VBS & Camps 2018 - From PASTORING To POLITICS Mike Huckabee Stands with Scott Dawson - Birmingham Christian Family Magazine
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MAY 2018 COMPLIMENTARY
From PASTORING
To POLITICS
Mike Huckabee Stands
with Scott Dawson
Celebrate
Shavuot &
VBS & Pentecost
Camps 2018 ®
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2 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian Family
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May 2018 3
F rom th e P u b li s h e r
In association with
The WAIT
Have you ever felt like God has given you
Publisher: The Christian Family Publication, Inc./
a “look forward” at what He has planned
Laurie Stroud, Laurie@ChristianFamilyPublications.com • 205-408-7150 for you? You just know it’s coming, but
Birmingham Christian Family @CFPBirmingham @cfpbirmingham then it doesn’t.
Copy Editor: Marlys Kuehnert
Contributing Writers: When I was about 10 years old I discovered a book in the Shades Mountain
Jean Bowick/YMCA of Derek Gann Camille Smith Platt Elementary School Library. I think it was called “Baby Island.” I checked it out
Greater Birmingham Joanie Gable Rabbi David and Leslyenumerous times and read it cover to cover. As I remember it, the plot involved
Melanie Bradford Holliman Darrel Holcombe Schneier
two young girls who found themselves castaways on an island, responsible for
Tony Cooper Melanie Berry McCraney Laurie Stroud
S. Joey Elmore Mark’s Outdoors Grace Thornton three sets of toddler twins. That story solidified in my mind this idea that one
day I would be responsible for multiple children- a mom blessed with many
Art Director: Wendy Satterwhite babies to love and care for. It was a dream I believed God wanted fulfilled for
Sales and Marketing: Laurie Stroud, Laurie@ChristianFamilyPublications.com me. I loved babies from the time I could hold one in my lap. My mom said I
Sales Assistant: Meghan Vanamburgh was the best baby sitter ever. By the time I was ten years old I was big sister to
Cover Photo: Larry Young three younger brothers and she needed me to be the best baby sitter ever!
Birmingham Christian Family is published monthly by The Christian Family Publication, The years passed. I married and expected to be a mom but it didn’t happen.
Inc., P.O. Box 382724, Birmingham, AL 35238, 205-408-7150,
Years of prayers and doctors and no baby. Then at the age of almost 35 God
® 205-408-0468(Fax). Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com
Reproduction of any part of Birmingham Christian Family without permission of the publisher blessed me with a miracle baby. I remember specifically praying to God in
is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of informa- gratitude and letting Him know I was ok with being a mom to just one child-
tion, products or services. Views expressed in Birmingham Christian Family do not necessarily
represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Birmingham Christian Family
better than ok, it was terrific! I would be forever joyful for this miracle gift He
staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy had made possible and entrusted to me. Three months later I found out I was
of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is pregnant with twins. Today, “miracle two and three” are preparing to graduate
assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2018 by The Christian Family Publication, Inc. from high school.
Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copy-
right 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by
permission of International Bible Society. Don’t give up on the dreams you believe God has planted in your mind. Wait
Circulation & Distribution: Birmingham Christian Family is free and available at targeted, on the Lord to show up in a miraculous way. The dream may take a different
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turn than you expect but God will deliver!
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4 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian Family
May 2018 Contents
Volume 18, Number 5
DEPARTMENTS
4 Publisher’s Note 19 Money Matters
• The WAIT Pay Yourself First
• May Reader Giveaways!
20 Faith at Work
8 Church Leaders Q&A with Dr. Kristi Sayers: Candidate
• Invitation to Celebrate Shavuot & for Shelby County Superintendent
Pentecost: Beth Hallel Synagogue
ON THE COVER 16 11 Best Books
21 Education Extra
• Kingwood Christian Students Score!
Encounter the Living God & Hope
After 30 years in full time ministry, Scott Daw-
Again 22 Are We There Yet?
son is receiving national support from individ-
• Palooza in the Park: THE Place for
uals like Mike Huckabee to be the next Gover- 11, 12 Mission Makers Family FUN
nor of Alabama. See page 16. • Sowing the Seeds of Christ-Centered
Learning in Fairfield 25 Cool Stuff
22 VBS & Camps 2018
8 Celebrate Shavuot & Pentecost
• Lending a Hand: North Shelby Baptist
• Safe House Ministry Continues with
Help of HEART Fund
• Cool Gifts for MOM!
• Free Art Exhibit At Oak Mountain
Presbyterian
9
13 City Scene 27 Great Outdoors
SPECIAL FEATURES • National Day of Prayer • Protect Your Eyes While Enjoying
American Village the Outdoors
9 Helping Families in Crisis as an
Extension of the Church, 14,15 Healthy Living 29 Photo Fun
Transformation Ministries • Overcoming Limitations: • Remembering the Last Hours
Experiencing Freedom & • Rosie the Riveter
Independence in Your Home • He Is Risen: Sixth Avenue Baptist
22 Vacation Bible School Guide 2018
• The Best 10 Minute Workout- Youth
Wherever You Are!
23 Super Summer Camp Opportunities
28 Calendar
14 Encouraging Word
24 Coach Paul Brown Brings Summer How Do You Define Living & Dying? 29 About Our Advertisers
Basketball to Area Churches
18 Business Today 29 Support Groups
Turning Chaos into Calm
NEXT ISSUE 19 Legal Matters
Think Through Your Retirement Ac-
21
count Beneficiaries
Tales of a Princess in SIGN UP FOR OUR
E-NEWSLETTER
Camo: Duck Dynasty’s
Missy and Mia Robertson,
for the latest GOOD NEWS & GREAT GIVEAWAYS!
www.BirminghamChristian.com 23
Summer FUN
& MUCH MORE!
May 2018 5
Restoring Faith in Alabama
Scott
Dawson
for Governor
“We’ve kicked the can down the road for so
long now, we no longer have any road left.”
We can do better. No, we must
do better or Alabama will never
emerge from the bottom of nearly
every meaningful statistic that
counts.
