Gò0dNews November 2015
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Writers
Reverend Karyn Bogert Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Ashley Smith Cathy Yaun Charlton S. Lewis Dave Carringer Deanna Thompson Delaney Walker Deven Wallace Esmerelda Lee Glenda Prichard Gracie Hixson Irina Miller Jonathan Cantrell Kelly McDonald Mindy White Nick Poole Nicole Wiley Rob England Thomas Morrison Wesley Choplin
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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Letter from the Editor
T
his month’s issue is a harvest of articles about thankfulness, gratitude, contentment, frustration, blessings of preschoolers, keeping finances separate, depression, and eating pecan pie. My addition to the mix is an experience I had years ago in overcoming fear. Years ago I learned that one of the greatest roadblocks to courage is fear. Along with fear comes a kind of paralysis that makes us think we have to wait until the fear is gone before we do whatever we need to do. This was demonstrated in an experience I had in Omaha, Nebraska, when my son was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. The lights in the cockpit flashed. The pilot—calm, cool and collected— read instruments, adjusted gadgets, preparing for takeoff. Strapping into the copilot’s seat, I wondered, Is this really happening? Am I the copilot? Am I courageous enough to fly this plane? The goose bumps assured me I was not dreaming. Flying this gigantic computer with wings registered exceptionally high on the experience-of-a-lifetime scale. “Now, I’m going to lead you through the takeoff, step-by-step,” the young, confident pilot instructed. “But you are going to bring us in for the landing all by yourself,” he continued, showing me the sensitive steering mechanism. Me? Land this plane? With my colorful history of minor car accidents? “Okay, if you won’t let me make any mistakes,” I muttered. The engines revved up and off we zoomed down the runway, cruising about 200 miles per hour . . . or so it seemed. Actually, this flight took place in a simulator at Offutt Air Force Base when my son was stationed there. I could not believe the realism. Every sensation—sight, sound, movement (and fear) was just like sitting in the cockpit of a modified 757. My big question was, “Can I crash this plane?” “Of course, but I’m not going to let you crash. I will correct any errors you make, so just sit back and relax.” Relax? I was not capable of relaxing, but I learned two important lessons during my flight that are applicable to life’s situations: To stay on course, I must listen intently to my “Pilot”; stay focused on the flight plan (God’s Word), which leads me straight to the heart of God. There I can trade my craving for understanding for a big dose of courage and a willingness to trust His wisdom. Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Contents 14
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6
Blessed with Diversity
by Reverend Karyn Bogert
GoodNews for Kids
8
Wandering with Jesus by Nick Poole
GoodNews on Money Matters
28
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Men
12 This Thanksgiving, Let’s
Invite Contentment Over by Rob England
GoodNews for Women
14 Thanksgiving
by Deven Wallace
GoodNews for Parents
20 Go Ahead and Quit! by Alicia Klepper
GoodNews for Life
22 Repurpose
by Delaney Walker
GoodNews for Everyone
24 The Basic Tool for Success 40 THE KINGDOM COMES . . . in Fitness . . . and Life! by Thomas Morrison
GoodNews for Teens
26 You Are Enough by Ashley Smith
Cover Story 10 Together but Separate—A GoodNews 28 Paving the Way Recipe for Dysfunction by Andrew Lee
44
by Jonathan Cantrell
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Trauma in the Labor Room by Gracie Hixson
GoodNews for Couples
32 Being Unified—Jesus at the Center
by Mindy White GoodNews for Seniors
34 To Serve
by Esmerelda Lee
GoodNews for Everyone
36 Dealing with Frustration by Kelly McDonald
GoodNews for Everyone
38 The Blessing of Preschoolers by Glenda Prichard
THROUGH YOU!
by Dave Carringer GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Maple Pecan Pie
by Deana Thompson
GoodNews for Everyone
44 Like a Bridge
by Charlton S. Lewis
GoodNews for Everyone
46 The Faith and the Fight by Irina Miller
GoodNews for Everyone
50 Just One Touch by Cathy Yaun
GoodNews for Everyone
52 Autumn
by Wesley Choplin
GoodNews for Everyone
54 Everything Happens for a Reason
by Nicole Wiley
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
O
Blessed with Diversity by Karyn Bogert
ne of my favorite childhood songs has a special place in my heart. This simple song informed and encouraged my understanding of how we are to treat others in light of our identity in Christ. You might remember this children’s song as well. Won’t you sing it with me? “Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, They’re all precious in His sight,
challenged by the diversity of other cultures, other faiths, and other beliefs. I find this challenge of diversity a welcomed opportunity for us to examine our faith and find fresh ways to experience God’s presence in our lives. While the essentials (that is, Christ’s message) will never change, the nonessentials (the ways we experience God) will grow as we journey in faith together. No two individuals are completely the same. Even identical twins don’t share the same thoughts and beliefs all of the time. Our uniqueness is a blessing
Jesus loves the little children of the world.” There is so much wisdom in those words, because many of us struggle to feel comfortable with much less love—people who are culturally and ethnically different from us. However, that is exactly what Christ compels us to do. Our lifelong journey with God often asks us to get out of our comfort zone and do things that we could never do alone. Learning to love one another in spite of our differences teaches us to love our enemies. However, if we can’t love a fellow believer, even one who thinks differently and disagrees with us, then how in the world are we going to go that extra step and love an enemy? Today, thanks to an explosion of information available on the World Wide Web, Christians are being
from our Creator. Why then, do we want others to be just like us? How boring would that be? Perhaps we have forgotten that we were created in God’s image, and not the other way around. Jesus spent time with all kinds of people. He invited people from many different backgrounds to be His followers. Jesus welcomed those who were considered unclean, unworthy, and unlovable to be children of God. Can we do any less? The next time you find yourself silently judging someone for being different than you, remember . . . Jesus loves every person, every person in the world. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight. Jesus loves every person in the world.
6 // November 2015
Reverend Karyn Bogert is an ordained minister, a wife to a compassionate nurse, Neal, and has been blessed to serve as pastor of First Christian Church of Cleveland for eight years.
Gò0dNews for Kids
Wandering with Jesus
P
A Story of Thanksgiving Based on Luke 17:11-19 by Nick Poole
arents and children, let’s go on
bad may happen to them. In a panic,
down to your level, looking you in the
an adventure and explore God’s
you jump down from the tree and rush
eye, he whispers, “I can go home to my
Word a little differently than
to the forbidden village. With the wind
family, my friends, my own home. I
before by using our imagination to see a
rustling through your hair, dust rising
haven’t seen them in a very long time.
world long since passed.
up from behind you, you run with your
Jesus Christ healed me and my friends
heart racing.
of a terrible disease, and now we can go
Close your eyes. Small rocks and warm dirt press against your feet, sun
You arrive at the edge of the village.
home! He loves us, and gave us our lives
shining overhead as you and your
Someone is coming; you must hide now!
back.” Can you imagine meeting Jesus
friends play around one of the trees
After sneaking around the edge of the
and looking into His eyes after being
outside your village. You are quite the
village, you see two small groups of
given the ability to return home?
climber. Placing one foot in front of
men. One group is running back toward
the other, one hand on a branch above
Jerusalem, jumping and shouting, not
come together with our families, let us
the other, you made it to the top of the
looking back to the village. They seem
remember the One who provides for
tree and are overlooking the valley. To
so happy! Looking back into the village,
us, gives us more than we understand,
your left, you see the farmer working
there was one man kneeling, crying at
and continues to love us regardless of
in his field under the hot sun. To your
the feet of one man. In the other group,
what we go through. Jesus cares about
right, you see a small village where your
a man is thanking him and kissing His
us, our lives, how we do in school, our
parents have told you repeatedly to stay
feet! Tears are falling down his face as he
families, and so much more! Jesus loved
away from—the forbidden village.
looks up into the other man’s eyes—His
us so much that He lived a perfect life on
All of sudden, you see a small
kind, loving eyes. With one last hug, the
earth, proved how much He cared about
group of men off in the distance heading
dusty, tear-stained man starts walking
our everyday lives through His actions,
in your direction. They stop at the small
in your direction and observes you
and then conquered death so we could
village first, but they are not allowed in
hiding. He smiles gently and notices the
live with Him forever. In this season of
that village! No one is permitted expect
confused look on your face. Bending
Thanksgiving, let us remember to give
As we approach Thanksgiving and
for those who live there! Oh no! If they
thanks to the One who gave everything
are caught in that village, something
for us.
