Laugh with Comedian Jonnie W. & Support Agape Nation

August 7, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Get ready to laugh! Agape Nation is hosting the Jonnie W. Comedy Show and Silent Auction on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden, Ala.

Nashville-based comedian Jonnie W.’s full name is Jonnie Wethington. He laughingly shares, “I shortened it when I started comedy to make it easier for books and hosts to remember since it’s been mispronounced my whole life.” Jonnie W.’s start in comedy officially began in 2008 but the seeds were planted a few years prior. “When I moved to middle Tenn. in 2006, I took a job at a church, cleaning it and maintaining the building. I was also pursuing speaking ministry, and soon enough they put me over the college-aged group there. We would meet at my house every Tuesday night,” Jonnie W. shares. One weekend the church hosted a student retreat for schools in Tenn. “…I was asked to get up and greet everyone. I had the crazy idea to make jokes about the different schools represented, and my impromptu ‘roast’ was a hit. I was totally hooked on the laughter after that, and some of those schools started inviting me to their campuses for outreaches and comedy events.” In 2012, Jonnie W. made comedy his full-time job.

Jonnie W. holding microphone — Enjoy a night of laughter with Jonnie W. while supporting Agape Nation on September 7, 2024 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Venue at Coosa Landing, 201 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, 35903. Tickets are available here.

Jonnie W. describes his comedy as “a little of everything. I have sections of the show that are observational comedy, some funny stories about family, and then I also do some musical comedy and even a run of one-liners.” His faith in God impacts his comedy shows. “God has really sustained me in my life and career, and it’s an honor to use my gift, silly as it is, to bring laughter to families. Nothing connects us quite like a shared laugh. I really think it’s a holy thing,” Jonnie W. says, adding that he believes there is not enough clean entertainment out there, so he works to provide that. “I do shows in comedy clubs, theaters, and all kinds of unique venues, but my work with churches and faith-based organizations is still among my favorites.”

Agape Nation, based in Etowah County, Ala., is a non-profit that “is being established to provide daily supervised educational, recreational, therapeutic, and community day services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an effort to promote continued learning, independence, self-worth, and community involvement.” By attending this event, you will directly help the establishment of this program. General seating tickets are $40, and the event is casual attire. Jonnie W. says, “My show is fast-paced and fun. There’s something for everyone. Comedy is so much more fun live and in person. I would say bring 10 friends and come on out!” Learn more at www.agapenation.org or call 256-485-3225.

-Melissa Armstrong

October 14, 2024August 6, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) team partnered with local media outlets, podcasts, and more to spread the word about the 2024 Celebrate the Family Expo on September 14, 2024 at the Hoover Met Complex’s Finley Center. Click here to find a recap of the day.

BCF Publisher Laurie Franklin sat down with Mark White of The Mark White Show to discuss all things Celebrate the Family Expo. Listen to the podcast here.

Laurie Franklin was a guest on 100.5 WJQX during the Birmingham Barons baseball game on August 16, 2024. Click here to listen to the interview where she discusses the fun in store at the Expo and thanks Expo sponsors.

Laurie Franklin was a guest on WDJC-FM with Russell P and Jessica to discuss the exciting Expo details.

Jeh Jeh Pruitt from WBRC-Fox 6 News Good Day Alabama was onsite at the Finley Center on September 10, 2024 discussing all things Expo with Laurie Franklin and special guests during four segments of Good Day Alabama. Click below to watch the individual segments.

Laurie Franklin was a guest on Talk of Alabama giving a sneak peek at the fun in store during the Celebrate the Family Expo. Click here to watch the segment.

CBS 42 News at Noon welcomed Laurie Franklin on the show to share with area families all of the fun details of the Expo and what they could expect. Watch the segment here.

Laurie Franklin sat down with WBRC’s Sheldon Haygood during the Noon hour to encourage area families to save the date for the Celebrate the Family Expo.

