Watch the Bible Come Alive for Students with Epic Curriculum

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Epic Curriculum Teens Outside looking at Ipads

Education Extra

Did you know that only four percent of Generation Z holds a Biblical worldview? Birmingham’s Iris O’Brien and Don Akendbrandt developed the new Bible curriculum Epic (Eternal Perspective Influencing Culture), in response to this startling statistic. Epic engages students while helping them gain a complete understanding of the whole Bible. “Our vision is to make the Bible come alive for students,” shares O’Brien. “We believe it is a sin to bore kids with the Bible. We want the Bible to be fun and engaging.” She adds, “Epic teaches students how God’s Word speaks to all aspects of life, including the problems and challenges they are facing as teenagers today.”

Epic Curriculum Mom and Son on Couch looking at iPad — With the Epic app students can create and share what they are learning, and teachers have the ability to post students’ creations on the customized school live feed. The Epic platform also has a portal for parents to access tools that guide them in how to parent their kids in today’s culture.

Epic recently launched nationwide and is available for homeschool and Christian school students. Course offerings include: Old Testament, New Testament, Life Calling, Apologetics and Theology. Epic also offers full-year courses like “My Epic Journey,” which teaches students to understand their origin, purpose, Biblical morality and civic responsibility. Another full-year course, “Ron Blue Financial Stewardship” explores how to use God-given resources for God-given goals and purposes. “By challenging students through age-appropriate critical thinking methods driven by a project-based learning model, Epic teaches students how to problem solve and identify current cultural barriers that oppose a Biblical worldview,” explains O’Brien. Since students today are often on smartphones and tablets, the Epic team developed a multimillion-dollar app that students can engage with. O’Brien adds that all of Epic’s courses include technology stewardship, which is, “a student guide to safe and responsible technology use.”

Epic Curriculum Article 5 teens looking at 1 iPad — Briarwood Christian School piloted the Epic curriculum and students gave it a thumbs up. Iris O’Brien shares that, “It gets into their heads and lands where their interest is.” Learn more at www.epic2.com.

Epic was piloted at Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham, Ala. and O’Brien reports students responded very positively to it. “Students get to do what they love, engage in the social aspect of their technology-based culture, all while engaging in the Bible.” The Epic team is comprised of parents, educators and youth ministers who are passionate about making the Bible come alive for students. Together, they have 100+ years of engaging with students in classrooms and church settings. Learn more about Epic and how your children can benefit by visiting www.epic2.com.†

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

Samaritan Counseling has a long tradition of offering faith-based professional counseling and coaching to anyone struggling with recovery from an addiction who needs supplementary assistance with their recovery program. Samaritan counselors are fully aware that addiction goes beyond alcohol and drug abuse.

Many people deal daily with an addiction to shopping, smoking, sugar, work, gambling, internet surfing, pornography, sex, shoplifting, video game use and more. Often, people struggling with a behavioral addiction experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and many other negative mental health outcomes in part because their addiction goes unrecognized and untreated. Yet, the time, energy and money spent on behavioral addictions can cause grief and damage family, friend and community relationships.

Behavioral addictions, such as excessive shopping, are defined by a persistent compulsive dependence on a behavior or practice that is psychologically habit-forming and leads to biological, psychological, social and spiritual dysfunction. At Samaritan Counseling, our counselors believe no one should struggle with a behavioral addiction alone.

Samaritan counselors offer faith-based counseling that offers help and hope for developing the skills and the mindset needed to deal effectively with a behavioral addiction in a healthy and productive manner. Samaritan Counselors are trained professionals who work in partnership with clients to explore the mental, relational, emotional and spiritual dimensions of a behavioral addiction. At Samaritan Counseling, the emphasis is placed on building healthy relationships, especially healthy family relationships. Educational services are also offered on request since knowing the signs and symptoms of behavioral, drug and alcohol addiction can lead to prevention and early treatment.

