Binoculars are a real plus to have at the Festival of Cranes and to have on hand to get the best view of the wild life in your own backyard. Visit the experts at Mark’s Outdoors to find the pair that best suits your needs.
The Christmas season has come and gone and now it’s New Year’s Resolution time. I encourage you to set goals for yourself and your family and hopefully make this year even better than the last. As a rule, New Year’s resolutions usually revolve around things like fitness. “Ok, this year I’ll remove all of the clothes hanging on the treadmill that I bought when I made last year’s resolution and promise to use it this year.” Or resolutions related to finance. “This year I will save a little extra cash out of each paycheck and finally taking that vacation I’ve been wanting to go on.” All of that is well and good but are we really taking full advantage of the New Year’s Resolution?
This year consider adding a resolution that involves getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. Perhaps your outdoor resolution includes getting into or back into hunting. Good news! Your timing is great. You still have until the end of the month to enjoy hunting season and plenty of time to get ready for next fall.
Another great outdoor activity available this month is the annual Festival of the Cranes, January 12-13, 2019. This two-day celebration of Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes brings together experienced birders and those who would like to learn more about birding and other wildlife that live in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur (www.friendsofwheelerrefuge.org). Over 12,000 Sandhill Cranes along with several pairs of Whooping Cranes spend the winter each year at the Refuge. Enjoy nature walks, live raptors and refuge tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars and a camera. Throughout the event, the enclosed Wildlife Observation Building will offer views of thousands of Sandhill Cranes, along with Whooping Cranes, ducks, geese, raptors, and maybe a bald eagle. There will be bleachers and spotting scopes available along with volunteers and staff members on hand to answer questions.
Need more outdoor ideas? Visit us at Mark’s Outdoors to become inspired and to be fully equipped to make the most of your time in God’s great outdoors. We will help make sure that you have everything you need to make your time outside that much more enjoyable. Happy New Year & God Bless!
In January of each year I pray for a word-a word that I can use throughout the year to pray on and encourage me in my daily walk. Several years ago, that word was Flourish-when God first laid it on my heart, I didn’t quite understand why this was the word He gave me. I continued to pray about it and eventually came across a scripture that explained so much of what this word would mean to me during that year.
Psalm 92:12, “But the Godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.”
Throughout my life I have walked through many dark trials and after coming to know Christ, I came to find that there were many women who were walking in darkness- withering with the different burdens and trials that life can throw at us. This darkness was so real, it was so evident in the lives of the women I was speaking with. Women were dealing with depression, abuse, and addictions on top of those every day stressors of being a mom, wife, being single or working a full-time job. I had been praying earnestly for God to open my eyes to His word-“But the Godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” Without sun the trees are not able to flourish, they are not able to grow. It’s the same for you and me-when we are covered in darkness, we are not able to grow and flourish as we should in Christ. We are in the dark and not able to see His love and promises.
One commentary I read said that these palm trees were known for their long life, they would stand tall and live long. It also says that the cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height and 30 feet in circumference; thus, they were strong, solid and immovable.
Life pulls us in every direction. It hits us when we are down. It leaves us feeling uncertain at times, but one thing I know is certain– if we are placing our faith firmly in God, He will give us the strength and vitality to get through each day. Just like the cedars of Lebanon-we will grow in our walk, we will become strong, and we will begin to flourish, and our faith will then overcome whatever darkness we are walking through.
Cheryl Goss
Founder of Connecting Ministries, host of the February 15-16 women’s conference, “Flourish” at Samford University. Featured speakers include New York Times best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs (Mine is the Night, Bad Girls of the Bible and more) and sought-after Bible teacher and speaker Lisa Harper. For more details and to register visit, www.connectingministries.org, founded to come alongside churches, organizations, and individuals, equipping and empowering them to live out God’s Word.
As we begin a new year, I thought of two Bible verses that will encourage and enable us to successfully deal with the obstacles and challenges that life can bring. II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline.” A similar passage in Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “. . . for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid, what shall man do to me.’” The Apostle Paul tells us that we are not to be afraid, timid or bashful when it comes to living a Christian life. Fear is the enemy of faith and will hold us back as we live for Christ.
After telling us what to avoid, Paul then says what to pursue; Power, Love and Discipline.
Power is the ability; empowering; enabling to accomplish a desired result. As a Christ-follower our ability comes from the Holy Spirit of God. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. . .”
Following power comes Love. This is agape love which comes from God. It is unselfish concern and unconditional positive regard for the welfare of another. Love is to be shared. We should first love God and then love others (Matthew 22:36-40).
The third characteristic we are to pursue is Discipline. This means to exercise sound judgment and self-control. Discipline describes a person who is calm, well balanced and their life is under control.
Use this encouragement from God’s Word to guide and bless you in 2019.
