The Power of a Moment: Having Eyes to See God’s Everyday Work

July 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Portrait Of Happy Family In Pa 13909304

Parenting Points

“God is at work.” It is a popular Christian phrase that pastors exclaim from pulpits and missionaries use as they recount stories of sharing Jesus overseas. This is a truth that many would believe theologically, yet they would fail to embrace practically. If we truly believe that God is at work not just in the stories from the Scriptures and the words from others, we must begin to look for God’s work and embrace the power of a moment. God is at work writing His story in our lives and the lives of our families. So how do we live our lives to not miss the moments where God is at work?

Live with Open Eyes. Remember the time that you bought a new car and all of a sudden you saw your new car everywhere? After purchasing the new car, your eyes were opened to noticing something that had been there all along. Living with open eyes begins by taking the time to slow down, pray that God would open your eyes and begin to notice. Once you begin to look for God’s hand at work, you will be amazed at how many fingerprints you find.

Process God’s Ongoing Work with Your Family. Seeing with new eyes becomes a community project when you begin to process what God is doing with your family. Since moments of God’s work are transformational, it is helpful and encouraging to process and see what God could be teaching you and your family. As you process, your kids will be able to see the reality of God’s work in your life and begin to have eyes to see His work in their lives as well.

Give Testimony to God’s Work. At its core, the Bible is a book of written testimony of God and His work. For many Christians, the word testimony has been minimized to the moment of entry into the Christian faith rather than the ongoing work of God throughout the Christian life. God is writing your testimony through His work in your life. Share about His work to bless others and open their eyes as well.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Minister of Students, Meadow Brook Baptist

www.benbirdsong.com

July 28, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Encouraging Word

You may have heard the saying, “prior to a resurrection, there has to be a crucifixion.” If you want a new life you will need to leave the old life behind. One of my favorite Bible verses is Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” II Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (creature); the old has gone, the new has come!” and Jesus says in Matthew 16:24-25, “…if anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life (self-centered) will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.”

As Christ followers, we have experienced a spiritual birth; we have been born-again (John 3:3). We now have the Holy Spirit of God living within us (I Corinthians 3:16). However, within every Christian there is spiritual conflict. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other…”

So, what do you do? You desire to be filled with God’s Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), so you can live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and be led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18). Within each of our lives there is a cross and a throne. Self (old sin nature) is to be nailed to the cross and Christ should be on the throne. Often times self tries to get back on the throne; but with God’s help we need to make sure this does not happen!

We need to see sin and selfishness for what they are: damaging, destructive and deadly. Romans 12:9 says, “…Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” And when you sin have a genuine remorse. II Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” Conclude with I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness.”

Now that is an encouraging word!

-Tony Cooper

Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

July 28, 2019July 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Is there an intersection between faith and higher education? What does the research say? Hear two of the greatest minds in Christian academia share their research findings at Samford University on September 9 and 11.

Mark Kinzer 1 edits — Mark Kinzer is the author of several books including: *Post-missionary Messianic Judaism, Israel’s Messiah and the People of God, Searching Her Own Mystery* and *Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risen.*

On Monday September 9 from 7-8:30p.m., hear from author N.T. Wright as he delves into the topic of “Space, Time and History: Jesus and the Challenge of God.” What do we mean when we say ‘God,’ and how do we know? Wright will answer this question and more. A book signing will follow. On Wednesday September 11 from 7- 8:30p.m., listen as authors Mark Kinzer and N.T. Wright debate the place of non-Messianic Jews in God’s covenant. Are non-messianic Jews members of God’s covenanted people? If so, do they as a people have a unique covenantal calling that distinguishes their calling from that of every other society or nation? These are two questions the authors will debate.

Provost Lecture Author 1 — N.T. Wright has published more than 80 books at both academic and popular levels and has broadcast frequently on television and radio.

Wright is the research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. He has previously taught in Cambridge, McGill and Oxford Universities and has served the church as Bishop of Durham. Kinzer is the senior scholar and president emeritus of Messianic Jewish Theological Institute and is co-chair of the Helsinki Consultation on Jewish Continuity in the body of Christ. He received his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan and his rabbinical ordination from the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations.

This lecture series is hosted by Samford’s Provost J. Michael Hardin and is open to the public. To purchase tickets ($20 each lecture or $30 for both) visit www.tickets.samford.edu. Admission is free for Samford students and employees. †

April 25, 2023July 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Brought to you by: Community Partner Hinkle Roofing, www.HinkleRoofing.com.

