New Year, new pet? Start 2026 on the right paw! Welcoming a new dog or cat into your family can be exciting but a little overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips to help your new companion settle in smoothly.
1. Give Them Time to Decompress. Many pets need space to adjust. Remember the 3-3-3 Rule: about three days to relax, three weeks to learn your routine, and three months to settle in fully.
2. Keep It Calm. For the first few weeks, limit loud noises and visitors, offer a quiet retreat space, and stick to routines. Consistency helps them feel safe.
Tater (dog) and Clover (cat) are just two of the adorable animals with Two by Two looking for their forever family in 2026.Read more about these cuties at www.twobytworescue.com.
3. Introduce Slowly. Whether it’s kids or other pets, go slow. Use gates or leashes, supervise early interactions, and never force introductions. 4. Reward the Good Stuff. Positive reinforcement builds trust. Use treats, praise, and play, avoiding punishment. A crate should always feel safe, never scary.
5. Training Strengthens Your Bond. Training builds communication and confidence. Even seasoned pet owners benefit from positive-reinforcement guidance, especially with rescue pets. If you’re ready to grow your family with a new pet, visit www.twobytworescue.com/adopt to see all the fabulous fur kids up for adoption. Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, and unwanted companion animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two is foster-home based rescue operating out of Birmingham, Ala. †
Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. As Worship Pastor at Meadow Brook Baptist Church, Dr. David Vaughan leads his church family in powerful worship each week.
What did your journey look like to your current position in ministry? Music and faith have always been the twin pillars of my life; I grew up in a musical family and never knew a time without the church. The true launch of my journey occurred at age seven when I realized God desired a personal relationship with me—a connection far deeper than routine church attendance. While this commitment changed my life forever, my specific sense of vocation arrived at age 17. During a concert, I felt an undeniable, overwhelming call to full-time music ministry. This pivotal moment directed my educational path, leading me to specialized training and degrees from Samford University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After 25 years of active ministry, I sought further equipping, completing a Doctorate in Worship Studies in 2020. I have been blessed to serve congregations across four states (Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama) and am currently celebrating 14 years of ministry at Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham. My service has also extended to leadership positions with state organizations and on the Executive Council of The Southern Baptist Church Music Conference.
Dr. David Vaughan has been the Worship Pastor at Meadow Brook Baptist Church for 14 years. The church is located at 4984 Meadow Brook Road, 35242, www.meadowbrookbaptist.org.
Is there a particular person or life experience that impacted your decision to be a minister? I have been fortunate to have been mentored and influenced by great men in my life, notably Kelly Stephenson, Doug Smith, Lloyd Mims, Paul Clark Jr., Bob Hatfield, and Jack Gordon. Although their counsel came at different times and stages of my life and ministry, the most influential period that truly began my ministry trajectory was the combined experience of high school band, church orchestra, and youth choir. God used those experiences, and the people involved, even when I was unaware, to cultivate a deep love for music, the church, and Jesus Christ.
How would you describe your church family? Meadow Brook Baptist Church is a truly warm, welcoming, and multigenerational neighborhood family. Recognizing the gift of this diverse community, we are unified in our purpose: worshipping God, actively serving our neighbors and the nations, and together growing in the life-changing truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Vaughan’s wife Jill often partners with him in leading the church in worship by playing the keyboard and singing in the choir.
What is one thing you would like us to know about your congregation? Meadow Brook Baptist strives to live out the greatest commandment that Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-39 by first loving God with all that we are and second loving our neighbors near and far as we love ourselves.
Describe what a family can expect when they come to worship at your church? They can expect to see people of all ages enjoying worship that incorporates the treasured hymns of the church as well as new hymns and songs of the church. They will experience expository (verse by verse) preaching that is Biblically sound and applicable to all. There are small groups (typically divided by age) for everyone to be a part of for both Bible Study and personal connection with other.
Please introduce us to your family. I am privileged to be married to the incredible Jill Gordon Vaughan for nearly 32 years! Jill is a woman who can accomplish anything she puts her mind to—and she doesn’t just accomplish it, she does it exceptionally well (with the notable exception of marrying me!). She is a dedicated first-grade teacher and is also quite musical, playing piano for our Youth Choir and keyboard on Sunday mornings. Jill and I have two children, Jackson and Ella. Our son, Jackson, is currently the elementary school music teacher in Mountain Brook. A very gifted trombone player, he is actively involved as a deacon and musician at his church. Our daughter, Ella, recently married Connor Murphy of Birmingham. She also inherited the musical gene, being an excellent clarinet and piano player.
