Using “PACES for Parents” to Protect Your Teenagers from Substance Abuse

March 8, 2021January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

All teenagers face temptation and peer pressure with alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. The risk is higher when issues like insecurity, anxiety, or depression amplify their need to fit in or feel better for a while. The question parents should ask themselves is: Will I protect my kids from the risks they will face or do nothing and hope it doesn’t happen?

Research validates that parents play a huge role in choices their children make. If you have kids in or near high school, you owe it to them to help them safely navigate the teenage years. The stakes are high, because 75% of high schoolers experiment with substances, and 40% abuse them. About 1 in 7 struggle with addiction, and 90% of them start before age 18. I know, because I’ve been there as a teenager who drank and a parent of a teenager with drug issues. Traumatic experiences in my family led me to found STEPS Proactive Parenting, and we have worked with hundreds of Birmingham parents who have been where you are.

Now, we are announcing “PACES for Parents” to protect your teenagers from substance abuse and other issues. It features proven, science-based and Christian principles you can learn at home. And if you want local in-person or Zoom coaching, that’s available too. The “PACES for Parents” online program provides:

Preparation: Become proactive and prepared to protect your kids from substance abuse.

Awareness: Be aware of what your kids are going through and challenges they face.

Connection: Deepen and strengthen your relationship with your son or daughter.

Education: Equip your kids to deal with life issues and situations they will face.

Steps: Build a plan to help them become the man or woman they are meant to be.

The “PACES for Parents” online program is available now. Click here for more details.

Your son or daughter can remain safe and happy during the teenage years, and you can sleep well at night. But it’s up to you to take the next step.

-Steve C. Ward

Executive Director, STEPS Ministries

Author of STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life

STEPS Ministries provides training, coaching, and online content to equip parents to help their kids improve their lives, grow closer to God, and prevent addiction.

January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Ladies holding coats from the Prince of Peace Coat Drive

Church Leaders

Thanks to the generosity of Prince of Peace Catholic(POP) Parish parishioners and residents of The Preserve and Ross Bridge neighborhoods, 400 children are warm and enjoying their new winter coats. In December, POP’s weekender backpack ministry leaders found out that many young students at Holy Family Academy and St. Barnabas School did not have winter coats. Ruth Ollie and Marsha Hernandez immediately decided to remedy that sad situation with a coat drive at POP Church and in their neighborhoods.

Holy Family’s principal wrote a lovely thank you to POP: “I truly thank your parish for its kindness and generosity. Through the backpack for blessings to feed our hungry, donations of hams and turkeys during the holiday season, and now coats to clothe the naked. Prince of Peace Catholic Church is a living example of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Your faithful support has assisted Holy Family Academy in serving students from our families in need. We appreciate that Prince of Peace Catholic Church is a faithful partner in our mission to not only educate students, but also help them build Christian characters of compassion.” Griena Knight Davis, EdD, LPC, Holy Family Catholic Academy.

Due to the tremendous response, the weekender backpack ministry was also able to give coats to students at Simmons Middle, Gwin Elementary and Bumpus Middle schools. Simmons, along with Holy Family and St. Barnabas are the three schools that POP’s weekender backpack ministry supports each month with bags of shelf-stable food. The food is discretely delivered to students who are food-insecure over the weekends when they cannot access school meal programs. †

January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

While knee deep in successful business ventures, we found ourselves merely surviving and wanting more. We began to see that no amount of money or achievement led to true fulfillment. Rather, the way from surviving to thriving is through living in unity with God, Family, and Mission. Being a Kingdom Builder isn’t about the size of our net worth or an elite status that needs to be obtained before God can use us. It’s about being intentional with what God has already given us to steward. And at the top of that list is family.

As my wife and I began to adjust our focus and direct our funds toward eternal causes, we learned that leaving a generation of wealth was nothing compared to leaving a generation of faith. We asked tough questions like: why is it so easy to invest hours in the corporate world and are we applying that same work ethic for our family? How can we instill the right values in a productive way?

Since the world will entice us to value what it does, we knew we had to intentionally pursue, discuss, and evaluate our family’s mission. George Barna writes in his book Revolutionary Parenting, “when it comes to raising our children, Americans have created a matrix of measurements based upon what our society defines to be significant. We gather the raw data for those indices based upon the best information we are able to capture from the ever-present, omniscient mass media.”

If we aren’t applying intentional effort toward living with mission, Tik Tok and Instagram will happily dictate our focus. Our families’ “success” will be defined by what the world determines as significant. But if we can focus on things that have eternal value, we will be able to leave a legacy instead of a dynasty.

