How to Keep Your Siding in Good Shape this Winter

June 10, 2020December 27, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Brought to you by: Community Partner Hinkle Roofing, www.HinkleRoofing.com

With winter now fast approaching, your home and its components should be ready for what the season will bring. The temperature drop can do a number on your roof, replacement windows, and siding. However, they can better withstand the weather if they are well-maintained. Hinkle Roofing shares three pointers on how to maintain your siding to prepare it for winter.

1. Fiber Cement Siding. Fiber cement siding is known for its durability and weather resistance. Although it generally doesn’t need extensive maintenance, there are a few things you can do to make it last even longer. Before winter, double-check any caulking on areas where the siding material meets other materials or home components, such as windows. Gaps in caulking must be filled to ensure ultimate insulation come winter.

2. Vinyl Siding. Vinyl Siding is also known for being easy to maintain. However, it can expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperatures. Proper installation is crucial to prevent this natural phenomenon from causing vinyl siding deterioration or damage. Basic regular cleaning is also needed to keep the siding looking good.

3. Cedar Siding. Water and moisture is the biggest enemy of wood or cedar siding. So, before winter officially comes, check your cedar siding for signs of moisture-related issues, such as rotting. Depending on the extent of the problem, a replacement may eventually be required. For the best results, cedar siding performs better if applied with special coatings that protect it from the destructive effects of water and moisture.

If you need siding repair or replacement, turn to Hinkle Roofing to get the kind of products and services that you can rely on. We specialize in roof repair, replacement, and maintenance. Call us now at 205-324-8545.

–Bob Baker

Owner/President, Hinkle Roofing

205-324-8545

www.HinkleRoofing.com

May 18, 2020December 13, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Does God exist? In his latest book, Reflections on the Existence of God, Richard E. Simmons III answers this question in a series of easy to read, short essays full of fascinating illustrations. The book is the culmination of 25 plus years of research and provides a powerful answer key of sorts for both skeptic and Christian. For believers, it offers the bonus of a clear confirmation of why we believe what we believe and encouragingly calls us to stand up for those beliefs. “My thought was to equip Christians to engage with the skeptical culture we live in, where atheism clearly is on the rise and faith seems to be declining.”

Best Books Reflecctions Richard E Simmons III head shot IMG 3830 cropped 1 — Author Richard E. Simmons III is the Director of The Center for Executive Leadership, a Birmingham based ministry he started in 2001, focused on counseling businessmen and professionals. His latest book is available on Amazon.com, at local retailers including Books-A-Million and at The Center, www.thecenterbham.org. Simmons shares, “My challenge to you, the reader, is to follow the truth wherever it leads, always remembering that the truth is your friend. It enables you to believe responsibly. It leads to your ultimate well-being.”

The just released book is already receiving praise from national figures like pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist Tim Keller who says, “…He [Simmons] brings the biblical doctrine of God into conversation with the most basic questions about meaning and morality, science and human reason. Chapter after chapter offer helpful insights.” New York Times bestselling author and radio host Eric Metaxas adds, “In this accessible read, Richard Simmons offers valuable insights for those grappling with life’s big questions.”

Simmons says one of his favorite essays in the book is on the topic of the “fine tuning” of the universe. “It’s so powerful because Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, probably two of the most famous atheists in the last 25-30 years, both very outspoken, both acknowledge, as atheists, they struggle dealing with this. They say it is so unfathomable to explain – the fact that there are 122 variables that need to be lined up with perfect precision for our universe to exist and if any of those go astray, just a little bit, it will all implode. And yet over all these years, it has been in perfect harmony and with such great precision. They really can’t explain it.”

A driving force behind Simmons’ completing the book were his three children, ages 23, 21 and 20. He sees the concepts of the book as being a way to “prepare them to go out into the world and truly engage with the skeptical world we live in…I really desire to see it strengthen the faith of young people so that they don’t lose their faith in college.” Simmons is already at work on ways to put the material in the book into an even more engaging form for high school and college students. You can read several of the book’s essays on line at www.thecenterbham.org/blog. Prepare to be hooked on wanting to read more and make this book a companion in your morning or evening quiet time in 2020! Grab your copy of Richard’s book on Amazon or at www.existenceofgodbook.com.