Join me, as we cast a conservative
vision for the next generation
and together, we’ll put an end to
decades of business-as-usual and
make things right.
We MUST stop electing career politicians.
Scott Dawson has never run for office before. He is an outsider’s outsider. Unlike the politicians
who owe their careers and lifestyles to big-money and special interests, Scott Dawson is not
beholden to any group or association in Montgomery or Washington, D.C.
Alabama needs hope. We need to restore faith in our leadership, faith in our communities and
faith in our future. For forty years, we’ve elected politicians who have all the answers and yet
we have the same problems. Alabama has been fighting the same problems since Fob James
was first elected Governor in 1978: corruption, struggling schools, overcrowded prisons and
crumbling inadequate roads.
Find out more and help us Restore Faith in Alabama.
ScottDawson.com • 205-208-9217 • info@scottdawson.com
#StandWithScott facebook.com/dawson2018 @ScottDawson
Paid for by Scott Dawson for Governor, Inc. PO Box 380063 Birmingham, AL 35238
C h u rch L eade r s
Invitation to Celebrate Shavuot & Pentecost: Beth Hallel Synagogue
Ever wonder why the Jewish Community is celebrating Passover around the The best part or first part of any increase, or harvest dedicated to God is
same time as the Gentile Christian Community is celebrating Good Friday called the “first fruits.” Connecting Jesus to the offering of the first sheaves
and Resurrection Sunday? The answer is “Because they are connected!” Je- of the barley harvest is clearly done in 1 Corinthians 15:20:”But now Christ
sus’ Last Supper on earth before the Crucifixion was in fact a Passover meal. (Messiah) is risen from the dead, and has become
And what is commonly known as “Communion” in Christian practice, was the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
an integral part of Jesus’ Passover meal with his disciples, as he broke matzah Jesus, in Hebrew his Name is, “Yeshua, “ which
and lifted the Cup of Redemption. Now this month, God’s patterns continue means “one who saves.”
to reveal that New Testament events parallel earlier Jewish events. We note
that the 50 days from Resurrection Day to the Upper Room experience ex- As a Messianic Jewish Congregation, Beth Hallel
actly parallel the 50 days from Passover to Shavuot. Pentecost, from the root Synagogue in Hoover is comprised of Jews and
word for 50th, is the term for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as described Gentiles who believe in Jesus as the prophesied
in Acts 2. Messiah to the Jews and Savior of the entire world.
The celebration of the Biblical Feasts is done and
Shavuot is the Hebraic celebration of the giving of the Law of God to Moses taught in a way that re-connects Christians with the
on Mt Sinai. This is called Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible written by rich Jewish roots of their faith. Experience Beth
Moses, but originally written by the finger of God on stone. Shavuot is one Anglican Chair of Hallel’s Celebration of Shavuot and Pentecost Friday
of the three Pilgrimage Feasts wherein Jewish males were to go to Jerusalem. Divinity at Beeson May 18 at 7 p.m. and Saturday May 19 at 11:00 a.m.
And that is why the disciples of Jesus were in Jerusalem, as stated in Acts Divinity School, Gerald Special guest, Beeson Divinity School Professor
2:1. In Judaism, the countdown of the 50 Days from Passover to Shavuot McDermott will be Gerald McDermott, will teach on these historic
(“Shah-voo-ote”) is called the “Counting of the Omer.” An omer is a unit of teaching May 18-19, patterns and connections. The events are free and
2018 at Beth Hallel
measure and barley was cut down and brought to the Temple as a grain offer- free childcare is available. See Calendar page 28 for
Synagogue, 2230
ing, described in Leviticus 23:9-15. The countdown of 50 days toward both Sumpter Street,
more details.
Pentecost and towards Shavuot, carries the idea of mounting excitement and Hoover, 35226.
expectation. It’s a preparation time to anticipate receiving from God some- — Rabbi David and Leslye Schneier
thing quite wonderful. Leaders of Beth Hallel Messianic Synagogue
2230 Sumpter Street, Hoover, 35226
We do not charge a Brown Service Administrative Fee
when a Brown Service Burial Policy is used by a family.
FOR OUR VETERANS AND
MILITARY PERSONNEL
The New Gardendale Funeral Home offers a
free casket when purchasing a traditional funeral
service with our funeral home to honorably
discharged veterans, active Military, members of the
National Guard and Reserve and their spouse.
This casket is given from our funeral home in honor of
these Men and Women for their service to our country.
THIS CASKET IS NOT PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT
FOR ALL OF OUR FAMILIES
Cremations
starting at $950*
*after all discounts and credits
(Prices subject to change without notice)
A BROWN SERVICE PROVIDER
Locally Owned & Operated Please visit or call General Manager
2214 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071 Michelle Beasley for details
www.GardendaleFuneralHome.com on these exclusive offers at 205-631-8810.
8 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian Family
M CHRISTIAN
GHA FA
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S p ecial F eatu r e
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ar od
Brought to you by: Community Partner White Plume sTechnologies
of go
Helping Families in Crisis as an Extension of the Church
Transformation Ministries(TM) provides local churches
Former fighter pilot Rock Hobbs responded to God’s call to
and the body of believers in our community with a re- leave his job with United Airlines in Colorado and move to
source for helping families in crisis, particularly families Alabama in 2005. He first thought he was called to build a
touched by addiction. “Our mission is to set at ‘liberty ranch for teens but in 2009 God opened the door for Hobbs
those that are bruised’ in this world through counseling, to help families as an extension of the church. Learn more at
prayer ministry and discipleship. We want to be an ex- www.trministries.org or call 205-991-4988.
tension of any church that is wanting to partner with us
to minister to their church body, train and equip their lay as a part of their healing ministry. This is a method of ap-
leadership and provide inner healing and deliverance to plying the powerful life-changing truths of scripture to the
all that need help,” explains Rock Hobbs who founded the problem areas that are hindering and preventing a person
ministry in 2009. Headquartered at WMU (Women’s Mis- from living as a cherished child of God. This component of
sionary Union) in Birmingham, the ministry has a three- the ministry was added in 2014. “Since then we have min-
pronged focus: Family/Individual Biblical Counseling, istered to hundreds of people and seen many miracles and
an Inner Healing and Deliverance Prayer Ministry and a healings,” says Hobbs.
