Celebrating One Year of To Outwit Them All

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

“Into the lions’ den I go…” One year ago, Peggy Wirgau’s To Outwit Them All was released, taking readers into the dangerous and intriguing world of Revolutionary War espionage. Now, as we celebrate the book’s first anniversary, its story is especially timely as America commemorates its 250th birthday.

To Outwit Them All cover — To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau takes readers into the world of Revolutionary War espionage.

Set in 1779, To Outwit Them All follows Betty Floyd, the niece of a man who risked his life by signing the Declaration of Independence. Despite her Patriot family ties, Betty embraces the social world of British-occupied New York, attending balls and soirees alongside officers of the Crown.

But when a soldier she has befriended is murdered at a British prison, Betty can no longer ignore the war raging around her. She is drawn into General George Washington’s covert spy network, the Culper Ring, where her social connections become the perfect cover for gathering intelligence.

As Betty dances with the enemy, she catches the attention of the charming Major John André, Britain’s Director of Intelligence. What follows is a dangerous balancing act between loyalty to her country and her growing feelings for André—all while a traitorous plot involving Benedict Arnold threatens to expose her and place the entire spy ring in danger.

With America celebrating 250 years of independence in 2026, To Outwit Them All is the perfect read for anyone looking to experience the Revolution from a new perspective. Filled with intrigue, danger, romance, and the high-stakes world of espionage, this captivating story reminds us that the fight for American independence was shaped not only on battlefields but also in the shadows.

Celebrate one year of To Outwit Them All by adding it to your reading list during this historic anniversary year. Available wherever books are sold. Learn more at shop.ironstreammedia.com. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

In medieval Europe, black cats became tangled in tales of magic, while other folklore celebrated them as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. They have been feared, celebrated, immortalized, and woven into stories for hundreds of years. The month of October has a way of putting black cats in the spotlight, but Nugget and Coal Train aren’t interested in being spooky.

They’re far too busy being silly, tackling dust bunnies, playing paper ball soccer, and falling asleep upside down in laps while revving their tiny motors. These velveteen mini panthers are everything kittens should be – happy, curious, social, and just mischievous enough to keep life fun. They are currently being raised in foster homes alongside children, cats, and dogs.

Nugget is a happy and curious boy ready to make your life fun.

If your home could use more purring, laughter, and a little harmless kitty nonsense, consider this your opportunity to save nine lives. Good fortune may not arrive with a four-leaf clover after all. It just might show up wearing whiskers! Applications are open now at 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. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Get ready to become Greek for the weekend during the 53rd Annual Birmingham Greek Food Festival on October 1–3, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event, the Greek Food Festival is a celebration of food, music, dancing, faith, and community. For four generations, Birmingham’s Greek community has welcomed the city with an act of love and hospitality—and thousands of returning patrons have made the festival a beloved annual tradition.

Greek Festival Food — Enjoy delicious Greek entrees and pastries at the Greek Food Festival on October 1-3, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Festival-goers can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine prepared homemade by parishioners using fresh, high-quality ingredients. From savory entrees to delicious Greek pastries, every dish offers a taste of Greece and the generations-old recipes cherished by the community. In addition to great food, visitors can enjoy Greek music, traditional dancing, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that welcomes everyone like family. Greek dancers of all ages will perform throughout all three days of the festival. The open-air festival offers free admission, with tented outdoor seating available for dining. A convenient drive-thru will also be available. Food plates are individually priced, while Greek pastries will be pre-packaged and available for purchase in the food lines. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Greek Marketplace, featuring Mediterranean and Orthodox souvenirs and specialty items.

Inside of Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church — Guests of the Greek Food Festival are invited to tour the beautiful Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 307 19th Street South, Birmingham, 35233.

The festival also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Holy Trinity– Holy Cross Greek Orthodox parish, chartered in 1906 and recognized as the fourth-oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the Southeast. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the church throughout the festival and learn more about its beautiful Byzantine interior and Orthodox Christian traditions. Parishioners will be available to answer questions. School and church groups are encouraged to call ahead to schedule a tour.

Since 1972, the Birmingham Greek Food Festival has donated more than $3 million to local and national charities, demonstrating the Greek community’s longstanding commitment to giving back. The 2026 festival beneficiaries are Food For Our Journey, Life on Wheels Birmingham, and The Foundry Ministries. The Greek Food Festival is made possible through the dedication of the parishioners of Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church and the generous support of festival sponsors. For more details, visit GreekFestBirmingham.com. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

When I was a little girl, I loved going to my Grandpa and Granny’s house. Lonnie and Opal Ilene Campbell did things in what was considered the old-fashioned way of the 1960s and ’70s. Now the funny thing is people are trying to go back to the way things were done then. You see, my Grandpa and Granny still lived farm-to-table just like their ancestors did before them. Their families had taught them to be self-sufficient just. They grew a big family garden with everything from potatoes to peanuts to corn to tomatoes to okra.

