After He Rose… He Got Arrested: Camping Stories with Walt Merrell

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Walt and daughters standing in front of lake

The Great Outdoors

Our Easter celebration on the banks of the Cahaba River was special indeed. (See the March edition of Birmingham Christian Family). It is one of those moments that my girls sometimes reflect on with fondness- an Ebenezer Stone in the memory vault of their life. But admittedly, those fond memories are sometimes overshadowed by what came just a few days after that Easter celebration.

Our camping trip was over. Paddling by kayak, we crossed the shoals just above Centreville, in Bibb County, and we made shore under the Highway 82 bridge. We’d left our trucks there earlier in the week. The bluff under the bridge was steep- more upright than any set of stairs. We clung to toe holds to find footing sufficient to climb up the incline. Getting gear and kayaks up that slope was grueling work. On my second trip up the bluff, a kindly Sheriff’s Deputy approached. “Sir, would you mind stepping over here away from the little ones?” I obliged. “Are you familiar with the Bibb Correctional Facility,” he asked. I told him I was and advised him that I used to live in the area. “Well, sir. A very dangerous man has escaped from the facility this morning. His name is… and he is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 250 pounds. He should be wearing an orange jump suit. Right now, a team of tracking dogs is pushing him up this bank of the river, and unless he gives up, it is only a matter of time before he gets here.”

Walt and his daughters in canoe — Even though I had been oblivious to the presence of deputies and state police standing on the top of the bridge, they were still protecting us as we labored up the bluff.

A shiver ran down my spine. I looked around to make sure I could see all of the kids and for the first time, I noticed deputies and state police standing on top of the bridge. They were spread in a dragnet along the tree line on the up-river side of the bridge. I had been oblivious to their presence as they protected us as we labored up the bluff. “You folks can keep loading your gear,” the Deputy said adding, “I think you have enough time before he gets here and I understand that you can’t just leave it, but if he comes through the tree line, I need y’all to immediately take cover in your truck and lock the doors.” I spent a minute telling the girls what the Deputy advised. He stood close by, ever vigilant. I appreciated his presence. After my third trip down the bank and then a labored strain back up and to the truck, I could hear hounds. They were faint but increasing in volume. I told the girls to be alert. “Those are the tracking dogs,” I said nervously. But the officers were staged everywhere- omnipresent, almost.

Bay, Cape and I struggled to get our last load up the bluff. Mid-stride, Cape stopped and stared into the woods. The dogs were close- as if they would pierce the veil of the woods at any moment. “How did they cover so much ground so quickly?” I wondered. Cape stood motionless, and just as I was about to get on to her for not getting the last of the gear, the dog’s barking became unmistakably present. “Daaaaaad! There he is!” Cape yelled. Her eyes were wide and focused, and her finger pointed to the convict bursting through the brush line. Shouting ensued and the chaos was deafening. “Get in the truuuuuck,” my friend Chris shouted, and everyone started running. The convict was not more than 50 feet away and was running nearly full speed. He would be upon us in a few seconds. All of the kids piled into the truck and locked the door. But with instantaneous precision, police descended from every nook and cranny of the bridge and the fellow was quickly subdued.

Omnipresent. He protects us when we don’t even know He is there. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

-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.

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

If you grew up in the South, then you know that when spring starts coming on and the flowers start putting on buds, it’s time for Decorations. What are Decorations? Sometimes known as Homecomings, Decorations are a set time every year when families come to their home church to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed on by ‘decorating’ their graves with flowers. It’s also a time to reconnect with loved ones who are still among the living. And a most favored part of the day is “dinner on the ground.”

Decoration Day flowers being put out — Decoration Day in the South is a time for families to come together and remember loved ones who have passed away while enjoying time together.

Dinner on the ground isn’t really on the ground, and it’s not at dinnertime. In the South, to honor the Lord and Savior and to show its importance in our society, our lunchtime on Sunday is called dinner. Sunday dinner is just the best. Tables laden with the best recipes from all the best cooks are to be had as you carry on and visit with relatives and friends and hear the re-telling of those beloved family stories of days gone by.