8 // November 2015
Nick Poole is the children's pastor at The Church at Grace Point in Cleveland. He has a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry, and is currently working toward his masters in youth and family ministry at Lee University.
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Gò0dNews on Money Matters Together but Separate—A Recipe for Dysfunction The pros and cons of separate accounts versus joint accounts in marriage.
O
by Andrew Lee ne of the most quotable
Married couples who have separate
If both spouses have careers and
lines from John Milton’s
accounts tell me that having separate
paychecks, then budgeting, saving,
1667 epic poem Paradise
accounts ensure that each partner knows
and spending jointly on shared goals
Lost is the phrase, “Confusion worse
precisely how much is in his or her
is a quicker and more powerful
confounded.” This might be an
account at all times, without having to
approach to meeting financial goals
apt description for many married
check with a spouse daily or weekly
as a couple. Most importantly, a joint
couples who try to keep their finances
in order to update debits, checks, or
account practically guarantees that a
separated.
deposits from a joint account. These
couple is in constant communication
couples also say they have established
about finances. After all, when one
challenge of getting a spouse to agree
an equitable system for bill paying,
spouse writes a check, swipes a debit,
to set a household budget and to
usually meaning that each spouse will
or withdraws money from the ATM,
work together toward achieving their
pay certain bills or a certain percentage
the other spouse is bound to find
financial goals of paying down debt
of the monthly bills from his or her
out, assuming both spouses regularly
and saving more money. This person
checking account. Often, I am told how
check the monthly bank statements
explained how they kept separate
preferable it is to keep separate accounts
(whether in paper form or online).
bank accounts for both checking and
so that “I don’t have to check with
Couples that communicate and agree
savings. When bills were due, they
anybody or ask permission if I want
about saving, spending, and giving
allocated who would pay what bills
to buy something.” True enough, but
their money tend to have a more
out of his or her own individual
this attitude, in my opinion, may end
fulfilling marriage overall.
checking account. Many couples insist
up creating many more financial and
that this method works for them, but
marital problems than it claims to solve.
recommended even if only one spouse
Separate accounts encourage
works outside the home, because both
Recently, someone described the
I am curious to know how they are
Finally, joint accounts are
defining the phrase, “works for them.”
secrecy in marriage, with neither
spouses have open communication
I suspect this means that bills get paid
spouse knowing what the other is
about financial matters and feel like
on time, but at what emotional and
spending. Maybe the bills do get paid
equal partners in the marriage. A
psychological cost to the marriage?
on time using this system, but if one
stay-at-home spouse should never be
Let’s look at the pros and cons of
is determined to live life like a single
made to feel like a second-class citizen
separate accounts versus joint accounts in marriage.
person, then why get married
or like a subordinate to the working
in the first place? The
spouse. Communication is the key, and
power of two working
shared financial accounts help to foster
together is stronger
this communication. Many failing
than the power of one,
marriages began their decline like
and that is certainly
that famous line from the classic film
true of finances.
Cool Hand Luke: “What we have here is failure to communicate.”
10 // November 2015
Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Men This Thanksgiving, Let’s Invite Contentment Over by Rob England Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. —1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)
I
’m writing this from a position of active learning, rather than from a position of expertise. A principle that I’m still learning is contentment. This is a good time, as we approach the Thanksgiving season, to ponder not just our level of thankfulness, but also contentment. Not long ago I asked a friend, who is living in the U.S. after spending years overseas in the mission field, which location and way of life she preferred most. She said that God provides the contentment and peace needed for each place that she finds herself. Her answer might have you wondering if, as Christians, we are all called to strive for this level of contentment. I believe we are. Paul had a thing or two to say about contentment in the Bible. He’s a great example of someone who knew what it meant to be content, even in the worst of circumstances (including his time in jail). Paul shares his experience with contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, where he says: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul had learned to be content . . . no matter what. And the key to doing so is shared in verse 13: It’s through Christ’s strength. Contentment is not necessarily having the things we want or being in the situation we’ve always desired. Contentment can, and should, be found wherever we are. Whatever circumstances we are currently
12 // November 2015
in, there is room for contentment. Contentment is not circumstance-dependent. It’s Godly-attitude-dependent and it requires the following: 1. The realization of who we are, compared to who He is. 2. The understanding that we deserve nothing (except hell) yet, despite this, He gave everything. He gave us physical life, all of the countless blessings we each have, and, most importantly, He’s provided for us eternal life, love, friendship, and fellowship with Him, all made possible through the giving of His only Son as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. 3. Faith that God knows fully well what our current situation is, what our needs are, and how much we can handle (in His strength). It requires the acknowledgment that He’s “got this.” Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”(Heb. 13:5 NKJV). This Thanksgiving, let’s put some thought into our current state of contentment, as well as thankfulness. The two go hand in hand, with each leading to the other. By actively being thankful for what God has blessed us with, we can be more content. And, conversely, by being content in Him, we can be more thankful.
Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters. He volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and is a member of First Baptist Cleveland. You can contact him at englandr1@yahoo.com or at Facebook.com/RobEngland.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Thanksgiving
H
An opportune time to build a culture of thanksgiving in our families and an atmosphere of gratitude in our communities. by Deven Wallace
arvest time is a reminder of God’s faithful provision and the reward of process. It is easy to be thankful for the pumpkins on the vine while eating your grandma’s pumpkin pie, or the potatoes in the ground as you eat your second helping of buttery mashed goodness. However, can we be thankful in the midst of the process? Can we be thankful for mashed potatoes as we dig up the ground to harvest the potatoes? Can we thank God for the hot corn on the cob while we are shucking the husks and picking out the bugs? It is easy to be thankful for the sweet result of a long process, but so many times we find ourselves complaining about the very circumstances necessary to reach our desired goal. In this season of gratitude, may we gain mature faith that embraces the painful processes life sometimes bring to produce the character, anointing, and potential in our lives. God sometimes applies pressure and heat in life in order to surface the faith that is refined as gold in our spirits. Remember, the costly diamond begins as a lump of coal and the pearls begin as an irritant in a slimy shell. Never see a seed for the little piece of mass that it is, but as the grove of fruit or flowers it can be. Never look at your current circumstances and trials with the discouraging perspective the Enemy would deceive you with. That is exactly how it got Eve to sin in the first place. He convinced her to underestimate the potential behind one little bite. Let God mold your perspective to see the potential behind each circumstance working together for your good. Therefore, all things are worthy of thanksgiving. Paul said not to be anxious but thankful always. In a moment of temporary insanity, I chose to labor naturally for our youngest child. This seemed like a cool option until the process became unbearable. In that moment, Kevin says my voice sounded like Darth Vader and my words were less than holy. My mind could not focus on the
14 // November 2015
fact that the increasing pain was a sign that the unspeakable joy was moments away. All I could think of was my misery and that I would not survive to breath my next breath. I despised this part of the process. The pain was not what I had signed up for but was necessary for the result I had desired. In that moment, God spoke something to me through my husband. He said, “Deven, let praise come forth.” “Now?” I asked God out loud. “Seriously? Where is Your pity for me and Your soothing concern. You want me to praise You right now in the midst of this unbearable pain?” His silence was my confirmation of His expectation. Out loud in a labor and delivery room, I managed to force out, “Thank You, Father. I praise Your name, Jesus. I praise You with everything I have left!” In that moment of thanksgiving, my labor shifted. My season changed, and I was holding my baby girl within 10 to 15 minutes. We appropriately named her Judah, which means “praise.” That moment I realized true praise and thanksgiving is not our response at the end of the process, but what we choose in the middle of the most painful and trying part. That is the sacrifice of praise that gets the Father’s attention. That type of thanksgiving that will shift seasons and circumstances in our lives. It’s there where God says, “Process complete.” Thanksgiving accelerates the promises of God and keeps our heart guarded from the downward spiral of an unthankful spirit (read Romans 1). I pray that a flood of thanksgiving will pour from you and that a divine shift will occur over your life. I declare your declarations of gratitude will testify to the Enemy that there are some of us who cannot burn, cannot drown, and whose praise cannot be silenced! Pastor Deven and her husband Bishop Kevin Wallace, co-pastor Redemption Point Church (RPC) based in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Under their leadership, RPC has grown from a single location in Ooltewah with 34 attendees in its first service, to over 1200 with multiple locations in just 11 years.
