November Giveaways

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO Great Giveaways this month!

Sound of Music at the Lyric! TWO WINNERS will receive two tickets to experience live at The Lyric Theatre this timeless classic reimagined as a ballet and performed by students of The Dance Studio on Saturday November 20, www.thedancestudio.art. In addition to tickets, the winners will receive a gift basket filled with great items! Sound of Music Gift Basket Giveaway #1 includes: OHenry’s Coffee Basket with Coffee Products, Two Tickets to the Evening Performance of the Sound of Music the Ballet (6pm), Includes Two Sound of Music Coffee Mugs, a pair of ballet pointe shoes signed by the cast of the Sound of Music and a Sound of Music Christmas Ornament. Sound of Music Gift Basket Giveaway #2 includes: OHenry’s Coffee Basket with Coffee Products, Two Tickets to the Matinee Performance of the Sound of Music the Ballet (2pm), Two Sound of Music Coffee Mugs, a pair of ballet pointe shoes signed by the cast of the Sound of Music and a Sound of Music Christmas Ornament!

To enter simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF. For EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.
2. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
Offer ends 11/15/21. Winner announced 11/16/21 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

Christmas at the Station! Take a daytime Christmas train ride from Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera. Includes a family four pack of tickets. Simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF. For EXTRA ENTRIES:
3. TAG a friend you would like to take with you!
4. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.
5. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
Offer ends 11/23/21. Winners announced 11/24/21 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

October 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Publisher’s Note

Readers like you make spreading Good News in our community possible.

Thanks to you our issues and articles are shared online and in print with tens of thousands of people every month. You are the ones responsible for making sure our advertisers know you do business with them and understand their advertising each month makes possible the free Good News of Birmingham Christian Family (BCF).

So, get ready to enjoy our Jingle All the Way Reader Give-A-Ways!

The fun starts on Black Friday, November 27 with Four Weeks of Great Christmas Give-A-Ways all valued at $250 or more including a Family Four Pack of Tickets to Dollywood and a Filson Wool Blanket from Mark’s Outdoors. Follow us on Facebook, for details on all our gifts and how to enter.

If your business would like to be part of our Christmas Gift Guide Special Section of the December issue, be sure to email [email protected] or call her at 205-408-7150. A big thanks to our advertising partners who make the gift giving possible and most importantly help us share the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ with readers every month!

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 21 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 (Holman Standard)

November 15, 2021October 19, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

For Dr. Lucy Sanders, her profession as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist is much more than a job or even a career. “I feel like it’s definitely a calling. I believe the service part of being a physician- taking care of people- is what I am led to do,” Dr. Sanders says. Her faith impacts how she interacts with patients. “I pray for patients, and I pray with patients. I feel that this gives a holistic approach to taking care of people.”

Dr. Sanders’ time at Henderson & Walton Women’s Center (HWWC), P.C. didn’t begin when she joined the practice more than one year ago. In fact, Dr. Sanders was born at St. Vincents Hospital via Henderson & Walton! “I was also a patient for years before entering medical school, so it was an easy decision to start working at Henderson & Walton,” she explains.

Dr. Sanders is the daughter of long time Birmingham Pediatrician, Dr. Bill Johnston. His legacy inspired her to become a physician. “I loved watching him interact with his patients and going out in the community and running into his patients,” she says, adding, “He seemed to really love what he did. It’s kind of like a family business; it motivated me to try to pursue the same kind of career and that was medicine for me as well.”

Dr. Sanders is passionate about connecting with patients and helping them navigate their personal health journeys. “I love being able to develop relationships with my patients,” she says.

For more than 30 years, Henderson & Walton Women’s Center has been specializing in women’s health care in the Birmingham and surrounding areas. All the OB/GYN physicians, including Dr. Sanders, are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For patient convenience, HWWC sees patients in Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, Rainbow City/Gadsden, Jasper and Tuscaloosa. To learn more about Dr. Sanders and the team of physicians and staff at Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C., visit www.hwwc.net or call 205-930-1800.

