Being Wise in a Volatile Investment Market

June 1, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Money Matters

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably noticed that the stock market has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride. With concerning headlines on your favorite news channel, and the balance of your investment accounts fluctuating, it can be easy to become anxious. However, it’s important to remain focused on what you can control and not act out of fear. Here are four ways you can act with wisdom during a volatile investment market.

1. Focus on your long-term goals. It’s important to remain focused on what you are hoping your money will allow you to do, not the balance of your accounts or your year-to-date return. When my clients are concerned about a market drop, I’ll often pull up our financial planning software and show them how the latest volatility has affected their financial plan. Oftentimes, the impact on their long-term goals is nowhere near as drastic as they are imagining. Staying focused on meeting long-term goals helps put into perspective the short-term fluctuations.

2. Continue saving and investing. Trying to time the ups and downs of the market is nearly impossible. A much more dependable strategy is to make automatic contributions to your investment and savings accounts every month. If you’re working with an advisor, they can adjust how these contributions are used and find the best options for rebalancing, diversifying, and growing your portfolio. Additionally, a market downturn is often a good time to add to your investment account, since you are buying investments at a lower price.

3. Take a break from technology. It can be easy to become overly focused on your favorite news channel or the daily balance of your account. However, constantly watching the news for the latest market headlines and checking your account balance every hour is only going to make every market jitter feel like an earthquake. If you’re getting too anxious, unplug and go do something you love. Give yourself the opportunity to focus on something else and don’t let worry steal away the joy of today.

4. Remember God’s promises. We have a responsibility to be wise stewards of what God has given us. However, ultimately God is in control of the world and every aspect of our lives, including our finances. In the end, it is up to God to provide for our needs just as He has promised to do. All we can do is seek to obey God and make wise choices and then trust God with the results. So, in times of uncertainty, remember to put your trust in the God who has always been faithful to fulfill His promises to His children.

-David Hinshaw

Wealth Management Certified Professional® Advisor, OneAscent

[email protected], 205-313-9142

July 27, 2022June 1, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

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

Two axioms that we estate planning attorneys know only too well are that “no one knows his expiration date,” and “no one checks out leaving a clean desk.” However, you should still leave an estate plan that your executor and heirs can use to finalize your affairs. You also need to designate a personal representative who can oversee your affairs even if you’re incapacitated. Here are six reasons why a very key component of your estate plan is a current list of passwords and accounts to manage your digital identity.

1. Online orders: If you have standing repeat orders for items such as pet supplies or your favorite bagels, keep previous invoices to help your personal representative cancel the orders.

2. Online banking and autopay bills: In most cases, utilities, insurance premiums, car, and mortgage payments need to be kept paid if you are incapacitated. In the case of your demise though, certain payments will need to be canceled. Leave details with your papers.

3. Social media accounts: You can now designate someone to oversee these accounts in their settings.

4. Online access to financial accounts and health insurance: A durable power of attorney helps, but having the company names, accounts, passwords, and type of account will help, especially if needed for your care.

5. Two-step encryption: This security tool is used increasingly to thwart hackers of online services. Make sure your personal representative’s email and cell phone are set up as options within the accounts.

6. Device Passwords: When one 45-year-old died unexpectedly, her executor was left with a smartphone full of photos that are not accessible and a two-month-old tablet that cannot be re-used. Ten months later, the executor is still trying to get these devices unlocked through the manufacturers so that they can be cleaned and resold.

If you are a very private person, store this information in a sealed envelope with your personal representative or executor right along with your Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive, and Last Will. And be sure to update the info regularly. You’ll have the peace of mind that your affairs will be easier to manage for your personal presentative or executor.

-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.

April 25, 2023May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

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

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Grey Darrah, one of the first boys to live at Big Oak Boys’ Ranch, is a certified professional photographer specializing in timeless portraiture. As an overall skilled craftsman, he also makes beautiful wooden vessels. Darrah said of his craft, “You can take a piece of wood and turn it into a bowl or a vase but it’s the ones that as you start digging deeper and deeper in the wood, you find these crevices and occlusions running through them – imperfections. But it’s what makes them so special and so particularly beautiful.”

Grey Darrah and his family — Grey Darrah is seen here with his family. Darrah is a Marine veteran and has passed on his love for his country to his children.

As a husband, father of three grown children and grandfather of four grandsons, he understands this illustration in a personal way. Darrah was 14 when he arrived at Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance. Big Oak was just beginning and so was God’s rebuilding work in Darrah’s life.

At Big Oak, Darrah found family. He found safety and a place to belong. He found consistent examples, stability and loving discipline. He found a relationship with Jesus and lasting purpose. God took the imperfections of Darrah’s life and crafted something extraordinary.

Early days at Big Oak — Pictured above is a snapshot of the early days of Big Oak Ranch. The ranch opened in 1974 and has impacted the lives of more than 2,000 children.

