JULY 2019
COMPLIMENTARY
®
God, Glory & Freedom
Kathie Lee Gifford & The God Who Sees Great Summer Travel
®
Burial & Cremation Services Available
11400 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile AL 2nd Location Coming Soon to Bayou La Batre (251) 639-1272 www.kenmarfamilyfuneralhome.com
O u r M i s s ion ®
T
NTY YEAR WE
S
is a part of The Christian Family Publication, Inc., celebrating 19 years of Good News
Publisher/Editor: Melissa K. McElroy, bayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com (251)680-8589 Bay Area Christian Family Contributing Writers: Lian Alston Judy Woodward Bates Angela M Cooper, Veronica Davis Christina Gibson Chef Lucy Greer
Shane Hale Janet R. Pittman Dr. Jimmy Steger Laurie Stroud John Wilson
Art Director: Hope Chastain, HbcDesigns Sales and Marketing: Melissa McElroy, Will McElroy Cover and Cover Story Images: Film shoot photos Aaron Greene, all others courtesy Kathie Lee Gifford Bay Area Christian Family s published monthly in Mobile & Baldwin counties by MKM Publishing Inc., 8320 Goldmine Oaks Drive E, Mobile, AL 36619. The phone number is 251-680-8589. Reproduction of any part of Bay Area Christian Family without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Bay Area Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Bay Area Christian Family staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2019 by MKM Publishing Inc. Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Circulation & Distribution: 10,000 copies of Bay Area Christian Family are printed each month. Bay Area Christian Family is free and available at targeted high traffic locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Copies are also available by mail, $25 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Bay Area Christian Family, 8320 Goldmine Oaks Drive E, Mobile, AL 36619
THANKS FOR READING SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (251) 680-8589
F rom
th e
Bay Area Christian Family ® exists to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to grow and develop as a part of the Bay Area’s Christian Family. The local publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers the latest news on entertainment, healthy living, parenting and inspirational literature as well as what individuals and organizations are doing to try to address the needs of the family.
P u bli s h e r
Celebrate America…A Nation God Built The moment you step outdoors here in the South, you know it is the middle of Summer. The heat is at times unbearable but who can resist working in the garden, splashing in the pool and bar-b-que smoking on the grill. Summertime is when memories are made. Our lives seem to be a little less hectic and the children love these lazy days being out of school. July is such a wonderful month because we celebrate the birth of our “Great Nation”. We are reminded of those precious words we recite from time to time as we see our country’s flag around town…our pledge of allegiance. Do we put true emphasis on the words “One Nation, Under God”? God has blessed our country in so many ways and as Christians we must be reminded that He is the almighty ruler. Many soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our independence and freedom, we must take time to personally thank these men and women for their sacrifices. As we pledge allegiance to our flag, we must not forget to turn to the Christian flag and pay the same respects. “I Pledge Allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands. One Brotherhood, Uniting all Mankind in Service and Love.” Enjoy this Holiday with family and friends, make memories that you will share in years to come. These are the times that God smiles down upon us and says from Isaiah 40, “the Word of our God stands forever”. “Before God, all nations were nothing!”
Melissa K. McElroy BayAreaChristianFamily@mchsi.com
A bout
th e
P u bli s h e r
Melissa K. McElroy, President of MKM Publishing, Inc. resides in Mobile, Alabama and owns Bay Area Christian Family publications. She has been married to her high-school sweetheart, Will, for 28 years and they have two children, Grant age 21 and Anna age 19. Melissa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations & Marketing at the University of South Alabama in 1994.
and AutoTrader.com. Her husband, Cpt. William C. McElroy, Jr., retired after 29 years in the US Army and is currently employed with CPSI. They are active members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile. For more information on Bay Area Christian Family, contact Melissa at (251) 680-8589 or BayAreaChristianFamily@mchsi.com.
Melissa has more than 26 years of advertising experience with Mobile Bay Monthly, “I Do…” for Alabama Brides
July 2019 3
Join the
July 4th Celebration at OAK RIDGE GIFTS
PreCious tees ~ unique aCCessories ~ PatriotiC Flags
“Simple Steps to Health & Wellness” I can help you create a plan to improve your health, lower your stress, increase your fitness and much more!
Amy Rainwaters, MSOL (513) 225-8206
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon.- Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 10-4 CloSed Sun. THE CAFE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 11-2 (iCe CreaM Served all day) Serving aweSoMe ChiCken Salad CroiSSantS and CaMMie’S old dutCh iCe CreaM
OUR CAFE IS SERVING DELICIOUS HOT SANDWICHES AND SOUPS DAILY. ENJOY A CONE, CUP OR SHAKE OF CAMMIE’S OLD DUTCH ICE CREAM.
Located just 2 miles from Hillcrest Rd., where Rangeline and Hwy. 90 intersect
4180 Oak Ridge Ave., Mobile, AL (251) 445-5882 • www.shoppesator.com
AL#18036
Air Conditioning & Home Generator Installation Specials!
Call for FREE ESTIMATES: (251) 721-4798
4 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
July 2019
Con ten ts
Volume 11, Number 1
DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Publisher • Celebrate America... A Nation God Built 9 Faith @ Work • 103 Years Serving Our Community the Greer’s Way!
ON THE COVER 14
With lyrics straight from Scripture, set in the very landscape of Scripture, Emmy Award Winning Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford is fulfilling her mission of hope, grounded in God’s Word. She is seen here directing her first of five short films in Israel. See page 14.
23 God, Glory & Freedom 21 Great Summer Travel
SPECIAL FEATURE
14 Kathie Lee Gifford: Grounded in God’s Word of Hope 20 L.A.W. Ladies of Justice 23 God Glory & Freedom!
10 Encouraging Word • What are the Odds? 12 Bargainomics 12 Potluck • Lucy’s Grilled Ribeye with Herbed Compound Butter 17 Senior Scene • Brain Drain Foods
12
18 Money Matters • Owning a Small Business 19 Healthy Living • Consuming Complex Carbohydrates 21 Are We There Yet • Escape to El Dorado! 22 Legal Matters • Disability According to the SSA 25 Calendar 26 Ad Directory 26 Support Groups
9
NEXT ISSUE
Your Resource for Back to School! Plus Miss Alabama, Tiara Pennington AND MUCH MORE!
21 July 2019 5
The South’s Reliable Pest Control and Termite Protection Since 1928.