Wear your favorite college football team colors, enjoy a low country boil and help the most critically ill children in our community. You don’t want to miss Boiling ‘N Bragging 2019– the first college football tailgate party of the season to help raise funds and awareness for the Critical Care Transport program of Children’s of Alabama. All the fun takes place Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village. “When time matters most, our team works quickly to transport ill and injured children,” said Jason Peterson RN, transport coordinator for Children’s of Alabama. “We are thankful for our partnership with Rotary District 6860 through Boiling N’ Bragging as we gather to celebrate the start of football season, while supporting our Critical Care Transport program and the children we serve throughout the state.” For the 11th straight year, the 53 clubs of Rotary International District 6860 of north and central Alabama are partnering with Children’s of Alabama in hosting Boiling N’ Bragging. Guests will enjoy live music, great food, fun kids’ activities and live entertainment from WJOX Roundtable’s Lance Taylor and Rockstar.

Established in 1983, the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama works to meet the specific need of transporting nearly 1,000 critically ill and injured children each year by helicopter, jet and ambulance. The team includes highly trained registered nurses and respiratory therapists with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care. Learn more about the event and purchase your advance tickets at www.boilingnbragging.org.†

Special Feature Boiling n Bragging team mascots — Boiling N’ Bragging begins at 6:30 p.m. August 17 at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline. Purchase tickets ($25) at www.BoilingNBragging.org or at the door ($30). Children 10 and younger are admitted free.

July 29, 2019July 26, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Music Notes

Tune in to 93.7-FM WDJC from 7 p.m. to Midnight to listen to the new nightly call-in show, “Night Lights” hosted by Jill Friday. A seasoned radio and voice talent veteran, Friday is also “seasoned” in life and hopes to offer wisdom along with the ability to listen and empathize with callers and listeners of the program. “Night Lights” invites listeners to share their stories and God’s love through dedications, testimonies and the perfect song to help them shine their light. “The name for the show comes from Mathew 5:16 and the song about shining that little light of mine,” explains Friday. “I hope listeners are inspired and are an inspiration as we all share the pain of loss, the praise of God for the special people in our life and the grace of God that can be overwhelming but is offered to us all.”

The show is designed to be a time of community in the love of Christ and love for each other. “I’m hoping listeners will hear and share their stories of faith, especially the ones that are inspired by our wonderful music,” says Friday. “Music is a powerful way to worship and sharing what that means to you is a special connection for someone listening who may be going through the same trials or triumphs on their walk.” †

July 28, 2019July 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Brought to you by: DSLD Land Management, www.dsldland.com

DSLD Land Management is a family owned full-service landscape design and build company that tailors their services to all your landscaping needs no matter the season. Since 1983, they have provided exceptional landscaping design and construction services in Central Alabama.

DSLD has built up quite the reputation, appearing in publications such as Southern Living, Builder Architect, and recently was named Alabama’s Most Innovative Design/Build Company by Acquisition International. DSLD welcomes projects of any scope and size.

“We offer a continuum of services ranging from consultation to planning to complete build out of any project large or small,” said David Sharp, owner and founder of DSLD Land Management. “We recognize that communication and timely response is important to our clients, and that that end we employ a professional office staff to personally handle every call and inquiry.”

DSLD Land Management is in the business of providing solutions. “Birmingham receives an average of 56 inches of rainfall each year and the months the provide less rain give us more humidity. We live in a wet area and accordingly, we have drainage issues.” The DSLD team works to find the least intrusive and most economical way to solve water problems leaving the foundation and landscape dry and free of erosion. We also employ senior geotechnical and horticultural staff members to ensure or designs not only look good but will stand up to years of grueling heat, rain, and wind. By understanding both the physical as well as the organic properties of soil we are well positioned to offer the best solutions for any outdoor project any home or business might have.”

Check out DSLD’s new AquaScapes retail store conveniently located across from Lee Branch Shopping Center on Hwy 280 adjacent to Hanna’s Garden Shop. Opening in Spring 2019, carrying a wide variety of fountains, bird baths, feeders, chimes, fish, pond building kits, outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting and much more. DSLD Land Management stands ready to serve!

