The Lord Roars

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Around the 8th century BC, God raised up several prophets to address the crisis confronting His people. Among them were Amos, Micah, and Isaiah. Their ancient prophetic message, now enshrined in our scriptures, voiced God’s love and frustration for a nation that claimed Yahweh as their God, offered him sacrifices, sang his praises, observed holy days, and read the scriptures. They thought they were in good standing with God – that they were doing it right and believed the right things. They were, however, terribly mistaken. Not only were they in a political, social, and national crisis – they were in a theological crisis. Even their religious leaders were divided – often offering competing views on what was true and what was false. Sound familiar?

The Lord Roars Cover Image — *The Lord Roars* is available for purchase at Sanctuary Christian Books & Gifts in Alabaster.

In his new book, The Lord Roars- Recovering the Prophetic Voice for Today, M. Daniel Carroll R. presents a powerful appeal for modern Christians to learn from these ancient prophets. Amos, Micah, and Isaiah have a message for us today. Their warnings to God’s people about systemic injustice, nationalistic arrogance, materialism, and economic inequality are just as relevant today as they were when proclaimed to ancient Israel. The prophets of the Lord can speak into our world. The writings of the prophets are both a warning for us and an invitation to live in the hope of a world more closely conformed to the righteous vision of God. The Lord Roars is a message we would be wise to heed.

The prophetic vision for the world is not dead, nor is it confined solely to the future. As Christians, we are called to live in anticipation and hope of the coming kingdom of God, a reign of justice and abundance and true worship. But we are also obliged to live in alignment with that hope right now, in this world. We are to yearn for a just society, to work and pray and speak boldly. What does the Lord require of us? Do justice, now. Love mercy, now. Walk with humility, now. Our allegiance is not, nor should ever be, to any political or social ideology. Our allegiance is to the Roar of the Lord.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Kids And Parents On Halloween 204210697

Parenting Points

Halloween is October’s national holiday, yet for some Christians, Halloween is taboo. Due to the evil nature of the day with ghosts, goblins, and devils, many Christians have sought to avoid the day by either turning off all the lights to hide from kids in costumes or running down to the local church for the latest “fall festival” activity. But what if Halloween became a strategic day for your family to build connections with your neighbors?

When it comes to cultural engagement, theologians have debated over the course of many pages what the appropriate Christian response is to engaging culture. Should Christians seek just to become another part of the broader culture? Should we create our own Christianized copy of the culture (i.e., fall festivals)? Or should we seek to look thoughtfully for opportunities to step into a cultural moment to shine as the light in the darkness? In the middle of the darkness of Halloween, followers of Jesus have an excellent opportunity to be the light. In choosing to be the light in the darkness, we can be like John the Baptist, standing in the darkness and pointing to Jesus as the light: “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7).

Your family has an opportunity to bear witness to Jesus’ light this Halloween. When we think of this statement, our minds may rush to ideas of passing out tracts at the door or making people listen to gospel presentations for a free mini-Snickers bar. Just as Jesus came into the darkness relationally, our approach to being the light of Jesus to our neighbors must first and foremost be relational. We want to love our neighbors well, befriend them, and point them to the hope we have found in Jesus through our words, actions, and deeds. Engaging your neighbors for Halloween begins by being intentional about being home on Halloween night. Halloween is a great night to meet neighbors and begin to build relationships. Through these connections, God may open doors to go deeper into relationships.

This Halloween may be a great opportunity for your family to stop hiding from your neighbors in the back of the house or run to attend the fall festival at the local church. Trading these activities may open the door for your home to be a place of light, hope, and healing for those around you.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Attractive Happy African Ameri 6582871

Special Feature

Sloping horizons bejeweled in dazzling colors, crisp northern winds announce the arrival of fall. And with it comes football—heroes of the gridiron battle for pride and championships. Rivalries in stadium seats and den recliners are just as intense. Healthy competition can be exhilarating and rewarding in sports. But what about marriage? Can competition be good for your marriage?

