July 2016 by Good News Chattanooga

July 2016

Complimentary

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Chattanooga

• Interpreting Your Life

p. 6

• Are You “Worth Your Salt”? p. 12 • Trusting the Potter’s Wheel p. 38

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Writers

Alice Marie Abbott Andrew Lee Andrew Shaffer Beth Houle Danielle Jennings Darlene Lofty Delaney Walker Destiny Hope Shreve Emily Dawe Jennifer Govea John Garrod John Mannone Karen Brummer Mike Shreve Samuel Burger Wanda Griffith

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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Business Index Abra Autobody & Glass……….......…15

Honda of Chattanooga………...………2

Belvoir Christian Academy.................13

Maxim………………………....……….31

GoodNews Christian Magazine Chattanooga

Bryan College....................................39

New Life Bible School………......……35

Calvary Christian School...................17

Ooltewah United Methodist................11

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Camp Jordan..................................3,25

Pathway Press………………...………33

Chattanooga Funeral Home…...........31

Personalized Health Care for Women.7

Cici’s Pizza.…………………….....…..29

Springdale Heating & Air……….....…..7

Covenant Funeral & Crematory......…29

Standifer SDA Church........................25

GoodGuys Moving & Delivery…....…33

Stateline Car Care…………….………29

Goss Insurance………………....…….40

Superfly..............................................15

Hallmark Insurance…………....……….9

Volunteers In Medicine......................13

Hixson Transmission……….....……….7

White's Cycle and Marine…...……….37

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Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Phone: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

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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.

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About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk Interpreting Your Life by Samuel Burger GoodNews for Kids Summer Olympic Craft for Kids by Danielle Jennings GoodNews on Money Matters Pride and Prejudice by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men Are You “Worth Your Salt”? by Mike Shreve GoodNews for Women The Dance by Beth Houle GoodNews for your Taste Buds Green Salad by John Mannone GoodNews for Parents When Kids Blow It by John Garrod GoodNews for Health & Fitness Blame Summer by Andrew Shaffer GoodNews for Teens A Declaration of Independence for Teens by Destiny Hope Shreve GoodNews for Seniors It’s All about Loss - Part 1 by Karen Brummer GoodNews for Daily Living The Christian Virtue of Truthfulness by Alice Marie Abbott GoodNews for Couples The 80:20 Relationship Rule by Jennifer Govea GoodNews for Life The H.E.A.R.T. Support Group by Delaney Walker GoodNews for Grandparents A Change of Plans by Darlene Lofty Letter From the Editor Trusting the Potter’s Wheel by Wanda Griffith

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

Pg 20-21

Pg 18-19

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Interpreting Your Life

Be intentional about feeding your mind with the Word of God.

by Samuel Burger

deliver God’s word every week, and it’s important for me to interpret the Word of God through the proper context. From an objective standpoint, there has to be one interpretation God wants to deliver through a particular passage of scripture. It’s my responsibility every week to rely upon the Holy Spirit to rightly divide the word of truth. If I have the wrong interpretation, then my attitude and application to life will be skewed. However, the Bible isn’t the only book that needs proper interpretation. Our life needs proper interpretation. Your interpretation of life will either give you hope or despair. Everything that happens to us needs to be viewed in light of what God says. Remember, it’s not what happens to us that affects us; it’s how we interpret what happens to us. Are you ready for a life change? Interpret your failures, mistakes, and sins through the eternal plan of God. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Philippians 1:6 says, “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” God has a plan and a purpose for your life, but your interpretation of your life must agree with these verses. We have all failed, but we must look at our shortcomings through the interpretation of redemption. We don’t look through this lens to continue in sin but to instill in ourselves hope, so even in our mess, we can rely upon a perfect God. This lens gives us the confidence we need and makes us God-conscious

6 // July 2016

and not sin-conscious. The more you focus on your shortcomings the more you will come short. But if you focus on what God says, your life will align with His will! Your interpretation is a result of your focus. There will always be a daily battle to counter faulty interpretations. Paul gives this admonishment in Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed [and progressively changed as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]”(KJV). Your mind needs to be reminded daily of God’s Word because according to Scripture, your mind is being saved. Your mind isn’t full of heaven, so you need to be intentional about feeding your mind with the Word of God. Always remember hopeless situations only need a different interpretation based on God’s Word.

Samuel Burger is Pastor of C h e s t u e e Wor ship C e nte r . Athens Rd Calhoun, TN 37309

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Summer Olympic Craft for Kids

by Danielle Jennings

elieve it or not, kids think the Olympics are really cool. In fact, for most children, watching the Olympics can spark a desire for what they want to be when they grow up. Each Olympic athlete knows just how important it is to strive for the gold medal. In fact, Olympians go into each activity in the Olympics vying for the most prized gold medal. Each Olympic year, the medals are intricately designed. Below are the directions to make a child’s very own gold medals at home and decorating them as the child wishes!

What you will need:

• Wide mouth Mason jar lids (just the flat lids, not the rims) • Gold and or silver spray paint • Hole punch (a regular hole punch will punch through the lid) • Ribbon cut to 30-inch length • Stapler • Black Sharpie

8 // July 2016

What to do:

• First, lay out the flat Mason jar lids so that they will not stick together. • Spray paint the top layer of the lids until you get a shiny gold finish. • Allow those to dry over night. • Next, hole punch the lids right below where the lid dips in. • Put one end of the ribbon through the hole on the lid and staple the ends of the ribbon together. • Finally, have the kids draw or write what they want to decorate their medal with! (Stickers could work too).

