For parents of homeschool students, finding academic opportunities equivalent to those offered in traditional schools can be a challenge. Faulkner University is working to do something about that. Homeschool students in the Birmingham area who wish to enroll in dual enrollment courses and receive college credit now have another option; in person college classes taught from a Christian worldview.
Beginning this fall, Faulkner University’s Birmingham campus is offering dual enrollment classes for homeschool students. Our location, in Hoover near the intersection of I-65 and Valleydale Road, means convenience for students throughout Jefferson and Shelby counties. Our SACS accredited course offerings mean ease of course transfer to a student’s college of choice. Find out more about Faulkner’s dual enrollment opportunity for homeschool students by visiting www.faulkner.edu or by calling 205.879.5588. Learn about other educational opportunities at Faulkner here. †
When Brenda came to Two by Two, she was missing so much of her fur that we honestly did not know the breed. Low and behold, with the help of a little medication and a lot of love, this brindle beauty emerged and wasted no time in stealing our hearts. If you are looking for a dog to take out on the water, then Brenda is the girl for you.
Brenda loves all things water, whether it be the lake, river or backyard swimming pool. Her foster dad loves taking her on long walks and to play with other dogs at the dog park. She does extremely well on the leash and has gotten along with every dog that’s crossed her path. Since she knows she is such a pretty girl, she basks in all the attention her stripes receive and will gladly collect as many adoring fans as she can—especially if they have treats.
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 Helena, Ala., and has coordinated the rescue and adoption of cats, dogs, horses and even a few pot-bellied pigs. Two by Two has adopted out dogs across the United States and even a few abroad! To learn more about Two by Two visit www.twobytworescue.com.
Foster Facts
A school teacher recently asked Two by Two Rescue how to answer the following question from a supervisor. “Rescue dogs invited to our school? Aren’t those dogs in a rescue because they are bad?” Our answer to the question derives from real life experiences from which we have intervened. A few reasons an animal may be in a rescue:
Natural disasters often leave a road of destruction in their wake. Minuteman Disaster Response (MDR) seeks to arrive right after the storm and help those in need. “The mission of Minuteman Disaster Response is to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster through the deployment of highly trained and equipped volunteers,” Randy Rogan, Director of Operations, Region 4 explains.
MDR’s goal is to be close enough to a storm so that after it hits, the team of volunteers can be there to help with immediate needs and assess the damage. “Once the Rapid Response Team assesses the need, then they come back and inform the organization of the needs,” Rogan says, adding, “Then we decide how we are going to respond and deploy and send our Relief Team.” MDR was founded in 2011 and is based in McKinney, Tx. The organization recently expanded to have an operation base in Birmingham to cover what FEMA refers to as Region 4. They chose the Magic City since it is close to the middle of the region. Region 4 covers Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, and Florida. “We decided to duplicate all of our equipment and everything we have in Texas to Birmingham and that’s my charter,” Rogan shares.
In addition to disaster relief, Rogan is passionate about leading worship at his church.
The MDR team has recently dedicated time and effort to bring relief to the city of Amory, Miss. which was hit by an EF-3 tornado. “I was there the day after the storm hit performing rapid response,” Rogan says, adding, “For several weeks, we did chainsaw work, cleaned up properties, moved debris, and worked with the people. The most rewarding part is loving on the people.” The MDR team tells the families affected that they have been praying for them before they arrived and they also pray with them before they leave. “When they find out our work is free of charge, it’s a big deal for them,” Rogan says. To date, MDR has helped roughly 50 homeowners. Churches and individuals in Birmingham helped with this relief including the Church at Brook Hills which is a partner church of MDR. Rogan shares that the Birmingham group has deployed several other times this year including to Selma.
In coming to Birmingham, MDR hopes “to quickly respond and help more people in need. We are trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these communities,” Rogan says. Volunteers fuel the work of MDR. To learn how you can volunteer, visit www.minutemanresponse.org.
Little girls imagine fairytale weddings with castles, horse-drawn carriages, and of course, a handsome prince. Finances or the lack of royal pedigree will prevent most of them from fulfilling this dream. Still, many will spend a small fortune on their special day. While preparing for an unforgettable moment at the altar is good, preparing for a lifetime of memories is better.
