TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO Great Giveaways this month.
#1 A Family Four Packs of tickets to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park & Splash Adventure Water Park
To enter, simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.
Offer ends Tuesday 8/12/25. Winner announced 8/13/25 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our page @cfpbirmingham.
#2 Two Winners! Each receive a $25 Gift Card to Henrietta’s Deli in Trussville- home of Chef John Finney who will be on stage at the Celebrate the Family Expo Saturday September 13, 2025. Click here for more details.
Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) is celebrating the completion of 25 years of spreading Good News in our community- that’s 300 monthly issues of the BCF magazine! We invite you to come and celebrate with us at the 6th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo. The event, packed with free activities for the whole family, is September 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Finley Center, Hoover Met Complex.
Other returning event favorites include the River of Life Kids’ Zone, Birthday Bingo with giveaways about every 15 minutes, free face painting by Painted Personalities, the Chick-fil-A Herd, the Hoover Belles, and live music by Kevin Derryberry. Two by Two Rescue will also be onsite with some fury friends you can adopt.
Check your garage and closet for clothes, small appliances and furniture you can bring to the event to donate to support Vapor Ministries.
Come Hungry! Lil Bougie Foodie and Southern Coffee and Waffles Food Trucks will be on site serving delicious, affordable food.
We will continue to add activities to the celebration so for the most up to date event details visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/Expo2025. If your business or organization has a resource to share with families, consider joining us as an Expo Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Merchandise Vendor, www.BirminghamChristian.com/registration.
Vacation, vacation, vacation. That’s what summer is all about, right? Whether you are spending time with the family at the beach soaking in the strong summer sun, or looking for that next hill to climb to check off your summer bucket list, you need to be prepared with the best-equipped luggage. Summer vacations are rendered useless without the proper luggage at your hip and why not do it in style and with the peace of mind that it will last you for life?
For quality luggage and everything else you need for your next adventure, visit Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia.
This is where Mark’s Outdoors has you set and ready to go. Stop in and take a look at their amazing selection of Filson Luggage. In business since 1897, Filson has thrived on a reputation of honesty, quality, durability and listening to what their customers want. With a lifetime warranty, these canvas goldmines will give you the style and toughness needed for any type of vacation, business trip, or overnight weekend in the great outdoors.
Mark’s Outdoors selection of Filson pieces include everything from small excursion bags to rolling check-in bags. Depending on the size, pieces range in price from $125 to $500. Filson uses only the best materials obtainable and guarantees it on every piece of merchandise.
Visit Mark’s and set yourself up for the long haul, knowing you are putting trust in over 100 years of experience in the Luggage industry with Filson and the customer care of Mark’s Outdoors.
When it comes to managing your money, there’s more to consider than just the bottom line. For many people, investing isn’t only about building wealth or reaching goals- it’s about making sure their dollars support charitable causes and principles that are in line with their closely held values. Whether your focus is on aligning with your faith or giving back to your community, a financial advisor who understands your values can help you build a portfolio that reflects what matters to you. Here’s how to help find a good fit:
Know What You Stand For. Before you start searching for a financial advisor, take a moment to reflect on your own values. Do you want your investments to avoid companies that conflict with your faith? Is charitable giving a big part of your life and something you want to incorporate into your financial strategy? Make a list of your top priorities. Understanding what drives you can help make it easier to find a financial advisor who shares and respects your vision.
Do Your Homework. Once you’ve clarified your goals, start looking for financial advisors who focus on values-based investing. Terms like “socially responsible investing” (SRI), “faith-based investing,” or “impact investing” are good keywords to use during your search. Browse financial advisor websites and check their credentials. Some may highlight their experience with sustainable funds or philanthropic planning. Look for signs that they’re comfortable helping clients invest with a conscience.
Ask the Right Questions. After narrowing your list, schedule a few introductory discussions, which can be done in person or remotely, depending on your preference. These chats are your chance to learn more about how the financial advisor works and whether they’ll be a good fit. Ask about their investment approach:
Do they offer portfolios with faith-based filters?
Have they worked with clients who have similar values to yours?
How do they assess charitable giving strategies or donor-advised funds?
Listen closely to the questions they ask of you. Are they truly interested in what matters to you? Do they understand your values and priorities? Also, consider their communication style. Will they keep you updated regularly? Are they open to collaboration when you want to adjust your plan?