Danielle Jennings is the director of children’s ministry at Ooltewah United Methodist. She is a graduate of Lee University and is currently working on her master’s degree. Her passion is working with children and helping them succeed.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

Pride and Prejudice

Our attitudes toward money (or the lack of money) often define us in ways we may not realize.

by Andrew Lee

y title for this month’s column recalls the British novel by Jane Austen. Money and socioeconomic class played a major role in that novel with characters fretting about not having enough money to impress their neighbors and looking down on those whom they view as their socioeconomic inferiors. In other words, not much has changed in the past two centuries from Georgian-era England to modern American society. I recently read Robert Kiyosaki’s book from the 1990s titled Rich Dad, Poor Dad, describing how the author learned about money from two dads during his childhood. His poor dad was his biological father who raised him, and his rich dad was actually his best friend’s father, a small business owner and landlord. I was surprised to notice that the poor dad in the book was a tenured college professor like me, but after reading the book I realized I had more in common with the rich dad regarding money and wealth-building. One of the statements I agree with in Kiyosaki’s book is that one should build assets before taking on more liabilities, ideally use the surplus from the assets to pay for the liabilities. For instance, if someone really wants to buy a new car (which decreases in value from the moment it is bought), one should use the profits from investment assets (like the dividends from stocks or the rent from properties owned) to purchase the liability instead of making weekly or monthly payments. The reason most people do this refers back to my title for this column. Our pride demands that we have what we want now and not delay our gratification; likewise, our prejudice is our belief that we can’t save and pay cash for a car because

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“We’ll always have a car payment.” My thirteen-year-old son Samuel recently participated in a Stock Market Challenge game with his eighth-grade business class. He was given only sixteen days to earn the highest return from picking stocks on line. It would be fun to watch him track the market’s ups and downs, but I was anxious because the pressure was on. If he didn’t win the game, how would we ever live down the shame and biting irony of the defeat? I reminded Samuel that if this were real money, he should research stocks of quality companies and then be patient for at least a decade as the value of the stocks rose slowly over time, including reinvestment of dividends. But this wasn’t real money, and he didn’t have ten years; he had only sixteen days. That meant we had to do what wise investing would dictate—we had to gamble! We Googled to find out which small, company stocks had the most volatile price swings. He then bought those penny stocks, which sold for only a couple of dollars per share. If we were lucky, the prices might surge upward within a day or a week, where he might earn fifty percent return and cash out for the remainder of the contest. As is often the case with gambling, we guessed wrong, and he ended with a lower balance than when he began. The scary thing is that we know some real-life day traders who gamble on penny stocks every day with real money, and they always lose much more than they win. Pride and prejudice is alive and well today¾not merely a relic of the past. 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

Are You “Worth Your Salt”?

Real men crave challenges that push them to the limit. Their goals demand extreme self-discipline, and their objectives transcend the ordinary. In every arena of life, those fulfilling these criteria often become our heroes, leaders, and role models.

by Mike Shreve

hen Jesus challenged His followers to be “the salt of the earth,” He was setting the bar high for twelve men responding to His call (see Matt. 5:13). They could have been satisfied fishing or collecting taxes the rest of their lives, but their hearts cried out for more. They became the spiritual revolutionaries of their day who overthrew the tyranny of lifeless religious tradition and were used of God to launch a New Covenant that has since gone global. Now in this hour of social, political, and religious turmoil, God is again searching for extraordinary individuals who will go radical with their Christianity by becoming “salt.” To comprehend this, we need to explore the unique attributes of this substance: Salt is an agent of change—It alters the condition or taste of whatever it contacts. So true disciples always bring positive change to this world. Salt is a symbol of grace— Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (NKJV).” Believers speaking grace-filled words transform others. Salt is an antiseptic with germ-killing properties—It halts the progress of infections. Those

12 // July 2016

who fulfill this calling help stop the progress of the contagious disease of sin. Salt is a cleansing agent—When subjected to electrolysis, it breaks into two parts—sodium (used for soap), and chloride (used for whitening or purifying). So those who are “broken” before the Lord become His spiritual cleansing agents (see Matthew 21:44). Through them, others are compelled to repent, and stained hearts are cleansed and purified. Salt is a food preservative—So “salty” believers are used of God to preserve biblical truth in a society that often has a rottening effect. Jesus explained that true disciples “bear a cross” and “forsake all.” Then He added: “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” (Luke 14:27; 33-34 NKJV) So the ‘flavor’ of a real Christian is total consecration. President Teddy Roosevelt once offered: “No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.” This phrase, “worth his salt,” is a cliché tracing back to the practice of Roman soldiers sometimes being paid with salt instead of money. Back then, if you were a loyal, fierce fighter on the battlefield, you were worth your salt. Altering this quote slightly, let it be said: “No Christian man [or woman] is worth his salt (the application of grace to his life) unless he courageously sacrifices himself for the supreme cause of the establishment of God’s kingdom.” For the sake of our nation and our loved ones, let’s accept this challenge today!

