DSLD Adds New AquaScapes Division: DLSD Land Management

July 28, 2019July 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Brought to you by: DSLD Land Management, www.dsldland.com

DSLD Land Management is a family owned full-service landscape design and build company that tailors their services to all your landscaping needs no matter the season. Since 1983, they have provided exceptional landscaping design and construction services in Central Alabama.

DSLD has built up quite the reputation, appearing in publications such as Southern Living, Builder Architect, and recently was named Alabama’s Most Innovative Design/Build Company by Acquisition International. DSLD welcomes projects of any scope and size.

“We offer a continuum of services ranging from consultation to planning to complete build out of any project large or small,” said David Sharp, owner and founder of DSLD Land Management. “We recognize that communication and timely response is important to our clients, and that that end we employ a professional office staff to personally handle every call and inquiry.”

DSLD Land Management is in the business of providing solutions. “Birmingham receives an average of 56 inches of rainfall each year and the months the provide less rain give us more humidity. We live in a wet area and accordingly, we have drainage issues.” The DSLD team works to find the least intrusive and most economical way to solve water problems leaving the foundation and landscape dry and free of erosion. We also employ senior geotechnical and horticultural staff members to ensure or designs not only look good but will stand up to years of grueling heat, rain, and wind. By understanding both the physical as well as the organic properties of soil we are well positioned to offer the best solutions for any outdoor project any home or business might have.”

Check out DSLD’s new AquaScapes retail store conveniently located across from Lee Branch Shopping Center on Hwy 280 adjacent to Hanna’s Garden Shop. Opening in Spring 2019, carrying a wide variety of fountains, bird baths, feeders, chimes, fish, pond building kits, outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting and much more. DSLD Land Management stands ready to serve!

-Angel Sharp
DSLD AquaScapes introduces store manager Angel Sharp, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

-Riley Krohn
AquaScapes welcomes Riley Krohn, a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in marine biology. He recently joined DSLD AquaScapes as the new aquatics and fisheries manager.

www.dsldland.com/aquascapes, 205-637-1899

June 20, 2023July 25, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Brought to you by: White Plume Technologies, www.whiteplume.com.

Gracious housing for patients and their families is the mission of Red Mountain Grace. The non-profit ministry lives out its mission by providing a home away from home to out-of-town patients and caregivers during their extended medical stays in Birmingham. Since August of 2013, they have served more than 400 families by providing 22 clean, quiet, comfortable apartments within a few miles of world-class hospitals. The families can settle and unwind as they endure their loved ones’ arduous medical regiments.

Tonight, in Birmingham, as many as 40 families could be on the waiting lists of local hospital hospitality homes. No-one facing their hardest trials should have to worry about where they will sleep or how they will afford to receive treatment while paying unbelievable hotel expenses. That’s why Red Mountain Grace uses one evening out of the year to celebrate the ultimate gift of grace through an open heart and open doors.

Mission Makers Red Mountain Grace event image display JND 6995 2 2 — Help Red Mountain Grace serve more families in our community by attending their October 1, 2019 Widespread Grace event at The Haven, www.widespreadgrace.com.

On October 1, 2019, Red Mountain Grace will host their largest, annual fundraising event of the year — Widespread Grace. Located at the Haven venue in Downtown Birmingham, Widespread Grace will be an evening of exciting opportunity. Guests can expect an interactive, visual experience to start off the night; an elegant dinner; inspiring testimonies from past Red Mountain Grace families and guest speakers, Katherine and Jay Wolf; and an unforgettable opportunity to open the door (figuratively and literally!)

This year’s Widespread Grace guest speakers, Katherine & Jay Wolf, are traveling back to their beloved college town to share their story and touching testimony with the people of Birmingham. In their latest book, Hope Heals, they share the depth of how tragic circumstances and unlikely timing can be the greatest gift from God. The Wolfs are survivors and storytellers, advocates and evangelists. In 2008, at the age of 26, Katherine nearly died from a catastrophic brainstem stroke. Her survival and recovery, not to mention that of her marriage and family, have been nothing short of miraculous.

Be inspired by Widespread Grace speakers and Samford University graduates Katherine and Jay Wolf. Learn more about their journey at www.hopeheals.com.

