Tag: Georgia

Boil water advisory issued for southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City

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Stainless-steel pot of boiling water on a gas stove

Residents and businesses in parts of southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City are being told to boil tap water before using it or use bottled water following a water supply interruption. Atlanta Watershed Management issued the boil water advisory Sunday, Oct. 11, after an interruption affecting the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant.

People in the affected area should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool before drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing their teeth. Bottled water can be used instead. Officials also advised people not to drink from public water fountains in the affected area.

Source: Boil water advisory issued for southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City – CBS Atlanta

Yahweh is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

Hunted for Following Jesus

In some communities, Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ face rejection, threats, violence, and even death because of their faith. For Muslim-background believers, choosing…

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Hurricane slams South, leaving outages, 4 deaths

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Hurricane Damage

Post-Tropical Cyclone Isaias was moving northeast through central Alabama near Birmingham on Saturday after roaring ashore as a Category 2 hurricane late Friday evening near Destin, Florida, with winds of about 105 mph, causing at least four deaths. Trees and power lines were down in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, creating dangerous conditions and forcing road closures late Friday, officials said. Power outages are in the hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across much of Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and western Georgia. At least four people have been reported killed in the storm, two each in Alabama and Florida, authorities said Saturday.

The storm broke a two-year drought of U.S. hurricane landfalls, with the most recent being Hurricane Milton in October 2024, two years to the day before Isaias made landfall. The center of Post-Tropical Cyclone Isaias was moving north over Alabama on Saturday and is expected to reach the Tennessee Valley later in the day and into Sunday, when it will make a northeastward turn. As of 5 p.m. ET Saturday, the center of Isaias was about 5 miles west of Birmingham, Alabama, moving northeast at 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is forecast to continue inland and weaken further.

Source: Hurricane slams South, leaving outages, 4 deaths

In that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.
Deuteronomy 30:16

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Monarch butterflies find a vital stopover at Gibbs Gardens during their 3,000-mile migration

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Every fall, one of nature’s most remarkable migrations passes through Georgia, carried on wings so delicate they seem hardly suited for the journey ahead. Generations of Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from their summer breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to the mountains of central Mexico, where they spend the winter. Along the way, they need somewhere to eat. At Gibbs Gardens in Cherokee County, a sprawling meadow of cosmos, zinnias and other wildflowers has become something of a roadside diner for butterflies on the move.

“The monarchs, they have to refuel every single day,” said Eric Johnson, a horticulturist and host of PBS’s GardenSmart.  “Every day they have to find a nectar source.” And finding those sources has become increasingly difficult.  “If they can’t refuel, those are butterflies that don’t make it,” Johnson said. Gibbs Gardens is the life’s work of landscape designer Jim Gibbs, who began developing his vision for a world-class garden north of Atlanta in the 1970s. Today, the 376-acre estate includes approximately 220 acres of landscaped gardens, many inspired by Gibbs’ travels in Japan.  Its celebrated daffodil festival was named the nation’s top flower festival in USA TODAY’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

But among the property’s carefully cultivated landscapes is a meadow with a purpose that extends well beyond its appearance.  Originally planted to support honeybees, the meadow was later adapted to help monarch butterflies. “It was in 2021, when the monarch populations were collapsing, [Gibbs] repurposed this garden significantly to have it focus largely on the monarch population,” Johnson said. The flowers provide nectar, giving migrating butterflies the energy they need to continue their journey south. 

And those stops can make the difference between completing the migration and falling short. The eastern migratory monarch population has declined by an estimated 80% since the mid-1990s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Habitat loss, pesticide exposure and climate change are among the threats facing the species.  Although monarch populations fluctuate from year to year, their long-term decline has raised concerns about the survival of one of North America’s best-known migrations. For Johnson, the connection between conservation and gardening is direct.  “What we do as gardeners absolutely makes a difference,” he said. The nectar-producing flowers at Gibbs Gardens provide fuel for adult monarchs. But another plant is essential to producing the next generation:  milkweed.

Female monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and their caterpillars depend on milkweed leaves for food.  Without it, monarchs cannot successfully reproduce.  As native milkweed habitat has disappeared from roadsides, fields and other open spaces, the butterflies have lost critical breeding grounds.  That means even relatively small planting decisions can make a difference. “The most important thing that homeowners could do if you care about the survival of monarchs, even if you just have a little corner of your garden and you can plant some milkweed and then some good nectar-producing flowering plants,” Johnson said. Native milkweed varieties appropriate for Georgia, combined with flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, can help support monarchs and other pollinators.

