July 2023

Gò0dNews

Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.

About Us

WRITERS

Abdiel Medina

Beth Maxwell

Bud Kinches

Calia Russell

Craig Thompson

Danette Reeves

Dave Carringer

Deven Wallace

Glenda Prichard

Granger Hughes

Jessica Kenworth

Judy Hood

Kristen West

Lana Payne

Mike Shreve

Pam Wattenbarger

Paul Allen

Rachel Smith

Terrie Ruff

Tiffany Pendergrass

Wayne M. Williams

Dr. William Lamb

SALES

Bud Kinches

423-650-2801

Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews CM

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

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

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 started GoodNews Christian Magazine in 2012 because we felt that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

This month marks our eleventh year providing GoodNews Christian Magazine as a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the doors for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

Since 2012, more than 400 GoodNews Christian Magazine writers -- your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who love and serve the Lord – have provided insight and encouragement. Enjoy this sampling of their work from the last eleven years.

Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

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.

You Are Called to Be a Sign and a Wonder

by Mike Shreve

Asign can be a natural token that symbolizes a spiritual reality, like the “sign” of the rainbow given to Noah representing God’s promise to never send a global flood again. A sign can also be an extraordinary, supernatural happening that reveals or validates God’s nature, God’s Word, God’s will, God’s purposes or God’s power.

A wonder is a divinely orchestrated and often miraculous event that causes the hearts of those who witness it to be filled with worshipful awe toward the Most High.

with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus” (Acts 4:29-30 NKJV). It happened.

So wondrously (pun intended) not only does God call His people to receive His power; He also calls them to be agents of that power, bringing supernatural change to the world. Through the Old Covenant prophet Isaiah, God revealed this truth, saying: “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and wonders . . .” (Isa. 8:18 Amp, see Heb. 2:13 NASB).

At pivotal points in the history of humanity, God has employed supernatural “signs and wonders” to prove His involvement in the lives of His people. The greatest example was the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. However, God did not stop moving in miraculous ways after the Exodus.

When the Savior came into this world, Simeon the prophet held the holy Child in his arms and announced He would be a sign that would be “spoken against” (Luke 2:2534 NIV). Then, during Jesus’ time of ministry, He was “a Man attested by God . . . by miracles, wonders, and signs” (Acts 2:22 NKJV). That’s how the shift into a New Covenant took place. And it continued after Jesus ascended to heaven.

Under the backlash of religious persecution, the early church even prayed for miraculous manifestations, saying, “Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that

Let me personalize that passage. When I was searching for truth back in 1970, I quit college to study under an Indian guru. Eventually, I became a teacher of Kundalini Yoga at four universities, and I ran a yoga ashram (a commune) in Tampa, Florida. After receiving a letter from an old friend telling me about being “born again,” I asked God, if this was true, and if Jesus is the Savior of the world, that He would give me a sign. I prayed all day. That afternoon it happened. One member of a prayer group in town who were interceding for me picked me up while I was hitchhiking. When I stepped into his van, my heart leapt. Taped to the ceiling was a picture of Jesus. I knew it was my sign. It was also not a coincidence, but a Godincidence that he just happened to be a former student of yoga himself prior to salvation. A few minutes later, I gave my heart to the Lord!

That same week I became a sign and a wonder. I shut down my ashram and cancelled my classes, informing about 300 students that, unknowingly, I had misled them, and that Jesus really did die for the sins of humanity.

So after receiving a sign and a wonder from God, I became a sign and “a wonder to many” (Psa. 71:7 NKJV). You should start expecting to fill that role too. You might be surprised at the power of what God does in you and through you.

Mike Shreve has traveled evangelistically out of Cleveland since 1970. He and his wife, Elizabeth, also pastor “The Sanctuary” and run a Christian publishing company named Deeper Revelation Books. www.shreveministries.org.

Taste Buds

Strawberry Cobbler

by Tiffany Pendergrass

Irecently checked the status of my June Ever bearing strawberries. I decided this was the year I was going to grow them in hanging baskets. As anyone who has tried this before will tell you, if you want enough strawberries to bake with, you need to sow more than one seed or plant. You must sow and sow and sow (and sow a few more in case the wildlife decides to share in your love of strawberries).

As a Christian, my love of gardening has helped my understanding of the kingdom of God just as the Centurion soldier’s knowledge of authority helped him receive healing for his child. There are just too many gardening references in the Bible that reference the Christian walk for us not to take notice. Personally I believe gardening is a great way to illuminate Christian principles. Recently my knowledge of Galatians 6:7 was expanded in this very way. “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked for what you sow you will reap.”

From many translations you could be led to believe that a single action of sowing will reap a similar specific reaction, which many times they do. But if you take the true Greek

Ingredients

• 1 qt. fresh strawberries

• 1/4 lb. butter

• 1 c. milk

• 1 c. self-rising flour

• 1 c. sugar

• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Hull the strawberries. Melt butter in an 8 x 12-inch baking dish in preheated oven about 4 minutes. Remove dish from oven. Add milk, flour, sugar and cinnamon to the baking dish and stir until just mixed. Arrange strawberries, tips pointed up, on top of the batter. Bake cobbler in oven until golden brown (about 25 minutes). Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes eight servings.

meaning of this (Sparkling Gems of the Greek is a great reference book to help you get down into the New Testament) what this scripture should really be translated is: “Do not be led astray God is not to be sneered at for anything you sow and sow and sow you will reap continually.”

If you want to plant a garden, you won’t plant just one flower. You will sow and sow and sow many plants to create a garden. How many people have stopped sowing good deeds because one time someone didn’t appreciate it or didn’t sow an offering because the last time they did, they never got a return.

What Paul really means is that sowing and reaping is not a mere single action but a Kingdom lifestyle that allows us as Christians to expand heaven on earth by sowing the love of Jesus. It could be sowing finances into missions; it could be sowing time into someone who needs you; or it could be an encouraging smile.

So just as I sowed many strawberry plants to make this Strawberry Cobbler, we must make a decision of the actions we are going to continually sow so we will continually reap.

An investment advisory fiduciary is a financial professional or entity that provides investment advice to clients and is legally bound to act in the best interests of those clients. This fiduciary duty requires the advisor to prioritize the client's interests above their own and to provide advice that is prudent and aligned with the client's goals and risk tolerance.

The fiduciary duty is a higher standard of care compared to the typical "suitability standard" followed by some financial professionals. Under the suitability standard, advisors are only required to recommend investments that are suitable for their clients, which may not necessarily be in the clients' best interests.

In contrast, an investment advisory fiduciary must act in a manner that is loyal, diligent, and free from conflicts of interest. They have a legal obligation to provide advice that is based on thorough analysis, professional expertise, and a genuine understanding of their clients' financial situation. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that the advice provided is in the best interest of the client.

Ensuring that your financial advisor is a fiduciary is important for several reasons:

1. Duty of Loyalty: A fiduciary is legally obligated to prioritize your best interests above their own. This means they must act with loyalty and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the advice they provide. By working with a fiduciary, you have greater assurance that the recommendations and decisions made are solely in your best interest.

2. Higher Standard of Care: Fiduciaries are held to a higher standard of care compared to advisors who operate under the suitability standard. Fiduciaries are required to provide advice that is diligent, thorough, and based on a deep understanding of your financial situation, goals, and risk

What is a Fiduciary and why does it matter to my investments?

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

tolerance. This higher standard ensures that the advice you receive is well-researched, well-informed, and tailored to your specific needs.

3. Disclosure of Conflicts: Fiduciaries are required to disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence their recommendations. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and understand any potential biases or incentives that may exist. It helps you evaluate whether the advice being provided is truly in your best interest or influenced by external factors.

4. Minimization of Financial Exploitation: Fiduciaries are bound by their fiduciary duty to act in a manner that prevents financial exploitation. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with diminished capacity. Fiduciaries must prioritize the protection and preservation of your financial assets, reducing the risk of abuse or undue influence.

5. Trust and Confidence: Working with a fiduciary can instill a greater sense of trust and confidence in your financial advisor-client relationship. Knowing that your advisor is legally obligated to act in your best interest can provide peace of mind and enhance the trust you place in their guidance.

The fiduciary duty is typically associated with Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) in the United States who are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators. These advisors are required to register with the appropriate regulatory body and adhere to specific rules and regulations governing their conduct.

Choosing an investment advisor who acts as a fiduciary can provide investors with an additional layer of protection and confidence, as it ensures that their advisor is obligated to act in their best interests.