In a typical start of a new year, we assess goals and implement new habits. But in 2021 we’ve also been given the silver lining of refocusing on what matters. It’s a great time to sit down with our families (in person or via Zoom) and have productive conversations around mission, purpose, and values. And you know what’s encouraging? It’s never too late. No matter the state of your family, age of your children, whether it’s blended or broken or feels hopeless- there is always a starting point. All it takes for families to grow closer is intentionality and a roadmap. After years of doing a deep dive into our family’s mission, we’ve developed a resource called “The Family Meeting Guide.” It lays out steps for families to walk through the life-changing process of defining and reaffirming values, establishing a shared vision, overcoming challenges and fears, and setting out on a mission to fulfill all God has created us to do both individually and as a family.

An effective family meeting may start really small, but it will grow as you practice. Don’t be afraid to stumble your way through and find what feels comfortable. What’s important is that families start living with Mission together. you got this! You can find more info about The Family Meeting Guide at www.kingdombuilders.us.

-Lee Domingue

Legacy Pastor, Church of the Highlands, www.churchofthehighlands.com

Founder, Kingdom Builders, www.kingdombuilders.us

February 9, 2021January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Legal Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Bradford & Holliman

In February, our thoughts may turn to valentines, hearts, flowers, and candy, but estate planning attorneys think of other ways to express love.

For engaged couples, estate planning attorneys often advise an assessment of all accounts and assets to see if any title or beneficiary changes are needed. It’s common for new couples to keep many premarital assets in their individual names only, but a good estate planning attorney can help couples understand that such a plan is often a good strategic move, not necessarily a lack of trust in each other. Next comes the full review or creation of wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

For couples heading into second marriages, it is advisable to share the details of all divorces, alimonies, custody details, and child support. Next should be a full review and update of wills, healthcare directives, powers of attorney especially financial and healthcare, and beneficiaries. Guardian choices for minor children and agents such as your executor or personal representative and your backup agent are extremely important to review and possibly update.

For older couples with decades of marriage behind them, it is a good time to review your entire estate plans and agents such as executors, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and long-term care plans. Older couples are often surprised by how many aspects of their estate plans become obsolete in just three to five years due to changing family members from divorces or deaths. And tax and estate rules and laws change most years, too.

You may find that children and even grandchildren have developed expertise that makes them better choices as your agents in your estate plans. Or heirs may have developed such spendthrift habits or married spendthrifts that you may need your attorney to help you protect the assets you plan to bequeath to them.

Having a well-thought out and current estate plan is better than valentines, flowers, or candy because of the peace of mind both members of a couple experience. It is one more way to be in sync with your beloved spouse and family.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

205-663-0281

www.bradfordholliman.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.

Click Here To Learn How To Reach A Christian Audience in Alabama.

January 29, 2021January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Retired First Sergeant Kenneth Paschal is a candidate for the Alabama House of Representatives District 73 Special Election Republican Primary on March 30, 2021. Paschal is a father and Christian who has lived in Shelby County for 14 years where he is an active member of First Baptist Church of Pelham.

“After 21 years of service for my country in the United States Army and 11 years of service in my state,” he says, “I wish to extend my tour of duty as an elected official where I can best serve my community.” Since retiring from the service with 11 awards and distinctions including the Meritorious Service and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals, he was appointed Government Affairs Director and the President of The Alabama Family Rights Association (ALFRA). He spent the last 11 years working side by side with two governors, Alabama Legislators, and experts around the country to formulate legislation impacting family law and the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their children without government interference.Paschal is also the Immediate Post Commander for The American Legion Post 555 and a member of The Shelby County Chamber.

Why is Paschal running for office now? “The Lord has been preparing me for something bigger,” says Paschal. The District 73 seat became vacant when Matt Fridy was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Paschal believes he can step into the role and continue defending conservative values while bringing a unique leadership style. “My commitment is to God and country and I will not waiver from that,” Paschal says, adding, “My obligation to God is to serve and love all people.” Paschal decided to run for office now because of the turbulent times America has recently faced. He sees the need for leadership and someone to bridge the gap and he pledges to do that if elected. “We need to have conversations because once you have a conversation and create an environment for that, you’d be amazed how much we have in common.”

