Mostly What God Does

March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

One day, Savannah Guthrie read a passage from the Bible that hit her like a thunderbolt. As she describes it, the moment generated a radical re-framing of her concept of God. The verse grabbed her and held her heart. Having been raised in a church environment that leaned into guilt, condemnation, and the judgment of God, the verse transformed her spiritual life, ushering in a profound sense of joy, hope, and love. “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love.” Ephesians 5:1-2 The Message Bible

Mostly What God Does cover — Savannah Guthrie co-anchors the NBC News morning show *Today*. Her latest book, *Mostly What God Does* is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

In her excellent new book, Mostly What God Does (Thomas Nelson Publishing), Guthrie offers an array of essays on what it means to live in the abiding awareness that we are beloved by God. God’s love for us is deep enough to care about the details of our lives. It is powerful enough to withstand our unworthiness. It is unshaken by our failures and mistakes. It is forever fixed.

Yes, God loves us as individuals, but his love is far too expansive to be restricted. God’s love is wide enough to cover the world. Guthrie not only reminds us that we are loved, but that we also are commanded to love others. When we extend genuine love to others, the act becomes a form of worship. Perhaps nothing brings God more glory than our acts of compassion to another human being. What does God do? Mostly what He does is love. What should we do? Love God and one another. Walking in God’s love should not only change us. It should change the world.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

After serving in Vietnam, Bobby Richards thought he’d left the jungles and adversaries behind, but becoming an Oakland cop proved to be a life-altering career choice. The world had transformed during his time spent in Southeast Asia. The poodle skirt was replaced by the mini, work jeans had become flowered bell-bottoms, and the beatnik had morphed into a hippie. The foliage was replaced with concrete and the bamboo with high-rises. As a cop, Bobby encounters the best and worst of humanity. Later in life, as he reflects on his career as both a cop and a prison chaplain, he knows that his greatest challenge is yet to come- facing Death Row inmates inside San Quentin State Prison.

Three Gates to Hell cover — Find a preview of *Three Gates to Hell* at shop.ironstreammedia.com.

With a decade of law enforcement experience in the San Francisco Bay Area, three years as a volunteer chaplain at San Quentin State Prison, and a lifetime of friendship with those who protect and serve, author B. F. Randall has seen these characters firsthand. Through Three Gates to Hell, Randall hopes readers “see the compassion that truly resides in the hearts of most police officers and that they are real people facing conflicts each day that most will never experience in a lifetime.” He adds, “When trouble comes our way, the first two we call upon are God, and then a cop, and not necessarily in that order. Three Gates to Hell presents a story of how God can work in those who are expected to be the final answer… This book isn’t about superheroes, it’s about men and women compassionately protecting their community, and bringing order to those in the midst of the chaos.”

Randall is an award-winning author, graduate of the University of San Francisco, Global University (ICI), Berean Institute, and an attendee of Golden Gate Theological Seminary. He was licensed and ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance in 1984 after serving ten years as a police officer in the San Francisco Bay Area. He founded and pastored New Hope Christian Fellowship, an evangelical Christian church, and served as a volunteer chaplain at San Quentin State Prison. As a police chaplain, Randall is a trained hostage and critical incident negotiator and counselor of law enforcement personnel. He has spoken at numerous churches, conferences, seminars, retreats, and global missions. He also produced and hosted a weekly radio show that reached across the Bay Area and wrote editorials, articles, plays, and skits. His dramatic monologue from the book of James brings the Scriptures to life as he performs “A Man Called James.” Read more about Randall’s latest release, Three Gates to Hell, at shop.ironstreammedia.com. †

April 22, 2024March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Education Extra

America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, launched “America’s Field Trip,” — a nationwide scholastic contest with awardees receiving once-in-a-lifetime, behind-the-scenes access to iconic American historical and cultural sites. Montevallo’s American Village was chosen as one of only seven places in America as a field trip site!