Danna with mom and granddaughter holding fried apple pies — Danna with her granddaughter Leah and her mother Shirley making Granny Campbell’s Fried Apple Pies.

Granny Campbell made the very best fried apple pies. If we got to her house and found apples drying in the sun, it was a heavenly sight. We grandchildren would play in the yard and sneak a dried apple or two when she wasn’t looking. They were very sweet and warm and leathery and chewy with lots of concentrated tart apple flavor. My Granny would gather her apples as they ripened from her apple trees. When she had a basket or two, she would wash, peel, and thinly slice them. Grandpa had an old piece of tin laid on two sawhorses and placed it where it would get a whole day’s sun. A clean cloth was spread across the tin, and the apples were spread out on the cloth. The apples were placed in the sun daily until they were dried enough to store in a flour sack.

When Granny was going to fry up some apple pies, she would get about a double handful of the dried apples and put them in a saucepan and cover them with about twice as much water as apples. She would get them to a boil, and then turn them to simmer until the apples absorbed the water and were soft. After adding sugar and a little cinnamon, the apples appeared dark and thick but not runny. She would make her regular biscuit dough, roll it out thin, and use a saucer to cut the dough for the pie, place a tablespoon of apple filling on the crust, fold it over, and press the edges of the crust together with a fork. After all the pies were made, Granny used an iron skillet with enough lard to fry them in. After frying one side, she turned them and fried the other. It was always a treat when Granny made her fried apple pies!

-Danna Standridge, Author of What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all? and Happiness is Homemade Y’all! For speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, email [email protected]. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook @DannaSwannStandridge and YouTube @dannastandridge8749.

Granny Campbell’s Fried Apple Pies

Go to the Apple Farm and get a basket of apples. Wash, peel, and thinly slice. Place in a home dehydrator according to directions and dry apples. When dried, store in a covered container until use or store in a zip lock freezer bag in freezer. When ready to make pies, add a couple handfuls of dried apples to pan, add enough water that is about double the amount of apples, bring to a boil then turn to simmer. Cover with lid. Cook until all water is absorbed, season with sugar and spices to your taste. Apples should be dark, thick, and not runny. Make your favorite biscuit dough and place in refrigerator for an hour for ease of handling. Roll dough out as making biscuits. Use a biscuit cutter to cut. Now take the rolling pin and flatten into a circle. Add a tablespoon of apples, fold, and crimp with a fork. Fry in cooking oil in a deep fryer or pan. Turn over as needed to brown both sides. Place on a paper towel to cool.

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. They look forward to birthday parties, family vacations, soccer games, and time with friends. When plans suddenly change, disappointment can feel enormous. A canceled event, unexpected move, friendship change, or family challenge can leave children wondering why things didn’t happen the way they hoped. These moments, while difficult, offer parents valuable opportunities to teach children one of life’s most important lessons: we can trust God even when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (ESV). That’s a powerful verse, but learning to live it takes practice. Children often learn trust by watching how the adults around them respond to uncertainty. When plans change, allow your kids to express their disappointment. Trusting God doesn’t mean pretending we’re never sad, frustrated, or confused. Instead of immediately trying to fix their feelings, listen. A simple response such as, “I know you were really looking forward to that,” communicates that their feelings matter. Then gently remind them that even though the situation surprised us, it didn’t surprise God. Parents can also share age-appropriate examples of times their own plans changed, and God ultimately brought something good from the situation. Not every disappointment will have an obvious happy ending, but these stories help children recognize God’s faithfulness through life’s unexpected turns.

Scripture is filled with people whose plans changed dramatically. Joseph certainly didn’t expect to be sold into slavery. Ruth didn’t plan to become a young widow in a foreign land. Jesus’ disciples often discovered that following Him took them in directions they never anticipated. Yet God remained present and continued working through circumstances they couldn’t understand. Families can practice trusting God together by turning unexpected moments into opportunities for prayer. When something doesn’t go as planned, pause and pray: “God, this isn’t what we expected. Help us trust You and show us what You want us to do next.”

We can also teach children to look for new opportunities hidden within changed plans. A canceled outing might create unexpected family time. A new school could lead to a meaningful friendship. Disappointment might build patience, compassion, or perseverance. We cannot promise our kids that life will unfold as they plan. We can give them something better: the assurance that wherever life takes them, God goes with them. Plans change. Circumstances change. But God’s presence, love, and faithfulness remain.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer and Speaker

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

benbirdsong.com

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Church Leaders

Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. Greg Olexa attends Shades Mountain Baptist Church and formed the “Project 729” men’s ministry in 2013 to live out the church’s motto to “Live Sent.”

