Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster recently hosted Senior Adult Vacation Bible School. About 150 senior adults attended for worship, entertainment, activities, crafts and of course snacks. The theme for the week was “In God We Trust” honoring America’s 250th.
Kudos!
Congratulations to Thaxter Pittman, owner of Total Power Electric for completing Birmingham Business Alliance’s Small Business intensive. “What an incredible opportunity, and I am truly grateful to have completed this 15-week journey.”
Perfect Pitch!
BCF recently hosted two Faith and Family Nights at the Birmingham Barons. Jacky Gann, Director of the Foundry Ministry’s Men’s Program helped us out with a first pitch throw in one game and Ashley Good with Gooch Dental fired off a great first pitch for us at the other. Join us for the final Faith and Family Night of the season August 14, 2026.
I Love America!
Vestavia Chamber’s I Love America event included lots of exhibitors including our friends Christo’s Confections, the Birmingham Boys Choir and the Jimmie Hale Mission who will also be joining us at the Celebrate the Family Expo September 12, 2026 at the Hoover Met Finley Center.
America’s 250th birthday celebration at American Village in Montevallo included Alabama musicians like The Blind Boys of Alabama and Taylor Hicks, fireworks and so much more.
Kaboom!
Great to witness the visible first step Foundry Ministries has taken to clear land on their Bessemer campus to build a new men’s dorm scheduled to open next year.
My daughter Bay and I rose at the crack of dawn. She was not the most pleasant sunrise I’ve ever experienced… but still, I think the anticipation of our trip excited her enough that she tempered her disgruntled demeanor. I did have to rouse her twice, though, since the first time she insisted, “I’m up. I’m UP!” So, as any good dad would do, I said, “Okay,” and kissed her on the forehead, and told her we’d be leaving in 30 minutes. It was 4:15 a.m. True to any Merrell family adventure, 30 minutes was more like 45, so we left out of Andalusia, Ala. at 5 a.m. that Sunday morning, headed to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga. where church service starts immediately following Sunday School, which begins promptly at 10 a.m.
Walt Merrell and his daughter Bay in front of Marantha Baptist Church.
I was told repeatedly not to be late. “It is a small church.” “It will fill up fast.” There was also an orientation at 9 a.m., and apparently, like most Southern Baptist committee meetings, it is frowned upon if you miss it. By now, you may have figured out that Maranatha Baptist and Plains, Ga. have one major thing in common: they are both home to the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Bay and I were excited about meeting President Carter. I pondered what questions I might ask. Bay asked me if I thought we’d get to take a picture with him. I felt sure we would figure out some way to accomplish that objective, so I reassured her. I told her a little about his Presidency and more about his efforts after leaving the White House. She was sincerely interested and excited. Driving through the rolling hills of east Alabama, the sun crested the horizon somewhere near Eufaula. Bay had been asleep for a little while, so I tried to navigate the curves and hills without causing the car to lurch or shift too hard because I didn’t want to wake her up. We crossed Lake Eufaula and the Chattahoochee River, and a sign that read “Eastern Time Zone” blurred by in my peripheral vision. I immediately lifted my foot off the gas in exasperation. Then my mind raced, doing calculations on conversions of time and rates of speed. “I can’t believe I forgot about the time change,” I muttered to myself. The plan was that we were going to be an hour early. That was not to be, though.
Walt and his daughter Bay traveled to Plains, Ga. to meet President Jimmy Carter and hear him preach.
We arrived at Maranatha Baptist Church at 8:45 a.m. Forgetting that the time changed at the state line didn’t help our ambitions to arrive early, and we were, in fact, two of the last people to walk into the building. Soon enough, the orientation began, and President Carter walked into the room. It was a pretty special experience. I eagerly tapped Bay’s leg to get her to look up from the church bulletin, pointing toward him, as if my finger was saying, “He’s here, he’s here!” She sat up, almost at attention, as President Carter made his way to his seat. Soon enough, he began teaching the lesson. That was, after all, why I’d brought my daughter, wasn’t it? To hear a great teacher teach God’s Word. “Today, I’ll be teaching from Deuteronomy Chapter 6,” he began. A moment or two later, he began reading from verses 4 and 5: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” He continued then with verse 12, “then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” On our way out the door after the service, a nice lady offered to take our picture in front of the church. I gladly accepted her offer. We did have our picture taken with the Carters, but this, the church, and all it represents, seems so much more appropriate now. Walking out of the church and back to the car, I looked at Bay and said, “It’s ironic that we just drove three hours to meet a man who then taught us not to worship false idols, isn’t it?” She agreed, and we discussed how our priority and focus had been wrong that morning. We went to meet the President, not to receive the Word. Perhaps that was all by design, though. We both agreed that it was fun to meet him and visit, but we both had a profound understanding that, on that trip, our focus on God had easily been diverted to the shiny distraction. Thank you, President Carter, for refusing any sort of ovation in God’s house. Thank you for being a servant to the Lord even after all those years and for holding firmly to your convictions. And thank you most of all for speaking truth to us, who came to meet a rockstar and forgot about the Cornerstone.
