Living with Resurrection Hope

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

three cross on the hill jesus christ from the KZQXJKA

Parenting Points

Many families view hope as a fantasy, leading to disappointment. Dreams end up as empty promises. But for those who follow Jesus, His resurrection points to our ultimate hope – one that will never leave us wanting. So, what hope does the resurrection of Jesus offer our families this Easter?

Resurrection Hope Reminds Us that Death Is Not the End. Death is a great fear for many people. It is an unexpected ending that no one can escape or predict. Death marks the end of relationships and causes pain, hurt, and brokenness, which marks those left behind. In His resurrection, Jesus conquers death and can offer us eternal life. In speaking with Martha, who had just lost her brother Lazarus to death, Jesus reminded her of the hope that death is not the end of the story: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26 ESV). Because of the resurrection, death is not the end for us or our families.

Resurrection Hope Leads Us to a New Way of Life. Jesus’ resurrection doesn’t just change our view of death, but it also transforms how we live our lives every day. Paul writes to the church at Rome of this new way of life: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (1 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV). Jesus’ resurrection is an invitation to a new way of life. Our families can now live for Jesus and seek to bring the hope of the new life He brings to everyone around us.

Resurrection Hope Is a Living Hope. Jesus’ resurrection invites us into a living hope. Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:3 ESV, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Our hopes do not have to be smashed by the disappointments and failures of this world because Jesus offers a different kind of hope. We have a living hope in Him. Jesus is faithful, and by His resurrection, He reminds us that His hope never ends.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

April 25, 2023March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

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

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

In life you have the opportunity to do whatever you want. But with every action comes consequences that may not always affect you personally but can affect the ones you’re surrounded by.

Brady Earl at Big Oak Ranch — Brady Earl during his time at Big Oak Ranch.

When I was 10 years old, my mother got sick and had to move into a nursing home, leaving my dad to raise my sister and I by himself. By the time I turned 11, my father’s anger and depression had taken him over. I was mentally and physically abused every day. I was told that I was nothing but a loser and that I would never be anything in life. As time went on, I grew angry and started to act out in ways children should not behave. I started smoking cigarettes, roaming the streets, and stealing from grocery stores just to eat. By age 12, I had to start working. I cut grass and raked leaves to earn money to pay our power bill so that my sister and I would have heat to make it through the winter. At age 13, I found myself in an extremely dark place, contemplating suicide and believing that I was a loser and couldn’t do anything!

My life changed forever when I was 14. I was given a chance to live the life I hadn’t had, a life all children should have the opportunity to live. In that moment, I met the greatest people in the world – the staff at Big Oak Ranch! During my time at Big Oak Ranch, I learned so much! I learned how it was to feel like most other children my age felt, to feel a part of something real. I was given the best set of parents a child could ask for to help me along my journey, step by step. They helped me realize that I could turn my can’ts into cans, and how that would push me to go the extra mile and be able to do anything I put my mind to. That not only was I not the loser I had been told so many times up to this point in life that I was – but losing was nowhere in my future! Big Oak Ranch molded me into becoming the man I am today! To being the best husband to my wife, by letting God be the center of our marriage. To being the best father to our twin boys and our daughter, by showing me unconditional love and having so many positive influences in my life!

-Brady Earl

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Birmingham Christian Family

Special Feature

By investing in the life of a local child in need, you can change their story for good. For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) can help make a difference by helping them work their way through the court and child welfare systems in search of a loving home. Each time a child is paired with a CASA Volunteer, their chances are greater to have the best possible outcome. CASA recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for the child’s best interest in the court process. They work with judges, lawyers, social workers, and families to ensure each child has an advocate in court, the child welfare, and foster care systems.

Many life goals and achievements that our culture considers normal rites of passage do not occur for children who are in foster care. Statistics show that 40% do not graduate from high school, 20% become homeless within one year and 25% will be incarcerated after leaving foster care. In contrast, children with CASA volunteers spend 7.5 months less time in foster care, experience fewer out-of-home placements, have significantly better educational performance, and are 90% less likely to reenter the system. By working to reduce the length of time a child spends in foster care, CASA saves the state thousands of dollars while drastically improving the quality of a child’s life, one child at a time. Every child that CASA helps to find a safe, permanent home is one more future adult who has a chance to thrive and succeed in our society.

Currently, we only have the capacity to serve 10% of the children who need a CASA Volunteer. We must serve more but we cannot do it without the help of caring individuals willing to be trained to serve. You don’t have to be “qualified,” just a caring, compassionate and concerned person willing to be trained.

