Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.
About Us
WRITERS
Charles Finney
Chrissie Joy Jackson
Corrie Vallance
Dorothy Teague
Douglas Baynes
Filip Brunner
Jade Morgan
Jon Mann
Juliana Horatia Ewing
Leah Hadder
Paula Burgner
Rick Hughes
Samuel Burger
Thomas Morrison
SALES
Bud Kinches
423-650-2801
Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp
423-310-4207
FACEBOOK
GoodNews CM
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewscm
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We 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!
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.
Your hospital. Your providers. Your healthcare partner.
Honoring a legacy of excellence with a vision for the future.
Hamilton Health Care System is proud to be a part of the future of healthcare in Cleveland, Bradley County, and the surrounding communities with the completion of the recent Tennova Healthcare – Cleveland purchase. We are here to serve and support the community and the many great things happening here. As part of this new vision for the future, the hospital is being renamed for the community it serves – Bradley Medical Center. And, as one fully integrated, comprehensive network of providers, Hamilton Health Care System is being rebranded as Vitruvian Health. Together, we will honor a legacy of excellence with a vision for the future. Thank you for the privilege to serve you!
Three Facts About Healthy Congregational Conflict
by Samuel Burger
First, healthy conflict is a transformational opportunity for individuals and teams. “Your theology profoundly shapes the way you approach conflict. If you believe there is hope for the next world, if you believe that death is not ultimate, if you believe that out of failure come new life, new opportunity, new growth and hope, then conflict can be a positive motivating force.”1 Conflict is a ministry process, not an interruption to ministry. Hare quotes a friend about viewing conflict through a different lens:
“I’ve heard pastors complain that conflict is interrupting ministry. Programs or projects are slowed down or put on hold because people aren’t getting along. As frustrating as this can be, at those times we need to let God remind us that the heart of church isn’t programs but relationships. Jesus didn’t say people would know us by our music, or our sermons, or our programs, but by our love for one another (John 13:35).”2
Therefore, conflict is a discipleship process that brings individuals and teams into emotional and spiritual maturity.
Second, healthy conflict requires a thorough process.“He explained the concept of “process satisfaction,” which is critical to effectiveness and reaching good outcomes. In the busyness of a breakneck culture, people want instant results. But in the world of conflict resolution, the key is allowing enough time for participants to carefully work through all the important issues.”3 Bullard refers to the term “process deficit.” “Persons presented with a new proposal or idea often have a process deficit. They have not had the same time or opportunity to process the proposal or idea as have the presenters.”4 Although some issues can be resolved early, information and dialogue are usually needed. “To rush to a solution before a conflict is well understood almost always makes things worse.”5 Shortcircuiting the process can exacerbate the situation even if the matter seems to be resolved. Therefore, leaders should view conflict as a process, not a brief discussion.
Third, healthy conflict requires a discovery of the underlying issues. “In many difficult situations, the most visible problems or presenting issues are not the real causes at the heart of the conflict.”6 Conflict resolution depends on digging deeper and passing the symptoms to the root cause. Bullard points to a common issue in congregational life where participants have a hidden agenda or hidden issue. “At times, people will not readily come forward to admit a particular issue is one with which
they are concerned. Therefore, if you suspect someone is holding back their feelings and involvement in a particular issue, gently question that person about the possibility he or she needs to accept some ownership of that issue.”7 Therefore, dialogue and a structured process are necessary for identifying root causes.
1Bullard, George W. Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2008. 13-14.
2Hare, Michael. When Church Conflict Happens: A Proven Process for Resolving Unhealthy Disagreements and Embracing Healthy Ones. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2019. 160.
3Ibid, 160.
4Bullard, George W. Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2008. 130.
5Hare, Michael. When Church Conflict Happens: A Proven Process for Resolving Unhealthy Disagreements and Embracing Healthy Ones. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2019. 43.
6Ibid, 42.
7Bullard, George W. Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2008. 32.
Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, Tennessee. You are invited to join the church on Sundays at 11:00 for Worship and Wednesdays at 7:00 for Bible Study.
WMedicare and the Upcoming Annual Enrollment Period
Money Matters Rick Hughes with
Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.
ith the transition of seasons from summer to fall this month, we begin to prepare for cooler temps, shorter days and the beauty of change as trees shift from greens to oranges, yellows, and reds. This time of change in nature is a great reminder that change might also be needed in our season of retirement. Enter the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th of each year and offers Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to review their current coverage. This is a time to reevaluate your healthcare coverage needs, see if adjustments need to be made, make sure you are optimizing benefits available to you and make educated, informed decisions that will impact both your health and finances in the upcoming year.
Many Medicare Advantage and Part D (prescription drug) plans update their benefits, coverage options and costs at this time. This can have an impact on your out-ofpocket expenses and inclusion of your doctors in certain networks. Have you had changes to your health in the past year? Maybe you will need to start seeing a new doctor or specialist or begin a new medication. A plan that has been working for you might not be the best option in the new year due to plan updates.
While we all know that Medicare and healthcare go hand in hand, sometimes we don’t realize that Medicare is also a piece of our Retirement Plan as well. Expenses associated with your healthcare are directly tied to your financial plan and income needs during retirement. Bridging a healthcare gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility age requires planning. Budgeting for co-pays
and prescription drug costs associated with Medicare plans factor into your overall retirement income need. As you assess your coverage needs during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, it may also be a good time to review your overall financial and retirement plan as well.
Hughes Retirement Group started out taking care of the Medicare needs of our community. Throughout this journey, we realized the tie between Medicare and financial planning. This led to the growth of our business to include both areas so that we could help ensure that our community had all the knowledge they needed to make not only informed but educated decisions for all of their retirement needs.
