The Home Front If you grew up in the South, then you know that when spring starts coming on and the flowers start putting on buds, it’s time for Decorations. What are Decorations? Sometimes known as Homecomings, Decorations are a set time every year when families come to their home church to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed on by ‘decorating’ their graves with flowers. It’s also a time to reconnect with loved ones who are still among the living. And a most favored part of the day is  “dinner on the ground.” Decoration Day in the South is a time for families to come toge ..read more

Our House Springtime Pests in Alabama. Here are just a few of the critters found in Alabama that you may need spring pest control services for:  Rodents Moths Roaches Mosquitoes Bees and Wasp Spiders Termites Here are a few of our best tips for springtime pest control that you can tackle at home. Indoor Chores. Your spring cleaning chores to prevent pests indoors should include decluttering under beds and other hidden areas, dusting around cracks in baseboards and doorways, sweeping and wiping up the debris of dust and food from floors and surfaces, sanitizing surfaces, clearing cobwebs ..read more

Encouraging Word It is no accident that Jesus pointed out in Matthew 16:24 that the first step to discipleship is to “deny self.” Deny means to refrain from satisfying oneself.  My family doctor, in encouraging me to lose weight said, “Tony, it is okay to deprive yourself.” Jesus was saying to refrain from being selfish. We need to stop serving and worshiping ourselves.  Self cannot be at the center of one’s life. Jesus is to be on the throne; not self. We cannot serve self and Jesus at the same time. We tend to gratify ourselves and that gets in the way of Jesus being Lord. Here are ..read more

Special Feature “It’s been 45 years since we said, ‘I do,’ Stan mumbles, “but lately, I’ve wondered if I didn’t make a mistake.” Stan’s sentiments represent a disturbing trend among senior couples. In the early years, Stan and Lisa shared many interests and were best friends. But when children came, and Stan’s job became more demanding, those special moments became harder to find. As empty-nesters, Stan plays pickleball, and Lisa loves being Nana. She wants to slow down. He wants to be more adventurous. The marriage feels lifeless. According to Dr. Susan L. Brown, divorce for couples fifty and ..read more

Miracle Moments Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 Children arrive at Big Oak Ranch in need. They need love. They need guidance. They need the stability of family. Each of the homes at Big Oak is led by a Christian couple. These houseparents invest in the lives of the children in their home so they can heal from past hurts and grow into their purpose. Without question, it’s a calling. Houseparents serve in a full-time ..read more

Are you looking for Vacation Bible School (VBS) opportunities in and around Birmingham? Here is a list of great local options. Click on the links below for details. June 3-7 Breaker Rock Beach VBS w/ Hunter Street Baptist Church Scuba Diving Into Friendship with God VBS w/ The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills The Armor of God VBS w/ Briarwood Presbyterian Church June 10-13 Scuba Diving Into Friendship with God VBS w/ Vestavia Hills Baptist Church June 10-14 Scuba Diving Into Friendship with God VBS w/ Double Oak Community Church Mt Laurel Campus Come to the Table VBS w/ Our Lady of the Valley ..read more

Best Books Have you ever felt “less than”? Are you seeking to discover or further define the unique calling God has for your life? Reading the scripture based blessings and word studies found in Don Ankenbrandt’s new book, Your True Reflection, Trade in What You See for What God Sees, could be the game changer you are looking for. Of the sixty devotions/blessings in his book, Ankenbrandt says his favorite is “You have a New Name” based on Revelations 2:17. Click here to read this sample devotion from the book. The book also has a study guide designed for small groups. Ankenbrandt founded Allia ..read more

The Family Pet Last month Two by Two Animal Rescue was proud to announce that we’ve received seventeen dogs from the war-torn area of Gaza and Israel. If we’re being honest, even though we were thrilled to be asked for help and to be of service, it was also a very scary decision to make. A lot of thoughts ran through our minds – not about where they would go, but about how they would be. Everything would be different for them; the smells, the sounds, the language, the terrain, the weather, the other animals in the area… Would they adapt well to the changes? Would they be scared out of their wi ..read more

Parenting Points Life is filled with transitions—moving to a new home, changing schools, entering adolescence—each bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For some families, May marks the beginning of a transition season. Navigating these transitions can be challenging for children and students, but with the support of family and trusting God by faith, they can embrace change with courage and resilience. Recognize the Challenges of Transition. Transitions can evoke emotions in children and students, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and fear. They may feel overwhelmed by the un ..read more

Education Extra Congratulations to Lydia Burnett from Crossroads Christian School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Burnett receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of her choice. Read her inspiring words on how her Christian faith impacted her decision making throughout her high school career. Remlap, Ala. resident Lydia Burnett attends Crossroads Christian School. “Throughout my high school career, the Lord has presented me with many decisions to make. What type of friend will I be? Turning to scripture, I chose to follow the e ..read more