Don’t Miss Out on the Church: The Importance of the Local Church in the Life of the Family

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Parenting Points

We live in a world where it is easy to be surrounded by Christian teachings and influences. We can turn on Christian radio to hear the truths of the Gospel sung. We can read a Christian book where we can learn with others how to faithfully live for Jesus. We can download the latest podcast to hear the world’s greatest preachers with a few clicks of our fingers. Yet in this world of easy access Christianity, it is easy for us to substitute all these Christian activities for the local church.

In addressing the church of religious Jewish Christians, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews reminded the Christians of that day a truth that we need to also remember in our day:

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” The church had forsaken gathering together as a Christian community in the local church in favor of other activities. It is easy for us to make the justification that gathering with the church is not necessary as long as our family is plugged into other Christian things and positive activities.

We choose to “neglect.” Neglecting is easy because the church’s schedule so often does not fit in the travel ball schedules of our kids or the other family activities. Neglecting is easy because sometimes church can be messy and a solo faith with Jesus seems much more comfortable. Neglecting is easy because it is easy to minimize my struggles to others instead of seeking to grow in grace through Christian community. Though neglecting is the easy and comfortable path, true Christian growth is experienced for both you and your family in the local church. As the author of Hebrews encourages us, the church is where you will be encouraged to more faithfully love and serve others, where you will find encouragement in times of struggle and doubt and where you will be reminded of eternal priorities.

In a world where many things push for priority in our lives, let us make sure we do not miss the two things that will go into eternity with us: our relationship with Jesus and our relationships with others. Church can be hard, but church is where you were made to be.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Minister of Students, Meadow Brook Baptist

www.benbirdsong.com

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

We live in the most affluent era of human history. We are surrounded by schools, medical centers and churches – each tasked with enhancing our mind, body and soul. And yet we are an unhappy folk. Even people of faith seem prone to live in discouragement. With the advent of social media, perpetual outrage and anger are commonplace, often over the most insane assertions or trivial issues. We cannot even buy a sandwich without walking into the crossfire of a culture war.

So how do we find the happiness that all humans desire? Max Lucado has some solid advice in his new book, How Happiness Happens. The New Testament uses the term “one another” over fifty times. How we engage one another is the key to abundant life and joy. If we focus on ourselves, our possessions or our self-interest, then we will live a miserable life. If we focus our attention on one another, on the well-being of both loved ones and strangers, then we are living as God intended us to. Happiness is found not in acquiring but in giving. Those who wish to live the Christian life must accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, serve one another, forgive one another and love one another. This is the key to happiness.

Best Books Lacado Max and Andy — In addition to authoring more than twenty books, Max Lucado is the pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas.

I am persuaded that happiness in this life is found by aligning ourselves with the ideals of Christ’s kingdom. There is no “abundant life” outside of Jesus and the measure of that abundance is found in the depths of our love for God and for one another. Embrace the stranger, heal the hurting, meet the needs of those less fortunate, exhibit compassion and extend kindness to friends and foes alike – that is what how we are called to live. That is how happiness happens.

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

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Nestled in the city of Harpersville, Ala., Old Baker Farm is a busy, family owned and operated farm – and has been for more than 200 years! Jerry Baker and his wife Pam are the fourth generation to farm cotton on the land. Jerry’s great grandfather, John Robert Baker, bought the land in 1902. With 12 children, one being Jerry’s father Earl Vernon Baker, the land has been treasured by the family ever since.

From growing cotton, corn, watermelons, soy beans and of course pumpkins, the Baker family’s land has stayed the same, even during tumultuous times. Baker reflects that financial issues have always been a concern. “It is so hard to make a living growing any commodity in the United States, because we are competing with the whole entire world.” In 1997, the family started growing pumpkins in hopes of relieving some of the financial stress. The first year the pumpkin patch was open, the farm saw 800 school children. Baker credits the pumpkin patch idea her husband thought of as the reason the farm is still operating today. She adds, “It has been a way to climb out of debt because of cotton. Needless to say, we are so grateful to the people in this region who have come here.”

