
ourselves: “Are we seeking His heart or His hand?” Is the object of our affection to know God more or to have more of what God can give us? Do we want the Blesser or the just the blessing?
12 // January 2017
Mark Klepper and his wife Alicia have been married for 15 years. They have 3 children and are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.
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w w w. m ax i m ho m e c a r e . c o m
EOE
Gò0dNews for Women Your 2017 New Year’s Resolution: “I AM ENOUGH!” Suggested reading: Psalm 139
H
by Alicia Klepper ere we go again . . . a new year. Nothing
beginning (Isa. 46:10). He foresaw you overworking.
seems to come more quickly than that
He already knew about your impatience. He created
midnight countdown to a fresh year. After
your body that you condemn. He knows how old you
a filling holiday season of not-enough and way-too-
are, and how old you feel. Those gray hairs you dye,
much, we barely take a breath before ringing in a
He has them all counted. God sees that you really
brand new 365 days that ushers in all of its promises
want to do everything that is right, but instead you
and pressures. And just as we slap up that shiny new
do what you hate (see Rom. 7:15). Your Father knows
calendar, we are struck with the demand to reinvent
your dreams, your desires, and your wishes; He
ourselves one more time.
placed all of them there (see Ps. 37:4). He hears your
Work less; play more. Spend less; make more. Eat
every thought (see Ps. 139:2).
less; lose more. Age less; moisturize more. Take less;
Before there was ever any earthly evidence of
give more. Yell less; hug more. Isolate less; socialize
you, He knew everything you would ever do and
more. Busy less; rest more. Talk less; listen more. Sit
not do. He knew about both your fulfilled and
less; run more. Offend less; love more. Bicker less;
unfulfilled potential. He knew every moment of
agree more. Complain less; thank more. Fear less;
obedience and every moment of disobedience. He
pray more.
was already aware of every mess He would rescue
Lesses and mores; mores and lesses. Each goal is a worthy endeavor, but when is it enough?
you from, every sin He would wash you clean of. He saw every hurt you would cause, and every
Daughters of God, when will we just be enough,
hurt that would come your way. He already
as we are? When will we look in the mirror
heard the cries and questions you would
and instead of pointing out all of things we
direct toward Him (see Psa. 139:16). And
don’t do and the things we do too much of;
even with all of this knowledge of your
say, “Girl, you are enough!”? Let’s
flaws and imperfections, your sins, and
make this the year of “I AM
shortcomings, He saw it good that
ENOUGH!” You know why
you should be created. God knew
you are enough? Because
you then. God knows you now.
your Creator says so: “For
And God says, “Through Christ
we are God’s masterpiece.
Jesus, you are enough!”
He has created us anew in
“For God made Christ, who
Christ Jesus, so that we can
never sinned, to be the offering
do the things He planned for us long ago”
for our sin, so that we could be
(Eph. 2:10 NLT). A perfect, original, artistic, creating
made right with God through Christ” (2 Cor. 5:21 ESV).
God created you. He knew you before you were conceived (see Jer. 1:5). He knitted you together in the womb (see Ps. 139:13). He sees the end from the
14 // January 2017
Alicia Klepper and her husband Mark have been married for 15 years. They have 3 children and are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Fajita Chicken Casserole
T
by Angie Parris
his is not a spicy recipe. If you want spice, use Rotel tomatoes instead of just diced and use Mexican Cheese instead of Colby blend.
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 large breasts) • 2 cups instant rice (uncooked) • 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup • 1 cup sour cream • 2 cups frozen “onion and bell pepper blend” • 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes
16 // January 2017
• 1.5 cups chicken broth • 1 packet Fajita seasoning (I used mild) • 2 cups shredded Colby/Monterrey cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients using half the cheese and transfer to baking dish. Bake for about 25 minutes; top with remaining cheese and return to the oven until cheese is melted. Serve with crusty bread, flour tortillas, or tortilla chips! Enjoy!
Angie Parris is the cafeteria manager for Walker Valley High School here in Bradley County after serving as food service director for 22 years at Broad Street Methodist Church. Angie and Jackie are parents of 4, grandparents of 10—adjusting nicely to their new empty nest!
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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
Volunteers in Medicine’s passionate group of volunteers offered 6,814 hours of service last year making 5,241 patient visits possible.
Now Recruiting Volunteers! Doctors Nurses
Our dedicated team of compassionate volunteers all share common qualities. They enjoy interacting with a variety of people, are passionate about helping those in need, and serve with hearts of caring and compassion. They have positive attitudes and share a common commitment to care for our needy patients with dignity, courtesy, and consideration. We love our volunteers and are always looking for more. Check us out at www.vim-chatt.org!
Lab Techs Administrative
Volunteers in Medicine is a free primary health care clinic for qualified, low income and uninsured residents of Greater Chattanooga. Medical care is delivered by volunteer doctors and nurses. VIM is funded by individuals, businesses, foundations, and churches. All these sources view VIM as a domestic mission, and are investing in the health of our community. No government funding is part of the VIM revenue stream.
