An Evening with Tim Tebow

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education will host two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow on March 14 at 7 p.m. in Samford’s Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center. Tebow will share insights from his book Mission Possible which will inspire you to find your mission, pursue your purpose and create a life that counts. Learn more about this special event at www.samford.edu/education/events.

Here is one powerful excerpt from Mission Impossible.

Faithful Stewardship by Tim Tebow

If the willingness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

—2 Corinthians 8:12

Remember that parable Jesus told about three servants in Matthew 25? The first was given ten talents to manage, the second, five talents, and the third, one talent. Each servant was given exactly what he could handle. When their master asked to see what became of their original portions, the first two servants reportedly doubled the investment. However, the third, though he had the smallest portion and therefore the least risk, only hid his share, in the name of keeping it safe. His master, angry with the servant, declared him unfaithful with his portion.

What has God given you to work with? It may be tempting to look at what others have and neglect to care for what He has given you to manage, especially if it seems that others have more. Excellence is being and doing your personal best. It’s working with what you have, as the servants were required to do. We are all in different situations in life. We have different limitations and are expected to work within them. The goal is not to do everything perfectly but to give of what we have.

If you have time, give it. If you have a talent, offer it. If all you can do is offer genuine prayers, then offer those. Don’t look around you to the other people. God works through our obedience, not our abundance.

How can you be a faithful steward of whatever you have today?

Excerpted from Mission Possible One-Year Devotional by Tim Tebow. Copyright © 2022 by Tim Tebow. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, former professional baseball player, and college football analyst with ESPN and the SEC Network. He’s also the founder and leader of the Tim Tebow Foundation and the author of five New York Times bestselling books, including Mission Possible, and the children’s book Bronco and Friends: Mission Possible. His latest books are the Mission Possible One-Year Devotional and Mission Possible One-Year Devotional for Young Readers. Tim and his wife, Demi-Leigh Tebow (Miss Universe 2017), live in Jacksonville, Florida, with their three dogs. Visit him at TimTebow.com and @timtebow.

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

For this month’s book selection, I have chosen a delightful new children’s book, Your Brave Song (Tyndale Kids), written by Ann Voskamp and illustrated by Birmingham resident Amy Grimes. Your Brave Song is designed to encourage children to face their obstacles and fears with the confidence that Jesus loves them and will always be with them.

Your Brave Song bookcover — *Your Brave Song* is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

When little Una Rayne encounters a scary storm, her mother teaches her a song about being brave. “Jesus loves you, makes you strong. In Him you’re brave and you belong.” Later that day, when Una feels alone and unwelcome at school, she remembers her mother’s song. By sharing with others, Una finds new friends and the joy of feeling God’s closeness when we are unsure and afraid. By teaching them her song, she passes on to each of her friends the message of Jesus and God’s love.

Voskamp is the author of four bestselling Christian books, including One Thousand Gifts. Amy Grimes is an artist and author in Birmingham who “spends her days creating works that bring light, hopeful stories, and wonder into homes across the world.”

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Masculinity is not just under attack; there is a concerted effort to marginalize it. As culture has embraced situational ethics and relative truth, men are losing hope and understanding of their purpose in both family and society. Life is hard, and we can’t do this alone. Masculinity by Design by James W. Bradford with Mindy Bradford is a call to manhood as designed by God. Masculinity is not only needed but necessary for a healthy home and society.

Masculinity by Design Cover — Learn more about *Masculinity by Design* at shop.ironstreammedia.com.

In Masculinity by Design, Bradford reflects upon the lessons he has learned from his life as he intricately weaves God’s Word into the messages. Through his unique storytelling, he calls men to rise up and assume their role as leaders in their families. Bradford, a father of three, has spent his life passionately speaking to men about their call to manhood according to God’s design. He endured a challenging home life in his early years, met the Lord in his early twenties, and lived a life of trials and traumas along the way. Through continued will and determination, he has shared every failure and success from his time in the military, president of three multimillion-dollar companies, and youth pastor to point others to the power of Jesus.

Mindy Bradford, a mother of two, is a retired special education teacher. She graduated in 1989 from Asbury University with a bachelor of arts in education. In 2009, she earned her master of science in special education from Southern Illinois University. In church, she has been part of music ministry, children’s ministry, and short-term missions, and she has been in involved in local church events. She also has volunteered in various charity groups, including FCA and Christ Philippine Mission for children. Jim and Mindy were married in November 2021 and reside in Southwest Florida. Masculinity by Design releases on March 14, and is available for pre-order today wherever books are sold. †

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Happy Hispanic Latin Family Ha 464524811

Parenting Points

So often, our families are defined by busyness. We run from one thing to the next in a constant shuffle to keep up. Our family’s lives have very little margin, but it is in the margin where we allow space to slow down and notice God’s work and the opportunities He puts before us. Leaving space for margin in our lives could open three different opportunities for our families and us.

