Help End Epilepsy

August 11, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

A new specialty license plate is now available to residents of Alabama who want to show their support of children with pediatric epilepsy. In a collaboration between the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s of Alabama and Epilepsy Foundation Alabama, the Help End Epilepsy tag will provide valuable funding for patient care, education, research and specialized physician training for the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s.“We are extremely excited to begin our specialty car tag program,” said Monisha Goyal, M.D., director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s of Alabama. “The funding we will receive from supporters purchasing tags will help us continue providing the best care possible to our patients, establish educational programs and continue advocating for children with epilepsy in our state.”

Heatlhy Living Epilepsy Car Tag — This new specialty car tag will help fund the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s of Alabama.

For the state of Alabama to produce the specialty tag, a minimum requirement of 1,000 commitments must be met. Thanks to a contribution from a generous donor to Children’s, the first 1,000 supporters to request the Help End Epilepsy specialty tag will receive the tag free of additional charge for the first year. Supporters will still be responsible for their regular motor vehicle registration taxes and fees. After the first 1,000 commitments are met, supporters may purchase the Help End Epilepsy tag for $50 at any Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles office. Of that amount, $41.25 will go to the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s. The program currently provides care for more than 5,000 children in Alabama, using the latest technologies and state of the art facilities to diagnose and treat seizures.

“We are excited to work with Children’s of Alabama for the specialty car tag initiative as part of the fight to END EPILEPSY®,” said Sara Franklin, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation Alabama. “The funds raised from the specialty car tag will be used to strengthen our joint efforts to help families affected by epilepsy and seizures.”

Epilepsy, the most common serious brain disorder worldwide, is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce seizures which are sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that disrupt brain functions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 54,000 people in Alabama are living with epilepsy and seizures, including more than 7,500 children. Over a lifetime, one in 10 people will have a seizure, and one in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

To date, the Help End Epilepsy specialty car tag has reached more than 500 pre-commitments. By registering today, supporters can help send the tag into production and pledge to provide valuable funding to help children with epilepsy. To commit to purchasing a Help End Epilepsy specialty car tag, visit www.epilepsyalabama.org/tag or contact [email protected] for more information. †

August 19, 2020August 11, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

During times of uncertainty and chaos, it is crucial to ground yourself in the truth of God’s Unfailing Word. Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy can help you do just that. All classes for the fall 2020 semester will be held online and center around Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.”

Dr. Gerald Bray will teach the class Classical Creeds: Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed and Athanasian Creed. Dr. Bray shares, “I hope that my course will help people understand their faith better and grow in their relationship to God.” He adds, “We shall be looking at the fundamental ways in which we express our experience as Christians and spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the world that he came to save.” The class begins on October 1 and will meet virtually for six Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m.

Finding Joy in the Gospel’s Progress: Paul’s Letter to Christians in Philippi will focus on the question: How can we find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances? Dr. Frank Thielman, who will teach this course, hopes that, “my Lay Academy class will help people understand the message of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi. Both Paul and the Philippians were experiencing hardship because of their commitment to Christ.” He explains, “In his letter, Paul models for the Philippians how to find joy in God’s advancement of the gospel despite- and even through- their difficult circumstances.” Beginning September 30, the class will meet virtually on six Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m.

The Megilloth: Ruth, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther will be taught by Dr. Mark Gignilliat. The class will dig into each book’s scriptural significance and more. “I pray this course enriches people in their following of Jesus and in their study of Holy Scripture. These five little books press Christians to think long and hard about what it means to believe, even when circumstances suggest otherwise,” Dr. Gignilliat says. The class will meet virtually for six Monday nights from 6-8 p.m. beginning September 28.

Created in the Image of God will be taught by Dr. Piotr Malysz. He explains that humans are taught to think about reason, the body, emotions and more. “But what I want to bring into the picture – into our joys and anxieties- is how God has already addressed us about ourselves in Christ, about all these things we associate with being human. We can’t answer our time’s most pressing question, ‘Who am I? Who are we? What is a human being?’ without listening to God first.” The class will meet for six Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. starting September 30.

Find more details about each class and register by visiting www.beesondivinity.com/lay-academy.

-Melissa Armstrong

March 4, 2021August 4, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

He calls for help but there is no room and the waiting list is long. Last year Brother Bryan Mission (BBM) received an average of 39 applications a month for a spot in its New Life Fellowship recovery and job readiness program. On average only nine were able to enter each month. This was not an abnormal year. Since 2012 when BBM began the NLF Program the demand from those looking for hope has been constant and oftentimes overwhelming.

