June 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

Brenda Dedmon

Brent Goodge

Brian Johnson

Carrie O’Neal

Charles Finney

Cindy DuPree

Deck Cheatham

Heather Guthrie

Heather Medley

John Garrod

Jonathon Wright

Judy Hood

Dr. Julius McCarter

Karla Smedley

Kristen West

Leslie Bennett

Monica Gambrell

Pam Wattenbarger

Paula Burgner

Rick Hughes

Dr. Rob Debelak

Sandra Gilmore

Todd R. Gunderson

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

Jodi Varnado

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com

issuu.com/goodnewscm

Hello Friends,

We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Thinking Like the Holy Spirit

by Dr. Julius McCarter

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).

I have more than four decades of practice at thinking small. It has taken a work of the Holy Spirit to get me to look behind just what I see at my eye level. I’ve felt an active work—a persistent reminder—to stop leaning on my own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5). The Lord has been saying, “Okay, enough of thinking like you. Start practicing thinking like Me.” When I realize I’m applying my own understanding, instead of feeling guilty, it has become quite a relief. When I remember I’m not in charge or in control—not the one responsible to figure out absolutely every potential scenario and “what if”—I nearly laugh out loud in joy.

There’s immense freedom in being able to turn to the Holy Spirit and ask, “What do You think?”

Like a fresh wind blowing in, I take a second and deeply breathe in His wisdom. I meditate on the impossibilities He can pull off and focus my gaze on what He can do that I can’t possibly achieve myself. There are times when I want to scream from the mountaintop, “I don’t have to figure it out all by myself! Hallelujah!”

To actively turn to God with a feeling, circumstance, or relationship is one of those paradigm shifts of faith. When we do that humbly and expecting an answer (also called faith), I believe it makes the Lord very happy. What parent, pleased with his or her children, wouldn’t respond with enthusiasm? Because it is God, He will also provide over and above what is needed—immeasurably more than we can ask or think (see Ephesians 3:20).

When you apply this renewal of your mind—to ask for the Holy Spirit’s thoughts—it becomes the moment when the blinders come off. It’s then that you start to experience life with much more color, goodness, and wonder, and you will never want to put the blinders back on. When you give over to the truth that the Almighty God has given you a life to live and is helping you to do it His way, it will wake you

up to grab hold of bigger, better, and higher thoughts and ways.

I know this seems like a very simple act in a world that values complicated thought. Still, when it’s all you, you are all you have. When it’s all God, you have infinite resources at your disposal. The more you turn to the Holy Spirit, the more you develop a secure and joyful hope that everything is possible. I am close with some people whose lives testify to this reality. My own life is marked by miracles. He has

been there for me; He made me. Even when I thought I didn’t have much to say about God, I see I wouldn’t be here without His remarkable life-giving Spirit in me keeping me close.

God is ready and willing—being the giver He is—to fill, refill, restore, and refresh. He is anxious to help, if I could use such a term. He wants to release His life into mine. It is that fresh wind of Himself that keeps me in line with His way. He raises my eyes to the hills to see that “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

Dr. Julius McCarter is a husband to Kendra, a friend to some, a teacher to many and a follower of Christ. Julius has been a pastor and teacher for over 20 years. A lover of good books and music most of his life. His most recent book is Pastoralia: Reflections after 20 Years in Ministry.

Showing Kindness To Others

by Brenda Dedmon

We read in the Bible, "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other just as God has been to you" (Ephesians 4:32). This verse reminds us that God loves us and shows kindness to us, and He wants us to treat each other the same way.

Kindness is more than behavior. Kindness means developing a spirit of helpfulness, as well as being generous and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything in return. The act of giving kindness is often simple, free, positive, and healthy.

In the world today people find it hard to be kind to each other. Everyone is selfish and wants everything to go their way. However, as Christians we should model God’s kindness and love to others. The way we treat others will be an example of God’s love and kindness. Think about ways that God has shown kindness to your family and how that made you feel.

This summer would be a wonderful time for you and your family to make plans to be intentional in showing kindness and love for others. Ask your parents to have a family meeting and talk about ways you could put these ideas into practice.

When you have your meeting begin to think how you would like to be treated in the following scenarios:

• A friend dropped all their candy. However, you still have your candy.

• You see your friend crying in the park. You ask why they are crying. They say “I wanted to play with the other kids, but they said, ‘No.'”

• You are in the store with your parents, and you see someone drop something on the floor.

As you discuss these situations talk about how you could show kindness to others. Talk about ways you have shown kindness in the past to someone and how that made you feel. Discuss reasons some people might find it hard to be kind.

You may also discuss ways that you can show kindness to include the following ideas:

• Bake cookies for the elderly in your church

• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter

• Let someone go in front of you in line

• Give a stranger a compliment

• Make dinner for a family in need

• Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant

• Make fun cards using markers and stickers, then deliver to an assisted living or nursing home

• Organize a craft night with your friends, then donate the final products for families in a shelter

• Go through books and choose a few of your favorite books for children in the hospital to have to read

• Go through your toys and take those you no longer play with to a homeless shelter

• Call your grandparents just to say, “I love You”

• When you are in a store, smile at everyone you meet

• Offer to hold a door for someone when leaving a store or restaurant

Conclude your family time by placing on the calendar the activities you have chosen and ways you will seek to show kindness every day.

Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid

Tide fan.

Secure Act 1.0 & Secure Act 2.0: The Effects on Your Retirement

Money Matters Rick Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

The “SECURE Act 1.0” refers to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act is a significant piece of retirement legislation that made several changes to retirement savings rules in the United States. Some of the key provisions of the SECURE Act include:

• Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age from 70 ½ to 72

• Allowing long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans

• Creating a new type of annuity option within 401(k) plans

• Allowing penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for the birth or adoption of a child

• Allowing small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees

• Providing for penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from retirement accounts to cover adoption expenses

• Elimination of the Stretch IRA

The Stretch IRA was a strategy used by beneficiaries of inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to “stretch” out the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over their lifetimes. This allowed the beneficiaries to defer paying taxes on the inherited assets for many years, potentially resulting in significant tax savings.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision was included in the SECURE Act. Under the new law, most non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs are required to withdraw the entire balance of the account within 10 years of the original account owner’s death. The new rule applies to account owners who pass away after December 31, 2019.

There are some exceptions to the new rule, including for certain types of beneficiaries, such as surviving spouses, minor children, disabled individuals, and chronically ill individuals. These beneficiaries may still be able to stretch out RMDs over their lifetimes.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision has significant implications for estate planning and retirement income strategies. It is important for individuals who have inherited or plan to inherit IRAs to review their estate plans and retirement income strategies in light

of these changes to ensure that they are still on track to achieve their financial goals.