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 2003 Elmendorf St, 37406
18 // January 2017
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 New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 423.697.7000 3777 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 North River Bible Baptist 423.313.2658 4810 EB Hixson Pike {Suite 106) Hixson, TN 37343 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 Holy Temple Church of God 423.629.2649 2311 Bliss St, 37406 Joyful Noise Church of God 423.698.1813 1614 Foust St, 37404 Omega Harvest Church 423.875.0033 4904 Dayton Blvd, 37415 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 Word Center Church of God 423.867.3330 4803 13th Ave, 37407
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 423-629-5990; www.first4u.org 2800 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 Good Shepherd Lutheran 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 423.490.7039 4626 St. Elmo Avenue, 37409 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
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
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 Presbyterian Chattanooga First Cumberland Presbyterian 423.238.3835 423.698.2556 3914 St Elmo Ave, 37409 1505 North Moore Rd, 37411 Free To Worship Revival Center Central Presbyterian Church 423-650-9172 423.629.1401 9966 Lovell Rd, 37379 1815 McCallie Ave, 37404 Faith Connection Church Covenant Presbyterian Church 423.933.6986 423.899.5377 7312 Shallowford Rd, 37421 8451 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Metropolitan Tabernacle East Ridge Presbyterian Church 423.894.3377 423.867.2717 2101 West Shepherd Rd, 37422 4919 Court Dr, 37412 Carpenters Cowboy Church First Presbyterian Church 423.867.4232 423.267.1206 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 554 McCallie Ave, 37402 Brainerd Hills Chapel Church New Hope Presbyterian Church 423.899.3098 423.892.0853 5931 Pinegrove Tr, 37421 7301 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Chattanooga Church North Minster Presbyterian 423.892.2888 423.894.3773 6188 Adamson Circle, 37416 4791 Hal Dr, 37416 Christian Church of Hope St Elmo Presbyterian Church 423.855.0767 423.821.1424 2330 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 4400 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Church of Jesus Second Presbyterian Church 423.629.5051 423.266.2828 2118 Wilson St, 37406 700 Pine St, 37402 Church of the First Born Vineyard 423.756.0704 3418 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church of the Lord Jesus 423.704.2188 423.265.8235 10615 London Ln, 37302 200 West 19th St, 37408 Mount Summit of Peace Church Seventh-Day 423.899.0434 Collegedale Community 6925 Shallowford Rd, 37421 9503 Four Corners Place New Covenant Church Collegedale, TN 37363 423.867.2121 Hamilton County Church 3700 Clio Ave, 37407 7997 Shallowford Rd New Covenant Fellowship Church Chattanooga, TN 37421 423.899.8001 Wesleyan 1326 North Moore Road, 37411 Walker Avenue First Church Faith Community Wesleyan 423.622.2982 7725 Shallowford Road 2101 Walker St, 37404 Chattanooga, TN 37421 Worlds Church of the Living God 423.622.2992 issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 19 2110 Glass St, 37406
FEATURED COVER STORY
Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove
An independent living community that offers opportunities for residents to enjoy serving others by Rosana Hughes, Life Care Public Relations
G
arden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is an independent living community located in the 100-acre senior living neighborhood of Greenbriar Cove. Residents of Garden Plaza have access to pedestrian-friendly streets and seventeen acres of land, featuring walking trails and conservation areas that include four lakes amid the East Tennessee mountain landscape. Residents have the freedom of remaining active members of the community while enjoying a carefree lifestyle and living life to the fullest in a safe and secure environment. The community offers homelike amenities and a daily, year round activity schedule to ensure that all residents are as comfortable as possible and able to enjoy their favorite hobbies.
Resident-Driven Activities
The scenery and leisurely lifestyle aren’t the only things Garden Plaza is known for. Its residents play an active role in bettering the community by participating in resident-driven activities and frequently volunteering in several community outreach projects. Christian McDonald, lifestyle services director, says they try to have a new project each quarter. “We volunteer at different community organizations or bring projects here every month for residents to work on in their free time,” said McDonald. “Each project brings out a different group of people. Some residents do all of them, and some pick just one.” McDonald helps organize the projects, but they are residentinitiated in that it’s mainly the residents who make suggestions
20 // January 2017
and pick what projects they want to do. “They said they wanted to do a service project, so I brought a list out, and they picked the Chattanooga Community Kitchen,” said McDonald. “I said, ‘OK, great! Let me get the stuff we need.’” For the month of November, residents are helping sort through a bin full of white socks that need to be matched and paired for the Community Kitchen’s thrift store and footcare program. The sock bin is set up in the activity room where residents can work on finding pairs at their convenience. Once they’re done, they can put the matched pairs in a separate bin to be taken back to the Community Kitchen. Last month, a group of six residents signed up to help at Dreamnight: Boo in the Zoo, a Halloween-themed event presented by the Chattanooga Zoo for special-needs children and their families and caretakers. The residents worked at different activity booths for about four hours, and over 1,000 special-needs children were registered to attend. “I enjoyed it as much as the children did,” said Mattie Barron, one of the six residents who helped at Dreamnight. “I saw lots of smiles and heard a lot of laughs throughout the evening.”
Outreach Projects
Garden Plaza also has a chapter of the Red Hat Society, and the ladies who are members have a few outreach projects of their own. Their most recent projects include making superhero capes for the Boys & Girls Club in Cleveland and making fifty bibs for the Chambliss Center for Children in Chattanooga.
“It took about a month to make the bibs, which were made from washcloths and cross-grained yarn,” said McDonald. “About fifteen residents helped in the project. Some helped by tracing the pattern, some cut the fabric, some pinned the ribbons in place, and some sewed it all together.” The Red Hat ladies are currently planning to adopt a family for Christmas. They’re also working with members of the building’s Library Committee to collect books to donate to a
paintings by twenty-five artists in various media, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel. In a more recent show, titled “Fall Into Winter,” nearly seventy paintings by residents and members of the nonprofit organization Regional Art Alliance were exhibited, eight of which were sold. Jo Thomas, art director of the league, and Scott Leach, a local artist and Garden Plaza resident, worked with McDonald to organize the show. Leach teaches art classes for the residents,
local library.
and eight of his students were represented.