Give the gift of wisdom! Reflections on Happiness: In a Broken and Chaotic World, by Richard E. Simmons III explores the true meaning of happiness and why so many people today struggle to find it. We live in such prosperity, in a country where we are free to pursue our dreams. Yet, disappointment and despair surround us as we continue down the wrong path. It is a great paradox.
Through thoughtful reflection and practical insight, Reflections on Happiness introduces seven foundational areas—relationships, character, work and identity, purpose, health, depression, and mortality—that shape our sense of joy and fulfillment.
Rooted in timeless principles, this book invites readers to discover how living in harmony with God’s design leads not only to happiness, but to true inner peace.
Buy now on Amazon, on Richard’s website richardesimmons3.com/books or at one of our local vendors Little Professor, Siebels, and Church Street Coffee and Books.
Email [email protected] to purchase and pick up at The Center office in Homewood. Bulk discounts available! †
Every congregation longs to flourish, yet many settle for less than what God intends. Instead of pursuing God’s extraordinary vision, they often default to what feels familiar, comfortable, or easily attainable. In Soaring with Faith: The Difference Maker for Congregations, author George W. Bullard Jr. invites churches to exchange mediocrity for a Spirit-led pursuit of exceptional mission and ministry.
Soaring with Faith author George W. Bullard Jr. has more than 50 years of ministry experience.
Bullard begins with a foundational truth: congregations are living organisms, not static organizations. They grow, change, adapt, and shift through seasons of stability and seasons of challenge. Because they are always in motion, no congregation is ever stuck—not permanently. With the right guidance, churches at any point in their spiritual and strategic journey can rediscover their God-given potential and learn what it means to “soar with faith.”
With more than 50 years of ministry experience, Bullard stands as one of the most trusted voices in congregational vitality. A respected speaker, teacher, consultant, futurist, and conflict-mediation expert, he has devoted his life to helping Christian leaders and their churches embrace faithful, strategic, and effective ministry. His academic background—spanning degrees in history, sociology, divinity, theology, and a Doctor of Ministry—has shaped his ability to see both the spiritual foundations and strategic realities that influence church health. Bullard’s influence extends across the Protestant landscape. Throughout his career, he has served in numerous local, regional, and national Baptist roles, and he spent seven years leading North American Baptist groups connected with the Baptist World Alliance. His consulting and mentoring work has impacted more than 1,000 congregations and more than 50 denominational families, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Assemblies of God, Presbyterian, Brethren, Evangelical Free, Wesleyan, Mennonite Brethren, and many others. This wide lens gives Bullard a rare, comprehensive perspective on how churches function—and how they can thrive.
In Soaring with Faith, Bullard categorizes congregations into five types based on their mission clarity and alignment: Soaring, Strong, Stumbling, Struggling, and Spiritless. These categories are not labels of judgment but tools for honest assessment. As several endorsers note, Bullard is both courageous in diagnosing a congregation’s true condition and hopeful in pointing toward a better future. Pastors, church boards, denominational leaders, and network partners will find practical steps, real-life examples, and Biblically grounded strategies to help them move from wherever they are toward Spirit-empowered vitality. Endorsements from respected leaders underscore the book’s impact. David Emmanuel Goatley reminds congregations that they do not need to surrender to mediocrity or cultural conformity. Others describe the book as a “wormhole” to new possibilities, a gift to pastors seeking clarity, and a practical map for navigating the complexities of modern ministry. Each affirmation highlights the same truth: Soaring with Faith offers both courage and direction for churches seeking renewal.
Soaring with Faith is more than a guide; it is an invitation. An invitation to rediscover God’s preferred future. To embrace exceptional instead of average. To step out in faith—and soar. Visit shop.ironstreammedia.com to learn more. †
United Way Meals on Wheels delivers 5,000+ meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals throughout Jefferson County each week. Volunteers, whether individuals or groups, are the lifeblood of Meals on Wheels. Canterbury United Methodist is one church that decided to form a Meals on Wheels volunteer group as part of its outreach program. Rachel Estes, Director of Outreach at Canterbury United Methodist, explains that partnering with United Way has been an effective way to connect with community members. “People at Canterbury love to feed folks in the community,” Estes explains, adding that she has seen a camaraderie form between volunteer groups at the church. “They have a text thread going, and they check in with each other about their different clients that they are visiting,” Estes says.
