March 2026

Gò0dNews

Fill your life with more living .

It’s never too late to break the mold. Erica needed time to realize she already had what it takes to be an artist — and that tapping her creativity could add new color to the rest of her life. The pieces may not always go as planned, but a hobby that boosts body, mind and spirit? That’s a beautiful thing.

About Us

WRITERS

Ande Frazier

Beth Penny

Bill Silvers

Dr. Bobby Sneed

Cindy J. Evans

Garrett Nudd

Hayden Lanier

Dr. Jeff Dabbs

Katie Loveless

Paula Burgner

Spring M. Fricks

Tammy Madden

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kate Walton

Email: kate@studio-kate.com

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Rome

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE

goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsrome

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

Gò0 dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Work as Worship

by Dr. Jeff Dabbs

For many people, work feels like a necessary evil. It pays the bills, keeps the lights on, and provides a roof over our heads — but it’s not something we often connect to our faith. Monday morning and Sunday morning seem like two entirely different worlds.

Yet the Bible paints a different picture. Work is not separate from worship; it can be worship. Whether we’re in an office, a classroom, a factory, a field, or at home raising children, God designed work to be a way we can and should honor Him.

Before sin entered the world, Adam was given work to do. Genesis 2:15 NASB says, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Work was not a punishment — it was part of God’s good design.

Sin later brought toil, frustration, and sweat into the workplace (Genesis 3:17-19), but the idea of work itself was never cursed. Work still carries dignity, purpose, and value because it reflects the creativity and stewardship of God.

Work is actually an act of service. The apostle Paul reminded believers in Colossae, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23 NASB). That verse changes everything. Suddenly, work is no longer about pleasing a boss, earning a paycheck, or climbing a ladder. It becomes an offering to God Himself.

A teacher who prepares lessons with excellence, a nurse who treats patients with compassion, a mechanic who repairs cars with integrity — all are engaging in worship when they do their work for the Lord. Even the hidden, unseen tasks matter. God sees, and He is honored.

When we show up on time, work diligently, and treat others fairly, people notice. Work ethic is not just about productivity; it’s about testimony. Paul told the Thessalonian believers to “work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread” (2 Thessalonians 3:12 NASB). In other words, live responsibly and let your faith show through your daily conduct.

A Christian who is lazy, dishonest, or constantly complaining at work undermines the message of the gospel. But a Christian who works with joy and integrity shines as a light in the workplace.

Work is also a place for ministry. Too often, we think of ministry as something that only happens at church. But most people spend far more hours each week at work than in a sanctuary. That means the workplace may be the greatest mission field of all.

You may not preach a sermon at your desk but you can live one through kindness, patience, and humility. You may not lead a Bible study in the break room but you can be ready to share a word of encouragement, or pray for a coworker in need. God often opens doors for gospel conversations right where we spend our weekdays.

Work doesn’t have to be just a grind. It can be gracefilled. It can be holy. It can be worship. The goal is not perfection in our jobs but faithfulness in our calling.

As Paul wrote: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB).

The paycheck may fade and the promotions may end, but the eternal impact of work done for God’s glory will last forever.

for Everyone

The Head of the Serpent

by Hayden Lanier

My family once had a scary experience in our yard. My brother was loading some items in his car and preparing to leave when he almost stepped barefoot on a snake. He saw part of a brown snake's body, while the head and part of the snake’s body were buried in the ground.

We thought this was a harmless snake, so we tried to move it, but then we saw the snake’s head. Lo and behold, it was a copperhead! The “Hershey kiss” pattern was plainly evident once we saw the whole snake. It coiled and hissed menacingly, rearing back its ugly head, and we jumped back in alarm.

Nobody was harmed by these events, but we were a little rattled (no snake pun intended). I realized afterwards that we did not realize what we were dealing with until we saw the head of the snake. This got me thinking, perhaps this is why Genesis 3:15 is worded the way that it is.

After the Fall, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin entered the world, God spoke to the serpent (who we understand to be the devil). He told the serpent that He would put enmity between him and the woman, and between his offspring and her offspring. Then God made a truly interesting declaration: “he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15 ESV). Many Christians interpret this verse as pointing to Jesus. He is the offspring of the woman who would bruise the serpent’s head, and His heel would be bruised by this serpent.

from the dead, and He delivered the crushing blow to the serpent’s head.

See, the dangerous part of a snake is its head. That’s how snakes bite. The tail and the body can be scary, but it is the head of the snake that holds the power and can inflict damage. Snakes bite and inject venom using their head. When we stumbled across that copperhead, we didn’t know what we were dealing with until we saw its head.

Getting bruised on the heel hurts, but if a snake’s head is bruised, that’s a mortal blow. It will end the life of the

Sure, Satan may have bruised Jesus’ heel. When Jesus suffered and died on the cross, this was no small thing. All the sin of the world was placed on Him, even though He had done no wrong. He was tortured, mocked, and publicly humiliated. The Son of God died. But this was only the bruising of His heel, because three days later Jesus rose

snake, and that is exactly what Jesus’ resurrection did to the devil when Jesus rose from the dead, and proved that He is victorious over death. He showed once and for all that He has silenced the enemies of sin, death, and Hell. Death’s sting and the grave’s victory are no longer anywhere to be found (1 Corinthians 15:55)! Though Satan may have thought he won, his “victory” was short-lived. He only bruised the heel of the Messiah, but Jesus has rendered our enemy powerless by the cross.