So, if you are lucky enough to have a Decoration to go to, grab the kids and make your very best dish to share. Go enjoy this time-honored tradition in the South. Your children will learn all about who they are and where they come from as they enjoy dinner on the ground. You will have some of the best Southern cooking of your life and if you find a dish that you relish, ask around and tell the cook how much you enjoyed it. You may walk away with a new recipe as our Southern cooks are generous in sharing with those who ask.

-Danna Standridge

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

Read her faith story at www.birminghamchristian.com/issues.

Join her in the kitchen on Facebook and YouTube.

Nanny Swann’s Chicken and Dumplings

Decoration Day food spread — Decoration Day is also an opportunity to enjoy great food with family.

My Nanny Swann’s Chicken and Dumplings was always the star of the show at our Decorations at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hayden.

Chicken and Broth:

Stew your chicken and ½ Tablespoon salt in 8-10 cups of water for around 45 minutes till meat pulls away from the bone easily. Discard skin and bones and shred chicken. Set aside.

Making the Dumplings

2 cups plain flour (if using self-rising flour, omit the salt)

1 teaspoon salt

½ stick butter, melted

1/2 to 2/3 warm chicken broth

Instructions:

Put flour and salt in bowl, make well in center, add 1/2 cup broth and melted butter, stir, and gradually add broth as needed till dough forms a ball. If dough is too wet, add more flour. If too dry, add more broth. Let dough rest for 15-20 minutes. Flour counter and work dough to a smooth ball being careful not to overwork the dough. Overworking will cause tough dumplings. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Flour counter and roll dough to 1/8″ thick. Cut into dumplings the size of your choice. Nanny’s were about 2″×1 ½.” Bring chicken broth to a rolling boil. Drop 3 to 4 dumplings in one at a time in different areas of the broth so they won’t stick to each other. DO NOT OVER STIR. Adjust heat as necessary to keep dumplings from scorching. After last dumpling is added cook for at least 10 minutes at a gentle rolling boil. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the broth. Whisk 2 tablespoons of flour to one cup of whole milk and pour into the broth. Bring back to a gentle boil for 10 minutes. Turn off heat. Put the lid on and let sit for 15 minutes or more until the juice has thickened to your liking.

This recipe can be found in Danna’s best-selling cookbook, Happiness is Homemade, Y’all available on Amazon.

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Springtime Pests in Alabama. Here are just a few of the critters found in Alabama that you may need spring pest control services for:

Rodents
Moths
Roaches
Mosquitoes
Bees and Wasp
Spiders
Termites

Here are a few of our best tips for springtime pest control that you can tackle at home.

Indoor Chores. Your spring cleaning chores to prevent pests indoors should include decluttering under beds and other hidden areas, dusting around cracks in baseboards and doorways, sweeping and wiping up the debris of dust and food from floors and surfaces, sanitizing surfaces, clearing cobwebs, and vacuuming carpeted areas.

Outdoor Maintenance. To prevent pests from nesting or otherwise residing on your property outdoors, keep your yard clear of leaf piles, puddles, and damp wood as best as possible. Also, be sure to mend any gaps or cracks outside your home that critters could crawl through and clear out gutters that run along roofing and siding.

Food Storage. Most pests tend to enjoy human food as much as you do and have great senses of smell. Store food in air-tight containers to block the scent from any pests lurking nearby.

Plant a Decoy Wasp Nest. Did you know that wasps won’t build nests in places where there’s already a nest? If there’s one spot on your property where wasps can’t seem to stay away from, purchase a decoy nest and plant it there. Don’t worry, wasps won’t try to move into it because they stick to their own colonies!

Protect Windows. Cracking open a window can let in some much-needed fresh air, especially if you’ve been bottled up at home all day. However, if you open a window and there’s no screen, or the screen is damaged, fresh air likely won’t be the only thing coming through. Prevent flies and other pests from entering your home by replacing or repairing broken and torn window screens and keeping them clean.