Darrah has been married to his wife Kaysi for 37 years. As a Marine veteran, he passed on to his children a love for our country and for serving something greater than oneself. Of their three grown children, one son is a dentist, their daughter a speech therapist, and their second son, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. But, more than that, their children didn’t know the same cycle of pain that Darrah did. They have also found a relationship with Jesus and are raising children of their own in Christian homes.

The art that Darrah makes today will be handed down from generation to generation. Much like the work that was done in his life at Big Oak Ranch. To hear more of Darrah’s story, click here. †

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

“Every week, I see obstetrical patients that I delivered who are now having their own babies,” Dr. Carol Swindle of Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C., says. Dr. Swindle has been serving patients in and around Birmingham since 1988. “I enjoy seeing patients through their adolescence, childbearing years, and on into menopause,” she says.

Dr. Swindle has a passion for medicine that started during her high school years. “I had the opportunity to work in a lab. This was my initial exposure to the medical field,” she explains, adding, “This allowed me to take science classes as a freshman and I subsequently pursued a career in medicine.” Dr. Swindle received her medical degree from The University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed her residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Being an OBGYN is a great blend of medicine and surgery,” Dr. Swindle says. She is excited about the new non-invasive prenatal screening. “This gives us assurance that babies are chromosomally normal, and if there are issues, offers the opportunity to prepare and support the expectant parents,” she explains, adding, “Patients are particularly excited about the ability to learn the baby’s gender as early as seven weeks.”

When Dr. Swindle is not at the office, you can find her spending time with her family and traveling. She and her husband, the late Dr. Mark Swindle, have two grown children. She has also adopted several rescue dogs and the newest furry member of the family is named Henley.

For more than 30 years, Henderson & Walton Women’s Center has been specializing in women’s health care in Birmingham and surrounding areas. All the OB/GYN physicians, including Dr. Swindle, are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For patient convenience, HWWC sees patients in Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Cullman, Rainbow City/Gadsden, Jasper, and Tuscaloosa. To learn more about Dr. Swindle and the team of physicians and staff at Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, P.C., visit www.hwwc.net or call 205-930-1800.

-Melissa Armstrong

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Many people know of Daniel as the prophet who escaped a grisly death in a den of lions. Others may remember him as the man who read God’s writing on the wall, predicting the fall of frivolous King Belshazzar. In more recent times, it is Daniel’s 21-day fast that has achieved somewhat of a celebrity status attracting the pious, the curious, and those feeling burdened with a few extra pounds.

There is one thing glaringly absent from most of these rave reviews, articles, and videos about the fast and that is Daniel’s prayer. This is an unfortunate omission as it is in the prayer that the drama of supernatural intervention unfolds. As Daniel prays, a battle literally takes place above his head. The archangel Gabriel fought and defeated an evil angel who would prevent the answer to the prophet’s prayer from coming through.

At the beginning of 2020, I began reading through Daniel 9 and before long discovered what I believed made the prophet’s prayer so appealing to God. Daniel did not argue and complain about the extended period of judgment Israel would pass through during the Babylonian captivity. Instead, he based his prayer on what he knew of the character of God. That belief is expressed in verse 9 of the chapter and forms the main support of the entire prayer: “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”

We are reminded that the resurrected Jesus is forever engaged in making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). My book The Prayer of Daniel offers thirty days of personal prayers through Daniel 9. It is designed to help the reader join in the work of intercession. Whether, like Daniel, we are crying out for mercy for our nation or for loved ones near and dear to us, there is no better premise on which to anchor our prayers. We are in the wrong. God is perfectly right. In spite of this fact, he will answer and even send angels to defend us because of his unceasing mercy and forgiveness.

-Lauren E. Myers, Myers is a registered nurse by profession and an award-winning writer and Amazon best-selling author. Works include Moments with Jesus, Sanctuary: Daily Blessings in the Secret Place, and In the Presence of Grace.

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

About 3,000 years ago, a prince inherited his father’s kingdom. Blessed by God with wisdom, he turned the fledgling realm into a diplomatic and commercial powerhouse, becoming the wealthiest monarch of his time. He became an uber-rich, international superstar. As his fame and wealth increased, his dissatisfaction and disappointment with life grew deeper. The “Teacher” decided to pour out his frustration in words now known as the Book of Ecclesiastes, a body of literary despair we know to find in our Bibles.

In his new book, We Go On (Zondervan), author John Onwuchekwa draws from the book of Ecclesiastes and from his own journey through life. Like the “Teacher,” John also experienced times of discouragement and intense frustration with the world. Sometimes life does not make sense. The righteous are trampled and the wicked prospers, we get what we want and find it isn’t enough, we work and we dream and never secure what we long for. And at the end of life, we leave it all behind and we are slowly forgotten. John uses the ancient writing in Ecclesiastes to guide us to a life of purpose – one governed by our hope and trust in God. The world changes, but God does not. When we view our work, our possessions, our identity, and our relationships as gifts from God, they cease to be meaningless. The ancient king reviewed his life “under the sun” in despair. John encourages us to view life as a gift from God. We can live in hope and joy as we prayerfully “live full lives in this fractured world as we await the hope of the Resurrection.”