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

Faithful Men

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

by Wayne M. Williams

Notably, these are the “faith FULL” words of the aged apostle Paul to a young upstart by the name of Timothy. While attending the recent Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference in Chattanooga, I heard these same words echoed by the seasoned pastor Ken Adams of Crossroads Church in Newnan, Georgia. Additionally, Ken is founder and director of Impact Disciple Making Ministries, a group committed to inspiring people and churches to be and build disciples.

“make followers [disciples] of all ·people in the world [the nations]” (Matthew 28:19, EXB) was greatly enhanced given I was instructed to personally touch as many conference attendees as possible and they in turn would touch as many as they could. When the second exercise in evangelism was gauged, to everyone’s amazement, duplication had become multiplication (much like the Acts account, chapter 6:1, 7)!

Hence, in Paul’s exhortation to young Timothy, two if not three generations are deeply impacted by one man’s message. First, Paul had been transformed by the gospel message he now instructs Timothy (second generation) to pass on to others (third). The “others” in the verse may well have been men older or younger than Timothy and likewise his contemporaries. Regardless to age, multiple generations heard the gospel, were lead to believe, and instructed to remain “faithful.”

And what does it mean to be “faithful?”

Well, without sounding too academic, faithful could be viewed as “full of faith.” Or to be more biblically correct, “one worthy of trust” (1 Corinthians 7:25) or “one that can be relied on” (1 Timothy 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 1:9; 3:8; Revelation 21:5; 22:6).

And how is such a phenomenal feat to be accomplished? I’m glad you asked! Truth be told, I learned first-hand from Ken, whom I got to meet personally while attending the conference hosted by Men’s Ministry Network. To illustrate effective discipleship, Ken used me in a role-play to hastily move among the gathering of men, about 500, and touch as many as I could in 10 seconds. In that brief amount of time I personally touched about 20 men. Not bad, I thought, for my physical exertion. To double by effort and reach others in this discipleship exercise, I was allotted another 10 seconds and assigned the same task. My attempt to

Believers are called upon in scripture to be faithful in the stewardship of our financial or monetary resources (2 Kings 12:15), in our employment (2 Chronicles 34:12), our relationship with God (Galatians 3:6-9), and with others (1 Timothy 6:2), as well as in our family affairs (Titus 1:6). Even so, to the very end of our existence on earth, we are to be faithful (Revelation 2:10) in order that when we awaken in our Lord’s presence we are found to be the same (Matthew 25:21).

Men, be faithful!

Wayne Williams and his wife of over 40 years, Lita, reside in Athens, Tennessee.

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Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior

Your neighbor may not realize the threat you really are, but the enemy certainly does.

by Deven Wallace

During the early years in my walk with God, I truly wanted to become everything He desired and purposed for me to be. I wanted to be a vessel of honor as 2 Timothy: 20-21 states, not just for common use, but for special use. I focused so much on becoming a beautiful vessel for Him, and yet the call that God had placed upon my life, didn’t seem to have much glamor or beauty or honor. I continually seemed to be fighting uphill battles. Just being someone God has called to preach, at times, removed the glamour of the pretty vessel I desired to be. I had the revelation one day as I asked the Lord, “will it always be a battle? Will it always be such a challenge?” God responded, “Deven, I didn’t create you to be a pretty vessel, but I made you to be a weapon in My hand.” That was the day my perspective changed, and the warrior inside of me was awakened.

Weapons are made to destroy and conquer. Beauty is not their goal, but breaking down strongholds and making way for advancement is their priority. Protection and advancement is the reason for their creation. Isaiah 54:17 is the famous text, which declares, “no weapon formed against you will prosper”, but in verse 16, we see that the Lord is over the blacksmith and the forge and He is forming weapons Himself. You, and your children, are those weapons, and that makes you a warrior. Psalms 127:4 says that children are like arrows in the hands of a

warrior! An arrow is a fierce weapon designed to inflict harm to its target. It is sharp, swift, and deadly. Who is that mighty warrior? That would be you! Your neighbor may not realize the threat you really are, but the enemy certainly does. You are a protector of the next generation.

Who would have ever thought of a mother or father as a warrior? That is what God expects of us as parents: to not only shape our children as weapons in His hands, but to be skilled warriors with the weapons He has entrusted to us. If we are walking below our own Kingdom potential, how can we ever expect our children to hit their intended target? We must be in position, with the strength to pull back our bow and the vision to see clearly the intended target in order to launch our children toward success. We want them to hit their target!

Cleveland Church Directory

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland

4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

The Collectives Church

1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 641-0193

Triune Assembly

301 Sunset Drive

Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW

McDonald, TN 37353

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

Covenant Baptist Church

249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 559-2653

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 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 Christ

North Bradley Church of Christ

1510 Stuart Road NE, Suite 207

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-3298

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

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 Community Church

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

Revolution Life Church 1525 Jones Ave SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 310-7287

Full Gospel House of Prayer

1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN

Set Free Christian Fellowship

1175 King Edwards Ave.

Cleveland, TN

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-8133

Church At Grace Point

2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 728-5050

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

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

Jacob’s Tent Fellowship

1080 Montgomery Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Eleven22 Church

1701 South Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 488-4526

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 Stones Church

4165 Peerless Rd NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

Living Word Church

930 25th Street NW

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 339-3028

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

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,

Mount Zion Prayer Center

650 25th Street NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 478-5044

New Life Bible Church

155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-3882

Redemption To The Nations

2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 591-7886

Restoration Fellowship

211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-4249

Rock Bridge Community Church

3635 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 641-1485

The Sanctuary

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

When Saying “No” is Not Enough

by Craig Thompson

No. It’s one of the most powerful words in the English language. Within that word lies the answer to overcome temptation. It is the word which can prevent broken hearts and lives. It is the word of resolve uttered by statesmen when tyranny demands acquiescence to threats.

It also happens to be one of the most frustrating words when you encounter it personally. Ever had your hopes and dreams built up, only to be told, “No?” Have you invested in a relationship deeply only to be told, “No?” From childhood onward, our lives are filled with a seemingly endless flood of the word “no.”

What does that have to do with parenting? A simplistic response would be to say that this is an article about learning to tell your child, “No” and making it stick. There is a real need for such an article—and the discipline in parents—based on the attitudes and actions that children display in public. But that’s not what this article is about.

This article is about another word. Yes. It is a word which is even more powerful than the word “no.” It contains within it the power to heal broken hearts. It is a door which opens to countless opportunities. It begins relationships. It seals marriages. It can even change the life of your child. A good friend of mine once told me early on in life, “Tell your children ‘yes’ as much as you can.” That gave me a lot of pause to think. I had been raised in a strict home environment where I heard the word “no” quite a bit. The idea of how to raise your own child can have deeply held views which arise out of your own experiences—good or bad. Somehow, I had an understanding that good parents say “no” much more than they say “yes.” That isn’t necessarily true.

All children have wants. All children have needs. And all children have some degree of curiosity about the world around them. As parents, we can sometimes be so focused on the needs of our children that we forget the other two categories.

Let’s talk about what a child wants. Wants can be categorized as healthy or unhealthy. Whether a want is either may depend on the child or the circumstance. Food is called a need in most of the world. In well-fed America, it’s a want most of the time. And to a child who is obese, giving him more food is unhealthy in the long term. So we have to exercise some wisdom and common sense when looking at what our children want. Recently, one of our children wanted to have a friend over for a sleepover. At first, my wife was hesitant to allow it. When I asked my wife “why not?”, she didn’t have a good reason for disallowing it. In discussing it, my point was that we only have so many years with each of our children. Giving them the opportunity to make good memories in the safety of our home is an important part of them having good memories at all.

Occasionally, you may have to say “no” to some wants as you to help steer your child’s requests to things

which are more within reason, fit the budget, or just plain are what you can allow. That’s OK. Your job overall is to help your child to learn for himself how to make good decisions in preparation for a lifetime of them.

One way to do that is to give choices. I like that in particular because it mirrors the way life is. If I choose to spend my time working, by default, I am not spending that same time lounging around petting a cat and sipping tea. If I choose to go one direction in my automobile to visit a friend, that means I am not going any other direction to visit someone else. Building that foundation in a child involves decisions such as:

1. Would you rather watch a video or read a couple of books?

2. Would you rather ride a bike together or play kickball?

3. You say you are bored. Would you rather find something to do or have me find a job for you to do?

4. Would you rather have juice or milk?

5. Would you rather play baseball, soccer, football or no sports at all? It’s pretty simple to repeat the choices if a child says, “I want it all.” This way they learn to have the ability to distinguish for themselves what it is they want the most.

