Expanding Our Family’s View of the World

August 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

It is easy for us to get caught in an every day Groundhog Day. Like the Bill Murray movie, we can find ourselves and our families constantly living the same routine, going to the same places, and interacting with the same people.

If we take the time to stop and think about this, we end up filling our world and the worlds of our children with people who are just like us. We are likely of the same race, go to the same churches and schools, are in the same economic class, and have the same political views. We have not just created the repeating world of Groundhog Day; we have also created a world by us, for us, and many times surrounded by people just like us. When we live in a homogeneous world, we miss what God is doing in the world around us. As we seek to expand our view of the world, we will experience:

The Creativity of God. As we get to know people from different cultures and who live in different places, we see the creativity of God. He made all peoples and every culture in its own unique way expresses the beauty of its Creator.

The Depth of Need. When we go to another culture, we may see needs and opportunities where we can serve. We may have some resources, knowledge, and relationships that can be leveraged on behalf of others. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus to a needy world.

The Truth that Our Ways Are Not Always Best. In approaching another culture, we must come with a spirit of humility. We don’t know everything, and there is much that could grow in our own lives if we were willing to take the place of a student to learn from others. Experiencing other cultures helps us from falling deeply into the trap of believing that our ways are always the best and our world is the standard.

Let us look for everyday ways to break out of our little box of normal we have created to join God in what He is doing in the world around us. We will see God’s beauty, opportunities to join Him in mission, and can grow as we take the posture of a humble student.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

August 25, 2022August 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

Coming Soon: Brookdale University Park Clare Bridge Crossings

Brookdale University Park Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between home or Assisted Living and Clare Bridge Memory Care. It is designed to support those living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our Clare Bridge Crossings program is based on a growing body of research that shows that a structured program of cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise, and increased social interaction may help to slow the decline of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Innovative engagement provides an opportunity to “stretch to improve” cognitive skills, and a daily routine of programs, including a specially designed exercise program, helps residents stay socially connected, engaged and more confident in their abilities.

Senior Scene Brookdale Progress photo bathtub — Here is a look inside the progress happening at Brookdale.

Dining Options. Dining in our Clare Bridge Crossings unit encourages resident choice and participation to build self-esteem to help maintain autonomy. Healthy and delicious meals featuring optional Optimum Life brain-healthy foods help to increase our residents’ nutritional health and to decrease their risk for weight loss.

Purpose-built and Designed Environments. Intentionally designed living and activity spaces encourage continued learning and help our residents maintain connections with opportunities such as art and music workshops, live and active gardening spaces, fitness areas for mind and body, outings to places of local interest and culture.

Senior Scene Brookdale progress photo inside a room — Take a look at the exciting progress happening now for Brookdale’s Clare Bridge Crossings living and activity spaces!

When should someone consider early-stage dementia care? When a loved one or someone in their care:

is needing a bit of help with planning day-to-day activities
is doing well with reminders, reassurance, and social interactions with others but may be struggling with initiation
is getting around without a lot of assistance
is managing bathroom needs and personal care with only occasional support

Brookdale is proud to be pioneers in person-centered Alzheimer’s and dementia care. For more information, please call Brookdale University Park at 205-870-0786.

You’re Invited: Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Seminar

Join Brookdale as they celebrate the opening of the new Clare Bridge Crossings and hear from a speaker from Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Call Lee Cobb at 205-789-9408 for more information about the date and time.

Brookdale’s Signature Seasonings

If variety is the spice of life, we are exploring a spectrum of flavors with Brookdale Signature Seasonings. Developed especially for seniors, this exclusive collection of seven healthy blends enables residents to control the level of flavor added to their food. Our herbal blends revitalize their sense of taste while enhancing the flavor of their favorite dishes.

Our Signature Seasoning Blends are as broad in flavor as they are unique in their health qualities:

Beef & Barbecue. This combination of herbs and spices gives your beef dishes an incredible burst of flavor.

Chicken & Pork. A hint of Parmesan adds the perfect touch to all your chicken and pork dishes.

Zesty Touch. Rich in color and aroma, this blend captures the unique flavors of the Southwest.

Fish & Seafood. This salt-free citrus blend is excellent on fish, seafood, pasta and vegetable dishes.

Garlic & Herb. This salt-free blend of our finest herbs and spices is sure to be a favorite on all of your meals.

Savory Garden. This salt-free blend bursts with flavorful herbs and vegetables. It is the perfect complement to every meal.

