Gò0dNews April 2022
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
CLEVELAND
About Us WRITERS
Andrew Lee April Engstrom Brian Johnson Cheryl L. Dunson Dana Robinson David Beckmann Dorothy Teague Douglas Baynes Greg Grotewold Jonathon Wright Juanita G. Ellis Judy Hood Karla Smedley Kristen West Matt Jensen Paula Burgner Porter Johnson Rachel Smith Rhonda Beavers Sandra Gilmore Susan Lavigne Todd R. Gunderson
SALES
Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com
DESIGN
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 six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, 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,
Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
lives will be changed.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, throughout the community in retail establishments,
churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens
GoodNews CM
the door for Christians to work together to grow and
DISTRIBUTION
strengthen our community through relevant editorial
5000 Monthly
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR Jodi Varnado Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewscm
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!
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.
Contents APRIL 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
GoodNews for Everyone
6 Keeping Our End in Mind
32 It’s Not Hurting Anyone
GoodNews for Kids
GoodNews for Everyone
by David Beckmann
8 The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
GoodNews Money Matters
10 The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like?
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
12 My Burial
by Douglas Baynes
GoodNews for Women
14 Sometimes Receiving Is Better
by Karla Smedley GoodNews for Couples
18 Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage
by Rachel Smith GoodNews for Everyone
20 Worry Robs Us of Our Joy by Cheryl L. Dunson
GoodNews for Life
22 The Christ We Need by Matt Jensen
GoodNews for Parents
24 Surrender
by Greg Grotewold
GoodNews for Everyone
26 Change of Plans by Kristen West
GoodNews for Everyone
28 If Roads Could Talk by Sandra Gilmore
GoodNews Cover Story
30 PuroClean Property Damage Experts
by Brian Johnson
34 Finding Approval
by Todd R. Gunderson
GoodNews Non-Profit Spotlight
36 Cleveland Bradley Relay for Life: Racing for a Cure
GoodNews for Everyone
38 The Good Samaritan Part 2
6
by Jonathon Wright
GoodNews for Everyone
40 What’s The Truth? by Susan Lavigne
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
by Dana Robinson GoodNews for Everyone
44 Beauty Like a Butterfly by Paula Burgner
GoodNews for Everyone
30
46 She’s A Dream Chaser! GoodNews Poetry
50 I Witnessed
by Judy Hood
GoodNews for Everyone
52 True Beauty
by Porter Johnson
GoodNews for Everyone
54 The Empty Grave by Rhonda Beavers
GoodNews for Everyone
56 The Coming of New Beginnings
by April Engstrom GoodNews for Everyone
58 Grafted In
by Dorothy Teague
58
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Keeping Our End in Mind
“S
by David Beckmann
o teach us to number our days, that we may
people look at the message of Ecclesiastes as “everything
apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
in this life is vain” and therefore point to the epilogue as
As we are in that time of year when we
the only really helpful thing about it. Gibson does a good
celebrate Easter, we read passages when Jesus said that
job of explaining how Solomon shows that facing the
His hour to glorify the Father had come. He knew that His
inevitability of our death puts life into perspective. He then
earthly ministry was coming to an end, and it was time
goes on to refer to the things that are really important—
to finish things up—indeed, it was time to do the most
especially that we fulfill God’s purpose for us by enjoying
important things He had come to do.
the good He has made for His glory. Gibson writes, “This is the main message of Ecclesiastes in a nutshell: life in God’s world is gift, not gain” (p. 37). Taking our death into consideration as we live in the present breaks the spell the world has on us and enables us to be wise and see life the way God sees it. Interestingly, this is the same kind of approach taken by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy in their book Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want (Baker, 2016). “Backwards” or “forwards,” their main approach to priorities is Solomon’s. They want you to start your life planning by writing your epitaph! Remembering that we are going to die helps us consider what is important for
Do we pastors sometimes wish we knew when our time will run out? Perhaps, we think it might help us
us to be and do in the time we have left. In 1856, the famous French preacher, Adolph Monod,
focus or prioritize better. Being close to my “threescore
while he lay dying, said, “God alone has the right to decide
years and ten” (Psalm 90:10), I know my days are running
when the work He wants to do through us is finished. It
short. When you are young, you think you have forever—
may be very imperfect and incomplete in the eyes of man;
though you never know! But when you get older, the
but if we are upright before Him, He will not allow our
day of your death starts to be “a thing.” While the world
life finally to end without leaving some traces upon earth.”
would have us not think of the day of our death, I find it
Your labor in the Lord, fellow pastor, is not “all vanity.” Be
helpful. Indeed, we know it’s biblical to keep it in view.
wise about it and rejoice in it.
I was just introduced to the book by David Gibson, on Ecclesiastes. D. A. Carson says it’s one of the best of the new books that have come out about Ecclesiastes. Often,
6 // April 2022
About The Author
entitled Living Life Backward. It’s a devotional commentary The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.
Gò0dNews for Kids
The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
“Please hold my coat,” the old goat said “The sleeves are way too long. My hand gets caught within its folds And makes this stone fall wrong.”
But, why this hate? Oh, why this scorn? For Stephen young and brave? Oh, why the strong dislike of Christ, So newly from the grave?
Saul helped his older friend undress, And held his own arm out. The old goat draped his coat on Saul, Then quickly turned about.
Did Saul hear, too, as others did The sobs from Stephen’s heart? When as he prayed for that old goat, The heavens split apart?
Reaching for another rock, That old goat threw it straight. The rock fell short and missed its mark, His fist soon raised in hate.
As Christ stood up, with angels, round, To welcome Stephen there, The old goat left and went his way To only God knows where. The rocks were spent, the deed was done. His garment clean and dry. For Saul had held the old goat’s coat When gentle Stephen died.
8 // April 2022
About The Author
The Stoning of Stephen—See Acts 7:54-60. A young man named Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. Saul became the great Apostle Paul. He wrote 14 New Testament books!
Juanita G. Ellis created LSKidStuff, a ministry supplying printable, creative Christian material for classroom use. Visit lskidstuff.wordpress.com for more information.
The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like? 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.
R
emember the days before GPS devices and MapQuest
idea aligns with your spouse’s, and where your ideas may
apps for smartphones? Hordes of hapless husbands
diverge. Discuss ways to accommodate each other’s “rich
steering with their knees while trying to read the Rand
life” dreams as you move toward practical steps to realize
McNally Road Atlas on their lap, or trying to unfold the AAA
these goals. Then, start taking action! This is where the rubber
TripTik map (without swearing) and still manage to keep the
meets the road. Most people have no shortage of dreams; we
car on the road moving at fifty-five mph. Meanwhile, the wiser
daydream in our cars sitting in traffic, at night while falling
and cooler-headed wife waits smugly for him to ask for her
asleep—dream of that glorious day when we’ve “made it”
help. Good times.
and can start relaxing, enjoying, laughing, loving life the way
Achieving our dream of “the rich life” can be just as
we always intended. But what most people do not do is start
frustrating as the scenario described above. Unless we’re
taking action now. Instead, they sit around wondering “Do I
clear on what our “rich life” destination looks like, how will
dare?” like J. Alfred Prufrock. Or, like Miniver Cheevy, they
we know what it takes to reach it—and how to recognize it
“thought and thought and thought about it.” (Nerd alert: As an
when we do, in fact, achieve it? I’m borrowing the term “rich
English professor, I can’t resist an occasional literary reference).
life” from author Ramit Sethi; the phrase simply means the
Meanwhile, time keeps ticking by, and the odds of reaching
financially secure life you always dreamed of realistically
your “rich life” dwindle.
reaching one day. Many of us might think of “rich life” as
So, let’s get going! Contact your employer’s Human
simply “retiring comfortably and being able to do whatever
Resources office and start contributing to your company
I want to do.” Each of us has a unique vision for what the
retirement plan if you haven’t yet. Or increase your monthly
“rich life” looks like. For some, it may be owning a luxury
retirement contributions if you’ve already been contributing.
car or traveling the world; for others, it may be having a cozy
Go online to TD Ameritrade and set up a Roth IRA account
cabin on a quiet lake, donating to charities, taking culinary
to have automatic monthly direct deposits going straight into
classes and hosting weekly dinner parties, or moving closer to
an investment of your choice (my kids chose the “VT symbol”
the grandkids. Maybe your “rich life” means having enough
exchange-traded fund which is the Vanguard Total World stock
financial resources so that the next time your verbally abusive
index fund—you own every stock in the world at one shot,
boss screams at you, you can simply walk away. It’s important
done!). If you’ve been wanting to explore real estate investing,
to have a clear vision of this goal so you can create a realistic
decide if you want to be a landlord by owning rental property
roadmap for achieving it.