For anyone needing help dealing with a behavioral, drug or alcohol addiction and looking for a safe, sensitive and respectful place that offers hope, Samaritan Counseling Centers are here to help. There are multiple locations in the greater Birmingham area including: Homewood, Pelham, Alabaster, and Highway 280 in Hoover. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 205-967-3660 or visit www.samaritancc.org and complete the online contact form. After-hours or weekend appointments may be arranged by special request.

-Beverly Myers, PhD, MEd, ALC

Associate Licensed Counselor

Samaritan Counseling Centers of Greater Birmingham

[email protected]

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

In the spring of 1969, in Meridian, Mississippi, Temple Beth Israel synagogue was bombed by the White Knights of the Ku Klux

Author Thomas Tarrants is President Emeritus of the C.S. Lewis Institute. He is also an ordained minister in the Evangelical Church Alliance.

Klan, a right-wing terrorist organization. Several weeks later, Meyer Davidson, a prominent Jewish leader of the city, infuriated white supremacists by denouncing the Klan and raising money for information leading to the arrest of the bombers. On June 30, early in the morning, a young man from Mobile, Ala. and a lady from Mississippi drove to Meridian to retaliate against Davidson. In their car was a bomb made from twenty-nine sticks of dynamite. When he approached Davidson’s home to plant the bomb, police opened fire and a gun battle ensued. The young lady was killed. Thomas Tarrants was wounded and arrested. He believed he was fighting for Christianity and America. She was a graduate from a Baptist college in Jackson. Both thought of themselves as patriots. Both believed they were Christians.

In his new book, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love (Thomas Nelson), Tarrants shares the story of how a young man was lured into right-wing, white nationalist ideology and violence. Tarrant was radicalized by white supremacists in Mobile, Montgomery and Birmingham. He read anti-Semitic literature and racist pamphlets. He was told by politicians that non-whites and non-Protestants posed a threat to their way of life and were destroying America. After his conviction for his act of terrorism, Tarrants spent years in jail. While he was there, he became a Christian and began a new life. He replaced his fear and animosity toward others with love and friendship. After his release from prison, he went into the ministry, becoming the co-pastor of a racially mixed church in Washington D.C. and serving in the C.S. Lewis Institute for over twenty years.

Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love is a cautionary story for contemporary Christians. The attitudes which fostered the radicalization of two young people fifty years ago are not dead, but very much alive. Whenever people believe that “they” are less valuable than “we,” then their beliefs and actions become treasonous against the kingdom of God. If you applaud and support ideas which divide humans into camps, if you see a particular religious or ethnic group as dangerous or less deserving, if you believe that people who do not look like you, speak your language or worship as you do are less deserving, then Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love is a story you desperately need to hear. As Christians, there are no religious or ethnic or political exceptions to Christ’s command that we are to love our neighbor. What we do unto our neighbor, we do unto Christ.

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

205-663-2370

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Encouraging Word

Because of our inherited sin nature, we have an inclination to sin. Our biggest sin is that of being selfish (worshiping self) instead of worshiping God. Psalm 2:11 tells us, “Worship the Lord with reverence…” and Deuteronomy 6:13 says we are to worship only God. In Matthew 6:24 we learn, “No one can serve two masters…” and in Joshua 24:15, we read, “…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Within each of our lives there is a cross and a throne. We are tempted to place “King Self” on the throne; however, God is to be on the throne, and we are to worship and serve Him, not ourselves.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-25, “…if anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his (self-centered) life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” Naturally, we are self-centered. We desire what we want, when we want, where we want and how much we want. And if we don’t get our way, then we become upset, angry, frustrated and resentful.

What do we do? We begin with Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus talks about the greatest commandment to “love God with all your heart, mind and soul” followed by the second commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” We need to move our focus from just ourselves and consider others as well. Look for ways to minister to the needs of others and be sensitive to opportunities to bless others. We need to ask ourselves how much of our time is spent on our “wants” compared to others “needs”?

