Red Mountain Grace: Caring for Patients, Caring for Families in Difficult Seasons

January 28, 2019January 26, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Mission Makers

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

The heart behind the ministry of Red Mountain Grace is to provide a place to stay to those coming to Birmingham to receive critical medical treatment. “For many, we also serve as an extension of their family during some of their most difficult days,” explains Lizzi Wilkerson, Executive Director of Red Mountain Grace. Thanks to the many dedicated volunteers and donors, they experienced tremendous growth in 2018. Wilkerson shares that in the past year Red Mountain Grace has opened eight additional apartments, raising the number of apartments to 20, “In 2017 we were able to provide hospitality lodging to 64 families and with the new additions, we were able to give over 125 families a home away from home in 2018.” The ministry is also thrilled to announce the opening of two more apartments by February 2019. In addition to the huge growth, Red Mountain Grace also received the 2018 Birmingham Business Journal Nonprofit of the Year Award in their category.

Volunteers with Red Mountain Grace set up four new apartments that opened in April 2018. Since opening its doors in August of 2013, the ministry has welcomed over 350 families. The organization has grown from 2 to 20 apartments, with the goal of 25 open in 2019.

“Faith is so important to us,” Wilkerson shares. That is why one of Red Mountain Grace’s core values is that the ministry’s foundation is built on Christ. Their staff and volunteers visit the families weekly and pray for them during some of their hardest times when everything seems somewhat hopeless.

While monetary donations are always welcome, there are so many additional ways in which volunteers can make a difference by partnering with Red Mountain Grace. “There are just so many ways to use people’s skills and talents. If volunteers love to cook, they can bring meals. If they love to knit, they can make hats. We try to really hone in on what each volunteer’s God-given ability is and use that,” says Wilkerson. A key way in which volunteers can help support Red Mountain Grace is through becoming an “Apartment Adopter.” Wilkerson shares that a small group, company, family, friend group or church can join together to sponsor an apartment each month and make a lasting impact on a family in need. Another way to help Red Mountain Grace is to become an “Ambassador,” who is a volunteer who visits with the patients and families in the hospital. Red Mountain Grace also uses volunteers to help clean the apartments in between families. To learn more about how you can serve as part of Red Mountain Grace visit www.redmountaingrace.com or email [email protected].

-Melissa Armstrong

Save the Date!

Widespread Grace, Red Mountain Grace’s annual fundraising event, will be held on October 1, 2019 at The Haven. This year’s guest speakers will be Samford University graduates, Katherine and Jay Wolf, authors of the book Hope Heals, A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and Overcoming Love. At the age of 26, Katherine had a massive brainstem stroke. Read about her and Jay’s journey at www.hopeheals.com. For more details about the event visit www.redmountaingrace.com or email [email protected].

March 16, 2019January 26, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

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Legal Matters

Presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning, www.bradfordholliman.com

“. . . each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.” Psalm 39:6

In this psalm, the psalmist points out the silliness of spending our lives focused on building wealth when we really have no control over where the wealth goes after we die. Of course, the psalmist is correct; but, in modern times, we do have some control over the direction of our assets when we die. A properly prepared Last Will and Testament or a Revocable Living Trust can implement your objectives once you pass away. In fact, while most people simply name who will receive assets, more sophisticated Wills and Trusts do a very good job of controlling or protecting assets from the grave – if that is the client’s goal.

In these cases, clients determine when the beneficiary receives assets and how the beneficiary can use the assets. Some will even mandate additional oversight such as the requirement for drug testing before receiving asset distributions; or, the requirement that a beneficiary be enrolled in college and maintain a certain GPA to receive assets. Another popular trend among clients is to add trust provisions to their estate plans that protect their children from losing their inheritance in the event of a divorce or problems with other creditors.

In addition to controlling the assets a beneficiary receives, a proper estate plan can make a person’s passing easier for the loved ones left behind by streamlining the process. Individuals that fail to plan may inadvertently subject their loved ones to years of expensive legal process in order to obtain title to the assets. In the worst cases, legal title may never be obtained. In the end, if you do not have an estate plan, it truly can be said that you are giving up your opportunity to direct who will receive your assets.

-Melanie Bradford Holliman

Partner, Bradford & Holliman, LLC

Practice focuses on estate planning, elder law and special needs trusts.

2491 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Ala. 35124

205-663-0281, www.bradfordholliman.com

See Calendar for several free educational seminars being led by Bradford & Holliman in February and March.