“The SECURE Act 2.0” (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0) was signed into law December 29, 2022. Some of the proposed changes include:

1. Automatic enrollment for retirement plans: The bill would require automatic enrollment of eligible employees in 401(k) and other retirement plans, unless they choose to opt-out.

2. Increased catch-up contributions: The bill would increase catchup contributions for individuals aged 62-64, allowing them to save an additional $10,000 per year.

3. Expansion of eligibility for retirement plans: The bill would allow part-time workers to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans and would reduce the eligibility requirements for long-term, part-time employees.

4. Roth IRA changes: The bill would allow individuals to make contributions to a Roth IRA after age 72, remove the age limit for spousal IRA contributions, and allow penalty-free withdrawals from Roth IRAs for birth or adoption expenses.

5. Lifetime income options: The bill would require retirement plan sponsors to offer lifetime income options, such as annuities, to participants.

6. Increasing the RMD age to 73 now and to age 75 in 2034. In summary, this law has some positive advantages for people who are required to take minimum distributions. People are living longer now, and it made a lot of sense to increase the RMD form 70 ½ to 73 and eventually to 75. In my opinion this law also has some negative challenges with it due to the elimination of the Stretch IRA. In the past, your children who inherited your IRA could stretch that over 30 or 40 years, which means they would not be required to pay a tremendous amount in tax. This new law now requires them to deplete that account within 10 years, which could put them in the highest tax bracket, whatever it may be at that time.

If you would like more information on this or anything about the SECURE Act, please contact our office.

Words Of a Father

by Brian Johnson

Do your kids ever mimic you? If you have any, I’m sure the answer is yes. We all have things we say or quirks we have that we may not recognize but our loved ones see. There are several father/son relationships we see in the Bible, but one in particular speaks to the effect the words of a father had on his son.

You’re probably familiar with Solomon’s request for wisdom. In II Chronicles 1, God appeared to Solomon and said in Verse 7, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s response, in Verse 10 was, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people….” If that was you or me, most of us would probably ask for money so we could take care of our families, or ask for power because of pride or safety from someone that would want to harm us or our family. When Solomon asked for wisdom, there seemed to be no hesitation. It was almost as if he was prepared for that question. I propose that it was so easy for him because he was prepared by his father.

Proverbs was primarily written by Solomon and, in Chapter 4, he speaks about some conversations he had with David, his father. Verse 4 says, “He taught me also, and said unto me, ‘Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.’” He continues by telling us what those words were in Verse 5, “Get wisdom get understanding….” He goes on to quote David in Verse 7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” And Verse 11 says, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.” It’s obvious that David put a big emphasis on wisdom in the life of Solomon.

When a loved one has died, we tend to reminisce about the good times we had with them and the things they used

to do or the things they used to say. What would your kids say about you? Moms and dads, what are you saying and showing your kids that will have a positive effect on their lives now and after you’re gone?

In preparation for this article, I asked my kids, “If I was to die, what would you say that Dad used to always say…?” After they spent some time making fun of me for my quirks, they said that I always talk about the importance of basing their decisions on God’s word. Trust me, I’ve made my

share of mistakes, but it made me feel good to know that one of their memories of me was the importance I’ve put on them living according to what the Bible says and not their own ideas.

Our kids are always listening and looking whether you’re aware or not. Even if you don’t have any children, your words can still have a positive effect on the life of a child you’re close to. Make sure your words and your actions reflect God’s truth.

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.

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Bitter Or Better?

by Cindy DuPree

My heart is for God’s women, and my desire for you is Ephesians 1:17-18. It says, “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

God has made each one of us valuable, and He desires for us to reflect His image and to know His love and fulfillment in our life. He provides strength, hope, and joy in the midst of everyday life, trials, and tragedies. We have an enemy, Satan, who doesn’t play fair. He hates us because we are life-givers and nurturers.

In 1992, my husband and I were pastoring our first church in Florida. I was the music pastor and led the women’s ministry. The church was growing, and young families were joining, several of which were expecting children. I was 28 years old and getting ready to give birth to our first child.

Finally, the big day arrived. Our son must have had a sense of humor as he decided to make his appearance on Labor Day. However, the delivery did not go as planned. After 27 hours of labor, I was scheduled for an emergency cesarean section. During the operation, my lungs filled with fluid and my vital organs shut down. I flatlined twice. The baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic

Left Heart Syndrome. This beautiful (and from all outward appearances, healthy) baby boy only lived ten days.

As a reminder of our loss, three of my sisters-in-law and several ladies in the church were having babies. Being a pastor, I would visit these new moms, many in the same hospital where I had given birth. I had to decide: would I allow my personal grief to overshadow the love I had for others? James 5:16 was my key to victory: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” With a smile on my face and a tear in my heart, I gave baby showers and chose to love and nurture others. We all have battles and tough times, but what matters is how we handle them. I chose not to become bitter or angry. I chose to believe and live out the Word of God. It was a choice. The Word of God is our help, refuge, fortress, strength, joy, and much more. The enemy is a thief and a liar and wants to take away the blessings that the Lord has planned for our lives. My husband and I now have three adult children who love the Lord. To tell you how faithful God is, my youngest child was not planned. I felt in my heart to name him Zechariah. His name means, “Jehovah God Remembers.” He was also born in the same month as our child in Heaven. Zechariah grew up to be a musician and today is my assistant worship leader in our church.

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

Church At Grace Point

2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 728-5050

Covenant Baptist Church

249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 559-2653

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

2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

Christian Fellowship Ctr

895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-9591

Church Alive Ministries

6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-8133

Cleveland Community Chapel

1823 Forest Ridge Dr.

Cleveland, TN 37311

Cleveland Cornerstone Church

533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-1775

Community Hall Church

1305 6th Street

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-2178

Crossroads Community Church

1000 South Lee Highway

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 716-2871

Dwelling Place Church International

523 Urbane Road NE

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 790-5200

Evening Light Gospel

200 20th St SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

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

Mount Zion Prayer Center

650 25th Street NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 478-5044

1203 Smith Dr.

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 478-2843

Tasso Christian Church

1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-2705

The TRIBE

1175 King Edward Avenue SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 380-8802

Tri-State Cowboy Church

200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3)

(423) 303-8954

United Christian Church

2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-4277

Unity Christian Ministries

2419 Georgetown Rd NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-9338

Walker Valley Community

787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland

Presbyterian Church

8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 336-5004

First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6751

First Presbyterian Church

433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5584

Flint Springs Cumberland

Presbyterian Church

515 Flint Springs Rd

Cleveland TN. 37323

(423) 284-6397

Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-6181

St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-5762

Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE

Cleveland, TN 37312

Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 400-7054

East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE

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

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

The Sanctuary

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

Separation Anxiety

by Heather Medley

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Children are a gift from God, and we are called to love and care for them with gentleness and patience. One of the challenges that parents face in the early years of raising their children is dealing with separation anxiety.

separation anxiety by cultivating strong relationships between them and their new caretakers or teachers, creating an attachment community.