Much like the families that Red Mountain Grace serves, the Wolf family believes their experiences have presented an opportunity to share their redemptive story and to encourage those with broken bodies, broken brains, and broken hearts. They seek to bridge the gap between those disabled on the outside and those disabled on the inside with the hope that Jesus brings healing to the deepest pains we all carry.

Red Mountain Grace welcomes all to share in this night of celebration and grace. With a room full of open hearts, the possibility to bless hundreds of families coming to Birmingham are endless. Visit www.widespreadgrace.com to purchase tickets, learn more about sponsorships, and open the door for someone waiting for the gift of grace.

Lindsay Miller

Red Mountain Grace

www.redmountaingrace.com

866-656-9064

mission makers red mountain grace volunteer decorates new apartment — Red Mountain Grace volunteers decorate new apartments to prepare for the families that will call the space home for their medical stay in Birmingham. The ministry currently operates 22 apartments with the goal of soon opening 8 more.

July 22, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Publisher’s Note

I come from a long line of people called to spread Good News. You see my dad, my granddad, my great granddad and my great great grandad all served as pastors spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ- the ultimate in GOOD NEWS for all of us! I can remember as a small child, my grandpa always having with him at least a handful of tracts. For those of you who may not be familiar with this term- a tract according to Webster is “ashort piece of writing, especially on a religious or political subject, that is intended to influence other people’s opinions.” Each of grandpa’s tracts contained a short story and a powerful truth from God’s Word. Wherever he went, whoever he met, it always led to a conversation about Christ and a tract. He would pull one or two or three from his front shirt pocket or from his wallet and place it in the hand of whoever was willing to accept it. I can remember sometimes being a bit embarrassed about his approach to spreading Good News but now years later I can appreciate the passion he had for living every day to tell just one more person about Jesus.

Last month as I was preparing to enter an event, carrying copies of the latest issue of Birmingham Christian Family, I thought to myself- I’m my grandpa! Always armed with Good News to share! For almost 20 years, God has given me the privilege of publishing Good News stories about individuals in our community impacted by the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thank you to all of you who read and share what you read with others- through print issues and social media! Special thanks to our advertisers and community partners that invest in our mission each month so we can spread Good News for free every month.

As Christians, may we always be seeking the opportunity to spread the Good News that was shared with us and impacts us for eternity!

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter @cfpBirmingham

Instagram @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 19 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

AUGUST GIVEAWAYS

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible, we have some Great Giveaways for you and your family!

THREE WAYS TO Win 4 Tickets to Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at the BJCC Concert Hall September 13-15, 2019! THREE Winners (4 tickets each).

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Paw Patrol Post!
Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Paw Patrol Post!
Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (3) Announced 8/30/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 8/29/19

Win a Gun Safety Class or a Self Defense Class at Sheep Dog Fire Arms Training Center in Trussville!

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Sheep Dog Post!
Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Sheep Dog Post!
Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (1) Announced 8/20/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 8/19/19

July 28, 2019July 15, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Experience Growth at Leadership Collab 2019

Opportunities to gather with other Christian business leaders do not occur frequently enough. And they often lack the space to process new information, ideate and plan for the future. That is why we created Leadership Collab 2019!

rick warren square — Hear from Rick Warren, author of *The* *Purpose Driven Life* and pastor at Saddleback Church.

Mark your calendars for Sep. 29 – Oct. 2, 2019 and join us on the island of Coronado in San Diego, Cali. at Hotel del Coronado for Leadership Collab 2019.

Leadership Collab 2019 serves as a vehicle for you to gather together with other Christian business leaders, learn in community and forge a path for God in the center of the workplace. Special guests include Rick Warren, Horst Schulze, Liz Bohannon and Verne Harnish.

To learn more, visit www.leadershipcollab.com or contact Birmingham’s local Convene Chair, Harris Wheeler at (205) 936-7038 or [email protected].†

Horst Schulze square — One special guest is Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton and CEO of Capella Hotel Group.