In the spirit of this education mindset, Hughes Retirement Group will be hosting our Inaugural Medicare Shake and Bake 2024 event Monday, September 23rd at the Olive Branch Event Center here in Cleveland. We will shake up the A,B,C’s of Medicare with two educational classes to choose from. One will be offered at 10:00 am and the other at 2:00 pm. During this time, we will discuss changes for the upcoming year that will be crucial to your evaluation of your Medicare needs and current coverage. After class, feel free to let all of that information bake in while you visit the various senior focused services that will have booths set up to help continue this educational experience for our community. If you would like to join us, please RSVP your time choice, name, and number of guests to Robin@hughesretirementgroup.com.
Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.
Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.
Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.
There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.
Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.
If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your
Pain = Blessing
by Jon Mann
Life is full of happiness, love, and joy. It is also full of pain, loss, and suffering. You are thinking to yourself right now, no duh, right? However, if presented with a choice, the majority of us, if not all, would prefer to never experience anything bad in our lives ever again. What if I said, in doing so, we would miss the greatest opportunity and blessing ever presented to us? (You now probably think I am crazy and wonder how this made the cut). Before you quit reading, let me ask you this one question: What is one thing that every single person in the world has in common? We have all experienced pain in one way, shape, or form, some worse than others. However, like my wife likes to say, “Pain is pain.”
You are probably still wondering how pain is a blessing. There are multiple ways. First, have you ever had a cut and after it healed it left a scar? If so, you know that the area where the scar is is tougher than the surrounding area that is not scarred. Second, remember when you were younger and your parents said, “Don’t touch. It's hot.” and, you did anyway? Did you learn the lesson to listen and not touch it because it’s hot? Lastly, have you ever seen a pearl? If so, do you know how a pearl is created? A pearl is created from sand, trauma, or a parasite entering the shell of the clam and damaging their bodies. Just think—those beautiful pearls we see come from the result of a traumatic injury.
God did not plan for pain, loss, and suffering to be a part of the world. However, sin entered the world, and these are reflections of that darkness. Am I saying that I'm glad we have pain, loss, and suffering in the world? Absolutely not. But God can turn them into a blessing. *Genesis 50:20 says, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people.” The scar leaves your skin tougher. The only way for that to have happened is if you kept going like the righteous in Proverbs 24:16, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” In the moments when we make mistakes, and when we are at our lowest, God meets us there in those times like in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness.”
Lastly, as the clam made beautiful pearls from a traumatic experience, so can you help others who are hurting by giving mercy and grace. You know everyone has experienced some type of pain. Don’t be afraid to show your scars. Revelation 12:11 says, “We overcame him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” Decide today to give your pain freely to the Lord. Don’t choose to harbor it and let satan win. Allow God to turn your pain into a blessing!
*All Scriptures NKJV
Jon Mann is a manager at CTN-WTNB ClevelandChattanooga and Co-Executive Director of JAMMinistries with his beautiful wife, Amy Mann. He attends Metro Tab Church where he serves as the Outreach Coordinator and attends ministry school. Jon and his wife also foster two beautiful children.
The Power of Get Up and Go
by Corrie Vallance
In Matthew, Chapters 1 and 2, we see a great example of one man’s faithful actions in the husband of Mary, Joseph. Just think about what we could do to avoid conflict if we heard and obeyed the heavenly father as Joseph did!
Joseph never hesitated to listen to God’s voice. And by jumping at the chance to follow the commands of the Lord, Jesus was born into this world and saved from being murdered by King Herod. We have our Lord and Savior because of Joseph’s unyielding faith. The Lord’s purpose for mankind was carried out by Joseph’s actions.
But Joseph wasn’t following blindly. He followed by faith, calling that which is unseen, seen! By implementing the thought pattern that God’s provisions are already given to us by inheritance, we can move forward. Following by faith is rather the opposite of following blindly. It is truly said that the blind walk by sight. But what they are seeing is the world, not the spiritual realm. Spiritual blindness stops us from even imagining the possibilities, the colors, the depth, width or might of God’s love! Faith empowers us to see these things as they already exist because we know they do truly exist.
Why do we think God spoke to Joseph in his sleep?
I believe it is the way into the mind through the back door, so to speak. It is a way for God to speak to us through our subconscious rather than our conscious mind. Our
consciousness is constantly battling with itself. The clatter that comes from that thinking clouds our judgment. Our conscious mind is the Adamic Nature we are born into and therefore we cannot shut it off or shut it out completely. But in our sleep, we are freed from this thinking, this consistent intention to call things good or bad. And so, in our slumber, we have the ability to simply receive a thought instead of interpret it.
The choice Joseph had when he woke up was to simply follow the message he had received during sleep, or in his dreams. He took action upon it without understanding. He chose to simply follow the command of the Lord. So Joseph got up and moved as instructed.
I recently moved from California to Tennessee, a 2500 mile move. This move has been so displacing and life altering. I made this move with a Penske truck and trailer that towed my meager possessions across the grand span of the United States. I can’t imagine packing a mule with some water and bread, leaving everything behind, and then trekking across the Sierras, the Rockies, and all that terrain to move to another town.
But Joseph never quibbled about his assignment. He simply packed the mule, the woman, the child and set upon the journey. The length of the first trip Joseph took with Mary is undetermined. I have read 492 miles, 90 miles, and even 60 miles. But even at 60 miles, going the speed of a walking mule would be too much for a person of my faith capacity to endure!
Reading this chapter truly can cause us to see the need to evaluate the reluctance in our Christian faith. We have such a desire for comfort that our mindset can work against the Lord and His plans for our lives. I laugh out loud at the thought of my inadequacy to be more like Joseph when called by God in my own life. So, dear reader, let this Scripture challenge us to pattern after Joseph and get up and go as the Lord leads!