MThe Kid in Your Wallet: Why the Age You’re Acting From Matters More Than the Numbers Money Moves Ande Frazier with

ost of us like to believe we’re making financial decisions as capable, rational adults. We have jobs, responsibilities, and real life experience. We’ve paid bills, raised families, weathered hard seasons, and learned a few things along the way. So when it comes to money, it’s easy to assume we’re operating from maturity and wisdom.

Here’s something I see repeatedly in conversations about money: very few people are actually making financial decisions from the age they are today. They’re making them from the age they learned what money meant.

Money Isn’t Math. It’s Memory.

Money feels practical, but it’s deeply personal. It’s tied to moments, emotions, and experiences long before it’s tied to spreadsheets or statements. For most of us, our first real lessons about money didn’t come from a finance class, but from watching our parents when money was tight. Those early experiences quietly shaped how we learned to cope.

Your Money Has an Age.

One of the most helpful shifts people can make is understanding this: your money behavior has an age. It’s your money age, the stage of emotional development you’re acting from when money is involved.

For example:

• A young money age might show up as impulsive spending, avoidance, or denial. “I don’t want to look.” “It’ll work itself out.” “I deserve this.”

• A teenage money age often shows up as rebellion or comparison. “I should have more by now.” “Everyone else seems ahead.” “Why can’t I just enjoy my money?”

• A more mature money age shows up as intentionality. Decisions are slower. Values matter. Tradeoffs are acknowledged rather than ignored.

None of these stages are “bad.” They are merely markers for where you might find yourself. The problem isn’t having a younger money age. The problem is not knowing when that younger version of you is running the show.

Growing Up Financially Doesn’t Mean Growing Cold.

Here’s where I want to be very clear: growing up in your relationship with money does not mean becoming rigid, joyless, or obsessed with control. It means noticing when a decision feels unusually heavy and asking, “What’s really driving this?” It means learning to pause instead of react.

Financial maturity is about self-leadership. It’s the moment you recognize, “This feels big because it’s touching something old,” and you choose not to hand the steering wheel to a younger version of yourself.

Why This Matters More Than the Math.

Most financial advice focuses on what to do: save, invest, avoid these mistakes. Behavior doesn’t change because of information alone. It changes when understanding catches up with emotion. If the kid in your wallet is still afraid, no spreadsheet will make you feel secure. If that kid learned early on that money disappears, control will feel safer than freedom. If that kid learned that money equals worth, no amount will ever feel like enough. That’s why two people with the same income, the same assets, and the same opportunities can experience money so differently.

What Growth Actually Looks Like.

Financial growth is about listening. Growth looks like making decisions more slowly, asking better questions, allowing yourself to feel without immediately fixing, choosing alignment over reaction.

It’s moving from “What will make this feeling go away?” to “What choice supports the life I’m trying to build?”

A Gentle Question to End With.

If you want to understand your money better, start with this question:

How old am I acting right now when it comes to money? Not as judgment. As curiosity. The goal is to grow into the adult who knows when to comfort that kid in your wallet and when to lead.

When that shift happens, money starts becoming something you can use with intention, wisdom, and grace.

Because money isn’t math. Growth, real growth, always begins with awareness.

OVERALL BALL

Slip on your favorite overalls and join us for a one-of-a-kind evening packed with high-energy entertainment, delicious food, and unbeatable community spirit—all in support of Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 6:00PM

My Confidence

by Dr. Bobby Sneed

What do you hope for these days? From whence does your confidence come in times of trouble?

We have been taught, encouraged even, to be self-reliant and to be strong by cultivating an inner strength of resilience so we may persevere no matter what comes our way; but what do we do when we find ourselves overwhelmed and incapable of climbing the hills of trouble that lay before us? Where is your hope then? Where does our confidence come from when we can no longer see a way

out, when all our inner resources are zapped, we are frozen in our doubts and fear leaves us trembling? David must have understood this well when he wrote in Psalm 39:7 NIV, “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” We know from scripture that David was “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) partly because he had discovered at a very young age his own limits and had developed a strong faith in the Lord to see him through every circumstance. Furthermore, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV concerning his own struggles, “And He said to me, ‘My

grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul had reached his mortal limit and now he learned where his personal strength failed, God’s strength was not only sufficient but was made perfect. Every Believer, will be put to the test throughout life to discover our personal insufficiencies so that we may experience the all sufficiency of God and His perfection made evident in times of trouble. And when we have come to our personal limit and found our hope in Jesus, not only do we see that His strength is made perfect but we learn to lean on Him all the time both good and bad. Trusting Him becomes the lesson learned when we discover His faithfulness. Jeremiah must have understood this when he wrote in chapter 17 verse 7 NIV, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” I chose the NIV translation because the word “hope” is replaced with “confidence” which is fitting. In whom is your confidence? If your confidence (or hope) is in yourself, you are relying on the lesser (you) and your weakness will soon be found out; but we all should be trusting in the greater (God) and we will quickly find that His strength will never be overwhelmed and will be proven perfect every time! I hope that you will trust in the Lord and be forever confident in Him today.

