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The Legacy Grandparenting Summit 2025 is a national event dedicated to Christian grandparenting and it is being held right here in Birmingham on February 21-22, 2025. This year will challenge grandparents to know, name, and fulfill the reason why they are still here. What is God’s design for this special season of life?
Grandparents in 100 locations across the United States and Canada will attend the first day of the event from satellite sites, but those of us attending at the Summit Live Site, Shades Mountain Baptist Church will enjoy a second day filled with extra benefits:
Get equipped for real-world challenges with practical breakout sessions (18 to choose from). Whether you are a grandparent wondering how to grandparent more purposefully or a ministry leader interested in launching or growing a grandparent ministry, there is a breakout for you.
Hear more from Summit Speakers, Anne Graham Lotz and Dr. Crawford Loritts, in two additional general sessions.
Make personal connections with Legacy Coalition leaders.
Discover tools and resources you can see, touch, and take home in the Resource Center.
This year’s theme, For This Purpose, focuses on empowering grandparents to embrace their divine purpose and the crucial role they play in their families’ spiritual journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Receive Godly wisdom with practical insight: Engage with an incredible lineup of speakers across seven different sessions, including Larry Fowler, founder of the Legacy Coalition.
Find Practical Resources: Explore a comprehensive Resource Center at the live site and access various products at most simulcast locations.
Gain Comfort in Community: Connect with fellow grandparents who are committed to building their spiritual legacy.
Anne Graham Lotz will lead a discussion with her daughter and granddaughter, calling grandparents to think four generations. Dr. James Banks will share tools to love the prodigals in our lives. Other topics encompass pointing our grandchildren to Truth, instilling biblical values in them, building family unity, and giving them the gospel.
The Legacy Coalition hosted its first Summit nine years ago. The national ministry “exists so that our grandchildren and their grandchildren follow Christ.” It focuses on intentional Christian Grandparenting through the local church, helping grandparents grow in their biblical role through our resources and events so they can have a greater spiritual impact on their families.
Through January 31,2025 you can take advantage of early bird registration for Summit 2025, which includes your ticket to attend both days plus lunch Friday and Saturday for $109. For more details and to register visit www.LegacyCoalition.com/Summit. †
It was hard not to think of snow days as I read James Spann’s latest update that morning. Snow blanketed much of North Alabama. Everything from Montgomery to Birmingham was covered in ice or sleet and as is so often the case, down in South Alabama, we were cold and wet. The house was cool, though the heater worked overtime to combat the draft of our 100-year-old windows. I glanced at the thermometer hanging just outside the kitchen window and it read 26 degrees. The skies were grey in the dusk of the morning, and I understood from James that the sun would not be joining us any time soon.
Walt is seen here with his youngest daughter, Banks, enjoying quality time together in God’s great outdoors.
Banks, our 15-year-old, descended the stairs in the still twilight of the morning. I was amused, and even a bit befuddled as to why she was up so early. She didn’t say anything. She seemed to feel her way across the living room, eyes squinted, and with fingers slightly extended, she stepped gingerly to avoid the agony of a stubbed toe. I sat silently by the fire. It radiated warmth. I had even scooted my chair a bit closer. The steam from my cup of coffee wafted at my nose as I held the cup close to my lips. I tracked Banks with my eyes and slowly, methodically, she made her way across the room and grunted. I laughed silently as I knew she intended for me to put my coffee cup down. I did not hesitate. Climbing into my lap, I snuggled her close and wrapped her in the blanket that was once draped over the back of my chair. She sat motionless as she nestled her chin into my collarbone, and all seemed well in the moment’s silence.
Walt is seen here with his wife Hannah and their youngest daughter Banks at a football game.
Slowly, she drifted back to sleep. And as she did, my thoughts drifted back to snow days of old. I recalled 1987 when temperatures plummeted so low that Mobile Bay iced up around its edges. I recalled 1993 and our co-ed efforts to use cafeteria trays as rudimentary sleds at the University of Montevallo. I reminisced about 2003 when we built snowmen with the two older girls and then snow angels and snow tubing just a few years later after Banks was born. Amid all those memories, I longed for snow that morning- wishing for something more than what I had. I strolled a bit more down memory lane before Banks shifted a little in my lap, raised her head, grunted, as only a teenager can do, climbed up out of the chair, and went back to her room. And just like that, the moment was over. I spent some of that “moment” wishing for something more. I was reminded of my grandfather’s sage advice, warning me not to live life with a mind toward yesterday. He was right, for the present is much more valuable. In that present, I realized the value more than most, for I realized just how precious it was to have my “most of the time I don’t like you, Dad” 15-year-old teenager climb in my lap and go to sleep.