Other Projects
Apart from Red Hat Society activities, the project that requires the most time is the scroll saw class, in which six residents make toy buses for underprivileged children in the community. It takes about three classes to finish one car. The residents prep the wood, cut it, sand it, stain it with food-safe, oil-based stain, and put the wheels on. “I find it very rewarding helping children,” said resident Jerry Holdridge, who has helped with the project since it started in 2014. “I have had over fifty foster children in my home, and I know how happy it makes the children feel when they receive these gifts—gifts we couldn’t have always provided.” Earlier this year, residents and associates partnered with the Nancy Ward chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to write and collect letters to send to U.S. military members. Their goal is to surpass 100,000 individual, handwritten letters to set the Guinness world record for “Most letters to military personnel collected in one month.” The community was invited to participate as well, and each person was allowed to write one letter for the record. They were able to write additional letters; however, those would not count toward the record. By the end of the month, the goal had been exceeded, and the world record was set with 100,904 letters. “I considered it a privilege to write to service personnel,” said resident Emily McDonald. “My grandson is a Marine, and I thought of him when expressing thanks for the service provided by thousands like him.” In April, Garden Plaza hosted an art showcase that featured paintings from residents and members of the Civic Arts League, a nonprofit organization of artists and associates in the tri-state area. The exhibit included more than ninety
Serving the Community
“I’ve been a teacher my whole life, and I love sharing my knowledge with others,” said Leach. “The residents are always excited about preparing and exhibiting their work in a large show with so many other talented artists.” The biannual shows, which are open to the public, are a great way to bring the art world to Garden Plaza and allow the residents to showcase some of their talents while helping enrich the community. “We just look for ways that we can serve our community and be a blessing to others,” said McDonald. “It’s kind of the attitude of everyone in the community. Every time you help someone else, it helps you. Everybody has a need to be needed, and if you’re needed, you’re important. We all understand we have an obligation to serve as Jesus would have served.” For more information, or to schedule a tour, you may call 423-396-5100.
issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 21
Gò0dNews for Parents PRAY GOD’S PROMISES OVER YOUR OFFSPRING!
P
Thank God in advance for fulfilling the pledges He’s already made. by Mike Shreve
arenting can be very challenging. Many influences are competing to control the hearts and minds of our offspring. There are a number of ways to combat these negatives, but one of the most effective means is prayer. Too many parents pray the problems. They rehearse before God all the upsetting things their children are doing or facing—and all too often they pray with fearful, distressed, or discouraged attitudes of heart. Could they inadvertently be reinforcing the very things they seek to overcome? How much more powerful it is to enter God’s presence reminding Him of the commitments He has already made in His Word concerning our sons and daughters. There are 7,487 promises in the Bible. Sixty-five of them directly relate to the children of those who are in covenant with God. Here are eight of my favorites: DIVINE INSTRUCTION—All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children (Isa. 54:13 NKJV). DELIVERANCE—Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered (Pro. 11:21 KJV). SALVATION—I will contend with him who contends with you; and I will save your children (Isa. 49:25 NKJV). GOD’S SPIRIT AND BLESSING POURED OUT— For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring (Isa. 44:3 NKJV) COVENANT AND MERCY—Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him
22 // January 2017
and keep His commandments (Deut. 7:9 NKJV) AWAKENED LOVE FOR GOD—And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live (Deut. 30:6 NKJV) THE LEGACY OF THE WORD—"As for Me," says the Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants' descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and forevermore" (Isa. 59:21 NKJV) ETERNAL LIFE— “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me," says the Lord, "So shall your descendants and your name remain” (Isaiah 66:22 NKJV). No parent can force a child to love and serve God. But God intends to be involved in the process supernaturally. One touch of His Spirit is far more effective than hours of pleading and counseling from a distraught parent. So purpose now to partner with the Creator in this high calling of parenthood. Don’t beg Him to move for your child anymore. Instead, thank Him in advance for fulfilling the pledges He’s already made. In fact, exuberantly praise Him as if these things are a “done deal.” That’s faith—and faith pleases God. What a great way to intercede every day of 2017! Get ready for miracles to happen!
Mike Shreve has been teaching God’s Word since 1971. He has authored 14 books including the best-selling “65 Promises From God for Your Child” and a new book on the names and titles of God’s people, titled “WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in Christ.” He and his wife, Elizabeth, pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, TN. www.shreveministries.org
LIST YOUR Church Activities & Events Special Events Such As... •Revivals •Cookouts •Concerts •Fundraisers •Etc. brooke.goodnews@gmail.com 423.432.6401
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Just Desker-cise!
You can sneak in a workout while working at your desk. by Hannah Davis
Y
ou’ve got a long day of work ahead with no time to hit the gym? I’ve got you covered. I’m here to eliminate the
4. Booty Stretch
excuses with a little thing called desk-ercise! Desk-ercise is
opposite thigh, and actively try to push
a way to strengthen dormant muscles and stretch muscles that get
your right knee toward the floor until you
tight throughout your day—and you’ll be able to do it all right at
feel a stretch through your right hip. Too
your desk! Humans are simply not meant to sit for long periods of
much sitting is a major culprit of tight hips
time. Too much sitting leads to weight gain and wrecks your body when you don’t work to reverse the negative patterns that sitting creates. Here are a few creative and inconspicuous ways to get moving and stretch throughout your day so that sitting doesn’t get
Place your right ankle on your
that lead to dysfunctional hip patterns and low back pain. This stretch can be held for as long as two minutes per side to release the tightness!
