Missional Living as a Family

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Mixed race girl spending time 367349863

Parenting Points

When we typically think about missions, we think of teams and missionaries going to take the Gospel to the world. In today’s world of COVID, quarantines, and lockdowns, the opportunity to do a family mission trip this year may not be an option. However, God still reigns and His work in the world is not paused by pandemics. In Luke’s description of Jesus’ missional marching orders in Acts 1:8 ESV, we are called to be Jesus’ “witnesses in Jerusalem in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Christian families are to be on mission to the neighborhood, to the city, to the United States, and to the nations. We are to witness by sharing the greatness of Jesus’ grace and showing His mercy to others. In 2021, where serving as a family on mission looks different than it has in the past, here are three things you can do to be a part of Jesus’ missional call:

1. Look for Everyday Moments to Serve and Share with Others. We have opportunities every day to serve and share Jesus with others that we often miss. You can have a Gospel conversation with your neighbor. You can look for an elderly person in your church who your family can serve. Though relational connections may be temporarily masked and socially distant, we can still serve and share with others.

2. Connect to Kids Around the World through Child Sponsorship. Imagine connecting your child through a relationship with a kid the same age around the world. Through ministries like World Vision and Compassion International, your family can be involved as an encourager and prayer partner for a kid in poverty on the other side of the world.

3. Pray for the Unreached People Groups of the World. There are over 3,000,000,000 people around the world who will be born, live, and die without hearing the gospel. As families, we can join in praying for unreached people groups and missionaries on the front lines taking the good news to them. With the Joshua Project Unreached People Group of the Day phone app, you and your family can know the names of these groups, hear their story, and pray for them.

God is at work on His mission in the world. Let’s look for ways for our families to join Him in this work!

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Stack Unfinished Documents Rep 403684928

Legal Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Bradford & Holliman

Have you recently read articles or books such as The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo? Instead of tidying your household items, let’s tidy up your legal papers.

Start by keeping your originals and copies of your estate plan in one place. Keep deeds, life insurance policies, and burial policies in the same place as well since your executor will need them, too. We have all heard of legal battles over which will of a famous, rich person is valid, and you do not need to cause that situation even if you are not famous and rich. Shredding is advisable. If you prefer to keep obsolete wills and powers of attorneys, clearly mark them as obsolete and what date new versions were created.

Don’t put your estate plan documents in a bank deposit box. Current copies should be distributed to your executor, agent for powers of attorney, and doctor for healthcare directives and DNR (do not resuscitate orders). Of course, review and update your estate plan if it is three to five years old, and review the designated personal representatives, agents, and executors to make sure they can still serve. If changes are made, contact these people, and give them copies. Collect the obsolete documents they have or ask them to shred them.

Veterans should carefully save their military service documents including their discharge papers. Some benefits for veterans and their families are dependent upon the specific times and places served. Saving these papers could make filing for benefits more successful later on.

Separately, keep a current file of medications, copy of healthcare directive, any DNR order, all doctors’ contact info, and all health and Medicare insurance cards in a handy place in case you cannot speak for yourself in a health crisis. Everyone in your household should be able to easily grab the file and follow the ambulance. Take this file to most doctor appointments so that your doctors can update their records. We cannot guarantee that this spring cleaning of legal documents will make you happier or bring you joy, but you will have more peace of mind that your affairs are in order.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

205-663-0281

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.

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Money Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Vision Financial Group

Here’s what the financial forecast may have in store. It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in price on the first day of trading. But a recent survey by The Wall Street Journal showed just how upbeat economists are about 2021. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights.

1. Increased projected economic expansion. Economists now expect the economy to expand by 4.9% this year, an increase from their estimate of 4.3% last month. The forecast has brightened due to the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations and the prospect of additional fiscal relief.

2. They are less optimistic about employment. The group sees 4.8 million jobs to be added this year, versus a January 2021 forecast of 5 million. There is an ongoing worry that jobs may take longer to return to certain industries, such as leisure, airlines, and restaurants.

