Behind the Mask: Finding Joy that Lasts

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org

Mardi Gras is known for celebration, beads, masks, and music, a season of feasting before the sacrificial rhythms of Lent. Spiritually, these seasons are not in competition with one another. Mardi Gras celebrates God’s abundance and embodied joy, while Lent invites a different kind of joy, one shaped by intentional sacrifice, reflection, and dependence on God. Both are sacred invitations, calling us to receive joy that is outward and communal, as well as inward and contemplative.

While the masks of Mardi Gras are worn in fun, we sometimes carry other masks that quietly limit our joy, concealing what feels too vulnerable, unfinished, or painful to bring into the open. We may present strength while carrying exhaustion, use polished faith-talk to cover unspoken questioning, or appear fine on the outside while grief and pain pierce us on the inside. There are moments when these ways of showing up are necessary, when strength, composure, or steady faith-language help us care for others and move through demanding seasons. But they were never meant to be the whole story. Jesus invites us into seasons of surrender, calling us to lay down what is heavy and come to Him for rest: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Scripture also makes room for raw honesty within that surrender. “Pour out your hearts before Him,” the psalmist writes, “for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Biblical faith does not require composure at all times; it invites real relationship.

Therapy can be a sacred space where that kind of honesty is welcomed. It offers room to face what lies underneath: anxiety that has quietly stolen peace, grief that never had space to breathe, relationships strained by misunderstanding, or faith dampened by unresolved disappointments. When these hidden parts are brought out of the shadows, darkness loses its grip, light begins to break through, and joy can take deeper root. Psychology calls this integration. Scripture calls it freedom:“You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

As Mardi Gras gives way to Lent, we are reminded that celebration and surrender are not opposites; they belong together. Joy becomes deeper when it is grounded in authenticity, and rest becomes real when we share burdens that were never meant to be borne alone.

At Still Waters Counseling & Education Center, our counselors help clients move toward light and freedom through therapy that thoughtfully integrates faith with proven clinical tools.

It’s okay to let the mask fall. The God who made you delights in the authentic you.

Come as you are. Still Waters are waiting.

–Beverly Ward, MA, EdS, LPC

Still Waters Counseling and Education Center

www.mystillwaters.org

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Here’s the “How to” for making your yard beautiful this spring and summer.

1. Clean up flowerbeds and prep for planting season. Clear away dead leaves or any other winter debris from the ground surfaces where you’re planning to plant or have planted annual flowers, perennials and vegetables. Especially wet and moldy debris.

Watch for the Dogwoods to bloom. This signals a great time to start planting perennials. DON’T plant annuals until after the last frost date unless you plan to bring them indoors. Typically Mid-April in Birmingham.

2. Divide your perennials. Dividing perennials such as lilies is a budget-friendly way to add more plants to your garden, or to share extras with friends. It also helps in keeping your existing plants healthy.

3. Prune trees and shrubs.It’s a good time to prune evergreen trees and shrubs.

The “May Rule”: If a plant blooms in spring (before May/early June), it flowers on old wood and should be pruned after it flowers. If it blooms in summer or fall, it flowers on new wood and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. *Some Hydrangeas break this rule*

4. Perform basic maintenance on your hardscaping. Check the condition of your deck or patio and make any needed repairs.

5. Apply fresh mulch and weed pre-emergent. If you mulch now and add pre-emergent weed control before weeds have a chance to sprout, you’ll have next-to-no weeding come summer.

When to Call a Pro. If your yard needs more than a quick refresh, professional design can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Consider expert help with:

Poor drainage or erosion issues
Overgrown or outdated landscape layouts
New patios, walkways, or retaining walls
Landscape lighting needs
Irrigation issues
Knowledge on what pre-emergent and fertilizers work best for you

Professional landscape, hardscape, and outdoor lighting design ensures your property functions beautifully and grows stronger every season.