Monarchs generally pass through north Georgia during their fall migration from late September into mid-October, with the timing and number of butterflies varying from year to year. Gibbs Gardens, in Ball Ground, is open to the public during its seasonal operating schedule.  Visitors can purchase admission to explore the gardens, including the flowering landscapes that attract migrating butterflies. A sighting is never guaranteed.  The butterflies are wild, and their movements depend on weather, migration conditions and the availability of nectar. 

On a recent visit to the gardens by CBS News, monarchs by the hundreds were observed in an almost dancing movement across the tops of the flowers. It is an extraordinary journey unfolding close to Metro Atlanta.  For the monarchs, the trip to Mexico can stretch as far as 3,000 miles.  Whether they complete it may depend, in part, on what is growing in places like Gibbs Gardens — or even in an ordinary Georgia backyard.

Source: Monarch butterflies find a vital stopover at Gibbs Gardens during their 3,000-mile migration – CBS Atlanta

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8

Powerful earthquake shakes Panama

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Plague in Russia?

Russian authorities have sought to allay global worries over the death of a young woman who worked at a Siberian anti-plague laboratory. But moves to isolate her contacts and…

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Kemp expands fuel relief for Georgia farmers and truckers

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Trucks traveling on a divided highway through golden farmland

Georgia is giving truckers and farmers more time and flexibility as high fuel costs continue to strain their budgets. Gov. Brian Kemp has extended the state’s motor fuel tax suspension through Nov. 5 and temporarily waived state penalties for using off-road “dyed” diesel in vehicles traveling on public roads. The changes are part of an amended state of emergency for disruptions to petroleum supplies. The order took effect Tuesday and will expire at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 5 unless it is renewed or ended early. 

Dyed diesel is generally used in off-road equipment, including agricultural and forestry machinery. Under the temporary order, Georgia will not impose state penalties for selling, delivering or using that fuel for highway travel. The state revenue commissioner was directed to issue guidance on how the waiver will be implemented. “With our farmers and truckers under heavy pressure, we’re leaving no stone unturned when it comes to giving them relief, along with the hardworking Georgians who rely on the goods they produce and deliver,” Kemp said in a statement. The amended order continues other measures that began Sept. 29, including the suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel tax and certain weight restrictions on commercial vehicles.

Those measures were originally set to expire Oct. 29. Before the suspension, Georgia collected 33.3 cents per gallon of gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon of diesel.  AAA data from Tuesday showed Georgia’s average price for regular gas had fallen by about 33 cents in one week, from roughly $4.18 to $3.85 per gallon. The average diesel price dropped by about 43 cents, from roughly $6.23 to $5.80 per gallon. Georgia’s regular gas average was about 52 cents below the national average.  The order says the temporary changes are intended to support Georgia’s agricultural and timber industries during the fall harvest season and address ongoing disruptions to global petroleum supplies.

Source: Kemp expands fuel relief for Georgia farmers and truckers – CBS Atlanta

A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
Proverbs 18:16

For God so Loved the World

“God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus loved you enough to give His life, and through faith, you are offered a hope this world can never take…

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2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life. When we choose…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that you are…

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Field of Flags marks 25 years since 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain

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At the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, 2,977 American flags now stand as a reminder that every person killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks had a life and a story. People of all ages joined first responders and community groups to plant the flags at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Each flag represents one person killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. “It’s the feeling of giving back,” said Ernie Wagoner, president of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta. “Just look at the crowd we have here. We’ve got firemen, policemen. They just want to give back.”

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta first organized the Field of Flags in 2002. This year’s display is its sixth installation, according to the city of Marietta. The memorial is displayed every five years. Wagoner said more than 1,200 people signed up to help this year, with additional volunteers arriving without registering. “It brings the community together,” Wagoner said. For Melissa Tanner, volunteering was also an opportunity to teach her grandchildren about those who died and the first responders who risked their lives to save others. “I brought my grandchildren with me, and I wanted them to remember,” Tanner said. “I don’t want it to be sad. I want it to be a remembrance of those who gave their lives.” Roger Ball said the tribute offers younger generations a chance to understand the country’s history and learn from it. “The main thing is understand your history,” Ball said.

“Learn from it. How can we move forward and not let what happened to us happen again?” For Ball, planting the flags also brought together people who may not have otherwise met. “Anytime you have an opportunity like this to participate in an event where you are recognizing milestone events in America, it’s also unifying,” Ball said. The Field of Flags will remain on display through Sept. 19, according to the Kiwanis Club of Marietta.

Source: Field of Flags marks 25 years since 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain – CBS Atlanta

And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11

Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds…

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Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble.…

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Marijuana seizure: 1,800 pounds intercepted by Butts County sheriff

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Nearly 900 pounds of marijuana headed to Orlando was intercepted in Georgia as part of a larger interstate shipment, according to the Butts County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Gary Long said authorities seized approximately 1,800 pounds of marijuana in Butts County on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The shipment originated in Sacramento, California. Long said approximately half was destined for Atlanta, while the other half was headed to Orlando. The Sheriff’s Office released photos showing law enforcement officers standing behind a large pile of bags containing what authorities identified as marijuana. The agency’s statement did not identify anyone connected with the shipment, announce any arrests or charges or disclose its intended destination in Orlando.