-Melissa Armstrong

November 8, 2021October 13, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Special Feature

Transformation Ministries (TM) is offering a new program designed to help male and female veterans find freedom from the debilitating effects of PTSD on their lives and on the lives of their families. This faith-based program is designed from a clinical and spiritual approach and is conducted as a part of a 3-day retreat called “The Soldier’s Heart Retreat.” Our first of many retreats to come, this program is now offered to the spouses of the veteran as well. We believe that the whole family is affected by war and we don’t want to leave the spouses behind. This year the retreat will be conducted on November 14-17, 2021, at the Rolling Hills Conference Center in Calera.

Guest speakers will be:

Justin Moody, PhD, LAT, ACT, Asst. Professor of Kinesiology at Samford University, Neuroscience – Traumatic Brain Injury
Michael “Big Mike” Asdel, MSgt USAF Retired, MA Pastoral Counseling, Current VA Medical Center Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Rock Hobbs, LtCol. USAF Fighter Pilot Retired, MA Aerospace Science, Pastor

Transformation Ministries "The Unit" Coin — The Soldier’s Heart Retreat participants will receive a specially designed Unit Coin.

Many people believe and teach that PTSD is something that a person will have for the rest of their life and they just have to learn to cope with it through medications and therapies. At TM, we do not believe that. We believe that God designed and created the brain and He can heal it as well. Our spiritual approach to inner healing has been very successful in the past and we are excited about what God will be doing during these retreats. To find out more about the Soldier’s Heart Retreat and to register, visit www.trministries.org/vets/soldiers-heart-retreat. The retreat is free to veterans and includes housing, food and activities. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee and it will be limited to the first eight veterans to sign up. Fly fishing, canoeing and lessons on how to fly a drone for the “want-to-be” aviators will be part of this special weekend, as well as activities for the spouses and the group. A DD form 214 will be required upon registration at the conference center on November 14. †

October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

1 in 3 women experience abusive relationships. Does your partner make you emotionally, physically, or financially dependent? Isolate you from seeing your friends, family, or children? Forbid you from going anywhere or seeing anyone? Threaten to take away your child or children? Become angry when you speak to the opposite sex? Control when you can speak or what to think? Criticize you about how your dress and appearance? Blame you for their problems? Threaten to hurt you with violence or a weapon? Act excessively jealous or possessive? Have an explosive temper and use force during an argument threaten to commit suicide if you leave? Have a history of violence? Constantly put you down making feel worthless? Limit your access to the phone or your car? Accuse you of being disloyal or unfaithful? Embarrass you in front of others? Harm or threaten to harm you pets? Get physically violent and kick, push, choke, or slap you?? Any of the above are abusive behaviors. Call Hope’s Door for Safety Planning, Referrals, and Free Faith Based Counseling. If you are in danger please refer to the emergency numbers listed.

Shelby County- SAFEHOUSE 205-669-7233 (24/7)

King’s Home- 205-618-0300

Jefferson County- YWCA 205-322-4878

Alabama Domestic- Violence Crisis Line 800-650-6522

National Domestic Violence Hotline- 800-799-7233

Sexual Violence Hotline- 800-656-4673

We are in need of donated campers for our Housing Hope Project. Contact us for more information at [email protected], call 205-677-3041 or visit www.hopes-door.org. †

October 28, 2021October 12, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Are you struggling with grief over losing a loved one? Keep reading for five helpful tips.

1. Expectations. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself during this holiday season as you grieve. Allow yourself to mourn and don’t avoid mourning for fear of upsetting others. Expect that exposure to the holiday season and its rituals will impact you in different, perhaps even unexpected ways. You may experience unexpected grief resurgences of varying intensities or you may not. Make certain that you have outlets for your grief. Take time alone and/or with trusted friends and family members, as needed, to be with your grief. Grief resurgences in response to the sudden, expected awareness of a loved one’s absence are a natural part of the survivorship experience and can be triggered by exposure to anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and other festive occasions.

