TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible, we have TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS this month for you and your family!
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure Family 4 Pack!
Enter to win a Family 4 Pack ($140 value)- Includes 4 Tickets good for any day during the 2021 season. Simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page. For an EXTRA ENTRY- TAG 3 friends in the comments. Offer ends 8/15/21. Winners announced 8/16/21 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!
We live in a world surrounded by death – dead dreams, dying relationships, and brokenness. Many times, we may feel like the prophet Ezekiel standing in a valley of dead bones. Surrounded by a slain army, the Lord asked Ezekiel a seemingly impossible question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3) God goes on to bring life and breath into these bones raising up an army before the prophet’s eyes. The answer to whether life can exist in a place of death is found in the power of a God who brings dead things to life.
As people who follow a resurrected Jesus, we know resurrection from death is the heart of the story. We have hope because Jesus defeated death and can bring life. Through His Holy Spirit, He can breathe breath on us, our struggles, and those around us. Jesus is a God who breathes the breath of life, yet often, we prefer the stench of death to the breath of life. Our conversations often reek of death – tearing down others, putting the spotlight on other’s failures, and focusing on the death around us. The culture you choose to build in your home will be the approach your kids live in everyday life. Is your home a culture with a fragrance of death or of life?
3 Ways to Build a Home with the Smell of Life:
1. Approach Dead Bones with Prayer Knowing the Holy Spirit Is the Source of Life. In response to God’s question, Ezekiel points back to God as the source of life and the source of the answer by saying “O Lord God, you know” (Ezekiel 37:3). By seeking God in prayer, we are turning to the only source of true life.
2. Shine the Spotlight on Life. Throughout Ezekiel 37, the prophet does not constantly draw attention to the death and darkness surrounding him. He speaks of the life coming together. Where do we shine the spotlight in our homes?
3. Speak Life in Places of Death. Ezekiel constantly speaks the words of life God gave him to the bones of death. Ezekiel was in tune with the words from God in order to speak faithfully for God. Are we in tune to the Word of God to remind us how to speak of life into the death surrounding us?
Jerry Cotney’s career as a team member with Chick-fil-A started the same day the Spicy Chicken Sandwich released in 2010. Cotney brought with him to Chick-fil-A several years in purpose driven work- including helping Soles4Souls get started. The non-profit which collects new shoes and clothing for people in need worldwide. It was a career change Cotney didn’t expect but felt led to do.
Jerry Cotney and his team help us spread Good News every month!
In 2016, Cotney was selected to be only the third Operator in the now 47-year history of the Chick-fil-A Brookwood Village location. “It’s been a joy and privilege,” says Cotney, about serving at the helm of Alabama’s very first Chick-fil-A franchise (circa 1974). He adds that the role of an operator at a mall versus a free-standing restaurant is different. “I’ve discovered how essential culture and engagement is.”
What drives Cotney as a Chick-fil-A operator? “My values and my faith. We’ve been able to build a team that is dedicated to serving well and stewarding well and focusing on not just growing the business but growing individually and collectively.” In 2019, Cotney’s team set a record for the highest guest satisfaction the location had ever seen and was deemed an Elite Food Safety Status restaurant. Chick-fil-A also bestowed on the team the highest award given- the Symbol of Success and was named as “Readers’ Choice” by Birmingham Christian Family readers this summer.
Jerry Cotney and his Chick-fil-A team were voted “Readers’ Choice” in Summer Family Fun in the category of Dining!
2020 was anything but easy for Cotney’s team. “We were closed for five weeks during COVID which is a death sentence for most restaurants.” Cotney was dedicated to staying in touch with his team and when they were able to reopen, 23 out of 26 team members returned. “Just recently, we are back to our pre-COVID revenue, which is a miracle because our mall is now 90% vacant.” The team put a lot of thought into pivoting their business model- including adding delivery service, curbside delivery expansion and more. “It’s been a marvel to see,” Cotney says. Birmingham Christian Family readers noticed and voted the team a “2021 Readers’ Choice” in summer family fun!
Chick-fil-A Brookwood offers Curbside and Delivery options in addition to traditional dining!
Based on how the Brookwood Village team adapted during the last year, the opportunity to move to a new location in Cahaba Heights became available. As the team prepares to move to Cahaba Heights, Cotney believes the Lord has prepared him for this new experience by “showing how involved He(God) is in this business. He provided the sales and the right people at the right time.” Cotney says he is delighted to move because he will be able to serve many of the same customers he has served for years. “This location is also exciting because we expect lots of families.” Cotney and his team will serve their last customers at Brookwood at the end of July and then turn their attention to reopening in Cahaba Heights in October. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @chickfilabrookwood to find details about the upcoming move to Cahaba Heights.