Curiosity is that other key ingredient I mentioned earlier. Your child’s curiosity is the window into who they are as an individual. In the recent Olympics, there was a brief story about one of the gymnasts who, as a child, climbed all the way to the ceiling in a department store. What would you have done? Fainted? Screamed at the child? Spanked him? Jonathan Horton’s parents started paying for gymnastics lessons, and in 2012 he made the U.S. Olympic team.

The trouble is that our children’s curiosity is generally an inconvenient thing. Coming home to discover that your electronics have been taken apart by a five year old is not what most parents look forward to after working hard. Finding that your child likes bugs by having them brought into your home gets on Mom’s nerves in most homes. Benjamin West, an 18th century American-born painter was asked how he got his start. He related the story that his mother had left him and his sister to run an errand. He found colored ink and decided to paint a portrait of his sister. You can imagine the mess which resulted. When his mother returned, she didn’t yell or scream at him. Instead, she picked up the picture and said, “Why, it’s Sally!” And she gave young Benjamin a kiss. His words later in life were, “My mother’s kiss made me a painter.”

Mrs. West shows us that a child’s inconvenient curiosity may be a glimpse into a passion which might result in a life work. She had the courage to say “yes” to her child. Will you?

Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage

by Rachel Smith

In the Bible, God says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NIV), and I believe that marriages are being destroyed for lack of knowledge as well. I was only eighteen years old when I got married. My husband and I knew nothing about marriage. We went through pre-marital counseling like most couples, but I felt it only pointed out the ways we were different, and it didn’t help us learn what it would take to make a marriage succeed. After seven years of struggling in our marriage 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 for wisdom to handle the situation you’re facing in your marriage? “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Asking the Lord for wisdom is just one of many ways we can obtain it. We can also read the Bible, seek counseling, read books, take personality tests, attend marriage conferences or retreats, and connect with others that are wiser than us. Often, we look at other people’s lives and compare our marriages to theirs. If we are not careful, we will become jealous of the very couple that God wants to connect us to in order to gain more wisdom. When you see

someone happily married, don’t let it discourage you—let it give you hope. Hope that if God gave them the wisdom to have a successful marriage, He can do it for you too.

When we are sick, we go to a doctor to get medical advice, but that advice will only help us if we apply it to our lives. In the same way, as you become more knowledgeable about marriage and your role as a husband or wife, nothing will change if you don’t apply it. In marriage, you will change, your spouse will change, seasons will change, and

circumstances will change. You never know what you may face tomorrow, but you can trust that God can and will give you the wisdom to face it. Don’t let your marriage fall apart, gain wisdom at all costs. “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV).

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 16 years. www.transformedwife.com.

JOKERA Bradley County K9 Legacy Seeing Retirement

by Paul Allen, Bradley County Sheriff Office

December 1st, 2014, a German Shepherd was born in the Netherlands, unaware that his ultimate destiny would be to serve, protect, and inspire a community. This shepherd, later known as Joker, became Bradley County, Tennessee’s, most known, most recognized, and most respected and loved police K9.

In July 2016, Deputy Eduardo Choate of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office was sent on a mission to find his future K9 partner. Eduardo was directed to Cobra Canine, a very reputable kennel and training ground for law enforcement dogs. While there, Eduardo was matched with a male German Shepherd.

Eduardo described the first hours with the shepherd as being filled with both excitement and doubt, noting the shepherd seemed clumsy and goofy. The dog's personality later sparked the name “Joker.” Eduardo also describes a rough start in the early stages of their training together. There seemed to be a lack of synergy and focus between the two when it came to working, hence where the feelings of doubt came into play. But Eduardo, new to being a K9 officer, had yet to learn to trust Joker’s true instincts and capabilities. After Eduardo and Joker had more time to learn each other, and some coaching from the trainer, Eduardo began to allow Joker more freedom to do his thing. Eduardo was

amazed that Joker already had a well-rounded set of skills for narcotics detection, tracking, and apprehension.

After completion of their training, Deputy Choate and Joker were assigned to a patrol shift where they continued to further develop their relationship and professional skills. Soon, and after much success on patrol, it became very apparent that Joker had a favorite among his skillset - tracking. In fact, Eduardo quickly learned the hunt for a suspect was Joker’s favorite game to play.

Soon, the Ed & Joker team became the go-to duo for tracking dangerous suspects who run from law enforcement. The team became so successful that neighboring agencies would request their services from the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, and further, word on the streets spread: you can’t outsmart, outrun, or out-hide Joker.

Joker had another unique attribute, which is different from many other police canines - he never barked. Joker had the ability to work intensely without making a sound. This may be part of the reason he was so successful in tracking. His discipline of cunning stealth was seen as an asset which led to him assisting the SWAT Team on several callouts.

There was only one account where Joker barked on duty. Eduardo tells the story of when Joker barked for the first and only time, and that bark saved his life. It was late one night on patrol. Multiple squad cars from a patrol team searched a community that was actively getting hit with burglaries. Eduardo and Joker were in their police cruiser when they found the suspect vehicle alongside a dark road. Eduardo got out of his patrol car and began his approach. Immediately, three males got out of the car and faced Eduardo. One suspect was holding a pistol and the other two had pistols tucked in their waistbands. A standoff ensued where Eduardo was shouting commands at gunpoint and the suspects held their position. As moments passed, it was evident, the suspects were about to shoot it out with Deputy Choate, knowing their chances of outgunning the lone deputy and escaping were pretty good. Eduardo recounts, “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life…this shootout was about to happen.” Just as the suspects signaled their intentions to each other, Joker pushed his head out between the divider in the patrol car and began barking with chilling ferocity. The suspects immediately changed their minds, released the grip of their firearms, and lay face down on the road. This night ended without any harm, but this would soon change for Eduardo and Joker.

It was after 1 a.m. on September 22, 2021, when the Cleveland Police Department responded to multiple auto burglaries at an apartment complex in the city of Cleveland. Soon after, Bradley County deputies located the suspects traveling in a stolen vehicle. Seeing law enforcement, the suspects sped away. The chase was on as they traveled toward Interstate-75, attempting to elude capture. As they approached Exit 20, the vehicle made an abrupt turn off-road. The four male suspects bailed out of the car and ran into a heavily wooded area.

Eduardo and Joker arrived seconds later. Having four suspects in acres of forest, the decision was made to deploy Joker. Knowing his dog's ability to search vast areas, Eduardo let Joker off-lead to do what he did best. Joker disappeared into the dark woods on the track. Moments passed. Then, several distant pops were heard. Eduardo began calling Joker’s name for him to return, but there was no response. Eduardo knew something was wrong. Joker always returned.

The search for the fleeing felons turned into a search for his partner. Eduardo and BCSO Deputy Brody Ramstyne pressed into acres of wooded trails looking for Joker. About ten minutes into their search, they finally found him. He was laying alongside a trail, bleeding from the side of his face. A fresh shirt nearby told the story: Joker found the suspect. He always did. But this time, Joker couldn’t hold on as the suspect fired a round through Joker’s jaw!

After realizing Joker had been shot, Deputy Ramstyne hoisted him over his shoulders and ran him out of the woods to a waiting patrol car. Joker was rushed to an emergency veterinarian hospital, leaving Eduardo unsure if his partner would survive.

Joker underwent multiple surgeries receiving nourishment through a feeding tube. It seemed he would never serve as a law enforcement K9 again. Miraculously, within a few months, Joker beat the odds and was back on duty; impressively enough, Joker conducted a successful track on his first day back, locating a group of fleeing suspects who were hiding a mere several hundred yards from where he had been shot. Joker continued his service until the Spring of 2023. And now, after nearly seven devoted years, Joker will retire.

Needless to say, Joker was not your average K9. He was a dog with an incredible working skillset. His intensity to apprehend a violent felon could be switched on at a moment's notice. That same intensity could be switched off as quickly if he were brought into an elementary school and petted by groups of kids. He was loved by the good and feared by evil. His story motivated others across the country and brought legislative movement in the State of Tennessee, creating Joker’s Law. He was even featured on an episode of Fox Nation: Hero Dogs.

