November 2014 by Good News Chattanooga

Gò0dNews November 2014

Complimentary

CHATTANOOGA

Christian Magazine

• Act Your Age p. 8 • STARTING OVER p. 22 • Student Ministry: Where to Start p. 30

November 2014

G ò0 dNews

Christian Magazine

Pg 4 Pg 6

About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Pg 16-17

Preparing for the year 2015 by Pastor David Banks

Pg 8

GoodNews for Kids Act Your Age

Pg 10

GoodNews on Money Matters And the Two Shall Become One: Shared Finances by Andrew Lee

Pg 12

GoodNews for Men When God Fails, Can You Still Trust Him? by Darren Schalk

Pg 14

GoodNews for Women For What It’s Worth: The Crucible by Emily Stone

Pg 22

GoodNews for Life Starting Over by Beth Henderson

Pg 24

GoodNews for Health & Fitness Get Moving by Michael McCant

Pg 26

GoodNews for the Holidays The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t by Craig Thompson

Pg 28

GoodNews for Seniors Finding Fulfillment in Gratitude

Pg 19 - 21

by Jamie Nichols

Pg 30

GoodNews for Everyone Reach Crafty People Through Crafty Outreach by Rick Mitchell

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.

God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor David Banks Andrew Lee Beth Henderson Craig Thompson Darren Schalk Don Smith Emily Stone Jamie Nichols Kathleen Lakeland Michael McCant Rick Mitchell

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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 three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. 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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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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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Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Preparing for the Year

2015

by David L. Banks

all is a beautiful time of year. The colors of the changing leaves are captivating against the blue canvas of the sky. This breath-taking portrait is a reminder that a year is ending and a new year is about to begin. Fall is the season for preparing for winter when things must die only to be given new life in the new year. Proverbs 27:12 says. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself.” The definition of preparation is to make ready beforehand. Preparation consists of three elements: 1. Foresight is having the insight and knowledge to prepare for what is to come. In the natural, as the seasons change from fall to winter, we prepare ourselves. Our homes, cars and wardrobes must go through changes to be ready for the colder conditions. So it is also in the spiritual realm. As we prayerfully approach the coming of a new year, there are changes that must take place. We must be vigilant and on guard. We must look to the future with vision and not just sight. Our spiritual eyes must be open, and we must be aware of what is taking place around us. 2. Formulate means to devise, or develop a system or method. Once you have gained insight and you can foresee some things that might take place in the new year, you can begin to devise your plan. No one can know exactly what to plan for; however, when you have an action plan, you can approach the year with peace. Formulating a plan consists 6

November 2014

of devising goals both long term and short term. These goals must be measurable and also attainable. The Word of God says that to write the vision and make it plain. What is your vision for 2015? How can you make it plain? How can your company, your business, or even your family “run” with it? The Word also says that people perish without a vision. 3. Faith-steps mean you have gained knowledge and have an understanding of what to anticipate in the new year. You have developed a plan and now it is time now to take those action steps of faith. Again, we are reminded in the Book of Hebrews that “without faith it is impossible to please God (11:6). Activating our faith pleases God, because it gives Him the opportunity to move on our behalf. Do you want to write a book, start a business, or lead a Bible Study? Then activate your faith, take those baby steps that will help you to accomplish and fulfill your goals. The year 2015 should be a year of fulfillment and purpose for you, but it can only happen when you are willing to make the necessary changes so you can flow in your purpose. God will make the impossible possible for you! Dr. David Banks is the pastor of The Empowerment Church. Dr. David Banks has a Ph.D. in Psychology. He has been married for 24 years to his bride, Sylvia Banks. They reside in Ringgold, GA with their three kids, Benjamin 21, Caleb 18 and “Princess” Maiya Banks 12.

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GĂ˛0dNews for Kids

2 Peter 3:18

Act Your Age

yourself, and you can read and write. Can you remember when you first started school and couldn't do those things?"

"Grandma," he asked, "do you think I act my age?"

"Sure! " Kurt said, "But now I'm as grown-up as anyone in my class."

urt was spending the weekend with his grandmother. He liked being with her because they could talk about lots of things.