CASA is presently recruiting volunteers to work with abused and neglected children in all areas of Shelby County and parts of the Hoover area. Training classes begin soon. For more information on how you can help, please visit casaofshelbycounty.org or call Beth at 205-243-8753. †

March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Parenting children can be frustrating and overwhelming. Desperate for a break? You’re not alone. Wish someone would hand you a parenting manual? In Commonsense Parenting, Jerry David, Sarah K. Mwania, and Shirley David outline a proven system for parenting. They share seven solid principles that have guided their families through three generations.

Commonsense Parenting Cover — Learn more about *Commonsense Parenting* here.

1. The Principle of Honor

2. The Importance of Values

3. The Principle of Discipline

4. The Principle of Healthy Emotional Well-Being

5. The Principle of Good Communication

6. The Principle of a Strong Work Ethic

7. The Principle of Letting Go at the Right Time

In our ever-changing culture, truth is often blurred or unrecognizable. Use these guidelines and timeless tools to equip your children to be blessings as they grow and mature into positive influencers.

Jerry David and his wife, Susan, have been married for 48 years and have raised two children. They founded and pastored Lincoln City Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. This book is drawn from their upbringing as well as pastoring. The principles found in this book are a result of those childhood years, the raising of their own children and countless hours and encounters with families in distress as a pastor. Sarah K. Mwania and her husband, Solo, pastor a thriving congregation in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her influence through her coaching and social media content, Our Tribe of Many on YouTube, has benefitted thousands with weekly insights into managing a home with 11 children. Shirley David and her husband, Al, enjoy an honored place in a family that produced four children, 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Shirley’s insight and creativity in raising her children has produced a legacy where all the generations still seek her advice and common sense. Commonsense Parenting is available wherever books are sold. †

March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

I have been in the Christian bookstore business for over forty years. That’s a long time. It’s long enough to remember receiving a new book from Lifeway written by a new author named Beth Moore. I remember putting a few copies on a shelf in the back of the store, unsure as to whether they would be of interest to anyone or end up being returned. They were, of course, never returned.

All My Knotted Up Life Cover — All My Knotted-Up Life is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

Since that day, millions of Moore books and Bible studies have been sold. Churches of all denominations have used her videos, hundreds of thousands of women from all denominations have attended her events, and for many years her name was synonymous with Baptist Bible study. Few Bible teachers, if any, both male and female, have taught more people about the Bible than Moore. For two decades, Moore ministered to multitudes. She was the most prominent woman in the Southern Baptist denomination. Nobody else was even close. My, how things have changed. In her new memoir, Moore shares her story. In All My Knotted-Up Life (Tyndale), Moore offers a thoughtful and deeply personal account of her journey. It is, at times, brutally sad and painful. It is also filled with joy and humor. I laughed aloud many times, got indignant on her behalf, was filled with remorse at the depths of pain in this world, and sat back in awe at the grace of God found in her story. The last chapter is so moving I fought back tears.

All My Knotted-Up Life is the best memoir I’ve ever read. That needs repeating. In my forty years of Christian bookselling, with decades of reading biographies both religious and secular, All My Knotted-Up Life is the best memoir I’ve read. If you are a fan of Moore, you need to read her book. If you despise Moore, you really need to read her book. Whether you’ve read every book by her or have no idea who she is, whether you are a man or a woman – I can assure you that All My Knotted-Up Life will be worth your time. You will have a better understanding of not just one of the more interesting figures within American Christianity, but of how God uses ordinary people, with all our limitations and baggage, to bring grace into the world.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

March 29, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Royal Family Kids Camp campers sitting on hill

Special Feature

For 15 years, Hope Church- A Community Church in Gardendale has hosted Royal Family Kids Camp. The free summer camp is for children ages from six-11 in the foster care system. To host the camp, Hope Church works in conjunction with the nonprofit, For the Children, a network of local churches dedicated to providing unconditional love, hope and safety to children. The mission of Royal Family Kids Camp is that each child that attends experiences “unconditional love, hope for the future, and a place of safety,” explains Hope Church’s Beverly Hoff, adding, “We do this through trust-based actions and focusing on points including keep moving forward, making moments matter, and treating people royally.” Hoff explains that the camp curriculum and activities follow the Trust-Based Relational Intervention “to ensure our children are experiencing truly life-giving activities throughout the experience.”