Joker's seven-year career contains staggering statistics. He was logged as having over 650 total deployments. Over 100 of those were successful tracks where the suspects were found and arrested without harm. Additionally, there were 30 physical suspect apprehensions where he chased and held down suspects until the arrest could be made. He was used in numerous missing child and adult tracking cases, as well as having countless narcotic finds, with the drug seizures estimated to be at a value of over $500,000.

To this we say, “Job well done” and retirement is well deserved.

Some Benefits of A Grandparent

by Kristen West

I’m a mother to four (now grown – thanks be to God) children!

I remember the countless days of trying to get parenting right. The burden of feeling like I was doing or saying things that were going to “mess up” my kids. The numerous nights I put my head on the pillow unsure of how I was going to continue with this motherhood thing when the sun came up.

Parenting is hard. It is not for the faint-hearted or weakstomached. IT. IS. HARD. Having raised my own now, it gave me a whole new level of respect for my parents. The sacrifices they made. The hardships they endured. The schedules they had to juggle.

Then, several years ago, I was elevated to the delightful role of Grandma! I had heard from others who entered that elite group before me that this relationship would be like no other. Rumor was that grandparents would do things for their grandchildren that they would never do for their own kids.

I didn’t believe it. I secretly questioned those people’s salvation and thought they just needed more of Jesus.

But then, it happened to me—my grandson was born and my brain turned to mush and my heart to putty as there was nothing I wouldn’t do for him. (“You want cake for breakfast, darlin’? Absolutely!!” I’d slice it and serve it up as my adult daughter sat there looking on, rolling her eyes at me as she recalled the days of mandated oatmeal.)

My grandson is nearly 14 now and I’ve learned a few things over the years about the benefits of being a grandparent:

We bring a supporting layer of stability. When you’re in the day to day flurry of raising children, you’re just trying to stay alive—mentally, physically, and financially. Grandparents have navigated that flurry and reached a place of stability and calm. We can provide a space for our grandchildren to just be themselves without “getting on someone’s last nerve.”

We bring wisdom, experience, and insight. Obvious, I know, but that age gap between us and our grown children can prove to be so useful for our grandchildren as they grow and navigate life. We’ve spent enough years circling around the sun to know there’s nothing new under it.

We provide love and acceptance…no matter what. Life is hard. As grandparents, we’ve lived long enough to know our grandchildren will be disappointed, hurt, and let down in this world. We bring an extra layer of love, an everattentive listening ear, and a great shoulder to cry on when our grandchildren need someone in their corner (having their favorite cookie available is always a plus, too).

We can supply an extra level of faith. Psalm 103:1718 says it so perfectly: “…the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant…” Paul noted the foundational importance of Timothy’s faith heritage as he said, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…” (2 Timothy 1:5).

As grandparents, we can never underestimate the influence we have on our grandchildren. Regardless of how often we physically get to see them, God has gifted us with a special place in their lives to help ground them (and cover them) in love, faith, and peace.

Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories, and love. ~Unknown

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.

Game Over

by Bud Kinches

You're a teenager, so I'm guessing at some point you've played a video game. Console, pc, mobile, it really doesn't matter because they all have something in common that gamers get frustrated with at some point and time and that's the game over. The game over says that you failed to accomplish a task and have no more lives. Perhaps it was that Mario couldn't save Peach, Link couldn't save Zelda, Spider-Man couldn't save MJ. Whatever it is, a game over can make any sane person turn beat red and want to throw their control through a window sometimes.

What if we were to look at the game over from a different perspective though? Is it possible for a game over to be a good thing? How about a spiritual game over? Let me explain: In today's society there is so much stuff out there that consumes our time. Games, TV, social media, social life, extracurricular activities, and so on. If we don't keep our priorities straight, any number of those things can take away from the thing where we need to spend the most time and that is our relationship with God. I'll be the 1st to tell you that there have been times in my life when I've let some of those things take up more of my time than spending time with God. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. That means we put God above all else in our lives.

This is where we apply the game over. In this case it doesn't mean we failed or ran out of lives it means we decide to take time to put down our phones and tablets, we

close our laptops, we turn the TV off, and we spend that time with God. We pray, praise and worship Him, and simply give Him what He wants and that's us, all of us.

I'm reminded of a song lyric from one of my favorite Christian artists growing up that said wimpy saints won't survive in spiritual warfare. This is so true. We choose to play games in life and before we know it satan has sucked the life right out of our of our spirits. We give into temptation more easily and for some it can lead to that road that Jesus talked about in Matthew 7:13. He said it is broad and leads to destruction. He even said there are many who find this road. In verse 14 he talks about a different road, a narrow road that leads to life and few there are that find it. Many find the broad road and why not? It's easy. You can be lazy and it takes 0 effort. The narrow road though takes hard work. You have to constantly crucify your flesh and keep it under submission.

I don't know about you, but I would much rather choose the road that is narrow but leads to life than the one that is wide and leads to destruction. Will it be easy all the time? I'm afraid not. There is no scripture that tells us that but there are plenty that say He will always be with us. He'll never leave you or forsake you. He will hold you in His right hand! So will you join me young man or young lady? Will you join me as we continue through this new year and say game over? Will you join me in putting God 1st like never before and see where He takes us? You're not on this journey alone! God's got you! It's time to tell satan, game over!

Walking Through Mourning

by Danette Reeves

No one can escape mourning. It is inevitable because we live in this sin-cursed, death-ridden world. Each person will mourn something: the loss of parents, siblings, children, or a spouse; the loss of jobs, health, wealth, and dreams; and the loss of friendships, abilities, capabilities, and possibly even our minds. Mourning is an authentic process.

when He said in Luke 22:21, “But listen, the hand of the one betraying Me is with mine on the table.” He hurt when His disciples could not stay awake to pray with Him (Matthew 26:40). Jesus surely felt deep mourning when the rooster crowed as He looked into Peter’s eyes when Peter (the one who claimed he would follow to the end) denied Him three times (Luke 22:61). Think about the grief Jesus must have felt when He looked down from the cross and saw His mother so distraught. Can you hear the gentleness and deep mourning as He gives His sonship to John: “Dear woman, look, here is your son” (John 19:26)? Even in the very worst of pain, Jesus turned to God, His Father, and asked for a different cup and then later asked from the cross, “Why have You forsaken Me?”

Ignoring pain does not bring healing; it just buries it like a speck of infection in a wound that cannot heal. One can pretend, stay busy, bury it in food, and minister to others and yet never heal from mourning. It just becomes a spreading poison that rears its ugly, infected head into every corner of one’s life—every relationship, every thought, every ministry.

Jesus never denied His grief. He openly wept at the death of His dear friend, Lazarus. Even though Jesus knew He would resurrect Lazarus, He first mourned the loss. Jesus mourned the rejection of His people (Luke 19:4144). He knew Israel would suffer greatly because they had rejected Him, and He wept. Jesus withdrew from people when John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14:18).

Jesus knew the pain of betrayal and rejection intimately

Each journey of mourning is personal. In searching Scripture to see how Jesus mourned, the key is found in the picture of Jesus being in the midst of the horrible loneliness and pain, never denying His grief, yet turning to God in honesty and yielding to His Father. Our healing comes from walking through the mourning with the Great Physician—the One who is the Lover of my soul: The One who loves perfectly and completely.

May we find comfort in Revelation 21:3-5: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’”

Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, Tennessee. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.

All Safe Storage

Renting a storage unit shouldn’t be a hassle. There’s a place to get the storage you need easily without interrupting your schedule.

How can you be so sure? Because the folks at All Safe Storage have met the needs of customers while exceeding their expectations for 35 years! They have paired top-notch customer service with convenient transaction processing to make All Safe Storage a favorite with customers. In fact, customers voted Cleveland Daily Banner's 1st Place Best of the Best for 2022.

These customers explain in detail:

The unit was clean when I moved in and it’s easy access to get into my unit. The staff was helpful in finding the right size for my needs. I highly recommend All Safe Storage!

I have rented from All Safe Storage for almost 9 years. They have the nicest office staff. One time my daughter forgot to lock our unit. They called to let me know they noticed it during a walkthrough. The building and my unit are always clean and there are no unwanted bugs. My totes have held up well over the years due to the climate control offered! I highly recommend All Safe. What makes All Safe Storage a favorite among customers?

Convenience

With five locations, it’s easy to find storage near your home or office. It’s easy to get started with no minimum, no commitment, just clean, safe storage units. All Safe is the local source for self-storage, full-service storage, seasonal

storage, both long and short-term storage, and driveup units. Self-serve kiosks make renting a unit a breeze, accessible at any time. Start a rental, make a payment, and more, all with the touch of a button.

