The Apostle Paul states it emphatically in Romans 8:38–39 (KJV):

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing! Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It does not matter what we have done. God’s love continues to reach out to us and overwhelm us with His grace, even in the midst of our disobedience, failures, or questionable choices. God’s love is still reaching.

Often, we hear young people, as well as those older say they have been involved in so many bad choices they believe they are beyond forgiveness. But when we are talking about God’s love, we must understand that no one is beyond His reach. God always loves, for God is love.

There may be individuals or groups of people who try to steal the joy we have in following Him. Sometimes people choose not to forgive, and that stands in direct opposition to the forgiveness God offers us. But we must remember that God’s love is greater than the difficulties we face—greater than the rejection, disappointment, guilt, and struggles that can cause us to doubt His nearness.

He is always there.

Nothing can keep us from His presence. Nothing can make His love disappear. Nothing can place us beyond the reach of His grace.

So, trust in His forgiveness.

Know that He cares.

Understand that He loves you through every challenge and every circumstance of life.

When you feel unworthy, remember His love.

When you feel forgotten, remember His presence.

When you feel that you have gone too far, remember His grace.

Nothing can separate us...from God’s love!

Dr. Walt Mauldin, Executive Director

Tammie Mauldin, Co-Executive Director

Under the leadership of Dr. Tim and Paula Hill, Tennessee Church of God congregations raised $200,000 to complete the renovation of the Tennessee Cottage on the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home campus. Work began early in the year, and recently, the SMCH staff gathered together to dedicate the facility.



Administrative Bishop Dr. Tim Hill and Paula Hill, Executive Directors Dr. Walt and Tammie Mauldin, and Business and Records Director Dr. Shane Smith were on hand to lead the litany of dedication.

Renovation efforts were completed by Jason Buckley of XTreme Building and Renovating, LLC. Their work involved replacing every wall with concrete-based drywall, as well as installing new flooring, which transformed the entire cottage. Four bedrooms were converted into eight bedrooms, and two bathrooms were converted into four. Kitchen cabinets and appliances were replaced, fire-rated windows were installed, and a new security system will provide greater safety for our students.

In addition to renovating the cottage, T. J. Tallent of Tallent Construction generously provided a $30,000 roofing project for the Tennessee Cottage. What a tremendous blessing! T. J. and his wife, Missy, also attended the dedication.

Tammie Mauldin is responsible for cottage fundraising projects. She commented, “We are marking this day as a win-win and are so excited to complete the renovation of the Tennessee Cottage. Our appreciation goes out to Dr. Tim and Paula Hill and all the churches here in Tennessee that made this dream a reality!”

Other cottages that have been renovated include DelMarVa-DC, Ohio, and Kentucky. The South Georgia cottage is currently under reconstruction, and the Alabama cottage will be next in line to complete the renovation process.

The best is yet to come!