-Michelle Hicks, Owner Willow Cove Designs

[email protected]

205-427-7283

Want to bring order and beauty to your outdoor spaces? Watch the video below to learn how Willow Cove Designs can help you achieve it.

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

The Birmingham Home Show is back February 20-22, 2026 with the latest in home design, renovation and ideas. Industry experts, local vendors and chefs, and homeowners will come together at the BJCC for three days of inspiration, education and hands-on experiences.

The show’s special guests are custom home designers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt of HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home. The design duo is known both for their witty banter and for designing and building perfect custom homes for their clients in 100 days or less. The Kleinschmidts have streamlined the entire process of homebuilding: from designing the house, to finding the lot, to making the countless little-but-important decisions that come with building a house. The couple will share their best design and build strategies on the Fresh Ideas Stage at 5 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Hometown Flavor Cooking Stage. Featuring a daily schedule of local chefs, this interactive culinary stage showcases Birmingham’s diverse and vibrant food scene. Chef and cookbook author Rose M Ousley will take the stage on February 21 at 3:30 p.m. “My culinary journey began as a little girl assisting my grandmother in the kitchen and attending culinary art school, where I refined my skills preparing savory dishes and sweet treats,” Ousley explains. She shares her talent with the community by serving as the chef at the Tower of Prayer Church in Leeds and by organizing bake sales to support funding for the Leeds Public Library. Ousley will be preparing her signature taco soup recipe on the Hometown Flavor Cooking Stage. “I will also showcase my cookbooks, baked goods and desserts at my booth throughout the event,” Ousley says.

Other show features include the Fresh Ideas Stage, DIY Plant Workshops, and the All About Mahjong Feature. Be sure to stop by PESI Landscaping’s booth to learn how Daniel Walter and his team can transform your backyard into something beautiful. Also on site will be Willow Cove Design’s Michelle Hicks with tips on how to prepare your yard now for the growing season. Show hours are Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets at the box office are $11 for adults age 13+, $3 for children 6-12 years of age, and free for children 5 and under. Click purchase tickets and learn more. Receive $5 off ticket prices when you use the promo code “FAMILY.” †

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

February Reader GIVEAWAYS!

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

Enter to win TICKETS to the Birmingham Home Show February 20-22, 2026 at the BJCC, www.birminghamshomeshow.com. 3 Winners, 2 Tickets Each!

To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Facebook @Birmingham Christian Family.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend in the comments you would like to take with you.
SHARE the post on Facebook
FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
SUBSCRIBE to receive free digital issues of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offer ends Thursday, 2/12/26. Winners will be announced 2/13/26 on the Facebook Giveaway Post. So be sure to FOLLOW our Facebook page @birminghamchristianfamily.

Enter to win TICKETS to Cottontail’s Village March 6-8, 2026 at the BJCC, www.cottontailsfestival.com. 3 Winners, 2 Tickets Each!

To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend in the comments you would like to take with you.
POST to your story on Instagram
FOLLOW US on Facebook @Birmingham Christian Family
SUBSCRIBE to receive free digital issues of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offer ends Sunday 2/22/26. Winners announced 2/23/26 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our Instagram page @cfpbirmingham.

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Publisher’s Note

On my desk sits a small, faded, cut out paper heart Valentine constructed and given to me by one of my sons many years ago. It has sat on my desk for years. Its message is simple and scribbled, “I love you!”

In material terms, it’s just a piece of red and white construction paper. But to me, the message is priceless.

What message do we send to those we come in contact with every day? Is it a message that says, “I care. You are important. You matter.” Or is it a message that says, “I’m too busy. I’m too tired. My problems are more important than yours.”

As a child of God with the power of Holy Spirit living in us, we have been given the gift of God’s love to share with others. We have an important message to share with each other every day, “God loves you and I do too!” How can we show it today?

-Laurie Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 25 Years of Good News!