Gradual entry can help to slowly warm up the child and adult relationship, with trust building over time and with patience. For example, you could have the new babysitter over for dinner a few times or to play with your children while you are at home with them. In doing this, you become the bridge for their attachment. Children do best when they have adults they can turn to, and not when their peers are their best bet for comfort, contact, and closeness.

Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of a child’s development, and it can actually be a beautiful sign of secure attachment. God has designed children to be creatures of attachment, and they are not built for separation without some protest and potential anxiety ensuing. Dependency is good, and separation makes it feel at risk.

As parents, we can feel judged or overwhelmed when our children cry as we leave them, but their response is very normal. Saying things like, “You’re fine” or “Quit crying” is not helpful and leaves a child with confusion and shame. We can help our children navigate their

Children grow best when they feel the presence of an invisible attachment matrix surrounding them. When separation from their closet attachments is necessary, the best thing we can do is to give them alternative adult attachments to hang onto. However, children should not feel comfortable with people they do not know. Good attachment instincts will make a child shy away from people who are not sanctioned by their primary attachments. This helps to keep them safe and stay within their parent’s realm of influence.

It is important for us as Christian parents to remember that our children’s attachment to us and their subsequent separation anxiety is a reflection of God’s plan for human relationships. Children need the presence and support of their parents or primary caregivers to thrive and grow.

Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.

Help! I’m Going Backwards!

by Kristen West

Have you ever felt like you’re going backwards in life? Try as you may to move forward, it just seems like progress is unattainable and the only direction destined for you is reverse? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve felt that way!

One of my more obvious examples comes from early on in my marriage. Anthony and I headed to the altar wholeheartedly ready to merge our lives into a blissful union, but the first several years of wedded life had us

be unpacked, processed, and thrown out. Much of who we were, as people, needed to be unlearned.

It felt like we were going backwards! I lost count of the days where I truly thought the rest of our lives were going to be spent slogging through hopeless days fraught with tension and endless nights filled with tears. We slowly began to realize that in order for God to build the healthy, strong, and unified foundation in our marriage that He wanted for us, it was necessary to deal with the toxic, bad, and unhealthy things that we’d brought with us into our union.

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen this principle in many other areas of my life—work, raising children, navigating friendships. It’s the times when I feel like I’m going backwards the most that God is actively at work uprooting and tearing down bad thinking, sin habits, and selfish tendencies in me. He’s quietly but patiently working to craft my heart to look like His and fashion and build my character to be more like Jesus. And the cherry on this ice cream sundae is found in Verse 14, “God works so that people will be in awe of Him.”

wondering when the “worse” part of “for better or worse” was going to end. We spent years at each other’s throats before we sincerely began to understand just how lovingly God was working.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven…a time to plant and a time to uproot…a time to tear down and a time to build…” (vs. 1-3, CSB).

As newlyweds, Anthony and I assumed there would be hurdles to overcome, but we never imagined we’d have things that needed to be uprooted or torn down. Ideologies, bad theologies, and a few other personal-ologies needed to

He gets the glory! We don’t. He does the incredible, life-changing work! We don’t. And, He intentionally works so that we will be in awe of Him because no one else can do what He does! If you feel like you’re going backwards today, friend, take heart knowing that God is at work! It may seem like your life will never get out of reverse, but He is absolutely working for your good to move you forward. And, there will come a day when you (and others) will be in awe of Him because of what He’s done!

Scrapbookers

by Sandra Gilmore

“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8). That verse has always fascinated me, plus it has always given me hope.

I am a scrapbooker. Blunt as it might sound, I used to think scrapbookers needed to get a life. Who has time to sit down to piece together stuff representing past days when today’s urgencies are beckoning? Now, I realize they are showing the world they really have had moments worth capturing. Scrapbooks are such works of art and labors of love. They show the significant times, the milestones of children, and the evolution of families. Scrapbookers save everything. Anything becomes fair game for a keepsake page. Little slips of paper, short lengths of ribbon or tiny, flat gadgets of all shapes, sizes, or colors can find their way into a page format.

God understands this. He keeps our prayers. The little ones we slip up to Him in between traffic lights or the ones tied together by a particular theme such as prayers for our loved ones. Even the prayers of thanksgiving offered for some trophy or triumph we have deemed important to our journey. All of these and more, He keeps. I don’t understand why, and I certainly cannot explain how. I just know from Scripture that He does.

I wonder when I get to Heaven, if the Father will pull out my prayers the same way I pull out my scrapbooks. Will He show me how my prayers began? Will He point out the times when my faith grew? Have I given Him enough to show a handsome pattern of trust and faithfulness?

Have you given God anything to “scrapbook” lately? Have you sent Him some praise in between traffic lights? Have you poured out your deep questions or asked for wisdom over challenges? He wants to hear. Share your life with Him. Scripture says to pray without ceasing. That means to develop a lifestyle of communication with the Father. He likes it when you talk to Him. He has sent all of Scripture, all of nature, and even the Holy Spirit to communicate back with you. What may seem a “scrap” of a communication to you will be significant in the Father’s hands. We are reminded from Scripture: He keeps everything!

Father, please teach me to pray and to pray without ceasing. Make the Scriptures real to me. I have caught your Word! Your Word is hidden in my heart so I may not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). I receive your presence in my life. Holy Spirit be my guide. I know your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I yield my thoughts to be in line with your Word. Take me higher, Father, to see above circumstances and to walk by faith. Amen.

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

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Take A Spin

by Heather Guthrie

Do you wash your clothes before you put them in the washer? No, I don’t think so. Then why do you think you should clean yourself up before you talk to God? If I had to get myself cleaned up before I talked to God, I would never talk to Him! Ever! I know it’s a struggle when we are hurting and feeling worthless, along with many other things. Jesus wants us to come boldly before Him! Bring every single piece of our hurt and heart to Him. Gosh, if we just knew how much He loved us.

them. You turn on the settings you need and put in some detergent. Tell God what you need and let Him handle giving you what you need.

Ummm…I don’t always like that part. You know, the letting Him be God part. The water fills up at certain points and rinses. Just like the water rising and falling, that’s how life is at times. Sometimes we are in a valley, and sometimes we are on the mountaintop. The in-between always makes room for the cleaning of our hearts. The actual washing is the main part. During the washing, the dirt comes off. Not always gently either, even if you do have it set on that setting.