School of Ministry.
School of Ministry. Training classes include keys to inner
Individual & Family Counseling. “Our mission healing, spiritual warfare and deliverance, journey
is to minister to those who are hurting, identify to intimacy with the Father and more. The school
unresolved issues and empower people to receive serves more than 200 students during spring and
God’s freedom from destructive strongholds,” fall semesters and hosts a special topic class in the
explains Hobbs who works with a staff of nine summer every Tuesday, May 15-July 24 (skip 4th of
counselors with various specialties to serve about July week). Classes take place at WMU and are also
1200 people a year for free. “The Lord asked me being live streamed in several areas of the state. To
back in 2008 to never charge for my counseling kick off the summer class, TM will host the seminar,
so that I could stay humble and have to totally “4 Keys to hearing God’s Voice” under the direction
depend on Him for all my financial support,” says of Dr. Mark Virkler, May 4-5. He and his wife Patti
Hobbs adding, “We wanted to provide quality bib- have helped develop three networks of church-cen-
lical counseling to the single mom with two teens tered Bible schools, representing several hundred
or the parents with wild children or the down Dr. Mark Virkler will lead his seminar, “4 Keys to churches, and currently head up Communion With
and out that didn’t have the means to pay for high Hearing God’s Voice”, on Friday May 4, 7-10 p.m. God Ministries and Christian Leadership Univer-
quality counseling.” The biblical counseling covers and Saturday May 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 100 Missionary sity. “We feel very fortunate to bring Mark Virkler
the areas of marriage, addiction/aftercare, parent- Ridge Drive, 35242/WMU Building. Registration is to Birmingham,” says Hobbs who emphasizes, “The
ing prodigals, PTSD/trauma, crisis intervention, required, www.trministries.org. seminar is open to all churches and anyone that just
depression/anxiety, child and adolescent coun- wants to learn how to better hear the voice of God.”
seling, autism and learning disabilities. To register, visit www.trministries.org. The cost is
$75 (includes seminar, books, and 10-week summer class Tuesday morning
Inner Healing & Deliverance. In cooperation with the International Ministry (10:00 - noon) or evening (6:30-8:30 pm).
of Restoring The Foundation (RTF), Transformation Ministries offers RTF
M CHRISTIAN
GHA
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May 2018 9
Mark your calendars and plan to attend our
5TH ANNUAL SHRED DAY!
We hope you’ll join us at this year’s Shred Day! We are partnering
with Gone for Good (a service of United Ability, formerly UCP)
and Birmingham Christian Family Magazine.
You can bring files and any sensitive documents that may
contain protected information such as tax documents,
financial and/or bank statements, receipts, and invoices.
You can also bring electronics to be recycled!
So, do some spring cleaning of your files and join us!
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2018
Time: 9:00am–1:00pm
Location: Vision Financial Parking Lot
4505 Pine Tree Circle
Birmingham, AL 35243
Investment Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities, Inc., a Registered
What is your vision for the future? Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA &
SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. is independent of ProEquities, Inc.
Meadow Brook Baptist Church
Invites You to
Vacation Bible School
June 4-8, 2018, 9 a.m. – Noon
Ages: Completed 5K through 5th grade
IT’S ALL FREE!
Register by dropping by the church,
calling 205-991-8384, e-mailing
deanes@meadowbrookbaptist.org
or online at www.meadowbrookbaptist.org
Meadow Brook Baptist Church
4984 Meadow Brook Road
Birmingham, AL 35242
10 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian FamilyB e st B ooks M i s s ion M ake r s
Sowing the Seeds of Christ-Centered Learning in Fairfield
Encounter the Living God & Hope Again “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn
from it.” Proverbs 22:6
This week a man told me a tragic story, one of unimaginable pain and loss.
The horror which had befallen a good and godly man was so dark and With a dedication to Christ-centered teaching and
crushing that my attempts to offer words of wisdom and comfort seemed service, Foundations Early Learning & Family Center
feeble and cliché. I know the Scriptures. I know that God will make all things has quietly grown from an ambitious vision to a
new and restore all that was lost. But I walked away from the conversation thriving preschool in Fairfield, Ala. Foundations
unsure how my own sanity and faith would survive such an experience. opened in 2013 to provide at-risk families access to
Can God be found when life turns into a nightmare, when we've exhausted a quality preschool education in a Christian envi-
all hope and evil seems to have won the day? The story of Jesus affirms that ronment where children can develop academically,
God's power and grace can be with us in the deepest crisis, turning darkness physically, socially and spiritually.
into light and death into life. Volunteers from Briar-
Parental engagement at Foundations is a cornerstone wood Presbyterian serve
In Reaching for Wonder - Encountering Christ to its mission. Parents are encouraged to participate dinner to Foundations’
in bi-monthly Parent Involvement Meetings (PIMs) - parents. Other churches
When Life Hurts (Abingdon Press), author Mar-
evening programs that include dinner, childcare and that volunteer and/or
lo Schalesky explores fourteen New Testament provide financial support
encounters with Jesus which turned people's lives speakers addressing topics on parenting, health and
include Cathedral Church
around, bringing healing and hope to those in des- wellness, budgeting, and more. Volunteers from area
of the Advent, Independ-
perate situations. You'll meet a Samaritan woman churches play an important role in the success of the ent Presbyterian, Altade-
shackled with shame, a leper filled with loneli- PIMs by sponsoring or preparing and serving dinner na Valley Presbyterian,
ness, and an outcast wandering among the dead, for families and assisting with childcare. “Because pa- Oak Mountain Presbyte-
haunted by the voices in his head. Listen as Jesus rental involvement is key to our mission, it’s impor- rian and Christ Church.
calls a child back to life, tells a healed woman to go tant for us to make it as convenient as possible for the
in peace and be freed from suffering, and whispers families to be involved. PIMs provide a Christ-centered social setting where
away the sin of a wayward woman. Time and again parents form lasting friendships and draw on the encouragement of each
Jesus rescues, delivers, heals, and restores. In each other,” says Foundations Early Learning & Family Center Head of School,
case, when all seemed lost, Jesus showed up and Kathleen Drake.
changed everything.