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

May 30, 2026January 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Although her journey initially led her into the classroom as a teacher, God’s plan did not stop there for Abby Schmucker. Eventually moving into the roles of being a stay-at-home mother of four and a middle school counselor, an epiphany during a volunteer session at her local community center led Schmucker towards her passion of being a private Christian counselor and life coach.

“I love helping people,” Schmucker said. “The overall goal for me is to help women get more freedom and hope that is offered through Christ as Christians.” That overall goal is what ultimately drove her to develop Magnolia Haven Counseling and Abby Schmucker Coaching. “It just seemed like a natural extension of what I already do,” she said. Through Abby Schmucker Coaching, Schmucker has had the opportunity not only to serve the women in the Birmingham area who can visit in person, but also women all across the world, thanks to remote coaching capabilities. Offering a free 30-minute consultation initially to determine what the client desires from her coaching, subsequent individual sessions cost $150 per hour, with each experience tailored to address the individual needs of each woman. “The first coaching session is going to be a lot of discovery about the client, getting to know each other by establishing those goals that the client wants to accomplish and any obstacles in the way of those goals,” Schmucker said.

A recent empty nester herself, Schmucker’s life has been full of illuminating life events and changes, including moving around the United States multiple times, choosing to pursue a variety of different jobs before founding her own practices, being a loving mother and wife, and even earning a master’s degree in counseling when her youngest child started school. Like everyone in the world, she has had her fair share of ups and downs, a notion she keeps in mind when working with each of her clients. “I have chosen to help women who need a little direction, clarity, encouragement with goals they want to accomplish, or a life transition, a difficult relationship, and maybe parenting challenges,” Schmucker said. “These things are just things that everyone experiences, and every once in a while, we just need someone else to help walk alongside us.”

For more information on Abby Schmucker Coaching and scheduling your free consultation, as well as more details on Schmucker herself, visit www.abbyschmuckercoaching.com. Have any questions? Email her at [email protected] or call 659-901-9784.

-Nicholas Wetzel

Want to learn more about Abby Schmucker? Click below to watch a video interview.

August 6, 2026January 8, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) team partnered with local media outlets, podcasts, and more to spread the word about the 2025 Celebrate the Family Expo on September 13, 2025 at the Hoover Met Complex’s Finley Center. Check out a recap of the day here.

BCF Publisher Laurie Franklin talked with Mark White of The Mark White Show to discuss all things Celebrate the Family Expo. Listen to the podcast here.

Laurie Franklin sat down with JT on News Radio 105.5 WERC to discuss the exciting Expo details.

Talk of Alabama welcomed Laurie Franklin on the show to tell viewers about the Celebrate the Family Expo.

Laurie Franklin joined CBS 42 to share with area families all of the fun details of the Expo and what they could expect.

Richard Dixon, Valerie Vining, and Steve West of Talk 99.5 welcomed Laurie Franklin on the show to discuss 6th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo.

Laurie Franklin was a guest on WDJC-FM with Russell P and Jessica to discuss Expo details.

Jeh Jeh Pruitt from WBRC-Fox 6 News Good Day Alabama was onsite at the Finley Center on September 10, 2025 discussing all things Expo with Laurie Franklin and special guests during four segments of Good Day Alabama.

Special thanks to our Expo sponsors for making the event a reality and sharing great family resources, free entertainment and giveaways to attendees!

Celebrity Chef Stage Sponsor: Alfa Farmers

Major Sponsors: Children’s of Alabama and Jimmie Hale Mission

Event Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, Family Radio, LeafFilter Gutter Protection and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

May 30, 2026December 29, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

The Great Outdoors

My daughter Cape and I lumbered through the snow and ice. Snow lay upwards of two feet deep outside the narrow footpath that we walked. We were without any sort of cleats or spikes, and the downtrodden path was either a slushy mush or icy hard. The ice was slick, so every muscle in our legs clenched, trying to hold our feet steady as we shifted weight with our forward momentum.