I try to go every direction under the sun except Him at times. I try to do it on my own. I don’t think He wants to put up with my problems again. Especially the same ones that I have a hard time giving to Him. That is a lie from Satan. Really? Think about the washer. The washer has certain steps it goes through to wash the clothes properly and they are typically in order. Wash, rinse, and spin. When you put your articles in the washer, you just toss them in a sort of way they can be balanced. Why don’t you just toss in your requests and let God handle them? Don’t even try to arrange

Some things are harder to clean off than others. That’s our doing, not God’s doing. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of the dirt. That, at times, agitates us because we want to do it ourselves. I don’t want God’s help all the time. I don’t want Him seeing the dirty parts of my heart. I don’t want anyone seeing those parts. The thing is He made our hearts and He already knows everything that is in there. He knows when it needs to be washed, rinsed, and spun. Again, we have to make the choice to let Him do all this completely. Just like we make the choice to start a load of laundry. He is working in our hearts all the time, but when we make the choice to let Him and come before Him, He will completely clean us. Laundry is a continual cycle, and so is growing in the Lord.

Heather Guthrie, daughter of the King dancing in the deep and encouraging others with truth. She loves to meet people where they’re at in ministry. She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

Psalm 126 Coming Home:  A Refugee’s Point of View

Part III of III

by Dr. Rob Debelak

The past – v 1a

It happened. Just like God said, we were going home! The prophet foretold lengthy displacement from our homeland (Jeremiah 25), but we would return to Israel. Seventy years have passed, and the day of our homecoming finally dawns!

I was young when our exile began – that day remains a bitter memory (Psalm 137, Lamentations). During our dispersion, the faithful never forgot. Some gathered for study and prayer, desiring a word of comfort from God (Ezekiel 1, Daniel 9). The days passed into months. As time ebbed slowly forward, we were reminded each year to hold on in hope (Jeremiah 8:20).

International power traded hands (Daniel 5). Fresh reminders challenged us to instill godly values in our families (Deuteronomy 6). We faced the crisis of memory loss where our children born during the exile could forget they are in a foreign land, but their identity is not Babylonian or Persian. Defined by faith, theirs is the story of our ancestor, Abraham, who centuries ago left this region to find the land of God’s planting (Genesis 11:31-12:5). The memory of Zion and the story of God’s work in the history of our people had to be kept alive.

The present – vv 1b-3

I am now old, but I am among many blessed to see the LORD’s Word fulfilled! A faithful remnant told and retold their memories of our homeland, the LORD’s covenant with our people, and prophecies of judgment and hope. Like good seed falling on good soil, the young listened, taking God’s Word to heart. They are like a fruitful harvest, giving me hope for the future!

We are going home! It’s almost surreal – like a dream come true! Much time has lapsed, but the joy we express in laughter and music is greater (Psalm 126:2)!

How the tables are turned! When exile began, faithful musicians refused to profane our sacred songs, despite taunts and mockery of our captors (Psalm 137:2-4). Now the nations look at us, marveling at the great things God has done on

our behalf (Psalm 126:3b). We echo that very point in praise, “The LORD has done great things for us!” (v 4). We praise His Name! We extol His greatness! We revel in His work! The future – vv 4-6

We learn from our experiences, and our faith is reinforced. We acutely understand God is always faithful, and how He has acted in the past indicates His trustworthiness to be counted on in the future. The past informs the present, giving voice to prayers from the heart. When we find ourselves in dire straits, we pray, “Do it again, God!”

“LORD, through all our generations, You have been faithful. Before exile, You determined the limits of our testing, Your Word is fulfilled, and no one is greater who can nullify what You have spoken. I find myself overwhelmed today. Like the story of my people, my situation may be a problem I have brought on myself, and I beg your forgiveness (Daniel 9). The situation is not one I can fix, and my appeal is to You alone.”

“In the past, You delivered our people; end this present captivity, making the desert of my heart to bloom. Replace my tears with joy, giving gladness in celebrating You once more. You promise hope for return and a bountiful future –only You can do that…”

“Yes, LORD, be Who You are, and do it again!”

Dr. Rob Debelak is an Associate Professor of Bible at Lee University, where he has taught for over 29 years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Things Do Not Always Turn Out the Way We Plan

by Leslie Bennett

Do you feel like your life is finished? Maybe things have not turned out the way you planned and you feel like giving up. I have encouraging news for you. Even if your hopes and dreams are shattered, life can still be fulfilling, meaningful, and beautiful. There is hope in Jesus Christ.

I speak from experience. There have been times in my life when things just did not turn out the way I thought they would. People hurt me and let me down. Doors that were opened seemed to close in my face. Dark clouds were hanging over my head and I could not see any silver lining. Disappointments caused my future to be terribly uncertain. I even wondered at times if God had forgotten all about me, maybe even turned His back on me.

Through the encouragement, patience, and wisdom of Godly friends and family, I continued to search God’s Word and find truth which gave me confidence to keep persevering. I began to realize God knew exactly what I was going through. He heard me when I prayed and His plans for me had not been thwarted by the schemes of the enemy.

I continued to put my faith and trust in my heavenly Father as I walked through my seasons of uncertainty. As a child of God, I began to realize that He would not forsake me. I am His child and nothing can change that. He holds me in the palm of His hand and nothing reaches me that has not first been sifted through His hands. Hear His assurance through these verses:

• “Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:10, NKJV).

• “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:18, NKJV).

• “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8, NKJV).

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).

• “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3, NKJV).

• “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV).

• “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel–that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21, NKJV).

It is my hope that these scriptures will encourage you as you walk through your uncertain seasons. If you have put your faith and trust in God, you are His child and He will never forsake you.

Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.

Southern Heritage Bank

A division of First Citizens National Bank

What is it like to bank with Southern Heritage Bank? “When you come in the door, you will find we genuinely care. You will get a ‘Welcome Home’ feeling each time you visit,” says Lee Stewart, East Regional President. Other bank leadership includes Tim Poteet, Community Bank President for Cleveland, and Sam Turnipseed, Community Bank President for Chattanooga. They lead a team of expertly trained bankers who have a heart to serve.

The bank opened its doors in Cleveland in April 1999. One year later, the Waterville Springs branch on Dalton Pike opened, and in 2001 the Georgetown branch opened on Georgetown Road

and Villa Drive. In 2003, the main office at 3020 Keith Street celebrated its grand opening in a new building. The flags that fly over the branches exemplify the bank’s core values and attitude of service. Southern Heritage also has two offices in Chattanooga. Hamilton Place opened in 2017, followed by Northgate in 2018.