(in which case, contact local realtors ASAP and start asking
If you’re married (or engaged), it’s important to talk about
questions), and join the Bigger Pockets online community to
both of your visions for the “rich life” and work together to
learn from others’ experiences. Your “rich life” won’t happen
make these a reality. Make notes about where your “rich life”
by itself: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will
10 // April 2022
be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
Gò0dNews for Men
My Burial
A
by Douglas Baynes
s I walked up the stairs, my climb was slow and I held
with the warmth of fresh air and the newness of life. I had, after
on to the banister. The carpet under my feet was wet
all these years, finally followed in my Lord’s footsteps. I gave
from others that had gone before me. As I reached
my heart and my life to Christ on April 30, 1961, and a few
the top of the stairs, I was met with a warm smile from an old
years later, all the boys at my church got together, let’s all get
friend—he came to my burial. My time had come, and I was
baptized. At twelve years old, none of us really understood the
beckoned down. When my feet touched the water, it was cold—
meaning of it. It was just another “get to heaven” thing you had
cold and icy as the grave itself. Each step I took was deliberate
to do.
and forceful as the frigate water slowly rose to envelop my
In the last few months, I felt compelled to be baptized again, as I now know the meaning of it and the eternal significance of it. Water baptism is the act of obedience to His command, as all those behind me from centuries past had done. I now have been made a new creature in, and with, Christ. The steps from that watery pool were now complete, and in that water, stripped from me was that old man, but I have been raised anew in Christ. If the Lord tarries too long in His return and my days here are completed, my pastor will once again stand at my burial site. He will be across from a flag-draped casket. But know this—as he raised me from that water on March 6, 2022, Jesus will take my hand and raise me to be with Him on that last day here. Forever I shall be with Him and all those that have followed Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans in 6:4: “Therefore we were
body. When I reached the bottom, the pastor smiled at me. He
buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ
asked my name and harking back to old days in the military, I
was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we
answered with a voice loud and deliberate. He then asked, “If
also should walk in newness of life.”
you were to die today, would heaven be your home?” “Oh yes!” I replied. With that, he spoke softly as if he was
You can ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and to make Him the Lord of your life in private, but water baptism
my father, “I have you.” I was calm, and I was in his care. I
is the public confession of your faith and trust in Him. In
heard him say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Matthew 28:19, the Lord’s great commission to the church was
Holy Spirit, I baptize you, my brother.”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
Then laying me back into the water, the coldness of it now
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
blanketed my whole being. Death, as it was, had finally come
In closing, I have to say that at seventy, I felt, well, silly
to this soul. I knew in my spirit what it was to die with Christ.
doing this until I saw my friend in front of me—and he has six
I was separated from the very air I needed, the warmth, and
years on me. No matter your age the time is short, for Jesus
from friends and loved ones.
is coming soon. Cross all the “T’s” and dot all the “I’s.” Make
Then a strong arm grasped about my back, I was lifted, as
everything right between you and the Lord.
being raised anew with Christ was complete. I raised my arms and shouted to the Lord! The watery grave was now replaced
12 // April 2022
About The Author
from that grave, and as the water flowed from me, my joy of Doug Baynes attends PRC with his wife Annie of forty-two years. They host “Caffeine Connection” every Sunday morning. Come and have a cup!
Gò0dNews for Women
Sometimes Receiving Is Better
M
by Karla Smedley
y mom taught me that it is better to give
Saturday. Most of the time, we have good intentions
than receive. Perhaps when it comes to
but our follow-through is lacking.
talking and listening, this is not so.
As my girls grew, I tried to encourage open
When I was a mom of young children, they liked
communication between us. Some days they clammed
to tell me how to play and what to do. “Mommy, sit
up, but more often they were Jabberjaw and I couldn’t
here and put this dress on my Barbie.” When I looked
get a word in edgewise.
at them with my mama face, they would add, “Please.”
When I reflect on my relationship with God, I
Of course, I happily did as they asked. They enjoyed
realize that I am similar to my girls and Jabberjaw, the
giving me instructions, but they did not always like
cartoon character from the ’70s. I’d much rather talk to
receiving mine.
God than listen to Him. I pray more often than I read His Word, giving Him my list of wants and needs like He is a genie. To give me a little credit, I will ask Him for guidance at times and ponder for a while. But time after time, I go on my merry little way, usually because I want a quick resolution. His instructions for a better life are found in His Word, and He continues to wait. Probably, I am an eighty/twenty percent girl. I talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and only listen, listen. How prideful am I that I could think God would listen to me more than I should be listening to Him? I need a balance!
“Girls, five more minutes and then we need to
That’s what I need to do. Find the time to be still
leave” was not even heard at times. “Pick up your
and know that He is God. In His omniscience, He
toys, please” was weakly acknowledged with a weak
knows best for all my needs and all my wants.
“Okay.” Then, it went in and out of their ears—just
Yes, I believe there are many times when it is better
like it did with my little ears when my mom spoke
to receive than to give. God cares for us so much that
similar words. They much preferred giving the
He desires for us to spend time with Him. So, let’s
instructions rather than hearing them. Following my
sit and rest in His love. Read His words. Listen, and
directives, that was an entirely different situation.
receive His wisdom.
sometimes? We hear His Word on Sunday mornings, and out it goes the other ear on Monday through
14 // April 2022
About The Author
Isn’t that the way we are with God’s instructions Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.
Cleveland Church Directory Apostolic
First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880
Assembly of God
Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 The Collectives Church 3925 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-0193 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Berean Baptist Church 2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932 Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511 Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653
16 // April 2022
Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100 Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 New Salem Baptist Church 175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323
(423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292 Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 West Cleveland Baptist Church
1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359
Catholic
St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123
Charismatic
Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642
Church of God
Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143 Cornerstone Church of God 1826 SE Dalton Pike Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708 Heritage Fellowship Church of God 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400 Lakeview Church of God 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381
Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528 Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939 South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415
Church of God of Prophecy
Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584
The Church of God
The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597
Community
Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682
Episcopal
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Lutheran
First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312
(423) 503-6394
Methodist
Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 Mount Zion UMC 7223 Germantown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 Pleasant Grove UMC 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311 Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413 South Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578
Pentecostal
Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN
Nazarene
Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379
Non-Denominational
Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE,
Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133 Cleveland Community Chapel 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178 Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871 Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Fairhaven Ministry Center 1807 Blythe Ave. SE, Cleveland TN, 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490 Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100 Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072 Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-2705 The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE
Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802 Tri-State Cowboy Church 200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954 United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696
Presbyterian
Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397 Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595
Seventh Day Adventist
Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 400-7054 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299 Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889
Zion Assembly
Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337
List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Couples
Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage by Rachel Smith
I
n the Bible, God says, “My people are destroyed for
someone happily married, don’t let it discourage you—let it
lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NIV), and I believe that
give you hope. Hope that if God gave them the wisdom to
marriages are being destroyed for lack of knowledge
have a successful marriage, He can do it for you too.
as well. I was only eighteen years old when I got married.
When we are sick, we go to a doctor to get medical
My husband and I knew nothing about marriage. We went
advice, but that advice will only help us if we apply it to our
through pre-marital counseling like most couples, but I
lives. In the same way, as you become more knowledgeable
felt it only pointed out the ways we were different, and it
about marriage and your role as a husband or wife, nothing
didn’t help us learn what it would take to make a marriage
will change if you don’t apply it. In marriage, you will
succeed. After seven years of struggling in our marriage
change, your spouse will change, seasons will change, and
and being faced with a possible divorce, I knew something had to change. In 2014, when I prayed and asked the Lord to transform me as a wife and renew my mind according to Romans 12:2, my actions began to change. With my renewed mind came an eagerness to learn everything that God’s Word says about marriage and how a wife should treat her husband. I also started reading several books and attending conferences with my husband to gain more knowledge. I have learned that when marriage gets hard, you don’t just give up—you do whatever it takes to learn how to fix it. I love the story of Solomon in the Bible because when God allowed him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for wisdom. When is the last time you asked the Lord
circumstances will change. You never know what you may
for wisdom to handle the situation you’re facing in your
face tomorrow, but you can trust that God can and will give
marriage? “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
you the wisdom to face it. Don’t let your marriage fall apart,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
gain wisdom at all costs. “Get wisdom, get understanding;
be given to you” (James 1:5).