It was bitterly cold atop Mount Mitchell that morning and the forest was eerily quiet. Our steps announced our presence like elephants marching. Our breath froze and appeared like a dragon’s breath as soon as it left the warm confines of our lungs. “It was 17 degrees when we were at the summit,” I said to Cape. “I think it’s colder here,” she said, “these snow-covered trees are keeping the sun completely out.” I reasoned she was probably right. My breath was freezing to ice around my facemask and occasionally I pulled shards of ice from around the cloth that surrounded my lips.

“How much further, you think?” she asked inquisitively. “Just one more mile,” I responded. She laughed. The phrase “just one more mile” had been uttered countless on our expeditions. Searching for a wounded deer and curious about how much further we’d walk to find him… “just one more mile.” Paddling across the Mobile River Delta, running well behind schedule at near midnight… “just one more mile.” But for every mile we toiled, there was always rest and a reward to be had at journey’s end. This day it would be the view from atop a rock face near Missionary Ridge.

Paul, too, had miles to go before he found rest. On the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus. As a consequence, Paul was left blinded by lesions over his eyes, but he knew he had encountered Jesus. A few days later, the scabs fell from his eyes, and he surrendered to the awe-inspiring authority of God. Like standing atop that rock outcropping, Paul could finally see. But Paul didn’t stop. There was work to be done. Cape and I could not have simply sat atop those rocks until we froze or starved to death. Despite the culmination of our mission, there was still work to be done. Paul knew he had work as well. He spent the next few years in tutelage with Ananias and others, forgetting his old ways and learning all that he could about the teachings of Jesus. You see, those old ways never fulfilled Paul. Those old ways were filled with an insatiable lust for causing pain and grief to anyone who followed Jesus. He never found contentment or happiness. No matter how many letters he carried, no matter how many accolades he received, no matter how much blood he spilled… it was never quenching. So, after his conversion, Paul committed himself to becoming a new man who reformed himself to the teachings of the One he knew to be true. For years, he studied, and then he commenced his missionary journeys all across what we know as the Middle East. From those missionary journeys came most of the books of the New Testament.

Most people abandon their New Year’s Resolutions by January 12 of the new year. Paul resolved to be a new man in Christ, and he spent years pursuing that resolve. What strengthened him? Christ. What do you resolve and what does it promote? Wealth, fame, glory? Those things promote the false god of self that only leads to the same feelings of dissatisfaction that Paul suffered during his quest to persecute Christiandom. Resolve to pursue Christ and you will be rewarded with the most glorious view of the setting sun that you have ever seen- the sunset of life with an eternity in fellowship with a loving Father. Like Paul, we all have continuous work to be done. Our mission never ends. Have the wrong resolve, and you will quickly find yourself abandoning the quest. Resolve for righteousness, and your quest will be fueled for a lifetime. Though you may be tired, your feet may hurt, and your breath may be labored… carry on, “just one more mile.”

-Walt Merrell is a Christian Outdoorsman who writes of his adventures with his family, with the hope that others might be inspired and encouraged to embrace God’s tapestry, otherwise known as the great outdoors, as a means of finding Common Ground. You can follow him at Shepherding Outdoors on FB, YT and IG and at shepherdingoutdoors.com.

May 30, 2026December 29, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

I love hanging out with my husband of 44 years. During hunting season, it can be a challenge to carve out time with David, who is an avid deer hunter. So, many times I will pull on my camouflage clothes and go with him. There is nothing better than leaving civilization behind and heading out to the hunting club with my honey to enjoy a few days of respite and being immersed in nature, and hopefully filling the freezer with meat we harvest.

One such time, we headed to the hunting camp during the week, and to our surprise, we were the only two people on the 3,000 wooded acres in rural Alabama. David and I made our way to to one of the brand-spanking-new shooting houses on a beautiful and peaceful field at the edge of the deep forest. No one had ever hunted in it before. It was so new you could still smell the wood! We climbed into that shooting house, shut the door, and started to get settled in. It was a tight space for two regular-sized adults, but we were okay with that.

