Celebrating God’s Faithfulness at Big Oak Ranch

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Community Partner Molly Maid of Birmingham, mollymaid.com/birmingham

“Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” Psalm 119:90

Each spring, graduation gives families a chance to pause and thank God for how far He has brought their children. This season carries that same joy for us at Big Oak Ranch.

At the Ranch, children are surrounded by Houseparents, mentors, and staff who walk with them through everyday life, giving them the love, support, and stability that help them grow. Over time, that foundation leads to new steps and new possibilities.

For some students, like Chad, it means graduating high school from Westbrook Christian School and stepping into ASCEND. Chad shared, “As a senior in high school, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Big Oak Ranch’s support ministry, ASCEND, which guides residents through higher education opportunities. ASCEND will provide me with life skills training, stability, and help me step into adulthood successfully.”

For others, it means graduating from ASCEND and moving into careers, taking what they have learned into the workplace with confidence and purpose. Kelbe, a 2026 ASCEND graduate, shared that, “I received my Associate Degree for Welding at Lawson State. My ASCEND guides have helped with everything — financially, spiritually, and mentally — every aspect that you could think of. After being at ASCEND, I have grown up and matured.”

And for some graduates, it means earning continuing education degrees and reaching milestones they may once have thought were beyond them. Michelle Fogle, a former Big Oak Ranch resident, said, “My mother’s rejection and my family’s disbelief in me have fueled my grit and desire. I graduated high school, attended Gadsden State, earned my MBA, and work in telecommunications — something I don’t think I could have done without Big Oak Ranch. I will always be grateful I was given a chance at the Ranch — a place that will always love me, accept me, and believe in me.”

These moments are worth celebrating — not only because of a diploma, certificate, or new opportunity, but because of what they represent. They tell the story of hope. Of grit. Of triumph. They reflect healing, perseverance, and the faithful hand of God over many years. They remind us that a child’s story is not defined by hardship, but who God made them to be. Across the Big Oak Ranch family, these milestones are a reminder that when children are loved well and pointed toward God’s purpose for their lives, the impact can last for years to come. †

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org

We all face mental health challenges at times, just as we all experience physical challenges. A hard season, a loss, or ongoing pressure can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged. Often, these symptoms pass. But sometimes they do not. Sometimes they grow, linger, and begin to impact daily life, relationships, and even our sense of who we are. That is when professional help may be needed.

One helpful way to understand why this sometimes happens is the diathesis-stress model. Simply put, each of us has a built-in level of vulnerability to stressors, called a diathesis. This refers to our biological wiring, including genetics, brain chemistry, and temperament. Some systems are more sensitive, more reactive, and more easily overwhelmed. This is not weakness; it is simply how we are made.

Then there is stress. Life brings pressure such as loss, trauma, relationship strain, transitions, and expectations that feel too heavy to carry. When stress stays within what we can manage, we adapt. But when stress rises, builds, and stretches us beyond our capacity, symptoms can emerge. Anxiety may intensify. Depression may take hold. Patterns may begin to feel stuck.

The encouraging truth is that this model also points toward hope. If symptoms develop when vulnerability and stress collide, then healing can begin as we reduce stress, build skills, and increase support. This is where both science and faith speak clearly. The Bible reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NLT). Renewal happens as we begin to recognize what is happening, challenge what is not true, and replace it with what is true.

Counseling is a space where that work can happen, intentionally, safely, and with guidance. It is not just about managing symptoms; it is about strengthening your capacity, understanding your patterns, and growing in resilience. At Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, we meet you right where you are. We provide evidence-based care, and for those who desire it, we thoughtfully integrate Christian faith into the process. You do not have to figure it out alone. If what you are carrying feels heavy, constant, or overwhelming, reaching out is not a sign of failure; it is a wise step toward better health. Healing is possible. Growth is possible. And you were created with purpose, strength, and the capacity to move forward.