In addition to operating Old Baker Farm, Jerry Baker also serves as pastor at Old Chapel Methodist Church in Wilsonville. He has been preaching in the United Methodist Church since 1991. The Baker family rests in the fact that everything can change, but God is always the same. “We are Christian people who believe in walking with God and God walking with us,” says Pam Baker. Jerry and Pam have been married for 48 years and have three daughters: Lisa, Lindsay and Leah. In addition, they have 12 grandchildren. As Baker reflects over the many years she has lived as a farmer’s wife, she shares, “I just get on my knees and thank God.”

special feature Old Baker Farm Barn Pic Oct 2019 BCF — Old Baker Farm was recently voted Readers’ Choice in Fall Family Fun!

The farm will welcome guests this fall season from September 28 to October 31. Pam Baker says she is most looking forward to people coming and enjoying life on the farm. “We are inviting guests into our backyard. We live here, we worship here, and we play here.” Visit www.oldbakerfarm.com to start planning your visit!

-Melissa Armstrong

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner White Plume Technologies, www.whiteplume.com

Some of Your Most Valuable Employees Are High-Functioning Alcoholics. They may perform well, but they need help—what will your company do?

Companies take pride in their high-functioning employees. As they should. But do you want to know a secret? Sometimes, those people are high-functioning alcoholics as well.

“My strong, strong suspicion is that what makes some people more likely to rise to the top is the same thing that makes them more likely to be addicts.” (David Linden, Neurobiologist at Johns Hopkin’s School of Medicine)

Virtually every company with more than a dozen employees likely has people on their team who are struggling with addiction. Addiction affects 10-15% of the work force, and twice as many people have at-risk behaviors. In fact, more than 75% of those with addiction issues are employed full-time. But what most people don’t know is that the attributes of high-functioning workers and leaders align strongly with those of alcoholics, including traits such as:

Compulsion for control and self-sufficiency
Obsession on achievement or perfection
Fixation on ego, entitlement, and pride

“The traits that make a good CEO – risk-taking, strong drive for success, obsession, dedication, novelty-seeking – are precisely what make a ‘good’ addict.” (Alice G. Walton, Why the Brains of High-Powered People May Be More Prone to Addiction)

Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholics. High-functioning alcoholics are people who appear to function normally despite being addicted to alcohol. They are often not viewed as alcoholics because they don’t fit the stereotype since they have succeeded or over-achieved during their life. There are many millions of high-functioning alcoholics who do a good job at work. But even though they may remain high performing, they are not operating at their best, with research suggesting they are 30% less productive than they could be.

They are still very valuable employees, and they are good people with lives and families. They just have an issue they need to deal with. Their company can help them—or hurt them—in their journey to get better. And the business will benefit—or suffer—from how company executives make that choice.

Addiction is a compulsive behavior, but it is also a disease, and this is widely accepted by the medical community. At most companies, employees with other illnesses are given benefits and assistance in getting well. Doesn’t it make sense to do the same with the disease of addiction?

To find out what your company can do: STEPS Business Wellness provides consulting, speaking, training, and coaching for companies, business groups, and individuals in the areas of addiction prevention, resilience, wellness, and workplace effectiveness. Visit www.StepsBusinessWellness.com or contact Steve Ward at [email protected].

-Steve C. Ward

Executive Director, STEPS Business Wellness

Author of STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life

[email protected]

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

First of all, stress is real. It is not simply in our imagination. Our bodies as well as our emotions are likely to feel its impact. As early as the 1980s, the American Academy of Family Physicians reported that two-thirds of office visits to family doctors were prompted by stress-related symptoms. Stress is known to be a major contributor to six of the leading causes of death in the U.S.: coronary heart disease, cancer, lung diseases, accidental injuries, cirrhosis and suicide. Furthermore, the complexities of modern life in recent years have increased the stress often experienced at home, in the workplace, on the highway and in dealing with the commonplace crises we all experience.