Customer Care

Would you prefer to talk to a person? No problem! The All Safe staff is available to assist by phone or in person, no talking to a robot or waiting on hold for hours. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to noon with three employees ready to answer your questions, including help with deciding the perfect sized unit. After hours, live help is still available right from the kiosk.

Teresa Brown explains, “Our facilities are clean, welllit, and video-monitored for your protection. We know that keeping your items safe is the highest priority, so we go the extra mile to make renting a unit secure AND simple. Our team is invested in this community. It’s our goal to provide state-of-the-art storage solutions to our neighbors.”

Community involvement

These folks truly care about the community in and around Cleveland, Tennessee. Teresa Brown highlights, “All Safe Storage is dedicated to Kingdom giving. We 100% attribute our success to honoring God in giving to worldwide missions and the following community projects: Isaiah House, feeding the homeless, through the Chamber of Commerce we helped sponsor the Hot Slaw and Y'all Festival in downtown Cleveland held in April. We give

to civic organizations, benevolence, and our local church, the North Cleveland Church of God, NCCOG North Star, and NCCOG Second Harvest, as well as ministries around the world. A few examples are: Faith Comes by Hearing, Gideons, American Bible Society, Samaritan's Purse, and Church of God World Missions including various missionaries, the Cleveland Civitan Club Special Olympics, and the Joe Rodgers Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit people with disabilities, The Empty Stocking Fund, and Real Life Village.”

Consistency

Locally owned and operated for 35 years, All Safe Storage is not only going strong, this team is even growing strong. All Safe recently opened a brand new state-of-theart facility that offers a combined total of 304 units with or without climate control.

What has kept this company thriving all these years? They are guided and motivated by their mission statement: to provide an excellent solution to our customer's storage needs by incorporating Christian values of integrity and honesty. Our goal is to provide a clean and safe space for our customers and to exceed their expectations.

It all started when the present owners, Ed and Teresa Brown rented an office and storage space at the very facility they now own. After several months, the previous owner offered to sell the business to them. There were only two small buildings at that time. As the business grew, more buildings were added. Eventually, the Browns built units so they could meet the needs of their growing customer base. The Browns knew their Cleveland neighbors had reasons to store and sought to meet that need. If you haven’t thought of reasons to store before, here are just a sampling of ways storage can help:

• Downsizing but not ready to let go of items

• Decluttering

• Staging a house to sell

• Death of a loved one prompting the need to store items long-term or short-term

• Moving into Cleveland until permanent residence found

• Taking the pressure off of a home renovation

• Storing seasonal items that take up needed space

• Consolidating homes

• Storing necessary items for college students during breaks or summer

• Retaining important and necessary business inventory and/or records

Whatever your reason for securing a unit, All Safe Storage can meet the need with climate-controlled storage spaces. All Safe units are designed to keep your items safe from temperature and weather exposure, keeping them in pristine condition. A variety of sizes are offered from 5x5 to 10x25.

Moving Soon? All Safe also offers Penske trucks. From local to long-distance, trucks are available ranging from 12-26 feet, so whether you're moving out of a dorm room, a multiple-bedroom home, or transitioning your business to a new location, there’s room for everything. We also offer moving equipment rentals to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Don’t forget All Safe also offers boat, RV, and trailer storage. Ready to get started? Discover why Bradley County customers have trusted All Safe Storage for their storage and moving needs. With five convenient locations in and around Cleveland, and self-serve kiosks, it’s easy to start. All Safe is ready when you are. Visit the website to learn more www.allsafetn.com. Or call (423) 479-6377. Now with five locations:

• 1451 Guthrie/Fredrick Drive 37311

• 2265 Shady Lane 37312

• 3005 Overlook Drive 37312

• 100 Old Charleston Lane 37312 (corner of North Lee Highway and Old Charleston Lane)

• 2365 South Lee Highway 37311

Tell them you learned about the opportunity in GoodNews Christian Magazine! STORAGE

America’s Quietest Health Risk: What You Need to Know

Loneliness and social isolation are on the rise, more than one-third of Americans over the age of 45 report feeling lonely, with prevalence especially high among those over 65 years old.

Over 6 million adults 65 and older have a disability that requires assistance in order to leave the home, and over half of older adults live alone. Lonely older adults may stop eating or getting dressed and become housebound, increasing the risk for frailty and injury.

Consequences of Loneliness Include:

• 45 percent increase in risk of death

• 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline

• Development of brain biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s

The evidence is abundant and decisive: social connection significantly affects health. When you believe that you have people in your life who care about you, and you interact with them regularly, you are better off. For instance, you may be less likely to catch a cold, have a stroke or heart disease, slip into early cognitive decline and develop depression. You may even be more likely to overcome socioeconomic disadvantages, recover quickly from illness and live longer. Other research suggests that loneliness is as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and worse than being obese or sedentary.

Knowing the difference between isolation and loneliness can help you tackle the source of your feelings:

• Signs of isolation include living alone, having no close relatives, never leaving the house, not participating in phone or digital chat or being alone for nine or more hours per day.

• Someone suffering from loneliness wishes for more friends, doesn’t see friends and family enough, doesn’t meet enough people, has no one to rely on and spends holidays alone.

The good news is that being aware can help you focus on developing daily habits to be healthy, happy and active!

Call us today at 423 472-4700 to learn how Legacy Village of Cleveland can improve your life and the lives of your loved ones by overcoming isolation and loneliness—to live a life of purpose.

Life. Love. Legacy.

SIX STEPS FOR FIGHTING LONELINESS

1. Acknowledgment – Just like depression or any other ailment that feels terrible, you’d be surprised at the number of people who remain in denial without admitting to their feelings of loneliness. Acknowledging bouts of loneliness and understanding that it’s a feeling, not a fact, can help you move past it.

2. Make a Plan to Tackle Your Habit – After acknowledging your bouts of loneliness and understanding how susceptible you can be to isolation, you can more clearly plan and act toward improving your habits. Making an intentional plan is a huge step toward making progress. Start off simply and tackle one habit at a time until you’ve mastered it and it’s become a second-nature new habit. Then go back and take on another one.

3. Focus on Others and Be Curious – Whether new or old, your relationships with people can travel so much further if the others feel supported and heard. Rather than focus on your own feelings or insecurities, focus your attention on the other person. This will relieve pressure from focusing on your own imperfections or negative self-talk and will make them feel appreciated and more likely to open up.

4. Use Technology to Stay Connected – As you grow older, your social circle of family and friends are likely to spread or dwindle. One way to supplement your in-person contact is to maintain your long-distance relationships using technology. There are plenty of options in this digital age: online chat, online video chat, video on your phone, email, etc. While learning a new digital platform can be challenging, once you get the hang of it, advantages include convenience and accessibility.

5. Volunteer – Finding the right volunteer opportunity that works well with your personal goals and core values can be beneficial on so many levels. Not only will you have the chance to meet new people, you can benefit by feeling healthier, less stressed and happier, inspiring others to give back.

6. Sign Up for a Class – What have you always been curious about learning? Now you have another reason to prioritize signing up for a class about it. There are so many benefits to lifelong learning, including expanding your growth experiences, building up your neuroplasticity, and of course, creating another opportunity to meet new people.

Parents

This One Thing

by Jessica Kenworth

Since the adventure of parenting began, I have tried several tactics to maintain my sanity. The number of to-do lists and schedules I have made out for my children is astounding. I could open a bookstore with all of the parenting reference books I own. Yet, for so many years I have felt overwhelmed. I WAS overwhelmed period. Every time I attempted to be a good parent in my own strength I ended up a big hot mess until I finally let go of the reins. I am still a bit of a disaster on most days, a work in progress until the end I’m sure, but I have learned to lean on God and that has made all the difference.