Sodium & Potassium Free Salt Substitute. This sodium free salt substitute is a delicious alternative that will enhance the natural flavors of any food.

You’re invited to Be Well by Brookdale: Experience a Community of Good Health on September 14 at 2 p.m. The event will be set up like the World’s Fair. Receive information on all areas of wellness including: staying active, healthy eating, navigating and managing healthcare, social connections, brain health, and self-care therapies. Tasty appetizers will be available at a variety of dining bars and/or stations throughout the event space. Learn more by calling 205-870-0786.

An Invitation to Experience Brookdale

Brookdale residents enjoy an engaging lifestyle with a selection of care options to meet changing needs. The community conveniently located off Lakeshore Drive offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Call 205-870-0786 to connect with one of our team members who would be delighted to help you plan your personal visit, www.brookdale.com. †

August 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Cheerful grandchildren spendin 367540495

Senior Scene

The second Sunday of every September is National Grandparents Day! It was signed into law in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan as a day to honor the legacy and celebrate the importance between grandparents and their grandchildren. However, within the Christian community, there is a Grand Switch at play. The Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) took the initiative to take this National Holiday and turn the focus from the grandparent into a Grandparent’s Call-to-Prayer.

Do you remember a grandparent that prayed for you? Can you see where your life could have taken a vastly different turn without those prayers? Did those prayers make an unseen difference in your life? Or perhaps, you didn’t have a grandparent’s prayer behind you. As a Christian grandparent now, can you see the difference prayer could make in the life of a grandchild?

Our grandchildren face a world vastly different and challenging than from our years growing up. Peer pressure, bullying, social media, gender crisis, addiction, abortion, family crisis, and sexuality are household words in their culture. Often, trying to put words into our heartfelt prayers for them is difficult. The need is so great. However, we have God’s defense and justification in our call to stand in the gap for our grandchildren. Here are four things to remember

1. We are invited to bring our concerns for our grandchildren before Him. 1 Peter 4:7 (Amplified Bible) says, “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”

2. He is greater! It’s easy to forget the truth of 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

3. A continuous invitation is found in Matthew 7:7, “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

4. And a Promise from Matthew 7:8, “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Find more prayer encouragements at www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com or www.christiangrandparenting.com.

-Cynthia Moss

Director of GrandLife, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

August 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

September 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 Ways to Win a $50 Gift Card to Mark’s Outdoors, www.marksoutdoors.com – the place to find everything you need to enjoy God’s great outdoors.

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For EXTRA ENTRIES:

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

Offer ends 9/28/22. Winner announced 9/29/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page.

August 25, 2022August 15, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Colostrum6 Products Stump Land Water 1200x500 e

Healthy Living

Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith’s goal is to help people become healthier versions of themselves. As a formulator and researcher for more than 30 years, Dr. Kleinsmith is passionate about the benefits of colostrum. After growing up on a dairy farm and seeing firsthand the benefits available from colostrum, he began studying colostrum as a child and hasn’t stopped.

What is colostrum? “It’s a pre-milk liquid superfood produced by mammalian mothers to jumpstart offspring. It is only produced in a zero-to-six-hour time frame with cows and a three-day time period with humans,” Dr. Kleinsmith explains, adding that colostrum provides immune and growth factors that promote the health of the newborn.

What are the benefits of taking colostrum? Dr. Kleinsmith says that people who take colostrum can expect many improvements in their overall health including “more useful skin, energy, weight loss or weight gain, improvements in gut issues, support to the nervous system, and more.” Colostrum benefits encompass anything in the anti-aging, regeneration, immune system, weight loss, stress, and youthfulness arenas, and more. “Colostrum is a functional food supercharged with 97 Immune Factors and 87 known Growth Factors.”

To read more about the research behind colostrum or if you have any questions, visit 3624.anovite.com/whycolostrum6. Dr. Kleinsmith and his team have not changed their formula for colostrum since beginning in 1991. Colostrum products come in different forms including powder, capsules, chews, skincare products, and even treats for pets.

Why take colostrum? “Do you have something you’re worried about or something that you physically feel that hurts? What would you do to stop it?” Dr. Kleinsmith asks, adding, “Colostrum, with over 32 years of research and literally millions of bottles sold around the world, will give back to that depleted body building blocks which will allow your body to heal itself.”

To order, including a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee & Free Shipping in the US, call toll-free 877-295-1269 Monday thru Friday 8 am – 5 pm MT and mention this article in Birmingham Christian Family.