-Tony Cooper
Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
Learning to “Cope with Life” and the things that life throws at us, has been a major source of stress in a person’s life since the beginning of time. The funny thing is…God created our brains to deal with multiple tasks and problems at very advanced levels of thinking all at one time. Our brain is used 90% of the time as a filter of all mental inputs and stimuli it receives and then processes them into our conscious thought for the activities around us. It allows us to consciously focus on and function at accomplishing just one or two things at a time. God gave us the capacity to train our brain to do more- to allow more “ducks on our pond” so to speak, without being overloaded.
Yellowleaf Creek Mill in Clanton, Ala. was named by The Knot as “Best Wedding Venue of 2019”. Hosting an event here now benefits Transformation Ministries. Photo Credit Alyssa Rose Photography.
So why am I always freaking out because I can’t keep all my ducks in a row? When our emotions enter the coping equation stress enters the situation. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble [your ducks will not be in a row/author insert] But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Ducks Vs. Duck Maker. God created us in His image so that we could experience relationship and Agape love with him and others here on earth. The richness of that love when we find it is so cool! But we have limited brain ability in our human form and our emotions often get out of sync with God’s Will. Too many ducks get out of line and we begin to focus on the ducks and not on the Duck Maker. Inevitably we begin to try and control all the ducks because of fear; fear of losing something I love, fear that someone I love will get hurt, fear that I will not be a success and so on. You can see there are many fears that can come upon us. But that’s why Jesus said we would have these troubles but not be afraid. Stress is driven by our emotions getting into control of our will and not letting the Holy Spirit control those emotions. So, a battle rages between our soul (our feeling, intellect, emotions) and our spirit (God’s truths and power) as to who will CONTROL our will.
Worldly Standards Vs. Godly Standards. Coping is accomplished in two ways- by Worldly Standards or Godly Standards. Let’s be honest here. When the bills pile up, a loved one is sick, you’ve lost your job, your marriage is not going well, your kids are in trouble or worst yet, maybe going off to the “money drain” called college…. Things begin to feel like they are getting out of your control and you don’t like it. You strive to keep all those ducks in a row, but they don’t line up. Ever been there? The world then tells you…”take these medications, do this yoga, smoke marijuana, have a drink, find sexual releases”, well you get the picture. But worldly standards will drive you bananas! It never works…we end up running ourselves, our marriages and our children into the ground and the ducks just never line up!
Planning a wedding or special event? Consider Yellowleaf Creek Mill located in nearby Clanton, Ala. The Mill overlooks a tranquil creek, is home to a 16-foot water wheel and a 150 foot waterfall, and offers you a combination of rustic elegance and modern conveniences. Eech event held at this unique venue now benefits Transformation Ministries. Visit www.yellowleafcreekmill.com or call 205-280-0903 for details.
Coping comes when we listen to what Jesus said to the disciples in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit [the ducks begin to line up/author insert]. Apart from me you can do nothing.” So, the answer to the “Duck” dilemma is learning to cope with Godly Standards. The Bible says “…God is Agape (Love) and we worship Him in spirit and in truth.” As we learn to trust God with every aspect of our life he will teach us more and more truths about how to abide in Him and not have to be in CONTROL! When I learned to Trust the Father in Heaven with everything and everyone in my life and gave up Control, I found a place called “Rest.” Godly coping is learning to live in his Grace and rest in Him during all the storms. When that happens, I don’t have to strive to please anyone anymore! I can merely do my best and let the Holy Spirit inside of me guide me through the stormy waters. I will still need to be engaged in life and all its problems, but I won’t have to have stress or anxiety. So, it’s a willingness to give up control and then an intentional desire for learning how to abide in Christ. When I keep my eyes focused on the Duck Maker all my ducks start to line up.
For more teaching on how to get your ducks in a row, come join us at the Transformation Ministries School of Ministry Part I class called, “The Keys to Inner Healing.” Registration on line is still open, www.trministries.org. Come see what Godly Standards can do to helping you abide in Him and live in His Rest!
In one day- thousands of people in need in our community were served a delicious meal, provided eye exams, medical screenings, haircuts, clothes and groceries at the Daniel Cason Ministries annual City-Wide Thanksgiving Outreach, “I Cared Enough” at the Bill Harris Park Arena Crossplex.
Through the collaboration of hundreds of Jesus loving people and a leadership that is sold out to Jesus every hour of every day, the I Cared Enough Thanksgiving Outreach has been happening for 18 years. Can you believe that?! 18 years of sacrifice and faith rides of trusting and waiting on God and Him showing off and providing everything needed every single time. That’s who God is.
Daniel and Gwen Cason are the founders of Daniel Cason Ministries which is responsible for the I Cared Enough Thanksgiving Outreach every year in our community. They are two of the most precious Jesus loving people you could ever know and being able to serve Jesus alongside them is a real treat. I love how they know kids by name and they invest in people for the long haul, giving their life so that one more will know Jesus. Their love for Jesus is straight up contagious. They are in the trenches with people who need food, not only for their bodies but also for their souls.