Talk 99.5 Podcast and Shows with AJ invited Laurie Franklin on the show to discuss the Expo in detail.

Laurie Franklin was a guest on WERC News Radio FM with JT talking about Expo. JT also hosted the Sweet Grown Alabama Celebrity Chef Stage along with Janice Rogers of WBRC.

August 1, 2024July 26, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Espresso is not even a year old yet, but he’s got an old soul. He’s constantly overlooked at adoption events, not because he acts out, but because he doesn’t sell himself enough!

Espresso in tuxedo — Espresso is not quite a year old yet but is already house and crate trained. Learn how you can adopt this adorable boy at twobytworescue.com/adopt.

This sweet boy will sit in his crate and be perfectly content to watch the world pass by around him. While he does lean a little on the shy side, he also loves deeply and has been patiently waiting to find the perfect family that is willing to give him the time he needs to warm up to them. He has lived with children, cats, and other dogs and gets along with them all famously. He enjoys having playmates around because, like any true introvert, he allows his closest friends to see the fun side of him! Espresso is also house trained (like the proper gentleman he is!) and crate trained. His crate is his safe spot, and it is not uncommon to look over and realize he’s retired to his crate for a bit of “me time” or a nap. If you are looking for the perfect addition to your family, look no further than Espresso.

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 operates out of Birmingham, Alabama, and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has placed dogs in almost forty states and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit twobytworescue.com.

Meet some of the adorable dogs available for adoption with Two by Two Rescue at the Celebrate the Family Expo on September 14, 2024 at the Hoover Met Complex’s Finley Center. To learn more about the Expo, visit birminghamchristian.com/expo2024.

-Jeanie Hickman

Adoption Coordinator

December 4, 2024July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

My son, Caleb Standridge, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, served in the Air Force, and defended our country in Afghanistan. I’m proud to say he represented his country, state, and family well and was decorated for his valor. Now, he’s a veteran and an aerospace engineer. When he was away from home for a time and in survival training maneuvers, with very little food rations, he told his fellow soldiers all about what he and my family call my “ugly biscuits.” How do I explain my ugly biscuits? As is tradition in many Southern families, my momma taught me to make biscuits just like her momma did. You know, the traditional way in which you mix the dough: roll it out on a floured surface, cut it with a biscuit cutter, and bake the dough.

One day after getting home from work as a high school biology teacher, I knew my three kids and husband would expect my homemade biscuits to go along with the beef tips and gravy I had put in the crock pot that morning. However, I was so tired after teaching all day that I just didn’t think I could do it. What was I to do? One of my hobbies is reading recipes in vintage cookbooks. I thought of some recipes that I had read recently, concocted a recipe in my mind, and threw it together on a wing and a prayer. It was a cross between a drop biscuit, a scone recipe, and a topping for one of my chicken casseroles. When I pulled them out of the oven, they were the ugliest biscuits I had ever seen! They were a little flat and had all run together so I had to cut them apart. Should I throw them out and start over with my traditional biscuit recipe? No way, I was too tired for that. I put those ugly biscuits on the table hoping for the best. After they started eating, it got quiet. My family was eating with gusto! We decided I should write down the recipe and to this day, we call them ugly biscuits. They are a family favorite. I have cooked them for family, friends, state lawmakers, and dignitaries from huge companies- and they always ask for the recipe.

Back to my hungry soldier who was on survival training with very little rations. He told anyone who would listen about how good my ugly biscuits were. He was so hungry, he even dreamed about them. And you better believe, when I flew across the country to see him after his training was completed, my biscuit pan was in my suitcase! I received some funny comments when going through security at the airport. My son was hungry! And if my son wants my ugly biscuits, he’s going to get some. It brought me so much joy to feed him again and watch him savor those biscuits. He needed those ugly biscuits to go out and serve his country, and I needed to feed him and cherish my time with him before I sent him back to serve. God Bless America!

— Danna Standridge
Author of Happiness is Homemade Y’all! and 2024 Sweet Grown Alabama Ambassador. Read her faith story here. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook and YouTube.