No representation is made that the quality of legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.

February 13, 2019January 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

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Healthy Living

Searching for a new physician or a second opinion? Birminghamdoctors.com is a new directory resource for finding the best doctors in the Birmingham area. The web-based, hyper-local physician directory helps you find the perfect doctor, whether you are looking for a doctor within a specific specialty or treating a current condition. BirminghamDoctors.com has a complete listing of physicians with reviews from friends, family, and neighbors and is the first hyper-local website domain that connects the best physicians with the best patients. “BirminghamDoctors.com is the best place to find doctors recommended by friends and family,” explains BirminghamDoctors.com patient visitor, Charlie.

BirminghamDoctors.com serves patients by:

Providing a complete listing of local physicians by specialty and location
Creating a platform for sharing patient experience
Bridging the gap between patients and doctors through social media

BirminghamDoctors.com also serves physicians by:

Attracting and engaging new patients to increase practice revenue
Build and strengthen a physician’s reputation and brand
Adding another extension of marketing for physicians

“BirminghamDoctors.com has helped us connect with new patients,” explains Donna with Birmingham OB GYN.

Visit www.BirminghamDoctors.com to rate your doctor and learn more about this important local patient and physician resource. †

January 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Encouraging Word

The longer we experience life, the more aware we become that we control very little of life’s happenings. Situations occur; circumstances vary; events come and go; and issues develop; all without our permission. Our primary goal is to manage as best we can what has crossed our path and successfully get through it. When you get right down to it, what we do have control of is our attitude; our emotional response and choices we make. Attitude is the key to a life of contentment and purpose. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is. . . .” Do you see the glass “half full” or “half empty?”

Our attitude has an influence on our emotional response. Response is different from react. Reaction (and often over reaction) is usually immediate and does not include much thought process. Response requires careful evaluation before there is follow through. You need to process the situation before determining a plan of action. We are to be responsible and accountable for our choices. Decisions we make have consequences that help us determine the quality of choices made.

There are three choices we can make that can lead to a fulfilled life. These are to trust God, work hard and be thankful.

Trust God. Whatever happens – trust God! He has proven Himself to be faithful and reliable. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . .” God is sovereign, eternal, infinite and all powerful. He is trustworthy and able to handle anything that comes our way and touches our lives.
Work Hard. Colossians 3:17 says, “and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” We should attempt to do the best we can; today; with what we have; for Jesus.
Be Thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in “Christ Jesus.” Choose to be thankful in spite of challenges or obstacles faced.

I encourage you to lean on God to guide your attitude, emotional responses and choices as you navigate life’s issues. He’s got you covered!

-Tony Cooper

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

www.jimmiehalemission.com

January 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

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Education Extra

Everyone has an opinion, a strong opinion, and they’re not afraid to share it. It’s been true since before your child was born. Sleep training or co-sleeping. Disposable or cloth diapers. Bottle or breast. When it’s time for school, the debate continues. Everyone seems ready to assert their thoughts. Public, private, homeschool, tutor. What should you do? Where should you live?

How can you give your child their best education?

Make an intentional choice. Rather than defaulting to the type of education you received, prayerfully consider your plan for your child. Decide purposefully. Whatever you choose, enjoy your freedom of education options and make an intentional choice.
Tailor the education to fit your unique child. Choose experiences to bless this unique person God created. Your child’s education is not merely math, science, and literature. Extra-curricular activities, family experiences, and unscheduled free time form your child’s education just as much as academics. Your family’s choices outside school will also form your child’s unique education.
Help your child gain skills of learning. Every student’s education will have gaps. Rather than fear those gaps, help your child learn how to learn on their own. Skills like observation, memorization, outlining, research, and writing are learned through practice. View their assignments as opportunities to practice skills and preparation for lifelong learning.
Foster learning conversations in everyday life. Think outside the typical academic box. Consider how learning is constantly occurring in daily life with your family. Your toddler learned to talk simply by listening to you. As they grow, they continue learning through every conversation with you. So be intentional. Ask questions, observe details, play games, listen.
Stay involved through high school. Regardless of where you child attends school, stay involved with them all the way. Teenagers still desperately need their parents. The instruction from Proverbs to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) is given to parents – not schools, churches or other organizations. Choose who will help you but stay involved.

Classical Conversations equips parents to meet these educational goals in a home-centered educational environment. More than 18 Classical Conversations communities serve homeschool families in the Greater Birmingham area. Communities meet once per week throughout the school year. Visit www.classicalconversations.com for more information.