Keep Watch

by Spring M. Fricks

“Are you asleep?”

Your words float into my dreams like ballerinas dancing in the wind. I hear you but do not stir.

“Dear one, are you asleep?” you ask again.

I’m cozy in my slumber. The cadence of your voice is a lullaby to my soul and a blanket to my spirit. I feel myself smile but again I don’t budge.

“They’re coming for me.”

With these words, I’m up. Your tone cuts the veil between sleep and reality. I’m awake and aware of the danger.

I’ve been asleep on our bench in the garden where we meet. Looking around, I see broken branches and leaves sprinkled like confetti on the ground. Flowers have been stomped and the impressions of overlapping footprints point to a skirmish.

While I was asleep, we were not alone and now you are gone.

Keep watch. . . These were the last words you said to me. My brows furrow as guilt lays heavy like a winter coat across my shoulders.

I run through the garden towards the iron gate at the entrance. I can’t believe I fell asleep, I think, while looking for you behind every tree and bush.

I see the gate, but the shadows lurking just beyond trigger a warning to hide. Ducking behind an oak tree, I fight to control my breathing and turn to steal a peek at the enemy.

“I told you to keep watch.” You’re behind me. Startled, I jump, but you grab and hold me close.

“I’m sorry, my Lord.” I whisper, “I fell asleep.”

“Your enemy never sleeps,” You're so close I feel your breath on my cheek as you whisper in my ear, “and his greatest desire is to separate you from me...”

In Matthew 26:41BSB, Jesus tells us, “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This is also true of our enemy. Satan has one goal: steal Jesus from us so that he steals us from Him.

The Lord calls us to be diligent in our walk with Him. This decree is for our own benefit. We cannot mount a counterattack against something we never see coming.

We must keep watch and be vigilant regarding the defenses of our spirit. How do we do that? We guard the gates of our perimeter. Scripture teaches that our eyes and ears are the entry point of our heart (Psalm 101:3) and what we allow in will set up residence within (Matt 12:34-35). The things we allow in can bolster our defenses or wear them down, but the choice of what enters is ours to make.

Every tool needed to win the war between good and evil can be found in Scripture. Utilizing these tools creates the difference between living a life with Christ or a life separated from Him. Our first step in this battle is to obey the Lord when He calls us to keep watch.

Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your

We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of our foundation of success. It’s about empowering people to create generational impact.