The Foundations roots date back to 2010,
Marlo Schelesky is a superb writer who, in her when Dr. Tanja Malone identified a gap in
own words, invites the reader to "walk through the family services in the course of working with
stories of the New Testament. See the depth and Fairfield families while pursuing her PhD at
purposes of a God whose plans and passion go UAB. Rallying community resources includ-
far beyond our healing. They restore sight. They ing PreSchool Partners, Better Basics, UAB,
restore our soul, even in those moments when life Hope Health Center, Child Care Resourc-
hurts the most. Come, dare to encounter the living es, Harris Early Learning Center, Fairfield
God, and hope again." City Schools and Restoration Academy, Dr.
Malone and her team launched a program
Marlo Schalesky is an A Foundations’ student shows that became Foundations Early Learning
award-winning author — Darrel Holcombe, Owner off her lesson.
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts & Family Center. Since opening five years
of eleven books and has
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster ago, Foundations has served more than 200 children and their families. “It
had more than 1000 arti-
205-663-2370 is remarkable to see the way Christ is working in this school. It is truly a
cles published in Chris-
Sanctuary
testament of grace and love,” explains longtime volunteer Eleanor Roberson.
tian magazines including
Learn more at www. foundationsearlylearning.org.
Focus on the Family.
— Melanie Berry McCraney
• Books • Bibles
Christian Books and Gifts • Music • DVDs
Colonial Promenade in Alabaster
• Cards • Gifts
near PetSmart • Home School Texts
(205) 663-2370
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts is owned and operated by The Amen Corner, Inc. and is a retailer of
Christian publications and gifts designed to enhance your spiritual life and bring you closer to the God who loves you.
May 2018 11M i s s ion M ake r s
Manual labor is the avenue members of North Shelby Baptist Church are
using to share God’s love. In 2018, the church has 10 projects underway or in
Members of North
the works that involve “construction evangelism.” A team of about 20 church Shelby Baptist Church
members recently spent a week pouring their physical and spiritual ener- recently traveled
gies into helping Alder Street Baptist Church in the small town of Central- cross country to
ia, Wash. obtain a fully functional church building. The church sustained Washington to help a
substantial flooding damage several years ago and has struggled ever since church family in need.
to get the church building back to a usable state. North Shelby Baptist volun-
teers replaced windows, hung
doors, ground concrete floors,
and applied commercial epoxy
flooring. The team also led
worship and provided a Sun-
day afternoon “block party”
for the neighborhood of the
church. The 2018 trip to Wash.
was a follow up to a trip last
year in which North Shelby
Baptist volunteers insulated
and sheet-rocked ceilings and
walls, repaired the baptistery
circulator/heater, and replaced
two heating systems for the
church, sanctuary and educa-
tion space.
Safe House Ministry Continues with
Helping Men & Help of HEART Fund
Women Released
After Tropical Storm Nate pummeled a safe house
from Prison Find for girls in Nicaragua, a HEART (Humanitarian
TOTAL FREEDOM Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow) Fund
from the grant is helping it get back on its feet — and help-
INSIDE OUT. ing it offer crisis care to its neighbors. The $2500
gift couldn’t have come at a better time, said Landa
Carnes, a missionary serving at Emmanuel Home
Learn how you can help this recently of Protection, a ministry run by Baptist Medical and
expanded Gospel Based Prison Dental Mission International. Missionaries at the
Re-Entry Ministry! safe house in Diriamba, Nicaragua, are still working to repair damage from the
October 2017 storm and recoup their finances after stretching resources thin to
CALL 205-780-6211, help storm victims around them in dire need. The HEART Fund grant will help
EMAIL JACK@SFALABAMA.ORG cover these compassion ministries plus help to replace roofs, windows, walls,
and doors at Emmanuel Home of Protection, which serves victims of sexual
Immediate Needs Include: abuse or trafficking. The needs in the Diriamba area are “almost insurmounta-
• Cold weather clothing for men and women of all sizes ble,” said Cindy Walker, a board member for WMU Foundation, which stewards
• Working clothing for men and women the HEART Fund. “Poverty is rampant. Hopelessness is evident everywhere
• Hygiene packages you look,” she said. But Walker also noted that she had heard story after story of
• Used/new vans for transporting men and women to work people in the area who had been won to Christ because someone from the safe
• Employment opportunities house reached out to them and met their physical needs. The home “is a beacon
of hope and light in a dark area of our hemisphere,” she said.
SHEPHERD’S FOLD
The HEART Fund was created in response to Sept. 11, 2001. Since that time, the
Serving the Birmingham Community
Birmingham based WMU Foundation has granted more than $473,000 from the
since 1986 HEART Fund to disaster victims in the United States and around the world.
Member of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
— Grace Thornton
12 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian FamilyC it y S ce n e
National Day of Prayer at The American Village
Be a part of the National Day of Prayer Breakfast after his father left them, Spann and his mother The National Day of Prayer Breakfast is sponsored
at The American Village in Montevallo on Thurs- moved to Tuscaloosa, where later, as a 17-year- by the Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel
day May 10 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event will old senior at Tuscaloosa High School, he got his Foundation and cosponsored by the American
include a special message of encouragement from start in broadcasting working the weekend shift at Village Citizenship Trust. Tickets are $20 per per-
ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann. WTBC-AM 1230. Spann shares how he also found son. To make a reservation, email
“Many of us are fans and followers of our speaker his true father in heaven at an early age. "I learned jwasyluka@americanvillage.org or call 205-665-
James Spann and his public service as a meteor- the God of the universe loves me," Spann said. "I 3535 ext.1045.
ologist. What many do not realize is that he has accepted that message at 12."
a powerful testimony of God’s love and
grace,” said Tom Walker, Founder and
President of the American Village. “This is
a special time to break bread, enjoy fellow-
ship and offer both prayers of thanksgiving
and entreaty for God’s blessings,” Walker
said.