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not
Asking the Lord for wisdom is just one of many ways
forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she
we can obtain it. We can also read the Bible, seek counseling,
will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get
read books, take personality tests, attend marriage
wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”
conferences or retreats, and connect with others that are
(Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV).
wiser than us. Often, we look at other people’s lives and will become jealous of the very couple that God wants to connect us to in order to gain more wisdom. When you see
18 // April 2022
About The Author
compare our marriages to theirs. If we are not careful, we
Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts local conferences and retreats to help strengthen couples, and travels to speak all over the world. She has been married to her husband, Richard Smith, for 14 years. www.transformedwife.com.
WE'RE YOUR HOMETOWN ACCESSORY STORE!
Church Activities & Events Philadelphia Missionary Baptist
Heritage Fellowship
Sunday, April 3 | 6PM 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN
Saturday, April 16 | 11AM - 1PM 4635 South Lee Highway, McDonald, TN 37353
Westmore Church of God
Dwelling Place Church
The Agee Family
Community Egg Hunt
Center Eggventure • Car & TruckKing’s Table Men’s Conference 2022 Sunday, April 10 | 2PM Thursday, April 28 - Saturday, April 30 • Gooseneck & Fifth-Wheel Hitches 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW, Cleveland, TN 523 Urbane Rd NE, Cleveland, TN • Marine • Truck Beds
$50 OFF
LINE-X OF CLEVELAND 1107 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 423.559.2668
LINE-X PREMIUM BEDLINER
15% OFF ALL TRUCK GEAR BY LINE-X
FULL SERVICE TREE CARE:
Advertise
• PLANTING • PRUNING • FULL REMOVAL
With
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
4 Mmonth E T Hwe O distribute D S F O7,500 R 1 magazines G R E ATtoPover RIC E Each 400 Each month we distribute 7,500 magazines to over 400 locations locations in Cleveland and Athens such as churches, 1. 1,000 print magazines going out into the community every month. in Cleveland such as churches, businesses, doctor etc! 2. 2,000 print magazines being directly mailed offices, to people's homes the community. businesses, doctors etc! inoffices, 3. OurAdvertise digital online Your magazine which is published worldwide our app. Business With Rates Asand Low As Advertise Your With Aswith Low 4. Social media which we canBusiness run your ads on and doRates interviews you. As
$$150 150 A ONTH! AM MONTH!
Advertise Your Business With Rates As Low As Contact: Matthew Ruckman (423) 503-1410 Contact: Kinches Contact Bud Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 423.650.2801
$150 PER MONTH!
The tree professionals at Boniface Arbor Works use the best industry standards and equipment to ensure safe, quality tree service.
Licensed And Insured Call Cameron To Schedule A Free Estimate
2520 KEITH STREET (423) 244-4580
CLEVELAND, TN 37312 423.339.6726 bonifacearborworks.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Worry Robs Us of Our Joy
A
by Cheryl L. Dunson
t some point in time, I’m sure most of us have
Needless to say, the weekend was probably insufferably
experienced a sleepless night or two because of
long for her, filled with uncertainty and dread. I continued
worry or stress.
to assure her the Lord was in control, and truth and
Just recently, a good friend of mine with more than
twenty-four years of working in a local school system experienced one of her worst possible fears: losing her job.
righteousness would prevail. She left our farm with a heavy heart and incredible fear for her future. In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches us seven lessons
In her attempts to protect an uncooperative student from
about why we shouldn’t worry. First, the same God who
being hit by a heavy door, she pulled the child across the
created life in us can be trusted with the details of our lives (6:25). Second, worrying about the future hampers our efforts for today and disrupts our productivity (6:26). Worrying is more harmful than helpful and can damage our health (6:27). God also doesn’t ignore those who depend on Him (6:28-30), and when we worry, we’re demonstrating a lack of faith in and understanding of God (6:32). Worrying keeps us from pursuing the real challenges God would prefer us chase (6:33), and finally, planning for tomorrow is time well spent while worrying about tomorrow is time wasted (6:34). Unbeknown to my friend, the school’s principal attempted to call her
door’s threshold. The incident was caught on video and
throughout the weekend to inform her the student’s parent
took on a life of its own among her peers. In educational
supported my friend’s actions. Yet, for reasons no one can
circles, I understand treating a child like this is egregious
explain, the call never came through.
wrongdoing and punishable by termination. My friend arrived at our home for a long three-day
After four days of worry and stress, my friend learned God’s goodness and righteousness prevailed. God protected
weekend with the weight of the world on her shoulders and
her and was in control of every detail. However, the fear of
tears in her eyes. Throughout her visit, she relived the event
losing her job robbed my friend of the joy she should have
repeatedly and asked me to pray to God for her job and her
experienced being in the company of family and friends.
reputation. Just three years short of retirement, my friend had everything to lose.
20 // April 2022
God’s Word is clear: Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.
Gò0dNews for Life
The Christ We Need
“J
by Matt Jensen
esus then took the loaves, and when he had given
event is taking place during the Passover festival (John 6:4 cf.,
thanks, he distributed them to those who were
Exodus 12-13). John wants to keep “the Lamb of God who takes
seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) ever before our eyes.
And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples,
During the Passover, Israel’s firstborn sons were spared, but
‘Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost’”
in the Passover, the only begotten Son of God was slain. During
(John 6:11-12).
the first Passover, blood was applied to the door, but in the
This passage comes to the heart of Jesus’ feeding of the five
Passover, Christ is the blood-soaked door (John 10:7, 9). During
thousand. I will not keep you waiting—this miracle shows us
the Passover, Israel was safely tucked inside their houses, but
the God who abundantly provides. But we need to be clear on
in the Passover, Jesus faced the cross outside. Unleavened bread
what He has promised to provide, which is seen in this miracle.
sustained Israel after the Passover, and in the Passover Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). It is Christ, not bread, that is the significance of this miracle. To miss this point is to miss heaven! Jesus exposes the hearts of those who were seeking Him “because they ate their fill of the loaves,” and commands, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). In other words, don’t get caught in the cares of this world, forgetting the world to come. “I am the bread of Life,” Jesus says, “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Christ himself is what God has promised to give! Christ as true man and yet true God (John
Misunderstanding God’s provision has led many to serious
1:1-3, 14). Christ instructing His ignorant people (Hebrews
doubts or worse: apostasy.
1:1-3). Christ our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ our
Does God provide health, wealth, and happiness? Of
protector and safety (John 10). Christ our Passover Lamb, who
course, He does, “every good gift and every perfect gift is
takes away our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7, John 1:29). Christ our
from above” (James 1:17). Jesus laid the test to Philip, “Where
righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ our life (Colossians
are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” “We
3:1-4)! He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30).
could work our fingers to the bone most of the year,” Philip
We must thank God for the abundance of bread that
basically retorts, “and not be able to provide even a bite for
perishes (i.e., health, wealth, and happiness), but don’t lose
everyone!” (John 6:5-7). Andrew’s answer is not much better
sight of the bread that endures to eternal life. Keep Christ ever
(John 6:8-9). Jesus—the Good Shepherd—leads the people into
before the hungry eyes of your soul! Let us thank God for the
green pastures (John 6:10; cf. Psalm 23) and provides so much
“bread of life.”
food that there were twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone But does God promise to provide health, wealth, and happiness, or is Jesus making a deeper statement? Notice this
22 // April 2022
About The Author
had eaten their fill.
Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.