My prayer is that I live in a way that pleases and honors God and blesses others. I encourage you to do the same.

-Tony Cooper

Celebrating 29 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

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

A complete estate plan is for the “autumn” of your life- so much more than a will or trust to handle the distribution of your belongings after your death.

Power of attorney. If you are temporarily in the hospital after an accident or a fall, you need someone else who can make financial, healthcare and other legal decisions for you without going to court. By working with your power of attorney for temporary needs, they are prepared for the future.

Titles and Account Beneficiaries. Complete estate planning reviews how real estate is titled and financial accounts’ beneficiaries which are often distributed outside of a will or trust. This review can be the basis for a full net worth summary which is a great resource for you to discuss with your financial advisor and accountant as well as your estate planning lawyer.

Healthcare Directive. In life-threatening health situations, your will does nothing. You need a clear healthcare directive for medical staff and your designated healthcare power of attorney to follow. Be sure to tell the trusted person that you are naming them as your healthcare power of attorney so that you are sure they are up to the task. Different family members often have very different opinions of what should be done in a crisis.

Long-Term Care Plans. In the autumn or winter of life, you may need to live somewhere that eliminates housekeeping, yardwork and cooking and provides adequate oversight on your medications. Options include independent living, assisted living, skilled care facilities such as nursing homes, in-home care, or moving in with adult children. In certain situations, special needs trusts and/or Medicaid and VA benefits may become major factors in financing your long-term care. Your preferences should be thought out, discussed with family and documented as part of your estate plan.

If you are nineteen or older, you need a complete estate plan. You never know when you’ll need to activate parts of it while you’re still alive. Once you have a plan, review it every three years or so because life happens – you may need to update who has power of attorney, your executor and backup executors, guardians for underage children, your preferences for long-term care and the laws may have changed slightly.

Contact a qualified estate attorney to draft a complete estate plan or review your current one now.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner, Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

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.

August 25, 2019August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Brought to you by: Sawyer Solutions, www.sawyersolutionsllc.com

On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will officially discontinue support for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. This means that no new updates will be released for them, including security updates, though you can continue to operate the software.

Why you should care: Any equipment that continues to use Windows 7 and Server 2008 will be vulnerable to exploits as new exploits are exposed without being fixed.

The good news: Any computer can be upgraded from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. The computer checks before it installs Windows 10 to make sure it’s compatible. You have the option of just upgrading and keep all of your files/settings. Here’s the link you’ll need: Windows 10 Disc Image.

Do You Need to Update Windows 7 and Server 2008 or Buy Equipment? For businesses, the end of support means that you need to either replace your Windows 7 computers or upgrade them to Windows 10 if the hardware supports it. Windows 10 can cost just under $200 per license, so it might be more cost effective to replace equipment that is more than 4 years old rather than upgrading the operating system. If you have Server 2008, you need to upgrade your server to a newer version. Upgrading a server is significantly more complicated, expensive, and time consuming than upgrading a PC and you need to make sure you have the proper edition and licensing.

Security Compliance and Unsupported Software: Every state now has data breach laws, which means that every business likely now falls under some sort of regulatory compliance. Some regulations like PCI an HIPAA have very specific requirements related to keeping computers and servers updated. Businesses using an unsupported software program like Windows 7 or Server 2008 are likely not in compliance and could end up in hot water. Are there cases where you won’t be able to update? Of course, but you must have a compelling reason for continuing to use the old software. You also have to document that reason and a plan to mitigate the risks resulting from utilization of an out-ofsupport operating system, including a plan to replace it as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about the operating systems that you are using for your business, we would love to discuss them with you. We can give you recommendations for your everyday usage and business-related functions. Contact us here or call us at (844) 448-7767.

-Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions

We do I.T. so you don’t have to!