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Cleveland Church Directory
Assembly of God Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 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 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com 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 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com 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 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312
16 // November 2015
(423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com 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 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 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 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org 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 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Rolling Brook Baptist Church 1675 Greendale Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-0612 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 or www.sbcministries.com 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 or vvbaptist.org 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 or watervillebaptistchurch.org
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 or www.westwoodlife.org 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 Pastor Mark Strickland 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642 or ccfchurch.us
Church of God
Agape Place Church of God Pastor John and Melanie Arias 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-8691 Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, 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 Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship Church of God Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoraci贸n 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E.
Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland Church of God Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue Church of God Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 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 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland Church of God Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore Church of God Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly Church of God Pastor Kim Erwin 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com
Church of God of Prophecy Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (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, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 3925 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 S. 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 Riverstone Church 85 Central Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-5956 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578
Pentecostal Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN
Nazarene Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene
Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene Pastor Scot Carraway 2018 Washington Ave Cleveland, TN 37364 (423)479-7343
Non-Denominational Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 380-9160 cfctn.net Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472 2178 Dwelling Place Church Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 DPCI.TV Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or thelovingchurch.com Norvel Hayes Ministries 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 650-9572
www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries.org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 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 Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook 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 Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299
issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17
Athens Church Directory
Assembly of God
Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-435-5867
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303
18 // November 2015
423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193
Catholic St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277
Christian
Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791
Church of God
Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Church of God 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1618
Community
Christ Community Church 14 Congress PRKY S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8185
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 508 Cedar Springs Rd Athens, TN 373 423-745-0102
Nazarene
Athens Church of the Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017
Episcopal
St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224
Lutheran
Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419
Methodist
Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St Athens, TN 37303
423-745-0452 Vine Grove UMC 517 County Rd. 778 Athens, Tn 37303 423-507-5760
Non- Denominational
Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Wrshp Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Freedom Chapel 815 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8079 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900
Pentecostal
Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197 Athens United Pentecostal 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159
Presbyterian
First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403
Seveth-Day Adventist
Seveth-Day Adventist 230 New Englewood Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2335
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Gò0dNews for Parents
Go Ahead and Quit! Parenting in obedience to God is really tough.
P
arenting is tough stuff. Parenting in obedience to God is really tough stuff. God never promised it would easy, but He promises to be with you. On a particularly tough homeschooling day last week when the perfect storm of frustrated student met frustrated mom who was also the frustrated teacher, I sent my sweet unsuspecting husband this text: “I quit!” (I can be a bit dramatic when I let my emotions sit in the driver’s seat). In full transparency, it wasn’t the first text of the week like that.Parenting in obedience to God means bringing up your children in a God-centered, eternally minded environment that is guided by God and His ways. Parents who succeed declares that their children do not belong to the world, but are set apart, dedicated to the Lord for His good work and holy calling. This battle-stance provokes
20 // November 2015
by Alicia Klepper the Enemy of the soul, and because Satan fights what he fears the most, there will be battles (Satan is nothing if not persistent). What is more threatening to the plan of the Enemy than a generation army being raised to be obedient to the Almighty God? One of the aspects of our parenting in obedience to God involves homeschooling. One of the facets of your parental obedience to God may include enforcing rules that make you the mean mom or dad, when requiring church attendance, participating in family Bible devotions, filtering harmful kinds of music, movies, games, serving in the church or community, or if you’re like us, all of the above! I know from personal experience, this is definitely not the easy way, but it is the best and most worthy way. So go ahead and buckle up, because when you roll out the map of parenting in obedience to God, you can schedule some challenges on your
journey: raging storms, violent seas, rocky roads, and the occasional desire to quit. I never quit on the mountain, on the victory lap, on the downhill, or relaxing in the shade. It’s always in the valley, in the middle of the race, on the uphill, facing the heat when I throw my hands up. I know I’m not alone. However, today I want to encourage you to go ahead and throw your hands up. Throw your hands up in surrender to Jesus Christ. Surrender your fears, worries, doubts, inabilities, inadequacies, frustrations, losses, mistakes— everything to God. While you’re at it, go ahead and quit. Quit trying to be in control. God is in control. Quit shaming yourself for your mistakes. The blood of Christ purifies you. Quit raising your children like they don’t first belong to God. They are His creation. Quit fighting like it’s your battle to win, and rest in the fact that the Lord has already won for you. Stand in His victory, for He fights for you, and He is with you. “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions, and then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you. “O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chron. 20:17 NLT).
Alicia Klepper and her husband Mark have been married for 13 years. Alicia homeschools their three children. The Kleppers are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.
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Gò0dNews for Life
Repurpose
This year set aside time to give deeper meaning to Thanksgiving. by Delaney Walker
M
y family follows a simple Thanksgiving
Instead of giving Thanksgiving lip service
tradition: while sitting around the table,
this year, take a chunk of time to write down your
we each list something for which we are
blessings from 2015. Whether you sit down before or
grateful. The usual things are mentioned (family,
after the big meal, set aside time to give real meaning
friends, God, health, jobs), and then we dive headfirst
to the holiday. Break out a journal for a personal
into the platters, bowls, and baskets. Your family or
recollection or burst out the markers and poster
group of friends might follow a similar tradition.
boards so the whole family can join in the fun.
I think Thanksgiving gets a bad rep. Most
Now I must admit I ripped this idea from the New
people use the holiday as an opportunity to pack
Hope Pregnancy Care Center retreat. Every year, the
their stomachs with more food in one sitting than is
staff gathers to write down how the Lord has blessed
normally accepted by society. We throw a passing
the nonprofit on the Wall of Wonder (aka a poster-
glance at the meaning before diving headfirst into the
sized post-it note). Everyone grabs a marker, circles
casseroles. Honestly, we are missing out on a
around the paper, and then gets to work. We say aloud
brilliant opportunity.
what we are thankful for (i.e. a new building) and then
Life is hard, and to make it, you need a battle plan. Picture the year spanning from Thanksgiving
write it down. My plan is to repurpose this activity for
2015 to Thanksgiving 2016. I am not a pessimist, but I
Thanksgiving. Whether my family joins in or not,
guarantee there will be difficult days. They may not be
I know the list will help me until it is time to make
devastating or heart-wrenching, but chances are you
a new one in 2016. I need to be reminded of the
will cry, you will rage, you will be scared, and you
challenges I have overcome, the goals I reached,
will feel lonely. You are going to need ways to fight
and the unexpected blessings the Lord sent my way.
back. You are going to need foxholes and bunkers to
Thanksgiving deserves a little more depth, and I
retreat to when the going gets rough.
deserve to give myself a fighting chance as I head into another year.
