Do You Have Enough Automobile Insurance Coverage?

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Legal Matters

presented by: Frank S. Buck P.C., Personal Injury

Do You Have Enough Automobile Insurance Coverage to Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones in the Event of a Holiday Car Wreck?

Take Time to Check

You probably have automobile insurance, but do you understand the basics of your policy? The first step in reviewing your automobile insurance policy is to request a copy of the Declaration’s Page from your insurance company which contains details unique to your specific policy. It will list all drivers and automobiles that are insured under your policy as well as the policy number and the period of time that the policy insures you. It also contains the type of insurance coverage purchased, policy limits and deductibles. It is important to meet with your insurance agent to discuss the different types of automobile coverage available to you as well as the cost of each so that you understand your policy.

In Alabama, if you purchase liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory on your policy unless you specifically reject it in writing. You should never reject it. It is essential that in addition to your liability coverage, you also purchase uninsured motorist coverage, which is applicable when the person who caused the car wreck either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to fully compensate the injured party or parties in the vehicle.

There is a common misconception that this coverage is expensive and unnecessary and therefore, many people chose to reject it. The cost difference of your monthly premium to add this insurance coverage to your policy is not very expensive compared to the benefits of having this coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is the only way you will be compensated if you are injured by a person who failed to keep insurance on their automobile. For example, if you and your family are headed home from church on Christmas Eve and a person who has no automobile insurance runs a red light and hits the family vehicle, causing serious injuries to your entire family, your own uninsured motorist coverage would kick in and compensate your family for your injuries.

A large percentage of Alabamians have no insurance at all so it is very important that you purchase uninsured motorists in case of an accident. Another layer of automobile insurance coverage that is good to purchase and beneficial in the event of personal injuries is medical payment coverage. This coverage applies toward your medical bills when you have been injured in addition to uninsured motorist coverage.

Protect yourself and your family by making sure you have proper insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance agent for insurance rates.

Frank S. Buck, P.C., Attorneys at Law have been offering professional legal services and serving Alabama citizens for over 43 years. We have experienced trial attorneys who have over 100 years of combined trial experience.  You can reach us 24 hours a day at (205) 933-7533.  Please call us for a free consultation.Visit us at www.franksbuck.com.

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Mission Makers

It is quiet, and I am not eavesdropping, but I can hear snatches of conversation coming from down the hall. Daniel Roberson, Brother Bryan Mission’s Intake Administrator, is talking to someone about forgiveness. His voice is deliberate, and kind and he is telling deep spiritual truths that we all need to hear. I feel like I am at an altar and not a desk, in a sanctuary and not in an office.   

“You need to look at a conflict and ask what percentage you may be wrong,” Daniel says. “If you’re only 1% wrong then you need to ask forgiveness for that part.”

We know someone who went through a terrible divorce around 35 years ago. She found out her husband had been unfaithful. Deep pain was inflicted, two children suffered, and a family imploded. In an effort to hurt him for how he had hurt her, she kept something that belonged to him, something that he treasured. She kept a stuffed pheasant he had killed when he was a hunter.

The bird sat on top of her television set. As the children divided their time between two parents that they loved dearly, they would occasionally say to her, “Why don’t you give the pheasant back to Dad?” Her response, “No – it’s mine.”  

For almost 35 years the answer remained the same. Then one day, about two years ago, both sons were at her home at the same time. One of them asked about the pheasant again. This time she got up from her chair, got the bird, and said, “Take it.” After all these years, with both parties now in their 80’s, she gave up the pheasant.  

Forgiveness is like that. We must release the right to get revenge. It doesn’t mean that we weren’t wronged, but it does mean we give up the right to exact payment for that wrong.  

Brother Bryan Mission has 75 beds filled with men who can annoy, get angry, and explosions can happen. But they are being taught by faithful, godly staff members to forgive 
 as Daniel put it, “To let things go.”  

I hear applause coming from the cafeteria next door. There is warm food on the tables and the men are growing. And there are godly, faithful men here who work hard to teach them Biblical truths.

Sometimes altars are found where we least expect them.  

-Kay Etheredge

Brother Bryan Mission

Birmingham, Ala.

www.bbmission.org

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Healthy Living 

As the holiday season approaches, many people are excited to see their friends, family members, and loved ones. However, for many seniors and their caregivers, it can become very stressful.  Big holiday celebrations can be overwhelming, especially for those suffering from cognitive decline or health problems. For family caregivers, decorating the house, organizing gatherings or finding the perfect gifts for loved ones, all while caring for an older adult, can be daunting.