The Real Cost of Tying the Knot. According to the online wedding planning service Zola, the median wedding budget in 2022 was $25,000-$35,000.* There is nothing wrong with celebrating in style. Notably, Jesus kept the party going at the wedding in Cana by turning water into wine (John 2:1-12). However, His presence and participation affirmed more than merrymaking. Jesus validated marriage itself. Biblical marriage is to be “held in honor among all” (Hebrews 13:4 ESV). It is a solemn covenant instituted by God between a man and a woman for life. The wedding celebration should not overshadow the sacredness of marriage. The actual cost of tying the knot depends on the intangible investments made before the ceremony. Couples who invest wisely will reap dividends of lasting love and commitment. Unwise investors risk a life of failing love and marital bankruptcy.
A Marriage Investment Plan. If you are planning a wedding this year, here are three investments to make before saying, “I do.”
1. Invest in yourself. Have you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? In what ways are you improving your communication skills?
2. Invest in Biblical marriage education. Are you certain you are ready for marriage? How would you rate your understanding of biblical marriage?
3. Invest in Biblical pre-marital counseling. Do you feel your marriage expectations are realistic? Have you discussed roles and responsibilities with your fiancée?
The Payoff. In fairytale nuptials, the bride and groom always live “happily ever after.” In real life, marital bliss is not guaranteed. Happiness, like any emotion, is an unreliable measure of success. Our moods can change based on what we had for dinner. Of course, no one wants a miserable marriage. The good news is happiness can result from friendship, forgiveness, and unselfishness. The payoff of a Christ-centered marriage is knowing you prepared well, loved unconditionally, and remained faithful to the end.
-Alonza Jones
President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute
Summer means more time to enjoy the outdoors in the beautiful sunshine. Before you step out the door, be sure you protect your skin with sunscreen and your eyes with UV blocking shades. Too much sun, particularly UV light, can damage your eyes causing cataracts as well as destroy the retina, the lining at the back of your eyes that helps you see clearly (www.webmd.com).
When picking out a pair of sunglasses, consider the following:
UV Protection. Be sure the glasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection
Lens Material. The pros of plastic include being lighter weight, more cost effective and impact resistant. The lenses will not crack or shatter like glass. The pros of glass include being more scratch resistant than plastic and giving you the best visual clarity and quality.
Lens Color/Finish. Mark’s Outdoors eyewear expert Vaughn Jones points out that gray color based lenses are perfect for bright sunlight conditions like off shore fishing and are particularly popular among individuals with light sensitivity. Copper based color lenses are better suited for varying light conditions. “The copper based lens is the most versatile lens,” says Vaughn, “and the one I recommend for everyday wear.” The lens finish is also something to consider. A mirrored finish will block out more light.
Vaughn says the best way to find a pair of sunglasses that will meet your needs is to try on multiple options. Mark’s Outdoors has more than 1000 pairs in stock and offers the largest selection of Costa eyewear in the Southeast, making it easy for you to pick out a pair that will fit your face as well as the activities you enjoy. The Costa brand also offers you 100% Polarization and UV Protection. So before you head to the beach or out to fish, stop by and let Vaughn and the team at Mark’s Outdoors help you and your family pick out sunglasses that will offer you a great view and great protection all year long.
Birmingham’s Jamie Tarence is passionate about providing practical tips for busy women that they can use in their day-to-day life. “In 2011, a dear friend and I were leading a church small group called ‘Housewife 101’ where we ministered to young wives and moms,” Tarence says, adding, “We take very seriously the charge of older women teaching younger women.” Her husband, Zane, encouraged her to start a website and put the helpful information she was teaching in the small group for anyone to be able to access. Family Savvy quickly took off when she started sharing her recipes, tips, and more. “Within a span of a year, I hit a viral post that kicked me up into Google and the rest is history,” Tarence shares.
For more than ten years Jamie Tarence has shared practical tips for busy women on her website and now also hosts a “Savvy Podcast.” Starting next month, look for practical family tips from her in Birmingham Christian Family.