So, what is stress? In response to feeling threatened, as in a near-miss on the highway, our fight-or-flight reaction kicks in, driven by the most primitive part of our brains: the part that is focused on survival. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol prompt us to get ready for action – but then what? In most situations, neither fight nor flight is necessary. We get over the interstate scare in a few minutes, but the automatic stress response to a threat, physical or interpersonal, real or imagined, can begin to wear us down if it is sustained and unrelenting. And many of our stressful work and relationship situations are sustained. If you feel that stress is a problem for you, it is important to take it seriously. Initially, these six steps can be useful:

Keep focus on the present and what you have control over, namely, yourself.
Address challenges one at a time. Break them down into manageable pieces.
Take care of yourself physically: Eat healthy foods (lots of vegetables and fruits). Get regular exercise (3-4 times a week at least). Get enough sleep. The average adult needs at least 8 hours a night.
Do something that is meaningful for you (not TV).
Learn and practice relaxation techniques. Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response books may be useful.
Stay in touch with a support network – family, friends, or anyone else you feel understands and accepts you.

If you find you need a more structured place to talk about your stress, seek out a pastor, an organized support group, or a professional counselor. Remember that stress is a very real issue in our lives, more so for some of us than others, but there is a lot we can do to lessen its effects. Take action before developing the serious consequences of ongoing stress. There is no time like the present to take action!

-Bart Grooms

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Samaritan Counseling Centers of Greater Birmingham,

[email protected]

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Money Matters

presented by: Vision Financial

Many Millennials and GenXers have the notion that Social Security won’t be around by the time they retire. Well there’s good news…sort of.

The Trustees Report of the Social Security Trust Funds reported on April 22, 2019 the financial condition and the challenges faced by the Social Security program. The report states that in 2020, Social Security’s total costs, i.e. benefits and administrative expenses will exceed the taxes collected for the first time. Fear not for a reduction in benefits until 2034 when the Trustees Report projects that existing Trust Fund reserves will be depleted and benefits would face a reduction to 80% of present levels. The benefit levels gradually decrease to 75% by 2093. There is a silver lining to this news in that benefits are projected to decrease but not go away. Good news for the aforementioned Millennials and GenXers. Stated another way, with just current payroll tax revenue alone, these benefits can still be paid at those levels according to the Trustees Report.

Nobody wants to see a reduction in any benefit which they worked hard and paid into during their working careers. So, what are the solutions? There are several. They will be minimal in a practical standpoint but politically hot potatoes tossed around until political backs are against walls.

Raising the current Social Security Tax rate from its current 12.40% to 15.1%. If delayed until 2034, the increase would need to be 16.05%. There is the cost of waiting to implement an increase by Congress.
Raising or eliminating the ceiling on taxable wages, currently capped at $132,900 in 2019.
Raising the full retirement age beyond the current age of 67 (those born in 1960 and later).
Reducing future benefits. If implemented immediately, scheduled benefits could be reduced by 17% or by 20 % if applied to benefit applications moving forward.
Changing the benefit formula and the way annual cost-of-living adjustments are calculated.

In the final analysis, some changes (and yes increases to taxes) will be necessary to maintain benefits at present and future levels. The sooner some of those changes are implemented, the better and perhaps less onerous. The fact does remain, that even if nothing is done and benefits in the future are reduced, the real good news is they will still be there for Millennials, GenXers and those who come after. The full report from the Social Security Trustees can be accessed at www.ssa.gov.

-Larry Anderson

Vision Financial Group

4505 Pine Tree Circle, Birmingham, AL 35243

205-970-4909, www.vision-financialgroup.com

Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor and a division of ProEquities, Inc. Securities are offered through ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer and Member FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial Group is Independent of ProEquities, Inc. Securities and insurance products offered are not bank deposits, have no guarantee, are not FDIC insured and may lose value. 2019 Broadride Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Brought to you by: Community Partner Convene, www.convenenow.com

For 38 years Young Business Leaders (YBL) has been taking the gospel and discipling men in the marketplace. We have taken the teachings of Jesus and applied them to work, family, and community. We hold evangelistic events, our Summer Series, place men and women in mentoring relationships, and small groups. We have done all of this on a businessman’s turf. We are a friend to the marketplace.