-Melissa Armstrong

Kleinsmith Family — Dr. Kleinsmith has been married to his wife Trish for 32 years and they have three children. The family lives in Utah.

July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

August Reader Giveaways

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 8/11/22. Winners announced 8/12/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

Cool Shots Selfie Museum $75 gift card- use to take a family of four or apply toward your next party. Located at Patton Creek, Hoover with more than 25 Different Unique Photo Scenes, www.coolshotsselfiemuseum.com. To enter to win, simply LIKE and SHARE the Giveaway Post on our Facebook Page and FOLLOW BCF.

For EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. TAG a friend you would like to invite to your next party!
2. Take quick READER SURVEY here.
3. SUBSCRIBE to receive your free digital issue of BCF at www.birminghamchristian.com.
4. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Offer ends 8/28/22. Winner announced Monday 8/29/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

July 27, 2022July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Brought to you by: Community Partner Sawyer Solutions, www.sawyersolutionsllc.com

Did you know that the average age for child human trafficking victims is between 11-17 years old? Child human trafficking is happening all around the country, explains Birmingham based ministry Blanket Fort Hope (BFH) Chief Executive Officer Alexa James. “We really do have a problem. It’s not another country that is having this problem. This is the fastest growing crime in America,” James says.

Mission Makers Blanket fort Hope Hold the Fort Race Image 1 — The Hold the Fort 5K & 10K is a certified race at Oak Mountain State Park on September 17. Expect fantastic giveaways and more! Learn more at www.holdthefortraces.com.

James believes that God called her to found BFH after years of experience volunteering and working with human trafficking victims. It was through volunteering at an elementary school that she realized how high-risk children were for human trafficking. “I would literally walk out the door and see a drug dealer at the corner of the school every day.” This experience opened her eyes and she felt God put a burden on her heart for children. She went on to found BFH in 2015. “This is something that God showed me; this is the plan He had for my life.”

To date, BFH has trained over 6,500 people in preventative education. “This training has been on the professional level, the school level, and through our foster care initiative,” James explains, adding, “Our mission is to restore hope in the lives of child sex trafficking survivors through access to essential services, compassionate care, and a loving Christian witness.” In July 2021, BFH purchased 73 acres of land in Columbiana and recently started the bidding process on the restoration home.

Mission Makers Blanket Fort Hope Property Drone Image Blanket Fort Hope — Blanket Fort Hope closed on land in Columbiana, Ala. in 2021 and have started the bidding process on the restoration home.

Grab your running shoes! The 4th Annual Hold the Fort 5K & 10K and 1-Mile Warrior Walk is set for September 17 at Oak Mountain State Park. “The run is an opportunity for people who like to run or walk to support a cause and make a difference for child survivors of human trafficking,” James explains. The money that is raised will go to engineering the property and building the home in Columbiana. Attorney General Steve Marshall recently visited the BFH property and said, “It’s truly God’s work. We talk about His hands and feet, what better way can we demonstrate what that is than what you are doing here at Blanket Fort Hope.” Learn more about BFH at www.blanketforthope.org.

-Melissa Armstrong

Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions
Technology with Care and Compassion
• Outsourced I.T. Support
• Cyber Security
• Help Desk Solutions
www.sawyersolutionsllc.com
844-448-7767

July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Young Romantic Couple Dancing 453965077

Special Feature

I admit it. I am a fan of classic movies. Some of my favorites are the period films- particularly the ones in which men were tough and chivalry was esteemed. Cheesy, I know, but pass the popcorn!

Husbands, would your wife describe you as chivalrous? Does she love it when you open doors for her or pull her chair out at the dinner table? I hope your answer is a resounding yes. But is this all your wife wants from you? Is it possible she desires a deeper level of gallantry? In nearly forty years of working with married couples, I consistently hear wives expressing their desire to feel secure in their marriages. They want a man who will honor and protect them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

A Different Kind of Valor. Most men will physically fight to defend their wives and families. But, how many will fight to protect their wives emotionally and spiritually? The bar is high for Christian husbands. As Christ is the Savior of His bride (the church), so the Christian husband is to be his wife’s savior (little “s”). Ephesians 5:25-26 explains, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.”

Biblical valor may require a husband to rescue his wife from imminent danger. But often, it needs him to be proactive. It requires him to pursue his wife with gentleness, kindness, and tender care—expecting nothing in return. It requires him to place her needs above his own. It requires him to model Godly character for his family.