A Meals on Wheels recipient is seen here with a seasonal gift from Canterbury’s book club that serves women at a local prison.
Volunteer with Flexibility. Estes explains that volunteering with Meals on Wheels is typically easy to add to your schedule. You can volunteer once a week or even once a month. “It’s about a 75-minute commitment from beginning to end at the most. Sometimes, you can get it done in about an hour. So, it’s very doable for working people and those balancing a lot in different life seasons,” Estes says. The volunteer group at Canterbury includes retired individuals, young moms with kids, plus working men and women. Estes adds that Canterbury weaves in other ministries with their Meals on Wheels group. “We do a book club at a women’s prison, and those ladies love to serve. So, they will decorate pumpkins with Scripture or beautiful little art,” Estes explains, adding that they give those pumpkins or other crafts to the Meals on Wheels volunteers to share with the individuals on their delivery routes. Estes believes that having Meals on Wheels volunteer groups at Canterbury is a great way to meet people where they are and respond to Matthew 25.
Canterbury United Methodist Church Director of Outreach Rachel Estes (left) is seen here with United Way Meals on Wheels volunteer Edie Kitchings (right).
Meet a Volunteer. One of the Meals on Wheels Canterbury volunteers is Edie Kitchings, who has been volunteering for nearly five years. What’s the most rewarding part of volunteering for her? “We get to know our recipients. We keep up with them,” Kitchings shares, adding that she also enjoys the relationships she has formed with her fellow volunteers.
Whether you’re interested in forming a volunteer group at your church or would like to volunteer individually, visit www.mowjeffco.org to learn more about the available opportunities.
Watch the video below to learn more about what it looks like to volunteer with Meals on Wheels. †
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
At Big Oak Ranch, the holiday season is more than a time of receiving — it is a time for giving, growing, and serving together as families. Each year, our Ranch families look forward to volunteering in their communities, finding creative ways to share the love of Christ while building joyful memories to last long after the season ends.
Each holiday season provides Big Oak Ranch with the opportunity to teach their boys and girls the importance of giving back and helping others.
Serving others is an important part of life at the Ranch, and the holidays provide the perfect opportunity for our kids to experience how fulfilling it can be. From packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to helping serve meals and partnering with local churches on community projects, our children discover that giving time and energy can be both meaningful and fun. These projects also become special moments of connection for our families. Whether they’re sorting donations at a food bank, cleaning up a yard for a neighbor, or putting together gifts for children around the world, our boys and girls get to experience the simple joy of working side-by-side with their houseparents and siblings. Laughter, teamwork, and shared purpose turn each project into a memory that strengthens the bond of family.
A favorite tradition for many of our families is helping with Operation Christmas Child, a program of Samaritan’s Purse that sends shoeboxes to children in need. Our kids enjoy choosing small toys, hygiene items, and more for the boxes. It’s a hands-on way for them to learn generosity and to understand how their actions can share Christ’s love across the globe. These moments of shared service remind our kids that they are part of something bigger — that God can use their hands and hearts to bless others. And as families bond through these fun and meaningful experiences, the holiday season becomes a time of giving, gratitude, and growing together. †
The beginning of a new year naturally stirs a desire for fresh starts and renewed purpose. For Christian families, January offers a beautiful opportunity to pause, pray, and intentionally seek God’s direction together. Vision casting isn’t about creating a perfect plan for the next twelve months—it’s about aligning your family’s hearts with God’s will and inviting Him into every part of your life. At its core, family vision casting asks a simple question: Lord, where are You leading us this year?” It shifts the focus from personal ambition or busy schedules to God’s greater story. When families listen together for His guidance, they cultivate unity, purpose, and spiritual growth.
One practical place to begin is by gathering for a time of prayer and reflection. Create a relaxed, unhurried space—perhaps around the dinner table or during a cozy evening at home. Invite each family member to share ways they saw God at work in the past year. Celebrate answered prayers, unexpected blessings, and moments of growth. Reflecting together helps everyone recognize God’s faithfulness before looking ahead. Next, shift the conversation toward the coming year. Encourage each person to think about specific areas—faith, relationships, service, character, and community. What is God nudging your family toward? Maybe it’s committing to regular family devotions, serving in a new ministry, practicing hospitality, or prioritizing more quality time together. For children and teens, keep questions simple and accessible: “What is one way we can grow closer to God this year?” or “How can we show Jesus’ love more often?”
