Photo Fun
Casa de Adoracion, in partnership with Riverchase United Methodist Church, held a Community Back to School Giveaway and Health Fair. More than 700 backpacks filled with school supplies were given away. Health screenings, voter registrations, and financial services were also provided.
Photo Fun
Emmy Beason, 2019 DYW (Distinguished Young Woman) of Jefferson County from Leeds High School and Brooke Tarrant, 2018 DYW of Alabama and Jefferson County from Vestavia Hills High School. Beason will compete for the title of DYW of Alabama 2019 in Montgomery, January 18-19, 2019, www.distinguishedyw.org.
Photo Fun
Seaman John Held, from Moody, Ala. participates in security reaction force training aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21).
Parenting Points
Brought to you by: White Plume Technologies, www.whiteplume.com
It’s easy for parents to make mistakes when we are angry, scared, or frustrated.
And when one of our kids is going down the path toward addiction, we will feel all of those emotions. Strongly, and likely over and over. During those tough times, parenting can be hard, and we all make mistakes. When we do, we can recover from them. And if we are thoughtful about our parenting approach, we can learn to make less of them. Here are a few of the mistakes many parents make:
Getting Some Help. STEPS Proactive Parenting provides training, coaching, and materials for parents to become intentional about protecting their kids from addictions. We can learn to raise our kids to be balanced emotionally, spiritually, and personally and, if we do, we can help prevent addiction.
Churches and organizations can visit www.StepsProactiveParenting.com to get information on what types of training and coaching are available for parents and how to start setting up a program that fits their needs, or they can simply contact Steve Ward. Parents can visit www.StepsProactiveParenting.com to receive the free weekly STEPS Ministries blog, learn about personal coaching options, and get information on seminars your church or organization can sponsor.
-Steve C. Ward
Executive Director, STEPS Ministries
Author of STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life
Special Feature
Looking for an opportunity to delve into the truth of God’s Word and grow in your Christian faith? Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy of Theology is offering non-credit classes and other study opportunities to the community this fall. Each course will be led by Beeson faculty on the campus of Samford University in Homewood. Here’s a peak at a few of the courses.
The Holy Spirit. Under the leadership of Dr. Piotr Malysz, this class will engage in an exciting study of the third member of The Trinity and examine the biblical foundations of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Then, beginning with the New Testament and moving on to the period of the early church, participants will look at some of the debates and controversies surrounding the Holy Spirit, such as the Spirit’s divinity and His role in creation, redemption, the believer’s life and the believing community, the Church. Last, but not least, the course will consider the Protestant reformers’ witness to the Spirit and offer some final contemporary theological reflection. “From the Old Testament account of creation to the New Testament announcement of the new creation, the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit. He brooded over the waters when the world was made. He brought about the human conception of the Son of God for us and for our salvation. He is now being poured out on all flesh,” explains Dr. Malysz adding, “The Church’s ancient creed confesses the Holy Spirit as ‘the Lord and giver of life,’ recognizing his essential importance as a Person of the Godhead. Without the Spirit, there would be no life and no new life.” Learn more from Dr. Malysz on six Wednesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning September 26, 2018. Dr. Malysz (B.A., Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; M.Div., Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN; Th.D., Harvard University) joined the faculty of Beeson Divinity School in 2011 and teaches Church History and Doctrine.
1 Peter: The Character of Heirs Amid Persecution.This course will examine in depth the privilege, as well as the burden, of Christian calling. Dr. Sydney Park will guide participants through the apostle Peter’s first epistle, in which he addresses the real persecution that the early Christian church faced at the beginning of its history and encourages believers with the counter-intuitive and counter-cultural perspective. “Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the Christian calling to a holy life, particularly, in light of suffering,” explains Dr. Park. Learn from Dr. Park on six Tuesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning September 25, 2018. Dr. Park (B.A., University of Chicago; M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary; Th.M., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen, Scotland) joined the Beeson Divinity School faculty in 2006 and teaches Biblical Interpretation, New Testament Theology and Greek.
Learn more about these courses as well as other seminar and lecture opportunities through Beeson Divinity School at www.beesondivinity.com/lay-academyor call 205-726-2338. On-line registration is also available on the website and a discounted rate for courses ($89) is offered for early registration. †
Encouraging Word
“If” can be represented by a “?”. Meaning you have an option; you make the decision.