Royal Family Kids Camp kids on a wet slide — The children who attend Royal Family Kids Camp will experience a week full of fun, free activities.

There is no shortage of fun at this annual camp. Campers enjoy a week filled with Bible time, crafts, swimming, bike riding, and more. One big event that happens at the camp is a birthday party. “One night we have a themed birthday party. The reason we do this is because some of our campers have never experienced a celebration just for them,” Hoff shares. The camp also allows Hope Church staff and volunteers to share the Gospel with every camper. Hoff explains camp staff and volunteers share the Gospel with the children in direct and indirect ways. “We have a Biblical theme and lesson for the week, but we also model Christian living in the interactions between adults and children,” she says. The camp will take place July 9-14.

Royal Family Kids Camp volunteers holding signs — You can make a difference in the lives of area children in the foster care system this summer by volunteering at Royal Family Kids Camp on July 9-14. Email [email protected] to learn more.

Ways to get involved. If you’re interested in volunteering, there is a place for you! Hoff says they are looking for volunteers ages 18 and up to be counselors, relief counselors and kitchen crew members. Other volunteer opportunities are available if you are a licensed nurse, licensed social worker, or a certified lifeguard. “We have experienced life changing moments with our campers and volunteers,” Hoff says. To learn more about how you can volunteer, email [email protected] or visit Facebook @Hope Church-Royal Family Kids Camp.

-Melissa Armstrong

April 5, 2023March 28, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Christian Easter Concept Jesu 413081761

Easter is April 9, 2023! Here is a list of Easter Week Services and Activities happening in and around Birmingham. Click on the links for more details.

April 3-5:
Holy Week Services at South Highland Presbyterian Church

Holy Week Lunches at Vestavia Methodist Church

Holy Week Services at Canterbury UMC

Seder Dinner at Metropolitan Church

April 3-7:

Holy Week Services at Riverchase Baptist Church

April 6:
Maundy Thursday at Canterbury UMC

Maundy Thursday Communion Service at Meadow Brook Baptist Church

Maundy Thursday at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd

Maundy Thursday Service at Trussville First United Methodist Church

Maundy Thursday at South Highland Presbyterian Church

Maundy Thursday at Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills

Maundy Thursday at Briarwood Presbyterian Church

Last Supper Service at Clearbranch Methodist

Maundy Thursday at The Baptist Church at McAdory

Maundy Thursday at Riverchase Baptist Church

Living Last Supper at Hope Church- A Community Church

April 7:

Good Friday Service at Meadow Brook Baptist Church

Good Friday at South Highland Presbyterian Church

Good Friday Service at First Baptist Church Trussville

Good Friday at Shades Mountain Community Church

Good Friday at Canterbury UMC

Good Friday at Trussville First United Methodist Church

Good Friday Tenebrae Service at Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills

Good Friday at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd

Good Friday at Briarwood Presbyterian Church

Good Friday at Metropolitan Church

Good Friday at The Church at Brook Hills

Good Friday at Valleydale Church

Good Friday Service at Hope Church- A Community Church

Preteen Egg-streme Hunt at Meadow Brook Baptist Church

April 8:

Easter Egg Hunt with South Highland Presbyterian Church

Easter Egg Hunt with Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church

Easter Vigil at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd

The Big Hunt at Clearbranch Methodist

April 9:
Easter Sunday at Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills

Easter Sunday at Meadow Brook Baptist Church

Easter Sunday at Vestavia Methodist Church

Easter Sunday at Trussville First United Methodist Church

Easter Sunday at Canterbury UMC

Easter at Shades Mountain Baptist Church

Easter Sunday at First Baptist Church Trussville

Easter Sunday at South Highland Presbyterian Church

Easter Sunday at Shades Mountain Community Church

Easter at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd

Easter Sunday at Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church

Easter Sunday Services at Briarwood Presbyterian Church

Easter Sunday at Clearbranch Methodist

Easter Sunday at Crosspoint Church- Trussville

Easter Sunday at Gardendale First Baptist Church

Easter Sunday at Hunter Street Baptist Church

Easter at Metropolitan Church

Easter at Riverchase United Methodist Church

Easter Sunday at The Church at Brook Hills

City Wide Easter Celebration & Family Fair with The STAR Church

Easter Sunday at Valleydale Church

Easter Sunday at The Baptist Church at McAdory

Easter Sunday at Riverchase Baptist Church

Easter Sunday at New Hope Church

Easter Sunday at Hope Church- A Community Church

April 25, 2023March 28, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

Helping homeless, unwanted, or abused pets be adopted into forever homes is possible because of the transitional care given by a community of loving foster homes. While some areas of the country are realizing the value of this practice and consider it to be innovative, it has been how Helena, Ala. based Two by Two Rescue has operated since its inception.