Rome Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal

Bethel AME Church

22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-0019

St. James AME Zion Church

3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165

404-307-7396

Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-7113

Anglican

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church of Rome

3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9551

Assembly of God

Redemption Church

105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-0277

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-7248

Armuchee Baptist Church

6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-3169

Berean Baptist Church

8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-9832

Blue Pond Baptist Church

1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-3296

Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9768

Bush Arbor Baptist Church

3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161

770-885-0779

Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4431

Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-1461

Cedar Creek Baptist Church 3219 Fosters Mill Rd SW Rome, GA 30161

Cedar Valley Baptist Church

3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-0978

Community Chapel Baptist Church

3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4070

Desoto Park Baptist Church

1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-6207

Dykes Creek Baptist Church

3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161

706-291-7790

East Rome Baptist Church

601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-8553

East View Baptist Church

901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8250

Eden Valley Baptist Church

348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161

770-608-8168

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-3939

Enon Baptist Church

3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-5052

Fairview Baptist Church

2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147

Fellowship Rome Baptist Church

314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-9416

First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6850

Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-9976

Flint Hill Baptist Church

3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104

706-232-8121

Friendship Baptist Church

2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-4803

Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-6615

Greater Mount Calvary Baptist

445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-5047

Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8806

Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6642

In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-8963

Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-2149

Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171

706-232-1917

McFall Baptist Church

3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5673

Mount Alto Church

1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-6222

Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-8777

Mount Olive Baptist Church

17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-6413

New Antioch Baptist Church

4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-2248

New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161

706, 291-8939

New Canaan Baptist Church

3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-1984

New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga

706-235-0250

New Hope Baptist Church

399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-290-0507

North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-2100

Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147

Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4431

PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4431

Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga

706-235-2800

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-0731

Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165

706-232-6426

Pleasant Valley South Baptist

702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173

706-234-1841

Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-0689

Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8114

State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124

678-988-0339

Saint Paul Baptist Church

Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-5037

Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-3663

Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172

Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6174

Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-8266

South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-1220

Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7217

Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8132

Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga

706-766-0942

Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-3368

Turner Chapel Baptist Church

756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-8682

Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-2184

West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-1971

West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-9722

Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161

Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-4171

Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-8729

Catholic

Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7014

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165

706-235-9190

Church of Christ

Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-0675

Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road

Lindale, Ga 30147

706-234-3027

Oak Hill Church of Christ

1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165

706-291-0351

Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road

Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4444

Church of God

Armuchee Church of God

4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4414

Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165

706-528-4225

Lindale Church of God

585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147

706-232-5676

New Life Church of God

210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161

706-232-0704

New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4695

North Rome Church of God

1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6687

Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165

706-295-2999

West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165

706-880-6895

Church of God in Christ

Great Joy Church of God in Christ

60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161

706-766-6148

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church

209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161

Episcopal

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-9111

Foursquare

Rome Foursquare Church

308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Full Gospel

Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-7744

Independent Bible

Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165

Interdenominational

Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165

Ministerios El Vino Nuevo

4216 Alabama Hwy NW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-0500

Renovation Church 13 Redmond Ct. Rome, Ga 30165

706-314-9084

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-2281

Lutheran

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

3000 Garden Lakes Blvd

Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-7257

Methodist

Beech Creek Methodist

2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165

706-506-8980

GracePoint Rome 43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161

Holsey Sinai CME Church

1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161

706-295-7265

Lindsay Chapel UMC

9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161

Metropolitan UMC

700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8660

Mt Pleasant Church 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165

706-232-4350

New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-9700

Oostanaula UMC

74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-292-0084

Rome First UMC

202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8590

Rush Chapel UMC

1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-7986

Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161

Second Avenue UMC

801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161

Silver Creek UMC

36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173

706-234-2518

Trinity By The River, Global Methodist 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW

Rome, Ga 30165

706-291-0033

Wesley Chapel UMC

9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161

West Rome UMC

1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164

706-234-6214

Messianic

Congregation Hallelu HaShem 1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105

706-936-6711

Nazarene

Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165

706-234-5023

Non-Denominational

Access Church

1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161

705-584-7497

Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165

706-235-0501

Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165

706-295-2045

Glory Tabernacle Church

300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-0888

Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-290-9858

Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161

706-622-2448

Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165

LIFE Church of Rome

19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165

706-728-3166

Lighthouse Church of Rome

Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-0864

New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-233-9200

Northside Church

75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165

706-233-9896

Rally Up International Ministries 2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561

Shannon Community Church

600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172

706-491-7112

Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle

700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8948

The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161

706-346-2733

Trinity United Christian Church

6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165

706-204-8270

We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161

Wilderness Church Rome 2730 Martha Berry Highway NE Rome, Ga 30165

706-237-6395

Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-314-9158

Orthodox

All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-378-4474

Pentecostal

Cannon Temple Holiness Church

308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161

706-233-9001

Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161

706-235-3787

Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165

706-766-3865

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-6033

Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-530-1630

Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173

706-234-6862

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165

706-235-8561

Seventh-Day Adventist

Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church

307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-292-0067

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161

706-234-4117

Cave Spring Church Directory

Cave Spring Church of God

19 Mill Street

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8348

Grace Fellowship Baptist Church

6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW

Cave Spring Ga 30124

706-346-9786

Live Oak Baptist Church

5506 GA-100

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8566

The Empty Tomb

5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

Rehoboth Missionary Baptist

6 Rehoboth Rd SW

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3313

First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-3566

Cave Spring UMC

30 Alabama Street

Cave Spring, GA 30124

706-777-8624

Jackson Chapel UMC

301 Jackson Chapel Rd

Cave Spring, GA 30125

706-777-3750

Out of the Boat

by Beth Penny

The story of Jesus walking on the water is often remembered for its miracle, but beneath the surface lies a deeper lesson about courage, focus, and trust. Jesus and His disciples had been in the middle of nowhere when a crowd showed up and needed to be fed. That was a miracle in itself. When they were done, Jesus sent the disciples in a boat across the Sea of Galilee while He went up the mountain to pray without distractions.

Meanwhile, the disciples are in the boat on the “sea” that really isn’t a sea at all, just a really big freshwater lake. On the lake, a storm is brewing. The wind picks up, and the boat begins to feel quite unsteady. As the disciples are taking turns keeping watch, they see a “ghost” walking on the choppy water towards them. Now, everyone is up and awake to see what is out on the water when Jesus calls out to them. Peter, impulsive and fiery Peter, challenges Jesus. In Matthew 14:28, he recounts Peter saying, “Lord, if it is you, let me come to you on the water.” Echoing His own words when He called the disciples to take up everything and follow, Jesus gives Peter the green light. Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk towards Jesus. In the blink of an eye, Peter, realizing that he was actually walking on water amidst the turbulent waves, was gripped in fear and took his eyes off Jesus. He began to sink. Jesus takes Peter’s hand and helps him. Matthew recounts that when they got into the boat, the wind died down, and Jesus admonished Peter with the often quoted “Oh ye of little faith.” Matthew tells us that the rest of them in the boat worshipped and said that Jesus was truly the Son of God.

Our lesson from that passage is a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. That is a deeply important lesson, as it calls us to maintain our focus on Him rather than the distractions of the world. Jesus used Peter’s moment of doubt as a powerful teaching opportunity, transforming it into a lasting lesson about faith, trust, and the importance of remaining centered on Him.

However, we can look at this story in a different light. I see Peter as having the most faith of them all. We assume

that all of the 12 disciples were on the boat. Of that 12, Peter was the only one with enough faith to step out of the boat. Fiercely loyal Peter. Outspoken Peter. Impulsive Peter. Peter, who was prone to moments of uncertainty, fear, and weakness, stepped out of the boat. How many times are we overcome by fear or weakness and don’t step out in faith as we know we should?

That first step is the hardest, especially when we are surrounded by the rough waters of life. Faith is not the absence of fear, but it is the willingness to step forward despite fear. Peter’s story shows us that faith doesn’t require perfection; it requires courage. Peter’s faith faltered when his focus shifted off Jesus, but he showed remarkable trust by stepping out of the boat. We are supposed to step out when God calls us - even when we are surrounded by doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Our lesson is to not only keep our eyes on Jesus but to step out in faith when He calls, trusting that when (not IF) we stumble, God is there to reach out and help us into the boat.