–Beverly Ward, MA, EdS, LPC

Still Waters Counseling and Education Center

www.mystillwaters.org

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Does your child have difficulty understanding and remembering what they read? Read-A-Rific® was created by Janel Nansenn, MA who is an educational therapist to help children retain what they read. Read-A-Rific® is a reading comprehension program and a vendor for The Choose Act Alabama on ClassWallet. Nansenn’s work has transformed the lives of struggling readers. Over the course of her career, she has helped thousands of struggling learners achieve success both academically and personally. Early on, she developed highly effective techniques that produced remarkable results—students who once struggled in special education began transitioning out and thriving in general education classrooms. Children who had been earning Ds and Fs started achieving As and Bs, and many went on to attend college when that path once felt out of reach. Parents, teachers, and doctors recognized the impact of her approach and encouraged her to bring her methods to a wider audience.

Girl reading — **The Read-A-Rific Reading Fluency Program helps students increase reading speed in 5 minutes a day for only $18.** Learn more here.

Through years of seminars, trainings, and hands-on experience, Nansenn noticed a consistent pattern among struggling learners. It wasn’t a lack of effort or intelligence holding them back—it was a missing cognitive skill that is rarely taught directly. Many students could decode words but were unable to fully comprehend what they were reading. This disconnect led to frustration, low confidence, and a growing dislike of learning. That missing skill is visualization. Visualization is the ability to create mental images while reading, allowing the brain to process and retain information more effectively. When students can “see” what they read, comprehension improves naturally. Instead of reading words in isolation, they experience meaning, sequence, and detail in a way that makes sense. Strong readers do this automatically, but struggling readers often need direct instruction to develop this ability. Students who do not naturally visualize can struggle with some or all of the following: remembering and understanding what they hear and read, test-taking, at- tention, spelling, writing, following directions, and self-esteem. Because they are not creating mental images, information can feel fleeting and difficult to organize. This often impacts multiple areas of academic performance and can lead to ongoing frustration both in and out of the classroom. A free checklist with additional symptoms is available at readarific.com.

To address this critical need, Nansenn created Read-A-Rific®, an online program designed to explicitly teach visualization in a clear and structured way. The program simplifies what can feel like an abstract concept and turns it into a step-by-step process that students can easily follow. By focusing on how the brain processes language, Read-A-Rific® helps learners build a strong foun- dation for comprehension. In addition to improving reading comprehension, the program supports other essential academic skills. As students strengthen their visualization abilities, they also see noticeable improvements in spelling and in their ability to follow multi-step directions, including three- and four- part instructions. These gains extend beyond reading and positively impact overall learning, organization, and classroom performance. And, most importantly, their confidence and self-esteem increases.

Read-A-Rific® is designed to help children retain and comprehend what they read through visualization. Learn more at readarific.com. Use code BAMA10 for 10% off Read-A-Rific®’s 60-session programs and bundles.

One of the most accessible aspects of Read-A-Rific® is its simplicity. The program is designed to be completed in just 15 minutes a day over the course of 12 weeks. This manageable structure allows students to build skills consistently without becoming overwhelmed, while also making it easy for parents and educators to implement within busy schedules. The guided format ensures that both children and the adults supporting them can follow along with confidence. Today, Read-A-Rific® continues to expand its reach, helping students unlock their full potential as readers and learners. Nansenn’s mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the tools to succeed, and her program provides a proven path to achieving that goal. By teaching visualization as a foundational skill, Read-A-Rific® not only improves academic outcomes but also restores confidence, opening doors to opportunities that once seemed impossible. Introducing a new program! The Read-A-Rific Reading Fluency Program helps students increase reading speed in 5 minutes a day for only $18.

For more information, click here to watch a YouTube video by eSchooled with Amanda Melrose in which she shares how Read-A-Rific® worked for her daughter and interviews Janel Nansenn. If you’d like to sign up, use code BAMA10 for 10% off Read-A-Rific®’s 60-session programs and bundles. †

Want to learn more about how Read-A-Rific® can help your child? Watch the video interview below.

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Every four years, the world unites around the beautiful game. Flags wave, nations cheer, and for a few unforgettable weeks, soccer takes center stage. But beyond the goals, the glory, and the heartbreak, there’s another story unfolding—one of faith.