“At Southern Heritage Bank, we continue to take steps to bring the best possible blend of human touch customer service, excellent banking facilities, and technologies that our customers expect and deserve,” said Stewart.

Through its merger with First Citizens National Bank in 2014, Southern Heritage gained access to

specialized expertise, greater financial resources and advanced technology that allows SHB to remain highly competitive and to do even more unbelievably good things for its customers today & into the future.

The roots of this bank go deep in Tennessee communities. First Citizens National Bank originated in 1889! There are twenty-five branches across our state in eleven counties. There is even more information about their history at www. SouthernHeritageBank.com. “We are grateful to be in such a solid and growing community with exceptionally loyal customers,” said Stewart.

Southern Heritage Bank is a community focused bank that has invested in our local community since 1999. That year the bank held its first community food drive – a tradition which continues each November. The “Cleveland Helping Cleveland” event began to help United Way agencies and now contributes to The Caring Place. Local schools and businesses are an integral part of the food drive, collecting canned goods and delivering to the Keith Street location, where SHB teammates and local firefighters assist in loading several trucks each year.

Also in the fall, Southern Heritage Bank hosts a Shred Day to help protect customers and community members. Anyone can come to drop off documents to be shredded and disposed of free of charge. “We are also very proud of our long time BEST Partnership with Waterville Community Elementary School,” said Stewart. This bank is built on GOOD people, GOOD values and a GOOD mission: to provide an UNBELIEVABLY GOOD experience. This is GOOD, uncompromised.

Advice from the Troubled

by Todd R. Gunderson

At times, it’s difficult to write for a Christian magazine and not feel like a hypocrite, for many of my writings offer advice. I, too, struggle with many things in life. I’m not perfect. Shortcomings are an everyday occurrence, and I don’t have all the answers. However, I certainly want to share the things that I feel can aid others, so I try to not let my conscience bother me in that regard because sometimes good advice comes from those in the know—those with the troubles.

There are other reasons I feel like a hypocrite at times. I offer scriptures in many of my writings and tell stories that help enrich them, but do I read my own Bible as much as I should? I was born and raised in the church by Godly parents and a church family that loved me wholeheartedly. I do know what my Bible says, but that should not limit my time in the scriptures. When reading any part of the Bible, a particular verse can speak to many aspects of my life. In my troubled times, I love it when God speaks to me a different message than what the printed words teach as a whole. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To clarify, the lessons embedded in this verse are endless, and it will speak to each person differently yet keep its central meaning implicit. Amazingly, acumen is not a prerequisite for understanding, for the Spirit speaks truths to those who want to hear. I do.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a reasonably fortunate fellow. I have a wonderfully thoughtful wife and a great family. I own a home, pay my bills, and am a productive member of society, yet when I have troubles, like yours, they are real. It is during this time, it seems, that I place my faith in God with greater fervor than in times of peace. Is that wrong? Probably, but I know that God always works things out. After all, I’ve gotten this far with His blessings, so it’s a good feeling to have that calm assurance that “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I know this verse speaks truth, for the miracles I’ve witnessed in my own troubled life are many.

To end my time of introspection, I want only to say that it’s okay to listen to advice from people who are not perfect and from those who are troubled, like me. Many know the way they should’ve gone, and their insights may be rather eye opening. Of course, always examine those pieces of advice in the Word. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Now, that’s good advice, for we are all troubled at one time or another.

Todd R. Gunderson is a teacher, author, and woodworker who lives and works in Cleveland, TN. He has been teaching for 25 years for Bradley County Schools. He earned his teaching degree at Lee University and a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University. Todd lives the country life with his wife, Laura, 4 children, 4 cats, and 2 dogs. You can see his books and woodworking projects at ToddRGunderson.com.

Ignoring the Lines

by John Garrod

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Every day my news feeds, whether at work, on my phone, or on my laptop, are filled with war and rumors of war. I see Russia ruthlessly attacking Ukraine, because they say it still belongs to them; as if people are just property to be claimed. I see China breathing threats about Taiwan, again claiming ownership of the little island nation. And North Korea; they rattle their swords every time the wind blows contrary, it seems. These are bad times indeed. We seem to be headed full-speed towards global war…again.

a good bit. (Yes, I’m jealous; don’t judge me!) He and his wife were discussing an upcoming trip to the Middle East, and some family members were alarmed. “They hate us over there!” they were told.

My son told me he didn’t buy that. He explained it like this: “Dad, right now in Baghdad, there is another young man about my age, and he is headed off to open his shop, just as I will tomorrow. He is worried about making business work, about keeping his wife happy, about raising his children, about the world they will live in. He has no time to hate me, or plan my demise. He is just a human being, and he is worth respect.” I won’t lie; this was one of my proudest moments as a dad.

Christ is looking down right now, seeing the tears of a grandmother in Moscow who has lost yet another grandson to war. He sees that young Iraqi man,

There is a natural byproduct of all of this tension, one that often slips past our “Christianity Filter.” I watch these news accounts, and I think, “How can these Russians be so heartless about their country attacking this innocent country?” “Are ALL of these North Koreans as crazy as their lunatic leader?” “Are the Chinese really the heartless heathens they seem to be?”

And just like that, Mistrust, Fear, Racism and Hatred slip in, riding on the back of their old trusty steed, Ignorance. Quickly we draw lines and pick teams, clothing ourselves in patriotism and righteous indignation. All based on imaginary lines drawn on maps.

And Jesus weeps.

I was having a conversation with one of our children one day. He is an adult, married, and travels the world

struggling to find a balance. He’s with those Chinese Christians, huddled in a small house church, desperately hiding his Word in their hearts, fearful of every knock. He understands the prayers in Spanish of the young mother trying to get her children to a better place, a land of opportunity. For all of these, He has compassion, immeasurable mercy, endless love.

If the Jesus I follow loves them, yes, even them,…can I accept any less from myself? We must never let patriotism outweigh Godly compassion, lest we lose that citizenship.

John Garrod is father of 6, husband of 1, an ESOL teacher in Dalton, GA, a Lee U graduate (c/o ‘19), a U.S. Army veteran and a member of South Cleveland COG.

Rhodes Storage

Rhodes Storage, LLC recently opened a new tenacre location in Cleveland at 2900 Dalton Pike, SE. Locally owned and operated, Rhodes has been in the self-storage business for the last nineteen years. The business offers six locations providing climate-controlled units, drive-up storage, boat/RV parking, along with rental trucks, boxes, and moving supplies. Each location provides a friendly staff member to assist customers, and facilities are kept immaculate. Each facility is equipped with cameras and security systems, is well-lighted, and is pest controlled. Rental trucks are also available.