Trust Your Instincts. Choosing a financial advisor is a personal decision. Beyond their professional qualifications, you want someone who listens well and respects your goals. Don’t hesitate to meet with several financial advisors before making your choice. The right person will make you feel understood and supported, both financially and personally. Ideally, you and your financial advisor will forge a long-term relationship that spans the changes and milestones in your life. As the details of your financial strategy may change, you’ll still want to hold onto your values in your investments.
Investing With Purpose. Whether you’re hoping to stay true to your faith or make the world a better place through giving, you don’t have to choose between your values and your financial future. Many good financial advisors can help you do both. Taking the time to find someone who shares your vision can help you feel confident that your investment strategy can align with your personal beliefs.
Watch the video below to learn more about the importance of finding a financial advisor that shares your values.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (Parable of the Persistent Widow)
God has given me the blessing of being a part of 301 monthly issues of Good News delivered right here in Central Alabama. He has also allowed that Good News to be distributed in other cities including Nashville, Tenn. for the past 15 years. So, get this- for the past 25 years I have had the privilege of listening to people from all walks of life share how God is at work in their lives and then, share those stories with you. The joy of doing so is really hard to put into words!
During the time frame of those 300 plus issues and 25 years, there were days, even weeks, when I questioned whether I could write and publish another issue. The weight of the world seemed so heavy on my shoulders. But as Jesus shares with us in Luke 18:1, “always pray and never give up.” I spent a lot of time talking to God and listening for His voice.
He finished every issue of the magazine.
Each of us faces challenges in life that lead us to ask God, “why?” and cry out for relief. In those moments, I have often heard God whisper to me through His word, “Wait… wait upon Me.” (Psalm 27:14, Is 40:31)
I encourage you to join me in living life like the persistent widow- always pray and never give up. Pure joy awaits us!
Read more about the history of Birmingham Christian Family magazine here.
Princess Rory’s journey is nothing short of a miracle. As a stray mama with eight tiny puppies, she was compassionately taken in by a man who was homeless himself. Though he had little, he gave all he could. When one of the pups became critically ill, he turned to Two by Two Rescue in faith. We welcomed them with open arms, trusting that God would help us provide.
Princess Rory has impeccable manners, is full of affection and trust, and is simply adorable!
From uncertainty to safety, from hardship to hope, Princess Rory has walked a winding road. Through it all, she has shown an incredibly gentle, kind, and resilient spirit. Now, she is ready for the life she was always meant to have filled with love, comfort, and the joy of family. With her beauty queen smile, impeccable manners, and a heart overflowing with affection and trust, Princess Rory reminds us to cherish life’s everyday blessings. She is simply everything you could want in a best friend and more!
If you’re interested in being Princess Rory’s forever family, click here.
As Christians, we believe in a God of second chances. A God who meets us in our brokenness and restores us with grace. Princess Rory’s story is a beautiful reminder of that truth. Transformation is possible with unfailing love. She’s found her second chance with Two by Two Rescue. Now, she’s waiting for someone to give her a forever home. A place where her life can continue to shine as a testament to what compassion, grace, and love can do. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray, and distressed animals. Saving animal lives for more than 20 years, Two by Two is a foster home centered 501 (c)(3). Operating out of the greater Birmingham, Ala. area they have coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses, and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has placed dogs in at least forty states and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit twobytworescue.com. †
Hannah and I were married at The Cottle House in Andalusia, Ala. in 1998, the first “event” ever held at the now well-loved venue. The old house, restored by her parents, George and Brenda Gantt, stood proud on Gantt land, full of vintage charm and Southern grit. George had poured himself into that house- overhauling it, renovating it, shaping it into something beautiful again. A handmade wooden cross he crafted from old fence posts hung above the front porch, marking the very place where Hannah and I would exchange vows. It hangs now on our porch at the lake house- a weathered testament to love, hard work, and sacred promises.
Walt and Hannah Merrell were married at The Cottle House in 1998.