Florida permits medical marijuana for qualified patients, but only state-licensed medical marijuana treatment centers are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense it, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Long used the seizure to make a broader argument about marijuana legalization and the continued existence of illegal sales. “The illegal marijuana trade does not stop at the state line,” Long said. The sheriff argued that criminal operations can undercut licensed marijuana businesses because they do not pay taxes, licensing fees or regulatory expenses.

Long also said Mexican drug-trafficking organizations and other criminal groups continue to move marijuana across state lines. However, the Sheriff’s Office did not connect this shipment to a particular cartel or criminal organization. The sheriff urged Georgia lawmakers to examine the experiences of states that have legalized recreational marijuana before expanding the state’s existing medical cannabis program. Georgia allows registered patients to possess certain medical cannabis products, but recreational marijuana remains illegal.

The Georgia Department of Public Health says the state’s medical program does not legalize the possession or sale of other forms of marijuana. “Georgia, let’s get it right the first time,” Long said.

Source: Marijuana seizure: 1,800 pounds intercepted by Butts County sheriff – WDBO

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6:1-2

Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while…

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Overturned fuel tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel closes DeKalb County road as crews work to contain runoff

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Cleanup crews found no diesel runoff after a tanker carrying about 7,500 gallons of fuel overturned in DeKalb County, fire officials said in an update late Friday morning. A spokesperson with DeKalb County Fire Rescue said most of the diesel remained inside the tanker or soaked into the soil immediately surrounding the truck near White Circle and Browns Mill Road. Testing confirmed the affected area was limited to the crash site. Officials initially raised concerns that fuel could reach a storm drain and nearby pond. However, testing completed by cleanup crews found no runoff from the incident.

All remaining fuel was removed from the overturned tanker by 10:30 a.m. Crews are now removing contaminated soil before S&W Towing returns the truck to an upright position. Browns Mill Road remains closed in both directions. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time, and drivers are urged to avoid the area. The EPA, Chemtrac, Georgia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol and Valero Gas Corp. were notified about the incident.

Source: Overturned fuel tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel closes DeKalb County road as crews work to contain runoff – CBS Atlanta

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Romans 15:2

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the…

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New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say

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DeKalb County health officials have confirmed another mosquito trap in the county has tested positive for West Nile virus. The latest confirmed positive test came from a trap in the 30316 ZIP code, which consists of East Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb, officials announced on Monday morning. The number of mosquito traps that have captured insects infected with the West Nile virus in the county this summer is now eight, with neighboring Fulton County reporting one positive trap. Officials say there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection in DeKalb County this year.

Residents are advised to remove standing water from gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows, and old tires at least once a week. The agency also recommends trimming tall grass and weeds, checking window and door screens and limiting outdoor activity around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. People who go outside should use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 and follow the product’s instructions. Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks can also help prevent mosquito bites. Any DeKalb County residents who have more questions about West Nile virus or want to request a mosquito assessment can do so on the county Department of Public Health’s website.

Source: New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say – CBS Atlanta

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 19:30

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Authorities urge caution after dead bat tests positive for rabies in DeKalb County

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Hundreds of bats flying across a sunset sky above a mountain valley

Health authorities are asking residents in DeKalb County to watch their pets after a dead bat tested positive for rabies. Authorities say the bat was found in the area around Terry Mill Road and tested positive on Aug. 21. Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. Officials say that means it’s important for residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoid animals that may be behaving in unusual ways. In July, a dead bat was found in the area near South DeKalb Columbia Drive and York Place around Stone Mountain, health officials say.

Other animals, such as raccoons, have tested positive in recent months. The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released. If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medical care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. After that, contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist. To report an animal behaving in an unusual way or to report an animal bite, call DeKalb County Animal Control at (404) 294-2996, ext. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or (404) 294-2519 after hours.

Source: Authorities urge caution after dead bat tests positive for rabies in DeKalb County – CBS Atlanta

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Matthew 16:26

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands…

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Metro Atlanta nonprofit delivers 250,000 pounds of food to people facing food insecurity monthly

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The cost of groceries remains high, and a metro Atlanta nonprofit says the demographic of those relying on food pantries is changing. Reflections of Trinity in Hiram said in 2025 they served just under 3 million pounds of food to people across 77 Georgia counties and some outside of Georgia. Carol Reed has spent the past four months volunteering for Reflections of Trinity. “I come in at 8:30, and I leave at noon,” Reed said. “You know that’s a good workout for me.” CBS Atlanta spoke to Reed while she was volunteering on a Tuesday. She loves Tuesdays because the food she and other volunteers pack up goes to senior citizens.