22 // November 2015
Delaney Walker is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. She is an avid fan of reading, exercising, and making silly faces at babies in the grocery store.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness The Basic Tool for Success in Fitness . . . and Life! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” —Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
T
by Thomas Morrison
here is a miracle waiting to be unleashed, and
A slice of lean turkey? An apple and some brown rice
the secret lies right under your nose! Literally!
perhaps? Of course not. You thought about chocolate!
Most people can upgrade the quality of their lives
Why? Because your mind does not process a negative
dramatically by simply harnessing the power of their words.
command before it introduces the subject to your thinking.
Proverbs 18:21 is just as relevant for us today if we are ever
And now, the very thing you are trying to avoid is at the
going to experience the power we need to reach our goals!
forefront of your thinking! This is why you want to focus
When Words Become Worlds
Let’s start by asking a simple question: What were you
thinking just before you got that last piece of pizza, or went through the drive-thru for a fast-food burger? Were you
your statements in the positive. Focus on what you want— not what you don’t want.
The Power of Truth
Do any of these sound familiar?
focused on obtaining a flat, firm stomach and a healthy meal
• “I’m fat.”
after your workout? I doubt it! We don’t need to wonder
• “I’m dying for a piece of cake!
why we drive through the Golden Arches. Our thoughts drive us. So how are you going to focus your mind to
• “Nothing ever goes my way!” They are just simple examples, but they illustrate
drive you to the true goals you have in your heart?
how prone we are to exaggerate (lie) when
The easiest way is to simply use the basic tools of
expressing our feelings. The problem is, if speaking
the mind that you have at your disposal. And those
like that becomes a habit for us, we start to never
tools are words.
Life or Death, Positive or Negative
feel good anymore. Our words (the building blocks of our thought) are charged with negative emotional connotations. State what you want when you talk much more than what you don't want.
Unfortunately, we live
"I want to be leaner and more alive" is
in a negative world, and many
much better than "I'm tired of being
of us compound the problem by
fat and feeling like my life is slipping
speaking negative about ourselves!
away." See the difference? Comprehend
Positive or negative, the principle
where your mind goes when you make
works the same. You must be very
each statement, and understand that
careful about what you look at and focus
your mind is creating the reality you
on in your thought life. And you mustn’t seek to
experience. This is not Voodoo—it is
drive away the negative things by complaining about them, cursing them, or rededicating yourself to stand against them. It’s like the old saying: “Don’t curse the darkness, light a lamp
God-given responsibility. So you see; change your thoughts (words), and you can change your life.
instead.” Say this to yourself: “I will not think about a piece of chocolate.” Now, with that piece of determined dedication, what have you thought about?
24 // November 2015
Thomas Morrison is the fitness coordinator and a personal trainer at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 15 years. You can find out more about him and his writings at www.bradleywell.com.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
You Are Enough
I
Stay in the Word and remember the purpose God has for you. by Ashley Smith t doesn’t matter if you’re twelve or seventy-two,
more about the plans He had for my life, and how
rejection is always hard to deal with. When it
they were so much more than what I could envision.
comes from our peers, we automatically assume
I could also see how He had a purpose in my life, and
that there is something wrong with us, that we are
how I crossed paths with the very people who were
lacking something that keeps us from being enough.
meant to be in my life. I began to see that He created
We may think we are weird or different, and that can
me to be just me—weird personality, quirks, and all.
cause us to try to hide part of who we are to fit in with others. For several years, I was that girl—the one who
Psalms 139:14 says “I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (NKJV).
wanted everyone to like me. I was always sort of shy
Once I truly believed that verse, I could fully become
and reserved, viewed as a girl with
the person God had wanted me to be all along. When
a weird personality. It kept me from
I stopped trying to be like everyone else, I realized
opening up to a lot of people unless
that people actually do like me for who I am.
I truly knew them. Otherwise, I would just agree with the crowd and follow along. This need to be accepted by the majority followed me through high school, and partially into college. Through that time, I lost some of my shyness and became more outgoing, but I still wasn’t very confident in who I was. My
When you think about it, everyone is different. We aren’t meant to be cookie-cutter people with identical lives. How boring would it be if we all had the exact house on matching streets and cars that looked alike? Personally, I like a little flair to life, and that would just be so dull. The most important thing to realize is that the only opinion that truly matters is God’s. People will still reject you because Jesus was
personality is kind of loud and
rejected, but that doesn’t lessen
different, but not the cool type of
the purpose that God has for
different (if there is such a thing);
you. To learn more about who
it’s just weird. Because of that, I was
God created you to be, read His
so afraid someone might think poorly
Word and develop a daily time of
of me.
prayer with Him. The more you
Then something awesome happened. I started to learn who
seek Him, the more that He will show you.
I was in Jesus. I started to learn
26 // November 2015
Ashley Smith is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the youth leader. She graduated from Lee University in 2010 with her degree in biology.
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Paving the Way by Jonathan Cantrell
I
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor better than silver and gold. —Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV).
n 1958 my grandfather, Roy Glen Caldwell, established
nine and left our family wondering what would happen to
Caldwell Paving. He was from the generation where a
a business that was established in a community that had
handshake was good as your word, and your credibility
counted on and supported us for so many years? I loved the
could stand on its own if you operated a business with
business, but I had to choose between playing ball or staying
integrity. He was the kind of man who gave all he had to his
close to home to attend a local college.
work, his family, and his community. As a young boy around the age of nine, I began
After I graduated from high school, my life took on a life of its own. The company basically closed for a summer.
to shadow him. Every summer I would load up in his
During those months, I decided to attend Cleveland State
Oldsmobile 98 and spend the day going from job to job
and do Caldwell Paving as a side job while in school. If my
learning the ropes of paving. I loved it, and as long as I can
parents had not helped me through this season, we would
remember, I had a feeling that this may be the career and
not have been able to sustain the new start. My dad, John
natural gifting God would call me to.
Cantrell, has a master’s degree in business administration.
My Calling
There were years in between that I was not sure of this
As a professor at Cleveland State Community College for more than thirty years, he taught business management and showed me first-hand how to run a small business. My
calling. I was a basketball player at Bradley High School
mother, Glenda Cantrell, a former school teacher, kept the
and began to get offers to play ball at several colleges in the
financial records for the business while I attended college,
southeast. This was about the time Caldwell Paving’s future
played basketball at Cleveland State, and left classes to meet
hung in the balance. My grandfather died at age eighty-
the crew and finish a job.
28 // November 2015
Back in Business
Before long, Caldwell Paving was back in business. We
started with three employees and some tattered equipment, but we had a good name. Little by little, I began to figure out the ropes of a business that I had watched from afar and started to dream about what could be? In the late ’90s, we grew to more than 40 employees and more equipment. Our work grew from little driveways to major developments, many residential subdivisions, industrial projects, retail developments like Walmart Super Centers, Home Depot, and the GE Distribution Center in Charleston (to name of few). So many mentors who came alongside me like Jim Sharp, Tom Cate, Kent Berry, Ron Barker, and Sammy Feehrer were instrumental in those years. I will forever be grateful for those who came before me and believed in me and the work of our company.
