Laurie Stroud
A Christmas Quest
Christmas traditions have united the followers of Christ around the world for centuries. They have brought families, friends, communities together every year. Did your family have traditions they held to every year for Christmas? Growing up, I was ecstatic to help light the candles on the Advent wreath and decorate the Christmas tree. Now with …
Best Books
Hidden Christmas I know people who think the end is near. They are convinced the world is collapsing into an apocalyptic abyss and the world’s final days are upon us. Some of them believe that Jesus will come a second time and rescue them. Others are not sure and are bracing themselves for the darkness …
Laurie’s Blog
Christmas Roles Wise man? Shepherd? Angel? I have great memories of my three sons preparing for their much anticipated church Christmas programs. One year, at the ages of 7, 6 and 6, they each had a very exciting role to play. One son escorted Mary to the stable and watched over baby Jesus. Another put on his most …
Are We There Yet?
Start a Family Tradition at Christmas at the Falls Just a short drive over to Gadsden, Ala. will take you to a place sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit: Christmas at the Falls. Each year Noccalula Falls Park welcomes visitors to experience the lights and sounds of the season from …
Special Feature
Phyllis Hoffman DePiano & Her Southern Ladies In 1983 Phyllis Hoffman toted a pillowcase full of checks into a Birmingham bank to open a business account. The act spoke of her unconventionality as a business woman in the 80s starting her own company and publishing a magazine. Retired from public accounting and parenting twins, she …
City Scene
A Colonial Christmas at American Village Step back in time and enjoy a glorious celebration of Christmas. December 6-8 American Village in Montevallo will host a Colonial Christmas lunch in Liberty Hall, inspired by White House architect James Hoban’s Public Audience Chamber now known as the East Room. Your luncheon hostess will be the young …
Music Notes
Night of Song Helps Children in Need Grammy Award Winning singer/song writer Amy Grant’s recent visit to Birmingham marked the 10th Anniversary of the Auxiliary of the Big Oak Ranch and raised more than $57,000 for the 150 children who call the Big Oak Ranch home, www.bigoak.org. Grant sang to an enthusiastic crowd of more …
Are We There Yet?
The Ark Encounter Recently on my way from Tennessee to Detroit, I visited the newly opened Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY. This $30 million dollar extravaganza proved an incredible feat and delightful tourist attraction devised by Australian biologist Ken Ham. So well done, it was painstakingly built to biblical dimensions and fashioned with great skill …
Money Matters
Year-End Tax Planning It’s time to consider strategies that could help reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax situation. This is particularly true for year-end planning. You can’t know where to go next if you don’t know where you …
Cool Stuff with a Mighty Message
Great Gifts for the Holidays Beautiful Word. For the creative person in your life, give the gift of God’s Word in this newly released NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible from Zondervan ($39.99). It features hundreds of inspiring verses in detailed, ready-to-color line art. The artwork is intentionally kept separate from the Bible text so as …