2. Traditions. It’s been my experience that survivors contend with their first exposure to the end-of-year holiday season by embracing tradition (engaging in familiar holiday rituals) or making a radical departure from tradition (spending the holidays out-of-town, for instance). If you plan on embracing tradition, feel free to cut back, if needed, on the amount of time and energy you spend purchasing gifts, decorating your home, preparing meals, attending holiday gatherings, and so forth. Assess your own energy level to determine how much exposure you can handle at any time and adjust accordingly.

3. Communication. Speak with your family members and friends concerning your needs and how they can assist. Ask for their accommodation and understanding.

4. Memorialization. There are many different, creative ways of memorializing your deceased loved one during the holiday season. Incorporate these into your holiday regimen where appropriate.

5. Education. Community Grief Support is hosting several “Hope for the Holidays” community seminars on November 6, November 13, and November 20. Click on the individual dates to find more information on each of the seminars.

-Steve Sweatt, LPC-S/LMFT

Clinical and Co-Executive Director

Community Grief Support

205-870-8667

October 28, 2021October 6, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Love Life group praying — This year Love Life began leading weekly prayer walks in the Birmingham area.

For the first time in a long time, *Amanda, Director of Charlotte, N.C.’s largest abortion clinic, felt uncertain. Normally, she would have urged the young mom in front of her toward an abortion. But this time it was her own niece, and both women were conflicted. Finally, *Erika decided to let her baby live. As the young mom walked out the clinic doors, she headed straight toward the sidewalk counselors outside who had promised to help. They welcomed her with open arms and prayed with her. Then they called the Christian Pregnancy Center and a church near her home—a known House of Refuge for those facing unplanned pregnancies. That very day, the body of Christ came alongside Erika with the help and hope of Christ she needed.

In time, the Church even threw her a huge baby shower. Unbeknownst to them, Amanda attended. As the abortion center director watched the church love on her niece, she was blown away by their kindness and support. Returning to the clinic, she began counseling girls who were undecided to talk to the sidewalk counselors outside. “They’re not crazy, they’ll help you!” she urged. But on Week 40 of Love Life’s 40-Week Prayer Campaign, she walked out of the abortion clinic doors for good, choosing life for herself in Jesus! Amanda and Erika’s story is one of thousands that the Love Life ministry team has experienced since it first began in Charlotte in 2016. Now a worldwide outreach, Love Life works diligently to establish sidewalk counseling teams at every open abortion clinic in America and to mobilize the evangelical churches in those cities to engage life through united fasting, prayer, and practical support. Jennifer Gerelds and Shaylene Burlage are Love Life’s missionaries for Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala. “We want to see families running to the Church for help in unplanned pregnancies instead of the abortion clinic,” Shaylene explains the mission. “But for that to happen, the culture in our churches must shift toward loving life and providing tangible support for moms and dads who are struggling to choose it, as well as restoration and healing for those who suffer from past abortions.”

Love Life Leaders Birmingham — Jennifer Gerelds and Shaylene Burlage are Love Life’s missionaries for Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala.

That shift has already begun happening in over 500 partnering churches across the country who have teamed with Love Life. Through weekly fasting and directed Prayer Walks, churches are adopting weeks out of the 40-Week prayer campaign and showing up at the darkest places of death in their cities—the abortion clinic—to bring the light and hope of Jesus. The 40 Week campaign runs from February through November each year. Save the date for Birmingham’s Love Life Walk on November 13! If you’d like more information on Love Life and how your church can Adopt a Week, visit www.lovelife.org or contact local Love Life missionaries Jennifer Gerelds ([email protected]) or Shaylene Burlage ([email protected]). †

*Names changed for privacy purposes

December 14, 2022October 4, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

While Lisa Ledbetter was a foster parent for 11 years, she didn’t know she would end up adopting four abused and neglected children and would also perform life-changing work for other such children and families by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer.