Who’s Number One? The goal in sports is to outrun, outjump, or outscore your opponent. Endeavoring to be the best in sports is admirable. Being number one in a biblical marriage should take on a different meaning. Married Christians have an opportunity to “compete” for a unique first-place trophy—loving and honoring their spouses. The apostle Paul instructs us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). The Greek word for outdo means “to prefer” or “to esteem more highly.” What if you and your spouse competed for the most courteous, patient, or forgiving awards? And what if you sought their best interests more than your own? Showing deference to your spouse does not have to be burdensome or expensive.

Winning God’s Way. Some married couples fear being taken advantage of by their spouse. To protect themselves, they keep mental records of rights and wrongs committed. Language such as “you never” and “I always” is evidence of scorekeeping. In his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Dr. John Gottman warns, “[N]eeding to keep a running tally of who has done what for whom is really a sign of trouble in a marriage.” He continues, “Among happy spouses, one doesn’t load the dishwasher just as payback because the other cooked but out of overall positive feelings about the partner and relationship.” The Bible provides an alternative to marital scorekeeping. Paul teaches love “does not take into account a wrong suffered” (1 Corinthians 13:5b). Elsewhere, he writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Selfishness and conceitedness are the enemies of oneness, but humility is its lifelong friend.

What would your marriage look like if you stopped settling scores? What if you ditched the scoreboard altogether? Winning in marriage means outgiving, outserving, and outloving each other. This kind of competition may seem counterintuitive, but daily practice can lead to a championship marriage in the eyes of God.

-Alonza Jones

President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

@biblicalmarriageinstitute

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Shoulder rolls, hip swivels, and wrist twirls are some of the fun moves in the Foundation Fitness class happening in Valleydale Church’s gym on Mondays and Thursdays. The class, taught by Gina Howell and Kathy Raymond, combines exercise, fellowship, and lots of fun. Ladies (most of whom are not members of Valleydale) meet to keep their bodies fit in a God-centered atmosphere. Long-time member Anne May says the exercise is challenging and fun, but she enjoys the love and friendships she has for all the ladies in the class.

Foundation Fitness is taught by Gina Howell and Kathy Raymond each Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at Valleydale Church.

The class starts with news updates, a devotional thought, maybe a joke or recipe, and special prayer requests. Fellowship is as important as exercise. Support for participants’ community projects is also optional. “If you walked into a random class, you may experience welcoming, joy, care, prayer,” says Marsha Cremer. Following the brief jam session, the playlist begins with stretching in a chair utilizing flex bands and hand weights. Then it’s on your feet to thematic tunes from artists such as The Beach Boys, the Beatles, Amy Grant, and Toby Mac. Whether secular or Christian, the “feel good” lyrics provide inspiration while doing grapevines, side-steps, and plies. A variety of dance moves, seasonal themes, and playlists offer plenty of diversity to keep participants coming back. “There is no format like ours,” says Raymond.

Although Howell and Raymond are certified Zumba instructors, Howell says their moves are a “spaghetti” combination of salsa, ballet, modern dance, cumbia, and country. Howell started the class ten years ago under two conditions: 1) that it was open to any woman from any denomination, and 2) there would be no charge. “God is the reason we are doing this,” says Howell as Raymond shakes her head in affirmation. Raymond joined Howell to co-teach five years into the class.

The name of the class, Foundation Fitness, is taken from I Corinthians 3:11 and is based on being grounded not only in the body but at the foot of the cross. “The group has grown and changed in demographics over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the care the women have for each other,” says Denise Willey. “We pray for one another.” No guys are allowed in this ladies-only class. The age range of current participants is 50-86, but any age is welcome. Even if you aren’t a dancer or in shape, that is no deterrent. There are no divas! See what it’s all about Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Contact [email protected] for more information.

-Karen O. Allen

Author of Confronting Cancer with Faith

www.ewerblessed.com

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

October 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.

3 WINNERS! 2 Tickets ($30 Value) to Christmas Village, November 3-6 at the BJCC, www.ChristmasVillageFestival.com.

LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Post to your story on Instagram for an extra entry.

Offer ends 10/24/22. Winners announced 10/25 on Instagram so be sure to FOLLOW our page @cfpbirmingham!

3 Ways to Win a $60 Gift Card to A Birthday Place, everything but the cake, www.abirthdayplace.com.

LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF.