Daniel was one who needed help. Living under a bridge, Daniel came to BBM wanting a meal. While eating Daniel saw something in the lives of the men in the NLF Program that he wanted. “It was the look of hope,” Daniel said. Daniel applied and after being accepted soon found a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He continued and obtained a G.E.D., began college, and served a ministry internship. After graduating the program Daniel was hired as BBM’s Intake Coordinator, and since has purchased a car and become a homeowner. Daniel’s life has been forever changed when he found hope for a better life at BBM.

BBM now has the opportunity to expand its ministry and increase its bed count to over 100 beds. The Board of Director’s signed a contract to purchase the vacant building at 1630 2nd Avenue North. The 2-story, 10,000 square foot building would allow for the additional beds and offer more space to carry out its programming designed to change men’s lives. The purchase price is $340,000 and a contractor has quoted five phases of work to renovate the building totaling an additional $500,000. It is a lot of money, but when we think of the lives that are being changed and the families that are being restored, we believe it is worth it.

A recently received note says it all, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done in my cousin’s life! I support you 100%.” 100 beds are possible, but we need your help! For more information visit www.bbmission.com or call 205-322-0092.

-Jim Etheredge

Executive Director, Brother Bryan Mission

Mission Makers Brother Bryan Drawing Building Expansion — Above is a drawing of the Brother Bryan building expansion.

July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

In the mysterious Book of the Revelation, the apostle John has a glimpse of heaven. In his pre-Christian days, the writer would have undoubtedly envisioned a heaven filled mostly with Hebrews like himself, perhaps with a handful of God-fearing Gentiles in the mix. Much to his surprise, the visionary did not see a homogeneous society, but a population vibrant with diversity. It is a world of peace and beauty, comprised of people from every tongue, tribe, and people group. The inhabitants of heaven bring their language, race, and culture with them, for that is the way heaven is designed to be. Diversity is, and always has been, God’s idea.

Author Trillia Newbell has written more than 10 Christian living books in addition to her latest release, God’s Very Good Idea. Newbell and her family live in Nashville, Tn.

In her wonderful children’s book, God’s Very Good Idea (Good Book Company), Trillia Newbell explains how God created humanity to be both different and the same. While we are all created in the image of God, we are also very different. We are created in various shapes, sizes, and colors. We speak different languages and enjoy different forms of art and recreation. Unfortunately, just as all humans are created in the image of God, we also share a common problem. We ruined this world with our sin, so God sent Jesus to rescue us and His plan. What is God’s very good idea? It’s lots of different people enjoying God and loving each other, both in this world and the world to come.

I love God’s Very Good Idea for both its simplicity and truthfulness. Newbell reminds us that there is only one family of God, and the divisions which tend to create so much ugliness in our world are antithetical to God’s beautiful plan for His people. Today, I had Mexican food from the restaurant Habaneros for lunch while reading a superb new book by a black author. I sold two Bibles to a lady who immigrated from the Middle East, assisted a Catholic customer who called from Philadelphia and discussed next week’s schedule with an evangelical Hispanic co-worker. I’ve talked to Presbyterians and Pentecostals, blacks and whites, conservatives and progressives – all members of the family of God. When the day is over, I will thank God for His very good idea, and for allowing my little bookstore to offer a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven.

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

205-663-2370

July 29, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Our House

Gardening! Have you ever tried it or have you been intimated by the very thought of it? Honestly, I would have never dreamed that I would be good at plant care. Because I have always had a love for plants and flowers, I decided to step out and give it a try this year. I am so glad that I did! To my surprise, it’s not as hard as you may think. Let me start by saying I am not an expert, but I did want to round up some tips that have been given to me and that I have learned along the way. Some of these tips I have tried and some I plan to try. What I have tried so far has worked! My plant babies are alive and thriving!

FERNS love water! Lots of water on the soil and to be sprayed on the leaves. They like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between watering stresses them. Ferns also love the shade. Ferns love a good soaking. Once a month I take my ferns in and soak them in a bathtub of epsom salt and water mixture. You can also do this in 5 gallon buckets. Mix 1tbsp per gallon of water. I recently discovered EpsomSalt plant food from Dollar General, but regular epsom salt works just as well.

FIDDLE LEAF TREES do not love as much water. They like to be very dry before you water them. They like indirect sunlight and humidity in the air. If you have a humidifier, set it up in the same room as your fiddle leaf tree. If you do not have a humidifier, then you can spritz its leaves daily or a few times a week. I’ve heard that they love Thieves essential oil to be diluted and sprayed on them as well. When it’s time to water your tree, rotate it a quarter to give all sides an opportunity to grow evenly in the light. Fiddle Leaf Trees do not like to be moved around a lot. Once you find its home, leave it there. I’ve heard many things that people do to shine the leaves. Anything from lemon juice, diluted milk to mayonnaise. I have only used a damp paper towel and it shines them up great. I hear that Miracle Grow Leaf Shine works well and gives it the proper nutrients it needs.