3. Brace for higher inflation. They project a 2.8% increase in consumer prices in June 2021 compared with a year earlier.

4. Decreased chance of an economic downturn. The economists believe there is a 17.5% chance of an economic downturn in the next 12 months, an improvement from the 21.2% risk estimate in January. Vaccines and the prospect for new federal spending are driving the optimism.

While the consensus is upbeat about 2021, it’s important to remain vigilant as economic trends unfold this year. An outside force can cause a sudden shift in sentiment, which is why we monitor surveys like the one conducted by The Wall Street Journal. Keep us in mind as you read information about the economy. We’d welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts.

–Vision Financial Group

4505 Pine Tree Circle, Birmingham, AL 35243

205-970-4909

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 ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. is independent of ProEquities, Inc.

Citations.

The Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2021
S&P Global Market Intelligence, September 21, 2020

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Sunrise In Mountain Landscape 402368000

Special Feature

Do you compare yourself to those who’ve done greater exploits? Or evaluate yourself against someone who’s made smaller accomplishments because -perhaps unconsciously- it makes you feel better? Unfortunately, some of us do both! And all are left feeling defeated. No-one wins the comparison game, yet we’re tempted to keep playing it.

The Apostle Paul was clear that those who compare themselves among themselves are not wise. There’s absolutely no accuracy in it! All it does is cause pride to abound and dissatisfaction to destroy. Eventually, comparison distracts us from staying focused on our own unique, God-given purpose. You see, God wants YOU to be YOU. His anointing for your life will only flow through the authentic you. We can be deceived into thinking only those in “the ministry” are fulfilling a big purpose or only those who have a huge platform can make a significant impact. But the reality is God has placed purpose in your heart and what’s currently in your hands is your calling to steward.

Being a businessman for thirty years, I’ve chased a lot of things. Whether it was accolades, materialism or titles, ultimately, I was looking for a sense of fulfillment. We know that most people in our world are searching for true meaning and significance but even for many believers, we struggle with thoughts and insecurities wondering if how we’re spending our days really matters. It wasn’t until I looked at what was in my hands that my calling became clear.

Through applying Kingdom purpose in every aspect of my life from business to faith and family, I’ve learned that God places dreams within the heart of every person and then sits back excitedly waiting for each of us to dare to pursue them. God-sized dreams are exciting yet intimidating. A perfect position for us to be in so that we can apply faith. But here’s the thing- what we do every day doesn’t always feel God-sized. We have to recognize that stewards are responsible and accountable without prompting or prodding. The way we serve others through our talent and treasure, the way we love and serve our family- it’s the everyday decisions and moments that add up to our God-size calling. So, dream big about your unique purpose and look at what’s in your hands to walk it out. It’s never too late to start today!

-Lee Domingue

Legacy Pastor, Church of the Highlands

Founder, Kingdom Builders, www.kingdombuilders.us

Author of, Pearls of the King, God’s Game Plan for Life

March 6, 2021February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

One day, Jesus healed a blind man on the Sabbath, enraging the religious leaders of his day. Theologically conservative, they were deeply suspicious of Jesus’ innovative teachings. Faithful in their worship, they gathered every week to read the scriptures and worship God. Appalled by the moral laxity of those who did not share their religious views, they zealously called out sin. They were the righteous ones, the holy remnant, the people of God. Repentance was for the blind sinner, but not for them. In response to their opposition, Jesus proclaimed, “Because you say that you can see, your sin remains.”

Paul David Tripp’s new book, Journey to the Cross – A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, is a call to repentance. Tripp invites us to put aside our usual routine and focus our attention on Jesus and our ever-present need for God’s grace and mercy. Confronting our sinfulness leads us to contrition and mourning. That’s a good thing. Jesus taught us that those who mourn over their sin will be comforted. By implication, those who do not mourn over their sin receive no such blessing. As Tripp states in his introduction, “The cross confronts us with who we really are (sinners) and what we need (forgiving grace). Lent is about remembering the suffering and sacrifice of the Savior. Lent is about confessing our ongoing battle with sin. Lent is about crying out for the help we desperately need from the only one who is able to give it.”