America’s Field Trip invites elementary, middle, and high school students to submit artwork and essays reflecting on what America means to them. 75 first place awardees and a designated chaperone will be provided free travel, lodging, and access to exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime field trip experiences at select historical and cultural sites across the country, and second-place awardees will receive scholarship grants. Inaugural field trip experiences and partners include:

Private tour of the crown of the Statue of Liberty
Behind-the-scenes tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park
Weekend with National Park Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park
Behind-the-scenes tours at the National Archives, National Museum of American History, the Library of Congress, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC
Special tour of the USS Constitution Museum in Boston & sunset boat cruise
Candlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge
Costumed role-playing experience at American Village in Alabama

“Alabama is excited to participate in America’s Field Trip with America250, offering students a unique educational journey to explore America’s founding,” said Alan Miller, President and CEO of American Village. “Through this initiative, America’s founding history will be on display, providing young learners with invaluable insights into moments that brought forth a new nation.” The inaugural contest, designed in partnership with Discovery Education, will serve as the pilot launch of America’s Field Trip, which will expand in 2025 and 2026 to include additional prompts on topics relating to the country’s past, present, and future and more extraordinary field trip experiences.

How to Participate in America’s Field Trip. Students must submit individually and must work with either teachers or parents to submit entries on their behalf. Submissions across all age groups would respond to the question, “What does America mean to you?” The contest has different submission requirements and is available to any student in elementary school (third to fifth grade), middle school (sixth to eighth grade), and high school (ninth to twelfth grade) who aligns with age-appropriate skills. Submissions will be open until May 17, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in June 2024, and field trips will start in mid-July. To learn more, visit www.america250.org/FieldTrip. †

Watch the video below to learn more about this scholastic contest.

April 22, 2024March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Summer Camps

Imagine if you had the ability to read and digest the whole Bible in one setting, and then imagine, right after that, you started praying. What would those prayers sound like? The Bible itself answers that question: those prayers would sound like the book of Psalms. In a way, every story, every teaching, and every lesson in Scripture is found encoded in the breadth of language and expression in the Psalms. All the colors of emotion—from joy to sorrow, from anger to anxiety, from horror to hope—are covered in God’s “top 150” worship songs known as the Psalter. This year’s Animate, Samford’s Center for Worship and the Arts original summer camp in worship and the arts for teenagers and their adult mentors, is dedicated to exploring the Psalms as a roadmap for worship and life.

Animate group photo — Attendees of Animate: The Psalms will learn to engage in multiple styles of worship while connecting with artistically-minded friends and mentors.

What are your teenagers doing this summer? Ministry leaders and parents are encouraged to gather student musicians, vocalists, visual artists, dancers, poets, preachers, technicians, actors, and all other aspiring creatives on June 24-28, 2024 for Animate on Samford’s campus in Birmingham, Ala. With guidance from special guest artists, alongside Samford faculty and student leaders, attendees will learn to engage in multiple styles of worship and connect with artistically-minded friends and mentors, taking what they have learned back home to use their gifts to serve the church. Group leaders will get immersed in rich worship experiences, thoughtful teaching, and practical how-to sessions so that they can empower a group of young disciples who know they are not only the Church of the future—but the Church right now. The theme verse for this year’s camp is Psalm 16:11, “You teach me the way of life. In Your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in Your right hand.”

Animate students worshipping — Registration is open now for Animate: The Psalms on June 24-28, 2024. For more information and to register, click here.

Animate tuition is an all-inclusive $499 and covers on-campus housing, meals, snacks, toolbox classes, concerts, special events, and a camp t-shirt. Contact [email protected] for information on potential discounts. Use code SAMFORD24 for 50% off registration. Groups of 4+ students get $50 off per registration while groups of 10+ students get $100 off per registration. Adult Group Leaders come for FREE! Registration closes May 15, 2024. For more information and to register, visit www.Samford.edu/go/animate. †

Watch the video below to learn more about Animate: The Psalms.

April 24, 2024March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Did you know? Ovarian cancer is the 6th deadliest cancer among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 21,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over 14,000 women will die from this disease.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague or silent, and there is no simple or reliable screening. As a result, only 15% of women are currently diagnosed in the early stages of this disease which is when the five-year survival rate is at its highest.

Motherwalk group of runners — The 21st Annual Motherwalk 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run with the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation is set for May 11, 2024 at Homewood Central Park, 1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 35209.

That is why the key to earlier diagnosis is awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating, fatigue, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, backaches, painful intercourse, nausea, menstrual abnormalities, and even changes in bowel habits. “Unfortunately, a simple and reliable screening method is not currently available for ovarian cancer. A pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer,” says Ashley Thompson, Executive Director for the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation (NLOCF). “Paying attention to your body, knowing the signs and symptoms, and going to your annual gynecological exam are the best methods for early detection.”