-Laurie Stroud

December 11, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Please come celebrate the birth of our Savior at our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service, Tuesday, December 24th. Our handbell choir will play at 5:30pm with our service beginning at 6:00pm. Enjoy bells sounding out the good news, singing carols, and hearing the amazing story of God With Us. The Light of the world has come so let us share in candle lighting to reflect His love for us. A tradition here in this faith family for generations. Come, bring your family; let’s share in this joyful time of hope together!

November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Faith at Work

If you decide to travel the interstates of Alabama or across the country this holiday season, the chances are excellent that you will encounter an 18-wheeler stamped with the slogan “M-Powered by McLeod Software.” For nearly 35 years, the Birmingham based company has been serving the trucking industry and has established a base of more than 950 active customers throughout North America. Most of the company’s 500 employees work at McLeod Software’s headquarters in North Shelby County.

At the helm of the company is founder Tom McLeod, who is quick to tell you what empowers him and has led his company to more than triple in size over the last ten years. “Any success we have had has certainly been evidence of God’s grace. So many things have gone well at the right time,” explains McLeod. “There were obviously things happening in our favor well beyond our control. It’s a great reminder that every good and perfect gift is from above.”

Tom McLeod Ribbon Cutting — Tom McLeod and wife Annette (center) at the ribbon cutting earlier this year celebrating the company’s new headquarters in Shelby County. McLeod credits much of his success to the support of his wife who he says exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman. “It’s been very much an important partnership and she has done so much to support me at every turn.”

McLeod recalls how a group Bible study leader he learned from while majoring in piano performance at Samford University played a pivotal role not only in his spiritual life but also his professional success. 25 years older than McLeod, John Snow worked in the computer field and was a man that “very much sought God’s leadership.” After college, McLeod spent about five years in sales and was seeking an opportunity to do something more technical. Snow had an idea for the transportation industry and needed a programmer. “He gave me the chance to learn programming,” says McLeod who mastered several languages over the next two years. “I really felt the Lord opened the opportunity to learn how to program. It was just amazing from that first few weeks, it felt like I’d done this before. I really felt like I was in my element at that point.” McLeod also learned a lot about the transportation industry. “I suggested developing a system for freight planning, freight billing, and driver payroll for the hundreds of new trucking companies that were opening up as a result of deregulation,” remembers McLeod adding with a chuckle, “John could see that what I was setting out to do was going to be a lot of

Tom McLeod — When asked if he ever thought about headquartering his business somewhere besides Birmingham, McLeod shares he never considered working anywhere else. “I always felt like I wanted to stay in Birmingham, and I’d find something to do. I can figure something out. That was my thought from the beginning.”

work which was fine with me. I just needed a job.” With Snow’s blessing, McLeod pursued his idea. “I didn’t set out to go into business for myself. John got on another path and one thing led to another and so far, so good…God has been faithful to give us the right people at the right time, the right customers at the right time, the right direction to make it through.”

To stay the course, McLeod starts his day off with God. “I have a personal devotional every morning which has been good to obviously keep me on track. It goes to putting first things first.” He admits that he let that habit slide for a few years, but hard times brought him back to it. “We went through a very tough period during the recession around 2001,” remembers McLeod. “It’s when we get in trouble that we really seek God’s guidance. Again, God was faithful to provide some good direction and really rekindled that habit of daily devotion.”

-Laurie Stroud

McLeod Family — Tom and Annette McLeod are seen here with their four children, spouses and grandchildren. Their youngest daughter, Sarah Grace keeps her dad involved in music as they sing together in the Valleydale Baptist Choir and son Bruce works in business development at McLeod.

February 10, 2020November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

Presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning

No, not online shopping. Why not give some of your memorabilia to family and friends now so that you can see their delight? No need to wait until your Will is read.