FLOWER GARDEN. When I first planted my flower garden, I discovered squirrels were digging in it. Someone recommended adding cayenne pepper to the soil to keep them away. It totally worked! I just sprinkle it heavily in the soil and mix it with my hands. I reapply after it rains. No more uprooted plants!

-Charlotte Evans Russell

For more design inspiration and tips, follow me on Instagram @charlotteshappyhome and subscribe to my blog, charlotteshappyhome.com. Read Charlotte’s faith story here.

June 20, 2023July 29, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Church Leaders

Homewood’s Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS) Catholic Church’s 71^st annual Independence Day Festival continued giving after the event. Left over grilled meat and side dishes, including baked beans and slaw, were fashioned into plates for Birmingham’s homeless. The teamwork by the Knights of Columbus Council 4304, some of the ladies of the parish, and the Food For Our Journey nonprofit food truck provided 200 plates so the less fortunate could enjoy a Fourth of July weekend barbecue meal.

Knights of Columbus member James Alan Owen mans the grill for the 71st Annual Independence Day Festival at OlS Catholic Church.

Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day celebration, the 71st annual festival took place with modifications due to Covid-19. The event featured the renowned food and a raffle, both which raised funds for charities. Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 coordinated the event and grilled several thousand pounds of meat that could be pre-ordered and bought in bulk July 2 through July 3 or as part of a variety of plates on July 3 and July 4. Ordering and payment were made via drive-up service and curbside delivery was facilitated by volunteers in masks and gloves. The grand marshal of the fest was OLS Pastor Rev. Msgr. Martin Muller and parishioner Bo Lovell was awarded the Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award. †

OLS BBQ Line — Hundreds of people take advantage of the drive-up lines for barbecue on July 4 at the modified 71st Annual Independence Day Festival at OLS.

April 28, 2021July 29, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Let’s face it, these past few months have been a challenge for most of us when it comes to enjoying anything. We will never go back to what we thought was a normal life for ourselves. The good news is that no matter what we face we can discover the power to enjoy today and own tomorrow.

One of the biggest obstacles keeping us from enjoying life is harboring unforgiveness. Many of us walk around with unresolved bitterness because of the hurts that we have endured. Whether it is betrayal, assaults, bullying, or rejection, we can feel paralyzed and robbed of any positive emotions. These hurts can create a very dark season for us, but the truth is that forgiving our offenders is for our greatest benefit. Forgiveness sets us free to enjoy today, every day.

How do we forgive others? In my latest book, Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow, we unpack the process of forgiveness in a three-step process.

1. Reconnect. In order to reconnect with God through all our hurts, we must resist our natural urge to run away from God and run to God. Really reconnect with God by opening the door to trust Him deeper. Open your heart and connect with God today.

2. Realign with God. We need to take our brokenness to God and then realign our hearts with His heart. We simply ask God to clean out our hearts, so that we may have a heart more like His. When we are able to do this, we are then able to clean out any spaces filled with negative emotions and create space with a heart for God and His truths. We are one step closer to our goal!

3. Reactivate. This is the essential component for forgiveness to be fully recognized. It is through reactivating the power within us and moving through God’s power so that we can forgive. It is not natural for us to forgive violators, bullies, or betrayers. It takes the supernatural, the inner power of God that lives within us to be able to let go of offenses and be set free.

When we reconnect to God, realign our hearts with God, and then reactivate the power of God within us, healing is experienced. Let’s move on to live the life we love, enjoying every day free from our hurts!

–Laine Lawson Craft

Author of Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow, available wherever books are sold.

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Brought to you by: Community Partner Convene, ConveneNow.com

All it takes for families to grow closer together is intentionality and a roadmap. The Family Meeting Guide is your roadmap!

Special Feature Kingdom Builders COVER ART family meeting book — Follow @kingdombuilders.us, @leedomingue, and @lauradomingue on social media.

This interactive guide walks you step-by-step through the life-changing process of having a Family meeting! The annual tradition of a Family Meeting is a time of coming together to define and reaffirm values, share vision and self-discovery, overcome challenges and fears, and set out on a mission to fulfill all God has created you to do both individually and as a family. The Family Meeting Guide was created with all types of families in mind because it doesn’t matter what your family looks like, what challenges you might be facing, or what stage of life you are in. LEGACY STARTS TODAY.