Here are a few things you can do to minimize the stress for everyone.

  1. Think about simplifying tasks. When decorating keep it simple by avoiding big DIY projects or over the top decorations.
  2. Try to have family come to you. When planning trips or visits, consider avoiding long stressful drives and limiting large groups.
  3. Savor the small things. If a loved one is ill, think about ways to make their holiday experiences easy and smooth.

These are just a few ideas to consider. For more information on how you can make the holidays less stressful, stop by and see us at Home Care Assistance or call and request a Caregivers Guide to the Holidays.

-Debra Beadles

Owner, Home Care Assistance of Birmingham 

5291 Valleydale Rd., Ste. 123, Birmingham, AL 35242

 

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Legal Matters

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

Before the holiday season arrives, take time to make sure your estate plan is current.  Have answers for these questions when you review your estate plan with an experienced estate planning attorney: 

  • Do you want a Last Will and Testament or a Revocable Living Trust?  If you’re not sure, answer this question: Do you want to avoid the probate process and its expense and red tape or are you comfortable with your personal representative going through the probate process?
  • If you have a revocable living trust, has it been properly funded?
  • Do you want your spouse to have unlimited control over assets after you die – even though he/she may remarry and leave those assets to a new spouse? Or do you want to make sure your spouse can use your assets for life and have your children inherit remaining assets after your spouse dies?
  • Do you have family members with debt problems?  If so, you should put controls in place to protect the family member from creditors or wasting the assets rather than giving them assets directly.
  • Do you have family members with substance abuse problems?  Again, you should put controls in place so the assets are not used to fund the substance abuse.
  • Do you have a disabled child?  If so, you need to make sure the child’s inheritance will not cause the child to lose government benefits.
  • Who will you name as guardian(s) to take care of your minor children if both parents are deceased? 
  • Who do you want to manage your assets for your minor children if you are deceased?
  • Do you want to disinherit someone?  If so, certain steps can help avoid a will contest later.
  • Do you have estate and gift tax issues?  If so, steps must be taken to reduce or eliminate taxes.
  • Are you implementing creditor and lawsuit protection in your estate plan for your surviving spouse and children?
  • Are your beneficiary designations consistent with your estate plan?
  • Who will make your financial and health care decisions if you are incapacitated?
  • Do you have a long-term care plan?

Your answers to these questions may not be addressed in online form documents. Take time to get sound advice from an experienced estate planning attorney before your holidays kick into high gear.

-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

This article is for educational purposes and is not intended for specific legal advice.

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

 

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Hassle Free Zone

Here are some clever ideas to help Simplify your Season:

Empty the Bins. While your home is decorated, donate or discard whatever you have not used. Place sentimental items in a special place for keepsakes.

Create Specialized Storage. Install shelving to accommodate items for easy access and safe keeping. Consider hooks for wreaths to hang.

Pack Like with Like. Group items (ex: living room, kids room, outdoor, certain trees) and label bins with a numbering system (Bin 1 of 10). Make a content list and tape under lids to help identify.

Go Shopping. Shop the day after Christmas to stock up and take advantage of the great sales on stuff like wrapping paper, plates, napkins. Pack in bins to store for next year.

Make Your List (and Check It Twice). Create a Christmas binder or phone app that stores information in one place. Divide into categories such as: Traditions, Christmas Cards/Addresses, Gifts – Given & Received, Recipes, Party Ideas, etc. After the holidays are over, review your book.

  • Use a zipper pouch for shopping receipts, because it can be removed and carried in your purse.
  • Update addresses from the cards you receive.
  • Analyze the traditions – start new ones and toss out the ones nobody enjoyed.
  • Record gifts so you’ll never forget that special memory.
  • Jot down a new recipe you discovered at someone’s party.
  • Make a list for next year’s gift ideas. Divide the names into the number of months and shop for that person all month long for just the perfect gift. This will also help in budgeting year-round!

Evaluate Spending. While it’s fresh, evaluate your spending this year and then establish a budget for next Christmas. Are you going to regret getting the bills in January? Set aside cash each week and eliminate having to use credit cards at all. Start a Christmas savings account at your bank.

Family Meeting. Have a family meeting to discuss how this month made each person feel. What could be better? If it felt too stressful, could something be scratched from the calendar? What were the kids’ favorite memories of the holiday season? Be sure to do more of that next year!