Complete I.T. consulting, security and managed services that are tailored to help your business excel.

www.sawyersolutionsllc.com

844-448-7767

Member www.Convenenow.com

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Money Matters

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

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up, must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when it’s your money at stake. Though there’s no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market, the following common sense tips can help.

Don’t put your eggs all in one basket. Diversifying your investment portfolio, by buying asset classes that often perform differently under different market conditions, such as stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives, is one of the key ways you can handle market volatility. Ideally, a decline in one type of asset will be balanced out by a gain in another. One way to diversify your portfolio is through asset allocation, which involves identifying the asset classes that are appropriate for you and allocating a certain percentage of your investment dollars to each class (e.g., 70 percent to stocks, 20 percent to bonds, 10 percent to cash alternatives). Your asset allocation should be based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance level, and investment time horizon, and be tailored to your unique circumstances.

Focus on the forest, not on the trees. As the markets go up and down, it’s easy to become too focused on day-to-day returns. Instead, keep your eyes on your long-term investing goals and your overall portfolio. Although only you can decide how much investment risk you can handle, if you still have years to invest, don’t overestimate the effect of short-term price fluctuations on your portfolio.

Look before you leap.When the market goes down and investment losses pile up, you may be tempted to pull out of the stock market altogether and look for less volatile investments. But before you leap into a different investment strategy, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. How you choose to invest your money should be consistent with your goals and time horizon. For instance, putting a larger percentage of your investment dollars into vehicles that offer safety of principal and liquidity may be the right strategy for you if your investment goals are short-term. But if you still have years to invest, keep in mind that although past performance is no guarantee of future results, stocks have historically outperformed stable value investments over time.

Look for the silver lining. The silver lining of a down market is the opportunity you have to buy shares of stock at lower prices. One of the ways you can do this is by using dollar cost averaging. You don’t try to “time the market” by buying shares at the moment when the price is lowest. In fact, you don’t worry about price at all. Instead, you invest the same amount of money at regular intervals over time. A workplace savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan in which the same amount is deducted from each paycheck and invested through the plan, is a well-known example of dollar cost averaging in action.

–Mike Mungenast, Sr. Vice President, Senior Advisor

Vision Financial Group

4505 Pine Tree Circle, Birmingham, AL 35243

205-970-4909, www.vision-financialgroup.com

Investment advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. and West Alabama Bank are independent of ProEquities, Inc. Securities and insurance products offered are not bank deposits, have no bank guarantee, are not FDIC insured, and may lose value. 2018 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

As we at Brookdale University Park, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, celebrate our 20^th Anniversary this year, we continue to be committed to providing service based on excellence and compassion. We know that these are traits of our service as an established senior living community our residents have come to expect. In order to keep our commitment to our residents and “Brookdale at Home” clients, we are proud to announce a new addition to the Brookdale Personalized Living Platform. We are now able to offer a new source of transportation available to all residents as well as those who still live in their homes who require wheelchair transportation.

“With transportation being such a challenge for senior adults who are wheelchair bound, we are so happy to be able to provide this great service at a reasonable price,” explains Mikisha Jackson, BHCM, Brookdale’s Personalized Living Manager. Brookdale’s Ford Transit Vehicle will be available for travel to medical appointments, personal shopping trips, outings to the Country Club and more. What better way to celebrate our 20^th Anniversary!

With a full line of services that offers

Independent Living,
Assisted Living
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing
Long Term Care
Home Health Care
Brookdale At Home Services

It is our pleasure to continue to serve our residents as well senior adults in the community. If you have questions about our Personalized Living transportation, please call Mikisha Jackson, BHCM, Personalized Living Manager at 205-895-4157.†

An Invitation to Experience Brookdale

Residents of Brookdale University Park enjoy an engaging lifestyle with a selection of care options to meet changing needs. The community conveniently located off Lakeshore Drive offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Call 205-870-0786 to connect with one of our team members who would be delighted to help you plan your personal visit, www.brookdale.com.†

Save the Date!

