In God Adopted Us First, author and longtime adoption attorney Alice H. Murray invites readers into the heart of adoption—both earthly and divine. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Murray shares true, touching stories that reveal the challenges, miracles, and “God-winks” woven throughout the adoption journey.
Click here to find a preview of God Adopted Us First by Alice H. Murray.
Each story is paired with a thoughtful devotion that encouraging readers to see how God’s hand works through even the most difficult circumstances. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, adoptee, or birth parent, this book offers hope, insight, and inspiration.
At its core, God Adopted Us First reminds us that adoption is more than a legal process—it’s a spiritual truth. Through Christ, every believer is brought into God’s family, fully known, fully loved, and forever His.
This heartfelt collection of stories and reflections celebrates the beauty of belonging and the God who first chose us. God Adopted Us First is available now wherever books are sold. Learn more at shop.ironstreammedia.com. †
In a world that moves at lightning speed, waiting is rarely celebrated. Yet, for Christians, waiting is at the heart of Advent — the sacred season that leads us toward Christmas. Advent invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Teaching your children to “wait well” during this time can help them understand that Christmas is more than gifts under the tree — it’s about the gift of Jesus Himself.
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” It’s a time to remember how God’s people once waited for the Messiah, and how we, too, wait expectantly for Christ’s return. In a culture that prizes instant gratification, Advent helps families practice the holy discipline of anticipation — not just for what’s coming, but for Who is coming.
Parents can make this season meaningful by creating simple, faith-filled traditions that point their children toward Jesus. Lighting Advent candles together each week is a powerful visual reminder of Christ as the Light of the World. As each candle is lit — representing hope, peace, joy, and love — families can read a corresponding Scripture and pray together. These small moments create space for faith to grow and hearts to focus on God’s promises.
Another way to help children “wait well” is through acts of kindness and service. Advent is not only about waiting but about preparing. Encourage children to share Christ’s love in practical ways — writing cards to neighbors, donating toys, or helping with an outreach project at your church. As your kids serve, they learn that waiting for Jesus means living out His love right now.
It’s also helpful to create moments of quiet reflection amid the holiday rush. Turn off screens, read the story of Jesus’ birth, and talk about what it means that God came to dwell among us. Remind children that the most wonderful gift we receive at Christmas is not found in wrapping paper but in a manger. As your family journeys through Advent, may you rediscover the beauty of waiting. Waiting well doesn’t mean doing nothing — it means preparing our hearts, living with hope, and keeping our eyes on Jesus, the One who has come and will come again.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
Consider giving a 2026 Wall Calendar from Sav-A-Life this holiday season. The precious calendar pictures are sure to make the receiver smile as they plan out the year. Each month features families positively impacted by the ministry and includes a monthly prayer and scripture. Pick up a calendar at the Sav-A-Life office in Vestavia, 1480 McGuire Road, 35216. They are free but donations are appreciated to be used to serve women and families in Crestwood, North Jefferson and Vestavia experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, www.savalife.org. †
Bash Boutique in Hoover is known for its stylish clothes offerings but it’s also the place you will find a fabulous fragrance gift. The Ambre Blends fragrance collection is a line of handcrafted, organic essences that blend beautifully with each wearer’s natural chemistry to create a truly one-of-a-kind aroma. For more than two decades, Ambre Blends has perfected the art of natural fragrance, using only clean, plant-based ingredients. Each fragrance evolves with your body’s warmth to reveal subtle layers throughout the day — soft, sophisticated, and effortlessly personal. Visit the store at 2539 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 105, Hoover, www.bashboutique.net. †
Christmas Gift Guide 2025 Looking for a meaningful way to enjoy family time? Milo’s Currents—a new animated series from Five Peaks Animation—invites families to gather together around stories that nurture faith, character, and joy. Each short, colorful episode encourages children (and parents) to notice God’s truth flowing through everyday life—through kindness, gratitude, and courage. Learn more about the series and how to access it here. †
Two pantry staples that Chef John of Henrietta’s Deli believes the cook in your life will love are Landera Farms Ramp Vinegar and Olio Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Castelvetrano, Sicily. The vinegar is a true celebration of sustainable foraging and artisanal fermentation. It goes through a triple fermentation process — mead, malolactic, and vinegar — resulting in deep savory complexity. Expect bright acidity balanced with garlicky, oniony depth and subtle notes of jalapeño, leek, and masa. Chef John loves using it anywhere he’d reach for lemon or garlic — drizzled over grilled vegetables and mixed into marinades. Olio Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a benchmark of quality. Pressed from 100% Nocellara del Belice olives, it boasts ripe notes of tomato, banana, and fresh herbs with a velvety, medium-to-robust body. Chef John praises its versatility — perfect for finishing dishes, dressing fresh salads, or dipping warm bread. Together, these two essentials elevate any kitchen and make great gifts. Find both at Henrietta’s Deli in Trussville, www.henriettasdeli.com. †
Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, mystillwaters.org
The team at Still Waters Counseling and Education Center is passionate about making counseling accessible to everyone. In addition to accepting most major insurance plans, Still Waters offers a sliding scale to keep therapy accessible for individuals and families.
The team meets people where they are- including partnering with area ministries to provide their clients with counseling at no cost. Still Waters Intern Therapist Jerri Dobelstein counsels individuals at The Lovelady Center, Hope Inspired Ministries, and The Well House. “Part of the outreach vision of Still Waters is to be able to provide services for some of the local organizations that need things like mental healthcare at minimal cost,” Dobelstein explains.
Through the internship program and grant funding, Still Waters is able to offer free counseling services to area ministries like The Lovelady Center and The Well House. Intern Jerri Dobelstein shares, “I get to hear their stories and see how God has worked in their lives and just witness the amazing things that happen.”