Twist Gò0dNews for Health &5. Seated Fitness
the best of your day. And don’t be shy. Desk-ercise is the new rage! Begin with good posture. It’s actually work to keep your
This is a great way to relieve tight back muscles and open up your chest
shoulders from slouching and your core engaged. It’s a little
and shoulders! Simply place one arm on Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals the opposite side of your chair allowing
known fact: better posture automatically makes you look slimmer!
1. Air Squat Hold
by Hannah Davis
Rise just slightly out of your office
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are squat forwere 30bought seconds a time not yourposition own, for you with at a price. So glorify God in your body. 6: 19isometric 20 (ESV) every hour on—1 theCorinthians hour. This
chair; squeeze your glutes and hold that
I
exercise will get those dormant glutes and t’s March, and if you made New Year’s health/
hamstrings fired up. fitness resolutions, now is when you might be getting
2. Chair Dips
a
b
frustrated and contemplate giving up. You may think it’s been too hard or that you have already failed. There is good reason why youChair shoulddips not give You are areup. a great worth it to your Maker and those around you. The upper-body toner, but be following tips will help you get over the hump of selfyou have a year. stable chair doubt and achievesure lasting results this
thisgoal one. Place your Be specific.for If your is weight loss, I
1. encourage you to hands attach a on reasonable timeline. For the edge of your
example, if your end goal is to lose 50 chair, bent at the knees pounds by August, your weekly and dip down. Keep your the goalback couldas beclose to loseto one to chair two as possible pounds each week. These
breaths; then switch.
the road to treat major health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Your health should be a priority because your family needs you.
6. Toe Touch
5. Focus on today. Finally, be encouraged by per leg.
achieving small daily goals. Take the stairs instead of
7. Quad/Hip Flexor theStanding elevator. Park away from a store’s entrance.Stretch Eat a
healthy dinner. Go for a walk. Over time, these small While you’re waiting at the water feats add up and have a huge impact! fountain or on the phone, stand up and Remember, it’s a marathon, not a knock this stretch out to counterbalance sprint. Trust the process! Improving your health is a sitting! daily journey. all day The quads and hip flexors Focus on physiological become super tight from sitting and even improvements that can happen with just one workout and wearing heels, which tend to place us in an
smaller increments are
seconds of rest betweenrealistic each round, do one round periodically and will or encourage you to stay on track. 2. Have a plan.
3. Lunge and Respond (to emails) Schedule your workouts
Lunge and meal planand just respond like you helps me when do other appointments. helps to chair out of the replying to emails. ItGet the go to the gym or workout at home way lunge forward your desk withand a written plan. If you’re atomember of a but
gym,the ask back the desk if one Get of their best trainers keep legstaff straight. as low as you can show you how to use the equipment properly.
can and hold while you respond to an email.
3. Prioritize. I hear the excuse that “I just don’t have the time or money to get healthier and more fit.”
Then, repeat on the other leg while you
respond to another email. Keeping thenot back leg straight healthcare will provide You can’t afford to! Out-of-pocket costs continue to rise. can either spend less money a stretch for your hip flexors which areYou commonly overly tight in on
a gym membership, a personal trainer, and healthier
people who sit a lot. Do this periodically throughout the day. foods now, or you can spend even more money down
24 // January 2017 24 // March 2016
Sitting on the edge of your seat, extend
4. Be accountable. The importance of having your leg out with your toes pointed to the someone to report to is priceless. Create a reward system together. For example, if you and lose 8try pounds by your toes. Try your ceiling to grab the end of the month, you get a spa treatment, or you best not to round your back. This stretch treat yourself to a sporting event. Using a tracking app will do great at relieving a tight lower or fitness device like MyFitnessPal or a FitBit canjob be an excellent motivator. and calves. Hold the stretch for 30-90 seconds back, hamstrings,
throughout the movement. Try three rounds of 10-15 reps with 30 throughout the day.
yourself to twist. Hold for five slow deep
a week of healthier eating.
anterior pelvic tilt.
Reduced stress, better sleep, I promise theseand desk-ercises release more energywill will be quicklya cocktail of achieved. awesome hormones that will make you happier at work and get Good habits on a consistent
your creativebasis juices flowing! As long as you’ve got clothes on that will help you achieve a healthier you can move andForaren’t afraidtips, to get a little sweaty, you mind and in body. more fitness findjust me on
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram@bodybyhannah. can also do pushups against the side of your desk, full squats, and
lunges periodically throughout the day to get moving and sneak in a workout. Hannah Davis ownsowns Body ByBody HannahBy personal Hannah Davis Hannah personal training studio training studio in downtown Cleveland, TN. Hannah in Cleveland, TN.board Hannah on the advisory board as the served on the advisory as the served fitness expert fitness expert Magazine for Cosmopolitan Magazine and has contributed to for Cosmopolitan and has contributed to publications and and booksbooks includingincluding Women’s Health publications Women’s Health Magazine, SELF, Magazine, SELF, Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and Yahoo Health, Fitness Magazine, and She the Rodale published book, the Rodale published book, Shape Up Shortcuts. is the author of the Operation Bikini Bodyauthor series youof the Operation Bikini Shape Up Shortcuts. She is the can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com. Body series, you can find via her website: BodyByHannah.com.