Lee and Laura Domingue have been married over 30 years and have been parents for 29 of them. After God got a hold of their lives, success in business wasn’t enough. They wanted to leave a legacy. After discovering their mission as “kingdom builders” it became vital to pass that identity on to their family, and so, the “Family Meeting” was created. The Family Meeting is more than a board room planning meeting or a brainstorming session to set business goals. It is an intimate time of gathering together, removing distractions, reflecting on the previous year, deepening trust, and remembering who you are as a family. Through the navigating of ups and downs in family life, The Family Meeting Guide is a product of their own notes and experience from many years and will evolve each year as the journey continues.

Start your #FamilyMeeting journey at www.kingdombuilders.us where you can learn more about and purchase The Family Meeting Guide. †

-Brought to you by: Community Partner, Convene

Local Chair, Harris Wheeler; [email protected]

205-936-7038 www.ConveneNow.com

December 2, 2020July 28, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Senior Scene

Choosing a senior living community for yourself or helping a special senior in your life make that decision, is a major life event. Anyone who has gone through the process will certainly attest to the fact that it can be hard to know just what to expect. That’s why it’s important to do your research and look for guidance from in-community consultants who can help you navigate this change. Of course, the benefits for seniors joining a vibrant and caring senior living community can far outweigh any stress in making your choice.

Many wonderful senior living communities are convenient to the Birmingham metro area. One of particular note is Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, in part because of its unique continuum of care. This means that Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care apartments are all available – so as seniors’ needs change, they can be accommodated at Somerby. Nestled in an attractively landscaped and wooded pocket of Birmingham, Somerby offers a comfortable, convenient and rewarding senior living lifestyle. This community enjoys an exclusive partnership with the St. Vincent’s Health System and shares a campus with its incredible One Nineteen Health and Wellness center, where all residents receive a complimentary membership. Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is close to many shopping and restaurant options along the 280 corridor and more.

Residential living options abound at Somerby, with spacious, open-concept apartment homes and one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. There’s something for every need. What’s more, renovations were completed throughout the community in early 2020, including spectacular new color schemes and fabulous flooring, furniture and lighting. Today, Somerby is stunning, with a feel for approachable luxury in the community rooms, library/computer center, creative arts studio and on-site restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, residents at Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen always speak highly of the community’s chef-prepared cuisine. Several healthy and delicious choices are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Currently, these meals are served directly to the doors of resident apartments by our highly trained and caring associates.

Today, the safety and cleanliness of senior communities is of the utmost concern. Somerby’s White Glove Confident Clean Program was created to provide additional protection and peace of mind for residents and families. This industry-defining standard of cleanliness has been implemented at Somerby, building upon an already stringent deep-cleaning regimen. Whether you’re an active and independent senior or require a little extra care for your daily living, Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen offers a safe, serene environment, peace of mind and protection. It’s a lovely place to Discover Your Spark^®. Take a virtual tour by visiting SomerbySpark.com or simply call 800-760-3616 to learn more. †

July 28, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Every Family Deserves Hope

Here today, gone tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind. Why is it that we can forget things in such rapid fashion? I share the ability with many of being able to forget things in a short amount of time until they seem more relevant to my immediate situation.

For example, what is the expiration date on your driver’s license? I have absolutely no idea, but once I realize the date of expiration is drawing near, then I seem to remember that date like I would my wife’s birthday. Or what about that little sticker you get each time you have your oil changed. Are you really mentally aware of how many miles you travel between oil changes? If it weren’t for those little stickers, maybe we might forget all together when we even had our oil changed last. There are so many things in life that we just tend to forget until it becomes urgent.

What about our walk with God? I may be the only one that turns up the heat between me and the Lord whenever the heat gets turned up on me, but maybe you’ve noticed in your own life the tendency to think much more about Him when you sense the need for His intervention. Maybe you realize that He is not quite the center once things get shaky, and you find yourself thinking about Him a little more often. Why is it we don’t think about Him as much when things are going well? Why do we binge think during tough times?

I am realizing more than ever the dangers of binge thinking. The God of the universe is too amazing to be placed on a shelf and only picked up when I need something from Him. Lord, let me not neglect You during the easy days. Please let me not forget You for even a moment.

By the way, have you changed the A/C filter at your home recently? Have you changed the batteries in your smoke alarms? …

–Micah Andrews, MPA, is CEO of the Foundry and has been in ministry for more than 25 years. His family worships at and serves through Church of the Highlands. The Foundry believes Every Family Deserves Hope and helps hundreds of families each year through Christ-centered recovery programs. To learn more or to get involved, please visit FoundryMinistries.com.

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