For a few years Grace Klein Ministries has shared from our abundance for the I Cared Enough Thanksgiving Outreach through clothing, food, prayer. But this year, God allowed us to help with clothing, groceries, pickup/delivery of food, inviting in new volunteer teams, prayer support and a general “what’s mine is yours” linked arms, we are with you, partnership. God blessed our socks off as we saw God provide money for non-perishable food, community volunteers sign up to prepare hot food, Motivated Movers loan two trucks and four movers… one of our partners donated a truckload of bananas that we were able to share, and on and on… God did it!!
The absolute delight was hearing that 400 people came to know Jesus from the 3000+ people who were served. Do you know what can happen in Birmingham if those 400 new Jesus followers start living as followers of Jesus? Love is about to spread. Forgiveness is going to happen. Lives are going to change. And if those 400 people introduce one person to Jesus in the next 12 months, the impact of I Cared Enough will immediately double. Do you see what could happen to our Birmingham?!
If you want to join us with Daniel Cason Ministries and I Cared Enough for 2019, start praying… We trust God will allow us to partner with Daniel Cason Ministries in 2019 and as their faith inspires us, we pray our faith will inspire them. Every week we will be committed to continue spurring one another on to love and good deeds. As Daniel would say, “GOD DID IT.”
-Grace Klein Ministries, Ministry Partner of Daniel Cason Ministries, www.danielcason.org, 205-365-1800
Local philanthropists Wales and Jean Goebel with Sav-A-Life Vestavia Executive Director Lisa Hogan at the dedication of the ministry’s new education building named in honor of the Goebels for their pioneering work in helping Birmingham families in crisis.
Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Resource Center in Vestavia recently dedicated its new education building at a ceremony honoring the ministry’s founders, Wales and Jean Goebel. The Wales Goebel Family Education Center will house Sav-A-Life ‘s rapidly growing programs for family support and counseling. Wales Goebel Ministry gifted the commercial building at 1484 McGuire Road in 2016, and renovations were completed this year. “We saw over 3,200 clients in our education programs this year,” said Sav-A-Life Executive Director Lisa Hogan. “That’s up more than 50% since 2016, but we had maxed out our space. This new facility will allow us to serve more families and add a broader variety of education topics.” Sav-A-Life’s family programs include one-on-one mentoring for expectant and new parents, childbirth and baby-care classes, relationship counseling and support groups. Their “Earn While You Learn” incentive system lets participants shop for maternity and baby gear in the onsite store, The Stork’s Nest.
Ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the new Sav-A-Life Vestavia education building. The ministry is dedicated to offering free and confidential services in a loving environment to women, men, and families facing an unplanned pregnancy.
The Goebels were recognized at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their pioneering work and devotion to service. They founded Wales Goebel Ministry in 1967 to assist troubled teenagers in Birmingham. Wales Goebel Ministry started Sav-A-Life in 1980 to help women with unplanned pregnancies. Sav-A-Life Vestavia is now the largest crisis-pregnancy center in the Birmingham metro area. They served nearly 10,000 clients across all programs in 2017, and more than 74,000 clients in the past 10 years. Learn more at www.savalife.org.
Author Hannah Anderson lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she says, “life is an eclectic mix of rural ministry, family ties, and trying to figure out how to keep our beagle in the yard.” Photo Credit: Mary Walls
Frederick Douglas once wrote that his thoughts of America sometimes moved from rapture and joy to mourning and loathing. His assessment of society should resonate with every person of faith, for our world is filled with both virtue and evil, the lovely and the hideous. If we are not careful and intentional, the gifts of God can be obscured by the ugliness that surrounds us.
Being intentional about how we view the world is the primary concern of Hannah Anderson’s new book, All That’s Good, Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment (Moody Publishers). Anchored on Paul’s command that we should dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure and commendable, Anderson invites us to use discernment when we engage our society. We should endeavor to see the world as God sees it. Yes, it is filled with the obscene and the tragic, but it is also filled with grace and beauty. What we choose to focus on is up to us. How we speak to our neighbor and post on social media is also our choice to make. Is it true? Is it just? Is it commendable? How much better the world would be if every disciple of Jesus asked such questions on a daily basis.
Reading All That’s Good encouraged me to reassess where I focus my attention throughout the week. I should be informed about the world, speak the truth, and actively resist evil. But I should never let the darkness overwhelm the beauty that God has placed in my life. I must choose whether or not to live in proleptic gratitude, anticipating the day when God will obliterate all that’s bad, the truth will be fully known, and justice will be established forever. On that day Jesus will look over his redeemed creation and declare, at last, “It is good.”
-Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster
TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible each month, we have great giveaways to share with you!