-Walt Merrell is a Christian Outdoorsman who writes of his adventures with his family, with the hope that others might be inspired and encouraged to embrace God’s tapestry, otherwise known as the great outdoors, as a means of finding Common Ground. You can follow him at Shepherding Outdoors on FB, YT and IG and at shepherdingoutdoors.com.
Every great story has one character you’ll think about long after you’ve turned the last page. At Two by Two Rescue, his name is Potter.
Potter is looking for his forever adventure buddy.
Potter was the lone survivor of his litter, bottle-fed around the clock by those who refused to give up hope. He fought. He grew. He flourished. Then adoption day arrived, and everyone believed the hardest chapter was finally behind him. But life had other plans. Through circumstances beyond anyone’s control, Potter found his way back to the rescue when the family who loved him could no longer keep him. The remarkable part? Potter hasn’t let disappointment steal an ounce of his joy.
Always smiling, he believes every day deserves something fun. A splash in the creek. A trail to explore. A car ride with his head out the window, feeling the breeze. If you’re adventuresome, he’s convinced he is part of the plan. This balanced player is a friend to dogs, cats, and everyone lucky enough to know him. When it’s time to wind down, this good boy is just as happy leaning into you for ear scratches, hugs, and simply being by your side. Togetherness is his favorite place to be! Now he’s hoping for the one thing that he’s been waiting to hear: “Come on, Potter… let’s go home.” If your story has room for one unforgettable character, Potter is ready for his favorite chapter yet! Applications are open at www.twobytworescue.com.
Two by Two Rescue is a 501(c)(3) faith-based rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, and unwanted companion animals. Saving animal lives for more than 23 years, the rescue is foster home based and operates out of Birmingham, Ala. †
Being a retired high school teacher, I have quite a few memories that occasionally come to mind and bring out a chuckle. One such memory that bubbled to the surface recently was when I passed a large truck from a well-known company. This company is a successful business that employs well over 7,500 people. What does this have to do with teaching? You see, one of my fellow teachers was the daughter of the founder of the company. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent. For the sake of this story, I’ll call her Joan.)
As part of the teaching job, we teachers met with incoming students and their parents before the school year began. We advised them on their options, answered questions, sold them a locker, and, hopefully, helped them easily acclimate to the high school environment. We teachers were spaced out at tables in the school library, and my table was located right next to Joan’s. As I was waiting for my next student to arrive, I could hear what was transpiring at Joan’s table. A sweet young lady was accompanied by her father. After the niceties and introductions were said, Joan got down to business filling out the family’s information on the official documents. When asked about employment, the father stated where he worked. Joan proudly stated, “Oh, that’s a wonderful place to work! My Dad started the company years ago and still runs it to this day. I do hope you like working there.” The young girl looked pleased, and the father expounded on his love and adoration for the company and how he enjoyed working there. All were happy and content, and then the gentleman’s phone rang. Loud and clear, we all heard the song belting out at top volume: Take this job and shove it! Oh, the look on Joan’s face as the man frantically fumbled with his phone and the young girl sank down low in her seat. I don’t have a recipe for humble pie, but please enjoy this easy and delicious corn dip recipe.
Most people think estate planning is about what happens after death. That is certainly part of it, but a complete plan also protects you during your lifetime. In fact, only one of the four foundational documents, the will, primarily operates after death. The other three become important if illness, injury, or incapacity prevents you from managing your own affairs. These documents are not only for older adults or people with substantial wealth. An unexpected accident or medical emergency can make them important at any age.
1. Last Will and Testament: A Last Will and Testament direct how property in your probate estate should be distributed. It also allows you to nominate the person who will administer your estate and, for parents of minor children, to nominate a guardian. Without a valid will, Alabama law will determine who receives probate property and who has priority to handle the estate. Also, your surviving spouse will not automatically inherit everything after your death.