1. Margin for Jesus. In Matthew 14, Jesus has been in a very busy season of life and ministry, yet He “took time by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23 ESV). Jesus was intentional to find margin even in a busy season to spend time with the Father and to cultivate growth in His relationship with God. Jesus made the space in the middle of the crazy for what mattered most to Him. Does your family schedule have margin for time with Jesus?

2. Margin for Relationships. Though relationships may include much activity, they are built through conversations, time, and intentionality. These building blocks all come from margin. Throughout the gospels, we see many times when Jesus took time away from the masses to spend time with His disciples. Jesus created a free space to build and deepen relationships. In the free space of margin, we allow life to slow enough to have conversations that matter with our spouses, kids, friends, extended families, and neighbors. Does your family pace have time for good conversations?

3. Margin for Ministry. God is at work constantly in the world around us, but we often miss it because of our busyness. Daily, God puts opportunities in front of us to serve, love, and give. In Mark 5, Jesus allowed Himself to be interrupted by a woman who was bleeding and needed His help. Jesus took time to pause, notice her, and bring healing to her. Maybe if we took a minute to slow down our busyness, we might see whom God has placed in front of us to minister to and encourage. Does your family schedule allow time to look for opportunities to join God in His work?

Though our culture celebrates busyness, opportunities are found in the margin of our lives. Through the extra space in our family’s schedule, we can connect with Jesus, grow deeper in our relationships with others, and join God in His work.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

What does the phrase “love your body” mean to you? We parents tend to put lots of things over taking care of ourselves and building our self-confidence. Now that spring breaks, beach vacations and pool time is getting closer, the pressure to look a certain way can feel suffocating. Let’s take a step back.

Loving your body isn’t just empty talk or inaction. While it does involve accepting our body, it also looks like taking a walk, drinking water, eating enough protein to have energy, taking supplements to support our skin and joints, moving our body daily, listening to music or podcasts that lift us up, and so much more!

If we were talking over coffee, I’d tell you that God gave us one body and He says for us to treat it like a temple. That means treat it like the place that He dwells, because He does dwell with us through His Holy Spirit every single second. Would that make us look a little more kindly at our bodies? We’re human, and we’re imperfect, but perfectly loved and made perfectly worthy by God. Let’s ignore the lies of the enemy and embrace our identity in Christ together!

Here are two takeaways to consider:
1. Today, make a point to drink water, move your body, and eat some protein! (Find high-protein recipes at mylifewellloved.com)

2. I highly recommend finding a friend in Christ to come alongside you and be your community! Allow them to speak truth into your life and hear about the struggles you are experiencing – bonus points if they’re a workout buddy too!

Listen to the “Healthy with Heather Brown” podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for more tips on how to invest in your health more each day!

–Heather Brown helps busy mamas of young littles who are caught in the hustle to find encouragement in their journey to true health, from the inside out, starting with the heart. Connect with her @mylifewellloved on Instagram or visit mylifewellloved.com for resources and to learn more!

February 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

You’re Invited to Spectrum of Sound!

There’s nothing like good music, food and friends for a great time, so join us for a food and music pairing experience on Thursday, March 9 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Music is a part of our lives from our earliest memories, and it connects us with places, times and experiences like nothing else does. It may even change how you taste and enjoy your food!

So, no matter your favorite song or your favorite genre, grab a music-loving pal and join us as we celebrate the colorful world of music with an orchestrated food and music paring experience conducted by our community’s culinary team. This special event features speaker Sarah Martin McConnell, founder of Music for Seniors. RSVP for this complimentary admission celebration of music, food and friends by call- ing 205-870-0786. Seating is limited so please make reservations early.

May be subject to certain safety precautions in accordance with the authority having jurisdiction over the community. Please contact us for details.

Come Tour Brookdale University Park

Each second Thursday of the month, we offer an interesting program about senior living at Brookdale University Park. One of our team members will take you on a tour of our beautiful community and show you the different apartment floor plans available. We will share in- formation and a delicious meal prepared by our Culinary Services team! Call 205-870-0786 for more details.