When to Call a Pest Control Expert. Although the above recommendations can be effective in preventing pests, you’ll need professional help dealing with an infestation or for routine checkups. If you typically have a problem with certain pests in spring, it’s best to have a pest control specialist come and spray for them. At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, we have proudly served Alabama families since 1965. Whether you need us for fall, summer, winter, or spring pest control, we’re glad to help protect you and your family with our effective solutions! Call us at 205-663-4200 or visit www.vulcantermite.com to learn more about our affordable, effective pest control solutions.

-Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc

205-663-4200

www.vulcantermite.com

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Encouraging Word

It is no accident that Jesus pointed out in Matthew 16:24 that the first step to discipleship is to “deny self.” Deny means to refrain from satisfying oneself. My family doctor, in encouraging me to lose weight said, “Tony, it is okay to deprive yourself.” Jesus was saying to refrain from being selfish. We need to stop serving and worshiping ourselves. Self cannot be at the center of one’s life. Jesus is to be on the throne; not self. We cannot serve self and Jesus at the same time. We tend to gratify ourselves and that gets in the way of Jesus being Lord.

Here are some “myths” about self that need to be addressed:

You are always right.
You should always get your way.
You should be exempt from adversity and suffering.
Others should always respect your opinion.

These are false assumptions. Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.’” Selfishness (flesh) must be nailed to the cross. One must be born again and receive a new nature (II Corinthians 5:17). This must take place before one can become a Christ-follower.

We need to move from being “selfish” to “selfless.” We must surrender control to Jesus. We agree with John the Baptist who said, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30 KJV). And like Jesus’ prayer where He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Self has to be dealt with. Self has to get out of the way to make room for Jesus!

-Tony Cooper

Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiahalemission.com

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

“It’s been 45 years since we said, ‘I do,’ Stan mumbles, “but lately, I’ve wondered if I didn’t make a mistake.” Stan’s sentiments represent a disturbing trend among senior couples. In the early years, Stan and Lisa shared many interests and were best friends. But when children came, and Stan’s job became more demanding, those special moments became harder to find. As empty-nesters, Stan plays pickleball, and Lisa loves being Nana. She wants to slow down. He wants to be more adventurous. The marriage feels lifeless.

According to Dr. Susan L. Brown, divorce for couples fifty and older doubled between 1990 and 2010. Among the eldest segment of seniors (sixty-five and older), divorce continues to rise. Increasing emphasis on individualism and self-satisfaction, along with “growing apart in midlife,” contribute to what Brown calls “gray divorce.” How can happy Christian couples maintain vibrancy and mutual satisfaction throughout the golden years of marriage? Here are two ways to keep marital vitality fresh and sustainable.

1. Remember Your First Vows. The first vows in most Christian weddings include promises to live with your new spouse “according to God’s holy ordinance,” to love, comfort, honor, and forsake all others “so long as you both shall live.” It may surprise some, but in this part of the ceremony, the couple makes a vertical commitment to God before making a horizontal commitment to each other. Knowing your marriage is built on a covenant with God—who never breaks a promise—is reassuring if marital energy begins to wane. Couples drift apart when they rely on human will and emotions alone. Trusting God together through prayer may sound trite, but it is a crucial component of a lasting marriage.

2. Attend to the Little Things. The Bible cautions, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1, ESV). This warning against spiritual complacency provides a powerful principle for marriages—be consistent in the basics. In marriage, the fundamentals include forgiveness, unselfish love, and friendship. Aging couples may face challenges, such as hearing, memory, and decreased libido. However, for those who master the essentials of a biblical marriage, transitioning to new and fun ways to enjoy life together can be seamless. Do you want to experience marital vitality until “death us do part?” Rely on the Maker of marriage and focus on the fundamentals of godly love.