DATES: Saturday, January 14, 2017 LOCATION: Redemption Point Church • 1907 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404 TIMES: 8:00am - 5:00pm More Info and Registration is at www.fcpo.org
35
43
Gò0dNews for Teens A New Year Does Not Mean A New Beginning Let’s start something new today and see how our lives can be greatly transformed!
W
by Caleb Prytherch hen January 1 comes around, every person
Because we know that we can give our problems
is trying to figure out what kind of goals
over to Christ, knowing that He will take care of them,
or commitments to make for the upcoming
we do not have to wait for the new year to make a
year. Often times these goals may include a person
new commitment or to start fresh with something.
trying to lose weight, breaking a habit, starting a new
No matter what situation we have dealt with or are
one, and many more. It appears that individuals seem
currently dealing with, we can find peace in knowing
to think that they must change or do something new
that we can start fresh and new, right here, right now.
when the new year starts—almost as if there is not
God promises that He is always there for us, so why
another time when they can commit to something
don’t we just accept His unrelenting love for us? Let
new. Although I do understand the reasoning behind
us no longer be slaves to our sin, bound up in our past
starting something new at the beginning of a new year,
mistakes, but let us be changed and free, letting the
I believe we often lose sight of the fact that we can start
peace of God fill our hearts. Don’t wait for a new year
something new at any time of the year, any time of the
to get a new, fresh start, but rather, start today and let
day, or whenever it is needed.
God take over your situation and begin your new life—
In our lives, it is a proven fact that we all make
living and walking in the fullness of Jesus Christ.
mistakes and mess up at times. We may have done something that we feel like no one could ever forgive us for, let alone the fact that we find it hard to even forgive ourselves. We carry around this weight of heaviness for so long that it eats us alive, causing us to not be able to see or feel any bit of hope for our lives. When we carry around this weight, it is not healthy for us, but there is hope! In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your soul” (NLT). It is important that we take these words of Jesus and truly apply them to our lives. When we fail or mess up, we need to forgive others and ourselves and give our problems to Jesus. It is not healthy for us to carry our burdens alone, because we have a Savior who is willing to help us during our situations, and He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (see Deut. 31:6).
26 // January 2017
Caleb Prytherch is a graphic designer and he designs GoodNews Christian Magazine. He is currently working on completing his Bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Lee University. He is passionate about ministry and seeing others reach their full potential through Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews for Seniors Gò0dNews for Seniors
Strong “New Year’sSeventy ResolutionsYears of Ninety-Year-Olds”
AI
Staying involved with their church, their work in the community, by Esmerelda Lee and their family has kept this couple’s love strong!
new year has begun, and while many have
by Esmerelda Lee
health. She has few visitors, and understands that her
enjoy an inspiring old love stories. Favorites children like adhere to a strong work ethic. Mitchell attributes his are busy and have their own lives. When she written their new year’s resolution and made An Affair to Remember, Love is a Many Splendid sons’ successes to their mother. He did say that he is fortunate to have their company, she enjoys every their lists of goals, I wondered what seniors Thing, and others move me more than some and Betty believed in giving their children “some moment. Whenlickings,” I asked Ruby she is not lonely, she in our community have on their minds. This is what of the modern-day love stories on the Hallmark good thatwhy helped too. replied, “Girl,In I spent my where entire life people, I learned.Channel. There is something to be said about the a world so giving many to people focus on their puritylist andisinnocence of the courtship andI lovenow, it’s my own happiness life-altering decisions time for Jesus and and make me. I am never lonely; “My bucket empty. I have been everywhere depicted through old movies. I am also honored to based on these motives, I asked Betty and He is always with me. We have the best conversations Mitchell wanted to go. I am happy to stay put in my retirement see these love stories played out in real life through if they were happy throughout the sixty-nine years and sometimes, girl, He cracks me up!” Thirty minutes community surrounded by caring friends.” older adults. Couples that fell in love and stayed of marriage. “We always worked it out, and if we with Ruby was too short for my visit. I loved being with At ninety-four years of age, Jack, a retired in love through a world war, the Depression, life didn’t laugh at each other, we found someone or lovedto Ruby’s of contentment. businessman, travelled the world his petite challenges, raising and with burying lovedwife. ones areher. I especially something laughspirit about. You’ll have problems in “I ammarriage, just grateful be alive.” He remembers what a spitfire shelife. used to be. He couples that loved for buttowho doesn’t? You just have to talk it Betty Mitchell aremy a local Cleveland Lou fought out,” Mitch replied. through World War II and Korea. He chuckled, “That ole and gal gave me a Lyle run for money.” coupleof that in the first grade at When asked if they ever fought, loves to dance. This year he will turn Ione hundred When reminded his met having a bucket list, Jack Arnold Memorial School. For Mitchell it they looked puzzled. “Who doesn’t years old, and even though it’s difficult to dance with a remembers having a long list of goals. “It was long,” was love at first sight. Betty believes that fight? We are both so different, and walker, you can still see his shining black-tipped shoes he said. But he sat with me, he peered into theasgrinning first-grader grew onmy hereyes we like different things. When we gliding, as if his feet remember every of the and smirked, it was too long, ‘cuz for the over“Maybe, time. According to Mitchell, they fought, themovement one with the strongest two step. I asked my friend, “What is the secret also to long, life of me were I can’t“sweet” remember we sat onone.” eachAs other buttogether, did not case won.” Mitchell added, get serious until after Worldman. WarWhen II. he “We compromised, but