ò0 dNews for Relationships Plumb Line
by Jade Morgan
Afew years ago, I felt led to lead a devotion at our women’s meeting. I really thought I had the topic all worked out, but God kept a particular issue on my mind for days on end before the meeting. I could not seem to find the “perfect” verse to use, so I asked a few friends for advice on the topic. I was led to Amos 7:8.
Background:
● Amos was a shepherd and looked after fig trees.
● He was from Judah.
● God sent him to Israel.
● Jeroboam was King at the time and Israel became hugely successful. They had full control of the trade routes, thus becoming crazy rich. The Israelites thought they would always be this way, this successful.
● Although the Israelites believed in one God, and that He ruled the nations, He is their judge. He decides what is done about their sin, that worship is important and that they did not obey God’s law. Therefore, their worship did not bring anything good from God.
● Amos compared their behavior to that of their ancestors.
● Amos begged God to not reign total judgment on the Israelites; twice God complied.
● God wanted people to behave in a true way instead of sacrifices. Sacrifices are good, but behaving in a true way is more important.
Which brings us to Amos 7:7-8 AMPC:
“Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord said to me, Amos, what do you see? And I said, A plumb line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I am setting a plumb line as a standard in the midst of My people Israel. I will not pass by and spare them any more [the door of mercy is shut].” A plumb line?
I looked up the definition: A plumb line is an object to which masons first build and frame walls of houses, and by which they do at any time measure them, whether they stand upright, or any way belly out and decline.
I still did not really get it. Then, I read that the word ‘plumb’ means: to a complete degree; exactly. Ex: “plumb tired.” Now that was a phrase I knew well. Click. I got it.
God is “measuring” the Israelites against the perfect standard: Jesus. When we sin, we start to bow, decline, or tilt. We lose our vertical alignment. Our standard, or plumb line, is and forever will be Jesus. He was sent to be the perfect example.
When relationships are considered, we cannot compare ourselves to others or compare our sin to others' sin. We cannot compare to justify. We answer to Jesus. Our relationship with Him is what matters most. He alone judges our sin. We know right from wrong– period. Just because my sin isn’t as “bad” as someone else’s does not mean it is permissible or accepted. Sin is not weighted differently.
The plumb line when perfectly straight, spins. The most beautiful spin too. When it is off kilter in any way, no spinning will occur.
I once heard this example and my goodness, the impact it has made in my life!
Think of a big city skyline. All of the buildings are different sizes, shapes, colors, etc. Some you notice immediately; some you have to look a bit more closely to see. Some stick out like a sore thumb but, that’s when we are looking straight at them. What about the view from above? When God looks down at that skyline from Heaven, He sees flat, straight across surfaces. None stick out more than others; none are bigger or smaller. They all look the exact same. This is like our sin.
It is not weighted by our Father in Heaven. Conviction looks different for everyone, but ultimately, our hearts know right from wrong. And that’s plumb clear!
for Everyone Wait!
by Leah Hadder
The door slammed and I sunk into my driver's seat. I had had enough and was ready to move on to the next "life adventure." As I situated myself to pull the loose seatbelt strap across my lap to its buckle, I slowly felt a small, yet gentle whisper – Wait.
"Wait?” I thought. "Wait for what?" I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, so I took a moment to calm myself and intently listen for the next answer.
Those paths you want to take are good, and if you pursue them, you will be fine. If you want my best though, you need to wait.
Before that moment, I was certain I was to leave and move on to the next assignment God had planned for me. I just knew that I had exhausted all the options in the current season. I was ready for a new beginning somewhere else.
I wish I could say the change happened immediately and that I was taking each day with a positive outlook with no complaints or concerns. It was true that I was mastering what I had set out to do with little to no effort. I barely had to try to pivot from what my former agenda was to the new, but it didn't happen suddenly. I kept pursuing God's guidance and instructions for what came next. I had to keep putting one step after the other and walking by faith, not sight (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). What was miraculous in my journey was that with each passing day, my faith did eventually become sight. He was working, and I was provided opportunities to see each piece become part of a whole.
I think author and speaker Lysa Terkeurst said it best, “The one who obeys God’s instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow.” Sometimes, instead of becoming so bewildered and preoccupied with tomorrow, we just need to make it through today. God will lead you today just as well as He will tomorrow. Let's focus and meditate on the goodness of today.
It has been a little while since I first heard that gentle whisper say wait. Since then, I have been offered many incredible opportunities to advance, create new friendships, develop strengths, and grow more in God's Word. Now, I even attend a new Bible study group I wasn't connected to before.
I forgot that God had more in mind and that He could see what was up ahead. Although He was preparing the way, the seeds hadn't been planted just yet. The harvest wasn't quite finished.
It is normal to grow weary, anxious, tired, and frustrated in a current chapter. I remember thinking that I could go no further and do no further with my assignment. I was unable to create exciting or positive expectations of what I wanted for myself or envision how I could help others. At that point, I believed my spiritual gifts had suddenly retired when actually, I simply lacked the courage to move forward with a fresh mindset knowing that God could create new wine.
His Word tells us in John 10:27-28 KJV, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
He has planted you in this season, time, and place for a specific purpose. Continue to share the Good News, read His word, share His word, and "plow" as you pivot into what God has planned for you.
And above all else, wait.
Wait for His call.
Wait for His leading.
Wait for His promise. Wait for His rescue.
My thoughts go back to that day in the car. I remember I unbuckled my seatbelt, pushed open the door, and stepped onto the parking lot. I walked toward my destiny, eager to see what would result from God's love as I surrendered to wait.
Sovereign God, Where Is My Free Will?
by Filip Brunner
As our Father, God is interested in us on a very personal and intimate level. As our Father, God will let us mess up. The prophet Jonah was told by God to go to the city of Nineveh and cry out against it, warning them to repent or be overthrown.