Optimum Life 2023 Continuing Education Series

Join us for our upcoming Optimum Life Continuing Education (CE) Series for health-
care professionals. For more than 10 years, our monthly CE series has been committed to sharing and educating health professionals with the latest knowledge in senior care and well-being. This recorded webcast series provides 1.0 CE credit (one hour) per session for nurses, social workers and case managers. Participants can also have their questions answered by our content experts. Here are a few upcoming topics:
March. Nutrition Strategies for Dysphagia in Older Adults with Sara Casey, RD, LDN- Director of Nutrition at Brookdale
April. Cultural Differences and Health Disparities within the Older Adult Population with Leigh-Anne Royster, PhD, Assistant Vice President for Di- versity, Equity and Inclusion at Duke University
May. Powers of Attorney: What’s New and How it Affects Healthcare Pro- fessionals with Kerry R. Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC and Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law.

The events are by reservation only. To RSVP or for more information, con- tact Lee Cobb at 205-789-9408 or email [email protected].

Celebrating Brookdale Ambassador Council Members

Ambassador Council Members like Ms. Riva, seen here, are familiar faces for Brookdale community residents. When someone new moves in, they are assigned to one of the Ambassadors to learn about all there is to do at Brookdale. They show them where things are, introduce them to other residents, invite them to resident events, and play a role in helping them to feel welcomed and get settled in.

Another Ambassador Council Member, Ms. Shirley, seen on right, walking with Ms. Sally and Biscuit. Each ambassador helps new residents get settled and discover the many activities to enjoy at Brookdale.

Clare Bridge Crossings: Opening in March

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between home and Assisted Living and Clare Bridge to support those living with early-stage dementia. This new program officially opens this month. To learn more about the Clare Bridge Crossings program, visit www.brookdale.com or call 205-870-0786. †

February 27, 2023February 21, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

It can be difficult to find movies the whole family can enjoy together. The just released film, Jesus Revolution is a great option that is in theaters now and has ties back to the Magic City.

Jon Erwin and family — Director Jon Erwin and his wife Beth have been married for almost 19 years. They have four children: Kate, Ethan, Logan, and Sam.

Birmingham native Jon Erwin, one of the producers and directors of Jesus Revolution, is no stranger to producing faith-based films. He and his brother, Andrew, directed October Baby, I Can Only Imagine, Moms’ Night Out, Woodlawn, and more. “We like to tell stories that can inspire the whole family and change people’s lives. We love the power of true stories,” Erwin says. When he was just 16 years old, his dad Hank Erwin gifted his sons a camera. “We started making all kinds of videos in Birmingham and it’s where we began to hone in on our craft,” he remembers. Today, the brothers are know as The Erwin Brothers.

Jesus Revolution poster — *Jesus Revolution* released on February 24, 2023 in movie theaters nationwide.

Jon Erwin has fond memories of growing up in Birmingham. While he and his family currently live in Nashville, Tenn., they often visit the area. In fact, he first discovered the June 1972 Jesus Revolution issue of Time magazine while he was in Birmingham directing the film Woodlawn. “I was so blown away by an entire high school being saved from violence and racial tension to a spiritual awakening,” Erwin says, adding, “I almost didn’t believe it was true.” He began studying the time this happened and bought a copy of the issue on eBay. “It was this sweeping spiritual awakening that started in Cali. and eventually swept the entire nation,” Erwin explains. The more he studied, the more he realized that we are in a very similar time today. He remembers thinking, “I want to make a movie about this so I can feel this movement a little bit and experience what revival must feel like.” It took seven years to bring the compelling story to the big screen.

Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee Photo Cred Dan Anderson — Jonathan Roumie of *The Chosen* plays Lonnie Frisbee, a key figure in the Jesus movement, in the new film, *Jesus Revolution*. Photo Credit: Dan Anderson

Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the hit show The Chosen, plays evangelist Lonnie Frisbee in Jesus Revolution. Erwin says that Roumie “does such an amazing job. He is an incredible actor, but an even better person,” adding, “he brings an intensity and love of the role that is just incredible.” Erwin hopes viewers are entertained throughout the movie and laugh and cry. “I hope people come out of the theater saying, ‘If that happened once, it can happen again.’” To learn more about Jesus Revolution, visit www.jesusrevolution.movie.

-Melissa Armstrong

February 17, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Janey Carter of Jasper, Ala. was just 17 years old when she was involved in a car accident that changed her life. “I dislocated my skull from my spine and damaged my spinal cord,” Carter says. The car accident left her “paralyzed from the neck down.”

Carter shares she always loved to paint. After her accident, “I had to learn how to be creative in a new way,” she says. Thanks to technology, she can continue to use her gift to create greeting cards. Carter’s business, Paper by Janey, came to be during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. “Stores were closed, and we couldn’t go shopping,” Carter recalls, adding, “I wanted to make something people could give their moms for Mother’s Day.” Paper by Janey has grown tremendously since! “In 2020 and 2021 combined, I had a total of less than 300 orders on my website. In 2022, I had almost 3,000!” In just the two first months of 2023, she received 2,600 orders! Her heart behind each card is to bring happiness to every person who receives a Paper by Janey card. “I hope my cards bring a smile to each person that receives one,” Carter says.