Watch the video below to see Danna make her Ugly Biscuits with Paula Deen!

Danna’s Ugly Biscuits recipe was chosen by Senator Katie Britt for senatorial lunch in Washington. Read Senator Britt’s faith story here.

Ugly Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups self-rising flour
1 stick butter, melted 2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Pour vinegar into milk and set aside till needed. Place 2 tablespoons butter in bottom of skillet and place in oven to melt. Place flour in mixing bowl and make a well/indentation in the center. Pour in the milk/vinegar mixture into the well in the flour. Pour in the melted stick of butter. Stir together. Batter will be thinner than traditional biscuit dough. Drop a large spoonful onto prepared buttered skillet every 2 inches. The batter will spread and slowly connect as it cooks. Bake for 10-14 minutes till bottom is crisp and brown and top is lightly brown. Cut biscuits apart.

July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

As summer fades into history, school is just around the corner. The beginning of a new school year brings the introduction of routines again and the opportunities for many new things. Though excitement naturally comes with the new, so does apprehension for us and our kids. Like every new season, we do not enter this season alone. We have a God who is with us, for us, and who goes before us. In Isaiah 41, the prophet is met with his place of uncertainty and is given this encouragement from the God who is always there: “…fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV). Though God is always with us, we often forget to seek Him and bring our concerns and daily moments before Him. As your family begins to go back to school and into routines, you are entering into a great season to incorporate times of more intentional prayer.

Ride-Time Prayers. Whether you pray with your children before they get on the bus or when you drive them to school, prayers on the ride can help you and your children offer the day to God as an act of worship. During these ride-time prayers, you might want to pray through the schedule for the day, for your kid’s teachers, and for any challenges, concerns, or tests your child may have during the day. Pray also that God would use you and your child to make an impact on others for Jesus today.

Dinner Prayers. As your family gathers around the dinner table, or maybe more realistically, eats some food from a drive-thru bag on the way to practice, you can spend some time reflecting on the day through prayer. You and your kids can share good things and bad things that happened during the day and respond in prayer, thanking God for the good things and praying for Him to be present with you in the bad things.

Bedtime Prayers. Bedtime is a great time to close the day with your children and family in prayer. In bedtime prayers, you could focus on thanking God for another day of life, asking Him to give you rest, and filling you overnight with His strength for another day.

No matter what the pattern looks like for your family, when family prayers become a part of your back-to-school rhythm, you will be amazed to see how God can change you and your kid’s perspective of Him and His constant presence.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com

August 30, 2024July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Brought to you by: Community Partner Sawyer Solutions, sawyersolutionsllc.com

Since 2015, Blanket Fort Hope has restored child human trafficking survivors through access to essential services, compassionate care, and a loving Christian witness. Founder Alexa James felt called to begin this ministry during her work at the Dream Center in Woodlawn. “I have always wanted to help children and knew I wanted to go into mission work,” says James. Her love evolved into passion when a young girl at high risk for child human trafficking begged James to let her come home with her. From that moment, Blanket Fort Hope evolved into “a place of safety and hope.”

Construction is underway at the Blanket Fort Hope Restoration Home. The home is expected to officially open in early 2025.

“We want to show residents the love of Jesus through actions such as clothing and feeding,” says James. Blanket Fort Hope has a child placement license and can place boys and girls ages zero to 21 into foster homes. They also offer services including continued education and emergency care units. “We want residents to come knowing this home is fortified and surrounded by God’s army.” Each resident will have their own bedroom and bathroom and receive individualized services. There are Bible verses all through the home to remind residents “this place is fortified by God’s angels, and salvation is found through Jesus Christ.” Currently, Blanket Fort Hope is partnering with Children’s Hospital of Alabama and Big Oak Ranch’s Planting Oaks as they build programs through the restoration home. The home houses residents from ages twelve to eighteen and will include trauma-based services with counseling. It is expected to be completed this fall and officially open early 2025.