Gò0dNews for Parents
Surrender
T
by Greg Grotewold
he parable of the sower is perhaps Jesus’s most famous allegory (Mark 4:3-8). And until recently, I thought its sole intent was to explain why not everyone who hears the word
of God (the seed) receives Christ and truly abides in Him. While that’s the primary aim of the text, I’m discovering that the third scenario (seed falling among thorns) is a bit more nuanced and
perhaps carries a broader application. Aided by a recent sermon from my pastor, I now see how a thorn’s capacity to overwhelm isn’t isolated to just unbelievers. After all, good soil produces not only grain but also weeds. A thistle here and there is innocuous enough, but problems occur if the field is left untended for any material length of time. If prolonged, an infestation will occur. The suffocated grain plant will begin to wither, and yield will be compromised. While the Lord promises the blood-bought believer that the plant itself will never die, it will remain barren until action is taken. I recognize it’s an image not explicitly depicted in the passage; nonetheless, I do sense that this specific circumstance is anticipated and for good reason. It’s real. I very much feel such barrenness at times, and so does every other disciple. Whether we always recognize its source is a different matter but one that Jesus helps us with later in the chapter. He pinpoints these yield-thwarting thorns as “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19, ESV). In other words, thorns are idols. They grab hold of the heart’s affections and begin choking the believer’s love for the Lord. While Jesus specifically targets riches, the reference to “the desires for other things” suggests He is speaking about any form of idolatry. The revelation here isn’t that I’m an idolater and have weeds. I know that; it’s not news. However, the speed with which these pesky intruders can develop into an infestation is. I’m currently living that reality. I look away for what seems but a fleeting moment, and my field becomes littered with them. The growth is invasive. In fact, it’s only upon closer examination that I can even see the grain. This is not without consequence. Weariness has become my dominant emotion, thanks in large part to one particular idol. It isn’t money or possessions but an item potentially even more dangerous. What I euphemistically frame as resolve and dedication, the Lord sees as something quite different: control. And He is correct. I’m a helicopter parent, hovering overhead and
In this gracious rebuke, the Lord is beginning to show me there is a better way. It’s Him. The energy I exert to secure outcomes for my sons needs to be redirected towards securing a greater reliance upon Him and His omnipotent goodness. As much as I love my kids, Jesus loves them infinitely more. He too wants them to prosper. The very best way I can serve them, and myself for that matter is by allowing Jesus to serve us. I must lean into His wise and gracious care and surrender these burdens. They are not mine to shoulder. They’re His. If I will deepen my dependency upon Christ, He promises a spiritual reversal will occur. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). The thorns will wilt. The grain plants will strengthen. And to His glory and my family’s peace, the yield will grow thirty, sixty, a hundredfold. May the Lord give me the strength to abide in Him and surrender my hardships. May He do the same for you, too.
swooping down whenever there is an issue or concern with either for them, but my relentlessness in trying to protect their well-being has proved exhausting for all involved.
24 // April 2022
About The Author
of my sons. I dearly love my children and want only the very best
Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Change of Plans
A
by Kristen West
complete conundrum. That’s what it was. Three of my dear friends and I stood there in
the Chattanooga airport gazing into the apologetic
eyes of the Delta airline check-in attendant. “I’m so sorry,” the nice lady said. “All the planes are grounded due to the storm last night.” My friends and I had been planning, preparing, and packing for this much-anticipated cruise vacation to New
cleared, we sprinted out and caught the LAST shuttle that day heading to the cruise port. We climbed in, giddy with excitement—we were almost there. Our shuttle dropped us off within a few blocks of the dock, and as soon as we had our luggage in hand, we were sprinting again, determined to make it to our ferry that would finally connect us to our boat.
England for months. Now, it appeared as though we
WE MADE IT! (*insert Chariots of Fire theme music here*)
wouldn’t even get to leave our area.
All the twists, turns, and changes in plans hadn’t
The following 24-hour period looked like something scripted for a sitcom and involved some massive changes in plans.
stopped us. They simply rerouted us. Through it all, none of us got frustrated. No one became angry or upset. We all just enjoyed the journey. Every surprising and unplanned detail of it. To be clear, I wasn’t always like that. Sudden changes used to send my emotions into a tailspin or cause my stress levels to go into orbit. It took me years to get to a place where I could roll with the punches, pivot on a dime, or have my plans suddenly change without my innards crinkling up. (I’m not saying the work in me is complete, but a huge internal transformation has definitely taken place.) Can you relate? God, in His wisdom and mercy, knew ahead of time that sudden changes in plans might be
We hopped a shuttle to Atlanta and jumped on a new
an issue for us and graciously gives us this beautiful verse,
flight to Boston (our cruise port) only to find that by the time
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his
our plane landed, we had missed the boat!
steps” (Proverbs 16:9, HCSB).
We grabbed our luggage, hailed a taxi, and headed for the nearest hotel. By morning, we were strapped into an early flight that was off to Bar Harbor, Maine. (The airline “hoped” we’d
Having that promise gives us daily opportunities to embrace our Father’s alternate routes for us and gives us the grace to change direction and live in the moment for whatever HE has planned!
Upon landing, we looked like we were on the starting blocks of the Olympic 500-meter dash. As soon as the aisle
26 // April 2022
About The Author
land in time to connect to our cruise.) Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
If Roads Could Talk by Sandra Gilmore
journey stopped there. Though heartbroken, Jacob kept going. Scripture tells us he buried his beloved, re-named his son, and then led his entourage “beyond the tower of Eder” (Genesis 35:21). What could have comforted his grieving soul? How did he find strength to keep going? This was not Jacob’s first stop along a road. Jacob’s limp served as a reminder. His limp came from a night spent wrestling with the Most High whom Jacob had encountered while stopped along another road. That time, Jacob was navigating his way to an intentional, yet uncertain, reconciliation with his brother Esau. Would Esau accept reconciliation, or would he attack for revenge? To minimize potential harm to his family, Jacob split his family into two companies and sent them across the Jordan River. While Jacob camped alone, a man called Prince with God in Hebrew wrestled with the Patriarch leaving Jacob’s hip out of joint and a blessing in place.
28 // April 2022
When the Lord called Jacob to Bethel, he obediently took both his limp and his blessing along that road too. Genesis 35:5 describes, “And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.” Jacob limped farther and had to stop again. This stop required Jacob to build an altar of worship and to grieve the life of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse. Jacob pressed on. His next
stop mirrored his last. He built an altar at Bethel and then, not too far up the road, we pick up the story again where his beloved Rachel died while giving birth to their son. Knowing his journey was incomplete, Jacob again traveled toward the goal, which was to “pitch his tent beyond the tower of Eder, (Migdal Eder).” Throughout his journey, Jacob relentlessly pursued the next God-appointed starts and stops, despite those stops looking like good places to quit. He trusted that his individual journey lay strategically nestled inside the Lord’s grand plan. (How was Jacob to know Migdal Eder near Bethlehem would become the birthplace of the Savior?) Can we zero in on the place God has called us, despite bumpy starts and frustrating stops? Yes, we can, even if we must limp to get there! About The Author
T
hrough this series of articles, we’ve been on the road, winding our way back to Christmas. Check back each month as we explore even more often-overlooked connections to this sacred event. Have you considered quitting something? Or should the query be how recently have you considered quitting something? If roads could talk, they’d divulge to you that stops along the road can look like good places to quit. Stops are rarely convenient. In fact, other than refueling or planned picnics, most occurrences are untimely, illprepared, and emotionally draining. Is there anyone we can take inspiration from? And how does that connect to Christmas? Jacob experienced such stops. His display of perseverance beyond the stops is inspiring for us today. In Genesis 48, we learn of a stop when life ceased as Jacob knew it. Though he had an entourage of family and servants traveling with him, we know of no others close by except Jacob, a midwife, and a newborn. His wife Rachel, the second of two concurrent marriages but the first choice of his heart, lay lifeless beside him. The midwife buoyed Rachel through hard labor, but Rachel’s
Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org
FEATURED COVER STORY
PuroClean Property Damage Experts
P
uroClean is a leader in property damage emergency services by helping families and businesses overcome the devastation caused by water, fire, mold, and other conditions resulting in property damage. PuroClean services the U.S. and Canada. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Charles Atkins, along with his family, opened PuroClean Property Damage Experts of Cleveland, TN, and began doing business in Cleveland and surrounding areas in 2014. Since then, many things have changed with the business, but one thing that has not is the desire to serve God and serve others. PuroClean is not just a business, the Atkins family considers it their ministry. In the early days, the company had one technician and one vehicle. Today, we have a fleet of vehicles including vans, box trucks, tractors, and trailers. On any given day, we may have up to forty-five team members working. We have approximately 400 air movers and 100 dehumidifiers and commercial generators. We use state-of-the-art specialty equipment. Our technicians are certified by IICRC, which is the certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. The restoration industry is ever-changing, and to remain on the cutting edge, our technicians continue education and online training through the PuroClean Academy.