Mike Shreve has been teaching God’s Word since 1971. He has authored fourteen books, including a series on the names and titles of God called “Our Glorious Inheritance.” In July, a new book on this subject will be released titled “WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in Christ.” He and his wife, Elizabeth, pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Women

The Dance

A successful lifetime of love requires that couples risk vulnerability and personal response.

by Beth Houle

his weekend I was watching the old Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast” with my kids. As you may remember, Belle volunteers to be imprisoned by the Beast to take the place of her father. As time passes, there are scenes of Belle and Beast arguing, being miserable, tempers flaring, and truly a sense of being stuck or imprisoned. Belle eventually tries to escape and is nearly killed in the woods, only for Beast to come to her rescue. She then doctors his injuries, and a bond forms between them and a sense of safety created. Their relationship climaxes as they share moments of snowball fights, reading together, and finally dancing together in the ballroom while the music plays softly and tenderly in the background. OK, so let’s ignore the parts where a woman is forced to be in a relationship with a man and ultimately changes him from a scary angry beast to a gentle, loving man for a moment—(that is a post for another day). As I watched the movie, I thought about the dance of our relationships. Many romantic relationships start out beautiful, idealistic, and full of hopes and dreams as the two in the relationship dance across the ballroom floor in what appears to be perfect sync with one another. Time passes and it is as if someone changed the music. They begin stepping on each other’s toes, moving in different directions, and feeling

14 // July 2016

imprisoned by the relationship that they once thought was a fairy tale. What happened? How did this couple begin to misstep? Who changed the music? The truth is that no one changed the music. The music has been the same all along. There is just more noise in the room as time passes for the couple¾the noise of financial struggle, children, infertility, illness, work hassles, or job loss. It gets hard to hear one another or the music in the noisy room so we begin to misstep. It’s too hard to hear . . . too distracting. So they begin to stumble, move apart, and at times even give up or look for another partner to dance with. There is generally one question that sums up all the other questions between a couple. The magical question is this: “Are you there for me? If I need you, will you respond?” In this magical dance of a couple, a successful lifetime of love requires vulnerability and personal response. If there were an invisible rope between you and one partner pulled on the rope, would the other partner feel it? Or is there too much slack in the rope, would they notice the movement. Freud said, “We are never as vulnerable as when we are in love.” This vulnerability and response takes work. It takes trial and error, and it takes patience. Sometimes, it takes help from a professional, but it is worth it. Imagine being able to move again in sync with one another, to anticipate each other’s moves even though the room is noisy and you can barely hear the music playing. The lyrics to “Beauty and the Beast” are still under copy right and cannot be printed without special permission and cost; however, you can go to You Tube, sing along with the tune, step to the rhythm, and find that you can dance!

Beth Houle, MS MFTI is a marriage and family therapist intern in Cleveland, TN. She focuses her work in treating couples, families, and individuals with relational issues or difficulties through her private practice, Healing Bonds (423-716-6039).

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Green Salad It’s Just a Salad

by John C. Mannone

ettuce. Empty a spring mix into a salad bowl, a great variety in every shade with every texture

from soft baby greens to parsleys and curly kales of forest green; arugula and radicchio red with the crunch of romaine and crispy icebergs. Blend of peppery plants like mustard leaf and mesclun with hyssop petals will enhance the salad flavors. Toss the ingredients together. But first, before their baptism, extra virgin (the purest) olive oil and red wine vinegar to wash. There should be no sprinkling of granulated garlic. Use only fresh cloves, cleaved and pressed into oil and infused with a gift of herbs: some sweet, others bitter, savory, picante; some floral, pungent, earthy. These are the salt of the earth, but add the salt of the sea, too. Crush them between your fingers, merging together the fennel seeds and thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, with a bit of basil and flakes of parsley and red pepper. Add coarse black pepper, too. No tears, just life’s spices. The oil alone cannot coax the joy out of the herbs; some acid is always needed. Vinegar and oil can mix when shaken together. Now spread the shaken liquid and herbs over the greens. Toss thoroughly, yet with gentleness of wooden spoons, (not the shiny metal ones.) Mix until every piece of lettuce is anointed with this oil and vinegar—a gladness to the palate. They are now ready to serve. This food poem is a metaphor for the church. Originally published in the Tupelo Press 30/30 Project, it was shared at a picnic in Athens Regional Park where nearly seventy picnickers attended (ten churches and their pastors). This is the way the body of Christ should be gathered together—desegregated—loving each other and serving Him. The great Irish metaphysical poet, John Donne, said “No man is an island.” We need

16 // July 2016

each other. And Saint Paul was not just talking about church services when he commanded we should “not forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another; and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (see Heb 10:25). Remember, there is one faith, one body, one baptism, one Lord above all (see Eph 4:5 ). Let’s enjoy each other and the salad! Green Salad 5 oz. spring mix or any variety of leafy greens 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled (use quality herbs such as Penzeys Spices) 1 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed between fingers 1 tsp. parsley flakes ½ tsp. (each) thyme, marjoram, rosemary ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional) 3 oz. extra virgin olive oil (Colavita) 1 oz. Champagne Wine Vinegar (Colavita)Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Prepare the vinaigrette in advance (few hours to overnight). In the bottom of a one half cup spice bottle, place all the herbs (except salt and black pepper) and garlic pressed with a garlic press (keep what remains in the strainer, too). Follow with olive oil and then the vinegar. Screw down the lid and shake well. Let sit at room temperature or in a cool place (few hours or overnight). When ready, empty salad greens into a large bowl, grind the sea s a l t a n d c o a r s e black pepper, pour dressing as desired, and toss well. Serves 5.