In 2018 YBL launched a new sphere of ministry called YBL 2nd Half. This is designed to help those of us in the last half of life.

Questions like:

How do we live a life of significance?
How do we maximize the time God has given us left on this earth?
How do we deal with the issues that we are facing in these latter years; taking care of parents, death of parents, care of spouses, financial concerns, leaving a legacy?
We want to serve, but where?
We want to mentor our children, grandchildren and the next generation, but how?
Have I planned for enough money to take me to the end of this life?

Welcome to YBL 2nd Half. We want to address these issues, minister to each other, and become a mighty army for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Come join us!

We would like to invite you to the YBL 2nd Half and The Center for Executive Leadership free event with Ken Boa on October 25 at Mountain Brook Community Church, Fellowship Hall. Coffee served at 6:45am and Ken will speak from 7 to 8 a.m. Ken is engaged in a ministry of relational evangelism and discipleship, teaching, writing, and speaking. He holds a BS from Case Institute of Technology, a Th. M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a PhD from New York University, and a DPhil from the University of Oxford in England. He is the author of over 50 books. Dr. Boa is the President of Reflections Ministries, an organization that seeks to encourage, teach, and equip people to know Christ, follow Him, become progressively conformed to His image and reproduce His life in others. He is also president of Trinity House Publishers, a company dedicated to the creation of tools that will help people manifest eternal values in a temporal arena. Come join us as we Live out our Calling and Finish Well. There is no cost for the meeting. We hope to see you there!

The vision of Young Business Leaders 2nd Half is to minister to and mobilize men in the second half of their lives so they may use their life experiences, time, and resources to impact other men of God’s glory and for His Kingdom. For more information call 205-776-5450 or visit www.ybl.org/2nd-half-ministry.

– Brought to you by Convene Chair Harris Wheeler

205- 936-7038

[email protected]

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning

Few communities are not stretched for funding, so consider your local community (scholarships, church missions, museums, parks, civic clubs, and other non-profit charities) as you set up your complete estate plan.

Scholarships to Local Students – Families often decide to give back to the school or schools that helped them succeed in life. One couple endowed a scholarship to Jacksonville State University for local seniors who plan to attend JSU. The couple has had the pleasure of awarding annual scholarships for 34 years, long before their deaths. This scholarship helps the students as they begin their college careers. Other families have chosen to leave gifts to Alabama, Auburn, Samford, UAB, Birmingham Southern, and many other schools throughout the country with either very specific purposes such as to an athletic department or for research or for use at the university’s discretion. When considering schools, do not forget the local community colleges that provide foundation level classes and training for many in our communities. The impact such schools provide to their communities is substantial from core classes in math and science, to nursing, theater, and trades.

Operating Expenses – Small non-profits such as arts councils, community theatres, and sports associations often make a huge impact on local communities. Your estate plan could include funds for operating expenses which are often not covered by larger corporate or government grants. Many grants also require matching funds, so your bequest could help these non-profits receive grants as well.

Infrastructure Gifts – Real estate can be used to develop walking trails, waterfront facilities, dog parks, or community gardens. Many communities’ libraries, city halls, museums, and even schools exist only because someone donated the land or buildings to enhance the community.

When reviewing your estate plan every 3 – 5 years, carefully consider the aspects of your community that mean so much to you and your family to see if an endowment or estate gift through your estate plan could be a great way to give back, both today and after you’re gone. An experienced estate lawyer can help you work through the specifics.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner, Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

www.bradfordholliman.com

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.

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

“My husband has knee problems, and he’s having trouble getting up and down the stairs in our home. It’s painful for him, and I’m worried that he might hurt himself. My friend has a stairlift and we are interested in getting one, but we aren’t sure what we need or where to buy one. Can you help us?”