Paschal says his military and legislative experience along with state-wide community leadership abilities will be instrumental in “… navigating the turbulence we are currently experiencing in our government bodies.” His priority is to ensure the inalienable rights of citizens. “I have intrinsic knowledge of the legislative process,” he states, “and have working relationships with most of our elected officials. I’m prepared to jump in and start doing the job if elected as your Alabama State House of Representatives District 73.” To learn more about Paschal, visit www.KennethPaschal.com. †

February 9, 2021January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Money Matters

Do you know someone that struggles with managing money, budgeting, or finances in general?

We do too…a LOT of them, actually. We built a brand new resource, Do Money Different, for those people…the “I’ll get around to it someday” people and the “I’ll never be good at this” people. I actually used to be one of those people myself, which is why I wrote Do Money Different.

After teaching financial stewardship through Crown Ministries for the past 11 years, I wanted to create something uniquely designed for young adults who are currently struggling with these very concepts. However, it needed to be a curriculum that would not ask them to change the way they were designed, but instead teach them how to implement methods that work for them.

My team has worked for the past three years to create an engaging, groundbreaking curriculum with this age group in mind. Do Money Different is a subscription-based, online course experience written for young adults learning how to live independently, some maybe for the first time. We hired a first-class video production team to create six engaging and informative modules of content teaching concepts like: understanding my relationship with money, learning to track spending, creating a personalized budget, getting out of debt, and starting to save. We also cover more detailed topics such as: understanding your pay stub, building an emergency fund, living on a variable income, avoiding loan traps, leasing a car, and much, much more. We have set up the course to be comfortably completed within a 3-4 month time frame, but the subscription is month to month and can be stopped at any time.

If you’ve tried to have money conversations with your young adult, and it didn’t go over so well, we understand your pain because we’ve been there, too. We’d love to help you bridge the gap! Do Money Different can be experienced from the comfort of home and with any demanding schedule. Banking isn’t like it was 15 years ago…we all know that. If you are looking for a new way to teach solid money management concepts in a fresh way that will finally resonate, it’s time for your young adults to Do Money Different. Learn more at www.domoneydifferent.com.

-Catherine Brown

Area Director-Crown Ministries

Birmingham, Ala.

[email protected]

205-380-6328

www.domoneydifferent.com

Click Here To Learn How To Reach A Christian Audience in Alabama.

April 25, 2023January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Matthew and Emily Powell with children outside

Miracle Moments

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

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

From the time I found out I was pregnant with Matthew, who is now 33 years old, I started praying for his health, personality, future ministry and future wife. I prayed that God would place his future wife in a Christian family and that she would be well cared for and grow up knowing the Lord.

As a matter of fact, my favorite song at the time was “Somewhere in the World” by Wayne Watson. The song is about there being a little girl out in the world who will be my son’s wife one day. My favorite part of the song is the chorus, “And I don’t even know her name, but I’m praying for her just the same, that the Lord will write His name upon her heart. Cause somewhere in the course of his life, my little boy will need a godly wife. So, hold onto Jesus, baby wherever you are.” Those words still bring tears to my eyes, even today. This was also the song I had my brother sing in church on the day of Matthew’s baby dedication.

When Matthew was about 18 months old, I took him with me to my little sister’s basketball game. I happened to run into an old friend from high school, Cheryl Ely Cornett, whose sister was also playing in the game. We sat together and tried to catch up on our lives since high school. She asked if she could hold Matthew. As she was holding him, I shared with her about how I had been praying for Matthew’s future wife since his conception and I told her about the Wayne Watson song. I said to her, “Cheryl, just imagine! Right now there could be a woman in this world somewhere who is pregnant with Matthew’s future wife!”

Laurie and Cheryl holding the grandmother tote — Cheryl Ely Black with Laurie Mullinax and the “grandmother tote” Cheryl gave Laurie.

Matthew grew up and ended up marrying a precious young woman, Emily, who is so incredibly perfect for him that I couldn’t have handpicked a better mate for him. Anybody that spends more than five minutes with the two of them can see how deeply in love they are.

I didn’t think about the basketball game incident again until over 23 years later when my friend Cheryl and I were sitting side by side at Matthew and Emily’s baby shower. After all the gifts for Emily were given out, Cheryl handed me a bag with a beautiful “grandmother tote” that she had made especially for me. Crying, she reminded me of the story of our meeting at that basketball game so many years before.

I guess now would be a good time to tell you that Cheryl is Emily’s mother. She said to me, “Laurie, you didn’t know it then, but I was four months pregnant with Emily the day I held Matthew at that basketball game.” God brought Matthew and Emily together even before she was born. That is proof to me that God would have moved heaven and earth to answer my prayer to provide my son with his special, godly, wonderful wife.