"Yes, Kurt," said his grandmother, "I think you act like a seven-year-old boy should act." "Dad and Mom don't think so!" he said. "What makes you think that?" asked his grandmother. "Dad always tells me to act my age, so he must think I don't," said Kurt. "And the other day Mom told me to stop acting like a baby." "Do you think you were acting like a baby?" his grandmother asked. "No," he said. "Babies wet their diapers and cry a lot. But I still cry sometimes," he added. "That's all right," said his grandmother. "Seven-year-olds can cry sometimes. But you cry for different reasons and in a different way than a baby." "Sometimes Mom and Dad treat me like a baby," said Kurt, "and other times they tell me I'm too old to do the things I want to do. I wish they'd make up their minds!" "In some ways you are grown-up," his grandmother said. "You are pottytrained, you feed yourself, you dress 8

November 2014

"That's true," said his grandmother. "You're doing fine. But you still have a lot more growing to do. Look at your cousin Ted. He is a lot more grown-upand he should be, because he is 10. Each time you get a year older, you grow up some more because you learn more." "When will I be finished and all grown-up?" asked Kurt. "I don't know. I'm only sixty-seven years old and I'm still growing up," his grandmother said. "I'm still learning new things and doing new things. So I'm still changing, and that means I'm still growing up." "I hope I grow up to be like you, Grandma! " said Kurt.

Some Questions 1. Can you think of some ways that you have grown up in the last year? 2. How do you want to grow up even more in the next year? 3. Do you think older people can still act young?

A Prayer Dear God, help me to learn what You have to teach me now, and help me to grow up to be a good and happy person. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

by Andrew Lee

And the Two Shall Become One: Shared Finances F or a couple in love and considering marriage, when is the ideal time to begin a discussion on finances? What an unromantic question—but an important one nevertheless. With money problems being the number one cause or contributor to divorces in America today, couples need to have an open and honest discussion of their financial status that includes income, expenses, debts, and financial goals. It’s understandable that these issues are rarely discussed when a couple is dating and falling in love (after all, most people tend to be secretive about their finances until circumstances force them to be more forthcoming). But by the time a couple becomes engaged to be married, a financial discussion should take place (many discussions, probably) so that there are no surprises down the road that might cause stress for the newlyweds. Case in point, here’s a brief cautionary tale. I was a groomsman in the wedding of one of my close friends many years ago. Sometime after the honeymoon,

November 2014

while visiting with his in-laws his father-in-law handed him a package of documents, and, with a broad smile declared, “Surprise! This is all yours now!” Puzzled, my friend opened the package to find college loan documents from Sallie Mae revealing that his new bride had a debt of more than $25,000 in student loans. Her father had been making the payments for his daughter, but now that they were married, my friend was apparently responsible for the debt. The story has a happy ending, and they are happily married years later with all of the student loans paid off. But this is not the best way for newlyweds to learn of their spouse’s financial state. Ideally, after the engagement (if not before), a couple should discuss their finances and their financial philosophies—meaning, their attitudes toward money and debt, investing and saving, and their long-term and shortterm goals regarding their income. They should discuss the following “financial IQ” in terms of how they were raised

by their parents: 1. Was one parent a “tightwad” or a “spendthrift?” 2. Were financial problems a source of stress in their home while they were growing up? 3. How did these experiences affect their own financial attitudes today as an adult? Financial counseling should be an important part of any premarital counseling, and I highly recommend both. Financial Peace University, for instance, is a wonderful tool to help an engaged couple “get on the same page” before saying “I do.” Finally, as unromantic as this may sound, engaged couples should consider checking their credit reports and reviewing them together. This will foster intimacy and trust in communication, which will prove invaluable for marriage. Furthermore, they may discover errors on their credit reports that need corrected, as well as possible fraud or identity theft. By taking the time to have the financial talk with the love of one’s life, the marriage will prove happier as the two truly “become one” in every sense. Dr. Andrew Lee is associate 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

by Darren Schalk

When God Fails, Can You Stil Trust Him?

recently had an epic failure. Even though my wife’s best friend is a professional hair dresser and would gladly cut my hair in my home, I cut my own because, as my wife says, I’m cheap. This had never caused an issue before, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Recently as I was cutting my hair, I lifted the clippers up toward the top of my head, and for a brief moment the clippers disappeared behind my arm. Apparently during this brief moment in my blind spot, the guard silently fell off like a stealth ninja hair guard. I then pressed the clippers to the top of my head with no guard whatsoever, gashing a two-inch hole into the side of my hair. I’d like to blame this epic failure on God, but I’m not sure I can find a way to properly justify such blame. I’d like to shake my fist at Him and tell Him I no longer trust Him, but I can’t. The truth is that the stupid ninja stealth haircut buzzer guard decided to practice its crane kick at just the wrong moment. It’s definitely the ninja guard’s fault—not my fault, not God’s fault. Always blame the ninjas. But what about the other times when it’s not the ninjas’ fault? (If there ever is such a time.) What about those moments when we really, really believe God is going to do something, but He never does? What happens when we trust God for healing, but healing never comes? What about the moments we believe a relationship will be mended, but the relationship remains broken? What about when innocent children suffer and die unexpectedly—or anyone for that matter? What do we do when we really believe God 12