Getting Involved. Volunteers can serve in various areas on site such as assisting with home renovations, teaching life skill classes, and writing Bible verses in each fort. There are also opportunities to serve in small but impactful ways through donating, fundraising, and praying over the property. “We hope to remind volunteers of God’s purpose and find fulfillment in knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves,” says James.

Save the Date. The annual Hold the Fort 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Warrior Walk will take place on November 16, 2024 beginning at 8 a.m. at Oak Mountain State Park. Proceeds from the race will help support the efforts of the restoration home. Learn more and register at www.holdthefortraces.com.

-Madi Mansour

Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions
Technology with Care and Compassion
• Outsourced I.T. Support
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www.sawyersolutionsllc.com
844-448-7767

July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Extended Families Outdoors Smi 4132254

Money Matters

When considering the principles of stewardship, you might first think of budgeting or investing. These are certainly worthwhile considerations. However, it is also wise to consider components of stewardship that extend beyond a lifetime. When planning for your estate, here are a few elements to keep in mind.

Are your estate planning documents in force and relatively current? If you have not updated your estate documents within the past 10 years, have had a significant change in circumstance (such as a large inheritance or marriage), or have unsigned documents, you may want to ensure your written plans still accurately reflect your intentions. It is also wise to periodically review your named executor, trustee, or guardian (and successors) to ensure those individuals are still able to perform those roles.

Are your beneficiary designations set up appropriately? Did you establish your 401k plan or insurance policies long ago, or before changes in your marital status? Typically, retirement plans and life insurance beneficiary designations will take precedence over the disposition of assets dictated by your will. You may want to review designations to ensure they are in accordance with your goals. Consider designating TOD (transfer on death) beneficiaries for any individually owned accounts to minimize probate costs and allow prompt access to financial resources.

Have you considered those aspects of estate planning that are not addressed by a standard will/power of attorney? For example, if you own a business, have you developed a feasible succession plan that will allow the company to continue in a healthy manner if you were to pass away or be incapacitated? Have you developed a list of accounts/insurance policies that could be shared with a trusted family member or financial advisor to ease the administrative burden on a surviving spouse in case of a premature death? Have you effectively communicated your values and life lessons to family members in a lasting form that they can revisit when needed?

An estate planning attorney or experienced financial advisor can walk alongside you as you evaluate these questions and fine-tune organization and planning for your unique circumstances. While stewardship and careful planning are good practices to pursue, consider that our only lasting peace is found in the love and holiness of Christ; our heavenly Father knows our days and upholds us throughout this earthly life!

BMSS Wesson Wealth Solutions offers comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies aligned with your values. We specialize in serving business owners, corporate executives, and families stewarding earnings or inherited wealth. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your interests in our services. Qualifying portfolios may be eligible for a review at no cost.

-Abigail Waddell, CPA, CFP®

Senior Financial Planner

[email protected]

July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Encouraging Word

An essential is something that is absolutely necessary. Psalm 100 mentions four characteristics that are necessary for the Christian.

1. Joy. The first essential mentioned is joy (Psalm 100:1-2). The dictionary defines joy as completely happy or blessed. A Biblical definition is “the confident assurance of God’s presence.” There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotional response to external circumstances. Joy is a spiritual fruit that comes from within the Christian (Galatians 5:22). Joy can be interrupted by sin yet restored through repentance (Psalms 51:12).

2. Service. The second essential is Godly service (Psalm 100:2). To serve is to perform duties for another and to show compassion for others. Galatians 5:13-14 says we are to serve one another, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Joshua 24:15 instructs us to serve the Lord.

3. Humility. The third essential mentioned is humility (Psalm 100:3). Here the psalmist says humility comes when we acknowledge who we are in relation to who God is. He is our Creator, and we are His people. Romans 12:3 says not to think more highly of yourself than you ought. And James 4:10 says to humble yourself in the presence of the Lord.