2. Durable Power of Attorney: A durable power of attorney allows a trusted person, called your agent, to manage financial and legal matters on your behalf. Depending on the document, the agent may be able to pay bills, handle banking, manage real estate, work with insurance companies, address tax matters, or operate a business. The word “durable” is critical because it means the authority can continue even if you become incapacitated. Without this document, family members may have to seek a court-appointed conservatorship to manage your affairs, which is an expensive and lengthy process that could be avoided.
3. Advance Directive for Health Care: An advance directive for health care addresses medical decisions. It allows you to state your wishes concerning life-sustaining treatment and to name a health care proxy to make medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate or make informed decisions yourself. This document gives your family and medical providers guidance during an already difficult time and reduces the likelihood of conflict or uncertainty.
4. HIPAA Authorization: A HIPAA authorization allows the people you designate to receive protected medical information from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care providers. It does not give them authority to make medical decisions; instead, it gives them access to information. This can be especially helpful when a family member needs to speak with providers, coordinate care, obtain records, or understand your condition. This situation could arise even before a health care proxy’s decision-making authority has been triggered.
These documents work together and are different pieces of your estate planning puzzle. The will addresses what happens after death, while the durable power of attorney, advance directive, and HIPAA authorization help protect you while you are alive. Every adult should have all four, review them after major life changes, and make sure the appropriate people know where the documents can be found. A relatively small amount of planning now can prevent delay, expense, and uncertainty later.
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for legal advice regarding a specific situation; it does not create an attorney-client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.
Since its opening in 2015, Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home has served families in Central Alabama in their time of need with compassion and a helping hand. Funeral Director Kari Minyard explains that through the years, Deerfoot has become an integral part of the Trussville area, and for many families, using Deerfoot has become a family tradition due to word of mouth. “That’s really what has gotten us to this point, because we have those relationships with families, and different churches and communities, not just in Trussville, but even the surrounding communities,” Minyard says.
Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home is located at 5360 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL, 35173.
Pre-planning. Deerfoot Memorial offers pre-planning options for funeral services. Minyard explains that one of the main values of pre-planning is that it takes the stress off of families. “They don’t have the stress of going ‘I don’t know what she would like’ or ‘I don’t know what his favorite color was.’ With pre-planning, it’s all there for the family. They don’t have that stress of picking things out and feeling like it was wrong,” Minyard explains. Pre-planning also relieves the family of the financial stress of funeral and burial costs as well as service decisions. Deerfoot Memorial gives families a variety of service options including traditional services and memorial services at the funeral home, at churches, and more.
Click here to watch a video interview with Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home Director Kari Minyard.
A Helping Hand. Minyard is passionate about guiding and serving families in their time of need. As the Funeral Director, “I do anything from taking the first call, meeting with families, and walking them through our facility. I take care of pre-planning with families, too,” she says. In addition to these services, Minyard also does the preparation and embalming process. She strives to be there for families any time – day or night. Her faith impacts how she interacts with every family she serves. “I couldn’t do this job without God. One of the things that I do is I pray for my families,” Minyard says.
Learn More. The easiest way to find details about pre-planning with Deerfoot Memorial is to call 205-655-3444. You can also visit deerfootmemorialfuneralhome.com to find a pre-planning checklist, information on all the services offered, such as traditional burials and cremation, and more. †
In the video interview below, Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home Director Kari Minyard shares more on how they serve area families with compassionate care and trusted guidance.
The start of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, new classrooms, and exciting opportunities, but it can also bring uncertainty. Students may wonder if they’ll make new friends or succeed in challenging classes. Parents may worry about their children’s safety and well-being, while teachers prepare to invest countless hours in educating and encouraging the next generation. As Christian families, one of the greatest gifts we can offer at the beginning of the school year is prayer.
Prayer reminds us that while we cannot control every circumstance, God is always present and in control. He cares deeply about our children, our schools, and the people who fill them each day. When we commit the school year to Him, we acknowledge our dependence on His wisdom, protection, and guidance. Consider making prayer a daily family habit before everyone leaves the house. It doesn’t have to be lengthy. A simple prayer asking God to grant wisdom, courage, kindness, and opportunities to reflect Christ can shape the attitude with which children enter their classrooms. Encourage students to pray before a test, before difficult conversations, or whenever they feel anxious. These moments teach them that prayer is not reserved for church but is a natural part of everyday life.