“Since I’m one myself, and I have plenty of food. There’s so many. Look at the people that don’t from the amount of boxes we have,” Reed said. “A lot of people don’t have food. They just don’t.” The number of people in Georgia facing food insecurity has been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Feeding America, more than 1.2 million people in Georgia experienced food insecurity in 2019. The numbers improved in 2020 and 2021, but by 2023 more than 1.6 million people in Georgia were facing food insecurity. Reflections of Trinity Founder Laurie Ann Wong-Burns said around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were serving 1,000 families a week, but that number has gone up. “We’re up to 1,300 families a week, so it’s just steadily increased since 2022,” Wong-Burns said. She said rising costs are adding to additional financial strains.

“Housing has gone up, so has fuel, so it’s like a trifecta, and a lot of times people’s wages haven’t gone up, so that’s where food pantries come in,” Wong-Burns said. She said partnerships with metro Atlanta businesses help them get the job done. “We can’t do it without them,” Wong-Burns said. “Not for the volume of food we move every week.” One of those partners is Wellstar Health System. “If you don’t have nutritious food, that can lead to chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes,” said Wellstar’s Assistant Vice President of Community Health Elise Lockamy-Kassim. “And so, although we’re a health system that serves those needs, we want to prevent people from coming through our doors with those needs.” Wellstar donated a van to the nonprofit in 2025 to help Reflections of Trinity further its mission.

“To know that we are a part of this large vision that Reflections of Trinity has to serve even more people, oh, that makes it all worthwhile,” Lockamy-Kassim said. Linda Riddle is one of the seniors who receives a box of food every Tuesday. “It helps me a lot because, you know, I only get a minimum of food stamps, so I run out of a lot of things like milk and fruits and whatever else that’s in the box,” Riddle said. Her grocery budget is tight. “I have to have them to keep a tab of what I’m spending, and just a little bit of groceries it gets so, so much,” Riddle said.

Mildren Williams is another senior who receives food from Reflections of Trinity. Her grocery budget is tight too. “Heart trouble, diabetes, it all costs money, and this insurance I have is… I got in more debt this year with sickness and medication, and it’s a blessing for me to get this extra, and I appreciate it very much,” Williams said. Wong-Burns said they also rely heavily on volunteers and have about 200 to 250 volunteers each week. 

Source: Metro Atlanta nonprofit delivers 250,000 pounds of food to people facing food insecurity monthly – CBS Atlanta

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:37

God as Your Ever-Present Help

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to…

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Isolated storms could impact metro Atlanta counties, forecasters say

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water splash on ground

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Atlanta metro area this evening.  At 6:48 p.m., meteorologists reported a severe thunderstorm over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, approximately eight miles northwest of Jonesboro, moving south at 10 miles per hour Communities expected to be impacted include Atlanta, Jonesboro, City of South Fulton, East Point, Union City, Forest Park, Riverdale, College Park, Morrow, Hapeville, Lake City, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Fort Gillem, and Conley. The warning officially expired at 7:15 p.m., but forecasters say expect some isolated showers throughout the evening.

Source: Isolated storms could impact metro Atlanta counties, forecasters say – CBS Atlanta

For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
Psalm 18:31

The Distraction of Fear

Fear has a way of making tomorrow feel more real than today. But you were never meant to live inside a future that hasn’t happened yet, you were called to trust the God who…

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Too Busy to Hear God

You can be so busy doing things for God that you never stop long enough to hear from God. Sometimes the biggest distraction in your life isn’t rebellion, it’s simply being too busy to…

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Who Has Your Attention?

Your attention is one of the most valuable things you own, and everyone wants a piece of it. The question isn’t whether something is getting your attention—the question is whether Jesus is getting enough…

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Lifeguard rescues dog at Hilton Head beach

A Hilton Head Island lifeguard saved a beach-goer’s dog Thursday morning. Lifeguard Otávio Cunha from Hilton Head’s Shore Beach Service swam 60 yards to rescue the K-9, according to a Facebook post from the…

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Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents

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Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations after reports that voter registration mailers were sent to deceased Georgians and other ineligible recipients. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, election officials have received numerous complaints about voter registration solicitations being mailed to people who have died. In one unusual case cited by the office, a deceased family dog reportedly received one of the mailers. State officials said they are reviewing whether the mailings violate Georgia law or otherwise undermine confidence in the state’s election system.