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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

18 // July 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 New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 423.697.7000 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 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

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 9503 Four Corners Place Collegedale, TN 37363 Hamilton County Church 7997 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421

Wesleyan Faith Community Wesleyan 7725 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421

issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 19

FEATURED COVER STORY

Calvary Christian School www.ccseagles.org

“A

by Emily Dawe

nd thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy

in institutions of higher education. CCS of Brainerd also has

children, and shalt talk of them when thou

limited class sizes which enables the teachers to develop a close

sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest

and genuine relationship with each of their students. The teacher

by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

to student ratio ranges from 1:10 to 1:20. Faculty members are

Deuteronomy 6:7

seasoned Christian teachers (having taught for an average of

Calvary Christian School is dedicated to training young

twenty years) and each professes a clear testimony of salvation

people for Christian leadership through intense, specific classes

by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Another

and teaching models. Calvary Christian School, founded in

characteristic that sets Calvary apart from other schools is their

1976, has been a ministry of Calvary Independent Baptist

Christ-centered curriculum from Bob Jones University Press

Church of Brainerd in Chattanooga for forty years. Although

and other Christian publishers. The Holy Bible, God’s Word,

this school is small it is neither weak, nor timid. Their goal is

is Calvary Schools’ philosophical foundation used for student

to help students conform to the image of Christ, provide the

guidelines regarding discipline, morals, and appearance. Each

best academic training infused with a Christian worldview

grade level includes a daily Bible class and attendance to a weekly

and, achieve mastery in the tools of learning, communication,

chapel service. At Calvary, many extracurricular opportunities

and service. Over time, this will prepare children spiritually by

are available for every student. Organized sports teams, academic

instilling in them a personal responsibility to their creator, and

and fine arts competitions, accompanied by enjoyable class

equip adolescents to live successfully in a democratic republic as

projects, field trips, and seasonal programs all provide situations

pro-active, patriotic citizens.

in which students’ Christian character can be grown within real

Calvary Christian School attains these goals through five specific characteristics. The school prides itself in academic advancement with 100% of their 2016 graduates already enrolled

20 // July 2016

life situations. The program at Calvary Christian School is split into three categories: Kindergarten, Elementary, and Jr. High-High School.

Kindergarten is the foundation for every child’s schooling experience. It is the cornerstone of what they will be learning and participating in for the rest of their schooling career. The elementary years is when each student develops their key academic skills such as reading, math, language arts, and thinking skills. It is in Jr. High and High school that the students begin to cultivate their study skills alongside their relational skills. These years prepare them for college, career, and adulthood. These three stages allow parents and teachers to work cooperatively to aid the students to focus on their various strengths and weakness as they move through each stage of life and learning. Calvary Christian School is very different, even from other

Overall, Calvary Christian School’s exists to glorify God, our Creator and Savior. They quote Matthew 28:20 saying that they are “teaching them [students] to observe all things whatsoever I

private schools. While other schools put heavy importance

(Jesus) have commanded you.” Scripture calls parents to educate

on topics that have little to no value according to a biblical

their children according to the principles and commands of

perspective, CCS focuses on a careful biblical evaluation of

God’s word (Deuteronomy 6:7). While some people interpret

each academic subject in relation to current trends. While it is

this to mean homeschooling, many people choose to enroll

comfortable to follow the culture, it is not always the correct

their children in private schools such as Calvary. Parents choose

choice. Many well-meaning parents may think that following

schools based on their beliefs, values, curriculum, and priorities.

the culture is good, however a few soon discern that those

They want a school that will teach their children values that are in

cultural standards are not those which bring glory to God.

line with their own. Calvary Christian is here to assist Christian

Much of culture today is centered on self, leisure, sensuality, and

parents in fulfilling their God-given responsibilities through

materialism. Calvary Christian School centers its educational

integrating biblical truth into universal truth, and serve as a

training on Christian service, self-denial, spirituality and sacrifice.

proving ground to build Christian character into each student

They teach that putting others first, accepting less now, and

so they learn to operate from a Christian world-view. As the

making sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom of God has eternal

days go by, each student will begin to understand the fall of man,

rewards that far outweigh any temporal success.

original sin, and its effects on the world in which we live. With this understanding, Christian students will know God’s peace in a chaotic world, spiritually discern the human dilemma, and find their role in the Creator’s plan for the salvation of mankind. Finally, Calvary Christian School is not for everyone, but it may be right for your family. This school is for serious-minded Christian parents who are actively training their children to face a world system hostile to Biblical Christianity. Calvary does not consider itself a reform school, nor does the leadership intend for the school to take the place of absentee parents. Instead, they seek

The priorities at Calvary school are God’s glory, God’s word,

to assist hands-on parents who are training their children, to be

God’s people, and God’s purpose for His followers to take His

warriors, not isolationists; to be lights in an ever darkening world;

gospel to a spiritually needy world. They believe that instruction

and to be leaders in their families, their businesses, their country,

in a calm, disciplined environment is essential and that

and around the world.

orderliness precedes instruction for effective learning. Training

Call or email for an appointment to find out if you and your

at Calvary includes social skills, thinking skills, self-care skills,

child qualify for this unique Christian education experience.

spiritual skills, leading toward willful submission to Christ. These

423-622-2181 or calvary4601@epbfi.com

priorities have helped equip their students be successful in a rich diversity of careers and ministries after leaving Calvary Christian School. A large percentage of their alumni have gone on to college after graduating. CCS alumni serve in such roles as police officers, pastors, teachers, missionaries on a foreign field, soldiers, firefighters, plumbers, electricians, entrepreneurs, mothers and fathers, and sundry other forms of volunteer service and ministry.

issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 21

Gò0dNews for Parents

When Kids Blow It

The old saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” That may be true, but sometimes, you’d swear it rolled way, way downhill.