Betty healthy living?” and Lou replied, “I just keep moving to made I looked over at this tall, distinguished Mitchell enlisted in the Navy in 1943 the most compromises. I am still the beat of the music.” talked about his beloved wife, I could tell by and stayed out to sea for most of that surprised that she chose me.”In This year, I have decided to learn from those the manner in which his face lit up that time. He remembers a year and half Betty’s much softer voice, she said, around me, to make lists and have dreams; to fight about, he remembered the way she made him going by before his feet even touched “If there is something however, I will be careful to forgive myself if I saving.” feel, but he could not remember his dry land. But each week when mail there is something worth delivered to his aircraft carrier, August 22, 2016, forget them. I will hold On on the moments I am Betty and bucket listwas or goals. Betty’s unrelenting letters and her faith Mitchell Lyle will celebrate blessed to have with the ones I love, however their “The best part of growing that henowould return home kept their love strong. fleeting seventieth wedding feel. anniversary. Today, these they sometimes older, is having expectations. When Mitchell and Betty were finally reunited lifelong Cleveland residents live at Garden Plaza at This year, I will expect less and give more. I expect nothing from people, after the war, they dated for eight short months Cleveland Senior Living. Their apartment has little I will continue and they don’t expect see me. before they to were married. After graduating college, awardsMost theyimportantly, won from serving in their vocations to have conversations with my And as forBetty my reward, I am too became a school teacher with Cleveland City and in their community, war-torn photographs Schools, and Mitchell of family members, and beside is a Heavenly Father,each and recliner rely old to have a colonoscopy, nor went to work for the railroad. Later he became one of the members of our City tattered and worn Bible. on His leading and even a mammogram or go visit a Council. They still laugh at each other and with each His comic relief. By gynecologist ever again.” When asked what was the secret to loving other. There are also days where the laughter and God’s grace, we will Ruby, will be ninetyeach other through sixty-nine years of marriage, the talking are silent. On those days, Fox News all continue seven nextthey week. She both stated, “Stay busy so you don’t get into anchors are the only voices heard to in keep the apartment. moving gracefully, lives in thetrouble!” Cleveland Betty and Mitchell were married at First Mitchell said it best, “What she forgets, I can Baptist Church in 1946, and were always involved in remember. When shedancing laughs,to I am the happy, music and even community and has their church, work, and family. They had two sons. though there were days she didn’t like me, she of life. been blessed with good Both Tony and David were strong boys, raised by always loved me.” a strong, no-nonsense working mother. Betty was Esmerelda loving, but she always made it clear that her sons EsmereldaLee Leeisiscampus campusmanager manager for Garden for Garden Plaza of an Plaza of Cleveland,Cleveland, an independent and assisted would love education like she did, and they would
28 // January 2017 2016 34 // March
independent facility living facilityand forassisted seniors.living She and her husband for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children. Andrew have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Gò0dNews for Everyone
The God Appointment “And I will come home on the appointed day.” —Proverbs 7:20 NKJV by Terrie Ruff
S
pencer and I hurriedly made our way to a drawn to her and knew I had to get the books to her. local pottery store where he would choose a Spencer selected his pottery, and as he painted I kept piece of pottery and paint it. It was a surprise a watchful eye on the cashier. Then she disappeared I had planned for him since being introduced to behind a curtain that led to the workroom. I wondered the “pottery” world in weeks prior. While there, I how God would intervene, and I began to question met a friendly cashier. I especially remember her my actions, afraid that I might offend her I; didn’t comment about gift books I had given my friends. even know her name. Then she reappeared and began That’s when she shared with me her love of books! sweeping and ended up at our table. As she recognized We talked about reading books “old-style” versus me, I thanked her for her kindness during my first it was nottrends an enemy reproaches could bear it. . . told . Buther it was you, my companion the newer“For technological andwho agreed that we me; Then visitI to the store and I remembered her love ofand my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together.” —Psalms 55:12-14 NKJV were both “old-school” books. Then I handed by Terrie Ruff savoring the experience her the gifts I was actually holding book, instructed to give. She t doesn’t matter if you were blind-sided or saw hit with grace and dignity. Out of trembling lips of highlighting key smiled and her eyes it coming in your direction, the hearted fire of an unconditional love, He asks His Father to forgive words/phrases andattack hurts. The words of the wounded seemed water as she inward them. What a beautiful Savior we to have! placing give a book marktointhe emotional hits that cause deep received gift. voice One day He’s coming back the and allThen of His place aspain, a reminder to she hugged me and inflicts blows that bind you and fire that children will be set free from the attack of the pick up burns whereyou. we left “Yoube have no Enemy, and in the end,said, we will victorious off. Our conversation what this means “It took my breath away, it was like someone because He will put to an idea end to friendly fires! Until ended, and I realized to me.” She left and punched me in the stomach, I can’t believe it; this then, we must look to Him for strength, courage, how at-home I feltI with came back and sat for He is unreal. don’t understand why, it hurts so bad. and hope as we face unthinkable challenges the friendly cashier. down at our table, and When will this ever end? I’m so tired; I am angry, is our example. While talked about God butdriving the outcome is in God’s hands. I pray for them, If you’ve been hit bywe friendly fire, consider I still love. I forgive.” These brave, honest words giving that hurt and pain to the Great home I thought of her. and life. She Extinguisher. thanked come from choked in the painful reality willobedient put out the painful fires in your life, heal What brought her tothroats the pottery store? Did she