“Walk through” some of the most significant sites and times in our American history, while enjoying the beautiful grounds of the American Village in Montevallo, Ala. It’s free for the whole family during the months of August and September. Just stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Here are just a few of the campus highlights you will experience.
On the East side of Constitution Green is Washington Hall. Inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, the Hall is the centerpiece of the American Village campus, and the primary building used for programming. Like Mount Vernon, its exterior is covered with wooden blocks cut to look like stone (known as “rustication”). The open-air colonnades were a feature designed by Washington himself.
The National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor is located in Independence Circle and honors those in every generation who served and sacrificed for America and for liberty. Its exterior is patterned after Philadelphia’s Carpenters Hall. Through art, sculpture, graphics and multimedia technology, the Veterans Shrine explores the questions “Who are our veterans?”, “What did they do for our country?”, and “What do we owe them?”. Outside the Shrine is the bronze statue Liberty Uniting the Colonies. Beneath the statue is enshrined hallowed ground taken from over 30 battlefields where American men and women gave the last full measure of devotion for their country.
The Liberty Bell Garden contains a full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell. Read its surprising story on the plaque as you enter. The Garden is just across the street from the Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel inspired by Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg, Virginia. The antique pulpit was acquired from an Anglican church in England.
The Assembly Room, inspired by Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, is a replica of where both The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States of America were adopted. The room’s focal point is the Rising Sun Chair where George Washington sat as the delegates debated the adoption of The Constitution.
And you won’t want to miss the full-scale replica of The White House Oval Office. The outer gallery walls are lined with portraits and quotes of many United States Presidents. As you enter The Oval Office, pick up a sheet that tells about the room and includes a scavenger hunt on the back.
The American Village is located a short drive from Birmingham at 3727 Highway 119 South, Montevallo, Ala. Learn more at www.americanvillage.org or on their Facebook page. †
Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.
As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many hopeful investors are anticipating further retirement support as the majority of the bill stems from the original SECURE Act of 2019. However, it’s worth noting that the bill may change drastically before being signed into law. With that in mind, here are three potential benefits of the Securing a Strong Retirement Act.
1. Required Minimum Distributions (RMD): For those who contribute to a 401(k) or IRA, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act may allow you to wait until age 74 to start taking RMDs from your retirement accounts.1
2. Catch-up Contributions: Those who own an IRA and are over age 60 may be allowed to contribute an additional $10,000 per year to their retirement accounts.1
3. Student Loans: Employers may be allowed to match retirement contributions for employees who are paying off student loans.1
There’s little doubt the bill will benefit many retirees or those approaching retirement; the only question that remains is “how.” If you have any questions about how this new legislation may impact your retirement strategy, or you just want to chat, give us a call anytime. We’re always here to help.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc. and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Investment Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. is independent of Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc.
SECURE Act: Under the SECURE Act, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account in most circumstances. Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ under the SECURE Act. Contributions to a Traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, depending on your adjusted gross income. Additionally, you must also begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined-contribution plans in most circumstances at age 72. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined-contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
Heading off to college is a major step toward becoming an adult, but it is not all dorm linens and electronics. Adulting work occurs before heading to campus so let’s talk about the ‘what ifs” and help set up the right legal documents. Here are four things to discuss with your college student.
1. Healthcare and Durable Powers of Attorney. Discuss how a comprehensive durable power of attorney lets you be a backup manager for your college student’s financial affairs. If the college is in a different state, check the age of majority. Your college kid may be considered an adult at college and a minor in Alabama, so a healthcare power of attorney is advisable. Alabama’s age of majority is 19, but Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana’s age of majority is 18. Mississippi’s age is 21. If you are a blended family, keep in mind who has legal custody and the legal right to make healthcare decisions.
2. Will. If your young adult has substantial assets, you may want to help set up a will, particularly if you do not want those assets added back into your estate. Alabama’s laws for those with no wills (dying intestate) may not align with you and your young adult’s wishes in case of a tragedy. And of course, copies of these legal documents should be with your student’s belongings and in your own files.
3. Contact information. Make sure your young adult has all your contact information in his or her wallet and phone, perhaps under ICE (In Case of Emergency). Encourage them to add emergency contact info to Alabama’s database associated with driver’s licenses. You do not have to redo the driver’s license. Go to alabamainteractive.org/dl_renewal. Also don’t forget to exchange contact info with all roommates’ parents.