The Secretary of State’s Office said third-party voter registration groups frequently conduct mass mail campaigns ahead of major elections but often rely on commercial databases that can contain outdated or inaccurate information, unlike Georgia’s official voter registration system. “Groups like this highlight the unreliability of commercial data,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia maintains one of the cleanest voter rolls in the nation through continuous list maintenance and citizenship verification. These outside organizations don’t use those standards. Instead, they flood mailboxes with inaccurate solicitations that confuse voters and waste election officials’ time.” Raffensperger also thanked voters who alerted his office to the mailings. “I want to thank the voters who have flagged the inaccurate mailings and sent them to our office,” he said. “Whether checking their ballots for accuracy or keeping their own registration information up to date, voters are a crucial line of defense in election security.” Georgia officials said the issue mirrors problems recently identified in North Carolina, where election officials warned residents about similar mailings from Ready to Register. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, North Carolina officials said the organization mailed registration forms to deceased individuals, used outdated forms, listed incorrect election office addresses and included QR codes that raised privacy concerns.

Raffensperger criticized the mass mailing campaigns, saying they create confusion while increasing the workload for local election offices. “Whether intentional or simply reckless, these mail campaigns operate like a grift — raising money and generating activity while shifting the costs onto taxpayers, election officials, and voters,” Raffensperger said. “Georgia taxpayers should not have to clean up the mess created by organizations that prioritize volume over accuracy.” The Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging Georgians to verify their voter registration through the state’s My Voter Page and says voters who are already registered at their current address should disregard unsolicited voter registration mailers.

Source: Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents – CBS Atlanta

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13

Finding Strength in God

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation],…

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Faith Under Pressure

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that treats ancient Scripture the way a good contractor treats load-bearing walls — you don’t move them just because the room looks dated. Mara: Today…

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Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly

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A bright and colorful insect wants to make Georgia its new home, and officials want you to kill it as quickly as you possibly can. A native of Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first identified in the United States in 2014, northwest of Philadelphia. It’s likely that insect eggs came over with a load of landscaping stones. Twelve years later, there are reported infestations in 21 states, from the Midwest to the East Coast. Georgia’s first live population was found in 2024. Since then, the Peach State has had 79 reports of the species, all in Fulton County. The insect has been able to spread so far, so fast because it is a sneaky hitchhiker.

Drivers in the summer unwittingly give lifts to adults, which look like moths, perched inside trunks, on wheel wells, or on bumpers. Cars can also carry the insect’s eggs, which can hatch miles away from where they were laid. What makes the lanternfly such a threat is its appetite. The insect feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, and hardwood trees. As it eats, it emits a sticky fluid that can lead to the growth of sooty mold, which also damages the plants. “We urge all Georgians to remain vigilant. While spotted lanternflies do not directly threaten human health, they can severely impact our number one industry—agriculture,” the Georgia Department of Agriculture wrote. What do spotted lanternflies look like? Spotted lanternfly egg masses hold 30 to 50 eggs and look like wet gray putty before turning a brown that’s similar to cracked mud. The insect lays its eggs in the fall, winter, and spring. From March to June, juvenile nymphs start growing. These tiny insects are black with white spots that turn red as they grow older.

The adult spotted lanternflies are around 1.5 inches long and have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. Their wings are highly recognizable, with brown forewings speckled with black spots and bright scarlet hind wings that turn into black and white at the ends. The insects frequently gather together while feeding and are easiest to spot at dusk or at night, officials say. What to do if you spot a spotted lanternfly in Georgia If you see a spotted lanternfly, Georgia officials say you should follow three simple steps. First, take a clear picture of the insect. Second, squish it. Third, send in a report to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, giving as many details as possible about where you found the insect.

Source: Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly – CBS Atlanta

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17

The Weight of Leadership

“A church can survive criticism, but it cannot thrive without integrity. When spiritual leaders forget they answer first to God, the flock always bears the wounds.” “Not…

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Heaven is for Real Movie

“Heaven is for Real” is a faith-based family drama inspired by a Nebraska Pastor Tood Burpo’s best-selling book about his 4 years old son (Colton Burpo) who…

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God’s Here

After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves Director:…

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Flooding could impact more than 88 million as severe storms threaten multiple states

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car navigating flooded street after heavy rain

Flooding could impact more than 88 million people across the middle of the country this week, forecasts show, as severe weather threatens multiple U.S. states in the Midwest and northern Plains.  About two dozen flash floods have been reported Monday across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, according to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. Flood watches remained in effect until Tuesday morning for large swaths of the Midwest, including much of Missouri and Illinois, with some extending farther south through Tennessee and into northern Alabama and Georgia.