After reading an article about not yelling at my kids, I went to bed in full agreement and committed to not losing it anymore. They are, after all, the ones whom I love more than anybody and should be treated that way. Yet, when I woke up in the morning and the chaos of four children under seven began to swirl around me, all those good intentions went down the drain. How is it that I can forget that the God of the Universe longs to hear from me? He cannot wait to intercede for those he loves. What I continue to learn over and over is that I must put God first. I must plead for his strength and grace right when I wake up in the morning because he knows that at 11 am Joey is going to slam Mary’s hand in the door and then she is going to break the head off of his power ranger. I NEED Him because I can’t shower my children with kind words and gentle answers if I haven’t been fueled by His amazing presence.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Before motherhood rocked my world I would spend hours studying the Bible and writing in my journal. Now, I am in a new season, one that is full of sleep deprivation, hundreds of diapers, and peanut butter smeared on my cabinets. So, my time with God looks different. I have a devotional book next to the toilet. There are scripture cards all around the house. Christian music streams through while dinner is cooking. I have the alarm on my phone set to go off every day at 12 to remind me to stop completely and pray if

only for a minute. And I still struggle because this parenting thing is not for sissies and I need all the help I can get.

For most of my life, I have claimed that I am not a morning person. I prefer to hoot with the owls, not soar with the eagles. I really don’t even want to talk to a soul until I’ve had my coffee and soaked for about fifteen minutes. Recently though, I came across a quote that posed the question, “Would you tune your instrument before or after the concert? Get up with God.” Ouch. I have been convicted of prioritizing sleep over God and I think God has been trying to tell me

this for awhile but I pretended not to hear Him. So, I am attempting to wake up before all the littles and dwell in the presence of our Savior. It is hard for me every single day to wake up but it is changing my life. As much as I hate to admit it, I think God might be a morning person.

“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23).

There is a sense of freedom in realizing that perfection doesn’t exist and no medal or sticker is being handed out to the one who does it all by themselves. I don’t need to buy another book or try a new approach. Everyone is struggling in one way or another to do the best they can. What we need to recognize in the midst of all the chaos, when we can’t see straight, is that the God who loves all of us more than our tiny minds can even comprehend is constantly reaching out to hold our hand and if we just do this one thing, we’re going to make it.

It’s Summer…Now What?

Surviving summer break with special needs children

by Lana Payne

It makes me laugh, and truthfully, a little annoyed, when I hear parents express such excitement that school is out for summer. The kids are home, you get to relax all summer, go on vacation and just be carefree. Sounds wonderful to me! I’m joining in the cheering!! Oh wait…..I have special needs children – this changes everything. I am a mom with three boys, two of whom have special needs. As much as I would love to enjoy summer like some people, it’s just not that simple, especially when autism is involved. Children with autism usually don’t do well with change or an interruption in their routine and summer can be difficult. I struggled through several summers, sinking into depression, until I changed my thinking and my focus. I have found ways to make it a little easier to get through this break and even ENJOY the summer. Yes, it is possible if you’re just creative and change your mindset. I will just share with you some things that I have found that have helped me. I don’t offer any “professional” advice, just mom advice.

In order to keep somewhat of a routine, my boys attend summer programs through the school system. Some programs offer specific special education services while others do not. My boys attend both –one of them goes to a special education program and the other goes to the “typical” summer program at his school. Only you can determine your child’s level of ability and you know what is best for your child and where they would feel the most comfortable. Check with the local school systems, the YMCA, and local churches that offer week-long summer camps, VBS, etc.

One thing that I have learned is that even when I don’t feel like it, if I will unleash the kid in me and get out and play with my kids and join in the fun, it makes things much better because everyone is happy. The kids are having fun and I am as well and I realize I have more energy than I thought I did! That’s a VERY good thing. Somehow, when I do this, it takes my mind off the stress of not having a typical summer break and I actually begin to have as much fun as the kids, or more. Yes, I would be the one that as the kids are climbing out of the pool to go back inside, I’m saying “Hey, where are you going?!”

I know that at times, things can seem overwhelming no matter WHAT you do, and those are the times I realize I need a break; a break for ME. Let me just tell you—NEVER feel guilty about that! You have to take care of yourself to be the best mom you can be and sometimes you just need to be refreshed by taking a little time for yourself. If you need permission for that, just go back and read this article and say, “Oh yeah, there is another mom who does this, so I can take a little break and not feel guilty.” I realize that may not be easy if you are home all day with your kids, by yourself, and you can’t get away. First I would say, go into another room and plug in some headphones and listen to music. That always works for me, but music just always soothes my soul. Just take a “time out” for yourself. If you just go sit outside by yourself for 5 minutes and just BREATHE, just do that. Sometimes, I just need to step away from the current chaos around me, clear my head and breathe. As cliché as this may sound, it actually

does help me if I remind myself (while I’m taking this little breather ) that my kids will not be little for long and that they are getting older, maturing and improving, each and every day, even if I have to search for those little improvements. I know that can be difficult and you may say, “My child isn’t improving – they are at the same place they were last year.” Let me just assure you that if you will ask, God will open your eyes to see something that you’ve never noticed before. He allows those moments of grace when we really need it and if we just ask Him.

That leads me to my last piece of advice and the most important— prayer, a relationship with God. Let me answer some of the questions you may have or doubts you may have if you’re in the middle of a summer break, and raising special needs children.

Does God care about me and does He even see or know what I’m going through? “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul” (Psalm 31:7).

But I am just too tired, too weak, and even sad about my life and I just can’t be thankful. “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving” (Psalm 28:7).

I just don’t know the best things to do for my child(ren). I don’t know what steps to take. I’m sure God doesn’t care about all the details of my life. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).

There are times, I feel so sad and just feel like nothing will ever change. “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

I’m so concerned about my child(ren)’s future. I’m doing all I can do but I worry about it. “But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands” (Psalm 31:14).

The bottom line is—God knows all about your life, He cares about every detail and He loves you and your child(ren). He will be everything you need if you just ask Him. Don’t worry about tomorrow, or the future, He’s got it all under control….so, go out there and ENJOY your summer with your awesome kid(s) and put on your dancing shoes. “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing” (Psalm 30:11).

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Easy-Peasy Fruit Salad Recipe

by Pam Wattenbarger

This is an easy, versatile fruit salad with a 10-minute prep time. The pudding mix will blend with the fruit juices to create a sweet, creamy base that enhances the flavor of the fruit. Naturally glutenfree, it’s the perfect recipe for summer when fresh fruits are in season. Don’t like strawberries or peaches? Substitute your favorite fruit instead. Good substitutions are blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Ingredients

• 4 peaches, peeled and cubed

• 1 (16-ounce) container of strawberries, washed, stems removed, and sliced

• 3 bananas, peeled and sliced

• 1 package (3 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the peaches, strawberries, and bananas together gently.

2. Stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix until the fruit mixture is coated.

3. Refrigerate until serving. This is best made an hour in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of “The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and Modern Twists on Old Favorites” and the upcoming “Southern Air Fryer Cookbook.” You can find more of her recipes on her website, Simply Southern Mom.

You are His hands!

by Glenda Prichard

Many years ago God blessed my husband and I with two sons. These little boys were born close together. As we brought our second son home to his 15-month-old brother, we knew life was going to be different from now on. We were blessed with a support system of family living close to us. One support system we hadn’t given much thought to was our church family. I will never forget taking our new baby to church that first Sunday. As we arrived my husband took our 15-month-old son to the toddler nursery class and I took our newborn son to the bed baby nursery. I was greeted by the nursery director who told me how beautiful he was; she said all those things new moms love to hear and then she did something that changed my life. She took my baby in her arms and began to talk to him, telling him that he was loved, how they were going to take care of him while mommy and daddy were in “Big church”. She told him he had a bed with his name on it, and how they had been waiting for his arrival. She told him how as they fed him and rocked him he would hear stories and songs about Jesus. I stood listening to this exchange between a nursery teacher and a newborn child and I was touched with the love and support that was being given to my child.

I began to see all the ways my church family, my children’s Sunday school teachers, were being the hands of Jesus! I began that day to have a passion for teacher training. Sometimes we forget how important it is to help our teacher be encouraged, motivated, and trained. New methods arrive, new twists to older methods we love, and new ways to make the remarkable stories of the Bible stick with our little ones. Training is important for all of us, regardless of how long we have taught. We have a message of love and hope and it is vital

to our ministries that we renew ourselves and stay in touch with new methods and ideas. Let us be encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities that make themselves available to our ministries. We must always remember that we are the hands of Jesus and our work in His kingdom has eternal value. I found this poem that expresses the importance of being the hands of Jesus. I hope it speaks to your heart.

Jesus Hands

by Melinda Mahan

I’ve heard the Bible stories about Jesus of Galilee, How he used His hands to heal the sick, and make the blind man see.

When the multitudes were hungry, compassionate hands gave them bread.

When broken hearts were grieving, loving hands raised the dead.