251-517-4473
Residential & Commercial Services
Call for a FREE Pest, Termite, and/or Mosquito Evaluation for your Home or Business! cookspest.com
6 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
ATTENTION VETERANS ONE CEMETERY SPACE AT NO CHARGE FOR HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS Now through 1 September 2019 Serenity is offering a cemetery space in your choice of Serenity Memorial Garden or Lawn Haven Memorial Garden at no charge to honorably discharged Veterans. Call 251 653-4781 for more information.
HURRY OFFER ENDS SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
Yes, I am an honorably discharged veteran and I would like to receive a COMPLIMENTARY CEMETERY SPACE.
Name__________________________________________ Email _________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________________ State________________ ZIP___________________ Phone (Day)______________________________ (Night)____________________________________ I am requesting information for:
Myself Spouse Parent Other I am a Veteran. I am a Senior Citizen.
I understand I will be responsible for a 1-time perpetual care fee. Offer Expires September 1, 2019. Bring this coupon to Serenity, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, AL 36582.
F aith @ W or k
103 Years Serving Our Community the Greer’s Way! In 1916, Autry Greer, founder of Greer’s, opened a grocery store in the Northwest corner of Water and St. Michael Streets. This store was a pioneer in the “Cash & Carry” food store concept. Self-service soon followed and evolved to the modern supermarkets in operation nationwide today. The Greer’s store at Water and St. Michael was the first and, for a long time, the only store in Mobile to advertise prices. These prices were the lowest in town because other stores sold on credit and delivered. Now five generations later we are still owned by the Greer family. We currently operate 29 supermarkets (with ground breaking on store 30 this month) in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida with four Greer’s Ace Hardware Express locations in Mobile, Theodore, and Bay Minette, AL and Quitman, MS. We love the food business and the opportunity it gives us to serve the people and communities around us. We are all about Southern hospitality, friendly service and bringing our customers the best in food and household items at great values. Whether you shop a Greer’s Market or a Greer’s CashSaver, you will find the finest quality and our Greer’s Gold Star Customer Service in every store with our 100% Money Back Guarantee on everything you buy! We have a terrific team of 750+ people that are here to serve you. We hope you will enjoy shopping at Greer’s for generations to come! Our slogan since the early 1900’s is: Greer’s Got It! We Guarantee It! We take that very seriously and are working hard for you and your family every day.
Picture of Autry Greer (4th generation great grandfather, 5th generation great great grandfaCelebrating our 103rd Anniversary this year, our family and team members are focused on five important are- ther) with vision and mission.
as: being a great place to work, staying connected to every community it’s we serve, being the friendliest place to shop, price competitiveness a priority along with being 100% focused on fresh!
Our Greer’s Team Vision, to bring added joy, well-being and value to people’s lives! All who work at Greer’s are reminded that we are in the business of serving others. We love our folks and our customers! And we appreciate that our customers love us and have for over 100 years! We are honored to have been voted the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Best Local Grocery.
“Enhancing Lives Together”
1565 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL (251) 232 – 3090 www.synergyrealtymobile.com Karen Singleton & Marcile Sims Meghan Hawkins & Melissa Dixon Samantha Fleming & Rachel Lee
We know that you want to be a more knowledgeable Real Estate investor with the freedom to create the lifestyle you want. To do that, you need the best value for the money you spend. The market is constantly changing and which can make you feel a little intimidated and we believe that we have the experience, training and knowledge to simplify the process for you. We understand that buying or selling a home can be one of the biggest decisions you make and like you, most people struggle with knowing just where to start which is why we assembled a team of experienced real estate professionals who work together to simplify the process and create an exceptional customer experience for you.
July 2019 9
E ncou r ag i ng W or d
What Are The Odds?
It was time to depart Chicago for my hometown of Mobile, Ala. I arrived in a cloud of dust at Gate M18, wife and three sons in tow, to find the flight we thought we would miss had been delayed for two hours. Relief far outweighed frustration and I gladly took a seat on the outskirts of the crowd. Later a voice began to dominate the conversations going on in front of us, and it just kept getting louder. Then it wandered our way. A young lady had been unjustly charged for two hotel rooms, not just one. She had been wronged, she was angry, and she wanted her $100 back! Anyone within ear shot surely came to the same conclusion, except the hotel rep who was having none of this “refund” business. And on it went. The lady worked up a good mad and was pacing from my seat to the Gate counter and back, all but yelling at the person on her phone. My “relief ” was rapidly replaced by “old guy irritation”. Enough is enough and everyone is annoyed, you should say something, Shane! I was ready for the next boisterous trip by my seat to ask her to take the argument to the next gates which were empty. But at the last moment I refrained. God uses the strangest situations to teach us something. Fifty years of living had taught me the likely outcome was the totality of her anger would be redirected at me. And there sat my sons and a host of strangers with front row seats to the potential smack down. Thankfully, her conversation lost steam and soon I was boarding the plane. Arriving at my seat, I stopped and looked back. The lady was standing directly behind me, patiently waiting for her seat which happened to be directly beside mine. What are the odds? My earlier “relief ” came pouring back as I was profoundly glad I’d kept my mouth shut. A younger me would not have done that. Sitting next to someone I’d just confronted would have been awkward. And what about my Christian witness to her, my ever-watching sons, and all those strangers? How long does it take to repair your witness once it is damaged? (Ponder that one.) These days I’m likely to work faith into any conversation. Especially with strangers. I’m interested to know what they believe and eager to share what God has done in my life. But who wants to hear about Christ from someone who just picked a fight? The answer is simple. Nobody in the crowd. Our Christian witness is something we need to protect. I may never be able to fully embrace “turn the other cheek”. I’m Human, I’m Shane, and I’m a Hale. But I can say this…I am better than I once was because my desire to share Christ with others, through my actions and words, far outweighs my desire to defend my own foolish pride. (Ponder that one too.) I learned the lady got her $100, then she fell asleep as the plane left the ground. But the point was very clear to me…Shane, protect your witness. By the way, what are the odds? They were 1 in 161. Long odds, but long odds are one of God’s favorite tools to show His work and His way in our life. Get in the boat. Do your part. From Nose to Toes!
— Shane Hale Hale is a “redeemed & re-purposed professional baseball player” working as a Realtor with Bellator Real Estate & Development. Through writing he shares his faith to encourage and inspire others to seek God’s plan for their lives. Visit and subscribe to his blog at www.The1SixProject.com
10 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
Old -fashioned Milkshakes over 40 flavors!