Parents can also pray intentionally for teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and school staff. Many educators carry tremendous responsibilities and often face challenges that go unseen. Praying that God would give them patience, strength, discernment, and encouragement is a meaningful way to support those who serve our children. Prayer also prepares our kids’ hearts to see their school as a mission field. Rather than viewing school as simply a place to learn, children can begin to understand that God has placed them there to demonstrate His love through kindness, integrity, compassion, and encouragement. Every hallway, classroom, lunch table, and sports field becomes an opportunity to shine the light of Christ and share the Gospel with others.
As another school year begins, may prayer become more than a tradition. May it become the foundation of your family’s school year. When we entrust our students, teachers, and schools to the Lord, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing that the One who watches over us is faithful in every season.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
The heartbeat of Big Oak Ranch is our children and the people who show up for them — all rooted in God’s faithfulness. Through His work at the Ranch, children are given a chance to heal, grow, and discover they are deeply loved.
The Auxiliary at Big Oak Ranch serves in many different capacities including helping with special gatherings, sending birthday cards to Big Oak children, and more.
“Big Oak Ranch is breaking the cycle to give children a chance at a different life. It is humbling to be a part of helping support Big Oak Ranch and to see God at work,” Kristi Wilson, president of the Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary, says. For almost 20 years, the Auxiliary has come alongside Big Oak Ranch through prayer and support. That care is often experienced in practical and personal ways, like running the Ranch “shopping” experiences — Boutique for our girls and Outfitters for our boys. The Auxiliary’s support is also felt in simple but thoughtful ways — helping with special gatherings, serving where needed, and sending cards on birthdays, holidays, and other important life moments.
Luke arrived at Big Oak Ranch when he was 14 years old and later transitioned to ASCEND, our college and career support ministry. Now, as he prepares to graduate from UAB, Luke reflected on what the Auxiliary meant to him. “I’m thankful for the amount of support I’ve had from ASCEND, Big Oak Ranch, and the Auxiliary — they are a blessing. Even though we don’t talk much, they pray for you and send cards on your birthday, Christmas, and just because they’re thinking of you. You don’t expect something, and then you receive a card — it’s someone saying, “We care for you,” and you’re just thinking, these people really are here to support me.”
Thank you to the Auxiliary for faithfully supporting and reminding our children and young adults that they are deeply loved by God and the people who continue to show up for them. To learn more about the Auxiliary, visit www.bigoakauxiliary.org or learn about other volunteer opportunities at www.bigoak.org.
Have you ever landed heels-up on an icy sidewalk or stumbled up a flight of stairs? In either case, the experience was not pleasant. No one falls on purpose unless they’re a skydiver or slapstick comedian. The same is true with marital love. Claims of “falling in love” are common. But is love an experience you stub your toe on, or is it an intentional commitment cultivated over time?
Fate or Divine Providence. You see it in movies—the chance encounter on a crowded street or an empty beach. A glance… a smile… a date… a wedding; blissful devotion blossoms in ten minutes. Hollywood magic! Is this how true love works? Too often, real life mimics fiction and results in a moment of passion masquerading as abiding love. Biblical love is not random. What feels like “love at first sight” might be a temporary response to emotional or physical attraction. Christians who seek God’s direction in finding a mate can trust Him to orchestrate when and how the encounter occurs. And yet God’s sovereignty works with human involvement. Marriage-minded love seekers must put action behind their prayers.
Know Love. Scripture offers an accurate view of love. The Hebrew word for love (aheb) and its Greek counterpart (agape) describe a love that includes and transcends affection. This love moves a Father to sacrifice His Son to save enemies (Isaiah 53:4-5; Romans 5:8). It is also a love that makes years seem like days to win the hand of a bride (Genesis 29:20). Biblical love commits to the relationship as an act of the will and resolves to remain faithful at the risk of rejection.
Grow in Love. The depth of love is unknown at the onset of a relationship. True devotion is revealed over a lifetime. As husbands and wives attend to each other’s needs, they discover those needs change with the crosswinds of life. The birth of a child, a sudden illness, a job loss, the empty nest, or a thousand other unpredictable experiences present challenges to the couple’s affections. Each challenge plunges dedicated spouses to new levels of unconditional adoration.
Love learns and adapts when tested by life’s circumstances. It is a lifelong commitment to patience and forgiveness. Do you desire authentic marital love? Don’t take chances with your heart. Instead, trust what is certain—God’s Word. There you will find qualities of the ideal spouse surefooted and ready to lead you to lasting love.
-Dr. Alonza Jones
Teacher, Writer, Speaker
President and Co-founder, Biblical Marriage Institute
Just three hours north of Birmingham sits the Wonders Center & Science Museum. Located in Dickson, Tenn., this 100,000-square-foot museum features exhibits, displays, interactive learning zones, and planetarium shows that all point to the Creator. David Rives, founder and director of the Wonders Center & Science Museum, explains, “We’re the largest science museum in the world that upholds Biblical values.”