Jonah hated the Ninevites, and rightfully so. They were a bunch of angry, sadistic sinners. And yet God loved them enough to warn them to repent. God’s sovereign will was for the Ninevites to repent and to turn to Him. Jonah’s will for the Ninevites was literally to: “…go to hell Nineveh, with my blessings.”
God wants to see lives changed. Jonah wants justice to be done.
Sound familiar?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
What is the will of God for my life?
God wants:
● Abraham, the liar, to be the father of a nation.
● Moses, the murderer, to be the leader of a nation.
● David, the adulterer, to be the father of Solomon.
● Saul, the mass murderer, to become Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament.
● Gideon, the coward, to be a mighty warrior.
Let me invite you to consider this. My will is to do my thing, to go into the far country and live with the pigs. The Father’s will is for me to see His love, His goodness and to come to my senses and come back home. Then and only then can I enjoy the freedom and the gifts of the new clothes, the signet ring and the food at the Father’s table. It is only when I surrender to the will of the Father that I can have true freedom. Not to do my best but to do His best for my life. It is here, in the Father’s house and in the company of Jesus that we can be free not to sin. We gain the power of the Holy Spirit to bask in the presence of the Sovereign God. And so, it is the foreknowledge of God which bridges the age old question, “Is God Sovereign or do we have free will?” Because God is all knowing, we have the freedom through Christ to do God’s Sovereign will. Just like Esther, we were born for such a time as this. Readers, here you have something to think about.
Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
Bowater Credit Union: People Helping People
Bowater’s Personalized Services
Since 1954, Bowater Credit Union has been a vital part of this community. This success has come in part because of their ability to offer personalized services. Throughout the year, services are targeted to help their members more during holidays and/or busy times. For example, from May 1 to July 15 Bowater offers a vacation loan with a low rate to help those members who want to make special memories with their family but know it may not be wise to put their vacation on a high-rate credit card. Another example is from October 15 through December 31, Bowater offers a Christmas loan to help members bring a little bit more holiday cheer home. Member-owner, Will G. said, “Always friendly and quick service. Very helpful with loans.”
In 2022 Bowater partnered with investment advisor representative, Michael Lawson, at Alliance Wealth Management Partners, RIA to create Bowater Wealth Management. This has given members access to investment services such as financial planning, insurance planning, investment management, retirement planning, and/or education planning. Working with Bowater Wealth
Management, members get to work with an advisor to develop an Investment Portfolio designed specifically for their personal needs.
The credit union movement’s motto is “people helping people” which Bowater hopes to always demonstrate through both their word and action.
If you share any interest in Bowater’s products or services, check out their website, bowaterecu.org. They have something for everyone!
Community Involvement
Bowater is committed to giving back to their community and being involved with their members. Throughout the year Bowater has several events that members are encouraged to join. In April Bowater has its Annual Meeting with their volunteer board of directors. During the meeting, Bowater shares its recent progress, its yearly financial statements, and its future business plans. Bowater always provides food, gifts, and cash prizes to its members. The Annual Meeting occurs in Calhoun, TN under the pavilion at the Hiwassee Meadowland Park. This meeting is a great opportunity to educate Bowater’s members about their credit union.
July is considered as Bowater’s giving month. For the entire month of July, Bowater participates in Christmas in July. Each branch gets to decorate a bin to raise awareness for the toy and coat drive. This drive came from the partnership with the Bowater Goodfellows. Every Christmas the Goodfellows put together baskets for families in this community that may need a little extra help. Each basket has food for the family and presents for the kids.
Another big event Bowater participates in during July is the annual Calhoun Rivertown Festival Duck Race. Bowater
partners with Calhoun’s River Town Festival to raise money for this charity event. A month before the race, Bowater will collect donations from the community by selling ducks in the race for two dollars. All proceeds go to the owner of the winning duck’s charity of choice! Bowater’s crew always enjoys being out in the water and helping the ducks with their race!
The busiest and biggest events for Bowater are in October. This month’s special focus is Member Appreciation Day and Annual Fall Festival. Member Appreciation Day is a day full of fun to show their appreciation to all their members. At every branch breakfast and lunch are provided for their members. Every member gets a T-shirt and a calendar (while supplies last). There are also chances throughout the day to win cash prizes! All of Bowater’s crew participate in this day. It truly takes a great team to make this day happen and keep the credit union moving with all the activities.
Bowater Credit Union’s Annual Fall Festival takes place in Calhoun at the Hiwassee Meadowland Park. Several vendors participate and partner with Bowater to give away lots of goodies like: cotton candy, kettle corn, freeze dried treats, and more! There are also several activities at the festival such as a bounce house, face painting, costume contest, photo booth, games, and gifts! This is a great and fun event for the community. Even though this is the latest event for Bowater Credit Union, they try each year to improve it and make it better than the year before. If you are interested in any of these events, make sure to follow Bowater’s social media or stay updated through the website, www.bowaterecu.org.
Everything we do, we do for you!
Bowater Credit Union is a financial institution, but they’re not like banks. Bowater offers the same services and products a bank does, but a credit union is not-for-profit. What does that mean? It means many things. Since a credit union is not-for-profit, they pass their profits back to their members (not customers) and community. This is shown
through credit unions offering lower loan rates, higher dividends, and not charging extra fees. Credit unions are controlled by their members and their volunteer board of directors. This isn’t a new concept. Credit unions have been around since 1901 and Bowater is proud to say they’ve been present since 1954. For the past 70 years, Bowater has been evolving and adapting to their ongoing member’s needs. Currently, Bowater serves five counties: Bradley, McMinn, Polk, Meigs, and Monroe. Bowater currently has four open locations ready to serve its members. The fifth branch will be open by Thanksgiving of 2024. The newest location will be inside the Athen’s Food City at 105 S Hill St, Athens, TN 37303. This newest location will be full service and will offer the same service our members have come to know and love.