Tarence explains how Family Savvy topics (www.familysavvy.com) have expanded as she enters new seasons of life. “When I started it, I was a mom of young children and it’s expanded now that I am mid-life.” Website visitors can find tips for mid-life style, health and beauty, recipes, family, and home décor. “I like to share practical advice that anyone can use to run a home and family while still juggling many hats,” Tarence explains, adding, “I feel like I’m the home economics teacher a lot of people didn’t have.” Her mission is to help her followers be self-sufficient in the kitchen. ”I want to take the intimidation and stress out of running a home,” Tarence shares, adding, “And make it as easy for others as it is for me or at least not quite so stressful.” One of Tarence’s favorite parts of running Family Savvy is connecting with her followers. “I just love my people,” she says.
Jamie Tarence and her husband Zane are active members of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham and enjoy leading small groups for young married couples. They have been married 35 years and have three adult daughters.
Tarence’s faith in God is an integral part of her life as a wife, mom, and blogger. “My faith is the basis of everything I do,” Tarence says. Her goal is that everything she shares on her platform will be encouraging and inspiring to her followers. “In a loving way, I strive to let the light of Christ shine through me in everything I say and do.” To learn more about Tarence and Family Savvy, visit www.familysavvy.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @family_savvy, Facebook @FamilySavvy, and Pinterest @familysavvy. Starting next month, also look for tips from Tarence in her new column in Birmingham Christian Family.
Here in Alabama, we have no shortage of bugs. And while we typically associate summer as the season when they’re most annoying, they come out in full force during the spring! Watch out for these three pests:
1. Mosquitoes. There’s nothing like high-pitched buzzing and itchy red spots ruining outdoor fun! Because springtime in the South is so rainy, it creates the perfect breeding ground for these annoying insects. One of the best things you can do to keep these pests away is to remove standing water around your yard as soon as possible. That’s no easy task when it rains for several days, but it can make a big difference in the number of mosquitoes you see! While it isn’t as much you can do with natural puddles, be sure to overturn buckets, toys, pots, or anything that could hold water.
2. Ants.Ants will hunker down in their colonies during cold weather. As things heat up outside, they’ll begin venturing further and further from home to find food. One irritating (but fascinating!) thing about ants is that they can leave pheromone trails. That means when one ant finds your pantry, the entire colony knows about it. Immediately store all of your food in airtight containers. Wipe down sticky surfaces, vacuum up crumbs, and take out your trash regularly! If ants don’t find what they’re looking for in your home, they’ll continue searching elsewhere.
3. Termites. The start of spring is synonymous with the onset of termite season—when they begin leaving their colonies to mate and create more termites! Keep an eye out for tiny holes in and around your home and wood shaving on windowsills. You’ll want to keep any wood (like firewood) stored away from your house. That way, if termites decide to make your wood pile their dinner, they won’t move onto your home for dessert! If you notice signs of termite damage, you must call the professionals as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
It’s time to invest in springtime pest control. Continuing your pest control services throughout the winter is your best defense against springtime pests. If you took a break, it’s time to get things going again. Not only are the pests beginning to stir, but the spring rain can also drive them to seek shelter inside your home! Call Vulcan Termite & Pest Control at 205-663-4200 or visit www.vulcantermite.com to get started.
Fostering Options. Does the idea of bringing a strange animal into your home frighten you? Are you worried that if they stay for too long that you will get too attached and never want to let them go? Do you travel at certain times of the year, which could potentially cut into your availability to care for an animal in need?
It is not uncommon to only be able to foster for short periods of time. What you may not know is, we have several opportunities for short term fosters! We are always looking for short term, weekend, vacation, emergency and even overnight fosters. Any time spent in a home setting is invaluable not only for us as a rescue, but also for the dog! It is when they are in a home setting that we can glean the most information about their personalities, their likes, their dislikes and their funny little quirks which in turn helps us find the best possible match for their furever family. It is also when the dog learns their manners and gets the one-on-one attention that they all desperately crave — even if just for a day. If you would like to help out for short bursts of time, email [email protected] and apply at www.twobytworescue.com/fostering.