We feel that Caldwell Paving’s greatest days are yet to come. The past three years Caldwell Paving has won the “Top 50 Paving Contractors” by Pavement Magazine. We are blessed to be a part of the work of our local NGO People for Care and Learning, Chic-Fil-A Leadercast, New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, Courts for kids, Project Free to Fly, Make a Wish Foundation, Bradley County/Cleveland City Schools, numerous churches and Life Bridges. My grandfather, also a former county commissioner, believed in giving back, and I have tried to follow his lead as the former Bradley County Republican Chairman, Rotarian, and give back to numerous boards. We are excited about
Change and Growth
In 2001 I spotted my wife on the Lee University
campus while giving a bid to Dr. Paul Conn on the old
the climate of change and growth in our region and look forward to all that God so graciously allows us to be apart of in the coming years. Over the past ten years, we have expanded our services
Science Building parking lot. Not long after that, I met the
into grading/excavating, seal-coating and concrete to offer
mysterious girl from Houston, Texas—Sarah MaGee. We
our customers a complete service within the construction
became best friends, and after years of pursuit, God was so
industry. It’s our delight to be able to start and finish a
gracious to allow her to become my wife.
job with excellence, know our customers are happy, and
We have been married for ten years and have two
continue the good name of Caldwell Paving. The future
precious children Caroline (age 8) and Caldwell (age 6) and
looks bright for our region and for Caldwell Paving. We
two twin baby boys John Wilson and David Cass who we
hold fast to the truth that “Now to him, who is able to do
graciously gave back to the Lord in October 2011. It was
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according
the heartbreak of our family, but we have seen God move
to His power that is at work within us. . . .” (Eph. 3:20 NIV).
so mightily through this loss. The scripture Psalm 147:3 is
We pray this for our community and for you this next year!
true that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (NIV). We worship at Redemption Point Church and love the incredible teaching we have the honor of taking part in.
issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Trauma in the Labor Room “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
by Gracie Hixson
O
n October 15, 2002, Kelly Hixson was a bit
Although my mom was relieved that I did not have
excited as she prepared to give birth to her baby
any life-threatening injuries, she knew that life for me
girl. As with most mothers, this was a time of
would have challenges. I could not crawl, but that didn’t
great joy, but for my mom, this night would also bring
stop my determination—even as an infant. I quickly began
great sadness. The joy came eighteen hours later when I
to scoot on my bottom and then was able to get anywhere I
was born. As doctors began to scramble, my mom could
wanted to go quickly. Then I began walking, but because of
tell that something was wrong. She knew right away that
the nerve damage in my left arm, I was a little off balance,
her little girl was in trouble.
and I fell all the time. Because I could not extend my arm to
Long anatomical descriptive terms began to fly out of
catch myself, there was always concern that I would break
the mouths of the medical staff, and all my mom knew was
a bone. Still, this didn’t stop my determination. I would get
her little girl’s left arm was not moving. The doctors soon
back up and keep on going.
broke the news of the diagnosis: Brachial Plexus Palsy—a loss of movement or weakness of the arm. It occurs when the collection of nerves around the shoulder are damaged during birth.
Months passed and the doctors knew I would need surgery if I ever wanted movement in my arm. At nine months, I was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, where a team of specialist prepared me and my family for nerve surgery. My surgery was a success, but even with surgery, the doctors told my family there would always be limitations and things I couldn’t do. Thirteen years have passed since my injury, and I am still as determined as I was as an infant. I do not let my limitations stop me from doing anything. Things that are simple for my classmates might take me a little longer. For example, it is hard for me to do push-ups in gym class and to fix my hair. I just try to figure out a different way of doing things. I have played baseball, basketball, volley ball, and participated in cheerleading, public speaking, singing, climbing trees, and chasing my big brother. The sport that I love the most is soccer. You might think I have a really hard life, but I still try to do my best in my own special way. I never give up, and I never let my left arm stop me from doing the things I love. This is all just a part of who I am!
30 // November 2015
Gracie Hixson is a 7th grade student at Ocoee Middle School where she plays soccer and the trumpet. She is a member of the FCA and attends Heritage Fellowship Church of God.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Being Unified—Jesus at the Center
W
Let Christ be united with you in your relationship. by Mindy White
e are coming up on my favorite time of the year—a wonderful time of year to celebrate, reflect, make new memories, and to be thankful for all that we have. On the other hand, sometimes we can get so busy with work, family, friends, and church activities that we feel like we are in a whirlwind. The months of November and December are usually the busiest and the most stressful holiday seasons. Many times I have felt like my husband and I are in two different worlds trying to fit everything in. These are the times we have to take time to reunite as a couple. We need to look at where we are headed and what we are trying to accomplish. I want to remind you of the possibilities that come with the power of unity and why God placed you together as a couple in the first place. Ecclesiastes 4 tells us that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (vv 9-10 NIV). You are a team; be united in your goals even if you aren't always together for every moment and occasion in your life. You need each other. The Enemy tries to isolate us and make us feel like we are alone. God has put you together to help each other make it through this life. You are together for a reason, so focus on that togetherness. If one of you is having a hard time in an area of life, then the other is there to pick you up and help move you forward or help you finish the tasks for the day. Think how quickly you can make it through your daily to-do lists when you are both working at them. Get that good return
32 // November 2015
for your labor spoken about in Scripture. Be united in your effort and don't leave one person to do everything. The other side of that is accepting help and not taking everything on as your own responsibility. This applies to everything in your life—big and small. Those small tasks are training ground for the big events in your life and your relationships. Some are good and some are not so good. How you handle the little things gives you practice for when the tough times hit. You may feel like those small items don't matter in your relationship, but they do. Your relationship is strengthened and unified when you work on those life events together. Verse 12 goes on to say: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Make sure Christ is the third person in your relationship and that He is at the center of it all. If He isn't, you need to stop were you are and get Him there. The Enemy is after your relationship with each other and with Christ. Don't give him an inch because he will take a mile. Stop him in his tracks and remember the cord of three strands isn't easily broken. You want a strong cord and one that is dependent on Christ as the strongest thread. Try as you might, you will never make it without Him personally or as a couple. Don't let that even be an issue. Put Christ first and keep Him there.
Mindy White and her husband Robert have been married for 20 years. They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
To Serve
I
Mastering the art of communication, life skills, and the “road map” for success. by Esmerelda Lee
n college, I had the honor of working in the
hire students from Cleveland High School, Bradley
restaurant industry as a server. One of my favorite
High School, Walker Valley High School, Denning
places to work at was J Alexander’s. Every week J’s
Center, Lee University, and Cleveland State Community
ran specials. As servers, we were encouraged to sell as
College. The vibrant and optimistic perspective of
many of the specialty items as possible, and we were
youth has brought a fresh outlook to the lives of seniors.
rewarded accordingly.
These servers remember drink orders, favorite foods,
Since competition was something I enjoyed, I
and names of each of the residents, which creates a
remember the fun I had learning every ingredient that
warm and welcoming environment. Residents also
went into each specialty item, watching how it was
love encouraging, sharing memories, and laughing
cooked, and then tasting it so that I could render a
at and with the young servers. In a normal restaurant
savory winning sales pitch. My friends were rewarded
environment, teaching and mentoring can only be done
by eating at J Alexander’s with gift certificates earned
by peers and dining staff; however, in a senior living
from my weekly winnings.
environment, these are daily ingredients to a great meal
Dining is always the social event of the day in
service. Servers are not just learning the art of serving,
senior living. People cling to the tried-and-true recipes
but they are also learning the art of caring, customer
of cornbread, meatloaf, and pinto beans, and they bring
service, life instruction, and the “road map” for success.
their culinary experience to each meal service. And
On some occasions, I receive complaints on the
just like the patrons of J Alexanders, they too expect to
food; however, seldom do I ever receive complaints on
be sold on each night’s specials. However, unlike the
service. This is not because our servers have mastered
patrons of J Alexander’s,
the art of restaurant-style dining; it is because they are
our residents are
mastering the art of communication and life skills. As
honored to eat in their
a mother of two teenagers, I have come to value the
dining room daily.
lessons learned in our dining room. Each evening at
Garden Plaza at
approximately 4:30 p.m., generations intersect, and
Cleveland has been
rather than voice frustration and lack of understanding,
fortunate to recruit and
a cataclysmic point of service becomes a classroom. The reward for each young server is not a monetary gift certificate to an expensive restaurant but a priceless gift toward their future.
