The Turnip Green Ministry

June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

In the state of Alabama, recipes are not the only culinary treasures handed down. In some families, culinary ministries are handed down from generation to generation. My Grandpa Campbell used to carry turnip greens to church and gift them to those he felt may need the extra blessing that only a big ol’ pot of turnip greens can deliver. Now, I know what you are thinking, but I gotta say, don’t knock it till you try it. Getting a big pot of greens and a skillet of cornbread can help you get back on your feet when life deals you a blow.

If you’ve ever picked, washed, and cooked turnip greens, you know that it is quite a job. But it is a job well worth the effort because of the deliciousness you get at the end. You can’t just wash them once before you cook them. Those greens must pass through three or more washings before you cook them or you will end up with gritty greens. How do I know this? Well, let me tell you about my cousin. Early in the first year of her marriage, she was determined to get a mess of greens from the patch and cook them up for supper because she knew her husband loved turnip greens. She proudly served them up to her honey after he got home from work. He was looking forward to them, but to her dismay, her poor husband spit out the first bite of greens she ever cooked him. He said, “Hon, how many washings did you put them through? It’s full of grit!” Well, that lesson got learned, and I can tell you she’s made many a wonderful pot of greens for her husband in the years they have been together since. And after hearing her tell the story, I always make sure to put my greens through enough washes to get the grit off.

So, you see, when someone brings you a pot of turnip greens, as a Southerner, we are very touched because we know the effort it takes to grow, gather, wash, and cook them. Now that my grandparents have passed on, my Momma and Daddy carry on the tradition of ministering to people in the community through their turnip green patch. People know of my parents’ generosity with their turnip greens, and some come to pick ’em a mess. Others who are not able to go pick for themselves or may be in need or suffered a setback in life will receive a good ol’ pot of greens with my dad’s delicious cornbread. Loving and caring for others through the turnip green ministry is a precious culinary tradition to me. I cherish every bite!

-Danna Standridge

Author of Happiness is Homemade Y’all! and 2024 Sweet Grown Alabama Ambassador

Read her faith story at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Join her in the kitchen on Facebook and YouTube.

Enjoy these family recipes from Danna Standridge’s cookbook, Happiness is Homemade, Y’all!, available on Amazon.

Cornbread by Gerald, also Known as Danna’s Dad

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter flavored Crisco
3/4 cup self-rising cornmeal
1/4 cup self-rising flour
1 egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
Water as needed
6-inch cast iron skillet

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Place Crisco into cast iron pan and put in the oven to melt as the skillet warms up. Mix flour, cornmeal, egg, and buttermilk. Stir and mix well. Next, stir in melted Crisco until blended well. Add water if it is too thick. Pour into skillet. Bake at 475° for 10 minutes or until bread is done. Makes 4-6 servings.

Freshly Picked Turnip Greens

Ingredients:

24 oz water
2 tablespoons bacon grease
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Take a bucket or foot tub, go to the turnip green patch and pick enough greens for a good meal. Wash greens through about 3 waters to make sure they are clean. Pick out any bad leaves. Using a large pot with a lid, prepare the liquid to cook the greens. Add about 24 oz water, bacon grease, bouillon cubes, and salt and bring to a low boil. Place a few greens in at a time until all are in the pot. Boil about 10 minutes, then turn to simmer and place a lid on top of pan and cook about 30 minutes or longer if needed.

July 2, 2024June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Sibling shenanigans have been an ongoing source of parental nightmares and family hilarity since the dawn of time. Anyone who grew up with a sibling can attest to the fact that both the most trouble they’ve ever been in as well as their happiest moments probably occurred with their brother or sister standing beside them. This happens among every species, not just humans, and it is with that fact in mind that we introduce the dynamic duo of Tank and Emerald.

Tank is seen here having fun while playing in his beloved tunnel. Click here to learn more about him.