Meet Reya. She’s big. She’s goofy. She has ears that can pick up signal from miles around and a smile that can bring the entire internet to its knees. Reya is a giant ray of sunshine. If you’re looking for a furry best friend, then look no farther. This girl’s entire body will wiggle with excitement the minute your tires hit the driveway. Reya is crate and house trained and walks wonderfully on a leash. However, she does have a strong distrust of cats and honestly finds most other dogs shady as well. In her opinion, the single dog life is the way to go.
Firehouse Kittens. There’s nothing worse than an abandoned kitten…. Unless it is three newborn abandoned kittens. Luckily, they were left at a fire station. When our brave first responders found them, they were quick to jump into action and call Two by Two. Today, all three kittens are fat, happy and most importantly, safe! We were able to secure a bottle feeding foster just in the nick of time! As they grow, their little personalities have begun to shine through. They are all sweet, loving and playful. Now they are on to their next great adventure — finding forever homes!
To learn more about these adorable animals, email [email protected] and apply to adopt at www.twobytworescue.com/adopt. Two by Two is a faith based, no kill rescue operating out of Helena, Ala. whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, stray and distressed animals. †
This Mother’s Day, the team at Christian Family Publications wanted to take a moment to recognize the important roles our mothers have played in our lives and thank them for it.
“I’m so thankful for my mom’s laugh- it’s infectious- in fact my kids say she gave it to me! On a more serious note- I am forever grateful for how she has reminded me countless times over the years where my strength comes from and shown me what it means to love unconditionally. It’s not just words- it’s her actions that point me to our Savior.” (Romans 8:28)
-Laurie Franklin, Publisher, Birmingham Christian Family
“I don’t know where I would be without my mom. She isn’t just a wonderful mom… She is truly my best friend! She has been a constant source of strength, stability, support, and love throughout my life. She shows me the love of God every day and I never question her love for me. I love you, Mom!”
-Melissa Armstrong, Editorial Manager, Birmingham Christian Family
“Callia was always my biggest fan! She spent untold hours teaching me to read and drilling me on flash cards. Always at my little league games and sat by my side when I was in the hospital. She encouraged me to attend college and I was the first in my family to graduate. Great cook too! Miss you Mom!”
-Steve Johnson, Account Executive, Birmingham Christian Family
“My dad always says we act more like best friends than mother and daughter, and that’s still true after 54 years!”
-Wendy Satterwhite, Art Director, Birmingham Christian Family and Nashville Christian Family
Congratulations to Angela Giffin from Homewood High School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Giffin receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. Read her inspiring words on how her faith has guided her decision making throughout her high school career.
Angela Giffin attends Homewood High School in Homewood, Ala.
“I was born in a tiny village outside of San Jose, Costa Rica. My mother was very poor and addicted to drugs. I never knew my father or eight of my siblings. My mother was unable to properly care for one of my younger brothers and me. At the age of five, my mother was turned into the authorities for child neglect. My brother and I were moved to a government run orphanage. I remained in the orphanage until the age of eleven. At age eleven, I was given the amazing opportunity to be adopted by a family from the United States of America. The Lord plucked me out of Latin America and brought me to Birmingham, Alabama to become a Giffin.Moving to the United States eight years ago taught me resilience as I had to leave everything that I knew and loved. My culture, my language, my food, my friends, the only family that I had ever known. As a young girl in Costa Rica, I was introduced to Jesus. However, my adoption experience and move to the United States required me to become dependent upon Him and showed me that God had an incredible purpose for my life. I gave my heart to Jesus and was baptized in 2015.All decisions that I have made throughout high school and as I prepare for college have been viewed through the lens of my Christian faith and God’s purpose for my future. As I have chosen friendships as well as my high school courses, I have sought His wisdom through prayer and Bible study. My faith helped me conquer learning a second language as well as other academic obstacles along the way. My Christian friends and mentors have encouraged me to remain pure and abstain from drugs and alcohol. I have allowed His spirit to guide me in choosing summer camps, school activities and clubs, and volunteer work throughout high school. I have received such joy from serving the Lord through my church and within my community. I have been called by God to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to become a travel nurse. I believe this career path will lead me to the mission field. I know that God has brought me this far and will not forsake me at this point or at any point in my journey. I will continue to trust Him in all things.”