At 101 Mobility of Alabama we receive questions like this daily. We understand that the loss of mobility and the ability to easily climb the stairs in your home can come as a shock. If you are having trouble with your stairs and are seeking solutions that don’t involve giving up the home that you love to move to a single-story alternative, a stairlift can be a great option. We’ve put together the following information to help guide you through the process.

How does it work? Stairlifts mount directly into your staircase, not the wall. This makes them extra sturdy! The chair runs along a railing, which is attached to your staircase with a mount on every few steps. Your stairlift will need to be plugged in – it requires a standard wall outlet within 6 feet of the top or bottom of the staircase.

What if I lose power? Most stairlifts are equipped with a backup battery – if you live in an area that is prone to power outages, be sure to request a unit with a backup battery! When the stairlift is not in use, and parked at the top or bottom of the stairs it will charge. Then in case of a power outage, a fully charged unit will continue to run, with the batteries, for anywhere from 40-60 round trips (that’s up AND down the stairs) before needing to be charged again.

My staircase is complicated – will a stair lift fit? For most households, the answer is yes! There are two main types of stairlifts: straight rail and curved rail. The straight rail variations are perfect for stairs that don’t have any turns, curves, or landings along the way. Custom curved stair lifts are suitable for nearly any other stair case and are custom made for your specific steps. The rail curves tight to your wall to allow for space for others who might not need it.

Is there an Outdoor model? Yes! There are Outdoor Versions of both straight and custom stairlifts. They are weatherproof, and typically come with a seat cover.

Will the stairlift get in the way of walking up? Stairlifts typically only take up about one to two feet of space, depending on the make and model. When not in use, the seat bottom, arm rests, and foot rest can all be folded up to create even more space.

What is the weight capacity? Most standard units have a weight capacity around 300 lbs. However, there are many options available with weight capacities between 400 and 600 lbs.

–Derek Gann

Locally Owned & Operated in Birmingham, Serving Residents Across Alabama

205-538-5692

Alabama.101Mobility.com

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

I wrote First Down Devotions: Inspirations from NFL’s Best as part of a series of books that highlights famous professional athletes. It is the second book in a series, with the first one being Dugout Devotions: Inspirational Hits from MLB’s Best.

First Down Devotions features well-known former and current players and coaches associated with the NFL. The stories featured are not about football but about problems people face every day. I just happen to use famous players in the NFL to bring attention to attract readers. I was able to obtain real-life experiences and memories from these players and describe them in stories. The reader will be able to relate to their stories and find inspiration and encouragement from how the players handled their situations by relying on faith and their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. My hope in writing the books is to appeal to both men who have a family or involved in their community and young men who will be starting a life of their own soon. Each devotional is a quick read and relives a moment or story from the player’s past. I describe the situation and try to apply a life lesson using biblical points.

The reader will hear inspirational and motivational stories from great players like Kurt Warner, Benjamin Watson, Anthony Munoz, Andy Dalton and Ben Roethlisberger, to name a few. I took notes from my personal interviews and put their stories down in devotions to encourage and inspire the reader to follow the Lord and live a godly life. Everyone, including famous NFL players, makes mistakes or has had to deal with personal and spiritual setbacks. First Down Devotions: Inspirations from NFL’s Best will promote an attitude of forgiveness, dedication, humility, gratitude and love for all to follow. Players and coaches in the NFL have a job to do and a plan of action to follow. Christians and believers in Christ have the same thing. This book is meant to inspire and encourage readers to overcome the obstacles they might face and score the winning touchdown in the game of life. I am looking forward to writing volume two of both Dugout Devotions: Inspirational Hits from MLB’s Best, and First Down Devotions: Inspirations from NFL’s Best, to be released in 2021. Click here to order today.

-Del Duduit

www.delduduit.com

Don’t Miss Out on the Church: The Importance of the Local Church in the Life of the Family

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