Ideal Meals: Nine Years of Making Life Easier (and More Delicious)

Who has been a nine-time Best of Rome winner?

For nearly a decade, Ideal Meals has lived up to its name by helping busy families across Northwest Georgia put wholesome, delicious food on the table—without the stress of cooking from scratch every night.

Founded by Rome native Amanda DeWitt, Ideal Meals was born out of a simple, relatable need: eating well while juggling a full, demanding life. What began as meal prep for herself quickly grew into something much bigger when coworkers and friends started asking for meals of their own. They loved the flavors, appreciated the convenience, and trusted the ingredients.

Seeing the increasing demand, Ideal Meals has grown into a meal service that balances quality, convenience, and affordability—an ideal combination that keeps customers coming back week after week.

“We focus on convenience, a large selection, and affordability,” Amanda explains. “Our meals range between $6–$9 and are made with whole-food ingredients. That’s something our team takes great pride in.”

Real Food for Real Life

Ideal Meals offers delicious, professionally prepared meals to help you eat healthy in a hurry without sacrificing

flavor. These meals are individually portioned, fresh, and affordable that prepare you for an entire week of quick and convenient balanced nutrition. Ideal Meals understands modern family life because they’re living it too. Between work schedules, kids’ activities, school events, and endless to-do lists, cooking every night can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Ideal Meals shines.

Their grab-and-go options are perfect for hectic evenings, while family-sized favorites—like hearty quarts of chili—are ready to warm you up after a long day. Many meals freeze beautifully, giving customers the flexibility to stock their freezer and stay prepared for those nights when plans change (again).

From fueling soccer practices to powering through Zoom meetings with homework happening in the background, Ideal Meals makes healthy eating simple— without sacrificing flavor.

Real Feedback: “A Great Discovery!”

Customer Regina S describes her experience with Ideal Meals: “I love the fact that I can order and plan my week of meals so that there's no stress in what's for dinner tonight! Meals are well portioned and tasty! Good value for the price. I can have a great meal for less than what I could eating out (including drive-thrus). I also find that I am losing weight

given the calorie counts for each entree. Ideal Meals has been a great discovery for me!”

A Crowd-Pleaser Menu

One of the biggest challenges families face? Finding meals that everyone will eat. Ideal Meals solves that with a rotating menu full of comforting classics and fresh, flavorful options that appeal to both kids and adults. Each week brings variety, so customers never feel stuck in a routine. Seasonal options ensure selections are fresh, nutritious, and affordable. Menus are posted every Sunday on the Ideal Meals website, Facebook page, or emailed directly to subscribers.

Whether you order a few meals for busy nights or stock up for the week, there’s no minimum requirement—order what works best for your household. In fact, sign up for the convenient email option and you’ll have reminders and menu selection options sent directly to you.

Grab-N-Go

and Crush Your Goals

With Grab-N-Go options, along with weekly order options, you can breeze through your day, plus your calorie count! Here’s just a sampling of options that have been available (check the weekly menu each Sunday evening): Steak Ranchero, BBQ Chicken Alfredo, Korean Beef, Ham & Cheese Egg Cups, Protein Muffins, Smothered Chicken, Keto Meals, Protein French Toast.

Are you ready for next week regarding meals? The countdown is on. Friday at 5 pm is the deadline to get your meals for the next week. Don’t miss out — your future self will thank you!

How Do I Order?

Step 1: Choose Your Meals. Meals are posted every Sunday on the website, Facebook page, or via email. See www.idealmealprep.com or the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/idealmealsfreshfastfit/

Step 2: Confirm your selections and submit your order by Friday at 5:00pm.

Step 3: Pick up your order at your selected store.

A Community-Centered Business

At the heart of Ideal Meals is gratitude.

“None of this would be possible without our incredible customers who’ve supported us, believed in us, and shared our meals week after week,” Amanda says. “You’ve helped turn a dream into something real, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that.”

That appreciation has helped build a loyal community of customers who trust Ideal Meals to feed their families well—and who proudly recommend them to friends.

Perfect for Gifting

Looking for a thoughtful, practical gift? Ideal Meals gift cards make it easy to share the joy of stress-free dinners with friends and family. Is there a special teacher or service provider who goes the extra mile for you? Do you know new parents who could use extra winks rather than preparing meals? What about those students who are cramming for tests and project deadlines? The convenience of Ideal Meals are well . . .ideal! You’ll be the definite favorite gift-giver for birthdays, holidays, or just “thinking of you” times when love comes with a fork and spoon.

Locations and Hours

Amanda emphasizes, “As busy working women and moms, we understand the importance of saving time, energy, and money while feeling good about the food decisions we make for ourselves and our family. We are excited to offer this service to Northwest Georgia. There are three locations ready to serve you!”