The National Day of Prayer Breakfast
at the American Village will begin with
a buffet breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by
the program at 8:30 a.m. featuring ABC
33/40’s James Spann. Learn more at
www.americanvillage.org.
Over his 32 year career as a television
weather anchor, Spann has received nu-
merous awards, including an Emmy Award
from the National Academy of Television
Arts and Sciences. Thirteen times he has
been named Best Weather Anchor in
Alabama by the Associated Press, but when
he was a 7-year-old boy in Greenville,
Ala., his future looked bleak. "My father
abandoned me and my mom when I was
in second grade," Spann said. The father he
worshipped and looked up to left without
saying goodbye or telling his son he loved
him. "My father never told me he loved
me," Spann said. "I know what it's like to
be broke. I became a man at 7." Two years
May 2018 13H ealthy L ivi ng
Overcoming Limitations: Experiencing Freedom & Independence in Your Home
One Friday evening, just as I from perplexed to adamantly stern felt the gentle glide, comfortable seat, and, most
turned on the stove to begin and angry. He pounded his fist on importantly, the absence of pain in his hips and
making dinner, the phone rang. I his leg and declared, “No way! There knees!
turned the burner off (safety first!) is no way you’re going to get me to
and answered. The caller was Bill, ride sideways up the stairs!” He stood “Well, this isn’t so bad after all,” he stated, followed
asking if we would be willing up out of his seat, ready to walk out by, “What about Blackie? If Blackie won’t ride it,
to open our office the following the door. neither will I.” At that, Bill carried Blackie over to
day to show his dad a stairlift. Mr. Dobson and plopped the little dog onto his
He explained that the family was “Mr. Dobson, please, could you lap. Blackie didn’t seem to mind one bit! With that,
concerned for Dad’s safety on the help us understand why you are so Mr. Dobson was convinced! In one afternoon, Mr.
stairs, and they thought a stairlift uncomfortable with the idea of using Dobson made the journey from “NO!” to “GO!”
would be a great fit for him. Dad a stair lift?” I asked. Hesitantly, he I spoke recently with Mrs. Dobson, who told me
was adamantly against it, but Bill sat back down and lifted one of the that Mr. Dobson and Blackie have used the lift
felt that if his dad was to see and ride the stair lift, little black dogs onto his lap. He described what he every single day, and that he couldn’t be happier!
he might change his mind. imagined riding a stair lift would feel like: jerky,
unstable, wobbly, and noisy. (Note: this is a mis- If you are having trouble climbing the stairs, don’t
Our office is not typically open on Saturdays conception for many who’ve never ridden one). let misconceptions about stair lifts stop you from
except by special appointment, so we made an We offered Mr. Dobson a ride on the stair lift; he experiencing freedom and independence in your
appointment for Bill and his dad to visit. That flat out refused. That’s when our Lead Technician, home. 101 Mobility helps people like Mr. Dobson
Saturday afternoon a family camper arrived! Out David, casually took a seat on the lift, pressed the overcome limitations every day. *
poured Bill, his wife, dad, mom, and two small lever, and started to gently glide up and down the
dogs. We invited them to sit in our reception short set of stairs. I continued to talk with Mr. — Derek Gann
area so we could talk. We immediately noticed Dobson, learning more about his background, his Locally Owned & Operated in
Mr. Dobson looking apprehensive and somewhat current condition, and his needs. We discussed Birmingham, Serving Residents
confused. the continuous charge, obstruction sensors, dual Across Alabama, 205-538-5692
call-send buttons, and locking swivel seat of the Alabama.101Mobility.com
“Mr. Dobson, do you know why you’re here?” stairlift. All the while, David continued his rhyth-
*All events in this story are true, but
I queried. “Bill said he was taking us all out for mic ride up and down the stairs. Mr. Dobson’s
names have been changed to protect the
lunch, but I don’t see any food here,” was his eyes followed his every move. Once again, David
privacy of the family and their pets.
telling reply. I shot a confused glance at Bill, who offered to let Mr. Dobson take a turn. Reluctantly,
fidgeted nervously and looked away. Blindsided! he agreed. Dobson carefully passed his dog to Bill,
Attempting to put Mr. Dobson at ease, I explained and took a seat. David showed him how to operate
our values and our mobility business to him. I it, and he pressed the lever on the arm rest. As
concluded my introduction, “Mr. Dobson, your it started to rise up the staircase, Mr. Dobson’s
family thinks you would really benefit from using countenance slowly changed from tightly closed For more tips on mobility and accessibility
a stair lift.” As soon as the words left my lips, the lips and clenched jaw, to wide-eyed surprise, to solutions, visit www.birminghamchristian.com.
previously docile gentleman’s expression morphed an accidental smile and pleased expression. He Click on News/Health/Physical
E ncou r ag i ng W or d
How Do You Define Living & Dying?
How would you fill in these blanks: to live is ______ and to die is _______? Christ must be our priority (what’s most important), our passion (what moti-
To fill in the first blank, you must decide what you are living for. What is im- vates us) and our principle (accepted rule of action or conduct).
portant to you? What gets you out of bed in the morning and motivates you?
To fill in the second blank, you must determine your thoughts on death and For the Christ-follower; to die is gain. II Corinthians 5:8 says, “. . . to be away
answer the question, “After death, then what?” The Apostle Paul in Philippi- from the body and at home with the Lord.” In John 14:3 Jesus says, “And if I
ans 1:21, filled in the blanks this way, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
gain.” To me that describes the Christian life. that you also may be where I am” and in John 11:25 Jesus shares, “I am the
resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he
We should no longer live for ourselves; but live for Christ. Matthew 16:24 dies.”
says, “. . . If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up
his cross and follow me.” Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our bodies “as living I encourage you to get to the point where you can also say, “For
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…” And Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…”
— Tony Cooper, Celebrating 27 Years of Service
To follow Christ, we must be saved (born-again), sanctified (set apart for as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
Godly service) and filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Living for www.jimmiehalemission.com
14 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian FamilyH ealthy L ivi ng
The Best 10 Minute Workout- Wherever You Are!
