Scholarship Finalist: Kaylee Vail

April 30, 2020March 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Scholarship Finalist Kaylee Vail attends Lamar County High School in Vernon, Ala.

My Christian faith has greatly impacted my high school career. I believe you can sum up God in one word…”Love”. God expects us to love everyone just as He loves us. I try to show everyone love, but the one time that sticks out the most was when I met a boy. I was a shy seventh grader. I kept noticing an older boy sitting alone at lunch and not eating. He looked very sad. One day I asked God to give me the courage to talk to him. I walked over to his table and asked was he okay. He said he was good and looked back down. I asked him why he was not eating. With tears in his eyes he looked up and said that his Mom was not a good person and that she didn’t have food in the house nor did she give him lunch money. I was floored. My parents always gave me food and money for things I needed. I was never without food. I told him I would be right back. I got my tray and set it down in front of him and told him to eat half. A huge smile came over his face. I told him that God put it on my heart to help him. From that day forward I either shared my lunch, or my Mom sent him a home-cooked meal every day. To this day he still hugs my Mom and I and tells us he loves us. Just one act of love changed a young man’s life. Just one act of love taught that young man that God loves him. He even started saying a prayer every day just before he ate his lunch. Reaching just one soul can start a movement that can change many lives.

Click here to read all of the 2020 Scholarship Essays!

Special thanks to our sponsor, Judson College!

June 14, 2021March 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Laurie’s Blog

We are very fortunate that the production of our Good News content has not been hampered during these uncertain times. More than ever people in our community are in search of Good News and we are stepping up to provide it and make sure they know where they can find it.

A big plus for us is that we started a major initiative two years ago to expand our digital reach. We had no idea that the work we had done would help us prepare for a global pandemic, but I am grateful that we have grown so much through our website, email, and social media.

BCF Scholarship — *Birmingham Christian Family* once again honored graduating seniors with the 2021 Scholarship Opportunity! Read the essays of our Top Five Scholarship Finalists, who share how God has impacted their lives. The winner, Liz Lewis, received a $1000 scholarship to the school of her choice.

Our issues are full of inspiration and resources for families and are available right now on our website. As always, the issues contain live links to our advertisers’ websites. Our e-subscribers also continue to receive the monthly issue in their Inbox- no need to get out of the house to get it! Copies of issues are also available at key places people need to visit- like the grocery store and pharmacy. Readers know they can find the magazine there- including most Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Whole Foods and Food Land stores. In the print issues and through social media, we specifically ask our readers and followers to pick up a few extra copies of the issue when they are at the grocery store to share with a friend, neighbor or family member who may not be able to leave home at this time. Additionally, we are:

Partnering with churches to share with their members through various communication channels that while services are not being held at the church where they normally pick up a copy of the magazine, they can access the issue online. As churches reopen, we are also providing them with their print copies for distribution. We have also had the opportunity to help churches communicate to the community how they can worship with them by constantly updating and sharing online worship opportunities in our Find A Church Resource Guide.
Running radio advertising spots on WDJC-FM and WAY-FM sharing where Good News can be found- including the latest issue online and at locations like area grocery stores.
Investing in a social media campaign that targets our reader demographic (upper income, Birmingham metro families) and lets them know where they can find Good News for the family 24/7 and linking them to the latest issue.

During this time of uncertainty, we are leveraging our digital platforms to help our advertisers communicate with customers as things change on an hour to hour basis. Just message us through Facebook or call 205-408-7150 if you have a message that you need to share with customers and potential customers about changes to your hours of operation, curbside delivery, home delivery, or anything else that is relevant during the current situation. If you message us the update, we will share it on social media within 24 hours to help you get the word out.

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 20 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 (Holman Standard)

March 19, 2020March 18, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

publishers note featured image Got Good News Aug 19 BCF

Laurie’s Blog

While many of us right now may be unable to connect in person, we can still touch the lives of others with God’s love.