-Kim McBrayer 

Designer  | Professional Organizer  | Speaker

SPACE CADETS

5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 121

Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-368-2425

www.spacecadetsorganizing.com

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Encouraging Word

When it comes to God, how is your relationship? Relationship is defined as having a connection; association; or involvement. What is amazing is Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth; desires to have a personal relationship with mankind. The question is, “Does man desire to have a relationship with God?”

A relationship with God is made possible by experiencing a spiritual birth. In John 3:3 Jesus says, “
 I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Following a spiritual birth where a relationship with God is established, one must then work to strengthen it. This requires four characteristics. Each will strengthen your relationship with God.

  1. KNOW God. To know is to be familiar; aware of; acquainted with; to understand clearly with certainty. This requires more than just “knowing about,” it is to “know personally.”  Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ
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  2. LOVE God. Matthew 22:37 says, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
  3. TRUST God. Trust is to have confidence in; to depend on; rely on; to believe in. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
  4. SERVE God. Serve means to put other’s needs ahead of your own; to consider others more important than yourself. You need to put God first in your life. Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness
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Let’s have a strong relationship with God by – knowing, loving, trusting and serving Him!

-Tony Cooper 

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

www.jimmiehalemission.com

 

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Education Extra

Birmingham based McDowell Bible College is offering free* on-line classes for churches. Churches are allowed one non-credit class of up to 30 students for any of the college’s courses scheduled during their three 15-week terms. If a church can provide at least five students, they may select from any of the courses in the college catalog appropriate for their staff or ministerial needs, not just the current term schedule. View course listings at www.McDowellBibleCollege.org. Church students will be provided access to on-line classroom lectures, quizzes and assignments and churches will be provided with their results at the end of the term. To enroll in this program for the coming Spring term, send an email with your requirements to [email protected].

*Churches or students are responsible for the cost of course textbooks and computer and online requirements.

Q&A with McDowell Bible College Founder, Rev. Larry McDowell

     Q. What led you to establish McDowell Bible College?

A. A Bible college in the 21st century should train and equip with knowledge all who want to be in service to the Lord, without amassing expensive infrastructure and demanding high tuition.  The college first started out as a programming exercise – sort of a challenge. In music ministry for fifty years in piano, organ and occasionally worship leader in military chapels and churches across America, Asia, Latin America and Europe, I was called to pastoral ministry about four years ago. I began training at Luther Rice College and Seminary. Having completed an MA in computer resources management, programmed professionally for 25 years, and teaching at five college and universities on three continents, I was very irritated at the functionality, bugs and flaws in Blackboard. It is used at Luther Rice and 75% of U. S. colleges for on-line training. So, two years ago I sat down and decided to write my own classroom management program. It went so well, that I wrote a college website around it and decided to offer a Bible college that charged about 10% of average fees and tuition. I named it after myself, not for ego, but because I wanted to force myself to make this a quality effort. I can do this because I do not need to pay six figures up to a quarter million annually for Blackboard. We also use qualified faculty and staff, like my wife and myself, who volunteer or will work for low pay as an outreach in preparing workers for the Lord. It is fully on-line, so we do not have a lot of overhead.   

     Q. Why did you decide to offer free classes for churches as a part of the mission of the College?

A. In pursuing my Doctor of Ministry, I read John Dickerson’s The Great Evangelical Recession. The first half is a dark picture that included the problems of churches to fund their staff at current levels even now, and certainly after the older givers, who tithe better than younger generations, pass away. His solution was to depend more on volunteer lay ministers to do the work. However, the church would be unable to fund their education and if people funded it themselves or amassed education loans, they would need to get salaries to be compensated. Therefore, colleges like mine must step up and provide this education to help churches meet their needs. We also offer some free tuition scholarships to those who cannot afford our low requirements as well. 

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Best Books 

I have always been fascinated by trivia. I love to discover an obscure detail of history which explains why things are the way they are, or an odd fact that seems so counter-intuitive that it’s often met with incredulity. Trivia, by definition, is information that is not inherently important. The value of such information rests not in its importance or degree of relevance, but in the sheer pleasure of its discovery.

The incarnation of God is not a trivial matter. The manner in which we observe and celebrate the birth of God’s Son, however, is an entirely human enterprise. As such, it is a season filled with history, customs, artistry, and intriguing facts. In his book, Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas (Zondervan, $14.99), Ace Collins reveals the source behind many of our Christmas traditions. From the origins of Advent and Epiphany to the use of poinsettias and Christmas ornaments, Collins explores how the customs which we take for granted came into being.