January Giveaway.TWO Ways to Win A $75 Gift Card from our friends at Trak Shak in Homewood and Hwy 280/Hoover!
Like & Follow Us on Facebook and Share the Trak Shak post!
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Trak Shak Winners (2) announced on Facebook 1/25/19 so be sure to LIKE our Facebook page! Offer ends 1/24/19.
February Give-Away. 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!
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See the “Magic of Lights” projected on Vulcan and his pedestal through December 23, 2018 at the top of each hour, beginning at 5 p.m. through 9 p.m. While at Vulcan, you will see the synchronized light show, hear a compilation of classic holiday songs and have the opportunity to visit the Vulcan Museum and gift shop with special holiday sales. Learn more here.
Looking for a great way to celebrate the Christmas season with the family? Visit Vulcan Park and Museum for the Magic of Lights: Vulcan’s Holiday Light Experience, December 12-23 from 5 -9 p.m. At the top of each hour, beginning at 5 p.m., guests will enjoy a 15-minute lively array of dancing lights projected on Vulcan and his pedestal and choreographed to delightful holiday music. The Anvil and Museum will have extended hours until 9 p.m. along with complimentary hot chocolate (while supplies last). Visitors can also shop for Christmas gifts at The Anvil gift shop featuring Red Dot Sale items and Birmingham themed items from local artisans such as Earthborn Pottery and Glass Studio.
This amazing show is made possible through the generous support from Kiwanis of Birmingham and their gift of the dynamic lighting package. Joe Saling, Director of Visitor Service Experience is thrilled to provide the community with a gathering place to enjoy the holiday season. “We anticipate this becoming a holiday tradition for the entire family,” Saling said. “Since we are the ‘Magic City’, it is only fitting to have a magical light show.”
Santa V will be present for photos from 5-7 p.m. at the light show premiere on December 12. Admission is $5 for 13 and up, $4 for kids ages 5-12 and children under 4 are free. Vulcan Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which operates Vulcan Park and Museum on behalf of the City of Birmingham. Vulcan Park and Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote Vulcan as the symbol for the Birmingham region, advance knowledge and understanding of Birmingham’s history and culture, and to encourage exploration of the region. †
Briarwood Christian Bookstore. Decorate your home with a beautiful Nativity hand made in Anman, Jordan. It’s a gift that gives back in an amazing way. The olive wood pieces are from Glad Tidings Holy Land Designs and provide an avenue of economic support and stability for artisans and their families. The Holy Land Fair Trade Community Workshop began in 2001 as an outreach to provide training and employment to men and women who are deaf, disabled or disadvantaged. The Nativity sets are available at Briarwood Christian Bookstore where you will also find extra special gifts made by local artisan Missi Wesson. Wesson’s Mountain Laurel Valley Company offers candles, festive towels, handmade soaps and more. You will also find special discounts at the bookstore on a wide variety of 2019 calendars and Bibles. The bookstore, located inside Briarwood Presbyterian Church, has extended shopping hours leading up to Christmas. Visit www.briarwood.org/bookstorefor details.
Local artisan Missi Wesson’s handmade soaps, candles and towels make great gifts and are available at the Briarwood Christian Bookstore.Purchase a starter set or add to your existing Nativity with these beautifully hand-crafted olive wood pieces made in Jordan and available for purchase at the Briarwood Christian Book Store.
Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy. Get your prescriptions filled while finding some great last-minute Christmas gifts. The pharmacy keeps in stock all year round a wide selection of candles includingCapri Blue Volcano, Aspen Bay and Greenleaf’s Cashmere Kiss. You’ll also find activities to keep the kids busy while out of school, including a Nativity Scene Kit that’s not only fun but also a great teaching tool about the reason for the season. Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy is conveniently located on Highway 280 at the Greystone Centre, www.doubleoakmountainrx.com.
Pick up a last-minute gift while having your prescription filled at Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy.All year-round Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy offers a great selection of cards with inspiring messages sure to encourage family and friends.This nativity scene kit available at Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy is a super hands on Christmas activity to do with the kids.
Wild Birds Unlimited. Give your home a festive look while taking care of your feathered friends. New this year, Wild Birds Unlimited on Montgomery Highway in Hoover, www.wbu.com/birmingham, has rustic wreaths made of edible bird seed. You’ll also find many other unique gift ideas including birdhouses, birdfeeders, decorative garden flags and more. The store is offering a 20% discount off one regularly priced item through Christmas Eve. Just print out the coupon found on page 27 of the December issue of Birmingham Christian Family, www.birminghamchristian.com/issues. †
Dress up your yard while feeding the birds from this edible bird seed wreath.This motion sensor owl offers a festive way to keep predators out of your yard.The birds will love to eat the seed that covers these bird houses and then enjoy them as a home!
-Tony Cooper 
Brought to you by: White Plume Technologies, 