by John Garrod

hose occasions arise where we get that call. On the other end is a school administrator, and they’re not calling to tell you what a stellar child you have. No, not this time. Maybe Johnny got in a fight, or little Jill turned in a bad report card signed as “Jill’s Mommy.” (Don’t laugh, we’ve had all kinds of things happen with six kids!) At any rate, it’s not going to be a proud parent moment when you have to go pick them up. My gut reaction then is what I call the “4R Approach.” It’s not pretty, but it’s what comes to me naturally. First, there’s Rant and Rave. “How could you do this? Do you know how embarrassing this is? What were you thinking?” Then there’s Restrict. “You’re grounded-forever! No phone! No TV! No going over to your friend’s house!” And in severe cases, there’s what I’ll call Readjust. I’ll just say it involves application of pressure to the “seat” of the problem. But I need to add another R to my process— Rebuild. It’s important to the spiritual growth of our children that they know that there is hope beyond the fall. As I walked with one of my children after an episode of bad judgment, I asked him who Moses was. “He led the nation of Israel out of captivity,” he answered. I asked him about David. Predictably, he cited the victory over Goliath, and his reign as King. The apostle Paul? He wrote most of the New Testament and spread the gospel. All true, of course. But then there’s the rest of the story. I pointed out that Moses was a murderer, hiding in exile, before God called him to lead Israel. David, a man after God’s own

22 // July 2016

heart, had an affair with a married woman and arranged the murder of her husband. Paul held the coats of men who stoned Stephen to death for preaching the Gospel. They all had their own dark days, too. But then God . . . God’s not done with us just because we blow it. We’re all prone to sin, but He is the Restorer. I’m quick to remember when ministering to adults that sometimes I forget that my most vital mission field is in my living room. “We have all sinned, and fallen short of the Glory of God” (Rom. 3:23 NIV). “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus,” we’re promised in Romans 6:23 (NIV). Our children must know that promise, that there is restoration in that a Way extends itself to our feet even before we stumble. Discipline without that hope leaves them with nothing but despair, and that is not the plan of Christ. Love them through and beyond the sin; it’s what was done for us, too.

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.

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

Blame Summer

Finding creative ways to keep a healthy schedule

by Andrew Shaffer

t started when the weather began warming up and cookout weather began. I knew it was coming. School ended and things really got out of hand with no real schedule other than whatever was on tap for the day. Obviously, vacation got special treatment because calories don’t count, and who wants to work out at the beach? It’s really hot, so floating in the lake counts as exercise . . . right? Throw a mission trip/camp or two where food is food in any form, even if only mildly edible. And here we are barreling into August, eating terribly, with zero workout schedule, and even less motivation. Plus, it’s hot! Did I mention that? We may have taken some half-hearted preventative measures—like saying we would do better this summer, or looking up the healthy burger recipes in magazines or web sites. But then we ate entirely too much of those healthy recipes and washed them down with too much of our favorite lighter beverages. Now, we tell ourselves we’ll start over when the kids start back to school. No way! We’ll be tired then. With early mornings for school, late nights for homework, and it’s still way too hot. So what to do? We could lie around in the air conditioning and lament our current state, but then we’d be no better off than we are (aside from a bit cooler).

24 // July 2016

First, we plan! We plan our food. We say, “I’ll have only one burger,” and stick to it. We plan not to get the towering fried-onion monster, because it’s gross. We plan to eat fruit, to drink water first, and in copious amounts, which by itself will be surprisingly effective. We plan to get up! We plan, we schedule, and we stick to the plan—no ifs, ands, or buts. We conquer the nefarious plans summer has set in motion to transform us into slovenly layabouts. We consider the time and trips ahead of us and work in nonnegotiable active time. We use church as the reset point for each week (for real, and it works). We include a daily run or walk at the beach. It’s super great for us. We take the kids hiking (it’s educational and they get worn-out too). We unearth downtime and hit the gym, playground, and indiscriminate green space. We refuse to make excuses because we need this. Sure, it’s hot—get out and enjoy it, or get out early or late enough to avoid the heat. Either way, sweat! It’s good for you. We’ve developed a plan and we’re in the mindset. Now we recruit help! We find others who can motivate and inspire us and vice versa. We develop a schedule together. We promise the kids we’ll do something because they will never forget. We find those people who will shame us until we are properly motivated, and we get to it together. Blame summer because it’s hot. Blame summer because there’s no school. Blame summer because everyone vacates town and there’s no one to hang out with. Then show summer who’s boss.

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.

Standifer Gap Seventh-day Adventist School Grades Pre-K to 8

Large enough for excellence Small enough to care

Mission Statement

“All the children shall be taught of the Lord.”

—Isaiah 54:13

To nurture within each student a personal relationship with Jesus that enhances their academic, social, physical and spiritual maturity.

8255 Standifer Gap Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 standifergapsda@gmail.com Phone: 423-892-6013 sgsdaschool.org Principal, Sheryl Stull

SPORTS TEAM SIGN UPS • FOOTBALL • FALL REC SOCCER • FALL BASEBALL • CHEERLEADING • SOFTBALL BASEBALL • DANCE TEAM

East Ridge Community Center

Call: 4 2 3 . 2 6 0 . 9 1 9 0

Gò0dNews for Teens A Declaration of Independence for Teens

Making wise decisions based on what is pleasing to God means taking ownership of your actions.

by Destiny Hope Shreve

round this time of year, we see combinations of red, white, and blue displayed throughout our nation. It’s a way of showing love for our country and appreciating the freedom that we gained. This 4th of July, we will celebrate the day that was declared our independence 240 years ago. The Declaration of Independence was the amazing document that announced the birth of the United States as an independent nation. As I thought about this recently, it came to me that we, as young adults, should make our own Declaration of Independence, especially in the following three areas. Independence from Past Mistakes As teenagers, unfortunately, we make many mistakes. However, it is part of the process that matures us into adults who can tackle responsibilities. Some people hold on to their past mistakes for too long, and end up being robbed of “life, liberty, and happiness.” There comes a time when you must accept that those things happened, and are a part of your story. But they are only a chapter of your life, not the whole book. Those experiences helped form you into the person you are today. Be grateful for the lessons you have learned, but don’t dwell on the hurt or the guilt. Declare that your past mistakes do not define you; they merely tell a chapter of your story. Independence from Peer Pressure Especially during high school, peer pressure is around every corner. Let’s face it, we are all striving to fit in and we all want the approval of others. Even