When your milkshakes are made with Cammie’s homemade ice cream, all you need to top it off is a little whip cream!
$3.95
for 20 ounces of pure bliss!!
50 Years & Still Dippin’ 2511 Old Shell Road (251) 471-1710
Faith, Family, Future
The choice for a Christ-centered, academically challenging education! http://www.chcacademy.org
Church Campus: 4255 Cottage Hill Road | (251) 660-2427 West Campus: 7355 Creekwood Drive | (251) 634-2513
July 2019 11
B argai nom ic $
P otluck
Picnic Safely
Lucy’s Grilled Ribeye with Herbed Compound Butter
Three food safety tips for your outdoor dining plans: (1) Stick with foods that can be eaten at room temp and keep them in a well-iced cooler until you’re ready to serve them. (2) Once everyone has been served, pop everything back into the ice chest – they can help themselves from there if they want more. (3) Trash the leftovers. I despise wastefulness, but once food’s been in and out of the ice chest a few times, hanging onto it is just not worth the risk of someone getting sick.
Ingredients:
Use More Than Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen lotions are a huge help toward protecting your own skin and that of your family’s, but don’t stop at just that. When your plans call for long periods outdoors, dress everyone in sun-protection clothing – especially hats – made with UPF protection in the fabric. Some of the most popular brands are ExOfficio, Travelsmith, Coolibar, and Patagonia. As with all sunscreen products, the higher the UPF (like SPF) number, the better the protection.
4 whole rib eye steak, one inch thick 2 teaspoon kosher salt or needed amount 1 teaspoon black pepper or needed amount 2 stick unsalted butter (1/2 pound) ¼ cup parsley (any combination of parsley, basil and thyme) 1 whole lemon use the zest from 1/2 lemon and the juice from the whole lemon ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dress Alike
Preparation:
Closing Thoughts
Season with ground pepper before placing steaks on the grill. Grill to your desired degree of done-ness. Medium should be between 140-145 degrees internal temperature.
Put your whole family or group in matching t-shirts of the same bright color like lime, orange or yellow so you easily spot each other when on outings to a park or any other crowded venue. Heaven forbid, but should one of your group become separated from the others, you’ll have no problem remembering what the person is wearing and spotting them in their neon tee. In looking through a number of Bible translations, I came across about 15 different passages where the phrase “because of you” is used. Out of those, every usage is in a negative context, with one exception. In Romans 16:19, Paul says, “…I rejoice because of you…” (NIV). And what was his reason for rejoicing? “…your obedience…” While countless millions grieve God’s heart with disobedience, the faithful few give Him cause for rejoicing. Be one of the faithful. — Judy Woodward Bates Want Judy to speak to your church, civic organization, or ladies’ group? You can contact her and follow her on her website, www. Bargainomics.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Now Enrolling for Fall MDO 8:30-1 and Daycare 7-5:30 Call us about our MDO Program!
12 Bay Area Christian Family
Salt the steaks liberally with kosher salt on both sides 30-45 minutes prior to grilling. The salt helps the natural sugars in the steak caramelize, and it also helps form the crust that seals in moisture and flavor. Steaks will be able to sit at room temperature safely for up to an hour.
For compound butter: Place butter in a mixing bowl and allow to come to room temperature. Add remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Place mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and fold into a cylinder, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Roll, pushing in as you go, to form a tight log. Refrigerate or freeze until needed. When ready to use, slice off desired amount and use on cooked meat. This butter is also great for fish, poultry,
and vegetables.
— Chef Lucy Greer Greer’s Market & Catering
Spring Hill Baptist Day School at Spring Hill Baptist Church
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
“103” Years of Serving You!
July 2019 13
Kathie Lee Gifford:
Grounded in God’s Word of Hope “Trust Him. Let Him love you like He wants to love you.” Those were the parting words of hope that Kathie Lee Gifford left millions of viewers with earlier this year on her last day as a part of the Today Show. Her final words were backed up with God’s Word as she quoted on the air Jeremiah 29:11, a verse God called her to share. “I was praying that morning. I just said, ‘Lord, this is another opportunity… Not because of me but just because of You, your faithfulness. Let me leave people with hope. Literally let me leave them with hope.”
Gifford recounts her nearly eleven years on the Today show as a mission of hope often played out during a time of personal deserts. “It was not about my career. It was about what I represented to people. What people had come to expect and know from me. I realized what they were tuning in for everyday in their own ways, all over the country, all over the world. They were tuning in for hope. Somebody to say the Word of God. Somebody to say the Word of Jesus with no shame. Somebody to be bold about the Word. It was a great privilege to serve there.” Since leaving the Today Show, 65-year-old Gifford’s life has not slowed down and her mission is still the same. Most recently she is at work creating, directing and promoting a series of short films/modern oratorios. The first, The God Who Sees, is Gifford’s first film to ever direct and is based on a song written by Gifford and Grammy nominated, Nicole C. Mullen. With lyrics straight from Scripture, set in the very landscape of Scripture, Mullen journeys through Israel recounting stories from the Bible that Gifford explains are “like ripped from the headlines of today.” Since releasing in April, the film has struck a chord with nearly a million people who have viewed it online at www.godwhosees.com. “Apparently it is unheard of in the Christian world now to have this kind of reaction. We are just in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness.” The birth of the film, and four more yet to be released, began as a prompting Gifford received during time spent in God’s Word. “I’ve learned not to think it’s weird anymore when God puts something on my heart. It means He is
14 Bay Area Christian Family
Hoda Kotb, Gifford’s former co-host on the Today show is seen here with Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel at the release of their New York Times best selling book, the Rock, the Road and the Rabbi. The Rock (Jesus Christ), The Road (Israel) and the Rabbi (God’s Word).