Pray Together– Some of my most valued prayers have been said with close friends or family by text, prayed through an email, or spoken over the phone. Consider texting, calling or emailing a friend or family member and letting them know you are praying for them and their family. Ask about any specific ways you can pray for them.

Tell Someone You Care– We might not be able to speak to each other “up close” and “personal” right now but we can impact someone right now with a phone call, a text, an encouraging email or a card. I love the “lasting” words contained in a card or letter- giving me the opportunity to read it again and again and be encouraged.

Read & Share Good News- What about sending that senior adult in your life that’s isolated at home an uplifting book to read? Follow it up with a “Book Club” over the phone review! And we all certainly need some Good News- so consider sharing with your friends and family through your social media a Good News article from a recent issue of Birmingham Christian Family– available 24/7 at www.birminghamchristian.com.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring Good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” Isaiah 52:7

Friends let’s get out and do some walking in the Word and sharing it with others any way we can!

Do you have a Good News story to share? Tell us about it! Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/contact to share your story with us! Can’t wait to learn how God is at work in your life!

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter @cfpBirmingham

Instagram @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 20 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 (Holman Standard)

March 11, 2020 by Birmingham Christian Family

Paws in the Park is a pet-friendly family fun day hosted by The Gathering Place Christian Academy. Enjoy an exciting day full of fun activities at Moody City Park. Activities include a Doggy Fashion Show, Dog Agility Course, Doggy Photo Booth, Easter Egg Hunt, Vendor Fair, Food Trucks and More! Email [email protected] for more information!

April 25, 2023March 3, 2020 by Birmingham Christian Family

Readers choose favorite in each category & each winner/business recognized as Readers’ Choice in print and online, www.BirminghamChristian.com!

How Your Business Can Participate:

Invest $899 or more in display advertising in Birmingham Christian Family magazine between now and the end of 2020 and your Guide Spotlight in the September digital and print Issue is free!
Invest $299 to have your business included in the guide on-line and in print in category that best describes your business/event.

What Does Your Guide Spotlight Include?

Business Logo
Business image showing how your business provides Fall Family Fun
Up to 250 words describing what your business/event offers families
Quote from satisfied customer
Live link to your website from digital issue spotlight
Fall Family Fun Resource Guide will not only appear in the print and digital September issue of Birmingham Christian Family magazine but will also be promoted through social media, radio and print during the months of September, October and November 2020.
As a participant, you will be able to share the link to your spotlight with link to your website with potential customers through social media.
If readers choose your business/event as the Readers’ Choice in your category, you will be recognized again the October issue of Birmingham Christian Family and through social posts throughout the month of October 2020.

Deadline to Participate & Compete in Reader Choice Favorites, Tuesday, August 18. To reserve your space in the Fall Family Fun Resource Guide contact Amy at [email protected] or 205-515-2564, 205-408-7150.

March 5, 2020February 29, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

Why Staying Socially Active as You Age Is Good for Your Health

Although loneliness may not seem like a significant issue, lack of social contact can have a seriously detrimental effect on the emotional and physical health of older adults, who are often most susceptible to isolation. It’s a fact of life that as people grow older, they will face an increased likelihood of losing close friends, relatives, and spouses. However, it’s not only death that may remove people from their life. Sometimes, a senior’s adult children have moved away, which can compound their isolation. In addition, older adults are usually no longer in the workforce, which cuts down on their opportunities for social interaction. They may also have health problems that can make it difficult for them to go out and take part in their community. However, meeting new people and finding new opportunities for social interaction isn’t as difficult as you think.

Brookdale Eat Right image jpg — A recent Eat Right for Life Seminar hosted by Brookdale for senior adults. To learn more about opportunities like this call Leanne Messer, 205-613-0688.