Bowater’s Mission and Motto
Kelsey O’Daniel, vice president of marketing, shares, “Our mission is to provide convenient, cost-effective financial services by offering efficient and responsive products to our members’ changing needs. Keeping with the Credit Union’s motto of “people helping people,” we seek to educate members to make better financial decisions. Our commitment is to operate in a financially sound manner with a staff dedicated to excellence!”
Members have access to competitive loan rates and excellent yields on savings. Member-owners have four local branches to choose from. They can also access their accounts through any computer, phone, or tablet. Also offered are ATM services worldwide through surcharge-free ATMs.
In addition to Bowater Credit Union’s ever-growing services and products, members have access to educational materials to help them plan better financially. Mrs. O’Daniel adds, “Our job as a credit union is to offer reasonable loans and encourage saving for the future. With 70 years of experience in the financial industry, our members know they are owners of an exceptional, family-oriented institution.”
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
Savor the Season with Autumn BBQ
It was that special time of year when kids reluctantly traded their carefree summer days for the rigors of school.
The Johnson family had a tradition that helped ease the transition: a back-to-school BBQ. They knew gathering around the grill brought them together in a way that nothing else could. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer and welcome the new school year.
Early Saturday morning found Dad, a seasoned grill master, venturing into the garage to dust off the trusty old barbecue. He couldn’t help but reminisce about all the family gatherings around that grill over the years. Meanwhile, Mom began preparing the marinated chicken that would be the star of the BBQ. She had a secret marinade recipe passed down from her grandmother, a recipe that had been perfected over generations. As she mixed the ingredients together, she thought about how proud her grandmother would be to see her carrying on the family tradition.
Their two kids, Emily and Alex, were tasked with setting up the backyard. They draped colorful streamers from tree to tree, and their laughter filled the air as they blew up balloons.
Dad carefully placed the marinated chicken on the grates. The sizzle and aroma of the cooking meat wafted through the air, drawing neighbors out of their homes and into the backyard. The Johnsons’ back-to-school BBQ was known throughout the neighborhood as the unofficial endof-summer party, and everyone was eager to join in. The family dog, Max, couldn’t contain his excitement either. He darted around the yard, stealing glances at the grill in the hopes that a juicy piece of chicken might fall his way. As the guests arrived, old friends and new neighbors mingled, sharing stories of their summer adventures and dreams for the upcoming school year. Energetic children ran through the yard, chasing each other as Max chased them.
Finally, the moment arrived when Dad declared the chicken was ready. He placed the perfectly grilled pieces onto a platter and carried it to the picnic table. The family
gathered around, savoring the flavors of the chicken and sides and the warmth of each other’s company.
The Johnsons and their guests were reminded once again that the best way to start a new chapter was surrounded by the love of family and friends, good food, and the comforting glow of the grill.
Lemon Garlic Marinade
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Place your choice of protein (chicken, fish, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables) in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lemon garlic marinade over the protein. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or even overnight, depending on the thickness of the protein. When you’re ready to cook, remove the protein from the marinade and grill, roast, or pan-fry as desired. (Discard the used marinade.)
Autumn Leaves
by Juliana Horatia Ewing
The Spring's bright tints no more are seen, And Summer's ample robe of green Is russet-gold and brown; When flowers fall to every breeze And, shed reluctant from the trees, The leaves drop down.
A sadness steals about the heart, —And is it thus from youth we part, And life's redundant prime? Must friends like flowers fade away, And life like Nature know decay, And bow to time?
And yet such sadness meets rebuke, From every copse in every nook Where Autumn's colours glow; How bright the sky! How full the sheaves!
What mellow glories gild the leaves
Before they go.
Then let us sing the jocund praise, In this bright air, of these bright days, When years our friendships crown; The love that's loveliest when 'tis old-When tender tints have turned to gold And leaves drop down.
C.W. Callihan: Elevating Homes with Excellence in Exterior Remodeling
In the realm of exterior remodeling, C. W. Callihan stands for quality and commitment. Chris Callihan built his first home at eighteen years old and began his career in home building, residential development, and construction. He decided to start his own company, specializing in exterior applications (siding, windows, and doors), in his hometown of Ellijay, Georgia in 2002 and has worked tirelessly since. Chris’ dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are still the values and standards the company operates on today.
C. W. Callihan expanded into the North Georgia and Chattanooga area in the early 2000’s and opened their corporate headquarters in Chattanooga during 2014. Since then, Chris Callihan has grown his company into one of the most well respected exterior contractors in North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. While Chris is a modest man, he attributes his company’s success to the team he has assembled over the years. Meet the C. W. Callihan Team
Steve Totherow
Steve came to C. W. Callihan in 2013, after retiring as a home builder in the North Georgia area. Steve is a licensed contractor and serves as a Project Manager and Sales Manager of the North Georgia territory. Steve has more than 30 years of experience in all facets of construction management.
Leigh Ann Bachus
Chris recruited Leigh Ann in 2014 to open a corporate office and assist him in managing his quickly growing company. Leigh Ann’s background in construction and real estate management, along with her accounting skills, proved to be a perfect fit for C. W. Callihan. Leigh Ann oversees all areas of operations including accounting, marketing, sales, growth, and project management.
Jackie Whitmire
The year of 2015 was a time of growth for C. W. Callihan which brought Jackie to Callihan as a Project Manager and Sales Manager for the Chattanooga and Cleveland areas. Jackie holds a contractor's license and began his construction career 30 years ago as a home builder and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in all construction trades.