As we are getting all our gear, snacks, and seating situated, we heard a sound. A strange sound, kind of like metal on wood. You know, like a latch falling. Uh-oh… a latch falling? Can we get out? NO…the latch on the outside evidently slid back down of its own accord and locked us securely inside. The only ones on the 3,000 acres that day, we had no one to call to come let us out. Well, what are our options? We could kick the door out, but we didn’t want to destroy it. Maybe we should call someone from our family to drive the two hours from home to come let us out. Getting them here was the easy part; trying to help them find the right path to get to us in the wooded acres was a completely different situation. The next option was the narrow window. It was two feet wide and 10 inches tall. So, we decided that David would go feet first through the window and make the small drop to the ground. Yes, that should work.

Well, it’s a tight spot in there. We don’t have much room to maneuver. So, I think back to my cheerleading days when performing stunts and holding up other cheerleaders, and I brace myself to help hold him up while he tries to wiggle through that tiny opening. If a deer happened to walk by, what a sight it would see- two legs hanging out the window! All was going well until we got to his belt. It was too wide. No matter how much we tried, we could not get him and his belt through that little window. And neither one of us could turn loose of what we were doing to take off that belt. It was just too tight a squeeze. The decision was made to bring him back inside. So, I braced myself again and pulled him back through that tiny space into the little house. I don’t mind telling you it was awkward; we were breathing heavy, I was tugging and pulling, and David was too. He was scratched up a bit, but we did it! We finally got him back inside.

We tried it again minus the belt, headfirst. Again, I’m braced and holding his legs, and he’s wiggling through that tiny space. Then, whoosh, he finally falls through and catches himself for a safe landing. David came around and unlocked that faulty latch so I could get out- my hero yet again. We decided not to stay to hunt in that shooting house. We went back to one of our crusty, dusty, trusty old ones. It might not be new, and it might have a critter or two, but we knew we wouldn’t be in another tight spot! Enjoy David’s favorite venison recipe.

-Danna Standridge, Author of Happiness is Homemade Y’all! For speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, email [email protected]. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook @DannaSwannStandridge and YouTube @dannastandridge8749.

Venison Stroganoff

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground venison (can substitute ground beef)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of: ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
2 Tablespoons flour
1 large can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Brown meat in olive oil. Add spices, flour, and mushrooms. Stir well. Cook for 2 minutes while flour browns. Stir in evaporated milk until sauce thickens. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add a little water if it gets too thick. Take off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve over egg noodles. *Throw in a handful of frozen green peas for added flavor.

May 30, 2026December 29, 2025 by Laurie Stroud

Fashion for You

Does your closet look like it needs a makeover after a holiday season of wardrobe additions? Now is a great time to declutter your space while giving back to those in need. Bash Boutique in Hoover is hosting a Clean your Closet event on Thursday January 29 and Friday January 30, 2026. Bring your gently used clothing items to the store to be donated to The Foundry Ministries, a local non-profit organization restoring hope and rebuilding lives through Christ-centered recovery. As a thank you for your donation, you will receive 20% off a Bash Boutique item of your choice.

Clean Your Closet Tips. Bash Boutique has three tips to simplify your closet refresh and make it less overwhelming.

Think about how long it’s been since you’ve worn an item. If it has been longer than a year and it is not specifically for a special occasion, then let it go. Put a smile on someone else’s face and donate it.
Ask yourself, does the item fit my body now? Does it make you feel good when you wear it? If you don’t love the way it looks, then donate it to someone who will.
Do you have several of the same items already? If you do, keep the best one and donate the rest. This will help you purge in a way that can help you declutter and have less decisions to make when choosing what to wear.

So, let’s get started and plan a visit to Bash Boutique on January 29 or 30. It’s a win-win-win! Clean your closet, help those in need and receive a discount on something new you will love. The store is located at 2539 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 105, Hoover, 35244, www.bashboutique.net. †

Behind the Mask: Finding Joy that Lasts

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