26 // July 2016

if certain things are detrimental, sometimes we do them just to be accepted. Being an individual means making decisions based on what is best for you, and what is pleasing to God. It means taking ownership and responsibility for what you think and what you do. Peer pressure can cause us to lose sight of our own individuality. It can force us to break down our former boundaries and go down a path of selfdestruction. A quote my mother often says is, “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you there longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” Declare that you will have the courage and strength to overcome peer pressure and refuse to allow other people to write your story. Independence from Procrastination As young adults, our future is before us, full of all kinds of opportunities and potential. The pages of our stories are waiting to be written, but too often we suffer writer’s block. It’s called procrastination (putting off until tomorrow what we should really do today). The solution starts with a decision to seize the day. My dad often says the word time can be an acronym: Today Is My Entrance. That means the way you and I live today is a gateway into tomorrow. So declare to make every day count so that your story will be a best-seller.

Destiny Hope Shreve is the daughter of Mike and Elizabeth Shreve, pastors of The Sanctuary. She will be a junior at Cleveland High School. She enjoys working in the children’s ministry and writing.

FACULTY OVERVIEW

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Note: All prices are per person. Discounted pricing available for full-time students, faculty and active military. Visit willowcreek.com/summit or call 800-570-9812 for more information

BISHOP T.D. JAKES

SCHEDULE Thursday, August 11 8:30 am – 4:30 pm CDT

Friday, August 12 8:30 am – 4:30 pm CDT

Please note full schedule will be released in July. Exact start/end times subject to change. Please check website for broadcast info for other time zones.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

It’s All about Loss - Part 1

Thoughtful ways to help create meaningful and memorable experiences for residents.

by Karen Brummer

ne of my residents recently expressed the following statement about seniors, and it really struck me hard. “They have lost so much: their home, their youth, their self determination, and they are pretty much stuck with enduring pain, loneliness, and a sense of powerlessness.” I know this feeling to be true both from conversations with Resident friends and with my own parents. Do you know a senior experiencing some of these feelings? What can we (each of us) do to help? In the case of Senior Living Communities such as ours, we provide an alternate home. No, it isn’t perhaps as large and grand as the freestanding home a resident has moved from, but an apartment home—a nest, a place to call home, if you will. In our case, residents have a private apartment they furnish with their own furniture and belongings . . . a mini-home, a taste of home. For some seniors, health has necessitated a movein with an adult child or in more acute cases, a nursing home. They will likely have had less opportunity to live among their own belongings. Either way, a loss is experienced. Even though as discussed last month, home is more about the feeling of home than the physical property or not

28 // July 2016

being able to keep an abundance of familiar or sentimental items will be experienced as loss. Since at its core, home is about the feeling of home, the experiences within that home, so let’s help seniors create new good memories within their new homes. How can we do that? For those living independent of family, visits are one easy answer that carry great weight. Life is busy for all of us, but for a senior who may be in poor health, the days can be long. Frequent visits are cherished. It’s the people in our homes who create the home. Bring some of your homemade food to share a meal with them (don’t just drop it off). This can be especially heartwarming for the residents of a nursing home if they are physically able to eat regular food. For those in an apartment home or who are living with family, cook a favorite meal from your shared past together! It’s the shared experiences that are remembered with fondness. Most seniors have boxes or albums of photos, but they may rarely find anyone with an interest in reliving the past. This can be one of the most heartwarming activities of all. Get those boxes or albums out and sit for a couple of hours looking at those old photos, reminiscing about the great times you have shared and focusing on the happiness you’ve experienced rather than the loss. This may be especially important to one living in a nursing home who has room for few personal belongings. Residents will be enriched by the time you’ve shared in their new home. To be continued next month.

Karen Brummer is the community relations liaison at The Terrace at Mountain Creek, where she can show her passion for seniors. She not only educates the public on the many aspects of senior living, but she also has a rich history of face-to-face contact with prospects, residents, and their families. This experience, combined with her real-life role of daughter to parents in their 80s, gives her firsthand understanding of seniors and the challenges they face.

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Gò0dNews for Daily Living

The Christian Virtue of Truthfulness

“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.” —Ephesians 4:15-16 NASB

by Marie Abbott

would like to ask you a very important question. How important is it to you for someone to be honest and truthful to you? Of course you would say, “It is very important.” However, it is more important to God that we are not only honest and truthful with each other and ourselves, but with Him as well. Gods takes dishonesty, deceitfulness, and lying very seriously. Let’s go to the Word of God and find out just how serious telling the truth really is in the eyes of God. 1. Lying is forbidden by God. Leviticus 19:11 says, “ . . . do not lie” (NIV). Psalm 34:13 says “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies” (NIV). In Exodus 20:16, we are told not to “bear false witness” (KJV). In other words, don’t tell lies on other people. Furthermore, don’t listen to lies that someone may tell you on someone else as this is an unacceptable behavior of a Christian. 2. Lying is detestable to God. Proverbs 6:16-17 gives a list of things that God hates, and one of those is lying. Proverbs 12:22 tells us that “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful” (NIV). Men in this verse, covers all-men, women, and children. Parents, if you want your children to tell the truth, you must set the example. Children most often will follow what they see their parents doing instead of what their parents tell them to do. If you do not want your children to lie to you, don’t lie to them or let them hear you lying to someone else.