have a ofme forHe being to God’s impressions and survivors whoGod? are hit so constantly terribly byreminded friendly fire. you, andHe setwas younear. free from that Spencer heavy load. Before family? Did she know I was said she knew She gave a tour These blows and show respect ofwhen persons, and too often know it, thewe painful fog ofourselves your experience will of her love of books, I knew that I took of the you workroom and introduced and are a common, human experience. These blows are be lifted and the healing power of God’s sunshine Spencer to paint pottery, I would have gift books for exchanged contact information. incredibly painful because the one you love and shine brightly in your life. I know, because her! I didn’t even know her name, but God guided me I’llwill be going to the store Wednesday to pick up my trust and least expect has attacked as an eyespainted are filled with sunshine now!Stephanie’s Choose to love, to the specific books that would minister to you her on thisenemy Spencer’s pottery. As I prepare would. But cheer up, my brother and my sister. forgive, pray, and experience freedom phase of her journey, and I felt at home using my gift next surprise, I do so with confidence knowingand thatjoy I as Jesus understands the hit and sting of friendly fire. soar above fire andplanned allow the healing waters of encouragement for my unknown sister. will beyou fulfilling God’sthe divinely appointment. does because He, too, was hit of Jesus’ loveastoI prepare heal you.toOh He’s the “Great I pickedJesus Spencer upunderstand yesterday and we finally made My prayer is that go yes, home to live with by those He loved and trusted from careless sleep of Extinguisher” and He has the last word, and trust it to the much-awaited pottery store. Spencer was Him eternally, Stephanie will be there too! His companions He so desperately needed, to Judas me, He will put out the friendly fires of our lives ecstatic! As we made our way toward the entrance, I Does God have an appointment with you today? who offered a kiss of betrayal, to Peter’s curses of forever. Hallelujah! Amen! quickly tucked the gift books in my purse and began Don’t miss it! denial, to Golgotha, where those He came to save looking for the friendly cashier. And there she was, but crucified Him. Yet, He showed us how to accept the Terrie TerrieRuff Ruffisisoriginally originally from from South Carolina she didn’t look as happy as I remembered. Still I was but has been in Tennessee for approximately Carolina but has been in Tennessee for
Friendly Fire
I
30 // January 2017 40 // July 2016
23 years. She is23a Licensed Level Social approximately years. SheMaster is a Licensed Worker (LMSW). You can email her Master Level Social Worker (LMSW). You at Terrieruff@yahoo.com. can email her at Terrieruff@yahoo.com.
The best treatment option for people in need of aortic valve replacement is open-heart surgery, but for those at high risk, opening the heart is too dangerous. Now there is hope; it’s called TAVR or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. With TAVR, a pen-hole sized incision allows a new valve to be inserted through a catheter, providing a less invasive procedure that leads to faster recovery at home. CHI Memorial is the only hospital in the region to offer TAVR. Giving high risk patients hope for a longer life.
For more information, call (423) 495-4327 or visit memorial.org/TAVR. CHI Memorial Guerry Heart and Vascular Center 2525 de Sales Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404
www.memorial.org/TAVR | Follow us on twitter@InspireHealth | Watch us on YouTube/MemorialChattanooga
Gò0dNews for Couples
Maybe Bono Had It Wrong
Contrary to U2’s famous song, I think you will find exactly what you’re looking for.
T
by David Gray
he tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions is known in Psychology as confirmation bias. It is the type of selective thinking whereby one tends to notice and look for what confirms one's beliefs, while simultaneously ignoring or undervaluing the relevance of what contradicts one's beliefs. We like to imagine that our beliefs are rational, logical, and objective. But they are often based on paying attention only to the information that upholds our ideas, while ignoring the information that challenges them. We read about, hear, and see data and facts about any given topic but come to different conclusions because of our own preconceived ideas. We see this playing itself out all the time in various political, theological, and cultural arenas. The truth is that confirmation bias even manifests itself within the minutia of our everyday relationships. One of the biggest challenges in many marriages is that we are often looking through bad lenses. Much like a cheap pair of sunglasses causes us to see the whole world through a warped tint, the lenses we wear, the perceptions we have skew and distort truth. If your perception is that your mate is uncaring or selfish, then everything he or she says and does will be filtered through that lens. Suddenly your perceptions will be reinforced by what you see—the dirty socks left on the floor in the room you just cleaned becomes “She doesn’t care about me!” when filtered through your lens. Soon it seems that everything your spouse does confirms
32 // January 2017
your previously held beliefs. So even though your spouse took out the trash, cleaned your car, and mowed the lawn, it’s the dirty socks that stand out and confirm your beliefs. If you’re not careful, you can become fixated on this bad perception, and it can completely destroy your relationship. Maybe Jesus meant something like this when He said, "The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, you are full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness” (Luke 11:34 NKJV). The good news is your perspective can change. Instead of cheap sunglasses, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us corrective lenses. Jesus declared, “The Spirit of the Lord . . . has chosen me to bring . . . recovery of sight to the blind” (Luke 4:18 NRSV). We are often blinded to the truth. Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing to see the good. Most of the time, it’s right there in front of us; we just haven’t seen it. In 2017 I challenge you to a treasure hunt. I challenge you to try to catch your spouse doing something good every day. Make a note of it. Look for the times when he or she is helpful, caring, or selfsacrificing. I’m convinced that when you intentionally try to see the good in your mate, you will find it. And many times your relationship will almost improve instantaneously without your mate changing a thing, because now it is the negative things that have taken a back seat. Happy hunting!