-Angel Sharp
DSLD AquaScapes introduces store manager Angel Sharp, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

-Riley Krohn
AquaScapes welcomes Riley Krohn, a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in marine biology. He recently joined DSLD AquaScapes as the new aquatics and fisheries manager.

www.dsldland.com/aquascapes, 205-637-1899

June 20, 2023July 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

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

Gracious housing for patients and their families is the mission of Red Mountain Grace. The non-profit ministry lives out its mission by providing a home away from home to out-of-town patients and caregivers during their extended medical stays in Birmingham. Since August of 2013, they have served more than 400 families by providing 22 clean, quiet, comfortable apartments within a few miles of world-class hospitals. The families can settle and unwind as they endure their loved ones’ arduous medical regiments.

Tonight, in Birmingham, as many as 40 families could be on the waiting lists of local hospital hospitality homes. No-one facing their hardest trials should have to worry about where they will sleep or how they will afford to receive treatment while paying unbelievable hotel expenses. That’s why Red Mountain Grace uses one evening out of the year to celebrate the ultimate gift of grace through an open heart and open doors.

Mission Makers Red Mountain Grace event image display JND 6995 2 2 — Help Red Mountain Grace serve more families in our community by attending their October 1, 2019 Widespread Grace event at The Haven, www.widespreadgrace.com.

On October 1, 2019, Red Mountain Grace will host their largest, annual fundraising event of the year — Widespread Grace. Located at the Haven venue in Downtown Birmingham, Widespread Grace will be an evening of exciting opportunity. Guests can expect an interactive, visual experience to start off the night; an elegant dinner; inspiring testimonies from past Red Mountain Grace families and guest speakers, Katherine and Jay Wolf; and an unforgettable opportunity to open the door (figuratively and literally!)

This year’s Widespread Grace guest speakers, Katherine & Jay Wolf, are traveling back to their beloved college town to share their story and touching testimony with the people of Birmingham. In their latest book, Hope Heals, they share the depth of how tragic circumstances and unlikely timing can be the greatest gift from God. The Wolfs are survivors and storytellers, advocates and evangelists. In 2008, at the age of 26, Katherine nearly died from a catastrophic brainstem stroke. Her survival and recovery, not to mention that of her marriage and family, have been nothing short of miraculous.

Be inspired by Widespread Grace speakers and Samford University graduates Katherine and Jay Wolf. Learn more about their journey at www.hopeheals.com.

Much like the families that Red Mountain Grace serves, the Wolf family believes their experiences have presented an opportunity to share their redemptive story and to encourage those with broken bodies, broken brains, and broken hearts. They seek to bridge the gap between those disabled on the outside and those disabled on the inside with the hope that Jesus brings healing to the deepest pains we all carry.

Red Mountain Grace welcomes all to share in this night of celebration and grace. With a room full of open hearts, the possibility to bless hundreds of families coming to Birmingham are endless. Visit www.widespreadgrace.com to purchase tickets, learn more about sponsorships, and open the door for someone waiting for the gift of grace.

Lindsay Miller

Red Mountain Grace

www.redmountaingrace.com

866-656-9064

mission makers red mountain grace volunteer decorates new apartment — Red Mountain Grace volunteers decorate new apartments to prepare for the families that will call the space home for their medical stay in Birmingham. The ministry currently operates 22 apartments with the goal of soon opening 8 more.

July 22, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Publisher’s Note

I come from a long line of people called to spread Good News. You see my dad, my granddad, my great granddad and my great great grandad all served as pastors spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ- the ultimate in GOOD NEWS for all of us! I can remember as a small child, my grandpa always having with him at least a handful of tracts. For those of you who may not be familiar with this term- a tract according to Webster is “ashort piece of writing, especially on a religious or political subject, that is intended to influence other people’s opinions.” Each of grandpa’s tracts contained a short story and a powerful truth from God’s Word. Wherever he went, whoever he met, it always led to a conversation about Christ and a tract. He would pull one or two or three from his front shirt pocket or from his wallet and place it in the hand of whoever was willing to accept it. I can remember sometimes being a bit embarrassed about his approach to spreading Good News but now years later I can appreciate the passion he had for living every day to tell just one more person about Jesus.

Last month as I was preparing to enter an event, carrying copies of the latest issue of Birmingham Christian Family, I thought to myself- I’m my grandpa! Always armed with Good News to share! For almost 20 years, God has given me the privilege of publishing Good News stories about individuals in our community impacted by the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thank you to all of you who read and share what you read with others- through print issues and social media! Special thanks to our advertisers and community partners that invest in our mission each month so we can spread Good News for free every month.

As Christians, may we always be seeking the opportunity to spread the Good News that was shared with us and impacts us for eternity!

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter @cfpBirmingham

Instagram @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 19 Years of Good News!