30 // July 2016

3. Lying is a sin struggle from birth. Psalms 58:3; 51:15 remind us it is part of that sin nature with which we are born. Children do not have to be taught how to lie; just the opposite is true. They have to be taught how to tell the truth. This is why it is so important that Godly virtues are modeled by example and not just talked about. 4. Telling the complete truth is the only choice for the believer. Ephesians 4:25 teaches that we have an obligation to one another as a body of believers to be completely honest with one another. If we are truthful, it will not be so great of a struggle to be as equally honest with unbelievers. We are to be examples of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. 5. Not telling the truth and lying has consequences. In Acts 5:1-11, is the story of Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife, who sold some property and promised the proceeds to God. When they sold the property, they lied about the amount they had received to the apostles and kept a portion of it for themselves. The consequence was death. And in Numbers 16:1-35 is the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—three men who spoke against Moses and persuaded 250 other leaders to join them in a rebellion against Moses. Moses tried to reason with them and get them to repent, but they refused. God caused the ground to open up and swallowed all of them—a very high price to pay for lying and deceitfulness. God does not take lying, deceitfulness, or dishonesty lightly. These are not virtues of a follower of Jesus Christ but rather those of Satan. Let us love one another as Christ loved us speaking the truth in love to one another (see Eph. 4:15). Our attitudes toward money (or the lack of money) often define us in ways we may not be aware of.

Alice Marie Abbott is a licensed ordained minister with an honorary doctorate of divinity degree through World Christianship Ministries. Also a certified crisis pregnancy counselor through the AACC. She is an office manager for At Home Health Care and attends church at The Sanctuary.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

The 80:20 Relationship Rule Reversing the formula to focus on your relationship

by Jennifer Govea

hen you were dating, your main conversations likely centered around your childhood, your dreams and aspirations, and what you liked most about each other. Now that you are married, what do you two discuss most? “Did you pay the mortgage/rent? What time do we have to be at your nephew’s graduation? Why is our son acting like that?” Whoa, what changed? What happened to pursuing her and treating him special? This shift is what my husband calls the 80:20 Relationship Rule. When two people are dating, it is composed of 80 percent relationship and only 20 percent responsibilities. There are very few commitments on your plate such as having dinner together at her grandmother’s house or going with him to a baseball game (when you don’t enjoy the sport); however, when the two become one in marriage, there is a shift to 20 percent relationship and 80 percent responsibilities. Sure, a couple needs to work out the bills, the kids, and deciding with which in-laws to spend the next holiday, but that doesn’t mean that relationship needs to be sacrificed in the process. How can you add more fun and love to the relationship while continuing to be responsible adults that fulfill all of the other commitments? Two examples will help to limit the 80 percent responsibilities discussions to prevent you two from talking about it 100 percent of the time and expanding the 20 percent relationship time to fuel the flame of love. 1. Weekly Meetings My husband and I have weekly meetings about certain subjects so that we talk about them and then close the topic until next week. For example, talking about money can be very touchy. If you don’t pick a time to talk about the bills, vacation, gifts, college funds, then the topics tend to come up at inappropriate times, which can really kill the moment. If you’re at a party and you realize the car loan didn’t get paid, that’s not the best moment to resolve it. Or if you are on a date with your wife and she starts talking about needing to buy birthday gifts for your son’s friends, the mood fades.

32 // July 2016

2. Focus and Prayer Dating your spouse regularly is key to keeping the romance alive. It shows intentionality that you want to set aside everything else—including talking about the kids—and just focus on your spouse. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just intentional. Whether it’s seeing “Children of Eden” at the ACT Playhouse, walking the loop, or meeting at The Perfect Cup during your lunch break, it is so important to spend quality time enjoying each other’s company. Avoid at all costs talking about responsibilities. Tell your wife what you love about her. Share with your husband why you admire him. Reminisce about all the places you two have lived or the vacations you shared. Talk about your bucket list, pray for each other. On a daily basis, take a break from discussing responsibilities once dinner is over and enjoy each other for the rest of the evening. Set aside different days this summer when you flip the 80:20 ratio to invest most of your energy in having fun together. King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived and he wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1 NIV). Let’s be wise and take his advice.

Jennifer Govea is a bilingual editor and former missionary in Latin America. She and her husband currently work at Rock Bridge Community Church and have a seven-year-old son.

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Gò0dNews for Life

The H.E.A.R.T. Support Group

“I loved you from the moment I knew you were there and you will be loved until the day I die.” —Anonymous

by Delaney Walker

iscarriage causes one of the most isolating forms of grief an individual can experience. Although the loss of a loved one is devastating in any instance, the loss of an unborn baby strikes a different chord. An individual, couple, or family is saying goodbye to someone they hoped for, planned for, dreamed for, but never met. Although a mother will not feel a baby moving until it’s fourth month in the womb, the little life experiences rapid growth from conception. In fact, when fertilization occurs the 23 chromosomes and 50,000 genes from each parent determined every physical characteristic about the baby: gender, facial features, body type, and the color of hair, eyes, and skin. Most miscarriages occur between the 7th and 12th week of pregnancy. During this time, all systems (skeletal, nervous, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory) have been formed; the rest of the pregnancy will see refinement for each. The baby has started to move vigorously (although mom won’t feel it), and both thumb sucking and hiccups begin to occur. By the fourth month, the baby has