Social Contact Can Benefit a Senior’s Health. Studies have shown a strong connection between social interaction and the mental and physical well-being of seniors. For instance, research shows that consistent human contact can reduce stress as well as the risk of depression, which occurs in more than two million of the 34 million seniors in the USA, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. As well, social interaction can even decrease the risk of dementia, a common disorder in older adults. It may surprise you to learn that socialization can also have a significant effect on physical health. Studies have found that consistent socialization can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and reduce physical pain. As well, older adults, who as a group are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, often eat more — and eat healthier — when they dine in the company of others.

Increasing Social Connections. Sometimes all a senior needs is gentle encouragement to be more socially engaged. With a little nudging, they will sign up for courses, attend a senior center, or volunteer. These are all excellent ways to meet more people. Brookdale Senior Living strongly encourages social interaction among seniors. In fact, it is one of Brookdale’s Optimum Life six dimensions of wellness.

Local Opportunity to Connect. Brookdale University Park recently hosted an “Eat Right for Life” Seminar, inviting guests to visit and get a “Taste” of Brookdale while hearing from their very own Registered Dietician in the Brookdale Healthcare Center, Trisha Lunsford, RD. Lunsford taught attendees about senior-specific nutrition needs. She also introduced several good food choices guests could make to meet their nutritional needs and be healthier for life. Each guest who attended left with a “Not-So-Secret Ingredients for Healthy Senior Nutrition” pamphlet and was encouraged to share with friends as well. To learn about future educational opportunities like this and to find out more about being a part of the Brookdale University Park community, call us today!

-Leanne Messer, Brookdale University Park

Call Leanne at 205-613-0688 to learn more and schedule a tour.

An Invitation to Experience Brookdale

Residents of Brookdale University Park enjoy an engaging lifestyle with a selection of care options to meet changing needs. The community conveniently located off Lakeshore Drive offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Call 205-870-0786 to connect with one of our team members who would be delighted to help you plan your personal visit, www.brookdale.com.

March 8, 2020February 28, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Legal Matters

Presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning

March is “Save Your Vision” month, and your vision for your estate plan may need saving as well. Wills and trusts should not be big secrets. The best way you can make sure that your intended wishes will occur is to make sure your entire cast are onboard and knowledgeable about your intentions and their respective roles. Regardless of your age and wealth, you need an estate plan that is clear (how about 20/20 vision) to you, your spouse, your executor, your accountant, your legal advisor, your financial advisor and your heirs.

Don’t surprise your spouse unpleasantly by your estate plan, especially if you have a blended family with his, hers, and/or our kids. And while you’re at it, make sure your spouse has a clear and up-to-date estate plan as well. Heirs are less likely to contest wills when you explain why you’ve structured your estate plan a certain way. Executors can implement your estate plan more quickly and with less hassle when it has been planned with 20/20 vision. Consider putting together an executor’s file where all the details such as deeds, pension contracts, insurance papers, funeral and burial plans, and all financial accounts are located.

If you already have an estate plan in place, great! Take a fresh look at it as part of your spring sprucing up to make sure it does not need updating. You can usually get away with a good review every three years, but if major changes have occurred, your estate plan should be updated even sooner. Examples of major events are children become adults, financial situations change, bank accounts (and balances) may change, executors may no longer be available, or heirs may have died. Your lawyer, accountant, and financial advisor may point out discrepancies in beneficiary designations once they knew your overall plan.

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” Make sure you have 20/20 vision for your estate plan and use these tips to get you where you want to go.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

www.bradfordholliman.com

205-663-0281

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.

February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Plead Your Case in the Courtroom of Heaven. With the slam of the gavel, the hopes and dreams for your future shatter. With a judgment rendered, you or a loved one now serve time in prison. Will another court hear your pleas?

In despair over her son’s future, Shonda Whitworth petitioned the Lord on his behalf and searched the Scriptures. Finding how the Lord redeems the worst offenders, she learned how to appeal to the heavenly court and receive hope from God for her son’s future. In Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven, Whitworth shares how she went from deferred hope to a hope-filled life. This book will help you:

•Identify biblical heroes who were lawbreakers
•Understand the prosecutor’s strategy
•Make effective appeals on behalf of yourself and your loved ones

Hope will be restored as you confidently plead your case to the courtroom of heaven! Whitworth writes, teaches, and speaks at conferences and retreats to share the hope of healing and restoration we have in Jesus. After her son landed in state prison, she realized the hardships families of prisoners encounter. She and her husband, Eldon, founded Fortress of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that offers hope to families affected by incarceration. Whitworth transparently shares her testimony of living with a son in prison at ShondaWhitworth.com and FortressofHopeMinistries.com.

Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven is available from ShopLPC.com and your favorite book retailers. †

February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

I am not alone in my proclivity to spiritual distraction. As Christians, we are surrounded by alluring diversions and secondary issues which capture our attention and crowd out the one true thing that matters more than all the rest collectively – the person of Jesus. Doctrinal discussions, ecclesial and secular politics, and prophetic rebukes of institutionalized injustice are important aspects of the Christian life – but they should never take our focus off Jesus. He is the center, the beginning and the end, the author and the finisher of our faith. If our attention is focused more on the Christian life than on Christ himself, we will become like clouds without water, hidden lights, worthless salt.

The tendency for us to be distracted from the primacy of Jesus by secondary issues is precisely why Max Lucado’s new book is so important. Jesus – The God Who Knows Your Name (Thomas Nelson Publishing) is a beautifully written journey into the life and ministry of our Lord. Segments include the birth of Jesus, the power of His ministry, the sacred subversiveness of His teachings, His death and resurrection, and the promise of His return. Jesus – The God Who Knows Your Name is a book I can recommend to non-believers and mature Christians alike. Regardless of how long we have been a follower of Jesus, encountering His story again and again is a necessary act. He is the center of our world.

Max Lucado and Andy — Max Lucado latest release, Jesus- The God Who Knows Your Name is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

There are times when the troubles of the world weigh heavily upon me. When I find myself anxious and in despair over the plight of someone I care about or the state of our society in general, I contemplate the story of Jesus. The fullness of God and humanity dwelt within Him, rending asunder the division between the secular and the divine. I think of a time of when sinners uttered holy words and scribes were rendered speechless, when lame men lept with joy and blind men beheld the face of God. I think about angels and shepherds and a Savior sleeping in a manger. I remember water being turned to wine and women worshiping outside an empty tomb. I remember Jesus, the God who knows my name. I remember that we are not alone.

–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster, 205-663-2370

February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Faith at Work

Are you interested in seeing, tasting and hearing the Holy Land from Birmingham, Ala.? Attendees of The Word Alive with Lysa TerKeurst will do just that on April 3-4, 2020 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

TerKeurst is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries based in Charlotte, N.C. The ministry started about 25 years ago as a simple newsletter and has grown exponentially in its impact and reach. Through the ministry, women can receive daily devotionals and online Bible studies, listen to podcasts, read the Bible through the First 5 App, and be encouraged by social media posts throughout the day. “When you think about reaching a woman and her family with Biblical encouragement and Bible teaching, we have something for her no matter what time of day she is available.”

TerKeurst says she chose Birmingham as one of the locations for the ministry’s The Word Alive event because the city holds great memories for her. Middle daughter, Ashley TerKeurst Hodges, married Church of the Highlands’ Pastor Chris Hodges son, David in Birmingham. The couple lived in the Magic City for a few years before moving back home to Charlotte, NC where the rest of the TerKeurst family lives.

At The Word Alive event, women can expect to take a deep dive into the topic of forgiveness. The event Friday evening April 3 and Saturday morning April 4 will be a multimedia experience with pictures from the Holy Land and worship led by award winning artist Ellie Holcomb. Each woman who attends the conference will receive a packet with hands on activities, including a journal. TerKeurst says expect the event to be power packed. “It’s not just coming and taking notes and listening to the teaching,” says TerKeurst. “The only regret women will have if they come to The Word Alive event is that they didn’t bring more of their friends.”

-Melissa Armstrong

Scholarship Finalist: Kaylee Vail

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