20^th Anniversary Celebration

Friday October 18, 2019

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Tours
Refreshments
Entertainment
Meet Our Associates

Brookdale University Park, 400 University Park Drive

Birmingham, AL 35209

205-870-0786

June 10, 2020August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Our House

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

When it comes to your windows, you want them to be as energy-efficient as possible. In fact, most homeowners are looking for ways to keep their utility costs as low as they can. With a whole-window performance rating, you can determine if a window will be exactly what your home needs. Fortunately, there are metrics to determine your window’s whole-window performance.

U-Factor. The U-Factor of your window determines the rate of heat loss in your home. This plays an important factor in your everyday life since the U-Factor keeps heat from leaving your home. When looking at the U-Factor of your windows, it’s vital to find ones with the lowest U-Factor. Otherwise, the higher the heat factor is, the more heat will escape your home, which can affect your comfort during winter.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of your window is another player in determining your home’s cooling load and its cost. This is because it’s the amount of solar radiation that enters through your window. The lower this number, the less solar heat it will transmit.

Visible Transmittance. Visible transmittance is the measurement of how much natural light travels through your home’s windows. If applied properly, the natural light you’re allowing into your home can offset the need for electric lighting. If your windows have poor visible transmittance, it’s likely that you may need to obtain replacement windows for optimal performance.

Air Leakage. Heat gain and loss can occur if your window assembly has cracks. The lower your window’s AL is, the less air will pass through the cracks of the window assembly.

Condensation Resistance. Condensation on your windows is not always bad, but excessive condensation is, which may point to heightened humidity or broken windows. Windows with high condensation resistance inhibit the formation of condensation even with slightly higher humidity.

Sound Transmission. Nobody likes hearing loud noises from outside their home. Thankfully, modern windows can now combat this issue thanks to their sound transmission reduction properties. A way to reduce sound transmission is to minimize air infiltration and use double glazing. Neither will mean much if the window wasn’t installed properly, however.

If you are considering replacing your windows, let our team help you determine exactly the windows your home needs. Give us a call at 205-324-8545 to request a free estimate.

-Bob Baker

Owner/President, Hinkle Roofing

205-324-8545

www.hinkleroofing.com

August 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

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Special Feature

Young Business Leaders (YBL) Fall Breakfast

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave North, Birmingham AL 35203

Serving Line opens at 6 a.m., Program 6:30-7:30 a.m.

You are invited to come and join YBL at our fall breakfast! Joel Manby will be our featured guest and speaker. Joel’s leadership roles include serving as the CEO for Sea World, Herschend Family Entertainment and SAAB North America. He also appeared on the hit TV show Undercover Boss, and has written a book on leadership entitled, Love Works. As the premise of his book and his leadership philosophy, Joel believes that love, understood as a verb, can transform the workplace and our personal lives. Come and join us as we learn more together. Tickets $20 or $150 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets visit www.yblbreakfastoctober18.eventbrite.com.

Women’s Business Leaders (WBL) 3rd Annual Faith and Work Showcase

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Club, 1 Robert Smith Dr., Birmingham AL 35209

11:30-12:30 p.m.

Featured Guests:

Founder & Owner of Ashley Mac’s, Ashley McMakin & CEO Keller Williams Vestavia, Jennifer Hay

Emcee: Kathryn Boyd, Samford University

Network, connect and be encouraged by featured guests who share how they have handled workplace challenges and succeeded as business leaders. Tickets: $25. To purchase tickets visit www.wblfaithandwork.eventbrite.com

The mission of Young Business Leaders (YBL) and Women Business Leaders (WBL) is to transform the marketplace by winning men and women to Christ, building them in their faith and sending them out locally, nationally and internationally for God’s glory. For more information about either organization call 205-776-5450 or visit www.ybl.org and www.ybl.org/wbl.†

Watch the Bible Come Alive for Students with Epic Curriculum

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