We totally get it. There are days when you just and balance.
can’t get to the gym. The weather is terrible; your 7. Burpees. Hands steady on the
kids are sick; or you just can’t find the motivation floor, hop backward with both
to get out of the house. Be encouraged! In just 10 feet (to push-up position); do one
minutes, you can get a great workout wherever push-up; hop forward with both
you are. Here are 12 key moves for an awesome, feet; lift arms and jump up!
short-time workout. We recommend selecting at 8. Reverse Fly. On your stomach,
least 10 per session (about a minute per move). arch shoulders and legs off the
floor (think: “butterfly”), arms
1. Shoulder Circles. Arms extended, make broad extended outward, thumbs toward
circles forward then backward (alternating which the ceiling, squeezing the muscles
arm is closest to the body) to warm up and stretch between your shoulder blades. Keep your hips stable, but really press through the
your upper body. This one’s great for your posture. move for maximum toning of abs and obliques.
2. Hamstring Stretches. Bend slowly forward over 9. Runner’s Crunches. On your back, arms at 12. Calf Raises. With your feet several inches
one or both legs to loosen your muscles, improve 90 degrees, slowly roll up off the floor, bringing apart, slowly lift up on your toes, stretching up
hip flexibility, and relieve pressure from your up one knee at a time to meet the opposite arm; high, then lowering your heels almost to floor.
lower back. pause; then slowly roll back down and repeat with (Use a wall or doorway for balance.)
3. Lateral Plank Walk. In plank position, “walk” opposite knee, working your entire abdominal Remember, you can make modifications and ad-
two steps to each side, engaging your core, ab- wall. justments to almost all of these exercises to meet
dominals, and shoulder muscles. 10. Triceps Dip & Bridge. Sitting on the floor, your current fitness level.
4. Rainbow Plank. From plank position, drop to knees bent, heels on the floor and hands behind
your elbows and roll your hips slowly to each side, you, extend your elbows and push your hips up — Jean Bowick
toes in place, exhaling and working your obliques off the floor to form a level bridge; coming down, YMCA of Greater Birmingham,
on each upward pull. bend your elbows and drop your butt (gently) www.ymcabham.org
5. Push-ups. A classic, but just as effective as ever. to the floor. This strengthens your triceps, upper
6. Reverse lunges. Taking one step backward, body, glutes, and hamstrings.
dip your back knee to the floor and bring your 11. Creepy Crawlers. Starting in regular push-up
opposite arm forward (keeping your weight on Read more healthy information from the YMCA at
or elbow position, bring one knee around to meet www.BirminghamChristian.com.
front heel), to strengthen your lower body, core, the corresponding elbow; repeat on other side. Click on News/Health
on Your Prescriptions Today!
No Insurance Needed!
With our
Drug Savings Program
you can receive up to a
12 month supply of
medicine for just $70!
Includes an extensive list of generic drugs We don’t just install
and FREE SHIPPING on all supplies mobility equipment –
greater than 3 months
WE CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES
LE O CALL Derek and David Gann
UB 205-991-0800
205-538-5692
DO
A
TO LEARN MORE
K
PHARMACY FREE IN-HOME
Visit us on
CONSULTATION
Highway 280 at the • Locally Owned & Operated in Birmingham •
Greystone Centre • Serving Residents Across Alabama •
DoubleOakMountainRX.com Alabama.101Mobility.com
May 2018 15Scott Dawson has already left his mark on all of Alabama’s 67 counties. As the founder
of Birmingham-based Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association, he has preached, spoken
Photo: Larry Young
in schools, organized events on football fields, and hosted students and youth leaders
at conferences. He jokes that perhaps ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann is the
only person who can claim he knows more Alabama backroads than he does. After
being in full time ministry for more than 30 years, Dawson shares how he sensed God
calling him to follow a new path of service: politics, specifically using his experiences
and gifts in the leadership role of governor of Alabama.
At a campaign rally in everyone, Jesus is not what I do, He’s who I am, and I don’t think we wear
March, former Arkansas Dawson spent his childhood on the west side religion on our sleeves. Everyone in our society is fatigued about that. [They]
Governor Mike Huckabee of Birmingham in Ensley, his mother a day care want to see the difference He’s made in my life, and that’s what I saw in my
told the crowd that Scott worker and his father a truck driver. He says his parents.” In high school, Dawson developed a passion for sharing the Gospel
has what it takes to be a best memories of his youth include a modest with his peers. The first time he preached before a crowd at a worship ser-
“comforter and a chief,”
budget, traditional values and plenty of time vice, he was 15 years old and had prepared “day and night, night and day.” “I
both vital roles of a gov-
outdoors. “It was a neighborhood. You get on usually tell people I went from Genesis to Revelation twice in 12 minutes,” he
ernor.
your bike; you just take off. We didn’t have a lot remembers with a laugh. “I think it was a 30,000-foot view, but the ultimate
of money, but we did have a lot of fun because you’d go outside and play all message was you can have hope.” When people responded to his passion
day,” he recalls, noting that his father umpired and coached baseball in the from the pulpit, he says, “it was kind of like when you go fishing and catch
community. “It’s a different day now, but I remember back then if you messed your first fish. You’re just hooked, and I never looked back.”