When His followers were frightened mighty hands calmed the sea.

When Zacchaeus looked for Him, friendly hands brought him down from that tree.

But I’d only heard the stories, I’d never see the hands, till I saw you with the children, then I began to understand, your hands are His hands. You’ve surrendered them to His will. Now He works through your hands, and touches children still.

Thank you for the hands that teach, that lead and love throughout the year.

And thank you for the chance to see, Jesus’ hands are working here.

Be blessed as you give your all to His work. You are His hands!

From Gutter to Gutter

by Terrie Ruff

“He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25, NKJV).

Meeting Kim was like reconnecting with a childhood friend. Our connection was natural as we talked, and with each visit our connection grew stronger. In time, Kim began sharing with me some concerns she had for her son Drew. I could hear from

God’s way. Kim accepted the fact that she was helpless to lift and rescue Drew, and that only God had the power to lift him out of the gutter.

the emotion in her voice that Drew was in trouble and needed help, so I joined her in interceding for him. Both Kim and I knew that only a divine intervention would make a difference. Drew was in the gutter and only God could rescue him.

We prayed for weeks, months, and years! There were ups and downs, but we continued to pray, never giving up on God. There were times when Kim needed to show Drew tough love. It was challenging and painful, but she knew that she needed to get out of

For a while it seemed that there was no movement in Heaven, but we continued to pray. We believed what we could not see! Time moved quickly by; Kim changed jobs and we were unable to see each other or talk as often as before. But earlier this year, I saw her at a networking luncheon and it was as if time had not passed between us. We reconnected just like the sister-friends that we are. Our connection was just as natural and strong as when we first met so many years ago. As we updated each other, Kim looked deeply into my eyes and—with joy and excitement—told me how well Drew was doing. He is in a healthy relationship, attends church and owns his own business—it’s a gutter business! Kim and I just laughed at the amazing and delivering power of God. He rescued and lifted Drew out of the gutter and gave him a gutter business! God really does save from the uttermost! No matter where you are, He will save you if you allow Him to. He is the God of the gutter to gutter!

Think of someone you know who is living in the gutter of sin. Begin praying daily for them and believing that no matter how long it takes, God will lift them out of the gutter.

Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

Advice to Graduates

by Abdiel Medina

After 1 year of preschool, 5 years of elementary school, 3 years of middle school, and 4 years of high school, I have finally graduated. It feels like time has flown by fast, but a lot has happened in the process—especially surviving a pandemic! When I reflect upon my journey in high school, something I take away is that we need to seek opportunities to encourage people daily. Every day there are people struggling and hurting around us. Even in Cleveland, the “Bible Belt,” there are a lot of teens struggling with adultsized problems. We cannot afford to wait until we start seeing red flags in a person to intervene—it could be too late. The encouragement of others needs to start today.

You do not need a fancy sermon or any special words to encourage someone. The key is to be genuine and let God speak through you. If you are fake with the words you use, it could actually hurt the person instead of helping them. Furthermore, our Holy Father knows the words a person needs to hear.

Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

God knows all of the thoughts of our heart and how to connect with us on a personal level. When you pray to Him to give you the words of encouragement to share, it is amazing the impact it can have on a person. I am sure everyone has experienced moments when someone has wrote you a letter, sent you a text, or maybe you are just listening to worship music on the radio and it is exactly

what you need to hear. Our Father knows what we need to be uplifted spiritually and emotionally, so let God work through you to encourage others.

Here is an example of how God has worked through others to encourage me. I was recently recognized as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Athlete of the Year from a group of 7 schools. I also had the honor of receiving the Chris Leggett Memorial Scholarship. What people may not know is that throughout the school year, there were many times I almost gave up on the FCA Ministry.

I was passionate about the FCA—a calling God had placed on my heart. However, it was a big challenge because I had stepped up as president and had to learn how to lead the FCA amidst a pandemic and Covid protocols from the school. I am grateful that God placed Coach Eric Phillips in my life. He served as my FCA sponsor and would constantly encourage and believe in me. My family was also a big encouragement to me throughout the FCA, they helped carry the burden of stress from the overwhelming times I experienced. Due to the encouragement they gave me, I was motivated to keep on going with the FCA Ministry. I had many opportunities to share Christ with people at my school and help Christians grow as leaders and in their walk with Christ.

After reflecting upon my journey in high school and the FCA, I have come to recognize the great need for us to encourage others and to be around people that encourage us. By doing so, we are demonstrating God’s love and helping fight the good fight.

Abdiel Medina is a young writer who is a student at Lee University. He loves God, his fam, and church fam at Keith Street Ministries!

We are so happy to announce that Don Ledford Automotive Center has joined forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Baseball & Softball program to provide new equipment and sponsorship for the Ocoee Middle School Softball Team! “Playing sports like baseball and softball helps children to develop skills like leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship while also bringing families and communities together to show their support. Don Ledford Automotive Center is proud to participate in a sport sponsorship that brings so many smiles to the families of Cleveland.” said Chastity Moses, Grass Rooting Specialist for Don Ledford Automotive Center. “Both Don Ledford Automotive Center and Chevrolet believe that the power of play is away for young people to not only build the skill set needed to be successful in the future, but also supports the spirit of teamwork that baseball and softball instills in its players.”

Don Ledford Automotive Center is proud to give back to their community in collaboration with the Chevy Youth Baseball and Softball program by presenting Ocoee Middle School Softball team with an equipment kit that includes useful items such as equipment bags, first aid kits, batting tees, and ball buckets. In addition, Don Ledford Automotive Center will present a check representing a one-time donation to Ocoee Middle School Softball for other necessities the team might need.

It is because of our wonderful customers that we can take part in amazing events such as the Chevy Youth Baseball and Softball program. Don Ledford Automotive Center loves to give back to its community, and we would not be able to do so without your support. We would like to thank all of our customers, both past and present, for allowing us to be the place for all of your automotive needs!

For more information about Don Ledford Automotive Center, go to Donledford.com.

Mission Statement:

We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they 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.

Writer Guidelines:

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to 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 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.

Soar With the Eagles

by Judy Hood

As you walk through this life, grab it by the horns

You need to learn that from the day you are born

The days go by so fast they will just pass you by And before you know it, you’ll be old with a sigh

So, live your life, live it well, soar with the eagles, fly high Tap into your talents, don’t let the naysayers be your demise

God has filled us with so much talent, if we just look deep within our soul

We’ll learn who we are, we’ll find our life’s goal

When you find your goal run with it, don’t ever look back

To reach the pinnacle in your endeavors don’t ever slack

Your reward is waiting over on the horizon

When you achieve that, the sun will be a rising

So, get up each morning, live your life to the full

Always remember to live by the Golden Rule

Obeying God

by Calia Russell

Have you ever avoided a situation due to the opinions of others? This can be a good or bad thing. Most of us carry a trait to stay away from things we know are wrong. Personally, I like to stay within the boundaries of good, but most of the time, my flesh and spirit fight. I have a story I’d like to share with you so you can better understand why I believe this so strongly.

My church, Eleven 22, is where the story begins. We started going there on March 10, 2019. I had a great relationship with the Lord, but I always felt something was missing. Now that I’m older, I know what that is, but that will come later. Our church has an amazing choir. My mom is in that choir. Back then, I thought she bugged me to clap my hands for the entertainment of the church. I had put further thought into this, and it seemed like my mind had two sides. One was that you can just praise the Lord and clap. Another side was ignorantly thinking, “Don’t clap; just stare.” And of course, that Wednesday, that’s exactly what I did.

At church, before praise and worship, our worship leader said, “Everyone, please come to the front.” Back then, I used to value the opinions of others, and this was one of those situations when my flesh and spirit were having a debate. My friend Ma’Ryah and my mom encouraged me to come to the front. We started praise and worship. And of course, being a child, I had forgotten about my plan not to praise for the

first song, but then the second song came along. I had an immediate change in mood. I knew it didn’t feel right, but I continued. My mom noticed and mouthed, “I’m gonna get you.” If you don’t know what that means, it means I’m going to get in serious trouble.

After she said that, we went to children’s church. We did our normal service, but at the end, we prayed. Out of fear, I asked to pray. I prayed that I wouldn’t get a spanking. My niece took advantage of this and told my mom everything to get on her better side. Thankfully she did, or I wouldn’t have learned this lesson. She gave me a long talk explaining that it wasn’t about anyone else: just me and God. I didn’t completely understand what that meant, but when she finished, I didn’t get in serious trouble.