On that hot and muggy day, South Alabama’s weather was living up to its unpredictable reputation. Damp heat clung to the air like a wet sauna towel. I sweat through my shirt before lunchtime. My nerves didn’t help matters, and neither did George. He was a towering figure, physically and otherwise. Dressed in a vintage tuxedo and top hat, he looked like a barrel-chested Doc Holliday who stepped off the set of a Western. When I walked into the hall, there he stood. His hand resting on the grip of a vintage Colt .45 revolver tucked in his waistband. “You ain’t thinking about running, are you boy?” he asked, deadpan. I choked out a laugh, hoping he was kidding. I wasn’t sure. He tapped the revolver, raised an eyebrow, then let his coat fall back into place. “That’s good,” he said and walked away. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Moments later, I tried to sip water without drenching myself. In doing so, I accidentally knocked the glass over, and in slow motion, it tumbled down the drawers of Brenda’s antique dresser. With each bounce, water spilled into priceless collections of artwork, postcards, handkerchiefs… irreplaceable Americana, ruined. The glass finally hit the floor and exploded. I panicked. I knew I’d made a mess not just physically, but emotionally- especially if George found out. I called for help, handed out orders, tried to patch things up, and grabbed a couple of dry handkerchiefs from the drawer’s edge. Then I stepped outside, nerves frayed, heart racing. Rick, my college buddy and the minister officiating, followed me out. “You nervous?” he asked with a grin. I nodded. “Me too,” he said, chuckling. “Knock-knock.” Only Rick could tell a joke at a time like that. I laughed, tension broken for a breath or two. Just then, George walked out the back door, flanked by a few men who looked like they’d seen a few bar fights. I braced myself. He looked me over from my sweat-soaked shirt to my panicked eyes. “You nervous, son?” he asked. “No sir,” I croaked. He put a big hand on my shoulder and pulled me close. I could see the steel in his eyes again. I was ready for the lecture- or worse, for him to learn about the waterlogged dresser. Instead, George looked over his glasses, and in a low, steady voice said, “It’s going to be just fine, son. Just relax.” Then he hugged me and added, “I love you, boy.” And just like that, the hurricane inside me stilled.
heir wedding was the first official event at this loved venue in South Alabama.
It wasn’t the heat or the glass or the crowd or the nerves that nearly undid me. It was the weight of expectation, the pressure to be perfect for the woman I loved, and the fear of not being enough. But in George’s embrace- in that moment of grace- I realized something deeply spiritual: I wasn’t doing any of this alone. I never had been. I often think of Jesus’ baptism, when God spoke from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Long before Jesus preached a sermon or performed a miracle, the Father assured Him of His love. Not because of what He had done- but because of who He was. That’s the message George gave me that day. Not “earn it.” Not “prove yourself.” Just “I love you, son.” And it’s the same message God whispers to us every time we feel overwhelmed, unworthy, or unsure: “It’s going to be just fine, child. I love you.” So no, I didn’t run. I married the love of my life under a wooden cross, on a porch full of cotton, surrounded by antique postcards and the sweet scent of gardenias. And I learned that sometimes, the most powerful sermons aren’t preached. They’re lived out in hugs, in grace, in the stillness after the storm. And yes… the very powerful Hurricane George made landfall on the Florida panhandle and swept through our wedding reception like a stampede of wild ponies. Winds rattled tents and dances were cut short. Roads flooded and traffic was chaos… but God does things in His timing. And we had just enough time to say, “I do.” You do too. To Him that is. He loves you and wants to know if you love Him too.
-Walt Merrell
A Christian Outdoorsman who writes of his adventures with his family, with the hope that others might be inspired and encouraged to embrace God’s tapestry, otherwise known as the great outdoors, as a means of finding Common Ground. You can follow him at Shepherding Outdoors on FB, YT and IG and at shepherdingoutdoors.com. His most recent book is available at shepherdingbook.com. Read his faith story at www.BirminghamChristian.com.
At Guardian Fence Solutions, we don’t just build fences- we build trust, one post at a time. As Birmingham’s concierge-level fence company, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, seamless customer service, and unmatched value. Every project is backed by our Guardian Guarantee, a promise of satisfaction, fairness, and superior standards that sets us apart in the industry.
Guardian Fence Solutions can help you with chain link fences plus aluminum, wood, and vinyl fencing.
We’re so confident in our work that we offer a 2-year satisfaction guarantee on all materials and workmanship- virtually unheard of in our field. With our Fair Price Guarantee, if we’re within 10% of your lowest quote, we’ll beat it by $100, ensuring you always get premium quality at a fair price. Our seasoned team brings 15+ years of local experience, treating your home and time with the respect you deserve. From deeper 18–24″ post anchoring to using only top-tier materials from quality-focused lumber yards, we don’t cut corners- we build fences that last.
To get a quote for your project, call 205-587-8991 or visit www.GFSFences.com.
The Guardian experience is smooth, respectful, and professional. Our sales and build process is deliberate and well-communicated- easy as Sunday morning- ensuring every gate swings right, every hinge holds strong, and every fence line stands tall. Founded by a seasoned professional with 25 years of sales experience and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Guardian Fence Solutions was built to raise the bar. We aren’t just another fence company- we are your partner in creating a lasting boundary with confidence. At Guardian Fence Solutions, we keep the good things in and the bad things out… in the most beautiful way possible. Come build with us!