August 8, 2019July 9, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Will Bright Foundation Restoration Springs wide shot

Mission Makers

The mission of the Will Bright Foundation (WBF) is to fill a critical need in the fight to break the barriers of addiction specifically in in Central/West Alabama area. “There is an unfilled need in the Birmingham/West Alabama area for a place for someone fresh out of recovery to live, receive spiritual support, job readiness skills, and find meaning and purpose to live a life free from the bonds of addiction,” explains Lisa Bright who along with her husband Bill decided to lead the charge in meeting this need after their son Will died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. The Trussville couple established the non-profit foundation in order to offer scholarships to individuals and families struggling to pay for rehabilitation and establish “next step living” for men and women who have successfully completed an initial recovery program. “Sometimes people who have completed a recovery program aren’t ready to be in the real world on their own… We are calling it ‘transitional,’” explains Bright, “because our residents will be transitioning to a life not dominated by addiction!” The Brights remember, “Will was a kind, caring friend to all, and a drug addict. He tried so hard to overcome his addiction, but when he left rehab, he had nowhere to go to get a fresh start.”

Will Bright Foundation Lisa with Robert Aderholt — Lisa and Bill Bright with Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (center). Lisa Bright explains that one goal in Washington is to open doors, through legislation, for people who struggle with addiction to have more medical options when recovering from surgery instead of opioids.

The Lord opened unexpected doors for the Bright couple to be involved in advocacy groups in Washington, D.C. “We have done a lot in Washington this past year about the opioid crisis,” Bright reflects. Through the Washington coalitions they have joined, WBF is transforming into an advocacy group, in addition to transitional living. The group Voices for Non-Opioid Voices reached out asked the Brights to join them on a national level to provide a parent’s perspective on how the opioid crisis is affecting families. They have spoken on Capitol Hill and to the National Press Club.

Will Bright Foundation Lisa and Will Bright — Lisa Bright with her son Will. The Will Bright Foundation(WBF) was established in his memory after he died in 2012 of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. Since his death, his parents with the help of volunteers have been working to stop this from happening to someone else.

On Friday, August 23, 2019 WBF will host their second annual Restoration Swings Golf Tournament at Topgolf Birmingham. Proceeds will benefit Restoration Springs, WBF’s transitional living facility. Enjoy a great morning of tournament style golf with the conveniences of climate-controlled bays plus a Hole in One Contest to win $10,000 cash, hot breakfast, prizes, a swag bag and a silent auction. Tee Off is set for 9 a.m. and will be followed by Noon Awards. The highest scoring team wins a Topgolf 3-month platinum corporate membership. The second-place team will win a Titleist SM6 Wedge and the third-place team will win a dozen Titleist Pro V1 balls. Register for the Topgolf Tournament at www.willbrightfoundation.com or call 205-862-9086.†

Will Bright Foundation Restoration Springs golf image 1 — The 2018 Restoration Swings Golf Tournament was a huge success. Bright reports that they raised almost $30,000 with over 100 golfers participating. Several local businesses used the tournament as a team building day. With donations, WBF will soon start building a multi-purpose community center room at Restoration Springs in Fayette, Ala.

July 7, 2019July 3, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Cool Stuff

Do you feel drained after a long week at work and need a space to recharge? Shawn Hicks, owner of The Crafters House in Hoover, Ala., created just the space for you. Hicks is devoted to helping each customer of The Crafters House leave refreshed, energized and recharged.

After more than 20 years as a successful commercial real estate agent, Hicks shares that the near constant traveling left her exhausted and stressed. In addition to her work demands, she was a single mother with two young children. “This was a lot. It was very hectic. As a result, I started crafting in my basement.” Some of the crafts Hicks particularly enjoyed during this time included woodworking and jewelry making. In August 2018, Hicks reassessed her career and decided to open a crafting studio.

The Crafters House shawn with hands on Mannequin — Shawn Hicks shares that customers can purchase monthly memberships to The Crafters House. Monthly memberships include one free craft per week, valued up to $25, access to all the tools within the studio and unlimited access to glue and paint. Find more details at www.thecraftershouse.com.

Hicks found the perfect spot, with 4500 square feet of space, in Hoover located at 3417 Old Columbiana Road. Hicks reflects that her personal faith impacted her decision to open a crafting studio. “I saw a need in the community that matched my ability and so I created a place where people can recharge and enjoy their crafting hobby.” Hicks adds that crafting has many benefits including increased mindfulness, coordination and recovery.

Craft options abound at The Crafters House. Woodworking, painting, pottery, sewing, cooking and jewelry making are just a few of the crafts you can enjoy! Hicks shares that art beginners and professionals are welcome. You can also attend workshops led by local Birmingham artists. Hicks is looking forward to partnering with Birmingham artists through the workshops. “We have amazing artists here in Birmingham,” Hicks reflects. Space is also available to rent for individuals, groups or corporate events.