These littermates have been wreaking havoc from day one and somehow manage to look adorable doing it. They both have so much personality individually that we decided to split them up to spread the puppy-loving wealth. Whether it is seeing Tank roll over and whine when his food bowl is just too far away, or watching Emerald turn her water bowl into her own personal splash pad, these two would make an outstanding addition to any family. They both love adults, children, and especially other dogs. The only blemish on their near-perfect record is a result of a mouthy chicken.

Tank and Emerald can be adopted together or separately. They would both love a home with kids or other dogs to play with, plenty of treats, and an abundance of toys! Tank particularly has a love for a tunnel that one of his foster siblings plays in. We fear he may have claimed it as his own and will insist that it come with him when he is adopted. Emerald on the other hand does not have a favorite toy, but she does enjoy gathering as many as possible to surround herself with. They are both very well-behaved, crate-trained, and potty-trained. They love going on adventures, whether it’s hiking or swimming or just letting out bursts of energy via zoomies in the backyard.

If you are looking for the perfect addition to your family, look no further than Tank or Emerald. To learn more about adopting one or both members of this dynamic duo, visit www.twobytworescue.com.

-Jeanie Hickman

Adoption Coordinator

June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Birmingham-based Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) joined hands with Honoring Veteran Legacies to send three Alabama World War II heroes back to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

LotUSA, an Alabama national 501 (c)(3), donated to sponsor an Alabama veteran to Normandy and helped make the trip possible. Every dollar donated to Honoring Veteran Legacies, an Alabama 501 (c)(3), went directly to support three Alabama World War II veterans on this life-changing and healing trip.

Veteran at Ceremony — The three Alabama veterans were able to attend a moving wreath laying ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The three Army Alabama Veterans who attended the 80th Anniversary ceremonies were Howard Polin (100 years old), Otis Brannon (97 years old), and Arthur Hullett (97 years old). The veterans visited the windswept Omaha and Utah beaches where American troops landed on D-Day and the Normandy American Cemetery. The veterans said, “When you go to a military graveyard where almost 10,000 Americans are buried and stand on some of the battlefields, it’s very moving.” The honored veterans also got to fly in a C-47 World War II plane that flew during the war. When asked what life advice he would give to others, Howard Polin responded, “All I can say is, be a good person. Live and let live.” Polin was an Eagle Scout when he joined the Army in World War II. He then said, “I’m a great believer in the Scout Oath. On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country…” He then recited the entire Scout Oath by heart.

Lettermen of the USA will host the 6th Annual “One Yard at a Time Gala” at The Club in Birmingham on February 28, 2025. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and celebrate with military heroes, former college and professional football players, and coaches to help raise money for veterans in need. Lettermen of the USA is a social impact non-profit organization that harnesses the incredible power of former college athletes, as well as active and former coaches nationwide to help veterans of local communities who are in need. For more details visit www.LotUSA.org. †

June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Lance was furious when his wife Stephanie announced she had become a Christian and wanted the children to know Jesus. “I don’t want my children brainwashed with fairytales!” he yelled. Stephanie does not regret her decision, but she worries her children may reject Christ because of Lance’s resistance to Christianity and their spiritual disunity as parents. She wonders if she should stay married to a man who has such disdain for God.

Perhaps you became a Christian after marriage, but your spouse has not come to faith in Christ. Even though your conversations are mostly good, discussions about God are cold and combative. You also worry about what people are thinking when you and the children attend church without your spouse. If this is your reality, here are two ways to sustain love in your marriage when your spouse does not share your love for Jesus.

Love Like a Christian. The Bible alerts Christians not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers,” (1 Corinthians 6:14). The term unequally yoked is the idea of hitching together two animals of different species. An ox and an Alaskan husky paired to pull a sled will struggle because of their physical and instinctual differences. A mismatched couple may struggle because of their worldview differences. Still, marriage (equal or not) does not excuse us from being Christians. Loving with care and grace is key. Words “seasoned with salt” can create a thirst for the Gospel (Colossians 4:5-6) and foster genuine affection.