Yonny Gomez
Yonny became a valuable member of the C. W. Callihan team in 2018 as a master carpenter. Yonny supervises the punch out technicians and makes sure all details of each project are completed exactly as ordered. Yonny has an eye for detail and is always
happy to go above and beyond to make sure customer satisfaction is 100%.
Ashley Phillips
Ashley serves as Administrative Assistant and has proven herself to be invaluable for day-to-day operations since joining the company in early 2021. Always eager to jump in and do whatever is necessary including answering phones, managing schedules, bookkeeping, and much more. Ashley is the friendly face that helps keep everyone on track.
Jordan Whitmire
As C. W. Callihan continued to grow, Jordan followed in his dad’s footsteps in Spring of 2021 and joined the team. Jordan brings with him a B.S. Degree from Tennessee Tech and a Master’s Degree from Liberty University. Upon leaving health care management, Jordan decided to return to his roots in residential construction to oversee business development and project management.
Dedicated to Providing the Best Products
C. W. Callihan provides exterior contractor services in areas of vinyl siding, cedar siding, windows, door, gutters, screen porches, decks and more. Callihan is most proud of offering James Hardie Building Products and boasts Hardie’s highest achievement level of “Elite Preferred.” Few exterior contractors are able to achieve the James Hardie “Elite Preferred” status due to the rigid requirements of installation and product training, quality control, customer reviews and satisfaction, volume, and absolute supremacy.
Competitive Pricing & Free Quotes
Transparency is a core value at C. W. Callihan. The company believes in providing its customers with not only top-notch services but also the assurance of fair and competitive pricing. Homeowners can embark on their remodeling journeys with confidence, armed with the knowledge that C. W. Callihan offers free quotes, ensuring that the financial aspect of the project is as transparent as the company's work ethic.
Professional Affiliations
C. W. Callihan exhibits commitment to being an active participant in the local business community by supporting regional economic growth and maintaining memberships in the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga, and an A+ Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau.
This esteemed siding contractor has been elevating and transforming homes for over 20 years and emerges not just as a contractor but as a partner in enhancing the beauty, durability, curb appeal, and value of homes. Situated at 6707 Ocoee Street Suite 103, Chattanooga, TN, the company's mission centers around total customer satisfaction, utilizing the finest materials, offering competitive pricing, and maintaining transparency at every step.
for Health & Fitness
The Most Important Exercise for Fat Loss
by Thomas Morrison
Many believe that plenty of “fat burning” cardiovascular exercise is the best way to take off weight fast—and while that can have some value, it would not be the best exercise for that purpose. The best exercise to do while on a weight loss diet is actually weight training! Let me explain why.
Weight Training Prevents Muscle Loss While Dieting.
The reality is that most people can only burn an average of about 5-10 calories per minute in any form of exercise. With over 3,500 calories stored in every pound of fat, it is necessary to put in an average of 6-11 hours of exercise just to burn one pound! This is why the primary method to burn fat is your diet—NOT your exercise program. The main purpose of your exercise program is NOT to burn calories— it is to preserve muscle!
In general, without weight training, you will lose at least three pounds of lean weight out of every 10 total pounds you lose. And doing aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, and the like does not help. Back in 1999, researchers put overweight men on a 1500 calorie a day diet, and divided them into three groups—one that didn’t exercise, another that performed aerobic exercise three days a week, and a third that did both aerobic exercise and weight training three days a week. The results: Each of the groups lost almost the same amount of weight—about 21 pounds. But the lifters shed 5 more pounds of fat than those who didn’t pump iron. Why? Because their
weight loss was almost pure fat, while the other two groups lost just 15 pounds of fat, along with several pounds of lean body mass (aka muscle).
Just because your scale weight may show similar results whether you exercise or not, don't assume that the right kind of exercise isn't providing a significant benefit. The diet + weight training group lost 25% more fat than just dieting alone, or even dieting + aerobic exercise! Remember, muscle burns fat. And one pound of muscle takes up 18 percent less space on your body than a pound of fat. Hear that ladies? Hit weights when you diet—they’ll make you smaller, not bigger!
Weight Training Helps Preserve Your Resting Metabolism
Dieting and weight loss, by its nature, will cause your metabolism to drop—so anything that you can do to keep it burning hot is a step in the right direction. In fact, your resting metabolism will account for at least 2/3rd of all the calories you burn! And there is no more time efficient way to boost your metabolism than by weight training. Even training as little as three times a week for 20-30 minutes each time can help boost metabolism close to an additional 100 calories per day! The typical woman would have to walk a couple miles daily to get the same net calorie burn, and yet, she still wouldn’t lose as much fat without weight training!
Weight Training Improves Your Body Shape
The primary reason most people diet or try to lose fat is not simply to record a lower number on the scale—that is quite incidental. No, what most people want is to look better and be happier with their physique. As we have seen, simply dieting or doing cardio will cause you to lose both fat and muscle so that the end result is just a smaller fat person. At best you will be “skinny-fat”— smaller and thinner than before, but still soft and flabby rather than hard and lean. Weight training helps you to optimize body composition rather than just losing weight indiscriminately. Instead of just becoming smaller, you actually get leaner. So don’t wait to get lean, use weights!
Thomas Morrison is the fitness coordinator and a personal trainer at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, Georgia, where he has served for the past 23 years.
Seasons: Securely Stepping Ahead
by Dorothy Teague
This time of year, when summer slips into fall, I feel like it’s a reset, a new beginning. It reminds me of my school days, starting back with a new notebook full of blank, crisp pages where I would write new lessons and stories. The smell of new leather shoes and bookbags was carried along with the autumn air and the anticipation of making new friends was like a crackle of electricity when we gathered in our new room.