Project 729 yard work — Project 729 meets each month to bless someone in the community by completing needed repairs including yard work, painting, and light carpentry.

1. What inspired you to start this men’s ministry? I started the group out a desire to get men together in fellowship serving the community. I saw that men were wanting to serve others, but did not seem to have many options that provided a monthly connection opportunity. The men that participate in Project 729 are passionate about serving others in their time of need through yard work, painting and light carpentry repair.

2. What is the significance behind Project 729’s name? The name of the ministry comes from the time focus that has been a large part of the ministry’s success. We start our Saturday monthly project promptly at 7 a.m. and finish promptly at 9 a.m. thus the name Project 729. I found that men don’t mind showing up to a work project if they know what to expect.

Project 729 in action — Project 729 doesn’t require a commitment. They just encourage you to show up if you can.

3. Who does Project 729 serve? The ministry focuses on yard maintenance primarily for widows and the elderly in our congregation, single mothers and those needing a little extra help. We also have committed to a few area schools, and we occasionally assist the Vestavia Hills Police Department with code enforcement needs throughout the Vestavia community. To date, we have completed more than 143 projects in the 13-year period. It has been a very rewarding experience to be a part of serving individuals in our community and to provide a ministry outlet for men who desire to ” Live Sent” together.

4. How has the ministry grown over the years? We currently have 214 men on our email distribution list! We tell the men when the project is, who it will be serving, the location and what tools to bring. We never require a commitment- just show up if you can. We usually have between 15-25 men attend each month.

If you would like to learn more about starting a Project 729 at your church, email Greg Olexa at [email protected].

– Learn more about churches in our area, including Shades Mountain Baptist Church, at BirminghamChristian.com/findachurch. Are you or someone you know a Church Leader in Central Alabama we should feature? Click here to complete the Church Leader Q&A.

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Business Tips & Tricks from Tanya Luken CPA

If you have ever looked at your profit and loss statement or balance sheet and thought, “I have no idea what this means” – you’re not alone. Plenty of smart business owners feel that way. They started a business because they’re good at what they do, not because they wanted to become accountants.

The problem is that when you don’t understand your financial statements, it’s hard to make confident decisions. You might wonder if you can afford to hire another employee, buy new equipment, or give yourself a raise. Maybe sales are up, but cash is tight. Maybe your bank account looks healthy, but somehow your net income is negative. Those questions create stress, and stress often leads to guesswork.

Here’s the good news: financial statements aren’t meant to confuse you. They’re meant to tell your business’s story. Your profit and loss statement answers one simple question: “Did I make money?” Your balance sheet tells you what you own, what you owe, and what’s left over (equity). Your cash flow helps explain why money in the bank doesn’t always match your profit. Once you understand what each report is saying, you stop reacting and start leading.

You don’t have to memorize accounting rules or learn a new language. Start by reviewing your financial statements every month. Look for trends instead of perfection. Look for numbers that are different; different than last month/quarter/year, different than what you expected. Then ask why it is different. Focus on what is different and ask why.

When your financial statements go from intimidating to understandable, everything changes. You gain confidence, make smarter decisions, and spend less time worrying about what might happen next. Your numbers stop feeling like a mystery and start becoming one of the most valuable tools you have for building a stronger, more successful business.

-Tanya Luken, Luken CPA PC

lukencpa.com

503-330-8515

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Legal Matters

One of the most common misconceptions I hear about estate planning is that having a will means your family will not have to deal with probate. In Alabama, that is generally not true. A will can make probate easier and more predictable, but the will itself does not avoid the probate process.

So, what is probate? Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to administer certain property after someone dies. When a person dies with a will, the will is typically filed with the probate court and the person named as executor asks the court for authority to administer the estate. Once appointed, the executor, or personal representative, can collect estate assets, address valid debts and expenses, and ultimately distribute the remaining property according to the will. If someone dies without a valid will, the estate may still require probate. The major difference is that Alabama’s intestacy laws, rather than the deceased person’s wishes expressed in a will, determine who receives the probate property and assets.

Not everything necessarily goes through probate. Whether probate is required depends greatly on how a person’s assets are owned. For example, life insurance, retirement accounts, and other accounts with valid beneficiary designations generally pass directly to the named beneficiaries. Certain jointly owned property may also pass automatically to the surviving owner, depending on how title is held. By contrast, property owned solely in the deceased person’s name, with no beneficiary or other method for transferring the property at death, will likely require probate.