-Dr. Alonza Jones

President and Co-Founder, Biblical Marriage Institute

Follow @biblicalmarriageinstitute

May 9, 2024April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Money Matters

Here’s a sobering statistic: 72% of retirees say one of their biggest fears is becoming a burden on their families, according to a study by Edward Jones and the consulting firm Age Wave. If you are near retirement, how can you prepare yourself to become financially free, so you won’t have to depend on grown children or other family members? Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Keep adding to retirement savings. Today, with a greater awareness of healthy lifestyles, many people are spending two, or even three, decades in active retirement. To help pay for those years, then, you’ll likely need to build your retirement savings as much as possible. So, while you’re still working, try to contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Choose an appropriate withdrawal rate. While it’s important to build your retirement savings, it’s just as essential to make the money last. Once you retire, you’ll want to establish an appropriate withdrawal rate — that is, the amount you can take out each year from your 401(k) and other investments without running the risk of outliving your money. The amount you can safely withdraw each year will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, your account balances, Social Security benefits, inflation, income tax rates, and spousal income.

Think about downsizing. One possible way to boost your savings and add liquidity is to downsize your living arrangements. This may be an attractive option if your children are grown, and your current home feels too large. Of course, downsizing is a highly personal decision — if you’ve lived in your home for many years, it can certainly be hard to leave. Consequently, you’ll need to weigh the emotional factors against the potential financial benefits of moving into a smaller, less expensive space.

Prepare for long-term care costs. If you were ever to need some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home, you could face some sizable expenses, most of which may not be covered by Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Clearly, you would not want to put your grown children in a position where they might feel the need to step in financially. To help avoid this possibility, you may want to consult with a financial professional about addressing these costs through strategies that may be appropriate for your needs.

These aren’t the only ideas to consider in helping maintain your financial independence and reducing your potential dependence on your family during your retirement years but taken together, they can give you a good start.

Watch the video below to learn more about how you can prepare for financial freedom now.

– Laci P Graul, CRPS™

Financial Advisor

205-573-0228

www.edwardjones.com

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

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

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24

Children arrive at Big Oak Ranch in need. They need love. They need guidance. They need the stability of family. Each of the homes at Big Oak is led by a Christian couple. These houseparents invest in the lives of the children in their home so they can heal from past hurts and grow into their purpose. Without question, it’s a calling. Houseparents serve in a full-time role, providing a healthy, Christ-centered environment with the support of a like-minded community. They lead children to the Gospel by providing the love and support of family, and the impact lasts for generations. Here is Zach and BJ McLean’s houseparenting story.

Zach, BJ, and family — Zach and BJ McLean have been serving as houseparents with Big Oak Ranch for three years.

We arrived at Big Oak seeking and longing for something more. The former chaos we found in the world made us long for a like-minded community of people we could serve alongside. It made us long to usher in goodness where there was brokenness, to be a part of something greater than ourselves. We sought and were unable to find…until Big Oak.

Now we live within a community, within a family, that shares the same understanding and longing for this life. A family of people who stand beside us, as we were never made to do it alone. Even in the midst of the toughest seasons, there is unexplainable peace. In this place, in this ministry, in this band of believers working with us, we find strength. Together, we get to do pressing but rewarding work. Each home on the Ranch represents not just a family that lives in each home, but OUR family that lives in each home. And together, we live this life of service, this life of helping children navigate their own trials. Yes, our faith is challenged, and our patience tested. But within this testing, we experience the Love of the Father in ways we never imagined.

-Zach & BJ McLean

Big Oak Boys’ Ranch Houseparents

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

The Key to Trusting Comes Down to Knowing His Name. Trust. Sounds simple. But trust is a complicated and delicate matter. We know we should trust God, yet we grapple with the question: How do we actually do that? Especially when life presents unexpected trials, trusting a God we can’t see seems like a big challenge.

Author Becky Harling’s passion is to help women strengthen their faith in the goodness of God. Harling is a popular speaker at retreats and conferences and the host of The Connected Mom podcast. Her life experiences as a pastor’s wife, parent, grandparent, women’s ministries director, and survivor of breast cancer all bring depth and transparency to her message.