In nature, the turning of seasons brings visible changes. During fall, the trees start going through their metamorphosis of changing from greens to golds and reds.
know their way to the garden on their own. Those boots have tread up and down the many rows of vegetables and flowers I have lovingly planted and tended year after year. Even though I might cover it well, I really get “out of whack” if I’m pushed out of my regular routine. Sometimes, God has to work on me to “let go and let God.” I want to hang on for dear life to what I usually do instead of stepping out of my comfort zone to let Him stretch and mold me to be more like Him.
We, like nature, go through seasons and cycles in our lives. Some seasons are challenging while others seem to go smoothly. There is always something to be learned in each new season of our lives. For every end, there is always a new beginning; the secret is to learn to step forward out of each one.
As a creature of habit, I cling to the familiar and the comfortable. I am one of “those” people who pull out the same comfy, well-worn jeans and oversized fleeces, even though I have twenty other items I could wear. When I pull on my muck boots by the back door, it feels as if they
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven…” Just as each season has its time and place, so we have purposes to fulfil in each season of our lives. We need to be pliable in God’s hands so we can grow to be more like Him, “being transformed… from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). When we continually gravitate to familiar pathways, it’s hard to find the way forward. The road ahead can seem scary, but we can always depend on Him to light the way. He tells us in Psalm 32:8 ESV, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” We travel through this world, not as nomads wandering with no purpose, but as children of God with a heavenly purpose and plan from the Lord. We need not be anxious or worried because He knows the way forward and will lead us if we will only lean on Him. So, no matter the seasons of life that we step in and out of, the Lord will surely be with us. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV). When I follow Him and stay close by His side, I don’t need to worry about where the road leads or what new adventures may be around the next bend! I just step into my old boots and start walking, my hand in His.
Dorothy Teague
The Love of the Father
by Chrissie Joy Jackson
What do you think about when you say “God”?
Jesus told us God is our Father. What do you think about when you say “Father”? Many people have believed lies unwittingly. They view God, the heavenly Father, through the lens of their experience with their earthly father, whether good, bad, or absent.
I grew up without an earthly father, feeling God was distant, up in heaven somewhere. It was Jesus I felt closer to, but Jesus said, “He who has seen me, has seen the Father” (John 14:9 DLNT). God showed me, through His word and through a clear picture in my mind one time during worship, that He had been with me all through my life. For example, He was with me while I was riding my tricycle, and on my birthdays when I wished for a father. He has been revealing more and more facets of His love for me as our relationship grows.
your Daddy. How do we know that? Galatians 4:6 NKJV tells us, “Because you are sons (and daughters) God has sent forth the spirit of His son into your hearts, crying Abba Father.” We also learn from Romans 8:15 NJKV, “You received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry out Abba Father.” We know that God sees and hears you from Psalm 34:15 NKJV, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry.”
He loves you as much as He loves Jesus. We find in John 17:23 NKJV, “God is love.” This is clarified further in 1 John 4:16. It is not just something He does; it is who He is. Did you know that God loves you passionately? We are assured of this in 1 John 3:1 NIV, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.”
He loves you too, so much. God thinks about you. Psalm 139:17 KJV says, “How precious are your thoughts about me oh God. How great is the sum of them.” God is
His love is not based on performance like the superficial love the world offers. We are assured in 1 John 4:10 NLT, “This is real love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
Read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Even when the guy was living in slop, he was still a son. This is a picture of us and God, our Father.
I challenge you to say, “Father God loves me.” Say it out loud. Repeat it until your spirit swells with the reality of it. Search the scriptures. We have only scratched the surface of understanding His amazing, unending, pure, and passionate love. Know this: God is crazy about you. He sees you and cares about you, and He always will.
Chrissie Joy Jackson is a retired widow and a member of Living Word Church. Sharing the love and care of the Father through missions is her passion.
The Hilarious Misadventures of the Rabbit-Trappin’ Smiths
by Charles Finney
Once upon a time, there lived a family as rural and uneducated as they come - the Smiths. The Smiths were known for their unconventional ways including finding humor in the simplest of things. One fine day, the head of the Smith clan, Farmer Jeb, decided it was high time he caught himself a rabbit for supper. Armed with nothing but a rusty old trap and a heart full of determination, he set out on a misadventure that would soon have the whole town laughing.
The Smiths' idea of a trap was unique. It consisted of a broken laundry basket, a piece of string, and an empty moonshine jug. Jeb figured if he placed the jug just right, any rabbit lured by its shiny surface would get caught in the basket when it fell over. He proudly set up his trap, convinced that he had outsmarted every rabbit in the county. Little did Jeb know, his plan was about as foolproof as a screen door on a submarine.
Grandma Smith, a wise old woman despite her lack of formal education, was sitting on the porch, her Bible in her lap. She had a habit of finding solace and wisdom in the scriptures, even if she didn't always understand them. On this particular day, she was reading aloud from the King James Version of Psalm 25:14-15, her voice carrying across the fields like a gentle breeze: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.”
Little did Grandma know, her words would soon have a whole new meaning for the Smith family.
Back at the rabbit trap, Jeb waited patiently, hidden behind a bush, convinced he was about to make culinary history. Unbeknownst to him, a curious raccoon had caught wind of the shiny moonshine jug. Fascinated, it approached the trap, reaching for the jug.
Just then, the laundry basket fell with a loud thud, trapping the raccoon inside. The raccoon darted around, creating a ruckus that could wake the dead. Jeb, thinking he had caught the most ferocious rabbit ever, leaped from behind the bush, armed with a broom.
“Pa's caught a demon rabbit!” shouted Jeb's youngest son, Billy, running toward the chaos with wide eyes.
Grandma Smith closed her Bible and made her way to the scene. Seeing the raccoon trapped in the laundry basket, she chuckled.
“Jeb, that ain't no rabbit. You’ve caught yourself a bandit!” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Jeb scratched his head, realizing his folly. The family erupted into laughter, even the raccoon seemed to chitter in amusement as if it knew it had outsmarted the great rabbit trapper.