up, it didn’t matter if your parents saw you or not. If somebody else’s parents
saw you, you were still gonna get it because it was just more of a community When Dawson enrolled at Samford, where he would earn his Master of
atmosphere. You had the art of friendship back then.” Divinity from Beeson Divinity School, he continued to regularly preach the
Gospel at Youth Revivals, speaking in high schools during the day and youth
As a teenager, Dawson’s first job was at Shoe City in group services at night. He and several area youth
Five Points West. He also worked at Western Super- pastors discussed the need for Christian teenagers to
markets, starting out bagging groceries on the front experience a time away from the regular scheduled
end of the store. After high school, he began studies church services. Their vision–a formal retreat. Jesus
at Samford University and continued with Western took his disciples on retreats, they realized, but he
Photo: Alan Matthews
as an assistant manager. The value of hard work was always had a goal in mind. “If you read Scripture,
something demonstrated for Dawson for much of his every time Jesus took his disciples off on a retreat,
youth. He often tells the story of how his father was when they came back they moved forward the min-
laid off from his trucking company when it closed istry. It’s not supposed to be something on the calen-
after 28 years in business. “I didn’t see my dad com- dar, it’s supposed to be something that’s motivation
plain once. Every day he was going to find something in the heart.” Dawson’s father called Minneapolis,
to do, a job. A work ethic is something that you may Minn., and got in touch with The Rev. Billy Graham
despise learning the lesson, but once you’ve learned Evangelical Association, who helped them organ-
Dawson met his wife Tarra (Blackmon) Dawson as
it, you’ve learned something valuable in life.” Dawson ize their vision and incorporate the Scott Dawson
a teenager while attending Green Acres Baptist
says the adults in his life—parents, bosses, coaches— Evangelical Association (SDEA).
Church. Their son Hunter (22) and daughter Hope
also taught him the difference between being busy and (18) are graduates of Spain Park High School and
being effective. “You’ve got to do something to start current students at Samford University. Since then, SDEA has grown to a comprehensive
moving yourself forward.” outreach organization with 15 full-time members
on staff and a budget in excess of $3 million a year.
In matters of faith, Dawson says he “received Christ” at a Nicky Cruz crusade SDEA winter student conferences have grown from less than a hundred in at-
in Birmingham in the early 1970s, not long after his parents’ conversion at an tendance in 1987 to one of the nation's largest with over 12,000 in attendance
in-home Bible study. “I’ve seen the transformation Christ can do in anyone’s annually. Dawson has also written books about traditional faith and evan-
life because I saw it in my parents,” he explains. “He brings peace. He brings gelism and has pioneered new ministries in digital technologies that train
hope. He brings a new way of thinking, new opportunities, new goals. I tell others in spreading the Gospel worldwide. Last year, however, Dawson chose
16 www.BirminghamChristian.com Birmingham Christian Familya change of pace. He would take a leave of absence as CEO of his ministry to “People think it’s a big jump from pastor to politics but it is not.”
refocus his leadership skills on Alabama politics, specifically a campaign for
governor. Dawson credits much of his success to not being afraid to chase his dreams.
He learned how to organize an effort, inspire people toward change, manage
Not an experienced politician, Dawson readily admits he declined sugges- contracts and budgets, and communicate with passion while planning his
tions he run for governor twice before prayer—and a revelation about the first conference as a teenager, before SDEA was even a formal organization.
biblical figure Nehemiah—changed his mind. “I knew Nehemiah did the “I learned more in that conference with 89 kids than I learned this past year
impossible—he built a wall—but [there was] one thing I never understood with 12,000 students,” he says. “Back then it was me, my parents, and maybe
about him even though I’ve preached Nehemiah. I’ve read Nehemiah. Nehe- one friend working everything. I had to know how to do reservations, I had
miah wasn’t a construction worker. He was a cup bearer to the king. His heart to know how to read contracts, I had to know how to mobilize students and
was broken; he was grieving for Jerusalem. You have to grieve over our state get them from one place to the other.” The experience, Dawson suggests, will
with the history of politics in Alabama. You know the stories. You know the carry over into success as governor. “I’ve been around the state for 30 years.
corruption we’ve had. Two, Nehemiah knew what needed to happen. I just I’m used to grinding it out with doing high school assemblies, speaking at
sense that I’ve got a clear direction for Alabama.” night, doing multiple different events to multiple different audiences. That
has proved very valuable for this campaign because I’ll walk in and do a
At a campaign rally at the Pelham Civic Complex in March, Dawson told Kiwanis Club, then do a GOP forum, and then go speak to businessmen. And
the crowd how he sought out advice from former Arkansas Governor Mike you’ve got to be able to adapt a message to every age group and every part of
Huckabee regarding running for governor of Alabama. “He was someone society.”
who was in my lane, a pastor who went into politics,” said Dawson. Huckabee
shared with the crowd that what makes Dawson uniquely qualified for gov- The most important lesson Dawson carries into his campaign is that in order
ernor is that he is not in government. He also spoke of Dawson’s “real, honest to be a godly leader, he must remember he’s not in the “God business.” Yet
humility.” “He is willing to be a servant, a vessel, through whom God can do God has blessed him with leadership and visionary skills. “God is in business
something of value,” said Huckabee. “There are four things a person has to for himself. You’re in the people business because if people don’t like you,
have to be an effective pastor or political figure. they will not follow you where you need them to be. If we’re going to move
our state forward, you’ve got to have a leader that can articulate a vision.
• You have to have a message you are passionate about. You’ve got to have a leader that can build consensus. You’ve got to have a
• You must be able to motivate volunteers. leader that can draw people together. Without vision, people perish. We’ve
• You have to understand all forms of media and how to use it. got to have a direction for Alabama to go.”
How to use a microphone, how to speak in front of a crowd of 10 to 1000.
How to stand in front of a camera. How to use the internet. — Camille Smith Platt
• You must be able to raise money and be a good steward of it.
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May 2018 17M CHRISTIAN
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B u s i n e s s T oday
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Brought to you by: Community Partner Accounting
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Is your small or mid- size business having trouble? Do you lay away at night wonder-
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not quite right and you just cannot determine where the bottleneck begins?