“Then” is the result, represented by a “!”. “If and then” refers to something conditional. If you meet the conditions, then you will experience and benefit from the result.
Here are some Scriptures where you see this principle:
II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
John 15:7 explains, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”
I John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
II Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come!”
Matthew 10:32 adds, “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.”
When God’s promises are conditional, then it is our responsibility to satisfy those conditions. The ball is in our court. In this case we are not waiting on God, but He is waiting on us. Let’s not keep Him waiting. We need to satisfy the conditions (prerequisites) so we can benefit from the result.
-Tony Cooper
Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
Healthy Living
Let’s face it, most individuals will need to research a ramp at some point in their lives. Whether for a visiting friend, temporary use after a surgery, an older relative who is struggling with stairs, or one of numerous other scenarios, we will likely all find ourselves involved in the decision-making process. So, the folks here at 101 Mobility of Alabama have created a handy guide to help you choose the right ramp.
How Much Ramp do I Need? The length of ramp required is dependent on the rise measurement – the measurement from the top step or landing to the ground. According to ADA guidelines, ramps should adhere to a 1:12 ratio, meaning for every 1 inch of rise, the ramp should extend 12 inches in length. The guidelines also require that ramps have a minimum width of 36″, as well as a level platform at the top and bottom. These guidelines help to ensure that ramps are safe for all users, with a reasonable slope and safe width.
Wood vs. Aluminum. The next step in selecting your ramp is determining which material to choose. Let’s see how the two most common materials stack up.
Price. Price is typically based on the length of ramp required and may vary by city. The main thing to factor here is maintenance as wood needs to be re-stained every few years, and rotten boards replaced. With the proper tools and skill set, it is possible for some handy individuals to build wooden ramps on their own, which would certainly decrease the installation cost, and not require professional installation. However, many individuals are not qualified to perform this type of work, and would still encounter various costs regarding materials, permitting, and time spent on labor. Alternately, an aluminum ramp is very durable, and requires minimal maintenance.
Time. The time it takes to construct a ramp varies based on the material, length, and configuration required. Building a simple wood ramp of about 30 feet would take a contractor anywhere from two days to one week including time spent pouring concrete, cutting and assembling the wood, and staining the ramp to protect it from the elements. Installing a 30-foot modular aluminum ramp takes less than a day and can typically be completed within a just few hours.
Maintenance. Most ramps are outdoors, where they are exposed to the elements. If you have a wood ramp, you will have to clean the wood and reapply a stain or sealing product to protect it from moisture. Where the wood sits on the ground, it may be prone to decay due to the constant contact with a moist surface. Any decayed or broken pieces would have to be replaced to maintain the integrity of the ramp as a whole – often requiring future service calls with a carpenter! Conversely, aluminum is extremely durable, and typically will not need to be replaced or repaired for many years. While there is a possibility that the ramp may settle and need to have bolts or screws tightened, these repairs can be taken care of quickly and inexpensively – many companies warranty their ramps!
Traction. Traction is very important for a ramp in order to enable wheelchair wheels to brake when needed, or to ensure anyone walking or pushing a wheelchair on the ramp can maintain safe footing. Most aluminum ramps are manufactured with a grooved, non-slip surface that maintains sufficient traction, even during heavy rain. Alternately, wood planks used to build ramps are typically very smooth, as they have been sanded down for use.
Purchase vs. Rent. Many times, a ramp will only be needed for a short period of time, whether it is while an individual is recovering from an injury or surgery, or a friend or relative is visiting for a short period of time. In these instances, a ramp rental can provide a much more cost-effective means of getting the individual in and out of the home! Modular and portable aluminum ramps provide solutions for nearly any home and are easily available for rental.
Modular vs. Portable. What can you do if you have a friend or relative who visits your home frequently, but requires a ramp to get inside your house? This is a great time to consider Portable Ramps made of lightweight aluminum that can be laid down to provide temporary access. They are available in lengths from 2′ long to 12′ long and can be folded into smaller sections for easy transport and storage. These are also excellent products for those who use a wheelchair or scooter to have when travelling, in case a building is not readily accessible. Please keep in mind that the ADA Guidelines mentioned above do apply to portable ramps – never attempt to use a portable ramp in an unsafe manner!
Locally Owned & Operated in Birmingham, Serving Residents Across Alabama
205-538-5692
Healthy Living
Worldwide, stroke is the second leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer from strokes each year, and more than one third of those strokes result in death. The key to reducing these incidences is spreading awareness around the risk factors and warning signs for stroke.