Some families find it helpful to choose a word or verse for the year. It might be a word like “hope,” “peace,” or “faithfulness,” or a Scripture that becomes an anchor for the months ahead. Displaying it somewhere visible—on the fridge, a chalkboard, or a bedroom door—keeps your shared vision in focus. As you craft your family vision, remember that flexibility is part of faith. Plans may shift, seasons may change, and God may lead in unexpected ways. What matters most is keeping your hearts open, your eyes fixed on Christ, and your family anchored in prayer. When families seek God’s direction together, they step into the new year not with anxiety, but with confidence—trusting that the One who guides them is faithful every step of the way.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
A fresh start requires more than willpower – it begins with a fortified plan. January invites hope. New calendars, new goals, and the quiet promise that this year might finally be different. Yet many people step into the new year carrying the same exhaustion, emotional weight, and unanswered questions from the year before.
They tell themselves:
“I just need more discipline.”
“I’ll try harder this time.”
“I should be able to handle this on my own.”
But Scripture and lived experience tell a different story. Lasting change does not come from willpower alone, it comes from being strengthened where we are weak and supported where we are worn down.
What It Means to Fortify Your Thinking
To fortify means to strengthen, reinforce, and protect. When applied to the mind and heart, fortifying your thinking involves:
Replacing distorted or discouraging thought patterns with truth
Strengthening emotional and relational boundaries that have been depleted
Rebuilding resilience where stress, trauma, or disappointment has taken its toll
Renewing the mind (Romans 12:2) in ways that are intentional, supported, and sustainable
A fresh start is not about erasing the past. It is about strengthening the parts of you that were fractured or never properly supported before. Throughout Scripture, God uses relationships to bring growth and healing. Even the strongest leaders (Moses, David, Paul) were not meant to walk alone.
Fortify Christian Counseling provides a structured, prayerful, and professionally guided space to:
Gain clarity about what truly needs to change
Address unhealthy emotional and relational patterns that keep repeating
Heal unresolved wounds that block spiritual growth
Develop healthier ways of thinking, responding, and relating
At Fortify, we do not see counseling as a sign of weak faith but as a step of wisdom and courage. We offer supportive professional relationships that help strengthen areas of weakness and rebuild what has been broken mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. If you want this year to be different, the beginning needs to look different. You do not have to rely on willpower alone. You do not have to heal in isolation. And you do not have to wait until everything falls apart to ask for help. Your fresh start can begin with supportive care and counseling. We are here to serve you. Call us today to begin fortifying your new start!
Want to learn more about what it looks like to fortify your thinking in 2026? Watch the video below to hear from Fortify Christian Counseling owner, Dr. Jerra Dooley.
Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling & Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org
A new year often begins with a lot of noise—resolutions, plans, and lists. But beneath it all, most of us are craving something quieter: peace, spiritual prosperity, and a fresh sense of who we are and what our purpose is.
In therapy, we often talk about the difference between behavioral change and identity restoration.
Behavior says, “This year I’ll do better.”
Identity says, “This year I’ll remember who I am.”
At Still Waters Counseling & Education Center, we help clients slow down enough to hear what’s happening beneath the surface. Anxiety, grief, depression, or burnout aren’t just “problems to fix”—they’re signals from the soul that something deeper needs care. Therapy is where we listen to those signals with compassion and truth.
Growth doesn’t always look like forward motion. Sometimes renewal begins with stillness—with letting go of expectations and allowing yourself to breathe again. The same grace that makes room for change also makes room for rest. Sometimes, when we give ourselves permission to pause, we experience the quiet work of restoring what hurry and worry have worn thin. Scripture reminds us that renewal begins inside: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That renewal can mean learning to replace shame with grace, fear with courage, and self-criticism with the steady understanding of who God says you are. It’s a process of remembering—not who you’ve been in your hardest seasons, but who you’ve always been in God’s eyes: His beloved, a masterpiece created for a good purpose.
Our counselors combine evidence-based tools with Biblical wisdom, guiding clients through healing that’s both clinical and spiritual. Whether you’re processing trauma, navigating a difficult relationship, or simply trying to find balance again, we’ll meet you where you are—with patience, understanding, and hope.
If you’re entering this year weary, know this: your story isn’t over, and you are not alone. Change doesn’t have to happen all at once. It happens one step, one conversation, one prayer at a time.
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