The following Sunday, I had to go to the front again. This time, I listened to the better suggestion and praised. And after that, not once did I think about anyone else but the Lord. I felt closer to Him than I ever had before. I felt the need to cry. But my flesh took over, and I didn’t. Writing this now brings pain to the things I’ve missed because of that. But without it, I might have made the mistake later in life, so I’m thankful.

To conclude, never let your flesh take over your relationship with the Lord, like I did, because it feels amazing to be connected with everlasting love unlike anyone else’s. He will always be there for you in your toughest times; no matter how much hatred you put toward Him, He still loves you.

Talk to Him, read His Word, and feel the love and strength He puts over your life.

“Our

Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS

Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS

Cream of the Crop

by Dave Carringer

Do you sometimes feel like you’re not really qualified to do what God wants you to do? In a world where formal training and certification means everything, it is easy to slip into that mindset. I’m not saying formal training isn’t beneficial; I’m simply saying God doesn’t require years of education and diplomas to use you in powerful ways.

Ephesians 2:10 makes it clear that we are God’s artistic design and workmanship, a masterpiece created in Christ. That, and that alone, enables us (gives us the capacity, capability, permission and power) to carry out the good works He planned in advance for us to do!

But this is God’s masterpiece. He chooses those who aren’t wise, wealthy, or powerful in their own abilities. He picks out the chief sinners, the outcasts who are corrupt and unworthy of honorable mention in any way, who, with a simple yes to the gift of Christ’s life, are made one with Him. They then become qualified forever, not by any works or power of our own, but only by Your grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit within them? Abiding with Jesus changes everything. The very areas of our lack and weakness now becomes the proving ground for His ability and manifested power!

In Acts 3, as John and Peter were about to enter the Temple, they saw a man lame from birth, begging for money. Peter says to him, “Look at us!” The lame man didn’t see someone born into prestige and influence, nor did he see someone dressed with elaborate attire. He saw two common guys that told him they had nothing of this world to give him, and with that, Peter, lifting him up by his hand said, “What I do have I give you; in the name of Jesus, rise up and walk!” (see vv.1-7).

Friends, you can’t learn to do that in any school! That ability comes only by the power of the Holy Spirit! Acts 3:8-10 tell us all the people were filled with wonder and amazement watching the man (lame from birth) now walking, leaping, and praising God!

Sometimes we read about the acts of faith and miraculous powers exhibited through the early disciples and apostles, and distortedly we see them as superheroes more qualified than we are. In our minds, we believe we could never measure up to who they were, picturing them as an elite group that had it all together. Nothing could be further from the truth! These early followers of Christ (yep, those demon-casting, miracle-working, powerhouses of God’s mighty works) were among the most messed up, confused, uneducated, untrained and unqualified people Jesus could have picked!

Really Lord? You’re picking the ‘A Team’—a tax collector, a second-guesser, an embezzler, a religious radical murderous zealot, and a bunch of common guys that smelled like fish all the time for Your Kingdom—and this is the best You can do? This is Your “Cream of the Crop”?

“Now when the religious council leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John, knowing they had no formal education or training, they marveled” (were amazed, filled with awe, wonder, and astonishment). And in their amazement, they suddenly realized These men had been with Jesus! (see 4:13).

You may not have formal training, education, or any diploma on your wall. You may look back over a life of weakness, failures, and sin. You might be the black sheep of the family with no honorable mentions. If that’s you, then in God’s eyes you are the cream of the crop! The only ability He’s looking for is your avail-ability. Just show up with a humble heart created new in Christ. That (and that alone) is what qualifies you for all the power heaven has to be released through you as you focus on one thing: Abiding with Jesus. This is where your life will bear much fruit (see John 15:5).

Remember this: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him” (Phil. 2:13 NLT).

Choose Gentleness Occasionally

by Dr. William Lamb

Iride or fast walk on rolling sidewalks and escalators. More times than not, I run up or down the escalators usually with a suit case in tow. Perhaps you have seen this type of hurried traveler in airport concourses.

A few years ago, my pastor was teaching about the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5). During that lesson, I was reminded that the word fruit can be singular, not always plural, suggesting that all seven fruits of the Spirit should be evident in the lives of Christ followers.

Recently on a trip to Denver, I resembled the hurried traveler attempting to catch an early flight. In my hurried way, I took advantage of every rolling sidewalk or escalator in sight. My eagerness was noticed by a father and his two children because I was pressing into their space. Finally, the father brought his children near to himself giving room for me to run past them. Just before I stepped off the escalator, the father yelled out, “You know we will catch you.” I said, “Probably,” with my head turned slightly toward this patient father as I boarded the train. Restless, due to a turbulent flight, most of my thoughts were clouded by the ten-second exchange with the father. Was the dad upset when he shouted out to me? Were the children afraid of the hurried traveler? What if they knew I was a Christian, would my actions have been a good witness?

While still in the air, facing the guilt of appearing rude to the family on the escalator, I was reminded of the lesson on

the fruit of the Spirit. Near the end of the lesson, Pastor Sutton asked us to circle which of the seven fruit of the spirit are least evident in our lives. Immediately, I circled the word gentleness. How can this be? I have given my life to benevolence and kindness. I usually say please and thank you. My calling is to live missional and teach others to do the same. So why did I think gentleness was lacking? Instead of leaving the class when it was over, I patiently pondered this teaching, remembering past encounters revealing a lack of gentleness in me. This was a serious awareness and conviction moment.

The lack of gentleness does not mean one lives a life of uncontrollable anger or is abusive or harmful to others. I am neither angry nor abusive, but in that Bible study, I came face-to-face with the reality that my lack of gentleness can be perceived as harsh, condescending, or simply inconsiderate. Gentleness, in the original Greek, implies that we are to submit our lives to a posture of meekness. Jesus did this when he held his privilege and power in check so that he could fulfill the responsibility given by his Father. We can gain the fruit of gentleness in our lives when we acknowledge and admit the fruit is lacking and place ourselves accountable to others. Choose gentleness.

William Lamb, PhD Lee University Leonard Center About The Author

Summertime In Tennessee

by Beth Maxwell

There’s just something about the summertime that makes me grin from ear to ear. It could be the fact that life moves at a slower pace for me. I’m off during this time of year, and working in the school system allows me this freedom that I love. It’s a time to refresh, recharge, and mentally prepare for the new school year ahead.

I can remember staying outside all day long until the sun went down behind the ridge; then, the fireflies would begin to make their first appearance for the evening. There was a stillness with a faint glow in the sky that would fade

dad’s hammer and a nail, I would feel better about holding them captive; at least they would be able to breathe.

There’s a lost art in children being able to enjoy the simple things that the summer can provide. Mud pies, clover necklaces, picnics, and fireflies kept me busy as a little girl on those hot summer days. Several years ago, while trying to put into words what summertime meant to me, I wrote this poem in the hopes of capturing my love for this time of year as well as my love for my beautiful Tennessee home.

Summertime In Tennessee

The mountain laurel sways with ease along the stream once more.

A path of beauty spreads the way for Summer’s open door.

Blooms of color fill the land, a carpet all around, each one unique within itself upon a welcomed ground.

Fireflies roam up in the night, the twinkle shines above.

A tiny hand that reaches out to grab them all with love.

Friends and families gather for a picnic at the park.

into the night, the gloaming. This has always been one of my favorite times of the day. It feels as if time stands still, just for a few seconds, before the darkness takes over.

Hoping my mom would have an empty jelly jar to catch fireflies, I’d run into the house and let the screen door smack the back of my heels before I could make it into the kitchen. Sure enough, she would have a small jar rinsed out and ready so I could collect my beautiful treasures.

If you caught fireflies in the summer while growing up, then you know what a treat it really was and how fascinating it was to see these little bugs light up. Being very careful to poke several holes in the top of the lid with my

Crickets singing songs to hear when night becomes the dark.

Children’s laughter in the air, their shouts are filled with glee.

Summertime is special in the hills of Tennessee!

—Beth Maxwell

I wrote this poem in 1995, and every summer, I try to stop at some point and reflect on how God made my Tennessee so beautiful. He graced the mountains and the hills with a beauty like no other.

“Legacy is truly an answer to prayer. When we read the mission statement about serving residents in a Biblically based community, we knew we found the right place. The atmosphere is what Mom needed to continue fulfilling her purpose in life.” – Daughter of Resident