The magnificence of God’s creation comes alive at the Wonders Center & Science Museum and offers families, schools, homeschool groups, and churches an inspiring destination for learning and discovery. Group discounts are available.
Step Inside. “When you walk through the museum, you will see kids’ hands-on activities. There are kids digging in sand pits, uncovering dinosaurs. They’re putting their hands on real meteorites and actual dinosaur bones,” Rives shares, adding, “Animatronics visit people for photo opportunities throughout their tours and we have halls of memorabilia and entire exhibit halls of geology and blowing rocks.” Visitors can be transported to Africa in one exhibit and then enjoy a movie in one of the Top 10 planetariums in the world “full dome planetarium style, floating through space where it looks like you’re flying past galaxies and stars.” What makes the Wonders Center & Science Museum unique? When someone is inspecting a meteorite or browsing an exhibit, everything in the museum points to the glory of God. “It’s all pointing us back to the idea that we are not an accident and that we are actually wonderfully made by God,” Rives says.
The Wonders Center & Science Museum is located at 855 TN-46, Dickson, TN, 37055.
The Inspiration. As a young child, Rives had an interest in creation. As an eight year old exploring and digging in his backyard around 30 miles north of the Ala. and Tenn. border, he discovered a fossil. “I kept finding things like fossil bivalves and seashell imprints and corals in my backyard,” Rives remembers, sharing that he put all of his treasures in a fishing tackle box “not understanding that it would turn into the largest science museum in Tenn. It started with just searching my backyard, being curious, picking up rocks and realizing that science in and of itself is telling us stories.” When he was 16 years old, Rives connected a camera to the back of a telescope and took a photo of The Great Orion Nebula. He was shocked at the vividness of the photo and decided he wanted to share his passion for science as more than a hobby “but actually as a ministry outreach tool to reach the world with the idea that not only is science cool and creation is amazing, but God’s world is absolutely designed and it’s pointing us right back to the Designer, the God of the Bible,” says Rives.
Click here to learn more about the Wonders Center & Science Museum in a video interview featuring founder David Rives.
In addition to the Wonders Center & Science Museum, Rives is the founder of David Rives Ministries and the author of several books including 21 Verses Backed by Science. “The book is a way for people to deepen their faith,” Rives explains, adding, “I realized that if the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then there should be nuggets of truth scattered throughout that are scientifically accurate because God created it. So, in the book, I tell stories. I look at a verse and ask a question: Is this a scientifically accurate verse? I then show how thousands of years of Earth’s history were necessary before we were even able to grasp the concepts found in that verse, which means that your average person didn’t write it down.”
Learn More. Each week, David Rives Ministries sends out an email update called Creation Weekly. It is free to receive and covers topics on science and the Christian faith for children and adults. You can sign up for this email update at davidrives.com. To find more information about the Wonders Center & Science Museum, including upcoming events, or to plan your visit, go to wonderscenter.org. †
In the video below, The Wonders Center & Science Museum founder David Rives shares more on the inspiration behind the museum, what families can expect when they visit, and more.
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Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster recently hosted Senior Adult Vacation Bible School. About 150 senior adults attended for worship, entertainment, activities, crafts and of course snacks. The theme for the week was “In God We Trust” honoring America’s 250th. 
Congratulations to Thaxter Pittman, owner of Total Power Electric for completing Birmingham Business Alliance’s Small Business intensive. “What an incredible opportunity, and I am truly grateful to have completed this 15-week journey.”
BCF recently hosted two Faith and Family Nights at the Birmingham Barons. Jacky Gann, Director of the Foundry Ministry’s Men’s Program helped us out with a first pitch throw in one game and Ashley Good with Gooch Dental fired off a great first pitch for us at the other. Join us for the final Faith and Family Night of the season August 14, 2026.
Vestavia Chamber’s I Love America event included lots of exhibitors including our friends Christo’s Confections, the Birmingham Boys Choir and the Jimmie Hale Mission who will also be joining us at the Celebrate the Family Expo September 12, 2026 at the Hoover Met Finley Center.
America’s 250th birthday celebration at American Village in Montevallo included Alabama musicians like The Blind Boys of Alabama and Taylor Hicks, fireworks and so much more.
Great to witness the visible first step Foundry Ministries has taken to clear land on their Bessemer campus to build a new men’s dorm scheduled to open next year.