Watch the video below to learn more about what sets Guardian Fence Solutions apart and more.
As America experienced growing pains and wars, so did Alabama. Our citizens stepped up to do their part to defend our country. We are savagely dedicated to our football, but more importantly, we are dedicated to defending our God and country. During these painful times, mommas cooked and prayed, and our soldiers went off to war and dreamed of coming home to the love of family and Momma’s home cooking.
Seen here is Loyd after returning home from the war as well as some of his letters he wrote back home.
Many of my family members fought, bled, and some died in the different wars faced by America- World War I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the war in Afghanistan. Great-Uncle Bert Swann was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, defended his country, and then returned to Sweet Home Alabama to raise a family. Uncle Nelson Campbell was in Vietnam. Uncle Jack Daily was a sharpshooter in World War II and earned many medals. Among my many relatives who served was my Great-Uncle Loyd Parker. He fought in World War II and was in a prisoner of war camp for eighteen months. His family didn’t know if he was dead or alive. They didn’t hear anything to know his fate or his whereabouts. Can you imagine the anguish the Parker family faced not knowing if he was dead or alive for a year and a half? The many tears and prayers that went up on Loyd’s behalf?
What got them through? A deep faith in God and many prayers and support from the community carried them through the wilderness of this tribulation. Loyd’s mother, Great-Grandma Parker, had her hands in the dough bowl making biscuits for the family when the joyous word came that he was alive and coming home. She wiped the flour off her hands with gusto and cried, “Whoopee! Loyd’s coming home!” and left her biscuit making and ran down the road to tell her son, Avis, the great news. When Loyd came home, a great celebration was held with lots of good hugs and his momma’s home cooking as the whole community joined to celebrate. I wasn’t born at the time, but l am sure one of Grandma Parker’s yard chickens was on the menu. I hope you enjoy this family recipe!
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and spread into a greased 9″x13″ inch pan. Heat broth and soup till boiling and pour over chicken. Mix melted butter, flour, pepper, and buttermilk and spread evenly over chicken. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or until browned on top. *Hint: Don’t have buttermilk? Use a cup of milk and add a tablespoon of vinegar. It will do the trick!
Vineyard Family Services, located in Pelham, has been touching the lives of families in Shelby County for more than 20 years. “We are a faith-based family resource center with the mission of feeding kids in need, promoting responsible fatherhood, and helping families in crisis,” Charity Suttles, Chief Financial Officer of Vineyard Family Services, says. The core values of Vineyard Family Services are: “We respect the dignity of all individuals. Healthy families make healthy communities. Collaboration with other community resources is essential to our success.”
Volunteers packing lunches for Backpack Buddies which are given to over 1,400 students in Shelby County. You can volunteer to pack lunches or drop off donations at 2843 Pelham Parkway Suites H & J, Pelham, 35124.
Outreach Programs. “We have very diverse programs,” Suttles shares. These programs include Backpack Buddies, which is available for children on free or reduced-priced lunches in Shelby County. “Over 1,400 children are in the program,” Suttles explains adding that they buy the food, pack and deliver the bags to the schools for the counselors to distribute for the weekend. Other programs include motherhood and fatherhood classes, workforce development, a youth services program that serves at-risk youth, and more. “We have many programs, but they are all centered around how we can help children and families,” Suttles says.
Seen here is a couple night gathering hosted by Vineyard Family Services.
Project Abraham. Designed for all kinds of families, Project Abraham is a program of weekly discussions focused on strengthening spiritual leadership within homes. Topics explored include enhancing religious language fluency in homes, how to teach Christian practices in your home, and discussing creative ways of incorporating the practices into your family’s routine. The next Project Abraham class will begin August 3, 2025 at the Alabaster Family Resource Center. The class will meet each Sunday evening from 4:30-6 p.m. Space is limited. For more details, email [email protected].
Getting Involved. If you’re interested in partnering with Vineyard Family Services, there are many opportunities. The first Saturday of each month from September to May is the Vineyard Family Services Packing Party. “We have all the food ready, and volunteers will come in and help us pack the food bags for Backpack Buddies,” Suttles says. You can also donate food and hygiene items any time at the Vineyard Family Services office in Pelham for Backpack Buddies as well as financially donate. To learn more about Vineyard Family Services, visit www.vfsdads.com. †
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