Love Like a Promise Keeper. Despite your spiritual status at the time, your wedding-day commitments were real. Be comforted in knowing God will enable you to keep your promises as you yield to Him. Paul writes, “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him” (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). The good news of this passage is spiritually incompatible marriages are sustainable – and may thrive – with love and commitment by both spouses. The unbelieving spouse could come to saving faith by the love and actions of the believer. Secondly, believers are not required to initiate divorce based on their spouse’s spiritual status.

Your new life in Christ is proof of God’s unconditional love. Extend God’s love and shower your spouse with the fragrance of Christ and watch God do the rest.

-Dr. Alonza Jones

President and Co-Founder, Biblical Marriage Institute

Follow @biblicalmarriageinstitute

June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Group Of Families Enjoying Out 69140716

Parenting Points

Summer often brings a whirlwind of activities. While these experiences create lasting memories, they can also lead to a hectic pace that exhausts families. Amidst the busyness of summer, it’s vital to find moments of rest and reflection. Embracing Sabbath practices can help families reconnect with each other and with God, providing much-needed respite and spiritual renewal.

Understanding the Sabbath. The concept of the Sabbath originates from the Biblical commandment to rest on the seventh day, as God did after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). This rest day is about ceasing work, rejuvenating the soul, deepening relationships, and focusing on spiritual well-being. For modern families, observing the Sabbath can mean setting aside dedicated time each week to rest, worship, and enjoy each other’s company.

Creating a Sabbath Routine. Establishing a Sabbath routine can help families navigate the busy summer months with intentionality and purpose. Begin by choosing a specific day or part of a day to observe as your family’s Sabbath. This could be a traditional Sunday or another day that fits your family’s schedule. The key is consistency and commitment.

Disconnect Digitally to Reconnect Relationally. One effective Sabbath practice is to disconnect from digital distractions. Encourage family members to put away their phones, tablets, and computers to focus on being present with one another. This digital detox can foster deeper conversations, meaningful interactions, and a sense of peace often disrupted by constant connectivity.

Engage in Worship and Prayer. Dedicate part of your Sabbath to communal worship and prayer. Whether attending a church service, reading Scripture together, or singing worship songs, these activities can strengthen your family’s spiritual bond. Prayer time can also be a moment for gratitude, reflection, and seeking God’s guidance for the week ahead.

Enjoy God’s Creation. Use your Sabbath to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. These moments of connection with the natural world can be restorative and inspiring, reminding your family of God’s majesty and creativity.

Finding rest in a busy summer through Sabbath practices is essential for maintaining balance and spiritual health. You can navigate the summer’s demands with renewed energy and a deeper sense of purpose by setting aside time for rest, worship, and family connection. Embrace the Sabbath as a gift from God—a time to pause, reflect, and be restored in His presence.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com

June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Encouraging Word

Life has its ups and downs, its good days and bad days. As we travel life’s journey, we will climb to the mountain top and travel through the valleys. Even though we would like to be we are not exempt or excused from the adversity and challenges that life brings. As we experience life, we will at times struggle, stumble, suffer, need to sacrifice, and surrender. We must learn how to respond to these different situations along the way.

Struggle. Life has its struggles. Struggling is to strive to attain something in the face of difficulty or resistance. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Stumble. As you go through life, there will be times you will stumble. Stumbling is to trip or lose momentum or to make a mistake. In I John 2:1, the Apostle John writes that if we do sin (stumble), we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is to repent, get up, and keep going.

Suffer. Unfortunately, in life, suffering is unavoidable. Suffering is to experience something unpleasant or to be in a state of continued difficulty. I am learning that suffering has its place. Romans 5:3-5 tells us that suffering leads to perseverance, proven character, and hope.

Sacrifice. As you travel life’s journey, on occasion there will be a need to sacrifice. Sacrificing is the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important. Romans 12:1 says, “…to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” We need to sacrifice selfishness for holy living.

Surrender. To be successful in life, we need to learn how to surrender. Surrendering is to submit to authority. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said, “…If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny (surrender) himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” We need to follow Jesus’ example and surrender our will to God’s will!

