Laurie Stroud

Walt Merrell and camping group outdoors

Cahaba River Eggspedition with Walt Merrell

March 26, 2024

The Great Outdoors I woke during the night… rain pitter-pattered on the tent top. A once soothing creek right behind our camp now gargled into the Cahaba River, as if it were angry.  The slow, steady rain had swollen both creek and river.  The noise likely wouldn’t have disturbed me had my air mattress not …

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Passing It On with Grandma’s Rolling Pin

March 26, 2024

The Home Front  One branch of my family arrived in the Alabama Territory in 1818. I am so thankful my ancestors realized that Alabama was our family’s promised land. Writing my cookbooks that celebrate the culinary heritage of Sweet Home Alabama has given me a beautiful gift. As I researched and wrote the stories, I …

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Israeli-Gaza War Dogs Evacuated to Alabama

March 26, 2024

The Family Pet In March, Two by Two Animal Rescue received 17 dogs evacuated from the war-torn area of Israel and Gaza. The International Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals asked rescue organizations from all over the world to help. Two by Two Rescue was the only organization in Alabama to volunteer. Executive …

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Family Prayer Walks: Strengthening Faith and Connection with God

March 26, 2024

Parenting Points Finding time to connect with God as a family can be challenging in a world filled with busyness and distractions. However, one simple yet powerful way to nurture faith and strengthen bonds within the family is through prayer walks. By combining physical activity with spiritual reflection, family prayer walks offer a unique opportunity …

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What is Your Marriage Temperature?

March 26, 2024

Special Feature Have you considered all the things we measure with a thermometer? Assessing temperature is a normal part of life. We check the temperature of foods, our bodies, and the weather. Envision a thermometer with a sensor that calibrates and displays your marital health as hot, cold, or normal. Your assessment may involve inspecting …

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Does Your Financial Plan Make Tax Sense?

March 26, 2024

Money Matters As the April tax deadline approaches, many households find themselves wondering if they are paying more taxes than necessary. Here are a few high-level concepts to keep in mind. Retirement planning: When allocating 401(k) or IRA contributions between Roth or traditional accounts, it can be difficult to know which is better. Assuming that …

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Celebrate Life

March 26, 2024

Encouraging Word We learn in Genesis that God is the Creator and the Source of life. Life is a gift from God and is to be celebrated. How can we celebrate life? To celebrate means to give special attention to and to recognize and rejoice as significant. Physical life is a gift and is sacred …

Jennifer and Skip Holtz

Stallions Coach Skip Holtz: Bringing Championships to the Magic City

March 26, 2024

Cover Story With two championship seasons already under their belts, Coach Skip Holtz and the Birmingham Stallions look to win an unprecedented third title for the Magic City in the United Football League. Coach Holtz and his wife Jennifer have made Birmingham their home during the football season, and say they feel comfortable and welcome …

Langley Family Photo

Bridging Gaps at Big Oak Ranch

March 25, 2024

Miracle Moments Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 NLT We are completely called as believers to do what we are doing as a Resource Family. We are fulfilling exactly what He …

Best Books 0424 Mostly What God Does

Mostly What God Does

March 25, 2024

Best Books  One day, Savannah Guthrie read a passage from the Bible that hit her like a thunderbolt. As she describes it, the moment generated a radical re-framing of her concept of God. The verse grabbed her and held her heart. Having been raised in a church environment that leaned into guilt, condemnation, and the …

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