At no point in my lifetime has the American church been in such desperate need of the observance of Lent, for the hindrance to revival is embedded deep within the heart of millions of Christians, not in the culture which surrounds us. We need to mourn. We need to reflect. We need to repent. Sadly, too many of us feel we have nothing to repent of. We should remember with caution the words of Jesus to those who believed their zealous worship, scriptural mastery, and conservative theology rendered them exempt from the need of repentance. “Because you say you see, your sin remains.”

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Hope When It’s Hard: A 30-Day Devotional For Adoptive Parents is more than encouragement for adoptive parents. It’s a lifeline. You finally surrendered. You opened your heart when you said, “Yes, God, I’ll adopt.” But now you’ve discovered that opening your heart to the idea of adoption is the easiest part of the journey. Now comes the emotional ups and downs that only another adoptive parent can understand.

Hope When It’s Hard offers words of encouragement to help adoptive parents navigate the emotional ups and downs of adoption. Regardless of where you are in the process- just beginning or now living with the teenagers you adopted as infants- there are struggles unique to adoptive parenting. Weaving elements of her own journey through adoption, author Jennifer Phillips helps you find hope as you begin to see God’s adoptive heart toward you.

Jennifer Phillips, author of the widely praised book Bringing Lucy Home, is an adoptive parent to a loving little girl she and her husband affectionately named Lucy. A psychology graduate of Samford University, she served as executive director for the local Sav-A-Life, a national network of crisis pregnancy centers. She has four children, including one precious Chinese daughter Lucy, and now lives in Alabama. For more information, visit her blog at jenniferphillipsblog.com. †

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Music Notes

The 20th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival is set for April 16-17, 2021! The festival team is excited to welcome visitors safely back for the fun, family friendly event that includes live performances by Cotton Pickin’ Kids- a gospel and bluegrass group from Cullman.

The Cotton Pickin’ Kids is a group of siblings that range in age from ten to eighteen who all began playing instruments at a young age. Savio (18) decided in 2017 to start competing in music competitions. Mother Elizabeth explains that this decision “inspired the other children to do the same.” This led to the children joining together as a group. Savio (18) plays mandolin; Therese (17) plays lead fiddle; Cecilia (15) plays the acoustic guitar; Rosalinda (13) plays harmony fiddle; Gianluca (12) plays banjo; and Giovanni (10) plays dobro guitar. Fabio, their father, sometimes joins in on bass.

At the Magnolia Festival, expect to hear some great music from The Cotton Pickin’ Kids including gospel and instrumental cover songs and several originals performed in the group’s bluegrass style. “They always try to have variety in their shows” says mom Elizabeth. Where did the name Cotton Pickin’ Kids come from? Elizabeth says the group was at a competition but didn’t have a name yet. “My husband went to sign the children up and they asked what the band name was. He hadn’t thought about that part,” she laughingly explains. “All of the sudden the name Cotton Pickin’ Kids came to him and it stuck.” To get a sneak peek on the kids performance, you can listen to them on www.facebook.com/cottonpickinkids.

What else can you enjoy at the Magnolia Festival? There will be more than 160 vendors in addition to a car show, pooch parade, petting zoo, artisan demonstrations, pony rides, art classes for kids and more! What about food? There will be unique food vendors that offer cheesecake funnel cakes, shrimp and oyster poboys, polish sausages, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, foot long corn dogs, homemade ice cream and more! Learn more at www.magnoliafestival.org.

-Melissa Armstrong

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

brookdale vaccine party resident and employee — Staff and residents at Brookdale University Park celebrate the fifth vaccine clinic held January 22, 2021 for independent living. It was a “Taco Bout a Vaccine/Adios Corona” fiesta theme!

Through a strategic partnership with CVS, Brookdale residents and associates at eligible communities have already begun receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. At the local level, residents and associates at Brookdale University Park have all had the opportunity to receive both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. We feel honored that our residents and associates are among the first recipients in the country. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained committed to our residents and associates’ health and safety needs .The COVID-19 vaccine allows us to continue working to protect our Brookdale family during this time. Brookdale associates and residents are excited to share their stories and experiences receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about so much more than protection. It’s about bringing people together. And working toward a healthier future for all.