-Aimee Smith

Homeschool mom and team leader for Classical Conversations in Trussville, Ala.

Join Aimee at www.aimeesmith.com where she encourages moms to cultivate victorious rest for their hearts.

January 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Church Leaders

Dedicated to those with special needs and their families, caregivers, teachers and friends, Prince of Peace (POP) Catholic Parish in Hoover will hold a sensory-friendly Mass on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 5 p.m.in the main sanctuary. The POP Knights of Columbus Council #11537 are coordinating the Mass which will be followed by dinner in Deasy Hall. This Mass will offer sensory adaptations in sound and lighting and is designed to welcome individuals or families who might not normally feel comfortable participating in Mass. POP leadership explains, “It can be challenging for our brothers and sisters to participate at Mass due to physical and social barriers – or even family member anxiety. Celebrating a sensory-friendly Mass for people with special needs is our way of welcoming all of God’s children to Mass and letting them know that every person is an integral part of our parish family.” The parish is located at 4600 Preserve Parkway, Hoover. Learn more by calling205-822-9125 or visiting www.popcatholic.org. †

January 25, 2020January 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

101 Mobility Derek and David Gann 2 IMG 5421

Healthy Living

Regaining vertical mobility has never been easier in this day and age, and with a stairlift installed in the home, you or a loved one can be on the fast track to independence. A question that is commonly asked amongst individuals looking for a stairlift is, “Can I rent or buy this life-changing product?” The answer to that question is often; yes, you can! Certified stairlift dealers are often equipped to handle both purchases and rentals. However, these options are very situation-dependent. If your staircase is curved, has landings, or is abnormally long, you may have trouble finding a rental product as these features require a custom curved rail stairlift.

Rental Requirements. When searching for a company that may perform rentals or purchases, it is highly important that you ensure a free consultation is included with their services. This consultation (or evaluation) is what will determine if you qualify for a rental option. Rental requirements are typically as follows (though exceptions do exist):

Straight (Indoor) Staircase
10-16 Steps
No intermediate landings

If any of these facets apply to you and your stairs, you should check with the specific dealer that you are doing business with to ensure that you are covered by both rental and purchase options.

Budget & Time Constraints. Before deciding whether you want to purchase or rent a stairlift, it is important to recognize which option would be best for you depending on your finances and time constraints. Most companies require a minimal rental requirement of 3-4 months, due to the laborious installation and removal. Make sure to go over with your dealer the exact costs of the installation, monthly fees, and any removal fee amount. Also keep in mind the amount of time the lift will be needed or potentially needed.

Whether you decide to rent or purchase, it is important to recognize the value and utility that a stairlift can bring to your life or your loved ones. Learn more at Alabama.101Mobility.com or call us at 205-538-5692. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free consultation to identify exactly what you need and design a plan that suits you.

– Derek Gann

Locally Owned & Operated in Birmingham, Serving Residents Across Alabama

205-538-5692

Alabama.101Mobility.com

January 24, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Publisher’s Note

My oldest son Benton tried to make his teeth wiggle all through Kindergarten in hopes of having his name on the “snaggel tooth” bulletin board. Finally, at the age of six and a half, he came running to me with not one- but two loose teeth. He grinned and bared it as he wiggled those teeth right out of his mouth. We took pictures. We jumped around the house. He couldn’t wait to show his friends! Who would have thought there could be such celebration over a gapping hole? As parents, if we did not know to anticipate those shiny, new permanent teeth just below the surface, this scenario would have taken a far different twist. We would have been on our way to our trusted pediatric dentist!

Sometimes it may not look or feel like we have a lot to celebrate. In fact, sometimes it may feel as though all we can do is lift our heads up high enough to peer out of an empty hole. However, God reminds us that despite what the circumstances look like, He has a special plan for us (Romans 8:28). We have so much to anticipate thanks to His love for us through the saving power of His son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

This month as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s take the time to thank someone who has encouraged us during a time when we did not feel like celebrating. Let us also seek out a special someone we can encourage and share with God’s love.

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter @cfpBirmingham

Instagram @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 18 Years of Good News!

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

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!

FEBRUARY GIVE-AWAYS

THREE Ways to Win Two Tickets to the Birmingham Home Show at the BJCC February 15-17, 2019. THREE Winners (2 tickets each).

1.Sign Up for our E-newsletter at www.birminghamchristian.com

2.Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Home Show Post!

3. Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Home Show Post!

Winners (3) Announced 2/12/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 2/11/19.