4. Thanksgiving. The fourth essential mentioned is thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4). Thanksgiving is to express appreciation, be grateful, and have an attitude of gratitude. A thankful spirit helps keep you humble, honest, healthy, happy, and holy.

What is the basis for these Christian essentials? It’s the Lord. Psalm 100:5 says, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” These are essentials that every Christian needs: joy, service, humility, and thanksgiving.

-Tony Cooper

Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

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

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11

I have never known my biological father, and my mother was not capable of taking care of me. By the time I turned ten, I had been in six different schools, I didn’t have any friends, and I didn’t know what normal looked like. I moved in with my grandmother, but she was worried about taking care of me long-term because of her age. After a friend told her about Big Oak Ranch, she started the placement process. It was hard for her, but my grandmother trusted her faith and put my needs above hers.

Trammell wedding photo — Dakota and Kerith Trammell are seen here on their wedding day.

I remember pulling under the arch of the Big Oak sign. I saw the homes, the pool, and my favorite, the gym. My grandmother helped me understand what the Ranch would provide, and I was excited about the new place I would soon call home. When I arrived, I unpacked my few belongings from the suitcase my grandmother had bought me just to take to the Ranch. There were lots of kids, but I gradually started making friends and getting used to the family structure. My houseparents (Janet and Jeremy Cockrell) were consistent with me and my siblings, and that stability helped me thrive. It was nice to know what to expect when I woke up each morning. I graduated from high school with Advanced Honors and worked a couple of different jobs before deciding to talk with an Army recruiter. Today, I’m a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, having served in Afghanistan, Romania, and Germany.

When I came to the Ranch, and even for a time while living at the Ranch, I didn’t know who I was, but now I can look at myself in the mirror and say I am proud of the man I am. Everything I do, I learned from Big Oak. My houseparents were always there to help me. They have never missed an important event and are still there for me and my family. I am married to one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. I know my wife, Kerith, will always be by my side no matter what. Our first child, Isabella, was born in July 2023, and I cannot wait to see what a world changer she is going to be! At Big Oak, I learned what a loving family is supposed to look like, the type of wife I wanted, and the type of man God wants me to be. Big Oak shows kids purpose and love. It is a real, authentic home.

-Dakota Trammell

Big Oak Boys’ Ranch Former Resident

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Do you want to live an abundant life? If you long to live a life overflowing with hope, peace, and joy, perhaps what your life needs is an intentional center. We all have one- that nucleus upon which we obtain our energy and discern our purpose. Perhaps until now, your center has been based on shopping, entertainment, or sports. Or maybe you are like many others and have centered your very existence upon your children, family, or career.

Overflowing Cover — Find a preview of *Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture* at shop.ironstreammedia.com.

What if those things you’ve placed at the center of your life will not bring you the abundance you desire? What if you need a true center? Bible scholars through the ages have insisted that the book of Colossians is the most Christ-centered book in the entire Bible. If that is true, then we, as twenty-first-century believers, must choose to study this Jesus-centric epistle with enthusiasm and with intention. Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken Culture by Carol McLeod takes readers on a deep dive into the sacred pages of Scripture. By the end, your life will shout to the world, “I am Christ-centered! He is my source, my joy, my all in all!” Erica Wiggenhorn, national speaker with Aspire Women’s Events and author of An Unexpected Revival says about McLeod’s new book, “The book of Colossians will enlarge your view of Christ, His immense power, and the great purpose He has given you. Grab your copy of Overflowing and walk in the fullness of life Christ secured for you! Drink deeply of His love for you and refresh your faith!”

McLeod is a best-selling author and popular speaker at women’s events, where she teaches the Word of God with joy and enthusiasm. She encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical Biblical messages. McLeod is a prolific author and loves digging for treasure in the Word of God. Learn more about her new book at www.carolmcleodministries.com/overflowing. †

Laugh with Comedian Jonnie W. & Support Agape Nation

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