In celebration of Mother’s Day, NLOCF will be hosting the 21st Annual Motherwalk 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on May 11, 2024. NLOCF aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and educate women on the importance of preventive care.

Motherwalk runners — Grab your running shoes for the Motherwalk 5K and Fun Run! Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. with the Chipped Timed 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and the One Mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. Sign up now at www.cureovariancancer.com.

The run will be a celebration of women and a place to remember those who have lost their lives to ovarian cancer and honor those who are battling or have beaten ovarian cancer. This event will take place at Homewood Central Park, and feature music, a kids’ zone, educational displays, merchandise vendors, photo memory mile, and a moving dove release. “We will also be presenting the 2024 ovarian cancer research grant to the UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology,” Thompson says, adding, “By supporting Motherwalk, you have the opportunity to celebrate mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. Additionally, your support will allow NLOCF to raise awareness of the silent symptoms of the disease, raise funds for the Just a Need patient support program, and continue to fund research for a much needed cure.” To learn more, visit www.cureovariancancer.org. †

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Campers Gather at Daniel Casons Music Camp

For almost 30 years, Rev. Daniel M. Cason and his wife Gwendolyn- with the help of talented volunteers and generous sponsors- have invited 300 plus children to the Daniel Cason Ministries’ Annual Summer Music Camp in Birmingham- free of charge. This year, the camp dates are July 8-27, 2024.

The camps allow children, who would not otherwise have the chance, to learn from music professionals and grow in their faith. “We host camp to accomplish two goals,” explains Cason. “One is to expose these precious kids to Excellence in Music Instruction and the other is to make sure that they hear about a man named Jesus Christ. For some of them, this just may have been their very first-time hearing about Jesus. Our curriculum is designed to be fun, educational and 100% Christian based.”

Camp Guide Daniel Cason MUSIC Camp Kids Dancing — The Daniel Cason Ministries K.I.D.S. Camp is free of charge and will be held at St. Mark C.M.E. Church in Birmingham.

Music instruction is presented in a way that encourages campers to use their God given gifts and talent for the glory of God. “Sharing the Gospel with them is our commitment to ensure they know that Jesus Christ has a plan and purpose for their lives,” explains Cason. “They need to know that Jesus in the only one who can offer them the free gift of eternal life! Jesus Christ is the center of everything we do at the KIDS Christian Music Center and we lift Him high for all to see-kids and parents alike.”

In order to host the camps for free, sponsors are needed. To make a tax-deductible donation to send children to camp, make check payable to National Christian Foundation/Alabama. In the memo section please note “K.I.D.S./ Daniel Cason KIDS Ministry #1171757. Mail to National Christian Foundation/Alabama, 400 Office Park Drive, Suite 201, Birmingham, AL 35223. To partner in this life changing ministry or learn about camp registration call 205-365-1800 or 205-365-1838. Learn more at www.danielcason.org. †

March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

You’re invited to join the American Village for the Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast on May 2, 2024 at 8 a.m. with guest speaker Sherri Burgess.

Burgess is a wife, mother, and author. Attendees of the event will hear her inspiring story of faith and how prayer helped her through the heartbreak of losing her son Bronner, who passed away in a drowning accident at the age of two on January 19, 2008.

“I had been passionate about God’s Word for many years before the earthly death of my youngest son, but in my deepest grief, I needed the comfort of a Father. I cried out to God in desperation, and not only did He hear me, but He also answered me,” Burgess says adding that her relationship with God grew during this time. “The Bible is filled with prayers and conversations people had with God. The Psalms are a book of prayers that encompass every human emotion.”

In her grief, Burgess clung to the Lord. “As I began to seek God’s answers about why He allows such horror as the earthly death of a beloved child and began to gain some understanding, I felt compelled to share what I was learning immediately,” Burgess says, adding, “I began speaking at women’s conferences only a few months after Bronner’s heaven-going, but I had felt the call to speak to women earlier. I was actually scheduled to speak at my very first women’s event the day we buried Bronner.”

Sherri Burgess — Burgess encourages anyone going through a season of hardship to “read the Psalms again and again in order to see that they are not alone in their pain … And I would point them to Revelation 21 to help them see that there will be an end to their pain if they are a child of God.”