The watches, which are issued when weather conditions mean flooding is possible but not necessarily guaranteed, affect about 20 million people. The severe weather threat to major cities in Kansas, like Topeka and Salina, is expected to last through Thursday, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center. Nikki Nolan/CBS News Storms across the central Plains could also potentially produce “very large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes,” while heavy rain posed risks of flash flooding across sections of the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters have predicted rainfall of up to 8 inches in some areas. Forecasters also warned that excessive rain over parts of Tennessee and Alabama would continue to carry the potential for “considerable and life-threatening flooding” through Monday evening, after as much as 9 inches of rain drenched the region on Sunday.

Rushing water triggered a flash flood emergency near Huntsville, Alabama, where video footage captured vehicles partially submerged on a street. The flooding left some drivers stranded. This week’s storms come on the heels of others that already brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the country over the weekend, leading to at least one death in New York City. Nikki Nolan/CBS News Parts of the South were affected, too. In Texas’ Milam County, about an hour outside of Austin, torrential downpours caused vehicles to slide off of local roads on Saturday and prompted multiple water rescues.

In Slidell, Louisiana, up to 6 inches of rain fell in less than 12 hours, which also caused flash flooding. As the weekend storms pounded northeastern states like Pennsylvania and New York, Pittsburgh resident Tim Broadwater told “CBS Mornings” that ferocious wind gusts shook his home so violently that it was knocked off of the cement blocks that previously held it upright.  “I was scared to death,” Broadwater said. “I thought I was going to end up in the creek.” In New York City, officials said an 85-year-old man was struck and killed by a falling tree in Queens. In Brooklyn, where wind gusts reached 64 mph, video showed furniture tumbling across the deck of a rooftop pool. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department said the storms downed more than 250 trees across the city.

Source: Flooding could impact more than 88 million as severe storms threaten multiple states – CBS News

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

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Raccoon tests positive for rabies after attacking dog in metro Atlanta

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scared bristling raccoon

Gwinnett County officials are warning residents to use caution after a raccoon tested positive for rabies over the weekend. Officials say the raccoon attacked a dog near Biltmore Oaks Drive in the Bethlehem area on May 26. Testing revealed that the animal was infected with the potentially deadly virus. The disease, which can be transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals, is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms occur. Those symptoms include muscle aches, fever, vomiting, and general weakness and discomfort. The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.

Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. Officials say that means it’s important for residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoid animals that may be behaving in unusual ways. Earlier in May, a DeKalb County raccoon tested positive for rabies. If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. After that, contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

Source: Raccoon tests positive for rabies after attacking dog in metro Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

Climbing Your Mountain

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right now,…

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Boundary Waters wilderness burning at U.S

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Peace in the Storm

God does not always remove the storm immediately, but He promises peace in the middle of it. His presence calms fearful hearts.  Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”…

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Georgia wildlife officials warn smallmouth bass are being illegally introduced into Lake Allatoona

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person holding a brown fish

Smallmouth bass are turning up in Lake Allatoona, but Georgia wildlife officials say the fish are not supposed to be there and are likely being illegally introduced into the lake. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division said biologists have obtained a specimen and are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and researchers at the University of Georgia to determine how the fish ended up in the reservoir. Officials said some fish introductions can happen naturally through range expansion or severe weather events such as hurricanes.

However, most cases are linked to human activity. Authorities warned that unauthorized introductions of non-native fish can have serious and irreversible ecological consequences, potentially affecting native fish populations, food webs, wildlife and existing fisheries. The Wildlife Resources Division is asking boaters and anglers on Lake Allatoona not to release any smallmouth bass they catch. Officials also urged the public to report anyone suspected of illegally stocking or transferring fish into the lake.

Source: Georgia wildlife officials warn smallmouth bass are being illegally introduced into Lake Allatoona – CBS Atlanta

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12

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Finding Hope in Life’s Challenges

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Extremely rare Guatemalan bearded lizards hatch at Zoo Atlanta

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Guatemalan bearded lizard

Zoo Atlanta has two new additions, and they are members of one of the rarest reptile species on Earth. The zoo announced that two Guatemalan beaded lizards hatched on May 14 and 17 and are reportedly “healthy and feisty.” The Guatemalan beaded lizard is only found in the wild in the country’s Motagua Valley. It’s estimated that there may be only 500 to 600 members of the critically endangered venomous lizard species in the wild, and the zoo says they have faced habitat loss and illegal trade. Zoo Atlanta is one of seven zoos in the U.S. to house the species. In over 25 years, 46 of the lizards have hatched at the zoo, which has worked with the Heloderma Natural Reserve of Guatemala to protect the species.

Source: Extremely rare Guatemalan bearded lizards hatch at Zoo Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to have supernatural…

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High E. coli levels along Chattahoochee River force business closures after days of rain

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autumn river scene with lush forest in atlanta

Elevated E. coli levels along parts of the Chattahoochee River are forcing some businesses to temporarily shut down operations as officials continue monitoring unsafe water conditions following days of heavy rain.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper says spikes in bacteria levels after storms are common, but experts say the duration of the current contamination event is unusual.