30 // April 2022
We provide 24/7 emergency services, and you will never get an answering service when you call our phone number. We have a dedicated team that services Cleveland and surrounding areas. We work with individuals and insurance companies. We will walk alongside you to help you navigate through the restoration process for your property damage. PuroClean of Cleveland provides various services including water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, biohazard cleaning, which includes trauma scene clean-up, hoarding, and COVID deep cleaning with an electrostatic sprayer, as well as crawlspace encapsulation and HVAC duct cleaning with the Rotobrush Beast. For a complete list of services, you may visit our website at www.puroclean.com/ppde-tn. PuroClean of Cleveland is partnered with PuroClean Corporate National Disaster Catastrophe Response. This is an honor as only a few franchises are part of this elite group. PuroClean of Cleveland has a dedicated
MOLD - BEFORE
MOLD - AFTER
CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION
Disaster Team, therefore service to Cleveland is never disrupted. The Disaster Team served the area of Chattanooga following the Easter 2020 Tornado. We provided a demo and dry out for a multimillion-dollar apartment complex, as well as serving other businesses and homes in that area. The Disaster Team responded to Texas following the Polar Vortex of 2021, providing demo and dry out for approximately 150 apartments. The Disaster Team recently spent weeks in Colorado following the wildfires providing smoke and soot restoration for homes. We have serviced such areas as LA (hurricane 2021), KY (floods), AR (flooding), NC, and FL (hurricane and tornadoes). Most recently, our Disaster Team spent many weeks in Dresden, TN, providing restoration services for seven businesses following the December 2021 tornadoes. Our Disaster Team had the privilege of working alongside Staff Sergeant William Atkins and his platoon from Fort Campbell, KY, cleaning up debris in the small town. Staff Sergeant Atkins is the great-nephew of Charles. “I sure wish the tornado had not come to my hometown, but since it did, I’m sure thankful that Charles Atkins and PuroClean came here, too. I don’t know what my clients, neighbors, family, and I would have done without them. I had them board up my office’s broken window, tear out the wet carpet and insulation, board up the windows at my brother’s house, and stabilize and protect the roof and building of one of my biggest clients. I recommended them to many of my neighbors. And on top of all that, I know for a fact that the self-described ‘HolyRoller’ Charles Atkins helped a widow who had lost two sons in their 20s and her home in the tornado get a brandnew home. I believe the Good Lord sent Charles and his faithful and hard-working team here. And I know for a fact that the Good Lord has acted through them here,” said Senator Roy Herron, Dresden, TN.
For PuroClean of Cleveland, no job is ever too small or too big. With Charles’s twenty-plus years of working in the restoration industry, he has many resources. The Atkins family is so thankful for all our customers and clients that have entrusted their homes and businesses to our care to return them to their pre-damage state. We value our customers and clients—you are not just an address or a job. The restoration industry is a service industry and PuroClean of Cleveland is here to serve our customers and clients. It is our goal to provide professional service, with a personal touch, from the first phone call to the completion of the service. PuroClean of Cleveland has a great team that strives to provide relentless customer service. For all our future customers and clients, thank you for allowing us to serve you with your property damage needs. PuroClean of Cleveland is ranked among the top 10 percentile of PuroClean franchises. PuroClean of Cleveland is probably the best-kept secret in the restoration industry. Our area is blessed to have a company of this caliber in our community. You can follow our journey on Facebook at PuroClean Property Damage Experts. Should you need restoration services, call (423)-790-3500. You will always be greeted with, “How may we help you?”
goodnewscm.com // 31
Gò0dNews for Everyone
It’s Not Hurting Anyone
S
by Brian Johnson
amson is one of those people we learn about at an early age. I can still remember seeing pictures of him with his arms stretched out between two pillars at the
end of his life. I used to always wonder how he fell into the trap of letting Delilah cut his hair. He told her his strength could be nullified by tying him with seven new cords that hadn’t been dried, seven new cords that had never been used. Then, he said to weave the seven locks of his hair together, and she did all those things. So, why would he let her know to cut his hair? Surely, he would know she would cut it. I propose he told her because of a combination of pride and overlooking the longsuffering of God. We know Samson was a Nazarite from birth. According to Numbers 6, that involved no drinking of “wine and strong drink…nor eat moist grapes, or dried” (vs 3), “there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs 5), and “he shall come at no dead body” (vs 6). We don’t have proof that he drank wine or strong drink, but we know he came at several dead bodies. He killed many men and, in Judges 14:19, he ate honey that he got from the carcass of a dead lion. He gave some to
since there aren’t any immediate consequences, we keep
his parents but didn’t tell them where he got it from.
doing the same wrong repeatedly. We forget that we have a
According to the Nazarite vow, whenever he came at a
God that loves us and is longsuffering. But Numbers 32:23
dead body, he should’ve shaved his head and performed
says, “…be sure your sin will find you out.”
certain sacrifices, but he never did and didn’t lose his
Remember, God always sees and He always knows. As
strength until Delilah cut his hair. He never lost his
Christians, we shouldn’t want to continue in sin. It hurts our
strength any other time he broke the vow. Why should this
closeness to God and prevents Him from being able to work
time be different?
through us as effectively. You say it’s not hurting anyone
We go through life prideful. We got the success we have
but when it prevents the Holy Spirit from working through
solely from hard work or because of our own intelligence.
you, the efforts of your sin are potentially hurting everyone
We don’t take the time to recognize God or give Him the
around you. Don’t continue in sin. Repent and allow God to
glory. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:
use you. Eventually, your sin will find you out.
He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Or we continue in sin. Knowingly and willingly. We say things like “no one knows” or “it’s not hurting anyone,” and
32 // April 2022
About The Author
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Finding Approval
H
by Todd R. Gunderson
ow do you seek the approval of others? It’s an
Maslow’s third step, “Love and Belonging,” includes a sense
uncomfortable question for some, and to others,
of connection. It, too, can aid in our feelings of approval.
it’s the driving force that ensures their unique
Yet, I had one question stirring in my heart and mind. It
place in this world. I think I’m somewhere in between these
was prompted by a scripture. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride
extremes, yet I still find myself doing things for others
goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Does
expecting a pat on the back. My goal, of course, is to be a
scripture play a role in our ascent on Maslow’s Hierarchy of
blessing to others less fortunate, and happily, I have a sense
Needs? It should. Searching for approval can often create a
of duty to many. I’ve always enjoyed helping where I can,
feeling of guilt when promoting personal talents, and there’s
but God seems to show me those areas where I matter. Recently, I was reviewing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It’s a theory of human requirements arranged in a pyramidal structure where physiological needs form the base (food, water, etc.). As I read the descriptions of each step, they seemed to make sense. However, when I reached the pyramidion and read the word selfactualization and its descriptors, I had to learn more. The term has controversy among social scientists, but I simply saw the idea as an unreachable goal. Maslow interviewed many individuals who, in his mind, had reached self-actualization. I could not imagine how he knew they were self-actualized—surely, they must have told him. Wikipedia explained his thinking. “All were ‘reality centered,’ able to differentiate what was fraudulent
a fine line between sharing and flaunting. We all want the
from what was genuine. They were also ‘problem-centered,’
approval of others, but I think it might be best to leave it up
meaning that they treated life’s difficulties as problems that
to God. Self-actualization seems prideful.
demanded solutions. These individuals were comfortable
I began to question how anyone can claim his top tier
being alone and had healthy personal relationships. They
of self-actualization when each of us has so much more to
had only a few close friends and family rather than a large
learn in this life. I would rather strive for a Godly sense
number of shallow relationships.” Sounds good, but it is
of approval with the lesser tier of “esteem.” I find it to
also described as having achieved one’s full potential.
be a healthy goal for humanity. But Biblically, we learn
I can appreciate the ideas to a degree, but Maslow’s
that respect for others is instructed, status is appointed,
“esteem” tier, second from the top, had more meaning to me
recognition is rewarded, strength will be renewed, and
than any of them, and as I stated earlier, it’s what drives me
freedom is achieved through the power of God.
to some degree, and reasonably, many others. It’s where we status, recognition, strength, and freedom. Truly, these ideas mark great politicians, doctors, orators, or CEOs. Even
34 // April 2022
About The Author
find the approval of others. His descriptors here are respect, Todd R. Gunderson is a teacher, author, and woodworker who lives and works in Cleveland, TN. He has been teaching for 25 years for Bradley County Schools. He earned his teaching degree at Lee University and a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University. Todd lives the country life with his wife, Laura, 4 children, 4 cats, and 2 dogs. You can see his books and woodworking projects at ToddRGunderson.com.