Janey holding boxes of cards — Browse the beautiful selection of cards from Paper by Janey at Cottontail’s Village on March 3-5.

Stop by Cottontail’s Village on March 3-5 at the BJCC to meet Carter and browse her selection of cards. “I will have cards for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. There will also be birthday cards, notepads, and more,” she says. “Most of my business is online, so I love to be a part of Cottontail’s Village because I enjoy meeting new people.”

In addition to Paper by Janey, Cottontail’s Village will welcome over 200 vendors from across the United States. Products you can expect to find include arts, crafts, clothing food, and more. Shop March 3-4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and March 5 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more details, visit www.cottontailsfestival.com.

-Melissa Armstrong

January 31, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between home and Assisted Living and Clare Bridge to support those living with early-stage dementia.

Clare Bridge Crossings is based on a growing body of research that found that a structured program
of cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise and in- creased social interaction may help to slow the decline of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Dining Room at Clare Bridge Crossings — Clare Bridge Crossings has beautiful community spaces including a dining room seen here. Dining options at the Crossings encourage resident choice and participation to build self-esteem to help maintain autonomy.

This specialized programming preserves self-esteem and enables persons living with early dementia to remain engaged with peers when they might otherwise struggle socially- and be more susceptible to depression- in a traditional Personal Care setting.

When should you consider early-stage dementia care? Consider care when you or some- one in your care:

Needs a bit of help with planning day-to-day activities.
Is doing well with reminders, reassurance, and social interactions with others, but may struggle with initiation.
Is getting around without a lot of assistance.
Is mostly managing personal needs with only occasional support.

Salon at Clare Bridge Crossings — Seen here is the on-site salon at Clare Bridge Crossings.

As a proactive discipline the Clare Bridge Crossings program may benefit individuals whose symptoms are just starting to result in the need for additional cueing and care. The daily path of activities features mind-and-body enhancing, socially engaging programs such as:

Art expressions
Vigorous mental workouts utilizing the latest technology
Activities that recognize prior occupational skills and interests
Outings which encourage learning and new knowledge

Room at Clare Bridge Crossings — Residents of Clare Bridge Crossings will enjoy private rooms. To learn more about the program, visit www.brookdale.com or call 205-870-0786.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program offers private suites in comfortable neighborhood environments. Unique building features, such as an exercise room, art gallery and resident-use kitchen help res- idents stay engaged and socially active.

To learn more about our Clare Bridge Crossings program, visit www.brookdale.com or call 205- 870-0786.

January 27, 2023 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Man With Bouquet Of Flowers H 461057193

Special Feature

Reservations are made. Childcare arrangements are secured. A romantic evening filled with excitement and celebration awaits! For many, expressions of love culminate on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Balloons, stuffed animals, and hearts- red, pink, large and small- cover shelves and store displays. While symbols of affection are used to express attraction, there is a love that cannot be measured with sweets, gifts and floral arrangements. This love is perfect, never-ending, and is worth celebrating every day of the year. What is true love?

Pricey Sentiments. Society of American Florists says, “Valentine’s Day is the number one holiday for florists and for floral purchases, and second to Christmas/Chanukah in dollars spent.” The National Retail Federation reports that consumers spent an estimated 23.9 billion dollars for Valentine’s Day in 2022. Husbands and boyfriends rush to grab bouquets—sometimes minutes before being with their valentine—hoping to create blushing smiles and lingering hugs. Consumers will spend (on average) more than $175 on flowers, greeting cards, dinners, jewelry, fragrances, and chocolates to commemorate this special day. Gifts are not limited to that special sweetheart. They are given to anyone to show friendship and affection. The recipients include children, parents, neighbors, and friends. Material expressions of love can be expensive and have limits. There is another expression of love that is costly and has no limits.

Priceless Sacrifice. True love values the person and sacrifices for them. Jesus is our perfect model of true love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus’s death on the cross displayed God’s sacrificial love for all mankind! You are loved and valued. When you turn from sin, place your faith in Jesus, and live for Him, He gives you what you cannot lose-Himself! You will receive what you did not earn and cannot purchase- eternal life!

Having received the priceless unconditional gift of true love, every month, every day, every hour, and every second can be a love celebration. Why? Because you are valued and loved by the inventor of love—God the Father. He “shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV) Bask in His everlasting love!

-Vanessa Jones

Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

@biblicalmarriageinstitute

An Evening with Tim Tebow

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