Laurie Stroud
Serving the Special Needs Community: Special Connections Ministry
Special Feature In 1991, Briarwood Presbyterian Church began their “Special Ones” ministry; a special education class reaching out to two families. Now called “Special Connections,” this ministry has grown to serve 20 families within the church and over 100 in the Birmingham area. Approximately 80% of participants are on the autism spectrum with the remaining …
Butterfly Release for Awareness: Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation
Special Feature Did you know ovarian cancer is the 5th deadliest cancer among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system? The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over 14,000 women will die from this disease. The signs …
Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C. Cheers for Zion Redington as He Goes for the Gold
Special Feature Birmingham-based Henderson & Walton Women’s Center (HWWC) recently welcomed Zion Redington to speak at their annual Associate Appreciation Day. Redington is the youngest member of Team USA’s wheelchair rugby team and will compete in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. Redington was born with ectrodactyly, which is a disability that caused him to …
4 Hours of Culinary Classics: Sweet Grown Alabama Chef Stage at the Celebrate the Family Expo
Special Feature Back by popular demand, the Celebrate the Family Expo will welcome Alabama chefs and food bloggers to take the stage and share cooking tips and tricks on the Sweet Grown Alabama Celebrity Chef Stage hosted by Janice Rogers of WBRC-TV and JT of WERC Radio. With eight different chefs and food bloggers sharing …
The Turnip Green Ministry
The Home Front In the state of Alabama, recipes are not the only culinary treasures handed down. In some families, culinary ministries are handed down from generation to generation. My Grandpa Campbell used to carry turnip greens to church and gift them to those he felt may need the extra blessing that only a big …
The Dynamic Duo: Tank & Emerald
The Family Pet Sibling shenanigans have been an ongoing source of parental nightmares and family hilarity since the dawn of time. Anyone who grew up with a sibling can attest to the fact that both the most trouble they’ve ever been in as well as their happiest moments probably occurred with their brother or sister …
Alabama Veterans Honored on D-Day Anniversary
Special Feature Birmingham-based Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) joined hands with Honoring Veteran Legacies to send three Alabama World War II heroes back to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. LotUSA, an Alabama national 501 (c)(3), donated to sponsor an Alabama veteran to Normandy and helped make the trip possible. Every dollar donated to …
How to Love an Unbelieving Spouse
Special Feature Lance was furious when his wife Stephanie announced she had become a Christian and wanted the children to know Jesus. “I don’t want my children brainwashed with fairytales!” he yelled. Stephanie does not regret her decision, but she worries her children may reject Christ because of Lance’s resistance to Christianity and their spiritual …
Finding Rest in a Busy Summer
Parenting Points Summer often brings a whirlwind of activities. While these experiences create lasting memories, they can also lead to a hectic pace that exhausts families. Amidst the busyness of summer, it’s vital to find moments of rest and reflection. Embracing Sabbath practices can help families reconnect with each other and with God, providing much-needed …