Gò0dNews Non-Profit Spotlight
Cleveland Bradley Relay for Life: Racing for a Cure
C
ancer survivors, caregivers, and volunteers are putting the pedal to the metal for the 2022 Cleveland Bradley Relay for Life scheduled for Saturday, May
21, at First Baptist Church Cleveland. The Relay is the American Cancer Society’s signature
fundraising event. Cleveland Bradley’s goal this year is $90,000, with all funds slated to advance cancer research, support survivors and caregivers, and accelerate the mission of the American Cancer Society. “Cleveland and Bradley County have set the pace in this region for decades when it comes to fighting cancer and supporting survivors and caregivers,” said Dewayne Belew, Chairman of this year’s Relay for Life. “Covid knocked us
Event Leadership members and with the Forever Thirteen Relay team (L to R): Event Chair, Dewayne Belew, Nancy Casaday, Kelley Farrow and Greg Farrow.
off track, like so many other things in life, but we are back
other acts are being finalized and will include local favorite,
and running strong.”
No One Special band, a family-friendly adult version of
Thanks to more than thirty teams and sponsors in 2021, the Cleveland Bradley Relay raised $80,000. This year’s theme is RACING FOR A CURE, with
Simon Says, and an auction. “We dropped the green flag for this year’s Relay on March 15 at our kick-off breakfast,” Belew said. “We need
teams decked out as Relay Pit Crews and each campsite
churches, schools, businesses, civic groups, and families to
decorated in NASCAR or other racing decorations.
join us so we can blow past the checkered flag on May 21.”
The traditional buffet of food and drink choices will be
For additional information about the Relay for Life,
available for purchase by attendees with all proceeds going
please visit www.relayforlife.org/bradleytn, and for cancer
to the ACS Relay.
information, please visit www.cancer.org. For questions about
One of the feature attractions this year will be each team’s self-created and constructed race car. Teams are being creative in their use of cardboard, plastic, paints, and stickers. At Relay’s end, trophies will be presented to the best cars: most creative, most money raised, and most original design. On Relay Day, attendees will be treated to a variety of entertainment, demonstrations, and food and drink from the racing concessions sponsored by the teams. The Relay will open for demonstrations by local organizations at 3 p.m., with the formal Relay opening at 5 p.m. The JROTC from Cleveland High School will present the U.S. Colors after a prayer from Ernest Easley, Teaching Pastor over Evangelism at First Baptist Church. Musical and
36 // April 2022
this event, please contact Angela Mathis at angela.mathis@ cancer.org or Dewayne Belew at dbelew395@gmail.com.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Good Samaritan Part 2 Luke 10:25-37, Luke 9:54-56
L
by Jonathon Wright
ast time we talked about the animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Even the Lord’s disciples wanted to call fire down from Heaven like Elijah in the Old
Testament upon these overbearing and cantankerous Samaritan neighbors. See Luke 9:54-56. However, Jesus quickly reminded them He came to save lives, not destroy them. John 3:17 plainly states Jesus does not want to condemn the world for their sins but save those who believe in Him. The lawyer wanted to know if he had to love his annoying neighbors. Jesus responds with this parable. A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Samaria and fell among robbers who stripped him and beat him and left him half-dead on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite came but went out of their way to cross onto the other side of the street to avoid him. I have read some commentators mention the idea of ceremonial purity as why the priest and Levite did not help this half-dead man. Keep in mind, he may have been a Jew or Samaritan. Jesus does not want to be that specific because He wanted His audience and us to see each other as people. He does not want us to label a person based on their ethnicity before getting to know them. The priest and the Levite, as leaders, were supposed to be loving examples to God’s people. However, Jesus was constantly confronting the religious leaders of His time because of the way they treated people. They were cold and indifferent to this man. Jesus now talks about the actions of an unknown Samaritan, who had compassion on the wounded man. He gave him wine to ease the pain and oil to soothe the wound. After helping him feel better, the Samaritan placed him on his beast and would have to walk. The specifics of the journey are unknown, but it could have been up to seventeen miles. When he got into town, he paid a considerable amount of money to take care of his needs for shelter and rest. He
Concluding Thoughts Jesus concludes by asking who was a neighbor to the man. The lawyer responded, “the man who showed mercy.” Do you see how the man no longer saw the Samaritan by his ethnicity but saw his Samaritan neighbor as a person of great value to God? Jesus was calling this man to be a good neighbor. Usually, when we are good to people, they will be good to us. These principles help us have better relationships with our neighbors. We live in a dangerous world much like the time of Jesus, but He still encourages us to be good neighbors today. Let’s continue by the love of God to make our lives and neighborhoods better, one neighbor at a time. Sources: Morris, Leon. Luke: The Tyndale New Testament Commentary. USA: InterVarsity Press, 1988. Gospel of Luke contributed by Strauss, Mark L. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Vol 1. Edited by Clinton B. Arnold. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2002.
any extra expenses. According to a commentary I read, two denarii could have paid for two months’ lodging.
38 // April 2022
About The Author
even told the innkeeper that he would be back if there were
Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. He is currently beginning the process of writing a book on Genesis entitled, God’s Good Prophetic Plan: From Beginning to End.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s The Truth?
W
by Susan Lavigne
hile rooming with a friend during my college
As with my situation, sometimes our perceptions of
days, we both went to bed around 10 p.m.
what we believe and what is the truth clash. It’s like waking
because of our early morning schedules. This
up one morning thinking it’s a workday when it’s actually
was before cell phones, so we only had one phone hanging
the weekend. It’s hard to change your belief when you don’t
on the kitchen wall. One night, my roommate came into my
recognize the truth.
room around 11:30 p.m. I was so sound asleep that I didn’t
A biblical example of this problem with perception
hear the phone ring. She said, “Susan, the phone is for you.”
happened to the apostle Paul in his early days (when he was
Now, since I didn’t hear the phone, I proceeded to tell my
known as Saul). He persecuted the new church of Christian
roommate that she was dreaming and to go back to bed. She
believers. You see, he was zealous to do “God’s work” and
was very unhappy with my assessment of the situation and
truly believed he was doing God a favor by ridding the
more forcefully said, “Susan, the phone is for you!”
Jews of this new religious cult. Although he was passionate, his perception was not the truth of what God wanted. When his eyes were literally opened to the truth, he found a new mission, this time in support of the church he had previously persecuted. All of us develop different perceptions from our experiences and emotions. We then develop expectations about life from what we were taught or saw modeled. For example, we may have expectations of what our spouse needs, or more often, what we expect from our spouse. However, sometimes conflicts arise when our expectations differ from another. So, where is the truth in our perceptions? As a Christian, when I am struggling with the truth of my
Showing incredible compassion for this poor friend who
perceptions, the best thing I can do is seek out God’s Word
was obviously having a bad dream, I continued trying to
on the issue and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
convince her that everything was okay and she just needed
Sometimes, guidance comes in the form of wise Christian
to go back to bed. At this point, she totally lost patience with
counsel. Trust me, God wants us to know the truth and will
me and said, “SUSAN, YOU GET OUT OF YOUR BED AND
do whatever it takes to help us know it, even if it has to
PICK UP THE PHONE IN THE KITCHEN!” Shocked by
come from a friend shouting at us to pick up the phone.
more shocked to hear a person’s voice on the other end of the telephone.