preparing something for me and He put Hagar on my heart, like crazy.” Gifford took this prompting into a ninety-minute writing session with Mullins whom she had never met. “I said I have Hagar on my heart and this Scripture [Zachariah 2:5], and I said I think there’s something there. We just prayed and she got out her guitar,” remembers Gifford. The two wrote the first verse and the chorus and agreed to get back together. “I went home and started working on it and all of the sudden it also became about Ruth, and then it naturally moved to David. All the desert experiences that Hagar had, that Ruth had, that David had, they were so different and centuries apart but yet the same God met them there in their desert experience… And now because of Ruth and David, it naturally led to Jesus, who meets us all in our desert experiences.” Gifford believes this is where people
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
connect with the film, but more importantly with the very Word of God. “We all have desserts. We all have those times when we are in the lonely, broken places where the God who never changes, meets us there.” “All of the sudden we got back together again in Nashville and we didn’t know what we had,” explains Gifford with an excitement in her voice that is conThe song, God Who Sees, was recorded in Studio tagious. “Who writes an elev- A at Ocean Way in Nashville, Tenn., not far from en-and-a-half-minute song Gifford’s new home in Franklin, Tenn. The studio and think that’s God’s will? is built in the sanctuary of a 100-year-old church, with a massive main room and 30’ ceilings. But He did.” Gifford asked Mullins to do something she had never done before- provide narration. “You know the Bible. Just lead us into each piece and I’ll write it later. No big deal. It’s a demo,” says Gifford adding that Mullins tentatively agreed and at the end of the 11 1/2 minutes, “under the Power of the Holy Spirit, 90 percent, maybe more of what’s on the film Nicole said in the Holy Spirit that day. I was stunned… Sal, who is our engineer and producer friend, he was crying, tears streaming down his face, hands trembling on the keyboard. I said, ‘not your typical, demo type of day, right Sal?’ And he said, ‘No Kat.’ We all just knew God was doing something.” Gifford felt compelled to turn the 11 ½ minutes into a short film. “I said I’ve got to do this in Israel. I have got to do a film of this.” Gifford saw this as an
opportunity to help others to experience learning God’s Word from the Holy Land and plant a desire to go. “I have been trying to get people to come to Israel forever and learn the way the Scriptures were originally written in the Hebrew and in the Greek. The reason we don’t have power in the church today, is because we are not reading the Scriptures the way they were meant to be read and we are not quoting the Scripture, the actual Scripture. We are settling for a fast food lunch as opposed to the feast God wants us to eat on every day.” Gifford funded the film through her 501c3 foundation, The Rock, The Road and The Rabbi Foundation, established “as an evangelistic tool seeking to share the Word of God…using the arts to produce films and music that will bring the glorious experience of learning Scripture from the Holy Land to a needy world.” All the royalties from Gifford’s 2018 book, the Rock, the Road and the Rabbi (W Publishing), written with messianic Rabbi Dr. Jason Sobel, went into the Foundation. “Everything I do for the Kingdom goes back to Kingdom,” exKathe Lee Gifford with her children Cassidy plains Gifford adding, “I’ve been (25) and Cody (29). Both have traveled to Israel with their mother where they were going to Israel since I was 17 continued on page 18 baptized in the Jordan River.
LET ME TELL YOUR STORY….
Beautiful photography is just one of many parts of my marketing plan. Specializing in preparing your home to sell is truly my passion.
Lisa Granger (251) 454-1170 Keller Williams Realty Search Lisa Granger-Keller Williams Realty, Inc on Google or Facebook to see more proper ties or for infor mation.
July 2019 15
C ove r S tory
cont .
continued on from page 17 years old and I know it so well and love it so much and I couldn’t wait to share it with the world.” God Who Sees is the first of five oratorios Gifford has in the works all to be filmed in Israel. Funds for each will come from donations to The Rock, the Road and The Rabbi Foundation. Gifford just finished recording The God of His Word with contemporary Christian singer, Danny Gokey and hopes to film in Israel in September. “I feel like the Lord allowed me and Nicole, just in our willingness to be vessels, He allowed us into this brandnew paradigm that is obviously anointed of Him or it never would have been blessed so much.” In addition to the oratorios, Gifford recently finished a feature film and has writing opportunities virtually every day, but a day does not begin without time in God’s Word. “I can’t get up early enough now! Two o’clock, three o’clock. I ‘ve got to go meet God. He is going to tell me stuff. He is going to reveal. Like Jeremiah says, ‘come to me and I’ll show you great and wonderous things you know not of.’ We have to meet God there, to show us.” Gifford explains she has been a believer in Christ since the age of twelve, but her commitment to time every morning in God’s Word began eleven years ago and changed her life. “That’s when my growth was exponential. Like beyond. I can measure it back to then- that’s when it exploded.” Personal deserts led Gifford to God’s Word and God’s Word carried her through those deserts. “I feel like 90 percent of my last 15 years have been desert. People see me on television smiling. I’m doing commercials. I’m with
Gifford says the death of both husband Frank Gifford and dear friend Rev. Billy Graham, gave her a powerful opportunity to share with the world her hope in Christ.
Hoda. I’m laughing. I was in a desert most of that time. God just gave me the grace to do my job.” Behind the scenes Gifford was caring for a lot of people. “Things I went through with my husband, things I went through with losing my father, my mother, just other things that will remain private, heart break- heart ache after heart ache after heart ache. And you just kind of go. ‘I’m in the desert Lord. I’m here.’ and He says, ‘Good. I’ll meet you there.’ ” Gifford explains that it was in those deserts God gave her a message of hope in Christ to share, particularly on the Today show. “When Frank died, and then when Billy Graham died, these were just opportunities that I had to take advantage of and just share my hope. You just have to share your hope. I knew millions of people would be watching.” And she’s quick to point out that being able to do so was not of her own strength it was the time she spent in the Word. “You cannot get through it unless you study the Word,” says Gifford. “For 40 days and 40 nights He [Jesus] was there. How did he get through it? Quoting Scripture back at Satan. He didn’t have to look it up. He didn’t have to google it. He knew it. He was the Word and so He knew the word. So that’s the only way we can get through it. Quote it back, throw it in his [Satan’s] face, that’s the only way you can do it.” — Laurie Stroud
www.governmentstreetchristian.org www.facebook.com/GSCSchargers/ FOR MORE INFORMATION: 660-7444
6 weeks - 3 years old
16 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
S e n ior S ce n e
Brain Drain Foods Life can be busy so we eat on the go to stop the hunger. Seeking a ‘stomach coating’ we don’t pay too much attention to what we inhale. Yet because of the convenience of junk foods laden with synthetic toxins, preservatives and dyes, this not natural ‘fake’ food, over time, starves our brains, causing brain damage. We are causing BOTH of our brains to be malnourished. Yes, we have two brains in our body, a gut brain and a head brain. And even though the majority of us are overweight,75% men and 60% women in US according to Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) as reported in the medical journal Lancet, we are starving both our brains. In order to understand how to ‘feed’ our two brains the correct nutrients, the correct foods, to prevent this starvation, let’s first look at how they interweave with one another. The first brain we all know, the mass behind our eyes between our ears, where we thought neurotransmitters were created along with our neurons. But research in the last few years tells us that we have a second brain, our gut. Yes, this is where the majority of our neurotransmitters like dopamine,
serotonin, acetylcholine and gaba are created based on the foods we eat. In fact, we create more neurotransmitters in our gut than in our head brain.