Showing the LOVE at Brookdale!

To celebrate Valentine’s, Britnee from Brookdale Dining Services made homemade cupcakes to deliver to some friends of Brookdale. Twenty-four Brookdale couples also received champagne packages on the Friday before Valentine’s.

Brookdale Fitness reopens — Brookdale resident Betsy Precise is seen here on the day exercise classes opened back up at Brookdale. B Fit is one of the signature Brookdale programs residents love. Along with B-Fit, Brookdale is slowly and safely opening up the salon and dining as well.

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. Brookdale offers virtual visits and tours, live video chats as well as in person visits in which safety measures are taken to protect you, residents and staff. Face covering required (if you don’t have one, one will be provided), six-foot social distance maintained during visits, hand sanitizing stations throughout areas, temperature and health screenings at entrance of the community, 205-870-0786, www.brookdale.com.

-Leanne Messer, Brookdale University Park

Contact Leanne to participate in upcoming Brookdale educational offerings and to schedule a tour, [email protected], 205-613-0688

February 26, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Just Move On Keep Going Blue 340040377

Every Family Deserves Hope

The Foundry is celebrating 50 years of ministry with the theme of The Year of Gratitude. This theme comes from the final phrase of Colossians 2:6-7 that says, “overflowing with thankfulness.” As we have set our attention on this passage, we are examining these two verses and recently our focus was on the second line that reads, “continue to live in Him.”

For followers of Christ, the idea of continuing to live in Him can have a variety of meanings. For some the word continuing means to carry on in a consistent manner while for others it may have a more aggressive meaning of going deeper in Him. Regardless of how we may interpret the word continuing, it for sure implies the opposite of being stagnant.

How do we continue to grow in our life with Him?

1. Follow the right people. We are all being led by someone in some direction. There is a saying that says, “show me your five closest friends and I will show you your future.” Those we choose to follow will lead us somewhere. Choose wisely to follow those who are genuine and have your best interest in mind. Align your life with someone who is where you desire to be in your walk with God and allow their example to serve you. Another way to think about this is to ask the question, “Who is your Coach?”

2. Engage in every opportunity. If continuing to grow in Him is the goal, then we may consider seizing every chance we get to fill our lives with opportunities that are often right before us. Maybe it is a small group or Sunday School class or maybe even just attending church again. For some, it is additional time in God’s Word and a dedicated time of prayer. Regardless of what the opportunities actually are, the idea is to engage whenever possible.

Continuing to walk and grow with the Father is a beautiful thing but only happens when we keep moving.

-Micah Andrews

When you donate to the Foundry,

you’re supporting a charity,

you’re saving a life,

you’re restoring a family.

Every Family Deserves Hope

FoundryMinistries.com

February 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Publisher’s Note

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible, we have THREE GREAT GIVEAWAYS this month for you and your family!

A Ticket ($49) to Jurassic Quest Drive Thru at Alabama Splash Adventure through March 7. To enter to win, simply Like, Share the post on Facebook. For extra entries, comment on the post and sign up for our free e-newsletter/on-line subscription at www.birminghamchristian.com or on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/BirminghamChristianFamily. If you already subscribe to our e-news, simply tag three friends in the comments of the giveaway post and message BCF your email address on Facebook. Hurry! Offer Ends 3/1/2021. Winner Announced 3/2/2021 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! www.facebook.com/BirminghamChristianFamily.

Congratulations to our February Giveaway winner- Genie Honeycutt of Morris receiving a $50 Gift Card from Aquascapes, Highway 280, Birmingham!

[rafflepress id=”17″]

A Night Off in the Kitchen! A $40 Gift Card to Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Birmingham! Simply Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/Recipes, submit your recipe and get some great recipe ideas! Next Winning Entry to be drawn 3/16/2021.

Missional Living as a Family

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

Connect on Social Media