922 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rome, GA 30161

235 W. Line St. Suite 7, Calhoun, GA 30701

101 S. Dixie Ave. Suite 101, Cartersville, GA 30120

Store Hours: Sunday, 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Monday, 7:30am - 1:00pm. 4:00pm - 6:30pm (Rome Only)

Gò0 dNews for Everyone What If?

by Paula Burgner

This small, simple phrase is something that we all are guilty of thinking. Too often, we all go around saying things like, “I wish I had,” “I should have,” or “If only I could have.” Yet have you ever stopped and really taken the time to think about the good side of all the whatifs? And not just the bad things that we usually think about, like “What if I fail?” or “What if I don’t get the chance?” Stop second-guessing everything that you do in life, and start living your life the way that God intended for you to live it.

When you are lost and have never accepted God into your heart, this is how it feels as you go through life—always wondering if you should have done something, or maybe if you had not done that, then things would be different. However, when you give your life to God and accept Him into your heart, His love opens up a new way of thinking that will lead to a new way of living that you have never experienced before.

The old way of thinking about life—such as, “Maybe if I had said no to a certain situation, then I would have gotten something better.” Instead, now your new way of thinking is, “What if God is waiting for me to see just how big He is?” Once you have given your life to God and keep grounded in His Word, you begin to trust the Word of God over what you may hear someone say. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

What if everything came together the way that you had always wanted it to? What if everything we go through is preparing us for the things we asked for? So, remember, don’t ever give up on what you are praying about, and always know that it’s okay to ask, “What if?” The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:22 KJV: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Once you get the Word of God in your heart, you no longer worry about the things that once bothered you. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:28 KJV: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.”

So, in those moments when you feel those thoughts of doubt trying to creep up on you, just ask the Lord to change your way of thinking. Just because you are not sure about something, don’t be scared to ask, “What if?” Because, as a result of giving your life to God, what if your prayer of faith helps change someone’s life and leads them to the Lord? As your faith becomes stronger, you learn just how powerful prayer can be and that your prayers can move mountains. The Bible tells us in Luke 1:37 KJV: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The Bible also tells us in Proverbs 4:20-21 KJV: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.”

Remember, when you give your life to God and accept Him into your heart, His love opens up a new way of thinking that will lead to a new way of living that you have never experienced before.

Gò0 dNews to honor Brain Injury Month

Watching in Wonder

by Tammy Madden

January 21, 2002, our perfect baby girl arrived! I prayed for 17 years and she arrived healthy. She walked and talked early. She never got sick for her first 11 months. We had such dreams about her future. But oh, how life can change in the blink of an eye.

December 14th, 2002, our whole world changed. Our baby girl got sick. After spending two months in the Children's Hospital, they knew she was going to need a heart. She would need to be life-flighted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

We had been there about a month when she flatlined on us. They crashed her to ECMO (a temporary life support). She was on that for three days before a heart came in. During those three days, she had a massive stroke. After they started letting her wake up, reality set in. Our baby girl had a severe anoxic brain injury. The doctor said she was blind, deaf, and would never walk or talk. Oh but God had much bigger plans for her!

No, we can no longer do the things we planned for her. Our lives did change, but I can never say that it changed for the worse. I say this in hopes that it will help someone who is just now facing a brain injury, especially with a child.

No, we haven’t gotten to watch her lead cheers, go off to college, or get married. But, we have watched her face light up at Disney World, swim with the dolphins at three years old, walk the beach holding our hands, and yes, I said walking.

Currently, we watch as she plays on the Miracle League baseball team and she rides horses like the wind.

Am I sorry that she got the brain injury you might ask? Absolutely not. Now you might say, “Why, that's a crazy answer!” No, it's not. The person she is today is the person that God means for her to be. This is the Megan whom God sent to us to love and raise. Now at 24 years old, she sees and hears very well, and walks with her walker. Every single night, she sends out Bible verses to many people on her Facebook page. She wants to share the love of the Lord,

sing in church, and worship our Lord and Savior. We have also gotten to hear her tell us when she sees angels and I believe she really does.

Brain injury is not easy and I'm not going to say it is, because it has been a long, hard journey. On March 7th, 2026, she will have had her heart for 23 years. We have had physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and water therapy, even her horse riding strengthens her. Through it all, she smiles and smiles. We praise God for giving this child to us.

I pray if you are reading this, and you don't know the power of the Lord, just look at my child and you will see what a wonderful thing God has done in her life! And please, if you see a child who is different and has a brain injury, don't just sit and stare at them. Trust me, the parent would much rather you ask questions than to stare.

During March, Brain Injury Awareness Month, I would like to ask you to spread awareness. Every person is different in their journey, so please always be respectful to them and their caretakers. I pray our daughter’s story will touch you!

Be Filled

by Katie Loveless

As a young girl, I stood by the kitchen window in awe as I watched my grandfather gulp water from a metal cup. He noticed my gaze and pushed out his belly, patting it as he did so and chuckled heartily. “It's good to be filled up,” he said. “You should try it.”He promptly handed me a tall glass of water which I chugged heartily. We made a game of it walking through the house which ended with me rocking in the chair with my hand on my belly to feel the water slosh around.

It feels good to be filled up. God is so good to fill us with good things.

Did you know that you were born to be filled? God has a plan to keep you, fill you, and allow His goodness in your life to overflow to others.

We see this in the Bible as we consider passages in Exodus and in John.