34 // November 2015
Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Dealing with Frustration by Kelly McDonald Jr.
“Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.” —Ezra 4:4-5 (KJV)
L
ife has frustrations. The dog is
There were delays. This frustrated
important is the phone call or text
barking, the baby is crying, and
the work. These distractions were
message? Many times it can wait
the phone is ringing constantly
an attempt by their enemies to make
until later. The dog will always bark.
them give up.
When we are busy, it is easy to make
with calls and text messages. You are also late for an appointment. To
A frustration is something in
mountains out of mole hills. Focus
make matters worse, your boss has
life that disrupts our daily routine
on the things that must be done right
been pushing you to produce more
or causes us to have feelings of
now. Some things can wait, and some
work. People have been picking on
helplessness. We feel like we are
things are urgent.
you for your faith. Moreover, you
not in control of our own life. From
have personal concerns about your
Satan’s perspective, a frustration is
frustrations that are especially hard
finances, family, and even your
used to make us give up our faith
to handle. First, there are things we
own self-image. We all have these
in God. The Enemy wants us to
don’t understand. You may have
moments. At times you just can’t
surrender our confidence in the
electrical problems, but you know
seem to get a hold of your situation.
Creator God. How did the children
nothing about electrical work.
It seems like things are spiraling out
of Israel handle their frustrations?
Talk to someone who is a reliable
of control.
They overcame their frustrations by
expert in that area. You are putting
going forward. They had delays, but
your frustration into the realm of
to the Promised Land from Babylon,
they finished the work. They did not
their expertise. Secondly, there
they began to rebuild the Temple of
stop pursuing the will of God.
are life events that are beyond our
When the Jewish people returned
God. The Books of Nehemiah and
When you have frustrations,
There are two types of
control, such as how others treat us.
Ezra record these events. As soon as
always remember to keep going.
Some situations do not require our
the work started, the neighboring
While you are a child of God, you
attention and effort; they require that
peoples tried to discourage them.
are still human. You have limitations. Learn to prioritize your frustrations. How
we bring them to God's attention. His efforts will go much farther. When frustrations arise, ask God for direction. Relax, prioritize, and realize that God is still on the throne. What your hands cannot handle, His hands will provide.
36 // November 2015
Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www.hungryheartsministry.com
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Blessing of Preschoolers Be grateful for the little ones God places in your life. by Glenda Prichard
P
reschoolers. What do you think of when you hear
“That’s Okay, he replied, “you were busy putting
that word? Most would say loud, messy, selfish,
the buggy where it doesn’t belong!” I vowed that day
and time consuming. For me as a preschool
to always put the buggy up after loading my shopping
teacher and lover of preschoolers, these three to five
bags in the car. God used this to remind me that people
year olds bring out the best in me, keep me on my toes,
are watching me, even little people are watching what
and make me a better person. That makes preschoolers
I do. It’s important that I exhibit Godly guidelines and
a blessing!
wise choices in all I do, in all my dealings, in every
My life has been blessed by so many preschoolers. I had the privilege to teach pre-kindergarten for fifteen
aspect of my life. My heart is so full of gratitude for these little ones
years in a private Christian preschool. During that
God has placed in my life. They have taught me so
time, God used these preschoolers to bless me, to
much more than I could ever teach them. I’m also
encourage me, and to convict me. On one occasion,
thankful that God planned that my life would be spent
we were studying a unit on weather. I was sharing
teaching these little lives, because it is through them that
how I was afraid of storms and one of the little boys
He breaks me, melts me, molds me, and uses me for His
came up to me, put his arm around my neck, and said,
kingdom purpose.
“Ms. Glenda, have you ever thought about talking to
Thank You, God, for this gift of teaching. It’s a
God when you are scared?” Ouch! I should have been
calling rather than an obligation, a privilege instead
sharing that nugget of wisdom with him!
of a responsibility, a challenge rather than a chore, a
Another event happened as we were beginning our morning. This little boy came to class and announced to me that he had seen me the day before. He said, “Ms. Glenda, I saw you at the store yesterday.”
ministry rather than a job, trust rather than a task. I call that a blessing! Find a preschooler and let God show you how amazing these little people are. Your life will be changed!
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t see you.”
38 // November 2015
Glenda Prichard, a preschool and children’s specialist. Her favorite people are preschoolers. She has used her teaching skills in a private Christian preschool, teaching preschool choir and teaching preschoolers and children in her church. Glenda is married to Phil Prichard. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and one middle school granddaughter, Morgan, and four of their own preschool grandchildren— Brody, twins Beckett and Grant, and Carlee. Glenda can be contacted at Littlehouseinthebigwoods.pg@gmail.com
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Gò0dNews for Everyone THE KINGDOM COMES . . . THROUGH YOU! by Dave Carringer
“A
nd whatever you do,
around us. It reminds us that we have
It doesn’t matter if you’re an
in word or deed, do it
been made one with Christ Jesus. It
astronaut, an accountant; the CEO of a
all in the name of the
reminds us that Jesus wants to be
billion-dollar corporation, or a stay-
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
intricately involved in every word and
at-home-mom. It’s really not as much
Father through him” (Col. 3:17). What
action we take part in today! It reminds
about what you’re doing. It’s about who
an amazing verse to start each day!
us that He has given us the authority
you are reflecting as you do it! The
This is not talking about us searching
to use His name to do the works of
entire third chapter of Colossians has
for “churchy,” religious activities to
the kingdom, as well as the ability,
to do with the character of our “New
be busy with, in effort to please God;
by His Spirit, to be a literal, tangible,
Man” in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds us
and the context really doesn’t have
manifestation of His character, love,
of this redeeming truth in Galatians
anything to do with what others are
and power as we do it. It’s possible to
2:20: “It is no longer I who live, but
doing at all. Look again at the first
actually change someone’s life forever
Christ who lives in me.”
four words and let them sink in: “And
by simply giving them a glass of water
whatever you do.”
in the love and Spirit of Christ. (see
personality, are the very expression of
Mark 9:41).
God’s own heart, and He made you the
We should be encouraged with this each morning as we start our day. This
The Message translates Romans
Friend, your gifts, talents, and
way you are on purpose. Tomorrow
isn’t some religious command we’re
12:1 this way: “So here’s what I want
when you wake up, remember this;
required to do to please God; for if we
you to do, God helping you: Take your
Somewhere in the course of your day,
have faith in Christ’s finished work
everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping,
there is someone God wants to touch
and have made Him our Lord, then
eating, going-to-work, and walking-
with the love of His Kingdom, and He
God is already pleased with us and
around life—and place it before God as
wants to do it . . . through you! As you
has fully accepted us in His beloved
an offering. Embracing what God does
start your day, remember Jesus’ words:
Son. Friends, this is an empowering
for you is the best thing you can do
“Behold, I am with you always . . . and
invitation of honor from on high, to
for Him.”
just as my Father has sent me, I also
share the kingdom of God with those
send you” (see Matt. 28:20; John 20:21).