Why ownership matters. This is why simply asking, “Do I have a will?” does not tell the entire estate-planning story. An effective estate plan should also consider how real estate is titled, who is named on beneficiary designations, how bank and investment accounts are structured, and whether tools such as a revocable living trust or transfer-on-death arrangements are appropriate.

Probate is not always something to fear. Probate sometimes gets portrayed as something that must be avoided at all costs. That is an overstatement. For many Alabama families, probate is a manageable process. Problems are more likely when there is no plan, important documents cannot be located, family members disagree, property ownership is unclear, or an estate plan has not been updated after significant life changes or passing of time.

A good estate plan is therefore not simply about avoiding probate. It is about making the eventual transfer of your property as clear, efficient, and consistent with your wishes as reasonably possible.

– Grady Carden, Esq.
Carden Legal Services
(205) 201-1297
[email protected]
www.CardenLegal.com

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 services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Money Matters

For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of helping individuals and families make important financial decisions. During that time, I have learned that money is rarely just about money. Our financial choices often reveal what we value, what we fear, whom we trust, and what we believe about the future.

My name is Heath Goodson, and I am the founder of 3C Financial. The three Cs represent Competence, Compassion, and Confidence—qualities I believe people should expect when receiving financial guidance. Before entering the financial industry, I served for several years in pastoral ministry. Although my professional role changed, my desire to serve others did not. Today, my work often brings together financial wisdom, personal values, family relationships, and faith.

That is why I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute this monthly Faith and Finance column to Birmingham Christian Family Magazine. My purpose will be to connect timeless Biblical principles with practical financial wisdom that can help individuals and families make thoughtful, intentional decisions.

In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This passage reminds us that our money and our hearts are deeply connected. Our treasure often follows the direction of our hearts. Therefore, wise financial stewardship begins by aligning our hearts, priorities, and values with God’s principles. When that alignment occurs, our financial decisions can become an outward reflection of what we truly believe.

This does not mean there is one financial formula for every person. Each family has a unique story, different responsibilities, and a distinct calling. Biblical wisdom provides the foundation, but applying it requires discernment, prayer, honest conversations, and practical planning.

In the months ahead, we will explore how faith can influence the way we think about money, make decisions, prepare for the future, respond to uncertainty, care for others, and define success. Rather than focusing only on accumulation, we will consider how our resources can serve our families, communities, and God’s Kingdom.

My hope is that this column will make financial concepts easier to understand, encourage meaningful reflection, and help readers take their next faithful step with greater clarity and confidence.

– Heath Goodson

Wealth Advisor

205-970-5242

3cfinancial.net

Securities offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN). Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Annuity and insurance products offered through Equitable Network, LLC. 3C Financial is not a registered investment adviser and is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. Equitable Advisors and Equitable Network are affiliated companies and do not provide tax or legal advice. Equitable Advisors does not offer faith-based or religious investment advisory services and does not recommend securities, investment strategies, or financial products based on religious principles. Investment recommendations are provided solely on the basis of a client’s financial circumstances, objectives, and suitability considerations.

AGE- 9063815.1(8/26)(Exp.8/30)

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Jessie with Big Oak family on Christmas morning

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Community Partner Molly Maid of Birmingham, mollymaid.com/birmingham

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

I lived with my dad until he left when I was five years old. After losing my dad, my grandmother took care of me for a few years. When I turned 7, she could no longer take care of me, so I ended up moving to Big Oak Ranch.

I still remember the day I met my houseparents, the Jenkins. I was seven years old, and it felt strange that these people I had never met were going to take care of me. It took some time to get used to. The first night I remember sitting at the dinner table together like a family. Everybody was talking, passing food around the table, and asking about my day — it was different from anything I had experienced before. Since I never really had a mom and dad growing up, it was new for me to feel compassion and love from my houseparents. I started trusting the people who were taking care of me and opening up more about what I was feeling. Big Oak Ranch began to feel like home. I spent the long summer days fishing and playing hide-and-seek, basketball, and baseball. I was outside most of the time, just enjoying being a kid. That was new to me because there wasn’t much space to do those kinds of things before coming to the Ranch. Before coming to the Ranch, I had never celebrated Christmas, and it became one of my favorite memories. I remember watching movies, shopping for presents for my house brothers, and spending time together as a family. On Christmas Day, we got to open presents together. Seeing everyone happy and simply being together was really fun and something I’ll never forget.

When I was a sophomore, I lived with new houseparents, BJ and Zach. At first, we didn’t connect very well because I was hard-headed and still learning to trust people. But over time, I saw that they were there for me and weren’t going to give up on me. Today, they are the people I’m closest to. Looking back, I can see how much I grew up and matured during my time at the Ranch. I am very thankful for everyone there. I really don’t know where I would be in life without them.

-Jesi

Celebrating One Year of To Outwit Them All

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media