David Gray was co-founder of "MarriageWorks of Cleveland." His passions include strengthening and encouraging healthy marriages and leadership development. David and Kendra have been married for 29 years. For more info go to graymatterstoday.com
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Gò0dNews for Life Celebrate the Sanctity of Life
“Only human beings were expressly created as God’s image bearers, and this absolute conviction must be upheld by a society or it risks moral decay.” —Mark Camper
S
by Delaney Walker
ince 1973, over 57 million American lives have been lost to abortion. Depending on your stance, this statistic could bring about any number of
Abortion will no longer be a viable option when the truth and value of unborn life is recognized and accepted. Over the last 44 years, abortion has not only taken
reactions: exasperation, frustration, horror, disgust,
the lives of more than 57 million unborn babies, it has
sorrow, indifference, or acceptance. At New Hope, the
affected millions of American lives. Abortion has been
number of lives lost saddens us as much as it pushes us
touted as a simple fix to a complex problem. In our haste
to reach out to those in need.
to hide our indiscretions, we did not notice its toxic
Once we move past the surface questions of how
impact on our personal beliefs, our families, and our
and why, the one question that continually resounds
nation’s morale code. We cannot take back the lives lost,
is simple and to the point: What would have made the
but we can lead a shift in our country’s mind-set.
difference in each one of those situations? The knee-jerk reaction is to point fingers at everyone
At New Hope, we empower those affected by unplanned pregnancy to make life-affirming decisions
involved in an abortion: the mother, the father,
by providing help, hope, and accurate information. We
unsupportive relatives, the church, the government, the
do this because we recognize the sanctity of human
clinics, and cultural pressures. However, none of those
life, which goes beyond the unborn baby at risk. Every
factors can support the weight of more than 57 million
boy, girl, man, and woman who walks through our
lives. Instead, we all bear the burden of this statistic; we
doors reflects the image of our Creator. This means they
all bear witness to the blight upon our nation.
are worthy of our love, our help, and our respect. The
Contrary to popular belief, the answer does not lie in finding a way to outlaw abortion—although, that
numbers seem insurmountable, but together we can make a difference.
is a byproduct of the real solution. As beings
Join us Saturday, January 15 at Living
made in the image of God, we need to
Word Church for our annual Celebration
remember the sanctity of human life. This belief must permeate into
of Life. The short program will begin promptly at 5 p.m. and end with a candle lighting and prayer.
every aspect of our world: personal, professional, and societal.
34 // January 2017
Delaney Walker is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. She is an avid fan of reading, exercising, and making silly faces at babies in the grocery store.
Gò0dNews from the Outdoors
A Moment to Remember
The moment I met them I knew I wanted to help them have a memory of a lifetime.
R
by Rusty Asble
ecently I was introduced to a
handling firearms and ammunition. On a
protection, and guidance as a decision
missionary family that was home
deer picture, I explained shot-placement
would soon be made to shoot or not.
on furlough from serving in a
and the importance of a clean and ethical
At 8:45 a.m. a shot rang out from
southeast Asian country. I was excited
shot. The Dad and son both took turns
their stand location. At 10 a.m. I showed
that our church could house them in
shooting my 22 caliber rifle with a scope
up to see what had taken place. A big
our mission home as they traveled the
that matched the 243 caliber rifle scope
smile beamed across the face of the son
country raising support for the years to
that his son would be using for the hunt.
from the stand. On the ground, with
come and sharing what Christ is doing.
This process allowed for much practice
great excitement, he shared his morning
The family was easy to talk to.
that assisted in the proper trigger-pull
story. We found the location of the shot
They were genuine; I like that about
technique and acquiring your target
and within 35 yards of following the
people. That drew me even closer
quickly within the scope. After an hour
blood trail, we found his first deer—a
to them. Also, knowing many times
of shooting, success was achieved with
beautiful God-ordained doe. Dad and son
pastor’s kids and Missionary kids do
multiple shots with a two-inch area on a
embraced. It was at that moment I knew
not get to experience opportunities due
consistent basis.
this was going to be a moment to remember.
to finances, lost connections, or just not
The Hunt.
having opportunities available to them. I was impressed to ask if He (Dad) and son or daughter would like to do a hunt for deer. It didn’t take long to get a resounding yes.
To the Range.
At 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, October
29, the 2016 Youth Hunt would soon be underway. While driving to the hunt property, I shared about the double-ladder stand location they would be hunting, the wind direction that was needed, what to
Taking a couple hours from the
expect, and the general firearm reminders.
office, I gathered my shooting range
I was able to get both Dad and son quietly
items and met the family. Driving to
in the stand about an hour before legal
Cleveland Hunting Rifle Pistol Club, we
shooting light.
talked about deer and the use of a firearm
As I went to another stand with my
for hunting. At the range, I took the time
daughter. I knew that this may be the
to explain safety, the dangers of a firearm,
morning for great success. Walking in the
and the necessity of responsibility while
darkness I said a prayer of thankfulness,
36 // January 2017
We all knelt down and prayed over the doe and thanked Christ for the ability, the opportunity, and conservation practices for such an animal. High fives and hugs followed. So let me ask you, what’s been your moment to remember? Have you made one? Can you make one? Take the first step and see what Christ can do. It will be for a lifetime. Reverend Rusty Asble Taking Faith To The Field Rusty Asble is the associate pastor of recreation administration at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, TN. He and his wife Stacy have three children: Ridge, Garrett, and Susie. They reside in Cleveland.
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able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
To Auto-Owners Insurance and your local independent agent, being trustworthy means that we will be there when you need us most - just like we have been for 100 years.
REED GOSSINSURANCE INSURANCEAGENCY AGENCY
DEWITT PIKE • 517-345-4567 4706 HIXSON • HIXSON, TN 37343 www.reedia.net 423.875.2500 • gossinsurance.com
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