When Ledbetter’s seven-year-old foster son, Kamden was involved in the court process, Judge Jim Kramer assigned a CASA Volunteer to his case. The CASA Volunteer was Larry Beaury, known by Kamden as “Mr. Larry.” Beaury observed Kamden and his biological family and supervised visitation with them. He wrote court reports to the judge regarding Kamden’s well-being and his interactions with his family and other such important investigative tasks. According to Ledbetter, Beaury was meticulous in his work, was a positive role model for Kamden and truly cared for him. “He helped change his life,” said Ledbetter.

Mr. Larry with Lisa and Kamden — Lisa and Kamden Ledbetter with “Mr. Larry” who became a volunteer for CASA of Shelby County after reading about the organization in Birmingham Christian Family.

“Larry made such a difference in our case, not just for Kamden, but for me and the birth mother as well. He went above and beyond to do what he could to help him and to ensure that he had a safe and permanent home,” said Ledbetter. Through the process, that safe and permanent home became Ledbetter’s, thanks to her adoption of Kamden. Ledbetter says that Kamden was once very sensitive and uncertain of his future. Because of CASA, “Mr. Larry’s” work and through adoption, he has found a sense of peace and permanency.”

Beaury, who became a CASA Volunteer upon his retirement said humbly, “I am an advocate for children, and I want to do whatever I can for the benefit of the children we serve.” He did admit though that he was blown away when he once asked Kamden during a supervised visitation who he loved and he said, I love my mother, Lisa (his foster mother) and I love you.” That was all the proof he needed to know he had done a good job. Inspired by her and Kamden’s positive experience and “Mr. Larry’s” work, Ledbetter applied to become a CASA Volunteer herself. She went through their 5-week training course and is now a CASA Volunteer. Since that time, she has been assigned a case with an abused and neglected teenage boy. She reports that he has opened up to her and they have made a good connection. She feels she has earned his trust and that is important in the life of a child that has been abused or neglected.

Ledbetter says she has found CASA to be extremely rewarding. “It fulfills that deep need in me to serve children and families and it has given me the outlet to do that. It has also given me a sense of community and pride -a sense of accomplishment. It feels good to know I’ve really helped make a difference in my little part of the world,” said Ledbetter. Thanks to CASA, Ledbetter is now trained and equipped to help other abused and neglected children in the way “Mr. Larry” helped Kamden. While Kamden’s court case is over and has a happy ending, “’Mr. Larry’ still calls and checks on Kamden and his face lights up when I tell him he has,” said Ledbetter. Judge Jim Kramer recently said, “I have seen cases closed and end on a happy note because of the work of CASA Volunteers. They are an extra set of eyes and ears for me, and I would like to have one in every case I have.”

Sadly, there are not enough CASA Volunteers to serve the abused and neglected children in Shelby County. To find out how you can become a CASA Volunteer and make a difference in the life of a child like Kamden, please visit www.casaofshelbycounty.org. You do not have to have a degree or be “qualified” to serve. CASA provides all the training you will need to serve abused and neglected children in our community. CASA is funded in part by the Children’s Trust Fund and a Shelby County Community Grant. They also raise money through fundraising events such as the one they held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 in Columbiana when cooking celebrity Brenda Gannt hosted a “Barbecue with Brenda” to benefit their program.

-Beth Chapman

Exec. Dir., CASA of Shelby County, www.casaofshelbycounty.org

Chapman shares that Larry Beaury, “Mr. Larry,” first learned about CASA while reading Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) magazine!

September 27, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

As we step into the cooler temperatures of fall, the team at T. Fox SalonSpa is ready to help you look your best when it comes to having healthy hair and skin. Here’s 3 ideas to add to your health regimen this fall.

1. Give Your Skin a Lift! T Fox SalonSpa Specialist Maddie suggests AVEDA’s Organic Facial which she customizes to your skin health needs.

Benefits:

Plant based ingredients
Customized results
Anti-aging treatments
Restores radiance

2. Give Your Hair a Boost! T Fox SalonSpa Artist Brooke can show you how an AVEDA Shine Botanic Treatment will do the trick.