Her latest release, Tethered Trust brings new insight into the names of Jesus as taught in Isaiah 9:6. The main message is that Jesus is totally trustworthy. As women gather with their friends to truly understand His names, it will be easier for them to trust Christ even in life’s challenges. Life has so many unexpected changes that send us in multiple directions, but Jesus will hold us close and provide all we need to remain faithful. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of coffee, gather your girlfriends, open your Bibles, and begin to process together how you can trust God more fully! †

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Last month Two by Two Animal Rescue was proud to announce that we’ve received seventeen dogs from the war-torn area of Gaza and Israel. If we’re being honest, even though we were thrilled to be asked for help and to be of service, it was also a very scary decision to make. A lot of thoughts ran through our minds – not about where they would go, but about how they would be. Everything would be different for them; the smells, the sounds, the language, the terrain, the weather, the other animals in the area… Would they adapt well to the changes? Would they be scared out of their wits?

Pictured is Bathsheba who is adjusting to living life in Alabama.

A month has gone by, and we finally know some of the answers. These dogs are unlike our other rescues in many ways. First, they do not understand to concept of toys or treats. We provided each dog with a gift bag as a welcome and each one included some treats and a stuffy toy. All stuffy toys were left untouched, and the treats were unceremoniously tossed aside. We did find rather quickly though, that cream cheese and turkey slices were most definitely on the menu. There’s also a slight obsession with heights with a few of them. They do whatever it takes to make sure they have acquired the high ground. Some of this behavior includes breaking out of their kennels so that they can sleep on top of it instead of inside of it. Or jumping up on the counter – not to get into anything, but just to have a better vantage point. One of our fosters famously came home from work one afternoon and found Jebediah waiting eagerly to greet her on top of the kitchen counter. After a brief stare-down, he hopped down and welcomed her home.

All in all, the war dogs are mild-mannered but still on a learning curve. A few of them would do better outdoors. A few of them are still on the shy side and need more time to adjust, but overall, they are just looking for what every dog is looking for – love, compassion, patience, and safety. To learn more about Two by Two Rescue and find adoptable pets, visit www.twobytworescue.com.

-Jeanie Hickman

Adoption Coordinator

April 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

Life is filled with transitions—moving to a new home, changing schools, entering adolescence—each bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For some families, May marks the beginning of a transition season. Navigating these transitions can be challenging for children and students, but with the support of family and trusting God by faith, they can embrace change with courage and resilience.

Recognize the Challenges of Transition. Transitions can evoke emotions in children and students, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and fear. They may feel overwhelmed by the unknown or mourn the loss of familiarity. Acknowledging these feelings and providing a safe space for children to express themselves is important.

Turn to God for Strength During the Transition. Our faith in God can be a source of strength and comfort. By grounding themselves in their faith and trusting in God’s plan, children and students can find the courage to face new challenges confidently. Encourage children to turn to prayer, scripture, and spiritual practices to help them navigate change with grace and resilience.

Find Stability Amidst the Transition. During times of transition, children and students crave stability and consistency. Establish routines and traditions that provide security and continuity amidst change. Incorporate faith practices into daily life, such as family prayer, scripture reading, and attending worship services, to reinforce a sense of connection to God and each other.

Model Resilience. Parents serve as role models, demonstrating how to navigate transitions. Share stories of your experiences with change and how God helped you through difficult times. By modeling a positive attitude and relying on God’s guidance, you can inspire confidence and resilience in your children.

Seek Support During Transition. Navigating transitions is not something children should do alone. Encourage them to seek support from family members, friends, and trusted adults, including pastors or youth leaders. Surrounding themselves with a supportive community can provide additional encouragement and guidance as they navigate new experiences.

Transitions are a natural part of life, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. Helping children and students navigate change with reliance on God and support from others empowers them to embrace new experiences with confidence and resilience. Together, as we follow God, we can navigate life’s transitions with grace and hope for the future.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

After He Rose… He Got Arrested: Camping Stories with Walt Merrell

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