In the book of Exodus 31, verses 2 and 6, we see that God has a special call of service for His house. We're told of one man He has filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge by His spirit to create good works. God soon calls helpers to join in the efforts of filling His house and He gives them wise hearts to make everything He says. God says clearly here that the wise hearts have wisdom that God personally placed. He gave them wisdom not merely for wisdom's sake, He gave them wisdom to use it for His glory. Wow!

Later in John 3:1-8 we see the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. I so enjoy reading this because I see a mama's heart here tugging at her son's heartstrings and Him tugging right back. Mary knows Jesus already. She understands what He is capable of not merely as her son but as the living Son of God. And she draws it out of Jesus like water from a well. Parents, this is a lesson for us.

Provision is lacking at the wedding and His mom calls Jesus to action. We see Jesus express that it's not yet the season for His miracles. In one way, Mary lets it drop by not saying anything further to Jesus about it. In another way, she nudges Him in the direction of destiny as she encourages the nearby servants to obey whatever He says. He does not disappoint as He commands them to fill six waterpots and draw water out from those. They filled the waterpots to the brim. Water went in but wine came out. This valuable exchange is a miracle.

God has miracles for you, too. He has filled you with gifts and prepared you to do good works. He has important things for you to do and has filled you with wisdom and understanding to do them. Just as Jesus did, grow in your gifts as you get older. When the season is right, God will call you to action just as Mary did with Jesus.

“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

for Runners

Finish Strong

by Bill Silvers

At the age of 81, God put it on my heart to start running 5k races. I’m not a runner. I don’t even like to walk. Yet there I was—lined up at the starting line for my third 5k.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. About four-tenths of a mile from the finish, I tripped and fell hard, my face striking the edge of the paved road. Medics arrived quickly, stopped the bleeding, wrapped my head with a six-inch gauze bandage, and told me to get into the ambulance. As it began to pull away, I told them to stop.

I had to finish the race.

God didn’t just say run the race. He said finish the race.

Moreover, running echoes my faith. It’s not always about being the fastest but about staying the course, enduring to the end, lifting others along the way. With every race, I run with purpose and I run with joy. It’s not just about the medals; it’s about the message: through God, all things are possible.

As I stepped out of the ambulance, a woman approached and asked, “Do you want to finish?”

“I do,” I said.

“Then, let’s go,” she replied.

About 100 feet from the finish line, she stopped. I crossed alone. The race director saw me, halted the awards ceremony, called me forward, and gathered the runners around me. Together, they prayed for healing and a swift recovery.

Because I believe everything happens according to God’s purpose, I asked myself a hard question: Why did I trip and fall? I already knew the answer. I had become prideful.

Proverbs 16:18 KJV says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride blinds us. When we become overly confident or unwilling to listen, we ignore wisdom, limits, and correction. That arrogance sets the stage for a fall, sometimes figuratively, sometimes painfully literally.

When the prayer ended, the same woman returned, asked for my keys, and told me I was going to the hospital. Her husband would follow. She walked me into the emergency room, helped me get settled, returned a few minutes later to place my keys on the desk, and then she was gone. I never saw her again.

God has always placed people, perhaps even angels, along my path to help me reach the goals He has planned for me.

Running teaches dependence—on preparation, patience, and on God. The moment we think, “I’ve got this on my own,” is often when trouble appears on the road and in life. Confidence must be balanced with humility. True strength comes from knowing our limits and trusting God’s guidance.

To paraphrase the verse: Run with humility, and you’ll finish strong. Run with pride, and you’re headed for a fall.

On the bright side, I didn’t stop running. Over the next two years, I completed 25 races. I learned my lesson the hard way, and I never tripped or fell again.

for Discovering More

MORE THAN Reflections

by Garrett Nudd

As a photographer, I learned a key point: If you point your camera at enough people, it doesn’t take long to discover some pretty significant and surprising insecurities. Over the years I’ve discovered a sad and unfortunate truth. Most people view themselves as less than. Less than they are. Less than others see them. And less than God designed them to be.

In a practical sense, this less than mentality can show up in a variety of ways. As someone who thrives on creative pursuits, sometimes it shows up when I have a thought or idea, and then after mulling on it for a bit, I end up talking myself out of it. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar.

How many times have I had a thought or an idea, and then talked myself out of it?

Oh, wouldn’t it be cool if we did this?

No, it’s too much work.

Ummm, no it’s MORE THAN.

Well, I don’t really have the time. And what if it doesn’t work?

It’s MORE THAN.

If it fails I’ll look silly.

Or, someone else will take care of it.

Every day, Jesus puts opportunities in our path for MORE THAN. All we have to do is say, “Absolutely.”

Over the years I've realized the less than perception we often have of ourselves is contrary to everything God stands for and every promise He’s ever made. If only we could see ourselves through His eyes. If only we could see why He loves us and how He loves us, I think everything would change, especially how we feel about ourselves.

The truth is, when you think you’re less than, God says you are MORE THAN. When you think you are less than, God says you are His.

“Oh, I love you beyond your wildest dreams,” God says. “Make no mistake about it. I wish you could see yourself the way I do. I wish you could see yourself the way I created you.”

As I look back, I’ve realized that God has used the people in my life like my parents and grandparents when I was younger to teach me MORE THAN. And as I grew toward adulthood, it was caring teachers and mentors and then my wife, Joy, who reminded me I am MORE THAN.