Keep in mind:

You will know that it went to exactly the right relative or friend.
You don’t have to worry about a second spouse not knowing the nostalgic significance that certain memorabilia holds for family members. One lady was delighted to inherit her grandmother’s wooden flour sifter.
You avoid the greedy relative who thinks that she should receive something she gave you thirty years ago. Wills have been contested over stranger things.
Downsizing your memorabilia will make it easier if you decide to move to a smaller living space.
Settling your estate will be easier without a long list of memorabilia in your Will.
You avoid needing to update your will when your possessions change. One poor executor spent weeks trying to find a fur coat itemized in a Will, only to discover that it was given to another relative four years prior.

Old photos may be of more interest than you think, especially if you document the occasions and relatives on them. One lady in her nineties and her daughter sorted her voluminous pictures into a dozen envelopes and mailed them to relatives. The families were delighted to get pictures of their ancestors that they had never seen. Just think – no wrapping paper or bows required.

One lady in her late eighties with very poor eyesight had her caregiver hand her each piece of her crystal collection so that she could feel them individually. The caregiver added masking tape labels marking which grandson was to receive each piece. The grandsons’ wives were delighted and continue to use the crystal decades later.

For items you are still enjoying, the best way to distribute them is still not in your Will. However, if you want to make your bequests legally binding, make sure your Will or Trust states that there is a personal memorandum listing the items and the beneficiaries. As time passes, you can update the memorandum without redoing your Will or Trust.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner, Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

205-663-0281

www.bradfordholliman.com

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

November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Smiling Blond Woman With Glass 251802673

Money Matters

Presented by: Vision Financial Group, www.vision-financialgroup.com

It’s great to have insurance against damage and loss, but if you can’t show proof of your possessions, it may result in a protracted settlement process with your insurance company.

Creating an inventory may take a bit of upfront work, but it can pay future benefits in smoothing the claims settlement process with your insurer as well as increase the potential of receiving the maximum payment possible. Here are four tips for creating an inventory:

Make a Video of Your Possessions: A visual record of your possessions is the best proof of ownership. When videoing your home contents, make sure you are methodical and thorough in going through all your rooms and storage spaces. Speak while you are taping to describe each item and include any relevant information (e.g., “this is a signed first edition of “Moby Dick.”).
Document the Value of Your Items: Scan or video receipts of the items in your home. Indicate the make and model where appropriate. If you have artwork or antiques, consider creating a record of any appraisal you may have received on your collectibles.
Secure Your Inventory: An inventory doesn’t help much if you keep it in the house and your home burns to the ground. If your video is digital (highly recommended), consider storing the file in a “cloud” account rather than on your computer, or alternately, on a USB stick stored in a safety deposit box.
Keep Your Inventory Updated: Failure to regularly update your inventory may mean unintentionally leaving off expensive new purchases.

Get started by asking your insurance agent if they have an inventory checklist, which may help you remember to include items that you might otherwise overlook.

-Bill Dowell

A Registered Representative of ProEquities, Inc.

& Registered Broker-Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC.

4505 Pine Tree Circle, Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-970-4909

Vision Financial Group, Inc. is independent of Pro-Equities, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, not their affiliates.

December 16, 2019November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

12 Gifts of Christmas

In 2016, Bulls owner, Art Clarkson was in semi-retirement in when he decided to bring his hockey team back to Birmingham. The Birmingham Bulls minor-league hockey team, a franchise that had an original five-year run in the 1970s and early 1980s. Within a year, the Bulls were on the ice at the newly renovated Pelham Civic Center for the 2017–2018 season of the Southern Professional Hockey League. But this wasn’t just a revival of the team name and logo. The team’s current head coach, Jamey Hicks, played for the Bulls from 1996–2001. Assistant coaches Craig Simchuk, Craig Lutes and goalie coach Greg Dreveny also are former Bulls players. Clarkson even recruited Alabama Crimson Tide football radio announcer Eli Gold to reprise his role from the ’90s as the Bulls’ play-by-play voice.