The king was wrong. Life is not worthless. Death is not the end. Our time on earth is not an exercise in futility. What we do and who we are and who we love matters to God. That’s why he sent his Son to redeem us. Our hours are in His safekeeping, and He will redeem them all. We don’t live merely “under the sun.” We live under the kingdom of heaven.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Parenting Points

For many parents, trying to disciple their kids is a daunting task. As followers of Jesus, parents are always on a journey to grow in their faith, so it can be challenging to teach your kids something you have not personally “mastered.” The church then compounds family discipleship with models, materials, and expectations that result in more guilt over failing to be a “good Christian parent” than helping to encourage you to disciple your kids.

On Facebook the other day, someone shared a statement that points to the truth of the simplicity of conversations of faith in the discipleship of the next generation. “If your kids can support your chosen sports team, you can disciple your kids.” It is that simple. If we are passionate about Jesus and our faith, discipleship through faith conversations will naturally occur in our homes. Discipleship may be as simple as teaching our kids to yell “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle.”

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses describes the character of God and goes on to explain how the truths about God would be passed to the next generation: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise,” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV).

For Moses and the Jewish people, discipleship in the character and ways of God came through everyday conversations. The Word of God was at work in the parent’s hearts, bringing spiritual transformation to them. This transformation overflowed in natural conversations during daily life with the family about God as the family sat down together, when they went from one place to the next, at bedtime, and in the morning. Faith conversations became the discipleship of everyday life.

If discipleship comes through intentionally walking with Jesus and inviting our kids to walk alongside us, every Christian parent can be a disciple. The excuses of “mastery” and not being “good enough” fade away when we realize the same God in His grace at work in our lives is the One at work in our kids’ lives.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Healthy Living

Brought to you by Community Partner Compact, www.compact2020.com

What is trauma? Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. However, there is nothing simple about trauma. There are three main types of traumas.

1. Acute Trauma. This type of trauma usually results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. The event is extreme enough to threaten the person’s emotional or physical security. If not addressed through medical help, it can affect the way a person thinks or behaves. Acute trauma generally presents itself in the form of excessive anxiety or panic, irritation, confusion, inability to have a restful sleep, and more. Studies show that a third of people involved in critical incidents have serious trauma, a third have moderate trauma, and a third have no trauma. Just because you feel no trauma or more trauma than others does not make your feelings wrong. You simply are coping with it in a different way.

2. Chronic Trauma. This trauma occurs when a person is exposed to multiple, long term or prolonged traumatic events over an extended period. Several events of acute trauma may progress into chronic trauma. The symptoms of chronic trauma often appear after a long time, even years after the event. Symptoms include unpredictable emotional outbursts, anxiety, extreme anger, flashbacks, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and nausea.

3. Complex Trauma. This type of trauma is a result of varied and multiple traumatic events or experiences. The events are generally in the context of an interpersonal relationship. It may give the person a feeling of being trapped. Complex trauma often has a severe impact on a person’s mind.

Whatever the type of trauma, if a person finds it difficult to recover from the distressing experiences, they must seek timely psychological help. A qualified phycologist can help the person with a traumatic experience live a fulfilling life. For more tips on trauma, visit www.compact2020.com or Facebook @Compact2020. †

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

June 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!

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.

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

4. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Offer ends 6/28/22. Winner announced Wednesday 6/29/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

4 Ways to Win 4 Tickets to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park & Splash Adventure Water Park, Bessemer.

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

2. Take Quick READER SURVEY.

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

4. FOLLOW US on Instagram @cfpbirmingham

Offer ends 6/27/22. Winner announced Tuesday 6/28/22 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page!

Thank again for reading and helping us share GOOD NEWS in print, on-line and through your social media!

May 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Publisher’s Note

As we prepared to open the doors at the 3rd Annual Celebrate the Family Expo, we had families lining up early and ready to enjoy the day of free family fun! The wait put them first in line for totes full of giveaways from community businesses and ministries and the first to experience activities like the 18 foot climbing wall, face painting, inflatables and a warm Minion welcome.

From the smiles on their faces, it appeared the wait was worth it! In life, “waiting” can be tough. I remember a very difficult year in my life that seemed to be wrapped up in wait. God taught me a lot that year about the value of trusting Him, and I learned the “wait” was definitely worth it. My inclination was not to wait but to do- to think “I” have the solution to whatever challenge comes along. Pride had a strong hold on me, but in “the wait” God gave me the valuable gift of humility. There were things I could not fix. I learned to wait on God, and He delivered. I can and do still slip into an “I” mode, but my past experience “in wait” makes me feel uncomfortable there and “willing” to wait- wrapped up in Him.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.” (NASB)

Click here to enter our June giveaways!

-Laurie Stroud Franklin