November 2014

has failed? Undoubtedly, there will come a time in your life when you’ll wonder if God has failed. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mature Christian, or if you’ve never even heard of Jesus. At some point, you’ll doubt and question God. I’m convinced this will happen to everyone, so it’s okay. The most important question is, “How will you respond?” I’ve had a few moments when I questioned God and His intentions. I’ve believed things would happen a certain way, and they didn’t, I wondered what God was doing. When I feel this way, I always hear the same thing: Will you trust Me anyway? God asks—no He demands faith. Bad circumstances, unplanned events, disease, death, and suffering do not give us an excuse to stop trusting and believing. These are our crisis moments that define us. These moments either kill our faith or build our faith. How we respond when the doubt begins to surface will determine the depth of our faith and possibly our entire future. So, when the boat gets rocked, when you have no clue what God is doing, when the future looks dim and uncertain; what will you do? When you believe God has failed, can you trust Him anyway? That’s the ultimate question of faith. What’s your answer?

Darren Schalk is author of the book Dear God We Need To Talk from Charisma House and serves as curriculum editor for White Wing Publishing. He has appeared on television and radio shows across the nation discussing faith and discipleship. He considers himself a promoter of discipleship, progenitor of humor, preacher of Pentecost, and potential possessor of a platypus. Find out more at www.DarrensChalk.com.

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Gò0dNews for Women

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: THE CRUCIBLE

by Emily Stone

herapy is much more than a toolbox of intervention. Information alone cannot replace professional help. However, information can be very powerful. So, for what it’s worth to you, here is a therapeutic idea, a concept, or intervention you can try in your own life or relationships. Most of us are afraid of conflict. We find ways to avoid it or solve it without having to deal with it. Often the things we do to avoid the conflict causes more problems that the conflict itself. Changing the way we see conflict would perhaps change how we respond to it. Dr. David Schnarch, a famous relationship therapist, has written a lot about relationships and conflict. He says that every relationship is like a crucible. Crucibles primarily do two things: they get really hot and they refine, or burn off impurities. Intimate or close relationships also can get really hot (that’s the conflict) and it is this heat, or conflict, that can serve to refine and help us grow as individuals and in our relationships.

An Opportunity for Growth The idea is that if we see conflict as a chance to grow as a person and in our relationships, we will respond to conflict in a very different way. Using conflict as a chance to grow requires that we learn to self-soothe so that we can tolerate the heat (conflict) in the first place. If we run away, we will never have the opportunity to receive the gifts that conflict can actually bring. You can “run away” in a variety of ways, and most of it looks like acting out as a child. You can bite the person’s head off, start a silent treatment, slam a door, or, in fact, leave. I want to stop here and say that “staying in the heat” never means to endure abuse of any kind. It 14 November 2014

also doesn’t mean foregoing sleep or other self-care. Sometimes staying in the heat of conflict means being able to say “good night” and wait to keep discussing the issue. Sometimes it means taking a break with a plan to come back and continue the discussion.

Self-Soothing Conflict teaches us about ourselves—what triggers us? What we are overly sensitive about? What reminds us of past wounds? What are our prejudices and biases? My challenge to you is the next time you get into “heat” with someone you love, rather than inspecting them, take time to inspect yourself. What is going on inside you? What do you have to learn through this situation? What are you learning about self-soothing? What is it that you really want to share with your loved one? In close (and safe) relationships, resolving conflict often involves vulnerability, which requires us to slow down and be willing to grow of our own, rather than just demanding the other person to get it together. The next time you face conflict, whether it is at home or at work, try to see it as an opportunity for you to be refined in the heat of the crucible. Whether you decide confronting the conflict is safe, appropriate or not (in some situations it isn’t), you can still use the experience to learn things about yourself. Fear often blinds us. Don’t let fear steal the growth opportunities available in the crucible of conflict by blinding you in the moment. Emily Stone is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, therapist, professor, pastor’s spouse, writer, reader, and tennis player. www.stonewritten.com

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