The Crafters House has a great studio for children to let their creativity and imaginations loose. The children’s space was designed with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) in mind. Children can play with wood kits, paint and 3D ink pens, coloring books, Legos and more.

The Grand Opening of The Crafters House is on August 9, 2019 beginning at 4p.m. All are welcome to come enjoy refreshments and create small crafts. Hicks encourages you to “imagine the possibilities and come create with us!” Learn more at www.thecraftershouse.com.

The Crafters House Shawn in Pink Blouse — The Crafters House offers after-school programs for children ages 10 and up. Kids will create, learn and make new friends.

Melissa Armstrong

Photos: Diana Johnson Photography

July 28, 2019July 2, 2019 by Laurie Stroud

Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County Top 9 Group Photo

The 2020 Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County will be on July 19 and July 20, 2019. The special program will be held at the Vestavia Hills High School Auditorium. Eighteen high school senior girls, representing eleven high schools throughout Jefferson County will compete for cash-tuition and college granted scholarships and for the great opportunity to represent Jefferson County in the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery in January 2020. This year’s competition theme is “Motown.” Participants will celebrate the theme by competing in the onstage categories of talent, fitness and self-expression. During the final night of the competition, finalists and overall category winners will be selected. The 2020 Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County, First-Alternate and Second-Alternate will also be chosen.

Tickets are $15 each for July 19, 7 p.m. and July 20, 1 p.m. preliminaries. Tickets for the Finals are $25 each for the July 21, 7 p.m. All tickets are for reserved seating. To purchase tickets, visit www.dywofjeffersoncounty.myevent.com, contact any participant, call 205-907-0210 or email [email protected]. Good luck to all of the young women competing! †

Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County 2019 Winner Emmy Beason Blue dress — Current Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County, Emmy Beason, will make special vocal performances each night of the 2019 competition.

June 26, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

What does it look like to steward something? Stewardship is taking care of something that is someone else’s. When we give our lives to Him, that means everything we have is His. So, when it comes to our health and body, we must steward what God has given us. Stewardship is a big principle in the Bible. We steward our family, money, and possessions so why would we not steward what is arguably the most priceless possession that God has entrusted to us: our body. This a foreign concept to you? Let’s dive into just how important it is.

Why take care of ourselves? I mean, isn’t our spiritual being so much more important than the outward appearance? Absolutely! But why not let our body reflect the work God is doing on the inside? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6 that WE are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God is no longer housed in one place that we have to go to, but it dwells within us! The temple in the Old Testament was adorned with priceless metals and other precious items. It was kept up and taken care of in such a way that would honor and bring glory to God. So why not do the same with our bodies? I’m not saying that everyone needs to have a 6-pack. Health is not primarily about what we look like on the outside but about how our bodies are working on the inside. We need to be able and available for everything that God is calling us to do. If our physical bodies stand in the way of something that God has called us to do because we aren’t taking care of them then we must reevaluate how we are taking care of ourselves.

So, what does this practically look like for you? Everyone is different. Everyone is made different and has different callings. There are some general principles that can be used by everyone. We must partner with the way that God has made our bodies to function by moving, eating, and resting as appropriate for our season of life. We must move to maintain our bone structure and muscle strength. We must eat to fuel our body with the nutrients and energy it needs to function. We must rest so we can let our bodies repair and recover. Rest includes adequate sleep, recovery and stretching. I would encourage you to find someone that you trust to help you steward your body the way it’s meant to be stewarded. Whether that is a personal trainer, friend or family member – we all have a calling to steward our bodies well so we can go from Glory to Glory for a lifetime!

Ashton Tate, Glory To Glory Fitness

June 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Photo Fun

America’s First Federal Credit Union, Woods Surfside Marina and Sylacauga Marina teamed up recently to treat residents of Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City to a day of fishing followed by a lakeside cookout on the banks of Logan Martin Lake. “It is extremely important to us that we celebrate our local veterans,” said Phil Boozer, SVP/Chief Sales Officer for AmFirst. †

June 25, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Photo Fun

Lacey Kuehnert smiles for her Gammie, Marlys Kuehnert, of Birmingham.

DSLD Adds New AquaScapes Division: DLSD Land Management

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media