Jimmy Rhodes, Owner, has been a resident of the Cleveland area since 1978. He attended Southern Adventist University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising. After graduating from college, instead of obtaining a job in his field, he noted that there were very few climate-controlled self-storage facilities in the Cleveland area. He took the entrepreneurial route by identifying a need and meeting that need. He built his first 28,000-square-foot location at 3305 Old Tasso Road NW in Cleveland in 2005, followed by a 110,000-square-foot location in Ooltewah a few years later. The Charleston and Athens locations followed. Recently, a 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility on 2900 Dalton Pike Road in Cleveland, TN, opened, offering climatecontrolled units, a covered loading dock, gated drive-up units, and secured boat and RV parking.

Cleanliness, security systems, surveillance cameras, along with convenience features such as online account management, hard surface parking lots, loading areas providing easy access for trucks and semis, and, best of all,

real managers instead of machines make Rhodes a favored facility. In 2018, Rhodes Storage of Ooltewah won the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of the Best award and continued five years in a row.

Rhodes’ secret to success is putting the customer first and, most importantly, giving back to God. Proceeds from the business through the years have supported various Christian ministries in spreading the gospel around the world, providing humanitarian aid to victims in Ukraine, funding towards cancer research and healing for children, Christian education, and world hunger relief. “We are stewards of what God gives us. He blesses us, and it is our responsibility to give back. This is what we believe,” says Rhodes. “These favorite Bible texts remind me of this.”

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).

“And if you give what you have to the hungry, and fill the needs of those who suffer, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkness will be like the brightest time of day” (Isaiah 58:10).

Jimmy and his wife, Katelyn, continue to own and operate the business. They have two boys, a beloved Goldendoodle, and reside in McDonald, TN. Come visit Rhodes’ new location at 2900 Dalton Pike SE and take advantage of their move-in specials!

Peace Within

by Paula Burgner

There are so many ways that one can find peace. Some may find it in the form of a song, some may find it in fellowship with a friend, while others may find it early in the morning when they are drinking a cup of coffee. As for me, I always seem to find peace when I am alone and spending time talking to God. I can talk to Him anywhere and anytime; however, I sometimes feel the most at peace when I stop by my mom’s grave to visit.

As I sit here by her stone, on a soft covered beach mat that I lay out on the ground, feeling the warmth of the sun as it is shining on me, I look out over in the distance and think of how I am surrounded by ones that have loved and loved ones of my own. It’s like the whole world gets quiet, and the only surroundings I hear are the birds softly singing. In the distance, I can hear the wind as it slowly moves through the trees making a gentle whooshing sound. It’s in this moment when I feel as though God is speaking to me as He seems to make time stand still. Just as the Bible tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.”

Too often I think we are all in a big rush to try to find ways to make our lives more peaceful, yet we end up getting more stressed as we rush the process. I have learned that

true peace comes once we completely surrender our life to God and forgive those who have done us wrong. Most of us will say that we have forgiven someone, but until we get to that place in our lives when we can let go and surrender all bitterness to God, we will never know the true peace that God can bring into our hearts. This is why it is so important to forgive someone just as God has forgiven us. Once we do this, the healing begins in our lives. Just as the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

No matter what life has thrown your way and no matter what life may bring you, when you let go and give it all to God and start focusing your life around Him, He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. As the Bible says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” In those moments when you are struggling, no matter what it is or what you may be going through, remember to give it to God, fully trust in Him, and you will find peace. Just as the Bible tells us in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.

About The Author

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Quick and Easy Crab Salad

by Pam Wattenbarger

This recipe is naturally glutenfree and is the perfect dish to serve as the weather begins to get warmer. I usually use imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat (because it is so much cheaper) and everyone still enjoys it. You can use homemade ranch dressing in the salad or just do a timesaver like me and use bottled. I usually purchase the higher quality ranch dressing from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. This crab salad can be made a day in advance. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounces) bag coleslaw

• 1 (16 ounces) bottle ranch dressing

• 1 (16 ounces) package imitation crab meat or 16 ounces crab meat

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3/4 cup diced celery

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix the coleslaw, onion, and celery together until blended.

2. Add the ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until blended.

3. Dice the imitation crab meat into small pieces. Gently fold the imitation crab (or an equal amount of real crab meat) into the salad.

4. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

5. This is best made in advance to allow the flavors time to meld.

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of 3 cookbooks. You can find more recipes on her website, SimplySouthernMom.com.

Photo by: Casey Yoshida

Straddling The Fence

by Judy Hood

Straddling the fence, I can’t make up my mind

Do I want to go left? Or do I want to go right?

Left seems so much fun, you see

That’s where all my friends are, so I wanna be

But there’s a man to the right calling to make me whole

He holds salvation in his hands

Because he went to the cross and died for man

He is here

My friends are there

I think I see him shed a tear

I believe in my heart I’ll go to the right

No man has ever shed a tear for me, no man has ever died

So I’ll take his hand to forever be

Two of a kind, my Lord and me

The Recipe

by Deck Cheatham

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name” (Psalm 86:11).

No good Southern cook follows a recipe. For most, a recipe is a suggestion. Since my blood runneth thick with mustard barbeque sauce, I speak with authority when I say a Southern cook’s diversion connotes not simply mastery but a devilish desire to conceal. Why share secrets when you have the upper hand?

forge a trail or any other cliché appropriate to describe a species who tolerates rules but does not like them.

Are you willing to go where God is leading you? Are you listening to Him? These are the questions I continue to ask myself. The reality convicts me. Too many myriad ways do I resist Him manifest through subtlety and intention. Too easily do I respond by saying, “Wait a minute, you want me to do what? You want me to go where? Uh, no thank you, I’m just fine where I am doing what I’m doing. Why don’t you get old Billy to do it. He’s better suited, and besides, my calendar is full for the next twenty years.”

My wife’s grandmother, Mamoo, was such a cook. Sweet and demure, a true Southern lady, she could never repeat her recipes when asked or admit to ingredients each family member knew was in the mix. I offer into evidence her Hoe Cake (having nothing to do with Johnny Cakes or slang) recipe, a delicious blend of whole wheat flour, white flour, baking powder, salt, oil and milk, proportions suggested, mixed, patted into shape or rolled (a little), baked, biscuit sliced and buttered while hot. Mmm, Mmm, them Hoe Cakes are good eatin’ (even better toasted), trust me, they have graced my taste buds.

Following is not a Southern trait, and for that matter, it’s not a human one either. We like to go our way, carve a path,

Doesn’t God wish to take His children to the same place, to love Him more than their own desires, to believe Him more than their own doubt, to receive Him with an undivided heart? But first, to go where God leads, to follow Him, His children must offer, as the Psalmist says, the sacrifices of a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. And so offered through life’s oven, knowing God, being known by God, the knowing revealed by abiding in Him prepares His children to go where He leads. True men of God recognize His presence, His working in this world, His living amongst us and live in His peace. God’s truth binds us to Him like a good recipe.