As we travel life’s road, we will struggle, stumble, suffer, sacrifice, and surrender. Apostle Paul sums it up in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

-Tony Cooper

Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Birmingham native Mary Morgan Brown, MD is returning to the Magic City to join the St. Vincent’s based Henderson & Walton Women’s Center (HWWC) team beginning July 1. “I was actually born at St. Vincent’s and my mom was a patient at HWWC, so this feels full circle for me,” Dr. Brown says.

In her free time, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Jake and their chocolate lab, Hank.

Dr. Brown attended The University of Alabama for her undergraduate degree and then headed to the University of South Alabama for medical school. She then journeyed to the University of Oklahoma to complete her residency and that is where she met her husband, Jake. “We then moved to Phoenix, Ariz. for two years where I was in private practice,” she explains. When Dr. Brown began searching for jobs in Birmingham, she shared that HWWC was high on her list. “When I interviewed, I was very impressed by all the support from the other physicians. Even though it is a large group, I could feel that everyone truly cared for each other and was there to support each other,” Dr. Brown says.

Dr. Brown’s favorite part of being an OB/GYN is “helping people improve their lives. Whether it is having a baby, starting treatment to improve their quality of life, having a hysterectomy, or just becoming more educated about their body, I love being a part of it,” she says adding that she loves to build relationships with her patients. “Especially being a gynecologist, a lot of women share personal things with us that they don’t with other people, and that’s special.”

Dr. Brown’s faith impacts her career as a physician and how she interacts with patients. “My faith reminds me that my patients and I are only human. There are many things that are out of our control. Some days are hard as a physician, and I have to remember that I can only do my best, and God will do the rest,” Dr. Brown says. She will be serving patients at both the St. Vincent’s Birmingham and Cullman HWWC offices.

To learn more about HWWC and to schedule your appointment, visit www.hwwc.net.

-Melissa Armstrong

July 18, 2024June 26, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock beautiful young female graduat 58859555

Money Matters

A new school year will soon begin. And if you have young children, that means it’s one year closer to the day when they head off to college or another post-secondary education or training. You might be preparing for that day with a 529 education savings plan — but should you be concerned if you need to start taking withdrawals to pay for education expenses when the financial markets are volatile?

Long-term investment vehicles based on the financial markets, like a 529 plan, will always fluctuate in value. If you’ve had a 529 plan for many years, you’ve probably invested money when the market has been up, down, and flat. In fact, during down periods, it’s often a good time to invest, because your dollars buy more shares than they could when prices are up. Your hope is that, over the years, your 529 plan will gain enough to overcome the short-term declines in value. In any case, you’ll want to keep in mind the key benefit of 529 plans: Earnings and withdrawals are federally tax-free when the money is used for qualified education expenses for college and some trade school programs. Your state may give you an income tax deduction or a credit for your 529 plan contributions. In Alabama, a 529 plan can be used for K-12 schooling as well.

You have another incentive to keep your 529 plan intact despite temporary drops in value. Specifically, if you withdraw money and don’t use it for eligible education expenses, your withdrawal may be subject to a 10% penalty, in addition to state and federal income taxes. That could be a high price to pay for a move that may not be in your best interest. Many 529 plans offer investment portfolios that gradually become more risk-averse as the beneficiary gets closer to college age. A financial advisor can discuss the investment options with you. While this investment feature doesn’t guarantee you’ll have complete immunity from financial market volatility, it can help reduce its impact when you need access to the money.

Here’s one more point to keep in mind: Just because you’ve planned to access your 529 plan when your child reaches 18, or whatever age they begin their post-secondary education, you’re not required to take money out at that point. You can keep your 529 plan intact until you feel more comfortable making withdrawals, though you’ll need to consider how this decision will affect your ability to help pay for your child’s education. The financial markets will always be in some type of flux, but don’t let these movements deter you from sticking with a 529 plan — it’s still one of the best investments you can make in your child’s future.

Watch the video below to learn more about 529 education savings plans and how they can help you plan for your child’s college education or another post-secondary education.