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

AUGUST GIVEAWAYS

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible, we have some Great Giveaways for you and your family!

THREE WAYS TO Win 4 Tickets to Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at the BJCC Concert Hall September 13-15, 2019! THREE Winners (4 tickets each).

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Paw Patrol Post!
Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Paw Patrol Post!
Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (3) Announced 8/30/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 8/29/19

Win a Gun Safety Class or a Self Defense Class at Sheep Dog Fire Arms Training Center in Trussville!

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Sheep Dog Post!
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Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (1) Announced 8/20/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 8/19/19

July 28, 2019July 15, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Experience Growth at Leadership Collab 2019

Opportunities to gather with other Christian business leaders do not occur frequently enough. And they often lack the space to process new information, ideate and plan for the future. That is why we created Leadership Collab 2019!

rick warren square — Hear from Rick Warren, author of *The* *Purpose Driven Life* and pastor at Saddleback Church.

Mark your calendars for Sep. 29 – Oct. 2, 2019 and join us on the island of Coronado in San Diego, Cali. at Hotel del Coronado for Leadership Collab 2019.

Leadership Collab 2019 serves as a vehicle for you to gather together with other Christian business leaders, learn in community and forge a path for God in the center of the workplace. Special guests include Rick Warren, Horst Schulze, Liz Bohannon and Verne Harnish.

To learn more, visit www.leadershipcollab.com or contact Birmingham’s local Convene Chair, Harris Wheeler at (205) 936-7038 or [email protected].†

Horst Schulze square — One special guest is Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton and CEO of Capella Hotel Group.

August 8, 2019July 9, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Will Bright Foundation Restoration Springs wide shot

Mission Makers

The mission of the Will Bright Foundation (WBF) is to fill a critical need in the fight to break the barriers of addiction specifically in in Central/West Alabama area. “There is an unfilled need in the Birmingham/West Alabama area for a place for someone fresh out of recovery to live, receive spiritual support, job readiness skills, and find meaning and purpose to live a life free from the bonds of addiction,” explains Lisa Bright who along with her husband Bill decided to lead the charge in meeting this need after their son Will died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. The Trussville couple established the non-profit foundation in order to offer scholarships to individuals and families struggling to pay for rehabilitation and establish “next step living” for men and women who have successfully completed an initial recovery program. “Sometimes people who have completed a recovery program aren’t ready to be in the real world on their own… We are calling it ‘transitional,’” explains Bright, “because our residents will be transitioning to a life not dominated by addiction!” The Brights remember, “Will was a kind, caring friend to all, and a drug addict. He tried so hard to overcome his addiction, but when he left rehab, he had nowhere to go to get a fresh start.”

Will Bright Foundation Lisa with Robert Aderholt — Lisa and Bill Bright with Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (center). Lisa Bright explains that one goal in Washington is to open doors, through legislation, for people who struggle with addiction to have more medical options when recovering from surgery instead of opioids.

The Lord opened unexpected doors for the Bright couple to be involved in advocacy groups in Washington, D.C. “We have done a lot in Washington this past year about the opioid crisis,” Bright reflects. Through the Washington coalitions they have joined, WBF is transforming into an advocacy group, in addition to transitional living. The group Voices for Non-Opioid Voices reached out asked the Brights to join them on a national level to provide a parent’s perspective on how the opioid crisis is affecting families. They have spoken on Capitol Hill and to the National Press Club.

Will Bright Foundation Lisa and Will Bright — Lisa Bright with her son Will. The Will Bright Foundation(WBF) was established in his memory after he died in 2012 of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. Since his death, his parents with the help of volunteers have been working to stop this from happening to someone else.

On Friday, August 23, 2019 WBF will host their second annual Restoration Swings Golf Tournament at Topgolf Birmingham. Proceeds will benefit Restoration Springs, WBF’s transitional living facility. Enjoy a great morning of tournament style golf with the conveniences of climate-controlled bays plus a Hole in One Contest to win $10,000 cash, hot breakfast, prizes, a swag bag and a silent auction. Tee Off is set for 9 a.m. and will be followed by Noon Awards. The highest scoring team wins a Topgolf 3-month platinum corporate membership. The second-place team will win a Titleist SM6 Wedge and the third-place team will win a dozen Titleist Pro V1 balls. Register for the Topgolf Tournament at www.willbrightfoundation.com or call 205-862-9086.†

The Power of a Moment: Having Eyes to See God’s Everyday Work

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