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are messenger molecules created from the synergy of our DNA and the foods we eat. And they must be in balance for our brains to function properly. We’ve all known of the physical connection between our two brains, between our gut brain and our head brain. Because of the presentation, performance or key meeting coming up our gut tightens, we cannot concentrate, we pop out in a sweat, maybe we get shaky. If the nerves are really strong, some of us throw up or cannot eat a thing. If our worry builds over days we may get constipated or have diarrhea, maybe break out in hives.
er-ending blood sugar imbalance and from chronic or hyper inflammation. Trouble is we’ve eaten this MAD (Modern American Diet) for our entire lives. We don’t need a presentation to make our ‘brains’ not function properly, it’s the food we are eating. Toxins (aluminum, fluoride, arsenic—yep, it’s in there), preservatives, pesticides, bleach, excess gluten, genetically modified grains and hydrogenated oils; these are in all the processed foods we eat. None of these ingredients are good, brains healthy, for us. To learn more on how these foods drain your brain and what brain foods to eat, read an ebooklet I authored, 9 Signs You Are Experiencing Brain Drain and How to Keep Your Brain Fully Charged found on my website www.JanetRichPittman.com.
Now, science tells us that if we combine low level worry with our daily intake of high carb wheat cereal or syrupy waffles, down the food line of the day eating frozen and other processed foods, snacking on more carbs, diet soda and sugared candies‌ no natural foods, our ‘brains’ do not function properly. They are suffering from a nev-
Ń‚Ń Ń‚Ń‚ 3 0/$1 -& $- ' Ű˜ * $' Ńś тххпх Ń Ń„Ń€-ŃƒŃ†Ń -ŃƒŃƒĐżĐż Ű˜ 222Ńľ./- / "$ 2 '/#.+ $ '$./.Ńľ *(
- /# Ň‚'$"#/ ) /-0/#Ňƒ $) /# *((0)$/4 !*- + -.*) ' ) 0.$) .. !$) ) .Ńľ .$)" # $1$)" ' ) # / Ҹќ 2 2$'' ..$./ *0- '$ )/. $) 0$' $)" '*)" / -( !$) ) $ ' $) + ) ) Ńľ 0- (*./ $(+*-/ )/ %* $. +-*1$ $)" !$) ) $ ' . 0-$/4 ) ) 0) )/ '$! !*- /#*. 2 . -1 Ńľ /- / "$ '/# + $ '$./. $. ) " ) 4 *! # 0 - $ ) $! ).0- ) *(+ )4 *! ( -$ Ҹ Ň— 0 - $ )Ň˜Ńś 2 *-&Ńś Ńľ 0-$/$ . +-* 0 /. ) 1$.*-4 . -1$ . *Č‚ - /#-*0"# -& 1 )0 0-$/$ . Ň— Ň˜Ńś ( ( - Ńś Ńľ ѡ Ń‚Ń…Ń…Ńƒ **'$ " *0-/ '' # .. Ńś Ń‚Ń Ń‚Ń€Ń€Ńś чфп-Ń„Ń…Ń -ŃˆĐżŃ†Ń„Ńľ $. ) $) $- /Ńś 2#*''4-*2) .0 .$ $ -4 *! 0 - $ )Ńľ #$. !$-( $. )*/ ) Č‚$'$ / *- .0 .$ $ -4 *! Ńľ # $1$)" ' ) # / Ҹ Ň— Ň˜ ) /# '*"* - . -1$ ( -&. *! # 0 - $ ) $! ).0- ) *(+ )4 *! ( -$ Ň— 0 - $ )Ň˜ Ńś 2 *-&Ńś Ńľ Ňś *+4-$"#/ Ń ĐżŃ€Ń„-Ń ĐżŃ€Ń‡ 0 - $ ) Ń ĐżŃ€Ń‡-цпрчх 3+Ńľ ррŇ?Ń Đż
— Janet Rich Pittman Brain Health Specialist Former Dementia Administrator and Practitioner www.JanetRichPittman.com, Janet@ JanetRichPittman.com
Call for a Free Assessment What We Do: - Alzheimer’s and 251-445-4204 Dementia Experts! Visit Our Website - Fall Prevention touchingheartsseniorcare.com - Transportation - Meal Preparation - Medication Reminders - Bathing and Dressing - Shopping and Errands - Light Housekeeping - Laundry - Companionship - Case Management - Medicaid and Veteran Benefits Our Location: The Quadrangle Square 3263 Demetropolis Rd Suite 10 Mobile, Al 36693 Follow Us on social media! Search for “Touching Hearts Senior Care� on your favorite platforms or get the links from our Website!
July 2019 17
M on ey M atte r s
Owning a Small Business Carries Big Responsibilities Owning a small business can provide a great sense of accomplishment, pride and freedom. It also carries big responsibilities – and risk – for business owners and their families. Given the day-to-day demands of running a small business, it can be easy for owners to overlook the importance of protecting the true engine of their business: themselves and their employees. No amount of marketing prowess, entrepreneurial spirit or “elbow grease” can make up for an untimely disability, the loss of a key employee or a lack of business continuation planning. Using appropriate financial strategies to protect one’s small business can help owners strengthen their bottom line and perhaps sleep a little better at night. After all, business owners have a vested interest in protecting their vital investment. Here are some options from Thrivent Financial to keep in mind. Key employee solutions. Small business owners constantly face the challenge of recruiting and keeping good employees. This is especially true of small businesses where perhaps one or two employees have the knowledge and skills that would be extremely difficult to replace. Financial tools exist to help protect businesses in this situation by offering tax savings for owners and rewarding employees who make the business what it is. These solutions include: • Key person life insurance, which protects businesses from the potential financial impact of a key person’s death. • Deferred compensation or salary continuation, which provides a valuable benefit to a key employee without increasing that person’s current income taxes and offers an incentive to stay with the small business. • A split dollar plan, which allows the owner and his or her employee to work as a team to obtain the employee’s life insurance coverage with the cash value from the insurance growing on a tax-deferred basis so it can be used later by either the business or the employee. • Disability income insurance offers important protection for employees in the case of illness or disability. Business continuation and valuation. Having the right insurance in place can help small business owners transition their business to the next generation of ownership as well. For example, a buy-sell agreement identifies a buyer or potential buyer of a business and the conditions under which the sale will occur. This may help settle estates and provide an income stream to beneficiaries. It also helps establish a fair, reasonable price for the business and generates an acknowledged business value for federal estate purposes. A qualified attorney can help a small business owner draw up a buy-sell agreement. Once in place, the agreement can be funded through several means, including an arrangement with life insurance or disability income buyout insurance on the owner. Working with qualified professionals, including an attorney, tax professional and financial professional, can assist small business owners in determining and implementing the options most appropriate for their needs.