Here are some additional inspiring words from the 2023 Finalists. Runner-Ups Jadyn Moreno and Chase Collins each received a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.
Jadyn Moreno attends Gardendale High School in Gardendale, Ala.
Runner-Up Jadyn Moreno, from Gardendale High School, says, “I often ask myself why my God gave me a mom with cancer. But having such an impactful birth and family story has led my Christian faith my entire life. I put leadership and ministry in the forefront of my life. I have dedicated myself to serving others in my community. As soon as I could walk I was helping my mom volunteer breast cancer events and sharing my story. Today, as a senior in high school, I am a member of several organizations at my school. One that is dear to my heart is the student council. Each year we sponsor a “Christmas Visions” program, which provides Christmas presents to Jefferson County students in need. We organize donations and fundraisers and raise over $35,000 each year. The best part is shopping for the wishlist. I enjoy shopping for bikes and even toothbrushes thinking about the child’s smile on Christmas morning. I Samuel 12:24 says “..Fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” My desire is to serve with a servant’s heart with admiration for who created me- and gave me this testimony.”
Chase Collins attends Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Ala.
Runner-Up Chase Collins, from Oak Mountain High School, shares, “Sin is something no (ordinarily conceived) person has ever been able to overcome, and I am definitely no exception. However, I am constantly striving to eliminate sin from my life, impossible as it may be. I lay in bed at night and go through my day with God, trying to pinpoint the exact moments where I chose to give into temptation instead of following his call. I then repent and ask him to align my will with his, in an effort to completely eradicate any decision that would lead me away from heaven. These Godly decisions are ones I have been prioritizing every opportunity I get, and my church has provided a multitude of outlets that allow me to put God at the forefront of my life. I altar serve, attend youth group, went all through Sunday School, and have logged hundreds upon hundreds of volunteer hours, all through God and the church. I have done yards; made meals; run church yard sales; assisted the elderly; worked VBS; cleaned up after tornadoes; worked church events; fed the homeless at soup kitchens, shelters, and by physically walking through the streets under bridges with friars; and participated in countless other activities through which God has used me to reach others. The decisions in my life have been a product of God’s love for me and my desire to reciprocate that love to him and others. Every decision I make is with God taken into account, as he is the very center of not only my life, but life itself.”
Riley Simpson attends Crossroads Christian Academy in Warrior, Ala.
Top Five Finalist Riley Simpson, from Crossroads Christian Academy, says, “I am so thankful for God’s conviction and for loving parents who are willing to correct me and stress the importance of striving to be my best. I can never reach my full potential if I squander my time sitting in front of a screen.I have faced many challenges throughout high school, and I will undoubtedly face many more in the future. The Lord has brought me through enough situations to strengthen my faith and reinforce the fact that anything is possible through Him.”
Alex Brockmann attends Hoover High School in Hoover, Ala.
Top Five Finalist Alex Brockmann, from Hoover High School, shares, “The moment sears itself in my memory. I’ll never forget standing at the peak of Tooth of Time in New Mexico with my Boy Scout Troop. It was a cold, windy evening in July, but as I looked out over the breathtaking landscape – craggy cliffs, winding rivers, and the vast plains of the Midwest on my right and the Rockies on my left – I felt a deep connection to His creation. As I remembered the verse from 1 Peter 4:10 that had always stayed with me. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of purpose – to serve others with my talents in God’s grace and name.”
Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/scholarship to read each finalist’s full essay. Thank you to the 159 applications who applied for the scholarship. Special thanks to our Scholarship Sponsors: American Village, The Center, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. All five finalists will receive a signed copy of Richard E. Simmons, III’s book, College with No Regrets. The 2023 Scholarship recipients will receive special recognition at the Baron’s Faith and Family Night on May 12, 2023 at Regions Field.
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-Alonza Jones
-Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc
-Laurie Franklin