Futbol Faith — Fútbol Faith by Del Duduit is a 30-day devotional perfect for sports fans looking to deepen their faith.

In Fútbol Faith, Del Duduit invites readers to step onto the world stage and see the game through a different lens. This engaging devotional captures unforgettable World Cup moments while highlighting something deeper than the scoreboard: the faith that fuels the players behind the scenes. From celebrations that pause for prayer to quiet moments of trust in the face of defeat, this book reminds us that the greatest victories aren’t always measured in goals.

Blending sports excitement with spiritual reflection, Fútbol Faith shows how belief in God transcends cultures, languages, and continents—just like the game itself. Each story encourages readers to consider their own journey, asking what it looks like to trust God in both triumph and loss.

Perfect for sports fans and devotional readers alike, this book is a refreshing reminder that faith is always in play—from the first kickoff to the final whistle. Fútbol Faith releases July 14, 2026, and is available now for pre-order on Amazon or shop.ironstreammedia.com. †

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Welcome to the heart of the South, where every meal tells a story, and every comforting recipe is made with love. In What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all?, Danna Standridge invites you into the kitchen at Standridge Farm, sharing simple, farm-fresh, time-tested Southern recipes that bring family and friends together around the table.

What's Cooking with Danna Y'all cover — *What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all?* is Danna Standridge’s latest book release. Keep up with Danna on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok or on her website.

With tried-and-true family favorites, a few tasty originals, and plenty of memories stirred in, every recipe reminds us that food isn’t just about feeding the body — it’s about nourishing the soul. From big Sunday family dinners to authentic Southern cornbread, to fresh and tasty side dishes, to sourdough bread pulled warm from the oven, every dish is seasoned with love, joy, and a pinch of faith. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, you’ll find warmth, encouragement, and a whole lot of flavors on every page.
Inside you’ll discover:

Classic Southern comfort food
Easy, family-friendly meals made with farm-fresh ingredients
Homemade dishes made from scratch
Farmhouse favorites passed down through the generations
Heartfelt stories from Standridge Farm

If you love down-home cooking, simple recipes, and a taste of authentic Southern charm, this cookbook will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your apron and come on in the kitchen with Danna and celebrate faith, family, and the joy of good old-fashioned Southern cooking one comforting recipe at a time. What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all? is available on Amazon.

Click here for a delicious recipe from Danna and a heartwarming story too! †

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Stepping onto the grounds of Montevallo’s American Village is like taking a trip to colonial times. The recently constructed Independence Hall opened to the public last fall and is dedicated to the memory of American Village’s founder, Tom Walker.

A Look Inside. The craftsmanship and details found inside Independence Hall, such as color schemes, furniture, and even fabric is as period accurate as possible. Guests are invited to walk through a brightly colored main entrance to a room adorned with seemingly painted portraits of American heroes that practically come to life and speak with the guests about gaining independence from Great Britain. Communications Officer Melanie Poole explains that this technological innovation has made the attraction quite popular with visitors. “Young people love it, old people love it, I love it,” Poole said. “It’s very high tech and engaging!”

Guests then journey through a replica of the Assembly Room, where they can witness a discussion with virtually recreated members of the Second Continental Congress about the Declaration of Independence, and even get to sign their very own copy to keep as a souvenir. “We really want to engage all of your senses,” Poole said. After guests and guides navigate a winding wooden staircase, they will find that the second floor is home to Cornerstones of Freedom, a new program allowing students the opportunity to debate the Constitution with James Madison and Patrick Henry.

While the Independence Hall Experience lasts a little less than an hour and a half, visitors to American Village have plenty of other educational attractions to take part in, as well as numerous events held throughout the year, including a huge Sweet Home 250 celebration happening on July 3-4, 2026 with music, arts, and food. Find more details about the celebration at www.sweethome250.com. The American Village’s regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with general admission costing $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and under get in free. For more information about Independence Hall and upcoming events, visit www.americanvillage.org.

-Nicholas Wetzel

Click below to watch a video tour of Independence Hall at American Village.