Besides the excitement of a live hockey game at Bulls games this season, enjoy turkey tosses, teddy bear tosses and Weiner dog races. There are also themed nights dedicated to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peanuts and Marvel’s Ironman and ticket discounts for fans who dress in disco attire or come wearing a onesie. There are games that honor military members and church groups, and charity events for organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation. Birmingham Bulls Hockey is great family entertainment. Whether you fully understand the game or not, you will be on the edge of your seat and will leave the arena wanting more.†

April 25, 2023November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

12 Gifts of Christmas

A hidden gem nestled along the emerald shores of Destin, Fla., Henderson Park Inn provides the ultimate sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Comprised of 37 rooms, this all-inclusive, adult-only boutique hotel remains a favorite destination for anyone looking for a secluded escape. Guests arrive to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore and friendly faces eagerly waiting to help them start a vacation like none other. Upon entering their suite, guests are greeted with a vase of roses, gourmet chocolates, fresh grapes, and their choice of wine or sparkling cider with two glasses.

Initially designed to replicate all the best features of the classic-style coastal inns in New England, Henderson Park Inn continues to capture the hearts of visitors and locals. Each thoughtfully decorated suite distinguishes itself from others, boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf’s emerald-green water, and features sumptuous bedding, a flat-screen TV and concierge service for any additional flights of fancy. As an all-inclusive hotel, guests dine on chef-prepared and buffet breakfast, relax on complementary beach chairs on the sugar-white beach, enjoy picnic-style lunches, explore the area on bicycles provided by the Inn, and more. For more information about Henderson Park Inn or to book your stay, visit www.hendersonparkinn.com or call 866-398-4432.

A two-night stay at the Inn ($900 value) is one of Birmingham Christian Family’s 12 Gifts of Christmas Reader Giveaways. Like and Follow Birmingham Christian Family magazine on Facebook to learn how you can be entered to win.

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November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Meet Rivers. Take an incredible journey with the loveable and adorable puppy Rivers as he travels overseas with his adoptive dad. Rivers, through his own journey, experiences the world through God’s eyes and finds joy in God’s faithfulness as he encounters new people, places, and things. A delightful story of adventure and learning to love something new. Colorful illustrations make this a must-read for young children who are just forming their understanding of love in action and different cultures. Birmingham natives Sarah Nunnally and her husband felt led to sell everything they owned and move across the world. With luggage in hand, and a happy goldendoodle trotting behind, they jumped cultures and continents to a new home overseas. Despite all they sacrificed, the journey proved to be full of purpose. Sarah still resides internationally with her husband and their dog, Rivers.

November 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

I now have three grandchildren, so Christmas is not only a holy time, it’s a time of laughter and joy and excitement. We will have parties and decorate our home and I’ll tell the story of the night a baby changed the world. We will sing Away in a Manger with hand-motions. We might even dance. Perhaps it’s all holy, for where two or three are gathered in His name, Jesus is in the midst of them. Even in the midst of cookies and dancing.

This year I will also add a new book to our Christmas season reading, Twas the Night That Began Christmas (SBA Books), by local author Catherine Conrad Waters. Using the familiar rhyme of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, Waters’ children’s book tells the story of the night Jesus was born. But her story doesn’t end there. Twas the Night That Began Christmas also tells us why Jesus came. The rhyme continues into the ministry years of Jesus, covering his teachings and his gift of salvation.

Catherine Conrad Waters lives in Vestavia Hills, Ala. with her son Conrad. Her book Twas the Night That Began Christmas is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the advent of Christ’s reign. With the birth of Jesus, God set in motion a revolution against the rule of darkness. All that stands in opposition to our Lord will bow before him some day. Until then, we will live in anticipation of his coming kingdom. We will tell the story of the night Christmas began. We will sing Away in a Manger, with hand-motions. We will eat cookies and open presents and fill our home with lights. And Granddaddy will dance.

–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster, 205-663-2370

How to Keep Your Siding in Good Shape this Winter

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