40 // November 2015
Dave Carringer is a minister of the Gospel. God called him behind the bars in 1997, where he and his wife, Kay, share the Good News with thousands of state prison inmates each year. They also own Abundant Living Organic Foods and FRUITION Juice and Smoothie Bar.
Life from a new perspective
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
“O
Maple Pecan Pie by Deana Thompson
h, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Ps. 107:1 NKJV). Thanksgiving is not just a time of family, turkey, and pecan pie; it is also a time to give thanks to God “for His wonderful works to the children of men” (v. 8). It is not about merely thanking God for all the stuff He has blessed us with over the
past year. It is about thanking Him for His wonderful works—His creation that surrounds us, the miracles He has performed in our lives, the beauty of a newborn baby, and the gift of salvation that has been accepted by family or friends. In this time when corporations are pushing for more stuff and better sales, Thanksgiving Day is in jeopardy of becoming consumed by commercialism. Let our hearts cry out like David’s and say, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord!” (v. 8). As you eat your pecan pie and chat with Grandma about her life and yours, remember to also share about the wonderful works God has done in your life this past year.
Pie Dough
• 1½ c. freshly-milled soft white wheat flour, or 1¼ c. all-purpose flour • ¼ tsp. salt • ½ c. cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size slices • 1 chilled egg • 2 Tbsp. ice cold water • ½ Tbsp. cold raw apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar
Pie Filling
• 2 c. pure maple syrup • 2 eggs, slightly beaten • 3 Tbsp. honey • 1/8 tsp. salt • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1½ c. pecan halves
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, or two knives, cut in the butter until it is reduced to small bits and looks like coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar. Slowly add the liquid to the flour mixture, and gently toss the mixture with a fork until the ingredients are moistened. If the dough seems too dry, add extra water, one tablespoon at a time Using your hands, mold the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap, slightly flattening it. Refrigerate it about 15 minutes or until slightly firm. Meanwhile, begin making the pie filling. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, boil the maple syrup for 8-10 minutes to reduce it. (It boils very high so make sure it is in a large saucepan.) Pour the syrup into a heatproof
42 // November 2015
measuring pitcher (it should be reduced to 1½ cups). (If not, return the syrup to the saucepan to boil until it is at 1½ cups). Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and roll it into a 12-inch circle between two squares of waxed paper. Remove the top sheet of paper and invert the pastry over a 9-inch pie pan, easing it gently into the pan. Remove the second sheet of waxed paper and fit the pastry firmly into the bottom and sides of the plate without stretching. Trim the pastry along the edge of the pie pan, leaving a three-fourths inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and press the edge firmly against the pie plate rim to seal. This can be done with the tines of a fork, or by fluting the edge with your fingers and thumb. (For a flakier crust, brush the edge with cold water.) Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the pie filling, stir together the 2 eggs, honey, salt, melted butter, vanilla, and cooled maple syrup. Add the pecans and stir well. Pour the filling into the pie shell, distributing the pecans evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is slightly puffed and firm to the touch. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for about 45 minutes until it is just slightly warm. Serve with whipped cream. (In a small bowl, beat 1 c. heavy whipping cream, 2 Tbsp. honey, and ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff.)
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Like a Bridge
When we face life’s raging waters and rivers, God will never leave us. by Charlton S. Lewis
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon
W
though the waters, I will be with you; and when you
and Garfunkel. The writer proclaimed all
pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you”
hen I was in college, a popular song was
Scripture says, “Do not fear. . . . When you pass
the things he would do for his friend including this
(Isa. 43:2 NIV). What could be more reassuring than that
statement: “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay
promise? Surely, He can dry the water and He can build
me down.” What a nice idea to place himself in harm’s
a bridge, but he may choose for us to go through the wa-
way to become the means to span difficult times over
ter. Either way, we know for certain He will be with us.
“troubled water.” How many times have we faced problems we would
When Moses was giving his farewell speech to Israel and Joshua, he told them to be strong and courageous
like to skip over or troubles we would like to miss? A
and not be afraid “for the Lord your God goes with you;
bridge is a means for travelers to pass over hazards in
he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6
their journey. Simple or grandiose, the common factor in
NIV). God created us and He will never leave us—in-
bridges is the ability to carry travelers across whatever
cluding when we face raging waters and rivers.
stands in their way. The only human I know who walked on water was
He didn’t say if you pass through the rivers, but when you pass through them. Troubled waters will
Peter and he, in full view of the Savior, feared the wind
come, and we will stand before them and wonder how
and began to sink. But Jesus was kind and reached His
we will cross. We will look for a bridge and there may
hand out to rescue Peter. It is easy for us to criticize him,
not be one. We will want the waters to roll back, but the
but I wonder if I would have ventured outside that boat.
waves may still wash upon the shore and get our feet
Eliason wrote in another song these powerful
wet. The wind may blow so hard it causes us to stagger,
words: “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? God
and the bank on the other side may be out of sight, but
specializes in things thought impossible, and He can do
God will be with us. He will make sure the waters will
what no other power can do.” God created the universe,
not sweep over us. Whatever means He uses, He will be
and He has the means to roll back the water like He did
“like a bridge” that carries us over our troubled waters.
at the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Today, He can span our rivers with unexpected bridges, or He can carry us through the waters.
44 // November 2015
Charlton S. Lewis is a retired civil engineer from the USDA Forest Service. He and his wife Paulette have 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Faith and the Fight Your journey with pain can help others see His hand in your life and be encouraged in their faith.
F
by Irina Miller
ew things are as devastating as a life-threatening diagnosis. Recently, having gone through stage three breast cancer, I stand in awe of how God has rescued me from a dreadful fate. There was pain in the process, but God in His amazing grace, brought me through. Perhaps you know someone who is going
Jesus, they pulled apart the roof of an overcrowded building where Jesus was healing the sick? (see Mark 2:4). Shortly after that story, we find Jesus' heart being moved by someone's faith for a friend or a loved one.
through a illness or hardship, or maybe it's you. I wanted to share a few thoughts from my own journey with you.
This is a hard one. This will take everything we've got. After we've asked our questions, grieved and wept, we come to a place of reliance on Him and full surrender of our own anxiety. Sickness and suffering can't always be explained, but when we turn it into thanksgiving, we allow Him to turn our fight into something beautiful and glorious. Not only do we know Jesus as the Healer, but we also come to know Him in the suffering (see Phil. 3:10), and it takes our worship deeper.
Faith Anchor—Spirit Over Matter
Times of crisis are often when the choice we make will determine the course of our journey. Despair can come as an avalanche. Choose your reality according to what God says. The day of my diagnosis I had to make that choice to cling to His Word. It says that Jesus has put everything under His feet (see 1 Cor. 15:28). That includes cancer. Cancer doesn't have to control your thoughts. Jesus, as Your Lord and Savior, is in control over cancer and over your life. What you feed your spirit and your mind will either defeat or empower you. Choose to turn every thought into a God-thought that is inspired by the truth of the Word of God.
You need Friends who will walk with you. In the midst of pain, we may get weary. We do what we can to make it through the day one small step at a time, having just enough faith for that one small step. You need friends who love and pray with you and for you. Remember the story of a group of friends of a paralyzed man who were so tenacious and determined to get their sick friend to
46 // November 2015
Trust Him in the process.
Miracle is a journey, and it's meant for someone else.
Your story is as unique as your fingerprints. No healing story is the same. The journey He is taking you on is designed just for you, and He knows the areas in your life that need mending. He also wants to help you journey in such a way that others can see His hand in your life, and others can be encouraged in their faith. No matter what the journey entails, we can trust Him to mold us and to hold us up. We can't always expect God to answer our prayers a certain way. Whether He heals in an instant or takes us every step as we walk through the valley, we begin to see Him more clearly as we fix our thoughts and our hopes on Him.