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

Mission trips offer transformative experiences for families to gain a heart for others and step out in faith, but not every family can embark on a traditional mission trip overseas. However, you can create a meaningful mission trip experience right at home, serving in your community.

Discuss the Importance of Mission. Start by discussing what serving on mission means to your family. Engage your children in conversations about serving others and why it matters. Share stories of Biblical figures who demonstrated selfless service, such as Jesus washing the disciples’ feet or the Good Samaritan. These discussions can help inspire a heart for service and prepare them for the hands-on activities you’ll undertake together.

Select a Mission Project. Choose a specific focus for your home mission trip experience. Consider areas where your family can make a tangible difference in your community. This could involve volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or elderly care homes. Research opportunities that resonate with your family’s interests and passions, ensuring that everyone feels excited and engaged in the process.

Plan Your Mission Project. Once you’ve identified a few projects, plan for your mission trip. Dedicate a weekend or a week to immerse your family in service. Start each day with a prayer, asking for God’s guidance and blessings over the work you will do. This reinforces the spiritual aspect of your mission and maintains a focus on serving others for His glory.

Reflect on Your Mission Project. Additionally, don’t forget to reflect on your experiences together. At the end of each day, gather as a family to discuss what you learned, how you felt, and what impact your service had on others. Encourage each member to share their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the idea that every act of kindness, no matter how small, carries significant weight in God’s kingdom.

Make It a Regular Mission Project. Consider extending your mission service beyond the initial home experience by establishing ongoing community involvement. Encourage your children to take initiative in organizing monthly service projects or finding ways to support causes they are passionate about. This can instill a lifelong commitment to service and help them recognize that mission work can happen anywhere.

Creating a mission trip experience at home allows your family to grow closer to each other and to God as you serve your community. By investing in the lives of others, you get to be a part of building God’s kingdom in your city.

–Dr. Ben Birdsong

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

www.benbirdsong.com

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Walking into a dental office should feel welcoming, not stressful — and that’s exactly the atmosphere patients experience at Gooch Family Dental in Birmingham. From the moment patients step through the doors on Tattersall Way, the team works to create an environment that feels comfortable, uplifting, and genuinely caring.

For Dr. Burton Gooch, dentistry has always been about more than teeth. It’s about serving people well, building lasting relationships, and using his work as a way to live out his faith every day. “God has guided this journey from the very beginning,” Dr. Gooch shares. “We pray every morning for our patients, our team, and the people who walk through our doors. We’ve seen so many relationships formed and so many moments that can only be explained by God’s hand being on this practice.” After answering God’s call to dentistry while attending Auburn University, Dr. Gooch attended dental school in Tennessee before eventually planting roots in Birmingham, where he has now practiced dentistry for 20 years.

Today, Gooch Family Dental has grown into a thriving practice with a team of five dentists who share both a commitment to clinical excellence and a heart for serving others. Patients can receive a full range of care including general, cosmetic, restorative, implant, Invisalign, sedation, and emergency dentistry — all under one roof. What truly sets the practice apart, however, is the culture behind the care. Every member of the Gooch Family Dental team — from the front desk to hygienists, assistants, and doctors — is committed to making patients feel known, valued, and comfortable during every visit. “We want people to actually enjoy coming to the dentist,” Dr. Gooch says. “Our team genuinely loves caring for people, and we strive to create an experience that feels positive, encouraging, and personal.” That commitment is reflected in the practice’s seven core values: choose joy, work for the greater good, have a grateful heart, bring positive energy, create excellence in small things, be generous to those around you, and remember that trust is our currency.

Laurie and Dr. Gooch — Click here to watch a video interview with Gooch Family Dental founder Dr. Burton Gooch.

Dr. Gooch also views dentistry as a mission field extending beyond the walls of the office. Each year, Gooch Family Dental hosts a Free Dental Day to provide care for individuals in need throughout the Birmingham community. The practice partners with local ministries, including Jimmie Hale Mission, to help connect underserved individuals with much-needed dental treatment. “Our goal is to love people well and serve with excellence in every interaction,” Dr. Gooch says. “That’s what we want patients to remember long after they leave our office.”