“Typically we have a 24-hour period after a rain event where the river might look a little brown and have some elevated levels,” said Britt Oxford, general manager of Atlanta operations for Nantahala Outdoor Center. “But right now, with continuous rain for almost five days now, it’s just kind of held on and staying elevated.”

Source: High E. coli levels along Chattahoochee River force business closures after days of rain – CBS Atlanta

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Psalm 25:4

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Georgia’s apple farmers concerned over months-long drought’s impact on upcoming harvest

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close up of withered apples on a branch

In Gilmer County, at the foot of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, fourth-generation farmer Joshua Aaron is worried about the upcoming fall apple season. Aaron’s great-grandparents started Aaron Family Orchards decades ago, so he’s seen a lot of times, both good and bad. But during the midst of the state’s months-long drought, the future is beginning to look bleak. Apple orchards are feeling the heat, and it’s already showing signs of impacting the upcoming harvest season. In Ellijay, known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, the air is fresh, and the skies are blue, but those blue skies have been around for far too long and are now leading to growing problems at Aaron Family Orchards.

“Whether it be U-pick or going to schools or here in the market, we’re really watching how much rainfall we’re getting to make sure that we’re not going to have a large crop fall or have some kind of delay or hindrance in size of the crop,” Aaron said. Meanwhile, the apples are just beginning to pop up on the trees, but so is anxiety in the voices of local orchard owners like Aaron. “Luckily in North Georgia, we’ve actually gotten a little bit of rain, a lot more than the rest of the state, but even with the rain that we’ve gotten, we’re still in a severe drought,” Aaron explained. While it could be even worse, the impacts of the deepening drought are starting to show. As the trees shield themselves from additional drying under the searing summer sun, curled-up leaves are beginning to appear as the added stress builds.

Just like with humans, when the trees are under stress, they’re more susceptible to disease. Over time, bacteria can get into their blooms. That can kill an entire branch and possibly even the whole tree.

Source: Georgia’s apple farmers concerned over months-long drought’s impact on upcoming harvest – CBS Atlanta

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23

The Story of America: John Adams

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It…

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More rain, flash flooding expected in metro Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend

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water droplets in tilt shift lens

The CBS News Atlanta NEXT Weather team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for the holiday weekend. Increasing rain chances will impact North Georgia and metro Atlanta for Memorial Day. After a day of flooding in downtown Atlanta and at the I-75/I-85 connector during rush-hour traffic, more rain is expected. While there is not a big risk of severe storms in the coming days, the main threat will be heavy rain that could lead to localized flooding and even flash flooding, similar to what was seen on the Downtown Connector on Wednesday.

Source: More rain, flash flooding expected in metro Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend – CBS Atlanta

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Romans 13:9

George Washington on Freedom of Speech

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School bus ends up in ditch after crash with SUV in DeKalb County; 2 people taken to hospital

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back of school buss

A school bus ended up in a ditch early Tuesday morning after a crash involving an SUV in DeKalb County, officials said. DeKalb County police said officers were called around 6:10 a.m. Tuesday to Klondike Road and Wesley Providence Parkway for a reported collision between a school bus and an SUV. When officers arrived, they found the school bus off the roadway in a ditch. Police initially reported no serious injuries, but said the investigation is ongoing. DeKalb County School District officials later confirmed that a passenger vehicle made contact with a district bus on Klondike Road. According to district spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo, two bus monitors were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Source: School bus ends up in ditch after crash with SUV in DeKalb County; 2 people taken to hospital – CBS Atlanta

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
John 11:40

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Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say

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police automobile parked on street sidewalk

The director of a Brookhaven preschool and its lead teacher have been arrested following multiple allegations of cruelty to children in their care.  Detectives with the Brookhaven Police Department began investigating reports of abuse of children at the Oglethorpe Presbyterian Pre-School and Kindergarten in early May. And on Thursday, 63-year-old Beverly J. Moon and 27-year-old Charles K. Wheeler were taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also conducted separate investigations, and their findings confirmed information gathered by Brookhaven detectives. 

Police said several witnesses came forward and told authorities that Wheeler, the lead teacher, used “excessive measures” to restrain kids inside the classroom, causing distress. However, no specific injuries were reported.  Based on the witness statements and accounts provided by the parents of the victims, detectives established probable cause to initially charge Wheeler with five counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. After investigators took Wheeler into custody, an additional victim came forward, and detectives charged him with one more count of cruelty to children in the first degree, bringing the total to six counts. 