Ryan and Lauren Thompson with Cash — Ryan and Lauren Thompson fostered Cash until he found his forever home. Learn more about fostering here.

Fostering involves bringing an animal into the homes of volunteers who care for them until a permanent home can be found. Two by Two believes that a home is where animals should be to better prepare them for their adoptive home. While in foster care, our foster families get to know the animal’s likes and dislikes and gain valuable knowledge about their personality that allows our adoption team to find the best match for them. Two by Two provides everything needed to foster: food, crate, blankets, bed, bowls, flea prevention, heartworm prevention, collar with ID tag and leash, and all medical expenses. Foster homes come in all shapes and sizes including apartments, single family homes, homes with and without fences, farms, and more.

Foster animals either stay in their foster home until adoption or until the foster family notifies the rescue that they are ready for the animal to move on. While not everyone can commit to an indefinite time frame, there are many ways to foster with Two by Two for short term commitments too. Weekend and vacation fosters are an ongoing need and occasionally there is a need for emergency fosters to take an animal due to circumstances such as natural disasters or family emergencies. The animals of Two by Two Rescue are saved from almost certain death in a society where animal shelter euthanasia is common and generally accepted. Being a part of an animal’s journey to their forever home by fostering is a very rewarding experience. Once an animal is a part of the Two by Two family, it’s family for life! If you are ready to open your home to an animal in need, visit twobytworescue.com/fostering to apply. Follow Two by Two on Facebook and Instagram and visit twobytworescue.com to meet available dogs.

Meet Deuce!

They say deuces are wild but not this boy. Deuce is a gentle hound mix who has been patiently waiting to meet his furever family. He is very clever and has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, including sit, stay, shake (both paws!) and come. He will even wait at the door before going in and out! And he does love to go out. Accidents in the house are unacceptable and unbecoming of a gentleman such as Deuce. He understood the concept of potty training in record time. His favorite hobby is definitely backyard zoomies, but he will not complain if a few balls are tossed (literally) into the mix. He chases after them with enthusiasm and prances around haughtily once he catches them… but he still hasn’t quite seen the point in bringing them back to you just yet. But hey, we’re all entitled to our opinion. Deuce is adoptable through Two by Two Animal Rescue. To learn more, email [email protected] and apply to adopt at twobytworescue.com/adopt.

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! †

April 4, 2023March 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

April Reader GIVEAWAYS

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 29, 2023, www.bobsykesblues.com.

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

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 Tuesday, 4/19/23. Winners announced 4/20/23 on the Facebook Giveaway Post. So be sure to FOLLOW our Facebook page @birminghamchristianfamily.

Receive a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the Birmingham Barons Baseball Faith & Family Night May 12, 2023 sponsored by Birmingham Christian Family. Includes Friday Night Fireworks!

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 @BirminghamChristianFamily
SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.

Offer ends Thursday 4/27/23. Winner announced 4/28/23 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our page @cfpbirmingham.

March 29, 2023March 17, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Education Extra

Next fall Banks Academy will welcome 6^th grade students as it expands to include a Middle School. The ACSI accredited non-denominational private Christian School is located in northeast Birmingham on the campus of Huffman Baptist Church. The administration explains that “As academic excellence is a key pillar in the mission of Banks Academy, getting students earlier in their educational journey will enable the teachers to better prepare our scholars for college and other career opportunities and to be effective leaders.”

Enrollment is now open for 6^th grade and 9^th-12^th grade for the 2023-2024 school year. You may complete an application on the website at www.banksacademy.org. All Banks Academy students receive scholarship help through the Alabama Accountability Act and local donations. The Alabama Accountability Act is a key pillar in providing the financial support to start the middle school.

Duke University Head Football Coach David Cutcliffe will be the guest speaker at the Banks Academy Banquet on April 11. Also hear from students and teachers about what God is doing at the Academy.

The school will host its annual Spring Banquet on April 11,2023 to raise additional funds for scholarships and the school’s expansion. Banquet speaker is Coach David Cutcliffe, a Birmingham native who attended, played football and coached at Banks High School. His coaching career continued at the University of Tennessee, Ole’ Miss, and Duke University. Purchase tickets by visiting www.banksacademy.org. †

Living with Resurrection Hope

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