Dobelstein is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University. She is in the clinical phase of her graduate training. For 10 years, Dobelstein and her husband served overseas, assisting refugees. “We worked in humanitarian work, and so we’ve seen a lot of things. We’ve experienced a lot of things. A part of my journey into counseling had to do with a lot of the trauma we experienced and witnessed others experience…” Dobelstein credits her time abroad for inspiring her to pursue a counseling degree. As she wraps up her internship, she reflects that she has very vividly witnessed the power of counseling. “I get to come alongside people in some of their most transformative times in life when they’re coming out of some really deep suffering and trauma and literally rising up from the ashes and being more anew,” Dobelstein shares, adding, “I get to hear their stories and see how God has worked in their lives and just witness the amazing things that happen.” Besides her work at area ministries, Dobelstein provides in-person therapy in Mountain Brook and by telehealth throughout Alabama.
The Still Waters team offers professional counseling that addresses the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of each unique individual. Areas of service include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addictions, disordered eating, and more. With offices in Mountain Brook, Madison, and Dothan, Ala., plus telehealth services anywhere in Alabama, they are ready to provide therapy that integrates faith with clinical practice. To learn more, visit www.mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423. †
Watch the video below to hear more from Intern Therapist Jerri Dobelstein about her passion for helping others with counseling and more.
NRC Health recently recognized Children’s of Alabama as a recipient of its 2025 Excellence in Patient Experience Award. This recognition honors top-performing hospitals and health systems in the nation for their excellence in delivering outstanding patient experiences. Children’s earned top ratings in the Pediatric category for the time period of April 2024-March 2025.
“We are thrilled that we have received this award for the second consecutive year, a testament to our devotion to delivering exceptional experiences for every patient and family at each encounter,” said Beth Rocker, Associate Vice President, Customer Service. “Our team consistently earns the trust of our patients and their families through compassionate, family-centered care in a safe and supportive environment. This award is a direct reflection of that trust and the strong relationships we build with those we serve. It is both a privilege and an honor to care for our patients and their families, and we are grateful for the trust they place in us throughout their healthcare journeys.”
For nearly four decades, NRC Health has helped healthcare organizations illuminate and improve the moments that matter most to patients, residents, physicians, nurses, and staff. “This year’s Excellence in Patient Experience Award winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to listening to patients and their families and improving care in ways that reflect NRC Health’s mission of Human Understanding,” said Helen Hrdy, Chief Operating Officer at NRC Health. “This achievement highlights the dedication of their entire teams, and we’re proud to celebrate their successes.” To learn more about Children’s of Alabama, visit www.childrensal.org. †
December can be a month of both joy and exhaustion. We decorate, bake, plan, and give — but beneath the sparkle, many hearts are quietly weary. We push through pain, promise to “deal with it after the holidays,” and tell ourselves that everyone else’s needs come first. But here’s the truth: sometimes the most meaningful gift you can give this season is healing — for yourself. It’s easy to think of counseling as something to start “when life calms down.” Yet life rarely slows on its own. If you’ve carried heartache, anxiety, or unresolved wounds all year, maybe it’s time to let God meet you in the healing process instead of postponing it again. Healing isn’t selfish. It’s an act of stewardship — caring for the heart God entrusted to you. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NLT). That invitation is for you — not after Christmas, not after your to-do list, but now. At Fortify Christian Counseling, we see over and over how a single step of courage can begin to change everything. When someone finally picks up the phone or sends that first message, there’s often a mix of relief and regret: relief for finally reaching out, and regret for waiting so long. But God redeems time. He knows the pain you’ve buried and the peace you long for. You don’t have to start the new year carrying the same heaviness that followed you through this one. There’s still time to begin healing before the calendar turns. Imagine ending this year not just tired, but restored. If you’ve been putting off counseling, take this as your gentle nudge — your permission to say, “It’s my turn to heal.” We’re here to walk beside you with grace, faith, and professional guidance. Before the year ends, let God restore your soul. The best gift you can give your family, your ministry, and yourself is a healthier, whole-hearted you.
The festive sounds of Christmas music fill the air, welcoming holiday cheer. You have spent hours decorating and shopping for gifts for your children, grandchildren, and friends. Now, you are almost ready to relax and watch your favorite holiday movies. When you made your to-do list, did you remember to add “make time for husband”? Often, the people who matter most are the ones overlooked during busy times.
The Giver. James 1:17 states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” When something is good and valuable, you take care to preserve it. This truth applies to your spouse as well. Do you view your husband as a good gift from God?Here are ten qualities to appreciate in a good husband.
Lover
Companion
Protector
Confidant
Prayer partner
Supporter
Provider
Friend
Leader
Communicator
Express appreciation to your spouse with words—for example, “I’m thankful for you”, “I love you”, “I miss you.” Show your admiration with actions—hold hands in private and in public, compliment him, and listen with a heart to help.
Good Gifts. As the world remembers and honors the birth of Jesus this month, ponder this: God gave the first good gift — Jesus (John 3:16). He is perfect, sinless, and is God’s only Son. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus surrendered His life so others may gain eternal life. This gift of love is unselfish and sacrificial. God also gave you the gift of a husband, a man to honor and serve alongside. God is the originator and giver of marriage. His plan is perfect for husbands and wives.
The Response. As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season with family and friends, make sure your groom is a priority, not an add-on. Do something special with him, give a genuine smile, sit next to him at home. In this way, you are showing him you care about him and want him nearby.
A well-decorated home, an elaborate menu, and beautifully packaged gifts are not what is most important. Honoring the Gift Giver is most important. One way to honor God is to esteem your husband no matter the season. Paul writes, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”(Romans 12:10). Embrace the blessing of being married to your one-of-a-kind gift from God.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
-Vanessa M. Jones
Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute
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