4. Financial Affairs. Discuss cash flow to prevent calls home about running out of funds. Your young adult needs to know upfront when funds will be transferred. Having a parent as a bank account signee through a power of attorney may be a good idea based on your young adult’s financial acumen. This talk is a great chance to reiterate that expenses should always be less than income.
If your young adult balks at this advance planning, just explain the adage of carrying an umbrella so that it won’t rain. Introduce your young adult to a qualified estate planning attorney long before packing the car for college and before your college student gets absolutely giddy about heading off to college: Adulting 101.
Blanket Fort Hope closed on land in Columbiana, Ala. in July! This land is the future home of the Restoration Center. Even though they have not broken ground yet, people already visit to pray over the land and leave Scripture rocks scattered around the property.
Did you know that the average age for child human trafficking survivors is between 11-17 years old? Child human trafficking is happening all around the country, explains Birmingham based ministry Blanket Fort Hope (BFH) Chief Executive Officer Alexa James. “We really do have a problem. It’s not another country that is having this problem. This is the fastest growing crime in America,” James says.
James believes that God called her to found BFH after years of experience volunteering and working with human trafficking survivors. It was through volunteering at an elementary school that she realized how high-risk children were for human trafficking. “I would literally walk out the door and see a drug dealer at the corner of the school every day.” This experience opened her eyes and she felt God put a burden on her heart for children. She went on to found BFH in 2015. “This is something that God showed me; this is the plan He had for my life.”
The Hold the Fort 5K & 10K is a certified race at Oak Mountain State Park on September 18. Join other runners (and walkers) in supporting Blanket Fort Hope’s mission of restoring hope for child human trafficking survivors. Expect fantastic giveaways and more! Learn more at HoldTheFortRaces.com.
To date, BFH has trained over 6,000 people in preventative education. “This training has been on the professional level, the school level, and through our foster care initiative,” James explains, adding, “Our mission is to restore hope in the lives of child sex trafficking survivors through access to essential services, compassionate care, and a loving Christian witness.” In July, BFH purchased 73 acres of land in Columbiana! After many years of praying and waiting on the Lord to move, James says that this land will be the future BFH Restoration Home for trafficking survivors. How will BFH introduce survivors to Jesus? “First, through example. Everything we do with these children will exemplify the love of Jesus Christ,” says James. Once their basic needs are met, they will have opportunities to attend Bible studies, church groups and more.
Grab your running shoes! The 3rd Annual Hold the Fort 5K & 10K is set for September 18 at Oak Mountain State Park. “The run is an opportunity for people who like to run or walk to support a cause and make a difference for child survivors of human trafficking,” James explains. The money that is raised will go to engineering the property and building the home in Columbiana. “We are offering hope, not fear. These kids have a chance. We have a blanket fort. And the blanket fort has a name, and its name is hope.” Learn more about BFH at www.blanketforthope.org.
-Melissa Armstrong
Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions
We do I.T. so you don’t have to!
Complete I.T. consulting, security and managed services that are tailored to help your business excel.
Jesus knew some of his followers wouldn’t last. They heard the gospel and believed. They started out joyfully and strong. They were all in. But somewhere along the way they would quit. Troubles would come and their faith would be tested. Worries, money, or just plain sin would suffocate their spiritual life and they would fall away. It happened in Jesus’ day. It’s happened throughout church history. It still happens today- sometimes to our neighbors, friends or family. Perhaps it’s happened to you.
Sacred Endurance – Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith (Intervarsity Press) by Trillia J. Newbell is an excellent book for those who have grown weary in their faith. She offers practical advice and encouragement on running the race of faith well. When testing comes, when the road gets tough and the race seems long, when the world seems too powerful or the weight of sin and condemnation cause us to stumble, we can find hope and strength in Jesus and God’s grace. We can endure to the end. Jesus is faithful, ever ready to give us the strength we need for the journey.
Trillia Newbell is the author of more than 10 books, including her children’s book God’s Very Good Idea. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville, Tenn.
Many years ago, a friend of mine preached a sermon that I still remember. The topic was about ending our faith journey well. Some followers of Jesus will quit. Some will abandon the faith, often crashing in dramatic fashion. But we don’t have to be like those Jesus warned about. Sacred Endurance reminds us that our Savior is a faithful Lord. In Jesus, there is grace and strength for a lasting faith. The prize is before us, so let’s run the race with hope, joy, and love.
Her alcoholism was at its fiercest. Desperately looking for a way out of her addiction, Sherry Hoppen joined a fundraiser that would require her to cycle hundreds of miles from Michigan to Texas—despite not even owning a bike. Pedaling while miserably hung over and being chased by everything from poodles to pit bulls, she soon discovered the road to freedom wasn’t on a bicycle. True recovery would come from following a different path.
Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time is the true story of Hoppen’s fight to escape alcoholism and all its shame and secrecy. Written with a balance of honesty and humor, she holds nothing back as she details her secret double life as an addicted follower of Christ. Recounting the many failed attempts to reach sobriety the hard way, Hoppen offers hope to others without judgment or useless clichés, assuring fellow believers that redemption and healing can be found—without riding a bike for thousands of miles. Addictions—whether it is drinking, excessive spending, prescription drugs, gambling, social media, or being entangled in sexual sin—can be found in every walk of life, but you too can ride your way to freedom and find a deeply satisfying partner in Jesus to help you get there.
Away from her desk, you will find Sherry Hoppen riding her beloved road bike for pure enjoyment. She is an avid reader and has a passion for all things decorating. Sherry and her husband enjoy traveling together and loving on their three grandsons.
Hoppen is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and a recovering alcoholic. She writes and speaks about overcoming the shame of being a Christian woman entangled in the nightmarish secrecy of addiction. She is the founder of She Surrenders, a ministry to help women confront and surrender the secrets they shamefully hold close. Through this ministry, Hoppen aspires to help women find freedom from alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors.
While boldly sharing her own story of faith-based recovery, Hoppen inspires others to remove their masks of shame and guilt and embrace life to the fullest in recovery. Sharing her personal addiction journey experiences with honesty and humor, she desires to help women see their true, authentic self away from the darkness that surrounds their addiction. Encouraging women that there is only one road that leads to freedom from alcohol, she has been a guest on the popular recovery podcast The Bubble Hour and has shared her story Not by Chance in Faith and Freedom, a collection of short stories. A regular speaker at women s events, college campus, and local Bible study groups, she has also hosted a retreat for recovery in partnership with Journey of Hope Yoga.
In Sober Cycle, find renewed hope and practical steps to recovery one day at a time. There’s always hope when you find your way back to the one that can save you. †
Who’s buying these homes around us? Where are they coming from? Great question and the answer is a result of many factors, some of which have been years in the making.
1. Since late 2016 we have seen an increase of out-of-town investors across the country coming to Birmingham picking up homes to be placed into rental portfolios.
2. The financial crash affected all generations differently; many millennials opted for experience of living over that of home ownership. With an increase in demand for rentals and low interest rates for investors, it wasn’t long before rental rates were higher than a mortgage payment for the same home. Thus, many logical minded millennials began their search for homeownership (marriage & babies probably helped some to start sooner).
3. We have seen record low interest rates which have provided a new level of affordability for homeowners which have given way to escalating sales prices. Homeowners realize with each passing month more equity, but even if it makes sense to finally sell, they still need to purchase. The seller’s market caused new construction to boom all over town but, it was nothing like the low inventory of today. Additionally, local investors have directly competed with retail buyers to flip a home – more buyers for the same home – by the time the rehab is complete, demand is even higher, and the price point of the home had increased. This also caused prices of non-renovated homes to escalate in price.
4. The effects of COVID brought the real estate industry to a quick stop, but it was only a quick one. COVID hit in March and by June, the housing market began performing as if it were making up for lost time. However, with schools in flux as to when & how they would operate, many homeowners opted to refinance and use the equity in their homes to perform renovations in lieu of moving. COVID’s effect on the number of workers coupled with a hindered supply chain has bottle-necked all industries. New construction has not been able to keep up with demand. Moratoriums on rental evictions have kept occupancy rates low. Forbearances for homeowners needing more time to make their mortgage payment has decreased the number of foreclosed properties available for purchase. The ability to work remotely caused a decrease in relocations. Some out-of-state companies have even begun to hire Alabamians to work remotely; employers and employees benefit from a decrease in expenses and an increase in wages.
None of these factors make up most of the market (new construction, foreclosure, & relocation sales), but they do collectively help the market to gain momentum into the next buying season. Next month we’ll discuss additional factors to watch in upcoming months to get a better understanding of our current local market and how it differs from the past. You can also follow us on social media for insight and tips all month long.
Join our Free E-newsletter packed with the latest family fun events, great recipes, inspiring stories, and all kinds of resources for you and your family.
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure Family 4 Pack!
A $25 Gift Card to Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods in Pelham, www.smileybrothersfoods.com. Simply Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/Recipes, and submit a recipe and get some great recipe ideas! Next Winning Entry to be drawn 8/18/21.
Brought to you by: Community Partner 