Benefits:

Adds Shine
Tames Frizz
Softens Hair
Lasts up to 25 shampoos

3. Update Your Fall Look! TFox SalonSpa Artist and color expert Emily will give you a beautiful, fresh fall look with AVEDA Balayage Color.

Benefits:

Organic and Vegan color
100% Customizable
Deposits natural oils for healthy results
Low maintenance color options

For more ideas on how to best care for your hair and skin visit the T. Fox SalonSpa Facebook page where every Tuesday the team posts a Tuesday Care Tip www.facebook.com/TFoxSalonspa. The team also invites you to stop by the SalonSpa on Valleydale Road in Hoover to learn more.

– Brought to you by T. Fox SALONSPA, Top 200 Salon in North America by Salon Today

2080 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-8369

www.tfoxsalon.com

T- Fox SalonSpa is offering a READERS’ REWARDS COUPON FOR MONTH OF OCTOBER! A $20 GIFT for first time guests! Click here for this reward and more!

September 24, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Home Improvement

When Tom and I first meet with buyers, especially first-time home buyers, we sit down and discuss their goals to understand their immediate needs. We also discuss expectations, market trends, and cover the many expenses throughout a purchase. I think it is fair to say most buyers are not familiar with all the fees that go into purchasing a home. Why would they be? That’s our job! Here are eight fees one should expect when purchasing a home:

1. Down Payment: This is usually the largest expense for a purchaser, and it is important to consult with a lender you trust. Down payments can range from 0% down to “skies the limit.” Obviously, the more you put down, the lower your monthly mortgage payment will be.

2. Loan-Related: Includes application fees, loan origination fees, discount points, mortgage broker fees, etc. This covers the costs of processing your loan which can vary depending on lenders. We encourage buyers to get at least three quotes from various lenders so they can compare the rates and fees.

3. Inspections: Most buyers get general home inspections which cost between $400-$550. After the general home inspection, buyers might hire a specialist to inspect specific areas. Some of the more common specialized inspections are Sewer & Septic ($325-$575), Chimney ($300-$400), Wood Infestation Report ($75-$175), Electrical ($150-$300), and HVAC (+/- $90/ unit).

4. Title: It is important to run a title search to verify there are no outstanding claims or liens against the property. Even though it is not required for cash purchases, we recommend obtaining a title insurance policy; lenders require a title insurance policy. Title insurance protects new homeowners in the event another party has a legitimate interest in your property after you have purchased the home. Title search fee – $325; Title insurance – .5%-1% of purchase price.

5. Appraisal: Lenders sometimes need to verify a home is worth the contract amount agreed upon between a seller and buyer. The average cost of a certified professional appraiser ranges between $400-$600.

6. Prepaids: This includes property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and daily mortgage interest. Typically, you will prepay six months to one year of homeowner’s insurance, two months or more for property taxes plus the prorated amount for the remainder of the year, and daily interest is determined by your interest rate and the remaining days in the month from the day of the closing.

7. HOA: Many homes have Homeowner’s Associations with monthly, quarterly, or yearly dues, which will be prorated at closing. There could also be processing fees, transfer fees, and more associated with the HOA. These can range in prices depending on the amenities they offer.

8. Attorney: The average cost of a closing attorney is $450-$550.

Every home purchase is different and not all fees will apply to every buyer. We think it is important to work with a realtor you trust when buying a home so they can educate you along each step of the process. Plus, so many buyers do not realize, the one fee they DO NOT pay is the real estate commission. It is customary for the seller to pay all of the realtor’s commissions, in other words both the buyer and seller real estate commissions. So, find someone who will represent you and look out for your interests because with Alabama being a Caveaut Emptor state (which is a Latin phrase for Buyer Beware) you have more than enough to do to perform your due diligence without also having to coordinate the amount of money which begins to flow from the time a contract is created.

-Tom and Julie Douglass