A stroke occurs when blood flow, and thus oxygen flow, to the brain is stopped, causing affected areas of the brain to become damaged or die. The symptoms of a stroke depend on the area of the brain affected, and in some cases a person may not even know that he or she is having a stroke. Because it’s imperative for stroke victims to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, knowing the warning signs provided by the National Stroke Association’s Act FASTcampaign can truly be the difference between life and death:
There are other symptoms of stroke that may be less discernible to the average bystander. Among these are a sudden headache that gets worse when changing positions, bending or coughing; a change in alertness (e.g., sleepiness, unconsciousness); loss of any of the five senses; confusion or loss of memory; dizziness, vertigo or loss of coordination; and numbness or tingling on one side of the body. Swiftly recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking treatment means a lesser chance of serious brain damage and permanent disability.
Knowing the warning signs is helpful in the event of a stroke but knowing the controllable risk factors and taking action can actually reduce your chances of having a stroke. 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Treatable risk factors include high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and obesity. Quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level. If someone you know has recently suffered a stroke, visit www.HospitaltoHomecare.com for information about the discharge process, post-hospitalization care and recovery at home. Additional recovery tips are available in Home Care Assistance’s Patient Guide for Post-Stroke Care. Stop by our Valleydale Road office for a free copy of the guide as well as other home care assistance resources.
-Debra Beadles
Owner, Home Care Assistance of Birmingham
5291 Valleydale Rd., Ste. 123, Birmingham, AL 35242
205-438-6925
Hassle Free Zone
Do you have room for all your clothes in one closet or do you have to do the “seasonal swap”? Alabama weather can make things difficult if we are spread out in different closets and even more so in boxes or the attic. Keeping what we will wear in the same space is best. We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, so let’s get it down to what you wear and donate the stuff taking up that valuable real estate!
Empty your closet and evaluate every piece in your closet, asking:
What can stay in your closet year-round and what could be moved due to the temperature? (If space is at a premium, consider relocating items like wool sweaters, shorts, swimsuits)
Not so fun, but necessary – you must try it on! Consider these options:
The Hanger Trick
Turn the hanger head backwards on the rod. After wearing it, return as you normally would. At the end of the season, you can easily see what you did (or didn’t) wear! What is still backwards – out it goes!
Good Hangers Make A Difference
Using the same type creates a cleaner look and can often double your hanging space. It can be an investment, so consider picking up a couple packs on each trip to the store for a few months.
While you’re preparing for the next season, take a day and empty that closet. Have fun trying on everything and placing it back in your closet – backwards! Then, over the next few months, you will start to see what you are wearing and decide if it should stay or go!
If you’d rather have someone help you with this process, call Space Cadets today for your Hanger Swap!
–-Kim McBrayer
Designer | Professional Organizer | Speaker
SPACE CADETS
5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 121
Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-368-2425
Best Books
Hilary Yancey is a young lady who lives in Waco, Texas. She is a petite student of philosophy, wears glasses, and looks perfectly harmless. But in the kingdom of God weakness is power, and Hilary’s writing is powerful indeed. In her latest book, Forgiving God (Faith Words), Hilary shares her spiritual journey surrounding the birth and infancy of her son, Jackson. Three months into her pregnancy, Jackson was diagnosed with a severe physical disability. Forgiving God is an honest, deeply moving account of the months that followed. It was a time of tears and prayer, hope and fear, love and anger.
In a particularly moving passage, Hilary writes, “It was never hard to believe that Jack brought with him the Kingdom of God.” Jackson’s body may have been broken when he arrived in this world, but Jesus knows what it’s like to have a broken body. Jackson’s condition may exclude him from some activities, but Jesus knows what exclusion feels like. Like Jackson, Jesus’ birth brought his mother joy and wonder, but also a pierced soul. Mary wrote a song after Jesus was born. Hilary wrote Forgiving God. Both works are powerful declarations by women who, in their own way, have come face to face with the mysterious kingdom of God.
Hilary’s prayers that a miracle would accompany Jack’s birth were not answered. He was born with a case of cleft palate so severe it threatened his ability to breathe. I’ve never seen a picture of little Jackson, but I can tell you what he looks like. He looks like baby Jesus.
-Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster
205-663-2370
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