34 // July 2016

quadrupled its weight and downy hair covers his or her body. Since the signs of pregnancy are not as apparent early on, people are sometimes tempted to discount the young life in the womb. Unfortunately, this often leads people to offer “comfort” by way of saying platitudes like, “At least you miscarried early in your pregnancy.” A young life is still a life, and its loss is felt deeply by mother and father. People who have never experienced a miscarriage sometimes find it difficult to empathize, especially if they do not understand the growth a baby undergoes in the womb from the moment of conception. Just because a baby never had the chance at life outside of the womb does not mean they did not live. The subsequent grief loved ones feel at the miscarriage is not only expected, it is natural. This summer marks New Hope’s 30th anniversary as a pro-life, nonprofit program in the Cleveland/Bradley County community. We believe life starts from conception, and we grieve for every life ended too early. This is why we started the H.E.A.R.T. support group for ladies who have experienced a miscarriage, stillborn death, or infant loss. If you or someone you know could benefit from this group, please give us a call today (423) 479-6683.

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.

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Gò0dNews for Grandparents

A Change of Plans

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”—Luke 12:34

by Darlene Lofty

ast Saturday was a typical Saturday for me. I had every moment filled up before the weekend even started. I had a ballgame, two baby showers, grocery shopping, house cleaning, and a small group meeting scheduled for the evening. Plus, I really needed to work at the office for a few hours. What was I thinking when I decided to keep three of my grandchildren overnight on Friday? Saturday morning was hectic! Sometimes I forget how much time and energy it takes to get children dressed, fed, hair brushed, and out the door. There’s a reason God gives us children when we’re young. As if I didn’t have enough to do, I decided that one of the grandsons had to have a haircut before attending baby shower number one. Needless to say, I was already running late. I found myself rushing the kids from one stop to the next all morning, in and out of the car, buckling seat belts and car seats. In the midst of all the chaos, my seven-year-old grandson asked, “Gran, when are we going back to your house to play?” I sat there for a moment because I really had not planned any playtime into our day. My plan had been to complete my “to do” list and then take the children back to their house. I had all these things to do, but all of a sudden, none of them mattered. I looked up at him in my rear view mirror and said, “Right now!” Once we got back to the house, I changed my clothes and opened up the garage. Out came the

36 // July 2016

scooters, basketball, and sidewalk chalk. We blew and chased bubbles, picked flowers, and even played with lizards. We ran all over the yard, drank lemonade, and colored on the front porch swing. We had so much fun! Later that night as I was getting ready for bed and reflecting on my day, I realized that my day had not gone according to my plan. I never made it to the grocery store or the office, and my house was now in complete shambles, but it had been one of the best days I’d had in a long time. I was tired, but not an exhausted tired. I felt refreshed. I think I needed a play day just as much as the children did. Luke 12:34 reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” I hope that one day my grandchildren will look back on their time with me and know that they were more important than all the “stuff” in my life. I hope they will remember getting sprayed with the water hose, chasing frogs, and playing Frisbee. I hope they will remember their time with me and smile. I hope they will know where my heart was and that they were loved and treasured.

Darlene and John Lofty have been married for 16 years. Together they have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. They are members of Salem Baptist Church in Dalton where they work in the youth ministry.

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Gò0dNews from the Editor

Trusting the Potter’s Wheel An update on my illness.

by Wanda Griffith

n June of 2015, I was assigned a topic to write a liferelated learning to be published for New Life—the adult Sunday school literature for the Church of God. At that time, my health seemed fine. My voice was hoarse, and I was struggling to speak and sing, but I had not received any type of diagnosis for why. During this time I wrote the following words: *** Each one of us has been through times of suffering when our personal planet of existence seemed to be hidden from the warmth and brightness of any blessing from God. The questions of the long nights of suffering seem endless: • Where is God when I hurt? • Why does God allow suffering? • Is God punishing me? • If so, what did I do to deserve this? In reality, there is no trouble-free life. One author dared to make this statement: “Thank God for the painful stuff that turns life’s smoothness rough!” That is difficult to say when the “wheel” you are on is so turbulent you cannot speak clearly, you cannot hear your loved one’s voice, or you are unable to function normally in other ways. When things do not go as we planned and we cannot see the meaning of our misery, we have no authority to demand a detailed strategy from God of what He is doing through what is happening to us. The Lord refuses to justify His strategy as Creator and Potter of the clay. What we are permitted to do is ask Him about the things to come and commit our lives to the molding, shaping work of His hands. We must ask Him for

38 // July 2016

wisdom and discernment to understand and accept the way in which He is working out His plan for our lives. When we cannot see the finished product, we must place every perplexity into the perspective of His providence because He is never finished with us. Years ago, my sister Evaline Echols, Ulna Black, and I sang a song that had these lyrics: Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly, shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful in the Weaver’s skillful hand, as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned. Only one who has endured the long night of suffering while on the Potter’s wheel can relate to this song. I’m certain we did not understand its meaning at the time, but years of pain and difficulties have taught us to sing along with the Psalmist: “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me” (Ps. 42:8 NIV). *** Diagnosed in February with a rare thyroid cancer, I am now experiencing that long night of suffering that has spread to my spine and other bones, and, like the Psalmist, His song is truly with me. The vocal cord is paralyzed, but my heart still knows the tune: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”! My trust in seeing this through is based on the line in this beautiful old hymn that says, “All I have needed Thy hand has provided.” He has provided the best doctors and hospitals in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Cleveland who have treated the disease with surgery, radiation treatments, and chemo. But my trust and hope is in the Lord who has my life in His hands— His faithful, trusting hands!

Wanda is a writer, editor, and conference speaker who works from home. She posts devotions on her Web site: www.wandagriffith.com.

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