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

FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Offer ends Wednesday 10/26. Winners announced 10/27/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Sunrise In Mountain Landscape 402368000

Publisher’s Note

“…give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

As I watched with billions of other people from around the world the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, I heard many prayers said. They all ended with- “…in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” A sense of hope surged within me to know that, at this moment, when so many people looked to catch a glimpse of an earthly lord’s ceremonial departure from this world, the Name above all Names was being called upon- many times. This earthly Queen, whom we are told planned this service down to the smallest detail, chose to call upon the name of the Lord. At a time when we hear in the media that being a Christian is becoming a “minority,” and many people are choosing to leave the Christian faith, the Name above all Names(Philippians 2:9) was being proclaimed around the world.

I can clearly remember a very desperate time in my life when I “couldn’t fix” my situation. I had no answers and saw no clear way out. My mother said to me at the other end of the telephone in the middle of the night, “Just say his Name Laurie, call on his Name, Jesus. Just say it out loud. When the fear and anxiousness well up in you, call on the name of Jesus.” I hung up the phone, and whispered His name, “Jesus.” That night my circumstances didn’t change- in fact, they got worse, but when I called on God, when I chose to turn to Jesus for the answers, He answered in a way I could not imagine. A way far better than I could have ever known.

Today in moments of challenge and frustration, but also moments of joy, just stopping and saying the name of Jesus, calling on Him, brings me inner peace. What’s in a name? There is Power in the Name of Jesus, who offers each of us peace that passes all understanding and the amazing Gift of everlasting Life with Him! “…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21

Click here to check out our October giveaways!

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

Facebook: Birmingham Christian Family

Twitter: @cfpBirmingham

Instagram: @cfpbirmingham

Pinterest: @cfpbirmingham

LinkedIn: Birmingham Christian Family

Celebrating 22 Years of Good News!

January 9, 2023September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Group of senior people sitting 439110614

Senior Scene

Proveer at Grande View provides the Hoover community with a vibrant, upscale and modern senior living community. The word “proveer” means to provide. With Proveer at Grande View, that is their purpose.

The staff at Proveer has dedicated themselves to understanding the needs of seniors who call their community home, the desires of their adult children who call their team extended family, and the expectations of associates who call Proveer partners. “Grande View” isn’t just in the name. Proveer is located on top of a ridge just off U.S. 280, in the residential community of Meadowbrook. The community will be unique in style and feel with several dining venues. All day dining will also be available. The community also has stunning views of Double Oak Mountain. When the activities of daily living get to be a burden, that’s when Proveer at Grande View can help. They provide extensive care for their residents, including:

bigstock Nurse Attending Senior Woman I 403387559 — Proveer at Grande View is located at 700 Corporate Ridge, Hoover, 205-307-5500.

On-site rehabilitation services
Medication management
Activities of daily living assistance
Pharmacy services
Individualized service plans
Home health hospice coordination
Personal pendant for assistance

Assisted living. Proveer offers assisted living, which means the staff will provide as much or as little support as you need. Services include on-site rehabilitation services, medication management, pharmacy services, individualized service plans and more.

View from Proveer Grande View — Residents at the new Proveer Grande View enjoy spectacular views of Double Oak Mountain.

Memory Care. Through the signature memory care program Cherish, Proveer provides the care needed for individuals living with dementia and their families. In addition to receiving passionate care every day, residents can also enjoy making friends, pursuing their hobbies and eating heart-healthy meals. The layout is easy to navigate, and there are various floor plans to fit all residents’ lifestyles. For more information, call 205-307-5500 or visit www.proveeratgrandeview.com. †

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Satisfied young woman looking 399555869

Education Extra

Brought to you by: Community Partner Scholarships for Kids

The Scholarships for Kids team are planners that take the responsibility of planning the futures of the students they serve very seriously. The community model of Scholarships for Kids offers students, parents, schools, and taxpayers ‘an in’ on one of the greatest opportunities to invest in our future, and it’s an opportunity that doesn’t cost the Alabama taxpayer a dime. The team has a responsibility to donors to utilize funds donated by Alabama taxpayers toward the education of Alabama’s children.