40 // April 2022
About The Author
her words, I got out of bed to answer the phone. I was even Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
W
by Dana Robinson
hen we think of healthy eating, salad is one of the first things that comes to mind. As children, we are encouraged to eat our fruits and vegetables to grow healthy and strong. After all, Popeye gulps down his spinach. Some people appreciate a nice salad for the colorful combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables, while others classify salad as boring “diet” food. I’ll be honest—I am a bit of an oddball and love salad. I mean, I truly love a delicious salad. In fact, when I was pregnant with my first son, I craved salad! My tastebuds exploded with the watery yet crisp romaine lettuce and the sweet crunch of the orange baby carrots. I remember asking my husband if that was the sweetest carrot he had ever tasted as I excitedly enjoyed my lunch salad for the day. He looked at me mildly perplexed and replied that it tasted like a carrot. Clearly, he categorizes salads as diet food. In a world with over processed, over salted, and over sugared foods, how can we get back to enjoying the freshness and sweetness of raw fruits and vegetables? A single salad can provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals into our diets. Aside from promoting regularity and preventing dehydration, salad ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, seeds, nuts, cucumbers, carrots, olives, etc. are chocked full of antioxidants and other cancer fighting properties. When my husband, Jamie Robinson and I founded Lighthouse Personal Care Homes, we knew that food would be a foundation for healthy and joyful living. Real food makes such a difference in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Too many organizations skimp on fresh quality foods. During meal planning, I’m guided not only by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” but also by a passion for bringing to life the true pleasures of food. Simple ingredient variations can create delicious salad sensations that are truly something to look forward to eating. We don’t just experience food with our noses and our mouths, food should be visually appealing as well. Food is beautiful and artistic. When the right ingredients are paired together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I challenge
42 // April 2022
you to incorporate more salads in your daily routine. Be bold and playful. Be creative and savory. Go with the sweet flavors of the season. Step out of the mundane, basic salad and enjoy one of these sensational salads!
Hawaiian Salad Recipe • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, reserve juice for dressing • 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup pecans or macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Strawberry Pineapple Vinaigrette • ½ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup pineapple juice • 1 tbs honey
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar • ¾ cup olive oil
• ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt Wash and chop lettuce. Evenly distribute remaining ingredients on top of salad. In a blender or separate bowl, blend vinaigrette ingredients together. Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Serve or toss as desired. Can substitute strawberries and honey with 3 tbs strawberry jelly.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Beauty Like a Butterfly
B
by Paula Burgner
eauty is most often thought of as a feature
changes it has to go through to achieve the beauty
that makes an object pleasurable to look
that it becomes.
upon. Some find beauty in the shiny things
When times get hard, and you feel like the
that grab our attention right away, as others may
journey you’re on is not going the way you want,
find beauty in something as simple as a country
don’t settle—you can change it. Although change
sunset. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
can be hard, it is worth it in the end. Show the
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
world that anything is possible if you put your heart and
A beautiful heart will
mind to
bring things
it and put God first in
into your
your life. Like
life that all the
a butterfly, your
money in the
wings will unfold,
world couldn’t
and your beauty will
get you. Beauty goes
shine through.
deeper than an outward
Sometimes, I think that
appearance. On those hard
butterflies are God’s way
days when you feel like the
of throwing confetti upon the
ugly duckling, remember that
earth like a celebration, reminding
butterflies can’t see their wings.
us of the love He shows for us. A
They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can.
butterfly can only transform once in
Butterflies remind us that no
its lifetime, but once you give your
matter how hard the journey may be, there is always
life to God, you can do it anytime and in countless
beauty at the end of all the pain we go through.
ways. So, live life with a heart for God. Life is not
Too often, the most beautiful things in the world
always going to be perfect, but that is the beauty
cannot be seen or touched but felt with the heart.
of life. Always remember what God tells us in the
This is why we always close our eyes when we kiss,
Bible in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He hath made everything
dream, and pray. To love beauty is to see the light
beautiful in His time.”
in others. Love can be thought of like a butterfly this life, yet we often take it for granted. We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the
44 // April 2022
About The Author
too, it is a rare and gentle thing that we are given in Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
T
She’s A Dream Chaser!
here is a special event that happens every year in Cleveland on the first full week of June. For nearly 30 years, many of your kids have participated in it on the tennis courts of Lee
University. Kids ages 6-13 who desire to learn how to play tennis flood the courts. Amazingly, despite that over 400 kids attend each year, each one feels the love expressed to them by Kay, her 40 instructors, and many volunteers. There’s music with a D.J., T-shirts are given away, and photos are taken. There is terrific instruction given all week. Even a red carpet is laid down on the courts for a premier awards ceremony. But the best news? The entire experience, all week long, has always been completely free! Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Mark Walker and Dr. Paul Conn and their commitment to Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Annually, over 25 cities are typically represented in these clinics. The director, Kay McDaniel, is a former professional tennis
McDaniel enjoying participants at the Kay McDaniel Tennis Clinics.
player who was ranked in the top 30 in the world and who competed at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open six times. She has 40 able instructors helping her each year. She not only teaches tennis skills but focuses the clinics on a spiritual theme each day. During the clinics, she shares some of her many inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles in sports and life on her journey to the top level in sports. From age eleven, she dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. Her first tennis racquet was a Green Stamp racket, which McDaniel collected 5,000 stamps to obtain. Her mother sewed all her tennis clothes until age fifteen when her achievements earned her tennis’ top sponsorships (Fila, Tail, and Nike) that lasted throughout her career. McDaniel was ranked #1 in the nation as an amateur, played #1 position for Louisiana State University, and then went on to realize her ultimate dream of competing at tennis’ Grand Slams. For six years, she competed against legendary #1 world-ranked players such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf. She rose to the top 35 in the world in singles and held a top 20 world ranking in doubles. Lil Andrews, a veteran clinic instructor for 20 years, said, “Kay’s clinics are an opportunity to serve the Lord and others. It’s so much more than a free sports camp because while they are having great fun, kids are also in relationships with Christfollowing role models and being taught about Jesus. And that’s a win-win situation.” McDaniel has been a professor at Lee in the Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education department for 25 years. For the
46 // April 2022
Kay’s Top Instructors for Tennis Clinics around her annual jingle.
last five years, she currently advises Lee students by helping them find their strengths, matching them with their career paths, and coaching students on how to successfully overcome obstacles. Kay will release her second book, Be a Dream Chaser, by LifeStory Publishing, at her tennis clinics this year. This colorfully illustrated children’s book contains many of Kay’s interesting stories describing her pursuit of reaching her dream of becoming a professional tennis player and competing against the greatest players ever to play tennis at the world’s grandest tennis arenas. 30th Annual Kay McDaniel Tennis Clinics Lee University Tennis Courts June 6-10, 2022 | Cost: Free! | Ages: 6-13 Girls: 8am - 10am; Boys: 10:30am - 12:30pm | | All skill levels Registration: Apply online starting April 1st at www.kaymcdanieltennisclinics.com (register now as it fills up quickly)
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
motivated, and passionately engaged in
professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484
reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews Poetry
I Witnessed by Judy Hood
When your love ran red down the cross for me My tear-stained eyes, I could hardly see You looked up and said, “Father, it is done.” Open wide the gates, for here comes your son I had to stand back a moment and catch my breath For I have just watched my Lord conquer death He has gone to that place he has talked about When he arrives, he will be welcomed with a shout The angels standing, waiting, clad in garments white as snow As the heavenly angelic music flows He will meet his Father at the throne And be placed on his right side because he did no wrong 50 // April 2022
Gò0dNews for Everyone
True Beauty by Porter Johnson
I
n December of 2021, I went on a backpacking trip to Big
all hindrances are sins. Therefore, God’s people must not be
Bend National Park in Texas. My best friend and I were
content with asking the question, “Is this a sin?” Christians
celebrating college graduation. When we planned the trip,
must move forward to the question, “Does this help me run
I didn’t know that the park has an incredible view of the stars at night. Big Bend is one of the top five darkest places
after God?” When we conclude that an action, relationship,
in the United States. There is virtually no light pollution, so
substance, topic of conversation, or anything else does not
you can see every star in the sky. I thought I had seen the
help us run the race of life, the biblical command is to lay
beauty of the stars growing up in the mountains of Northwest Georgia, but I had no idea their true beauty until I saw them in Big Bend. The point of this story is that I could not see the true beauty of the stars until all light pollution was removed from my sight. Similarly, we cannot see the full beauty of God until all hindrances and sins are removed from our hearts. “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross,
it aside. Paul wrote a parallel statement in 1 Corinthians
despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
10:23, “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is
throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, CSB).
beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything
There is a significant nuance in this passage from the
builds up.” The heartbeat of a born-again Christian is to get
book of Hebrews. An exhortation to lay things aside in order
closer to God. Nearness to God is best accomplished when
to run after God is found. The author encourages readers to
all hindrances and sins have been cast aside. Dear Christian,
“lay aside every hindrance and sin that so easily ensnares
lay aside sins and lay aside all other hindrances as well.
us.” It is easy to see that sins will hold the Christian back
Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is
from seeing God. However, sins are not the only thing
set out for you, and you will clearly gaze upon the beauty of
that keeps Christians from running with endurance.
the Savior.
hindrances and sins. According to this passage, there are hindrances that are not sins. All sins are hindrances, but not
52 // April 2022
About The Author
Hebrews 12:1-2 specifies that Christians must lay aside both Porter Johnson is a Shorter University Graduate, a current student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and College Pastor at Sherwood Rome.
Count on us. To keep your life in motion. Issues like knee, hip, shoulder or back injuries can rob you of the activities you enjoy most. From sports medicine to joint repair or replacement, we’re here to address the pain and get you moving again, close to home. From the routine to the unforeseen, count on us.
Are You Experiencing Joint Pain? Take our free joint pain assessment at StarrRegional.com/orthopedics To find a health care provider, call 423.374.6571 Enhanced cleaning, mask requirements and social distancing to help keep you safe.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Empty Grave
W
by Rhonda Beavers
hen my parents were first married, they decided
but socially because he tended to look down his nose on
to live with my maternal grandmother to help
others he perceived as inferior to himself.
her bring up her pre-adolescent son. My dad
After quickly observing my father’s perfectionistic
moved into a community in which my mom had lived for
efforts, this outsider announced, “that’s good enough, it’s
years. This didn’t phase my dad at all, as he was the most
just Abb Addison.” There was no way out of the grave
outgoing people-person you ever met. He loved talking
except to be pulled out by a pal. After what must have been
to everyone, old or young, rich or poor, male or female.
a cold, steely glare from my dad’s hazel green eyes, my
My mom had no reason to be jealous as there was never a
father put up his young, strong hand and instructed his
more loyal husband. My dad considered them all his peers,
friend Buck, “Pull me out.” The intruder quickly saw his
no more, no less. All these people had a story to tell, and it seems as if my father was determined to hear every one of them. “For I say, for the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). He was also a good neighbor, pitching in a hand whenever necessary. These duties even extended to digging a grave for an old family friend by the name of Abb
social faux pas and beat a path homeward, leaving the dead
Addison after my dad and his best friend had found the
man’s friends to send him to Heaven in style.
gentleman deceased in his bed one chilly late winter morning.
Christ sees us all as equal. He loves to talk with us, but
In those days, graves were dug by hand, and my dad was a
He doesn’t need to because He already knows our story
perfectionist when it came to any handiwork he attempted.
better than we do. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
On this occasion, he was standing in the bottom of the
neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
freshly dug grave, perfecting a small ledge that was placed
ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christ was
necessarily just below the opening. The group of attending
surrounded at the time of his death by those who loved him,
community men were approached by what some of them
those who mocked him, and those who cared not either
considered to be an outsider. Not an outsider geographically,
way. He was placed in a borrowed grave, but not for long.
54 // April 2022
All He had to do was ask His Heavenly Father, “Pull me out,” and Satan knew to beat a path.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Coming of New Beginnings pril showers bring May flowers”—a rhyme that was a constant tune come April every year. This phrase mimics scriptures and the promises that while sorrow may last for a night, God promises joy for the morning. After winter, after storms, there is the promise of new life or new beginnings. This transition of winter into spring comes alive for me in the stories of Narnia. When we first encounter Narnia, in the second book, we find a land that is always winter, never Christmas, and never spring. Yet, as Aslan is on the move, spring comes roaring in, and with it the hope and promise of something new (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; C.S. Lewis, 1950). Spring has always been my favorite season because of the promise of new life. I am fascinated by how seeds lay dormant through frigid temps for months yet then have the ability to crack through the earth and into life and new growth. This is a parallel for our lives, and coming into spring of 2022, this is a season to grow into a new beginning. Through 2020 and 2021, many of us found ourselves in a season of dormancy. We’ve sat at home, we’ve allowed ourselves to freeze, and now God is calling you out. He’s always had a plan for you, He’s always had a calling for you, yet winter came, and you froze. It’s okay to freeze. Sometimes, God brings us into a season of winter. My family was previously called to live for two and a half years in the beautiful area of Yosemite National Park. Upon reflection, I realized that this was my winter. Slowly, the leaves started dying off the trees as we found ourselves more and more isolated. Then the pandemic started and it was like everything froze. Our dreams, our jobs, our plans just stopped in motion. We were in Narnia, it was winter, never Christmas, and never spring. Yet under it all, God was moving. Then we began to feel the still small voice breathing renewed life into us. Winter is an incredibly important season. Trees need to shed their leaves, the plants need to die back and be pruned, and underground much happens that we can’t even see. Long before we feel spring coming, the daffodils are already getting ready to bloom. They know when it will be their
56 // April 2022
time to announce the beginning of spring. We can feel it in our Spirit too. When you seek after God and listen for His voice, He will lead you into spring in His perfect timing. He promises in Jeremiah 29:11-13, that He will give you a hope and a future, when you call upon Him, pray to Him and seek Him with all your heart. This passage comes after He
froze the Israelites; they were in a deep winter of captivity in a foreign land. They doubted their identity as God’s chosen people. Yet, following that time, God gave them this promise of blessing, one that continues to bless us today. For my family, Christmas in Narnia finally came when we stepped into God’s next step for us and followed His guidance. Now we are enjoying the growing pains of spring. As we are leaving behind winter, examine your life. Are you still frozen? Have you gotten to experience your Christmas that will make way for the promised spring? Maybe you’re just waiting for something you’ve planted to finally take root and bloom? Whatever season your life is in, I encourage you to take heart and take hope. Cling to Jesus’ promise of new life and restoration, and walk firmly into the call He has given you.
About The Author
“A
by April Engstrom
April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation. You can follow April’s blog at everlasting-evergreen.weebly.com.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Grafted In
T
by Dorothy Teague
here’s a popular show on one of the streaming
propagate a new kind of fruit on the tree. The same
services about a young orphan girl who is
can be said of the grafting in of the Gentiles. While
eventually adopted into a family of an older
there were many Jews who were saved during the
brother and sister. The transition period is difficult
early preaching, God’s chosen people, Israel, as a
because their personalities are so different from each
nation, rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Because of
other. The adults are hard-working, no nonsense,
their unbelief, the gospel was preached to the Gentile
conservative farmers. The girl, on the other hand,
nation. In Romans 11:19, Paul is speaking to a group of both Gentiles and Jews and states, “Then you will say, Branches were broken off, so that I might be grafted in.” Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you be Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Jews and Gentiles alike are fellow heirs in Christ because of His sacrifice, both covered by His blood. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Because of God’s grace and
has a vivid imagination, talks non-stop, and uses
mercy, all who will receive Christ as their Savior and
fifty cent words that they’ve never heard of. Her
Lord, get to be part of the family of God. In essence,
coloring, mannerisms, speech, and personality are
we, the Gentiles, are the adopted children of God. We
totally different from the norm of that time period.
are the wild olive shoot grafted into the Davidic tree of
She is constantly getting into trouble and feels like
Israel. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new
she doesn’t fit in anywhere. But, over time, they grow
creation: old things are passed away, behold all things
to love one another and meld into a family, and the
are made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The family name
family name is given to her.
has been given to us. We are the children of God!
In farming, there is a method called “grafting,” into the “rootstock” of another tree. This is done to
58 // April 2022
About The Author
where one kind of “scion” (bud or shoot) is grafted Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.