One Saturday evening I was working at my desk and an email suddenly get back to work. He suggested his wife and I go alone. She opened up that the
popped up. A business owner was writing that he felt he was going to lose business was affecting their family life and marriage. She and I prayed together
his business if something did not happen soon. He had found my website and I drove back to Birmingham. That was nine years ago and they are still one
on-line concerning “Financial Turnarounds” and truly sounded desperate. of my favorite clients! Since then, profits continue each year, they have diversi-
We chatted via email a few times. I learned he was critically short of cash fied into different markets, purchased a building and begun two
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SHELBYONE-Next Level Up! Stay in Control for the Rest of Your Life
A Call to Action
“The Greater Shelby Chamber
of Commerce gives companies
a valuable platform to invest in
the County’s continued economic
and community development.
Through the Chamber, we are Melanie B. Holliman, JD
able to help identify challenges John R. Holliman, JD
to economic growth and create Are you concerned about:
solutions to remove roadblocks
that would hinder our success.” • Long-term care costs and choices for you and your spouse?
— Joe Meads, Sain Associates • Leaving inheritances to your loved ones, only to have it
taken by creditors?
Joe Meads For more information on how your • Your loved ones' financial skills?
Sain Associates organization can be involved, • Providing support for a loved one with a disability?
please contact
Kirk Mancer If so, call us for help.
at the Chamber
by calling 663-4542 or via email BRADFORD & HOLLIMAN,LLC
at kirk@shelbychamber.org. 2491 Pelham Parkway Pelham, Ala. 35124
Call 205-663-0281
to set up a Free Consultation or
Visit www.bradfordholliman.com
1301 County Services Drive
Pelham, AL 35124
Greater Shelby County 663-4542
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed
is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Chamber of Commerce shelbychamber.org
Community • Commerce • Collaboration
18 www.BirminghamChristian.comM on ey M at te r s
presented by: Vision Financial Group
Pay Yourself First their net worth in-
crease steadily. For
In the pursuit of growing wealth, sound habits can
be your most valuable asset. Develop the habit
Each month you settle down to pay bills. You them, finding ways of “paying yourself first” today. The sooner you
pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric to save becomes begin, the more potential your savings may have
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you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of commitment than a — S. Joey Elmore
sound investing involves the simple habit of “pay- short-term challenge. Vision Financial Group, Inc.
ing yourself first,” in other words, making the first 4505 Pine Tree Circle,
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Americans’ saving patterns vary widely. Too often, priority, consider taking advantage of tax-advan- www.vision-financialgroup.com
short-term economic trends can interrupt long- taged investments. Employer-sponsored retire-
ment plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, can be a Investment Advisory services offered through Investment
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Personal Savings Rate jumped from 3.5% to nearly great way to save because the money comes out of ment Advisor. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a
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The Genius of Pay Yourself First. Anyone who’s For money you may want to access before retire-
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saving can be a challenge. There seems to be an count. When the balance hits your target, you may 2
Distributions from 401(k), 403(b) and most other employ-
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offer the potential for higher returns. Of course, and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal
each month’s paycheck. Herein lies the genius of income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 70½, you
paying yourself first: you get the cream at the top this may mean exposing your money to more
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of the bucket, and not the leftovers at the bottom. volatility, so you’ll want to choose vehicles that fit
The trick is to prioritize. Make it a point to put your risk tolerance, time horizon, and long-term
Gain more practical, financial insight at
your future first. At first, saving may mean a small goals.
www.birminghamchristian.com.
lifestyle change. But most individuals want to see Click on News/Family/Finances
L egal M at te r s
presented by: Bradford & Holliman, Estate Planning
Think Through Your Retirement Account Beneficiaries
A will designates how you want your assets mized. • Keep copies of your beneficiary designation
distributed, but the reality is that most proper- — Due to a second marriage, you want the retire- forms. Don't count on your retirement plan ad-
ty passes to heirs through less formal means. ment funds to benefit your first family. ministrator to maintain records, especially if you
Joint ownership and beneficiary designations on • Consider a trust. A trust can solve these prob- no longer work for that company.
financial accounts and real estate avoid probate lems - providing for management in the case of an • But name beneficiaries! The biggest mistake of
and bypass the terms of your will. However, using incapacitated spouse, providing estate tax plan- all is not naming beneficiaries at all or not up-
these designations should be consistent with your ning opportunities and permitting assets to benefit dating beneficiaries after an original beneficiary
overall estate plan. A will often directs that an a surviving spouse while being preserved for the passes away.
estate be equally divided among the decedent’s next generation.
children. However, joint account ownership or • But check the trust’s key provisions for retire- In short, while wills are important because they
beneficiary designations can actually distribute the ment assets. Key provisions are critical to ensure name a personal representative to take charge of
estate unequally, or even to non-family members. the spouse is treated as a "designated beneficiary" your estate and name guardians for minor chil-
Think through the following concerns carefully: of a retirement plan. Without the key provisions, dren, beneficiary designations are just as impor-
• Name your spouse, usually. A surviving spouse accelerated taxation may occur such as liquidating tant for an estate plan.
may roll over an inherited retirement plan into the IRA or 401K within five years of the decedent’s
their own plan, deferring withdrawal and min- death, rather than stretching distributions over the — Melanie Bradford Holliman
imum distributions until the spouse is 70 1/2. beneficiary's lifetime. Partner, Bradford & Holliman, LLC
Non-spouse beneficiaries must take distributions • Consider special needs planning. Don’t cause Practice focuses on estate planning,
immediately, basing distribution on their own a special needs individual to lose vital public ben- elder law and special needs trust.
presumably younger ages. efits by directly naming them the beneficiary of 2491 Pelham Parkway, IN
GHA
MC
• But not always. The spouse isn’t a good option your retirement account. Instead, name a special Pelham, Ala. 35124
M
BIR
if: needs trust as the beneficiary so the trustee can 205-663-0281,
— An incapacitated spouse can't manage the manage the funds for the individual. Or, use other www.bradfordholliman.com
s
18
ye ne
w
ars
of good
account. estate assets or life insurance rather than a retire- This article is for educational purposes
— The spouse’s taxable estate should be mini- ment account for the special needs individual. and is not intended for specific legal advice.
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