-Laurie Mullinax

If you have a Miracle that you would be like to share with us to give hope to others, email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Years ago, while teaching a Bible class, I asked everyone to quickly list the most basic points of our faith. Within minutes we had an impressive compilation covering all the core truths of Christianity. Everyone took a moment to review the board, then I asked two questions that should rock our world – questions that should profoundly impact the way we live our lives.

What if it’s all true? What if it’s not?

As I read Lecrae’s new book, I Am Restored- How I Lost My Religion But Found My Faith, I thought about that lively discussion so many years ago. Lecrae was at the top of his world when the second question almost took him down. Suffering from depression, he began to doubt God cared for him. Disappointed with the racism exhibited by many of his white Christian leaders and friends, he began to question the authenticity of his faith community. Having reached the pinnacle of success as a Christian artist, he found himself feeling empty and spiritually adrift. Lecrae finally reached a point where the second question loomed larger than his faith. What if it isn’t true? Did he really believe what he professed to believe?

When Lecrae reached the bottom, God was already there to catch him. Jesus knows what the darkness looks like. He knows how it feels to be betrayed by those who say they love God. He knows that we are sinful, prone to wander far from the God we love. And yet He loves us anyway. Lecrae walked through the valley of the shadow of doubt, but God never left him. Lecrae lost his religion, but he found authentic faith. He found healing and love and restoration. Lecrae found new life in the first question and it changed everything. How do we know if we’ve found the truth? Ask Lecrae. He has a word for us.

Jesus.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

What does it look like to meditate on the Word day and night, delighting in the Lord’s instructions? I discovered the answer to this question as I said yes to the Lord to write a daily devotional through the Bible for two years.

After several years of traveling around America, sharing the Gospel, and encouraging the Church with Time to Revive, the ministry my husband, Kyle Lance Martin and I founded and serve the Lord through, we sensed the Lord shifting our ministry focus for a season. Just as Paul discussed scriptures for two years in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, we felt led to study and teach through the Bible for two years. While Kyle and a small group of teachers taught focusing on the Messiah throughout the scriptures, I wrote a daily devotional for the students.

Every day I wrote seeking the heart of Jesus the Messiah who loves me. I asked the Lord how to apply the truths from Genesis to Revelation to my daily life. Only the Lord would open the door for these words to become available in a two-year devotional book called, reviveDAILY: A Devotional Journey from Genesis to Revelation.

Laura Kim Martins Family — Laura Martin lives with her husband and four children in Dallas, Texas. Together, the couple founded the ministry Time to Revive which seeks to reach the lost and encourage the Church. Learn more at www.timetorevive.com.

Reading through the Word of God allowed me to grow in Jesus’ love in deeper ways. It’s the picture of a tree planted beside streams of water in Psalm 1. As you spend time daily delighting in the Lord’s instructions, you can’t help but bear fruit as you soak in the Living Water of Jesus. It’s a journey you don’t want to miss out on!

reviveDAILY: A Devotional Journey from Genesis to Revelation will gently guide and encourage your life as you read through the Bible. I said yes to the journey, will you join me? I believe your yes will radically impact your life, your relationships, and your perspective on life with Christ.

-Laura Kim Martin

January 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Every Family Deserves Hope

Growing up the son of a preacher man came with challenges. There never seemed to be a safe space for me to get away with doing anything wrong. There were always an extra set of eyes watching my every move, or so I thought. Another conflict came over the word pride. Should I be proud? Wait, I thought being proud was wrong?

One thing that was instilled in me was a sense of pride in where I came from. I am an American. I believe in the beauty of my country. However, in recent days my love for country has caused me to further define my love. There are actions and words that I have witnessed that I do not love. I am not a political person but rather a man who generally looks for the good in all. It’s the way I was raised.

As I have watched some of the events and gatherings of the last several months, I have asked myself the question, what is my response? As I look to the source of Truth, God’s Word reminds me that I am to be light in the midst of darkness. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Just because I disagree with you does not mean that I have to dislike you. The fact that we are different does not make us enemies. As a believer my instructions are clear. My responsibility is to share the light that lives in me.

Back to the idea of pride, what can I be proud of? As followers of Christ, we can be proud when we live our lives through the lens of being about our Father’s business and His light shines in each of our words and deeds.

-Micah Andrews

When you donate to the Foundry,

you’re supporting a charity,

you’re saving a life,

you’re restoring a family.

Every Family Deserves Hope

FoundryMinistries.com

Using “PACES for Parents” to Protect Your Teenagers from Substance Abuse

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