– Laci P Graul, CRPS™

Financial Advisor

205-573-0228

www.edwardjones.com

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

June 26, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Did you know that Revelation, the last book of the Bible, is the only yet-to-be-fulfilled book of prophecy in scripture? Did you know that Jesus’s beloved disciple John is believed to have written the book after receiving a vision when he was 91 years old and exiled to a cave on a Greek island? And did you know that this vision he received from God and His Son Jesus through an angel has everything to do with you and me today? Well it is, and it does!

Forever Matters Cover — *Forever Matters – How the Return of Jesus Completes You* releases July 23, 2024, and is available for preorder now from your favorite online bookseller.

Most of us have, at some point, thought about the book of Revelation, and these thoughts have led to questions. The one question most people would like to have answered is this: What does the Revelation have to do with me today, in real time, right here and right now? And the answer is…everything. How can that be, you might ask. How can I relate to a prophecy — a prediction — about the future and end of our world? How are the seal and trumpet and bowl judgments mentioned in Revelation relevant to me? And what about the elders and thrones and crowns and angels and creatures? What about the infamous four horsemen and the Battle of Armageddon and the Tribulation and the Millennium?

Author Katy Shelton is a Birmingham native. *Forever Matters* is her third devotional published by Birmingham’s Iron Stream Media.

These questions have been hounding me for most of my life, so I recently decided to try and find some answers, to try and get a grasp on Revelation and why it’s in our Bible. When I started my journey, I had two primary questions of my own: can I find Jesus in this book of prophecy, and if so, what does Jesus want this prophecy to mean to me today? And here’s what I’ve found. The book of Revelation is many things. It’s both complicated and simple, both frightening and comforting, both challenging and rewarding. But most of all, it’s powerful. Revelation is about God’s patience and forgiveness and how He gives the people He created chance after chance to turn to Him. So, at its core, it’s about God’s love for people and His desire for us to turn to and love Him in return.

What an inviting and beautiful message this book contains on every single page. I would be truly honored if you’d join me on my journey through the Revelation, where together we’ll discover what’s going to happen, why our forevers matter, and how the return of Jesus will finally and forever complete us.

-Katy Shelton

www.katyshelton.com

June 26, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Chosen- An Intricate Weaving of Art, Scriptures and Memories brings together God’s word, memories, and stories that create a beautiful tapestry of resilient women. These tales pay tribute not only to my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother but also to all the women who have shaped our lives. By intertwining personal experiences with reflections on God’s word, this book ignites a connection between the past and the present, breathing life into faded memories and illuminating the shared experiences of previous generations. It gives insight into the lives of those who came before.

Chosen Cover — The idea to write *Chosen* came to Jane Lazenby in 2020. To learn more about this book full of art, short stories and more, visit www.janelazenbyart.com.

I have written this book with the intention of immersing readers, both young and old, in the captivating memories of generations past. It serves as a bridge, connecting the gaps between different ages and laying the foundation for understanding and celebration of future generations. For girls, this book offers the opportunity to gain insights into the bygone times through shared memories, enabling them to develop a better understanding of the generations that preceded them.

Birmingham native Jane Lazenby is self-taught artist and word collector. She finds great joy in the process of bringing characters to life on canvas or in written form.

As they read these stories, they will be able to connect with their own experiences and relate to the tales in a whole new way. Mothers, on the other hand, will find a deeper connection with the stories as they recall their own personal experiences. They will be able to share their own stories and create a dialogue with their daughters, fostering a deeper bond and understanding between generations. Finally, grandmothers will delight in retracing the footsteps of days gone by, reminiscing about a simpler world that they once knew. The stories will bring a smile to their faces, evoking cherished memories and sparking conversations with their granddaughters.

Ultimately, this book aims to create a sense of unity, appreciation, and reverence for the past. It encourages readers to reflect on the experiences of those who came before and to embrace the journey that lies ahead, collectively celebrating the beauty and wisdom of each generation. Visit www.janelazenbyart.com to learn more.

-Jane Lazenby

The Turnip Green Ministry

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media