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Christian Magazine
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Just One Touch
Freedom is available to everyone who seeks the touch of Jesus. by Cathy Yaun
T
ouch. What is the significance of this physical,
emotional, and spiritual sensation? Touch is so vital that it is classified as one of our five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. For some, particularly for those who cannot see, the intensity of tactile pressure guides the way they perceive the world around them. So what is the true impact of a touch? In Luke 13:10-13, Christ interacts poignantly with a woman in need. If anyone would have asked her at the time how her need could be met, she might have had a list as long as the toxic trail of tears emanating from her seemingly lifelong pain and suffering. Amazingly, she needed only one thing, and it came in the form of one touch from Jesus. The story begins as [Jesus] “was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath and behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ‘Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.’ And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and glorified God” (NKJV). What was her problem? Verse 11 makes it clear: she “could in no way raise [lift] herself up.” Have you ever been helplessness, saddled with the incapacity to lift yourself out of the quagmire of a hopeless situation? Be encouraged, for Jesus has a touch for you today. Just how did Christ lift the woman in need? L—Love (vv. 11-12): Jesus took time to be personal; He stopped and placed a priority on her need. Your need, likewise, is urgent to your Savior—no matter how big or how small your need may be.
50 // November 2015
I—Impartation (v. 12): When Christ spoke the words, “Woman, you are loosed,” He transmitted (gave a portion of His power) into this woman a measure of His love, of His compassion, and of His authority. This same power is available to you, whatever your current state of mind or situation. F—Freedom (v. 11): Remember: the woman could in no way “raise herself up;” thus, Jesus’ touch provided her freedom from bondage, freedom from pain, freedom from scorn and shame, and freedom from isolation. Be assured that freedom is generously and abundantly available to you as you seek His touch. T—Transformation (v. 13): Christ dealt with her obstacle (that which was crippled within her), and she was “made straight” not eventually, but immediately. Suddenly, she was whole and complete. As a result of her transformation, Jesus set her on a path to impact everyone with whom she came in contact as she walked away from her touch experience “glorifying God.” In spite of the darkest hour you may be facing, you too can be changed forever. When Jesus touches you to L.I.F.T. you up, He will change the way you perceive your purpose and apply your authority in Him. And just think: all it takes is just one touch.
Cathy Yaun is a follower of Christ who counts it all joy to serve as a wife, mother, minister, and educator. She and Brian have been married for 27 years, and they have two handsome and gifted sons: Brad, age 24, and Brandon, age 17. Cathy serves as the state girls ministries coordinator for the Church of God in Tennessee, and she also served in the same position in the states of Kentucky and Arizona. One of her greatest joys in ministry occurs every summer in the Church of God Youth Camp program, which makes an eternal impact in the lives of youth and children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Autumn
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because his mercy endureth forever” —Psalm118:1 (KJV)
A
by Wesley Choplin utumn is my favorite time of all of the four
and sustaining in our lives. We each have our
seasons God has provided. Psalms 24:1 tells
interdependencies of family and friends.
us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness
thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (KJV). We live in a beautiful region here in East
Thanksgiving Day is a time of bowing our hearts before God in praise for His many blessings we have received. Yearly, the president will pardon a
Tennessee. This past month the autumn leaves
Thanksgiving turkey, but you and I were pardon
turned vibrant colors that grabbed our attention. The
by the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus
mountain are filled with fall wild flowers blooming
Christ. Let us pause for those many blessings God
in profusion along roadways. My wife and I usually
has bestowed to each of us. Take the time during the
make a yearly pilgrimage to the Smoky Mountains to
month of November to write down the special gifts
spend some relaxing days observing the wonderful
God has provided this past year, and post it where
handiwork of our Creator.
you can see them on a daily basis.
There are some 100 species of native trees nestled
God has given to us the wonders of His hands on
in the Smoky mountains that give up the green
this earth. But with all the beauties God has created,
pigments in leaf deterioration. It gives other colors
He has provided us an eternal home prepared for us a
a chance to shine that look carrot orange, bright
bride adorn for her husband (see Rev. 21:2).
yellows, reds, and purples. When the sugars in the
The trees in heaven are unlike those of the Smoky
leaves break down, their leafs are illuminated by the
Mountains. In heaven we are told there is a tree of
bright autumn sunlight.
Life which bares twelve different fruits producing a
The Psalmist David declared: “The heavens
new fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are
declare the glory of God; and the firament sheweth
for the healing of the nations (see Rev. 22:2). We must
his handywork” (19:1 KJV). This is a season to be
be thankful to God for His blessings we endure. As
thankful for all the wonders God has made for
believers in Christ Jesus, we have a promised life of
each of us to enjoy. November is a month we give
tranquility waiting on us.
gratitude or thanks for all that is good, wholesome,
52 // November 2015
Wesley Choplin is pastor of Souls Outreach Church in Cleveland, TN. He attended Lee University, a graduate of Logos Bible College and Seminary in Jacksonville, FL and holds an earned Doctor of Divinity Degree from Cambridge Theological Seminary in Byesville, OH. He is married to Linda and they have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Everything Happens for a Reason “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)
T
by Nicole Wiley here have been instances in my life in which I was
four seconds away from qualifying for state in the 200
stuck, and I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully,
freestyle. My surgeon, who is a very godly man, took
the Lord has blessed me with a supporting family
my hand and said, “Everything happens for a reason,
who has helped me through many of those instances.
Nicole. Sometimes we don’t understand why, but God
There was one instance in particular, however, that only
knows what He’s doing. We’re going to need to schedule
God could help me overcome completely.
surgery.” So on December 31, 2014, I had six anchors
It was a chilly November day just like any other
drilled into my bone to reattach the labrum, and a bum-
day, and I was on my way to swim practice after school.
per was placed in the rear of the shoulder as protection.
Upon arrival, we discovered that the pool was temporar-
Pain was an understatement to what I was experi-
ily shut down for mandatory repairs. Since swim prac-
encing, and watching my friends compete every week at
tice was canceled for the day, I asked my dad if we could
swim meets was almost unbearable. Then I remembered
go to the softball field to practice, because I was plan-
the first Bible verse that I ever memorized.: “For I know
ning to try out for the team at my school. The practice
the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
was going amazing. My pitching wasn’t as behind as I
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope
thought, and my fielding had taken a turn for the better.
and a future” (Jer. 29:11 NIV).
My dad had thrown me about two buckets of balls, and
Throughout this time, I remembered God’s promise
once again, things were going amazing. It was the last
that He plans to give His children a bright future and
ball in the bucket. Just as I made contact with the soft-
that He will never harm us. Sometimes, we run into situ-
ball, my shoulder dislocated.
ations that cause us to take a step back from our daily
After being rushed to the emergency room, I was
life and see the reason behind everything. I struggled at
referred to an orthopedic surgeon to examine the injury.
first to see God’s plan and how this was going to turn
An MRI was conducted, and we found out that I had a
into something good.
large tear in my labrum and that I had detached several
The time from my surgery is ten months now, I am
of the surrounding ligaments from the bone. My dad and
back in the pool, and I feel like I never left the water.
I sat in the examination room staring at the computer
With the Lord’s help, I completed all of the physical
screen, hoping that therapy would solve this problem.
therapy, and I am about half of a second from my best 50
After all, swim season had just begun, and I was a mere
freestyle time.
54 // November 2015
Nicole Wiley is a sophomore at Cleveland High School who attends First Baptist Church.
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