Exodus 20:17 reminds us not to covet those things we do not have. Simple enough, it is to guard against coveting your neighbors’ house, boat, or hunting land. But it is much more difficult to not covet time. That morning in my wandering mind, I coveted snow days of old, with a longing for one more day, so that I might make one last snowman while all my girls were home for Christmas break. In my coveting of that day gone by, I simply failed to appreciate what was. And now, I must guard against coveting one more moment when my 15-year-old climbs into my lap.
-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.
Deer Season Ends… February brings the end to yet another deer season and hopefully everybody had a bountiful one! When you pick up your meat from the processor, if you run out of room in the freezer or have more meat than you can use, share your harvest. There are plenty of people right here at home that could use the meat, because they are not hunters or maybe things are just tough at the moment and the extra food would be helpful. As hunters and Christians it is important that we keep an eye out for one another, help those in need, and use every opportunity to share what God has given us.
Mark Your Calendar to Join Us for Turkey Day March 7, 2025! Everything you need for Opening Day will be On Sale at Mark’s Outdoors! Plus get great tips from the Pros!
Also, consider using the next couple of weeks as a time to clean up the hunting camp and preserve the beauty God has given us. Clean out your shooting houses, take down your stands and leave no trace behind. Not only will it make returning next season that much nicer and easier, but it will also set a good example for the younger generations of hunters, teaching them how to respect the land that provides for us.
Turkey Season Begins… Spring turkey season will be here before you know it (March 25, 2025) and now is the time to prepare. In addition to planning where to hunt and scouting, you should take an inventory of your turkey gear and get supplies early. The longer you wait the harder it will be to find your go to ammo and warmer weather camo. Get your guns out and go ahead and sight them in. If you don’t have time, just come by and see us at Mark’s Outdoors and let us get you ready to slay that giant gobbler.
In my family, homemade sourdough bread is considered a gift from the Good Lord above. My husband, David, says when we pass through the pearly gates, we will surely dine on sourdough bread hot from the oven slathered with a good dose of butter and drizzled with honey.
My family has been making sourdough bread for generations. My Nanny Swann, my mother, me, and my daughter have been serving this to family and friends for years. As a matter of fact, when I wrote my cookbook, Happiness is Homemade, Y’all!, I called our family recipe “4-Generations Sourdough.” It has now been handed down to my granddaughter. That sourdough starter that has lovingly been tended by my family has now reached the fifth generation. When I was a young married woman with little children and struggling to find my culinary niche, I began searching fora recipe that would be my specialty and that I could always be counted on to bring to all the family get-togethers and special events. Well, I asked the Good Lord to show me my recipe- and it was sourdough bread right out of our treasure trove of family recipes.
Danna’s family has been making their sourdough bread recipe for five generations.
I prayed about that recipe, and the first time I made it for a big family event with around 80 people, I was nervous. David’s grandmother, who we called Momma Holt and who was the matriarch of that big crew, took a bite of that bread. She got quiet and said, “Who made this bread?” I tentatively said, “I made the bread, Momma Holt. Do you like it?” She looked at me and got teary-eyed. “It tastes just like my momma’s bread from when I was a little girl. I love it!” That simple slice of bread took her back to her childhood. That touched my heart, and I realized the strong passion we have for food that connects us to each other and events in our lives. I made sure Momma Holt had plenty of my sourdough bread from then on until she graduated to Glory. I have served it to my family, friends, and neighbors. For many years, I would make 24 loaves at Thanksgiving for the huge family get-together. So, this recipe has been very good to me.
Making sourdough bread. The easiest way to get started is to find someone who makes it and get some starter from them. Then follow the recipe and steps below for your bread. If that’s not an option, there is a recipe I’ve included for you to make your own starter from scratch. It is a one-time recipe to establish your starter, then you will simply feed your starter and make the bread as the recipe states. Do you think you may want to give it a try? Check out our family’s easy recipe below.