As they released the raccoon back into the wild, Jeb wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. “Well, I reckon that's one way to catch a critter, even if it ain't the one I was aimin' for.”
Grandma nodded sagely. “Sometimes, life's lessons come in unexpected ways, Jeb. Just like how the good Lord shows us His secrets in mysterious ways.”
When the Smiths gathered around the dinner table, they shared tales of their day. Grandma Smith brought up the scripture she had read earlier. “You know,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “maybe the meaning of life is a lot like that raccoon. Sometimes, you think you're chasing one thing, but life surprises you with something entirely different.”
The family pondered Grandma's words, and then, as if on cue, burst into laughter once more. And in that moment, surrounded by love, laughter, and the warmth of family, the Smiths realized that the meaning of life wasn't some grand mystery to be solved, but a series of moments, both big and small, that brought joy and laughter, even in the most unexpected of circumstances.
Gò0 dNews for Kids Believe For It
by Paula Burgner
Hey, kids! This article is about believing. Read through the article and watch for the Scriptures. See if you can fill in the blanks below.
Have you ever noticed in this journey of life we are all on that most of the time we never give a second thought as to why we may believe in someone or something? Belief is something that we accept to be true or an opinion that we decide to trust. It seems that we only begin to think about what we truly believe when we are in a bind or feel there is no way out.
However, you do not have to think about how you truly believe only in times of trouble. When you accept God into your heart and truly accept the life that God has for you, then you can begin to think more about what you believe, and why you believe it. You will start to realize that you can have what you are believing for. The Bible tells us this in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” It's just like when you want to do something different, you must first devote yourself to making that change or to do something better. Ability is what a person is capable of doing. Your motivation will determine what you will do and your attitude will determine how well you do something. When you believe in yourself, you can do anything.
So as you go through this life, don’t be afraid to try something new, just believe and keep going forward. The Bible tells us in Mark 5:36, “Be not be afraid, only believe.” It’s kind of like when you are sitting outside looking at the birds as they fly from one tree branch to another. It looks as though they just take off never doubting they won’t make it to the other branch. They just land on the tree limb and then take off again to wherever they want to go.
As you hear more of the Word of God, you will learn this is the kind of belief that you can experience. When you get the Word of God into your heart, you will have that comfort knowing you can make it because you trust
in the Lord. The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” When you become grounded in the Word of God, you will find that nothing will be impossible for you.
The Bible tells us this in Matthew 19:26, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
So continue to reach for the things in life that you want and always remember this: the moment you accept God into your heart, you will become unstoppable. You will be able to achieve anything through Christ. The Bible tells us this in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Now it’s your turn. Can you fill in the blanks correctly?
Matthew 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall _____________________ in prayer, _________________, ye shall receive.”
Philippians 4:13, “I can do ___________l things through Christ which ________________ me.”
Mark 5:36, “Be not be ___________________, ________ believe.”
Paula Burgner is a strong-willed, outgoing girl who loves spending time with her husband and working out. She believes in her heart that you can do anything you put your mind to. Paula is the author of a new book, Grounded by God’s Grace.
Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
by Douglas Baynes
(Bit-ter-ness) Webster's Dictionary defines it as “anger and disappointment. Being treated unfairly, to hold resentment.” Years ago I was treated in the worst way, very unfairly. This person decided to take his frustrations and all his pent-up anger out on me. The craziness of it all was I didn’t even know who this guy was. The incident stayed with me for years. It had been over 20 years ago but some days my mind would drift back to that night in Ohio, and I would play the movie over again in my mind, over and over again. Crazy because I do not think that that guy even remembered it past that night or the next for that matter.
But for me, 20 years later I was replaying the movie just with a very different ending. Did all those hours dwelling on it help me move past it? No. What was happening was, I was drinking the poison and waiting for him to die a slow death. Yeah, now who’s on the crazy train?
of forgiving him, it was as if a heavy coat had been taken off my shoulders.
Scripture speaks to this very situation: “A joyful heart is like a good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). And in Lamentations 3:4, Jeremiah described his bones as being broken due to his bitterness.
The Mayo Clinic released a study on the correlation between bitterness, arthritis, and forgiveness. It could have been published in a Christian magazine! What they found (as the Bible states) was bitterness and resentment. A growing percentage of those with arthritis harbored bitterness toward someone or something for years. The study could not make the medical connection between arthritis and bitterness, but there is overwhelming data that there is a connection.
I had to come to the realization that what was done to me all those years ago, was done. I had to make a choice to forgive and move on or have another sip of the poison. If we as Christians are to walk in love then we must forgive all in love, and that can be very hard.
When I finally came to that place
Back in the late 1980s, I sold 3-wheel mobility carts to folks who needed something to get around but were not ready for a wheelchair. I’ll never forget going to a lady’s home to show her one. She was in her fifties but her legs and back were eaten up with arthritis to the point she could hardly get around. I met another woman who was there to help her. I asked if the lady was her sister. They did somewhat look alike. NO! and with that a small nuclear cloud formed over her head. With loud tones, she expressed her hate for her sister. In the conversation that followed she went into detail about her sister. I asked if she thought there could be any road to reconciliation or if simply forgiveness might be the answer. Turns out she had not spoken to her sister in 20 years. She told me the doctors had no idea why she had come down with this arthritis.
In closing, as John said so many times in the Bible, “Walk in Love.” Don’t drink the poison for you are the only one who will die from it.
Doug and Annie, his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women’s meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV.
Cleveland Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Price Memorial AME Zion 254 Dooley Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311
Anglican
Mission Cleveland 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880
Assembly of God
The Collectives Church 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 641-0193
Triune Assembly
301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW McDonald, TN 37353
Avenue Church
1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489