Source: Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say – CBS Atlanta

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
Proverbs 19:8

States That Allow Bible in the Classroom

Texas public schools will now require students to read Bible passages and stories as part of the latest conservative push to expand the role of religion in public education—a move bound to escalate wrangling over the separation…

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Burn ban lifted statewide as two large South Georgia wildfires reach 90% containment

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a woman standing on the grass field

Georgia’s statewide burn ban is over, but the fight against two massive wildfires in South Georgia is not. Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order Tuesday lifting the temporary burn ban that had been in place across Georgia counties as part of the state’s wildfire emergency declaration, citing improving weather conditions and decreased fire risk statewide. The burn ban was put in place on April 22, when Kemp declared a state of emergency across 91 counties in South Georgia at high risk for wildfires. The emergency declaration was later scaled back on May 5 to 17 counties in the southern part of the state. Tuesday’s order lifts the burn ban in all remaining counties, though the state of emergency itself remains in effect. Kemp’s order noted that weather conditions have continued to improve and that the emergency response has shifted toward recovery and rebuilding.

Source: Burn ban lifted statewide as two large South Georgia wildfires reach 90% containment – CBS Atlanta

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16

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Georgia Aquarium gives wounded veterans chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays

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a man swimming next to a whale

Swimming with manta rays, giant groupers, and even a whale shark brought joy and excitement to a group of injured U.S. military veterans who got to experience the healing power of water and wildlife at the Georgia Aquarium. The swim Wednesday at the aquarium in Atlanta also gave the U.S. service people who are part of the Wounded Warrior Project a much needed respite from their recovery and the stresses of life. The organization works with injured and wounded veterans and their families, “It gives them, you know, 30 or 40 minutes to just relax,” said Jason Bush, manager of the aquarium’s Military Salute program, which once a week brings members of the armed forces to swim or dive with marine animals.

“Whether it’s swimming in the water or scuba diving in particular, you’re weightless,” he added. “So physically, it takes away even for a moment physical pain that you feel when you’re on land.” The military veterans snorkeled or swam with the giant whale shark, Yushan, stingrays, and a variety of other marine animals. After being rescued from a Taiwanese fish market several years ago, Yushan is the only whale shark in captivity in the Western Hemisphere, according to aquarium officials.

Source: Georgia Aquarium gives wounded veterans chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays – CBS Atlanta

So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3

Not Meant For the Government

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” Patrick Henry Patrick Henry…

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Forsyth County launches wildfire relief drive for South Georgia families, first responders

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donation boxes on the table

A metro Atlanta county is stepping up to support families and first responders impacted by the South Georgia wildfires. The Forsyth County Fire Department launched a disaster relief drive Tuesday, collecting essential supplies through May 10 at all county fire stations and the Public Safety Complex on Settingdown Road. Officials say donations are already coming in quickly. “We’ve been watching what’s happening in southeast Georgia with a heavy heart,” said Division Chief Jason Shivers. “Let’s fill this local food bank warehouse so we can get a tractor-trailer shipped to South Georgia very soon.”

Shivers emphasized the urgent need, noting many families have lost everything. “They’re not just displaced in most cases—they’ve lost their homes and all of their possessions,” he said.

Accepted items include:

Shelf-stable, non-perishable food

Toiletries Household items

Baby and pet supplies

Socks, underwear, blankets

Smoke relief items like N95/KN95 masks and saline spray

The Cumming Police Department is also collecting donations, with plans to transport a truckload of supplies to South Georgia on Thursday. In a statement, the department said it is “heartbroken” by the devastation and called on the community to help support both families and first responders working around the clock. Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen is providing meals from an emergency operations center at the Brantley County Airport. Officials say they are serving about 600 meals each morning to support crews working long shifts.

Source: Forsyth County launches wildfire relief drive for South Georgia families, first responders – CBS Atlanta

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24

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State of Emergency declared as South Georgia wildfires force evacuations, send smoke into metro Atlanta

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aerial firefighting helicopter over turkish forest fire

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday as fast-moving wildfires in South Georgia prompted evacuations, road closures, and burn bans across the state.  As part of the order, Kemp has directed the Georgia Forestry Commission and other agencies to mobilize resources to help with the response and prohibits any form of price gouging. The order comes as residents across metro Atlanta reported heavy smoke and a strong smell of burning. The smoke drifting north is tied to multiple active fires, including large blazes in Brantley and surrounding counties, according to the commission.

Officials said dry conditions and wind are pushing smoke across the region, at times reducing visibility and affecting air quality.  “With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread,” Kemp said. “My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state, and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities. We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock.” The State of Emergency will be in place for 30 days. Burn ban issued for 91 Georgia counties

Source: State of Emergency declared as South Georgia wildfires force evacuations, send smoke into metro Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
Psalm 16:2

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