So, I ask you, what passion or pursuit do you have nagging at your heart?

Do you have a project or product or service you would like to unleash to the world?

What steps can you take today to move yourself closer to achieving that exciting goal?

Who are the people in your life who help remind you time and time again that you are MORE THAN?

Or, what if we flip it around and ask, are there people in your life who you can help remind that they are MORE THAN?

And what can you do specifically, to show them they are MORE THAN?

Remember, your MORE THAN dream—and the dreams of those around you—deserves to be shared, and the world is waiting for you!

• Call ahead to pick your fresh, hot meal at our convenient pick-up window located just inside the front door before you enter the restaurant. Or enjoy delivery through Door Dash or Dinner Delivered!

• We Cater Events, Big & Small! Call for a quote.

• Bakery Case with Fresh Baked Desserts: Cookies, Brownies, and Cakes!

• Conference Room can accommodate groups up to 40 people 595 Riverside Parkway | Rome, GA | 706.204.8321

Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:30am - 8:00pm | Sunday: 10:30am - 3:00pm pickodelicafeteria.com

Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds Keto Cheesy Egg Muffins

These low-carb egg muffins are packed with protein and perfect for meal prep.

• 6 large eggs

Ingredients:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup diced bell peppers (optional)

• ¼ cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or use silicone liners.

2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Stir in cheese, bell peppers, and cooked bacon/ sausage.

4. Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the egg muffins are set and slightly golden.

6. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.

Tip: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick grab-and-go breakfast!

You’ll Be a Butterfly Soon

by Cindy J. Evans

When I was in a dark place, as if held in a cocoon, I heard the Lord gently whisper, “You'll be a butterfly soon.” I waited in the quiet, I waited when I couldn't see, I waited, daring to hope, longing to be free!

Then, suddenly! Light! He gave me my breakthrough and a butterfly I became, to live and fly brand new!

More Than Just a Smoothie Shop

When Keith and Ken Ozment took ownership of Spartan Smoothies in 2019, the goal was simple: create a place where people could grab a greattasting smoothie made with quality ingredients. What started as a small local smoothie shop has since grown into something much bigger—a true community hub for health, nutrition, and performance.

In fact, the last time Spartan Smoothies was featured in this magazine was back in 2021, right in the middle of the COVID era. Since then, the business has experienced substantial growth, expanding not just in size, but in purpose.

Today, Spartan Smoothies is truly more than just a smoothie shop.

One of the most meaningful areas of growth has been the team itself. Not only has the business grown, but so has the staff. Spartan Smoothies is now proud to employ over 12 team members and two managers, and the shop has truly become like a family. Building a positive workplace culture has been a top priority from the start — one rooted in respect, encouragement, and shared values. That culture shows up every day in the way the team serves customers and supports one another.

On the product side, Spartan Smoothies has expanded well beyond smoothies alone. One of the biggest additions has been the introduction of fresh, ready-to-eat meals from local food prep company Ideal Meals. These meals offer a convenient solution for busy individuals and families who want to eat well without sacrificing flavor or consistency. Whether someone’s goal is fat loss, muscle gain, or overall health, these meals help make proper nutrition easier.

The shop has also added high-fiber and high-protein bread options, giving customers smarter alternatives while still enjoying the foods they love.

Another major area of growth has been supplements. Spartan Smoothies now carries a wide variety of vitamins, energy products, weight loss supplements, and weight gain products, allowing customers to find support for nearly any health or fitness goal in one place.

Beyond products, Spartan Smoothies offers nutrition consulting, helping customers better understand how to fuel their bodies. A key tool in this process is the Evolt 360 body composition scan. In just 30 seconds, the scan measures

important data about the body and metabolism, providing insight into lean mass, body fat, and overall metabolic health. This information helps individuals better understand their calorie and protein needs, removing guesswork and creating a more personalized approach to nutrition.

Another exciting evolution of Spartan Smoothies is the growth of its Spartan Protein Bars. What began as a simple in-house item quickly gained popularity and has since grown into a separate business of its own. Today, these protein bars are sold not only in-store, but also in other nutrition shops across Georgia and Alabama, as well as online.

Freshness remains at the core of everything Spartan Smoothies does. Each day, the team slices over 30 pounds of fresh fruit for smoothies and acai bowls. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, avocados, plant-based options, and a wide range of add-ins ensure customers can create exactly what they need.

Since 2019, Spartan Smoothies has continued to grow— in offerings, in impact, and in people—while staying rooted in quality, education, and community.

Come by and see why Spartan Smoothies is truly more than just a smoothie shop. Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:30AM – 8:30PM, Saturday: 8:00AM – 8:30PM, Sunday: 10:00AM –6:00PM. Visit the website, www.spartansmoothiesrome.com.

Five years of extraordinary senior living.

There’s no shortage of energy and excitement when you live at The Spires at Berry College — whether hiking around our scenic lakeside location, raising a glass at our pub for happy hour or exploring Rome’s charming attractions with friends. While immersed in Berry’s lively campus culture, residents have countless opportunities to attend university athletic events, arts performances and even lectures — not to mention form meaningful relationships with students. At the heart of it all, you’ll find the spirit of togetherness that makes our community one of a kind.

See why The Spires is not just a place to live — but a better way to live. Call 706-524-0600 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.