Scholarships for Kids is a community of fundraisers that cannot do this without support. To ensure that parents and schools can plan accordingly, funds donated in any given calendar year are reserved for the next academic year. This budgeting gives families, schools, and donors peace of mind that the Scholarships for Kids team is accountable for the funds they are tasked to handle.

Scholarships for Kids partner schools establish a safe, welcoming, and culturally diverse environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Scholarships for Kids students work hard not only to succeed in a new environment but to overcome challenges they have faced that many will never fully understand. Despite these challenges, they are rising to the occasion as leaders and becoming Student Government Association presidents, salutatorians, and student athletes. They are finding where they fit in, and they are better for it.

Scholarships for Kids looks to parents to have skin in the game. This means that no matter the tuition amount, parents are responsible for a portion of their child’s tuition. They too are partners in this process. They are transferring due to safety concerns, or because they see a special quality in their child that should be fostered in a different kind of environment. It’s the ultimate team effort, and it’s making a difference in the future of Alabama.

There is only one way you or your business can tell the state of Alabama how to spend your tax dollars and that is by redirecting up to 100% of your state tax liability. These are tax dollars you already must send to the state, and through the Alabama Accountability Act, you can help give school choice opportunities to students from low-income households. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit meaning you get back every dollar you invest in this program! For more information, call 205-246-5613 or visit www.scholarshipsforkids.org. †

September 20, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

Aww Shucks, Alabama’s original fire roasted corn food truck, invites you to come have a shuckin’ good time at its Aww Shucks Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022! This free, fun, family friendly fall festival at Cahaba Brewing includes a corn eating contest, along with kids’ activities, pumpkin painting, local vendors, food and drink trucks, and more. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their four-legged friends as there will also be “corn” dog activities like a free dog photo booth and more. To view the Aww Shucks menu, food truck schedule and more, click here.

December 14, 2023September 19, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

The Jimmie Hale Mission (JHM) welcomed Perryn Carroll as their new executive director in the fall of 2022. While this was a new position for her, Carroll is no stranger to the Birmingham-based ministry founded in 1944 to share God’s life-changing love with others by serving the homeless.

Perryn Carroll actively worked alongside Jessie Hale Downs when she first began volunteering with Jimmie Hale Mission (JHM). Downs took over the ministry after her husband, Jimmie Hale, died just eight months after opening JHM.

Carroll has served with JHM in some capacity- including as a volunteer and board member- for more than 25 years. “[Former Mission director] Tony Cooper asked if I would join the board in the 1990s… and I was able to serve alongside Mrs. Jessie Hale,” Carroll says. Jessie Hale Downs founded the ministry with her husband Jimmie Hale. When her husband died eight months later, she continued to lead the Mission for 36 years. Carroll adds, “I often tell people I never knew Mother Teresa, but I feel like I knew Birmingham’s Mother Teresa in Mrs. Jessie.”

Carroll stepped into the role of temporary executive director when the JHM board of directors began to search for a new executive director. After a full search, Carroll was named executive director and believes this is God’s calling on her life. She credits her husband for giving her the freedom to dedicate as much time as needed to the nonprofit. Carroll and her husband Mike are both lawyers and founded a family-run law office together- Carroll & Carroll, P.C. “At some point, I just realized this [JHM] is where I need to be,” Carroll says. She believes this is God’s plan for her life and she is excited to dedicate more time to JHM. “I had to have my roller skates on and hit the ground running,” she adds.

While taking care of the homeless in Central Ala. is the heart of JHM, there are many other services. JHM believes in the saying “don’t only give someone a fish but teach them how to fish.” From research and hands-on experience, the JHM team learned that substance addiction is at the root of more than 90% of homelessness. Carroll explains this fact is why the JHM Royal Pines Recovery Center opened and also why JHM implements the Active Recovery program in all of their outreaches including Jessie’s Place for women. “We want to address the underlying factors that cause homelessness so that we can lead our clients to a lasting transformation in their lives and generations to follow,” Carroll explains, adding, “I am humbled and excited to be named to lead an amazing Mission team that works to transform adults directly affected by homelessness, addiction, or unhealthy living, into those who lead purposeful, self-sufficient, and productive lives for the glory of God.” To learn more about Carroll and JHM, visit www.jimmiehalemission.com.

-Melissa Armstrong

The Lord Roars

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media