MULTIPLE IRA s OR 401(K) s ? When your life changes, you may be faced with a critical decision: what to do with the money you’ve saved in your employer’s retirement plan. These assets are an essential part of your retirement strategy. Together, we can explore your options to help you make the most informed decisions. Contact me today to discuss if an IRA rollover is right for you. Christina Gibson, FIC, Financial Associate 90 McKeough Avenue, Ste C, PO Box 961, Saraland, AL 36571 251-259-5009 christina.gibson@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/christina-gibson facebook.com/chris.gibson.thrivent linkedin.com/in/chrisgibsonthriventfinancial AR License 7823662 Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 28394 R4-19
18 Bay Area Christian Family
— Christina Gibson (251) 281-7312 Financial Associates, Thrivent Financial. For more information, please visit www.thrivent.com
This article was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by local area representatives Christina Gibson at 90 McKeough Ave Saraland, Al (251) 281-7312 Thrivent is a not-for-profit membership organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. It offers its more than 2 million member-owners a broad range of products, services and guidance nationwide. For more than a century it has helped members make wise money choices that reflect their values while providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity where they live, work and worship. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Financial representative, and as appropriate your attorney and/or tax professional for additional information.
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
H ealthy L ivi ng
Consuming Complex Carbohydrates Consuming carbohydrates is important to ensuring the body has what it needs to operate at peak performance. Here are some examples of the reasons to consume complex carbohydrates rather than their simple counterparts: • Keep the body fueled for an extended period of time Reaching for simple carbohydrates may be a quick way to fill your stomach or to fulfill a craving, but the simple sugars are quick to digest, allowing hunger to quickly return. Complex carbohydrates take a longer time to digest and therefore are key to fulfilling hunger as well as providing a long lasting source of energy. • Digest Better Common Complex Because complex carbohydrates often have lots of fiber, consuming them bulks up stool allowing it to move more Carbohydrates smoothly through the digestive tract. When this occurs, less bloating and gas exist, constipation can be improved, • Dairy - I personally do not suggest and more toxins are removed from the body. diary to my patients, however I did • Lose Weight list them! Eating complex carbs helps you to feel full faster and for a longer period of time. As a result, cravings are lessened Low fat yogurt and the need to reach for unhealthy snacks between planned meals is diminished. Instead of reaching for a simple Skim milk carbohydrate, snacking on complex carbohydrates or building them into your meals is an easy way to stay on track • Nuts, Seeds and Legumes with your weight loss or maintenance goals. Lentils • Keep Your Heart Healthy Kidney beans A diet rich in vegetables has been proven to lower LDL cholesterol and help prevent against angina and heart Chick peas attack by lowering blood pressure. These complex carbohydrates can help to keep your heart healthy. Whole grains Split peas and legumes also help to protect the heart by lowering cardiovascular and coronary heart disease risk as well. Soy beans Pinto beans Substitutions to Eat More Complex Carbohydrates Soymilk – once again listed howevIn order to achieve the benefits of eating more complex carbohydrates, it might be necessary to make some switcher not suggested to my patients! es. Here are some examples of easy substitutions: • Whole Grain Breads • Instead of white bread and pasta, switch to whole grain bread and pasta (if the switch is intimidating at first, try and Pastas mixing half whole grain and half white when making your pastas). Also gluten free whole grain pasta can be very Breads and pastas made with the healthy! whole grains listed below provide • Instead of eating chips, try raw vegetamore fiber resulting in feeling full bles. sooner, and longer. • Instead of white rice, try eating more • Whole Grains beans as a base for dishes and use brown Wholistic Health Care Buckwheat rice. Brown rice Jimmy Steger, N.D., Ph.D., DNM. Corn – this is a mycotoxin, not Until Next time, Stay Naturopath, Nutritionist, Iridologist suggested on a normal basis! healthy! Wheat Barley Specializing in: Oats Nutritional, Herbal & Sorghum Quinoa Homeopathic Medicine, Amaranth Iridology, Reiki, Japanese • Fruits and Vegetables Potatoes - (White potatoes) not to — Dr. Jimmy Steger N.D., PH.D., DNM Shiatsu & Reflexology be eaten on a regular basis! Naturopath, Nutritionist & Iridologist Tomatoes 4412 Government Blvd, Mobile Onions (251) 660-1240, www.drsteger.net “Nutrition is the single greatest therapy in the holistic healing arts! Okra Dill pickles Yams Call to schedule your appointment today! Peas 251-660-1240 Radishes Beans 4412 Government Blvd., Mobile Broccoli WWW.DRSTEGER.NET Spinach Green beans Zucchini A Division of J.S. Training Systems Inc. Cucumbers Asparagus
July 2019 19
unch&Gift!
nrrell, - Independent Associates Kalla Etheredge, and
S p ecial f eatu e ake friends, tryrout our app and ncan -friends, Independent get protected ke try out Associates ourtoday! app and can get protected today! Empowering a New Generation of Female Entrepreneurs LegalShield, one of North America’s leading providers of affordable legal plans for individuals, families and small businesses, announced September 17, 2018 the launch of “Ladies of Justice”. A companywide initiative to promote female entrepreneurship, community, personal growth, and development; and advance this mission to increase affordable access to justice for all. For over 47 years, LegalShield has empowered people not only to live free under the law, but to create their own legacy, generating income while making a difference!
rrell, Kalla Etheredge, and rell, Kalla Etheredge, and n - Independent Associates As a growing number of women make the leap into entrepreneurship, Legal- Independent Associates Shield offers a way to enjoy a rewarding career without sacrificing income, family life or growth potential.