TWO Ways to Win Two Tickets to the Flourish Women’s Conference hosted by www.connectingministries.org on February 15-16 at Samford University Wright Center. Featuring Liz Curtis Higgs and Lisa Harper!

Like & Follow Us on Facebook and Like & Share the Flourish Post.
Follow Us on Instagram and Like the Flourish Post!

Flourish Winners (2) announced on Facebook 2/11/19 so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 2/10/19.

TWO ways to Win Four Tickets to see Swan Lake performed by the Birmingham Ballet March 1-3, 2019 at Samford University Wright Center. 4 Tickets to TWO WINNERS (4 tickets each)

Winners Announced on Facebook 2/27/19 so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 2/26/19.

January 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Are We There Yet?

Come dressed as your favorite character at “Live with Characters” February 23, 2019 at Gardendale First Baptist Church-North Campus. Learn more and buy tickets at www.justkeepsmiling.org

Your children or grandchildren are sure to smile and maybe burst into laughter as they meet their favorite Disney characters, Ninja Turtles, Star Wars characters and more- all while enjoying a “Dance Party.” There will be two “Live with the Characters” shows, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on February 23, 2019, each followed by a meet and greet, autograph signings and pictures with the stars of the show. The event at Gardendale First Baptist Church-North Campus is a major fundraiser for the local non-profit ministry, Just Keep Smiling (JKS, www.justkeepsmiling.org). “‘Live with the Characters’ is a favorite fund raiser of all of our volunteers,” explains Just Keep Smiling founder, Sue Jeffreys. “It is a time we come together to do God’s work, having so much fun, while making children smile and have the time of their life.” JKS was born from the experiences of three local women, Patrice Brooks, Debra Cook and Sue Jeffreys. All three women know what it is like to live with tragically losing children or having a child with a life-threatening illness. Fourteen years ago, they established JKS which seeks to assist families with critically ill children by providing financial aid for immediate needs, offering emotional support based on personal knowledge of a child’s serious illness or death, and sharing spiritual insight that conveys the solace, grace and strength found in God. JKS works with a network of social workers at area hospitals to identify families with such needs during their time of medical crisis with a child or children.

Purchase your $10 tickets to “Live with the Characters” at Jeff Dennis Jewelers, Gardendale First Baptist Bookstore or at the door. Special VIP tickets ($25 each) offer reserved seating, souvenir and preshow autograph and pictures (limited to 75 tickets per show). VIP tickets may be purchased by emailing [email protected]. †

January 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Best Books

Historian David W. Blight’s biography, Frederick Douglass, Prophet of Freedom (Simon and Shuster), has captured the attention of the literary world. It is, in my assessment, simply superb. Douglass was one of the great Americans of the nineteenth century, and Blight has given us a biography worthy of such greatness. As a young, uneducated fugitive slave, Douglass began preaching to a handful of men. A decade later he was the most famous black man in the world. If America had a prophet in the nineteenth century, it was Frederick Douglass.

The most dangerous place in the world is within the gaze of a prophet of God. Prophets possess a proclivity to shatter the status quo, jerking us out of our delusions of safety and comfort. They rip away our facades of righteousness, exposing that which we prefer to remain hidden. When God sends forth a prophet into a land, things happen – and sometimes it isn’t pretty.

David W. Blight, author of Frederick Douglass, Prophet of Freedom, is Professor of American History and Director of the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Huntington Library, San Marino, California

Frederick Douglass used the power of his words to call America to repentance for its national sin. Using language rich with the scriptures, Douglass traveled the northern states and Britain, calling for the end of slavery. Like Jeremiah, Amos, and John the Baptist, Douglass called not only the sinners and slaveholders to account, but also those who believed themselves to be righteous. No one was exempt from his fierce gaze, not even the President or members of the clergy. Douglass, like the prophets, aimed his sharpest rhetoric at those who worshiped God on the Sabbath and yet were complicit in the systemic oppression of their fellow man throughout the week.

As I read Blight’s work on Douglass, I found myself hoping God would send a new prophet to our nation, someone uniquely graced by God with words of power and fire and judgement. We need an anointed advocate for justice, someone who isn’t afraid to call out wickedness in high places. We need a voice for the poor and the oppressed, the imprisoned and the stranger among us. We need another John or Jeremiah to call God’s people to repentance. We need another Frederick.

–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

205-663-2370

Red Mountain Grace: Caring for Patients, Caring for Families in Difficult Seasons

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