The journey inspired her to write Bronner, A Journey to Understand. She explains that some of her speeches at conferences became chapters in the book. “I never imagined it would take five years to complete, but I feel there’s a richness in its pages that took time to develop. And when it was written, I felt such elation in knowing that I had done what the Lord called me to do,” Burgess shares. During the event, she will share what she has learned about grief, prayer, and more. “I was drawn to this event because it is a prayer event and I hope to be used by God to enrich the prayer life of those in attendance,” Burgess adds.

Tickets to the National Day of Prayer Breakfast are $30 per person and pre-reservations are required. To make reservations, email [email protected] or call 205-665-3535 x 1031. Visit www.americanvillage.org to learn more.

-Melissa Armstrong

March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO Great Giveaways this month!

Two Winners! Two Tickets each to the Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival April 20, 2024, www.bobsykesblues.com.

To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Facebook @Birmingham Christian Family.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend in the comments you would like to take with you.
SHARE the post on Facebook
FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham
SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offer ends Monday, 4/15/24. Winners announced 4/16/24 on the Facebook Giveaway Post. So be sure to FOLLOW our Facebook page @birminghamchristianfamily.

Receive a $40 Gift Card to historic Bob Sykes BarBQ, www.BobSykes.com

To enter simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

TAG a friend in the comments you would like to take with you.
POST to your story on Instagram
FOLLOW US on Facebook @Birmingham Christian Family
SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offer ends Thursday 4/25/24. Winner announced 4/26/24 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our page @cfpbirmingham.

March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Publisher’s Note

More than 140 area high school seniors recently shared with us how their Christian faith has impacted their decision making during their high school career. Each student shared these details with us in an essay they submitted as a part of the 6th annual Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) Scholarship program sponsored by the Alabama Credit Union, American Village and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control.

WOW! What great stories these students have to tell about God at work in their lives!

With the help of an independent panelist of judges, five students will be chosen as finalists for three college scholarships this year. Our essay winner will receive a $2000 scholarship and our two runner ups will each receive a $500 scholarship.

On Wednesday April 3, 2024 we will announce our finalists on Facebook and Instagram. You have the opportunity to read these students’ great stories April 4-10, 2024 and help us select our scholarship winners! Read their outstanding essays at www.BirminghamChristian.com/Scholarship then cast your vote for your favorite student essay.

Vote by simply Liking and Sharing your favorite student essay post on our Facebook page, @BirminghamChristianFamily. Cast an additional vote on Instagram @CFPBirmingham by simply Liking and Commenting on your favorite student essay post.

Voting ends Wednesday April 10, 2024, and winners will be announced on Friday April 12, 2024 on Facebook and Instagram. Winners will also be recognized in the May issue of Birmingham Christian Family.

Join BCF in encouraging our youth to live out their faith wherever they are, and may we set an example for them to follow. †

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

John M. Morgan, MD recently celebrated delivering more than 10,000 babies over his 38 years of practicing medicine here in Birmingham. Reflecting on his career, he shared how blessed he feels to have such a unique perspective on how God is at work in the miracle of birth. Morgan says he will miss this aspect of his work going forward, but also looks forward to continuing to practice medicine at Brookwood Women’s Health, P.C. by helping women in the many other interesting areas of their health, including hormone replacement therapy.

Dr. John Morgan — John Morgan, MD is a graduate of UAB and the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a diplomate of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

Dr. Morgan shares that he has seen how hormone replacement therapy has helped his older patients going through menopause but also many younger women. “Classically we would treat menopausal ladies. They hit 51 years older and start missing their periods, have hot flashes, night sweats, can’t’ sleep, anxious, depressed. However, we then found out that some women in their thirties, they will have a testosterone deficiency and they have benefited very well from treatment.” Dr. Morgan adds that today his patients have multiple options when it comes to the form of hormone replacement therapy treatment including oral medication, creams, patches and bioidentical pellets. The pellet is put underneath the skin, about the size of a piece of rice, and it lasts for three or four months, and I have seen patients do very well with that.”

Dr. Morgan is also considered a pioneer in robotic surgery and is one of the busiest robotic surgeons at Brookwood Medical Center, one of the top five percent of robotic centers in the U.S.. He is also a diplomate of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and is published in The American Journal of Bariatric Medicine. †

Click below to watch an in-depth interview with Dr. Morgan.

Mostly What God Does

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