Want to watch me make it? I will make my sourdough bread on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. on the cooking stage at the Birmingham Home Show. I’ll walk you through the steps and let you sample my homemade bread. Use the promo code HOUSE to save $4 per ticket, www.birminghamhomeshow.com.
Want to make sourdough bread with me? You can join me at Psalm 34 Bakery and Catering on March 28 for a sourdough class. Grab your tickets by clicking here.
Add flour, sugar, and salt to large bowl. Stir to combine. Make a well in the center, add water, corn oil, and sour dough starter. Stir and make a stiff batter. Place your dough in a bowl that is well greased with cooking oil. Brush the dough lightly with oil to keep from drying out. Cover lightly with plastic wrap or wax paper. The dough must breathe so the seal should not be airtight. Let dough rise overnight or for 8 to 10 hours. After the rising, punch down the dough with your fist and divide into 3 parts. Knead each part on a lightly floured surface and put into 3 greased loaf pans. Brush the tops with oil and lightly cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 8-10 hours. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until browned on top. Brush the tops with butter. Cool on rack. Use a serrated knife or bread knife to slice. Enjoy!
Feeding the Sourdough Starter
Take the starter out of the refrigerator on the day it is to be fed.
Ingredients:
¾ cups sugar
1 cup warm water
3 Tablespoons potato flakes
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients together and stir it into the starter. Let stand at room temperature all day, from 8-10 hours. Take two cups out. Use one cup to make bread and share one with a friend or make a second batch of bread. Return the balance to the refrigerator. Note: Yeast is a living organism and must be allowed oxygen; therefore, make sure to have airflow in the lid of the container you use to keep your starter in. I use a canning jar with air holes in the lid.
How to Create a Sourdough Starter
This is a one-time process to establish your starter.
Ingredients:
1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
3 tablespoons potato flakes
½ cup sugar
1 cup warm water
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together. Cover loosely and allow this to sit on the counter for two days. It will smell fermented and start to bubble. After the two days, feed the starter using the recipe above and let it sit on counter for 12 hours. Then place in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. You now have an established sourdough starter.
Grace Klein Community’s new partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church(UMC) in Pelham will provide additional space needed to help GKC reach its 2025 goal of rescuing 3.2 million pounds of food to feed over 650,000 people in communities located in the 30 county area of Birmingham. Joining several other churches in the area that provide Grace Klein Community space, Pelham’s Pathways UMC will allow for more food rescue. “It’s not about us, Grace Klein Community or Pathways UMC, but Jesus moving all of us to collectively join hands so He can make what seems impossible possible. God is writing our story and showing us in real time what He will do with our yes when we choose to live by faith and unite around Jesus,” explains Jenny Waltman, founder of Grace Klein Community.
Jenny Waltman, Founder of Grace Klein Community along with team member Ollie Kelly at the recent kickoff of the ministry’s expansion into Pelham. GKC is currently seeking donors to help fund the expansion by giving a donation to a particular space in the project. Learn more here.
Waltman says she is open-handed and expectant for what God will do. “Over the last 14 years, we have looked forward, running after Jesus and in obedience to His plan for Grace Klein Community. Only in looking back at the end of 2024, have we begun to see and understand the radical, extraordinary impact of our collective yes to God. If He can grow us over 34,000% in 14 years, we cannot fathom the future or how God can use us to share resources, build relationships, and bring restoration to our communities.”
At the recent kick off announcement of the expansion, Waltman and her team along with Pathways leadership shared how the space in Pelham will be used once it is renovated. Plans include an additional hub intake and outflow of food, an in-kind coffee house, a sustainability kitchen to increase food preservation, sleeping and bathroom facilities to house large out of state serve teams, and a church facility for Pathways. GKC is currently seeking donors to help fund the expansion by giving a donation to a particular space in the project.
Grace Klein services will expand in a partnership with Pathways United Methodist Church located at 419 Philippians Blvd, Pelham. The building renovation will house Pathways as well as Grace Klein operations. Here is a look at the celebration kick off.