Take Action. Here are five simple ways to safeguard your wife emotionally and spiritually:

Pray for her consistently and persistently. Text her nuggets of wisdom from God’s Word.
Speak up when anyone defames her.
Affirm and provide companionship to her. What you say to and about your wife matters.
Do little things to lighten her load, even when you are tired.
Give her your undivided attention. Make it your goal to understand her.

These things will help create a hedge of emotional security around your wife. She will know you have not left your post as her gallant knight.

-Alonza Jones

President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Two Business Women Having Conv 19959575

Business Today

Communication. It is one of those concepts that sounds simple. But it’s not always easy to execute. Whether it is hurt feelings, a conflict that just won’t resolve, or just a nagging feeling we haven’t closed the loop of communication, we can all relate to those feelings.

We all have a communication style we are most comfortable with. I first learned about this concept in college many years ago. It was through Gary Smalley’s assessment tool. Our results told us whether we were a Lion, Otter, Beaver, or Golden Retriever. These styles are built on the model of communication style measured by DISC (dominant, influencer, steady relator, and conscientious).

My friend, Suzy, was upset that her top style was Golden Retriever. She wanted to be seen as a Lion! Well, the good news is we can all adapt our communication styles. To adjust to others, we need to understand our style and know what to look for and listen for in others to adapt to their style. The common thread among successful people is they are the most adept at adjusting to others and communicating effectively with them. How do we do this? I share an example below of starting the process. In the next three months, we will work through three other ways to adapt.

Some people truly value taking in life and savoring every moment. Their family, close friends, and the team at work are important to them. Gathering consensus is imperative before decisions are made. They don’t want to be rushed or decide on a quick timeline. They are the ones at the restaurant who don’t want to order first because they are still trying to decide what they want. And they don’t want to be pressed or put on the spot. If we identify that we’re talking with someone who has this quiet, steady communication style (also known as a Steady Relator) there are three things we want to be sure to do to make them feel comfortable with us:

1. Slow down and take your time communicating. Don’t come across as restless or frustrated with their pace.

2. Be supportive of them. Provide verbal assurance and let them make their own decision.

3. Plan ahead and give them enough time to decide. Don’t spring a decision at the last minute.

Why should we do this? We never get a response from someone who becomes withdrawn, resists action, and can be stubborn. Getting outside ourselves to adjust to others can take practice and patience but it works the outcome- a much clearer communication and better outcomes for all.

-Kristine Sizemore

[email protected]

205-306-8164, www.ksainc.sandler.com

Sizemore lives in Hoover, Ala. and is a Consultant, Coach, Trainer and Speaker focused on the subconscious psychology of Human Interaction and Motivation. Her firm specializes in Sales, Management and Leadership Development for Proactive Business Growth.

July 27, 2022July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Happy Family Having Fun Time A 450288511

Legal Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Bradford & Holliman, www.bradfordholliman.com

While attending a baby shower, a friend in her late 60s wondered if the parents-to-be had taken time to consider very carefully who they would like to be their baby girl’s guardians if they were both gone. That’s so much more important that the nursery wall color.

Sometimes a guardian choice is obvious such as a sibling whose parenting style you like. But siblings often live far away. Perhaps close friends are better choices so your children would already know them well, and your children’s day-to-day life would have more continuity after major trauma. If you’ve set up trusts for your children through your estate plan, the trustee is another possible guardian. However, you may like your trustee’s financial expertise more than their parenting expertise.

Not only is selecting potential guardians for your children a major decision, but your will should include at least two backups of either couples or single individuals. When reviewing their five-year-old will, one couple was stunned to realize that of the three couples they had selected, all three were now in drastically different situations. The wife of their primary choice had died, and her husband was dealing with grief and had moved to Georgia. Their secondary choice had divorced and had a complicated relationship. The third couple had divorced, and both had married other people. This situation is a perfect example of why we encourage clients to review their wills at least every three years.

Your own life may change in ways that should trigger a reassessment of your choices of guardians such as moving to a different state. If you have more children, perfectly competent guardian possibilities with larger families of their own may become inappropriate because they would be stretched too thin to raise your children, too. Obviously, you need to keep your wills updated. Long before you meet with your estate planning attorney, talk seriously with each potential guardian, and get their agreement to serve as guardian. Ask them to let you know if their situation changed in ways that would prevent them from accepting the responsibility. And then update your will.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Holliman & Holliman, PLLC

www.bradfordholliman.com

205-663-0281

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.

Expanding Our Family’s View of the World

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