To learn more about Gooch Family Dental, call 205-991-9892 or visit GoochDental.com. You can also follow the practice on Facebook @GoochDDS or Instagram @GoochFamilyDental. †

Watch the video below to learn more about Gooch Family Dental and look inside the beautiful office located at 6807 Tattersall Way, Birmingham, 35242.

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Are We There Yet?

Looking for some great family fun? You don’t want to miss the City of Chelsea’s Annual ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom. The free event takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in a new location, 271 County Road 440 and Highway 280 next to Metro Truck Rental. You will find plenty of public parking adjacent to the event entrance.

Chelsea Fest Fireworks — The big finale of ChelseaFest & the Big KaBoom is fireworks at 9 p.m. June 27. Fireworks music simulcast on KOOL 96.9 FM.

The fun begins at 6pm. Enjoy a Kid Zone, vendors, food trucks and one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama. Live music starts at 7pm with the Vinyl Junkies Band known for bringing high energy entertainment and a “wow” factor that makes crowds stay, dance, and sing along. The band’s music list spans 10 decades- mixing inventive arrangements, danceable grooves, and standout songs you won’t hear every other band play. Backed by seasoned, professional musicians with experience sharing stages with major artists—including Lady A, Darius Rucker, and Mother’s Finest, thevinyljunkiesband.com.

There will be a variety of food trucks in attendance and there will be tents, tables and chairs nearby where you can enjoy your dinner. You can also bring blankets and make it a picnic. You can also stroll through Vendor Alley where you will find local vendors, churches and businesses. The fireworks begin promptly at 9 p.m. and will be synchronized to music simulcast by radio station KOOL 96.9 FM. If you love America and want to celebrate in style with good food, good music, good friends and an amazing firework display make your way to Chelsea on June 27, 2026. For more information visit www.chelseafest.com. †

Watch this video to learn more about all the fun aspects of ChelseaFest from City of Chelsea’s Event Planner Brandy Pate.

July 1, 2026May 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

From the moving lyrical testimony of his beautiful song, “God Did It,” to the printed pages of God Did It and God Did It: The Children’s Book, Alabaster’s Sanchez Tanniehill has always had an amazing story to tell. With the help of his vivacious personality and his dedicated heart, Tanniehill has devoted much of his life to supporting stroke victims through his non-profit organization, as well as sharing his testimony with the world. This year, however, he is bringing his story to life for audiences to watch unfold on the silver screen.

God Did It movie poster — The faith-based short film *God Did It* is set to release on June 27, 2026.

“God gave me a story, and I wanted to go between studio walls to reach more people,” Tanniehill said. “From a song to a book, I wanted to go farther.” The upcoming film adaptation of God Did It details the harrowing true story of the Tanniehill family relying on their faith in the Lord after Tanniehill endured a stroke at just six weeks old and miraculously survived. From there, Tanniehill went through the trials and tribulations of school before discovering his singing voice would change his life even further. From a Golden Ticket to Hollywood on American Idol to living the lifestyle of an award-winning Gospel artist, his tale is truly one to leave a person awestruck.

Working hand in hand with Matthew Wester, the film’s executive producer, Tanniehill played several roles throughout the course of the production from participating in casting decisions to being on set resource on location in Alabaster. “It’s different getting to see my story come alive from behind the scenes,” Tanniehill said. The official trailer for God Did It aired for thousands of people at the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular in February, with the film itself slated for a June 27, 2026 release with a watch party at Alabaster’s Cultivate Church. From there, the project will enter the film festival circuit and play throughout several church locations.

Besides spending his time involved in his own autobiographical film production, Tanniehill has kept himself busy exploring other creative avenues for his storytelling abilities. Set for a release date in the very near future, his upcoming single, “21 Days,” explains what he went through following the passing of one of his biggest supporters: his mother. “It will hopefully get people out of grief,” Tanniehill said. For more information on the God Did It movie and Tanniehill’s other projects, visit www.sancheztanniehill.com.

-Nicholas Wetzel

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness at Big Oak Ranch

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