Grace Klein Community primarily operates through volunteers who devote their time to serving the community. Through its FeedBHM initiative and a food rescue app, www.app.foodrescue.us, they engage food rescue heroes to rescue good food – otherwise enroute to landfills – and redirect to provide food support to Alabamians. With 6 drive-through locations and 318 community partners, volunteers provided food support to over 600,000 unique individuals in 2024 in Central Ala. In addition to food support, Grace Klein also offers assistance for other basic needs such as diapers, hygiene products and household items as well as school supplies and Christmas support.
Grace Klein Community hopes to complete the common space and additional food rescue hub at the Pelham location by the end of April 2025. Learn more about the project and how you can help at www.expansion.gkcbhm.org. †
Relating to sports, the term “A Game” refers to giving it your all, doing your best, and being committed. As we go through life and encounter challenges and adversity, there are areas we need to focus on in bringing our “A Game.” In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said to be alert, to be on guard, to keep watching and praying for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. What are some areas of our life that we need to be aware of and attentive to? I call these areas our “A Game.” They are attitude, appetite, ambition, attraction, and allegiance. If these areas are not managed, they will manage you.
1. Attitude. Attitude is a mindset or a way of looking at things with your mind. Our intellectual capacity is vital. Proverbs 23:7 KJV says, “whatsoever a man thinketh within himself, so is he.” Thinking precedes behavior. Remember the song, “Be careful little mind what you think.”
2. Appetite. Appetite is a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need. It can refer to more than food. What is it that you hunger and thirst for? Matthew 5:6 says we are to “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” God’s grace is sufficient to meet our needs.
3. Ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to do or achieve that requires hard work and determination. Our ambition should be to become more Christ-like (Romans 8:29). Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Our desire should be to please God, not man.
4. Attraction. Attraction is that which draws, allures, or entices. It is what captures your attention. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Make sure you have a clean heart, a clear mind, and a close walk with God.
5. Allegiance. Allegiance is loyalty or commitment to a person or cause. As Christ-followers, our allegiance is to God. We submit to Him and Jesus Christ becomes our Lord (Romans 10:9).
So, as you travel life’s journey, make sure you bring your “A Game.”
How do you keep your home protected from pests in the winter season? In our professional opinion, these tasks are essential for winter pest prevention:
Indoor. Many pests, like rodents, are looking for dry, warm shelter during the winter. The following tasks ensure that they won’t crawl into your home nor mistake it as their cozy new hideout.
1. Tidy the Attic. All kinds of pests, especially bats, are known to hide out alone or in groups in the attics of homes. Dust and sweep away any mess and declutter and organize whatever you’re storing so you know there are no spots for pests to hide.
2. Update Weather Sealing. Over time, it is normal for the weather stripping on windows and entryways to become worn down and leave tiny gaps or cracks that insects and small rodents can squeeze through to enter your home. When it’s near wintertime, ensure that your weatherstripping is making a gap-free seal, and if it isn’t, replace it.
Outdoor. Include these additional outdoor improvement tasks and steps in your winter pest control agenda to ensure your whole property is pest-free.
3. Store Firewood Safely. You should always store firewood as far as you can from your home in case a termite colony gets to it. If you bring your firewood close to your house not knowing there are termites in it, then you make it easy for termites to crawl to your home and quickly populate it.
4. Clear Debris from Gutters. When there are a lot of leaves, small twigs, acorns, or any other debris in the gutters and drainpipes along the roof and outer walls of your home, it offers small critters a moist, dark hiding spot. Discourage this pest behavior by unclogging your gutters and drainpipes regularly, especially after storms and rainy periods.
5. Prune the Hedges. Insects like wasps and mosquitoes are less likely to survive the winter if you don’t give them a decent place to nest! One way you can take away their overwintering spots is to liberally trim back the leaves on your hedges, bushes, and short trees. Don’t worry, they’ll grow back in the spring!
6. Maintain Your Lawn. Rake out all the leaves, pinecones, acorns, twigs, branches, and other debris from your yard so tiny, unwanted guests don’t take up residence.
7. Install Vent Screens. Any vent ports along the exterior of your home can allow pests to enter your A/C ducts and travel through them. Block pests by installing screens over your outdoor vents.
If you check off most of these tasks but still see the same pests around your property, that could mean you have a pest infestation, which is hard to control and mitigate on your own. You need to call on a professional pest control agent in these cases. At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, we have proudly served families in Alabama since 1965, and we would love to help yours, too! Call us at 205-663-4200 or visit www.vulcantermite.com to learn more about our affordable, effective pest control solutions.