Time exhausts much of life. But life cannot exhaust God, His love for us, His desire for us to be bound to Him, to follow Him. And once bound, following becomes more desirous than our wish not to. You don’t need a recipe for that.

“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, NKJV).

Microwave Society: Maturing Faith

by Karla Smedley

As a toddler, my oldest loved trying out new words. I remember her sitting at the table eating her breakfast. The microwave buzzer signaled, and my hot tea was ready for its daily job to wake me. She tried to pronounce the word, and while I do not remember her exact attempt, I vividly remember the next few seconds. “Honey, the word is microwave. Say micro.” She repeated successfully. Then I added the word, “Wave.” She smiled so big, picked up her little arm and waved with great vigor! That memory has been precious to me for almost 30 years! I can still see her little expression of triumph.

Microwaving Our Faith

Living in a remote-controlled world, we can easily be influenced, thinking that we can push a button, and zap our trials will be done. In addition, our mindset is often that we can microwave our faith, warming it up when hard times are upon us. When storms come crashing in, we wish we had a “faith like Daniel.” A faith that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has our back. We desire assurance that God will tame our lions in the dark dens or stand in the fires like He did with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

Misconceptions

Perhaps, our faith has not developed like Daniel and his friends for a couple of reasons.

• Are we expecting a Daniel-like faith without even being plugged into God’s word, as if the microwave would even work without its source of energy?

• Are we living a lukewarm life as a Christian while we are trying to grow our faith? Even while being held captive in a foreign land without others who believed in God, Daniel and his friends were living for God.

• Are we living for God in our ungodly world?

• Are we just lukewarm Christians, who walk in the doors of the church sporadically?

• Are we desiring to walk in God’s daily presence on Sundays during worship, but setting Him aside Monday through Saturday?

• Are we guilty of expecting God to be there for us on demand when life gets tough?

We all know the slow-cooker would be the best means for cooking a roast, not by zapping it for a few minutes. Are we believing that God can carry us through the torrential trials with microwave faith?

The Ah-Ha Bell Should Be Dinging

God allows trials for our dependence on Him to bloom and flourish. If the trial is over quickly, that dependency will not have time to marinate.

Faith Like Daniel’s

A Daniel-like faith takes time to develop. This faith boils when we study God’s word. Our trust in God’s abilities simmers when the difficulties in our lives do not resolve themselves by the push of a button. As we continue through the trial, our matured faith will sustain us, providing the needed courage, strength, and hope to continue.

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Even though microwaving is a quick fix, we must still complete steps to be successful in getting that warm dish. Developing a stronger faith through trials requires taking those steps that bring us closer to God: confessing sins, spending daily time in God’s word, becoming an active part of a local church, being encouraged by fellow Christians. With these strides, we can begin to develop a Daniel-like faith.

Karla Smedley has two grown kids and have taught over 2,000 students during the last 32 years. No matter where she lives or where she visits, she sees the need for people to know of God’s unconditional love and grace. Her desire is to encourage others through her writing and speaking. Check out the website smorgasbordofsister.com that she co-authors with my cousin Donna.

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.

“Our

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

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

Faithful

Carrie O’Neal

You are Faithful no matter what they say. Your promises are kept, And you show that every day.

You never leave my side, Even when I’m untrue.

You keep waiting on me, And fill me with Your truth. My soul yearns for Your love, Lord drown me in Your glory. Guide me in all Your ways, And make my life Your story.

I want to be the me You designed, So that every part of You in me will fully align.

There is nothing better than You. And once we surrender ourselves, We know that to be true.

Life can be stormy and plagued with doubt, But You stay with us and lead us out.

Lord guide every step and every word, So that my life will be fulfilled by Your work.

How In the World Did He Do That?

by Jonathon Wright

We all know the story of how Jesus walked on the water. And it is quite amazing. But I would like to tell it from John’s perspective. He adds some interesting details not found in the other Gospels. See John 6:16-21.

We all got into the boat. It was already late. We waited for as long as we could. But Jesus was not coming. I did not like leaving without Him, but Jesus told us He would catch up. So, we started rowing. After we rowed about three miles, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind and the waves made it hard to maneuver the boat.

We were miles away from land, and I wondered if we were going to have to swim to shore. It was dark. I could not see a thing. But out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something hovering above the waters, it was getting closer and closer. It looked like a ghost. I didn’t believe in ghosts, but the closer it got, the more scared I became. Finally, the familiar and comforting voice of Jesus rang out. “It is me. Do not be afraid.”

Man, was I glad we let Jesus into the boat. The storm immediately stopped. The next thing I knew, we were at our destination. How in the world did we travel that many miles in a split second? How in the world did He do that?

The Surprising Nature of Miracles

Many times, God’s miracles are surprising. The Bible has many stories of God doing impossible things. God can do more than we can ask, think, or imagine. See Ephesians 3:20-21.

This verse got me to thinking, how in the world did I make it to college and find a wife? I spent most of my life in a single-parent home. My mom did not make a lot of money, so I had to work to help support the family. I did not have much money or time for a social life. But when I was in my 30s, the Lord made a way for me to go to college, where I met my wife.

I also wondered how in the world I became a writer after working for almost 40 years in the grocery industry. After graduation from college and starting a family, I knew God had a call on my life, but had no way to make it happen. I struggled to understand or know how to fulfill God’s call on my life. But God made a way. John’s miracle happened in an instant. My miracles took a little longer, but God still did some amazing things.

I would like to close with some recent things that God has done in a friend’s life. I will not mention his name, but my friend had a family member who could not get a job and was struggling with addiction. He asked our prayer group at North Cleveland Church of God to pray for his family. It was a very trying ordeal that lasted for many years. His family member finally got the help he needed. And I have news that he has been clean and sober for almost a year now. He even found a job and got back into the church. When I heard this, all I could say was, “God did it again.” His miracles often make me say, “How in the world did He do that?”

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright.

1. Be a man

June is Men’s Health Month.

ere is no better time to start taking better care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of rest and don’t forget to schedule your annual wellness exam. Take the time to talk to your provider about any health concerns you may have and to ask about important preventive health screenings like a colonoscopy, prostate exam, diabetes test and heart check. Step up with a check-up!

The Cracked Pot

by Charles Finney

Iwould often visit my grandparents. They had been married for over fifty years and had shared many memories together, including their favorite activity of cooking together in their cozy little kitchen. Sometimes, they would let me cook with them.