How is Prince Albert largely responsible for the use of Christmas trees in England and America? Where is the symbolic reference to Jesus in the carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and why do we stand during the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah? How did an act of kindness by a 4th century priest toward a peasant girl lead to eight stockings hanging on my fireplace mantle?

Discover the answers to these and many other fascinating questions in Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas.

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

205-663-2370

 

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Are We There Yet? 

Join in the 24th Annual Meadow Brook Run December 15. No race fee but ministry donation appreciated, www.meadowbrookruns.org.
Join in the 24th Annual Meadow Brook Run December 15. No race fee but ministry donation appreciated, www.meadowbrookruns.org.

Christmas lights. Family. Food. Friends. Gifts. Jesus. Running. For more than two decades, runners have been racing down the streets of Meadow Brook in Shelby County at Christmas time. What began as a beautiful, empty race weekend on the calendar now is a holiday tradition. Dr. Robert Cosby began the Meadow Brook Run in 1995 as an evangelistic outreach to the running community. Local vendors and volunteers from all over the community have joined in the tradition. December 15, 2018 will be the 24th Annual Meadow Brook Run beginning at Valley National Bank (formerly US AmeriBank) Meadow Brook, 1100 Corporate Parkway, Birmingham. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run at 10 a.m.

The Meadow Brook Run race fee is voluntary. The suggested amount is $15-$25 and all proceeds benefit the “Jesus Video Project of Alabama” which shares the Good News of Jesus as well as other ministries including Alabama Teen Challenge, First Priority of Greater Birmingham and Young Life. Come join in the fun- whether you are a runner or not- and make this one of your family holiday traditions. For more information visit www.meadowbrookruns.org. †

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Youth News

Brought to you by: Community Partner Aho Architects, LLC, www.ahoarch.com 

On Thursday, November 15, the Hoover Met filled with athletes, students, and coaches together to hear a message of hope from former NFL quarterback, professional baseball player and SEC announcer Tim Tebow. This crowd came from all over Alabama and even as far away as Mississippi.

Tim Tebow with the FCA Birmingham staff, www.fcabirmingham.org
Tim Tebow with the FCA Birmingham staff, www.fcabirmingham.org

This night of sharing the Gospel with students began over a year ago when Birmingham Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Metro Director Coach Bill Gray had two crucial conversations that helped to birth “A Night with Tim Tebow.” The conversation that began this vision was with Louisiana FCA State Director Terry Slack. Slack shared with Coach Gray that having Tim Tebow come and speak to their students was the best event that they had ever done for the students in their community. In surveying coaches in metro Birmingham, Coach Gray asked Ramsay High School Coach Reuben Nelson what FCA could do for him. Coach Nelson shared that Birmingham needed a large rally where teams could unite under something that was bigger than their own mascots in order to hear a message of hope. Coach Gray shared these conversations with the FCA staff and board, and they began to pray that God would lead them and open the doors that He desired. Eight weeks prior to “A Night with Tim Tebow,” God answered Coach Gray’s and the FCA team’s prayers and provided the funding for this rally of hope to happen.

A crowd of more than 4,500 recently gathered at the Hoover Met for “A Night with Tim Tebow” hosted by FCA Birmingham.
A crowd of more than 4,500 recently gathered at the Hoover Met for “A Night with Tim Tebow” hosted by FCA Birmingham.

From his own faith journey, Tebow shared with students from Ephesians 2:10 that they were “God’s masterpiece” and He was writing a story with their lives. Tebow encouraged students that “walking by faith doesn’t mean that we know the next step, but that God knows the next step.” Coach Josh Whitt from Berry Middle School commented, “Tim did a great job tonight of reminding us on a ‘cold night’ not to have a ‘cold heart’ when it comes to Kingdom work in showing and sharing the love of Christ.” Though the impact of “A Night with Tim Tebow” will continue beyond the rally, there were hundreds of students that made decisions to follow after Jesus at the event. FCA is continuing to partner with athletes and coaches to fulfill their vision of seeing “the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.” For more information about FCA Birmingham and their ministry in our community, visit www.fcabirmingham.org.

-Rev. Ben Birdsong, Minister of Students, Meadow Brook Baptist, www.meadowbrookbaptist.org

 Article brought to you by: Community Partner, www.ahoarch.com, a member of www.convenenow.com 

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