It’s a new year, and many couples have decided to improve their marriages. However, if they are like most Americans, only six percent will keep their resolutions, according to Forbes.com. While there is value in annual relationship assessments, relying on resolutions is an unproductive way to correct shortfalls. Is your goal to set your marriage on a course for continual growth, or is it to strive to overcome a ninety-four percent chance of not keeping your promises? If your aim is the former, here is an idea: focus less on your marriage and more on yourself.
Is it your marriage or is it you? The covenantal bond of marriage is an excellent context for Christian growth and introspection. For example, marriage can be an incubator for patience, forgiveness, self-discipline, love, and other godly attributes. Since marriage reflects the people in it, the institution of marriage is never the problem.
Meet Brad and Stephanie. Every year, they resolve to fix their “communication” problem to no avail. Brad wants to win at all costs. Stephanie must always be right. While his competitiveness earns him sales awards, and her tenacity makes her a successful accountant, their caustic oil-and-water personality cocktail destabilizes communication. They can’t agree on their resolutions list, let alone marital decisions. Can you relate?
Look within. The psalmist says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV). This passage is a reminder that hurtful tendencies lie deep within the heart. Ask God to help you recognize things you unknowingly do or say that grieve your spouse.
Instead of marriage resolutions, consider a weekend getaway, a day trip to a scenic place, or an evening walk with your spouse this year. While together, carve out some individual time with God. Acknowledge Him as the supreme examiner of your heart (Psalm 26:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5). Use Psalm 139:23-24 and related passages as a prayer guide. Expect to be humbled as God uncovers hidden things about you. Share with your spouse what God has shown you. Confess, ask for forgiveness if necessary, and pray for each other. Resolve to start a new tradition this year- get alone with your spouse often and allow God to survey your souls personally and as a couple. A better you means a better marriage.
-Dr. Alonza Jones
Writer, Speaker, Teacher
President and Co-founder, Biblical Marriage Institute
The story of Brenda Watkins echoes the timeless teachings of Scripture. It began when Watkins, moved by compassion, adopted a dog named Missi from Two by Two Rescue, which tirelessly saved animals during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This act of kindness was not just a moment of charity but a revelation of purpose, much like the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The parable speaks of a master who, before leaving on a journey, entrusts his servants with his property, each according to their ability. One servant, given five talents, doubles his master’s investment, showing his skill and dedication. Similarly, Watkins, upon adopting Missi, felt an undeniable call to use her personal gifts for the greater good.
Brenda Watkins is seen here with her rescue dog, Missi.
Watkins, with her background in digital media, saw an opportunity. She and her husband Leonard harnessed their talents in technology and communication, built a website, and launched a social media presence for Two by Two Rescue. Their efforts paralleled the servant who uses his talents wisely; from a single follower, Watkins grew the organization’s reach to over 60,000 while spreading the message of rescue and love across the digital world. Watkins became known as the “pawtographer,” by capturing the essence of each animal with her camera, a talent akin to Bezalel, who is filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship (Exodus 31:3). Her photographs aren’t just images; they are invitations into the lives of these voiceless creatures, compelling people to offer them homes.
Mistletoe (left) and Big Boy (right) are available for adoption here.Here are just two of “the pictures” Watkins has captured.
Each weekend, Brenda drives a two hour round trip, a journey reminiscent of the dedication of Ruth to Naomi in the Bible, showing unwavering commitment. Her work at adoption events, capturing “the picture” that could change an animal’s life, is her way of sowing seeds, much like the Sower in Matthew 13:3-9, hoping they fall on good soil and yield a plentiful harvest of love and homes. After twenty years, the impact of Brenda’s service continues to grow, much like the mustard seed in Jesus’ teachings, which, though the smallest of all seeds, grows into the largest of garden plants. Her story is a living testament to Scripture’s encouragement to use our talents not for personal gain but for the service of others, as highlighted in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Watkins embodies the essence of an angel among us, not through wings or halos, but through her dedication, her talents, and her heart for service. Her story is an inspiration, a reminder that each one of us, through our unique abilities, can make a profound difference in the world, serving as vessels for divine love and compassion. To learn more about Two by Two Rescue, visit www.twobytworescue.com. †
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