Grandma had a special cooking pot that had been passed down for generations in her family, which she used to make all sorts of delicious soups and stews. One day, as I was cooking a delicious chicken soup, I heard a loud crack near the top of the pot. I looked down and saw that the pot had cracked, and my heart sank. I didn’t know how to cook my soup without Grandma’s beloved pot. I didn’t want to use any other pot because it just wouldn’t be the same.

Grandpa, being the handyman that he was, offered to fix the pot for me. But as hard as he tried, he just couldn’t seem to fix the crack. I started to panic, thinking that I wouldn’t be able to cook with Grandma’s pot ever again. Grandpa saw the worry on my face and took my hand, saying, “Now, now, son, don’t fret. The pot may be broken, but it’s not the pot the makes the soup. It’s the ingredients you put in it that make it taste so good.”

I looked at him skeptically, but he continued, “It’s just like life, my boy. The pot is like us, just a vessel. It’s the ingredients we add to our lives that make it rich and fulfilling.” He went on to recite a verse from the Bible that he had heard the preacher say last week in church: have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

I listened intently as Grandpa continued to explain, “We may be like a broken vessel, but we can still be filled with wonderful things. It’s not our outer appearance that counts, but what we hold inside.” His words sunk in, and I realized that the pot was just a material possession and that I could still cook my soup using another pot. It was the love and care I put into my soup that made it special, not the pot itself.

From that day on, Grandma and I cooked our meals together, using all sorts of pots and pans. We never forgot Grandpa’s wise words, and we continued to add love, laugher, and joy to our lives. We also started to appreciate the simple things in life and found joy in the little moments. As time passed, Grandma eventually passed away, and I was heartbroken. But I found comfort in the memories we had shared together. I continued to cook my meals using all sorts of pots and pans, always adding a pinch of love and a dash of happiness to everything I made.

I often thoughts of the Bible verse that Grandpa had recited to me, “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of Grandpa said to always remember. I realized that God was the potter, and we were all just vessels in His hands. It was up to us to fill our lives with goodness and to trust in God’s plan for us. And so, I will live the rest of my days filled with love, joy, and peace. I will continue to cook my meals with all sorts of ingredients, but always with faith, love, and thanksgiving.

Pay Attention!

by Monica Gambrell

Many of us, at least the stubborn ones, have developed certain habits as a result of having a bad habit that we corrected. We are a stubborn people. Okay, maybe I should be saying I am a stubborn person. Maybe other people don’t have such a hard time changing their habits. In one such case, it was my husband and I who slipped up—and the whole family was there to witness it.

It may seem silly to some, but we had a favorite bowl in our household. It wasn’t an heirloom and it wasn’t expensive. It was a simple, ugly green, plastic mixing bowl. My mother had bought it for my husband because he was a fantastic biscuit-maker. This bowl was about 22 inches across and maybe eight or nine inches deep. It had a groove in the underside with a rubber insert that made it grip the counter as he mixed the dough. It got most of its use though as our family popcorn bowl. Many times, after baths, we would put quilts down on the floor, pop in a video, and I would make popcorn on the stove top the old-fashioned way. The children would dance beside me as I sang “the popcorn song” to the popping corn. I would then dump it into that magical bowl and the children would all share in the warm, wonderful treat.

before bed. I wasn’t really worried because we had a rule in our house that we should open the oven door and check before turning it on (just in case there was a pizza box in there). Apparently, my husband did not pay any attention to that household rule and turned the oven on without checking. You know how cartoons show someone’s anger by the steam escaping from their ears and nostrils? From afar, our house must have looked like that: smoke escaping from every orifice. There were flames, and a real concern for it spreading. A normal person would have reacted with panic and frenzy, I could only envision the cartoon face and couldn’t stop laughing.

PAY ATTENTION!

Earthly issues have varying degrees of outcomes when we don’t pay attention—some serious, and some not. If we would pay attention, things would possibly go awry less often. But when it comes to paying attention to God and His Word, it is no laughing matter.

Pr. 4:1— “Listen, my sons, to the instructions of a father, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding.”

Is. 48:18— “If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Occasionally, there was a bit of popcorn leftover and I would put it in zippered bags for another time. One particular night I failed to store the popcorn properly. I left it in the big green bowl and slipped it into the oven

Father God, paying attention to You is of utmost importance. Like Peter, we sometimes take our eyes off of You and get distracted by our circumstances. May we keep our eyes focused on You at all times, and pay attention to You now more than ever before.

Almost Persuaded

by Brent Goodge

How often would our individual lives, or even world events, have turned out differently had we accomplished what we almost did? How many almost invested heavily in Amazon when it was nothing but an online bookstore? How many almost arrive in time to say “Good-bye” to a dying loved one?

In Acts 25, Paul had appealed to Caesar. Governors Felix and subsequently Festus knew that truth and justice demanded that Paul be released immediately. Governor Felix hoped the Christians would value Paul’s freedom enough to purchase it. Governor Festus attempted to curry favor with the Jews by offering to have Paul sent to Jerusalem for trial before them instead of the Roman court of Caesarea. Justice was the least of their considerations. Paul felt he had no choice but to appeal to Caesar.

This left Governor Festus in a difficult position. Sending a prisoner to Rome for trial would require Festus to send a letter to Rome explaining the charges, explaining his findings, and explaining what led the Roman prisoner to appeal to Caesar. As there was no Roman crime to report and not even a proven Jewish charge to explain Paul’s continued imprisonment, the new Governor Festus would be exposed as a despot for not releasing Paul. He had to have something to write. When King Agrippa stopped by to congratulate Festus, Festus thought Agrippa would be the perfect help to write the letter.

Paul was aware of Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish customs as well as the events of the life of Jesus. Agrippa’s family members had been responsible for the death of John the Baptist as well as James the son of Zebedee and the failed attempt to kill Peter. Herod the Great had slain every male infant in Bethlehem attempting to destroy Jesus, and his offspring had dared to sit in judgment of the King of kings.

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the growth of the Gospel message in the intervening decades,

were well-known to Agrippa. Paul shared the story of Jesus with Agrippa, not as history vs fable, but as the offer of salvation to the greatest of sinners. Giving his personal testimony, Paul told how Jesus Christ had asked “Why are you persecuting Me?” Paul told how he had faithfully answered the call of Christ, and he called on Agrippa to make the same decision for salvation.

Paul finished his discourse with a call to commitment. “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (Acts 26:27). Agrippa responded with one of the saddest passages in the Bible. “You almost persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Almost saved. Yet King Agrippa will arise in the wrong resurrection. A completely wasted life.

May we each heed the words of Paul. “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am” (Acts 26:29).

All for Jesus. Not “almost.”

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County. Brent prays that everyone reading this will be both almost and altogether, all for Jesus.

“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