Laurie Stroud
Scholarship Winner: Caleb Cartee
My grandfather has a saying: when things are sideways, they’re “as messed up as a soup sandwich.” That’s kind of how choosing a college felt at first. There were so many options, and each one had something different to offer. But at the end of the day, my faith was what guided my decision. Mississippi …
Scholarship Winner: Ellyson Turner
In every decision I make, I hope to place God at the center. My faith has played a significant role in my decision to attend university, especially in choosing to pursue a career in film and art. My desire to create beautiful and intelligent films stems from observing the world God has designed around me. …
Scholarship Finalist: Emily Prickett
My Christian faith has been the foundation of my life, shaping my values, aspirations, and the way I view my future. As I prepare for college, my faith has played a key role in my decision to attend Auburn University. Through the strong Christian community at Auburn, influential mentors I’ve met along the way, and …
Scholarship Winner: Laney Thompson
“To whom much is given, much is required.” These are the words of Jesus that Dean Douglas Henry quoted on February 8th, 2025. As I sat on the front row at Baylor University’s prospective Honors College student event, the words sent chills running down my spine, and I realized my academic abilities are meant to …
Easter Week Services & Activities in Birmingham
Easter is on April 20, 2025. Here is a list of Easter Week Services and Activities happening in and around Birmingham. Click on the links for more details. April 13 Palm Sunday with Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills April 17 Maundy Thursday at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church Maundy Thursday with Meadow Brook Baptist Maundy Thursday with …
Cowboy Dreams & A Faithful Heart: Ed Allen
Cover Story From the time he was a boy, Ed Allen dreamed of being a cowboy. Today he lives out that dream while helping others. His Alabama based organization, Ed Allen Roping Productions, hosts regional team roping competitions. The events involve thousands of competitors, family members, and fans of all ages and skill levels. “It’s …
Fantastic Faith Stories from Area Youth: Read & Vote for Your Favorite!
Publisher’s Note Nearly 200 area high school seniors recently shared with us how their Christian faith has impacted their decision to attend college. Each student shared these details with us in an essay they submitted as a part of the 7th annual Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) Scholarship program sponsored by Alabama Credit Union, American Village and …
Train Them Up
The Great Outdoors My wife’s father was a big, barrel-chested man of tall stature with a booming voice. He commanded a room, and admittedly, I was regularly intimidated by his presence when Hannah and I first started dating. As time passed, and roots grew deeper in our relationship, his presence in my life grew more …
What Makes Your Heart Beat?
The Family Pet Technically the heart beats because electrical impulses trigger contractions in the muscle. A cycle of signals repeats continually to create the rhythm of the heartbeat. This is how your physical heart beats but what makes the heart of your soul beat? For me, it is saving and rescuing animals. There is no …