“We look forward to playing a role in empowering the next generation of female business owners and welcoming them to the LegalShield family. Every woman can take advantage of our opportunity for success”
! ! h h c n u L LLeetts's'ddoo
Melissa Wilder, Vice President & Executive Chairwoman, Ladies of Justice quoted… “It’s no surprise that an abundance of women from all walks of
! h c n u L tt ss' doo e L Le ' d
August 14, Room August 14, 2019, 2019,Ladies LadiesofofJustice JusticeConference Conference Room L.A.W. Enterprise Office L.A.W. Enterprise Office 4431 Government Blvd, Mobile AL 36693 4431 Government Blvd, Mobile AL 36693 251-656-8540 251-656-8540
FreeLunch&Gift! FreeLunch&Gift!
August 2019, Ladiesfriends, of Justice Conference Room Come 14, hang out, make try out our app and L.A.W. Enterprise Office August 2019, Ladies of Justice Conference Room Come14, hang out, make friends, try out our app and learn how you can get protected today! 4431 Mobile 36693 L.A.W. Office ALtoday! learnGovernment how youEnterprise canBlvd, get protected 251-656-8540 4431 Government Blvd, Mobile AL 36693 251-656-8540
life are deciding to start their own business. But doing so, often comes at the expense of intangible benefits like femtorship, skills development and other valuable education. LegalShield provides an immensely rewarding opportunity that allows every woman to grow and thrive on her own terms”. Kathy Pinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer affirmed… “The Ladies of Justice community aims to be inclusive; we are women helping women discover their worth, create income and legacy, and own a seat at the table. There is no limit to what we can achieve together.” According to the most recent Kauffman Index of Startup Activity, the percentage of women entrepreneurs has seen the biggest increase in almost 20 years. “We look forward to playing a role in empowering the next generation of female business owners and welcoming them to the LegalShield family. Every woman can take advantage of our opportunity for success”. The Ladies of Justice initiative will include customized business tools as well as engaging, family-friendly events, brunches, luncheons and more. Additional details can be found at lawenterprise.ladiesofjustice.com. About LegalShield A pioneer in the democratization of affordable access to legal protection, LegalShield is one of North America’s leading providers of legal safeguards and identity theft protection for individuals, families and small businesses. The 47-year-old company has more than 1.75 million members that are covered by its legal and identity theft plans. IDShield provides identity theft protection to one million individuals. LegalShield and IDShield serve more than 141,000 businesses. Both legal and identity theft plans start for less than $25 per month. LegalShield’s legal plans provide access to attorneys with an average of 22 years of experience in areas such as family matters, estate planning, financial and business issues, consumer protection, tax, real estate, benefits disputes and auto/driving issues. Unlike other legal plans or do-it-yourself websites, LegalShield has dedicated law firms in 50 states and four provinces in Canada that members can call for help without having to worry about high hourly rates. IDShield provides identity monitoring and restoration services and is the only identity theft protection company armed with a team of licensed private investigators on call to restore a member’s identity. LegalShield makes no guarantee or promise of income or business as results are determined by the efforts of those individuals who market LegalShield plans as Independent Associates. For statistics on actual earnings please review the Income Disclosure Statement at ladiesofjustice.com/income-disclosure. — Content gathered from “September 17, 2018 ADA, Okla. (Business Wire) News Release” Contact: L.A.W. Enterprise at (251) 656-8540 or email: contact@lawenterprise.com and mention “Ladies of Justice”
FreeLunch&Gift! FreeLunch&Gift! Hosted by: Carmen O'Farrell, Kalla Etheredge, and Latoni Wilson - Independent Associates Carmen O'Farrell, Kalla Etheredge, and
Hosted by:hang out, make friends, try out our app and Come Latoni Wilson -friends, Independent how you can get protected Come learn hang out, make try out Associates ourtoday! app and learn how you can get protected today!
20 Bay Area Christian Family Hosted by: Carmen O'Farrell, Kalla Etheredge, and
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
A r e W e T h e r e Y et ?
Escape to El Dorado!
So how long has it been 7, 14, 21 years you’ve been in this partnership of love together. While you love your spouse and fondly recall the days of courtship, engagement and the excitement of building your family the daily schedule and routine can start to make you both become robotic. Ephesians 5:22-33 tells us we are to love our spouses as Christ loves the church. We all need new ideas on how to do that with our spouses as you’ve both grown and changed over the years. Your love and marriage are your wealthiest asset, as such might I present to you the manifestation of love and wealth in the El Dorado Resorts by Karisma hotels.
The El Dorado collection by Karisma are adult only oasis of fresh, recharged and reconditioned love. All four locations provide a different love language, so no couple is without an option. You will consistently experience “farm to table” gourmet level cuisine as over 90% of the produce served comes from their 70,000 square foot greenhouse. Jackson wine family is the house brand and there is always a variety of premium international libations available for the most refined pallet. Beach and pool service are standard, and hospitality is abundant. The opulent suites have plush beds, double sinks and whirlpool tubs, in suite mini bars, balconies or patios. Providing an atmosphere to maximize your relaxation and romance. The El Dorado Royale and the exclusive Casitas are only 25 minutes from the airport. The Royale is full of junior suites while the Casita suites are in beachfront Enclaves with butler service to customize your experience, most featuring their own swim up pool bars. This location features six pools, three of which have swim up bars, two spas and 14 restaurants providing a variety of international cuisines. JoJo’s Caribbean grill is a waterfront eatery featuring Caribbean style seafood, Kampai boast an oriental fusion menu including innovative sushi selections, Fuentes is a Culinary Theater where the head Chef and Sommelier will take you through a dining experience of flavors, textures and aromas in a five course dinner that will elevate any special night to an unforgettable life memory. Between the spa, dance lessons, green house tour, and snorkeling Kan kan’an which is over a mile-long reef hosting a variety of tropical fish and rare corals. A bit further down the road we come to the El Dorado Maroma with the awe-inspiring Overwater Palafitos! This boutique resort sits on the world famous Marmoma beach where you can paddleboard and kayak on the turquoise water alongside the soft sands. Treat your taste buds to something new with Lima Limon is an authentic Peruvian dining experience with fresh ceviche. Then pop next door to the Maroma Adventures and enjoy an ATV tour, wave runners or enjoy a camel safari through the jungle and beach. Do you love the idea of sleepTHIS IS NOT JUST A RESORT. ing over the water but don’t want the 10 hour flight, look no further than the Palafitos. These over water bungalows include butler service, out door showers, private infinity pools, and direct ladder access to the ocean.
THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE.
Finally, is the El Dorado Seaside suites, this is award winning location is where I chose to spend my 40th birthday rejuvenation. It provides for two distinctly different beachfront experiences to suit the taste of any traveler. The Palms section offers junior suites surrounded by lush vegetation and classic old-world luxury. The Infinity section has modern swim up suites on every floor, yes, I said EVERY floor. There is nothing like stepping off your balcony into the lazy river and going for a swim. So, I stay in the Oceanfront swim up suite on the 3rd or 4th floor to enjoy 180+ degree ocean views and visits from the Pelicans make for the best photos! Happy Travels — Lian Alston Platinum Travel Designer & Founder Info@GenerationalTravel.com or call 770-744-1537
RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
EXPERIENCE MORE OF THE REAL MEXICO. El Dorado Spa Resorts is about more than just awardwinning service, unmatched amenities and breathtaking Mexican-Caribbean beach views. It’s about experiencing more romance, more magic and more delicious moments through our Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, where luxury and service are one in the same wave.
Spa Resorts by Karisma
Lian Alston Platinum Travel Designer
(779)744-1537 info@generationaltravel.com
ElDorado_backpage copy.indd 1
PM July 5/13/19 20192:4221
L egal M at te r s
What is a disability according to the SSA & What does it mean for you!
If you want to get benefits from the Social Security Administration, then you must first understand what constitutes a disability. Not every injury or health issue will allow you to qualify for these benefits. The SSA has strict guidelines that explain what a disability is and whether it qualifies. Just because your Alabama doctor says you have a disability does not mean it will meet SSA qualifications. The only way to be sure is to know what the qualifications are. According to the SSA, a disability under its system is an injury or medical condition that prevents you from doing the work you used to do as well as any other job in the economy. It also must mean that you cannot make adjustments so you can do other work and that your condition has been ongoing for the last year or will last more than a year. To determine if you are disabled under the system and therefore eligible for benefits, the SSA will look at a few factors. Your condition must be severe enough that you have strict physical limitations for at least 12 months. You cannot currently work and earn over a set amount that changes each year. Finally, your condition must be in the list of disabling conditions or the SSA must assess if you can do any of the work you did prior to your condition or if you can do any other type of alternative work. The process is very thorough. You have to provide details and documentation to the SSA. There are not exceptions to the strict rules. If you do not qualify, then you do not get benefits. Disability benefits require your condition to limit walking, lifting, remembering or any other basic activity. The US News suggests that there are ways to qualify for Social Security benefits,
Angela M. Cooper Attorney at Law
Bankruptcy, Personal Injury, Social Security Disability, Divorce Experience Allows Us To Create Tailored Solutions
however, even if you still work. Now, keep in mind that this is only in a limited capacity. If you are disabled, you most likely can receive benefits. The SSA will analyze your case regularly. Social security disability benefits allow Alabama workers to receive Social Security retirement benefits early due to a disability. To qualify for these benefits, you have to prove that you cannot engage in an activity that supplies a substantial income. In addition, you are not entitled to these benefits for the first 5 months of your disability. If a doctor expects you to recover, you will have a case review every six to 18 months. In cases where there is no expectation for recovery, your case review will occur after seven years. The majority of people would rather work as opposed to collecting SSDI benefits. The SSA does have rules in place to allow you to keep your benefits if you want to test your work ability. According to the Social Security Administration, there are situations that alter your eligibility. These circumstances include the following: your health improving so that you can return to work and you being able to work at a substantial level. A substantial level is, on average, earning at least 1,220 dollars per month. If you are blind, that number increases to 2,040 dollars. It is important to note that there are two types of Social Security Disability benefits. The first is based upon payments into the Social Security system over 40 creditable quarters. This benefit is called SSDI. That benefit is similar to an insurance policy that you have because you have worked and paid into the system. These types of benefits are paid based upon the income you received. The second type of Social Security Disability benefits is called SSI (or Supplemental Security Income). SSI are monthly benefits paid to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. — Angela M Cooper Disclaimer: We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to
At A. Cooper, Attorney At Law, LLC, we pride ourselves on being able to create solutions that are tailored to our clients’ needs. With decades of experience, Angela Cooper understands what it takes to help people effectively overcome a variety of legal challenges. From difficult debt, a personal injury and securing disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, she has the skill and knowledge necessary to create a solution that is tailored to help them move forward with their lives again.
www.amclaw.net (251) 300-2220 Disclaimer: We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers
22 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
S p ecial F eatu r e
God, Glory & Freedom!
Celebrating our country’s independence is not only Celebrating our country’s independence is not only recognized on July 4th specifically, it is vivid throughout the year. If you look around neighborhoods, local businesses, stickers on vehicles, clothing attire displayed in stores you will see “Old Glory” everywhere. The American flag represents our freedom! It seems to be so much more evident today than ever before. Chatom Ford is located in a small town northwest of Mobile, AL. Chatom has a rich history and is filled with generations of “good southern folks” that work hard and play hard in their community. Chatom Ford has been in business for two years and continues to provide great service to their existing customers and thrives on new business and building relationships. Relationships are key to the success of this dealership. Nestled near the Mississippi state line, Chatom Ford draws families from not only a portion of the Alabama market but also areas bordering in Mississippi. During the month of July, Chatom Ford is celebrating our country’s independence. Every vehicle purchased (new or pre-owned) will come with a Bible, Gift Certificate and American Flag. This is a small gift to our valued customers and an opportunity to reflect on our independence. The only requirement to this offer is you must be 18 years or older, have a valid ID, and can legally purchase a vehicle. Colin Ward, General Manager, has built a solid reputation of high standards within the dealership and the staff is like family. Chatom Ford is a “conserva-
tive” dealership that always sees others views and continues to be championed with praise by their community. Ward brought on a strong right-hand man, Koby Palmer, to be the General Sales Manager, New Car Manager and Used Car Manager. Palmer wears many hats within the dealership and truly puts the customer’s needs as his top priority. Palmer says “as a dealership we are not taking a hard stance with this July promotion, but this is who we are and we were not expecting to see this offer extend outside of our small community like it has”. At last count the exposure from social media has reached over 150,000 people have been engaged, 750 shares and 12,000 views. This has certainly stirred up conversations and exposure that they did not expect. He goes on to say “at the end of the day we just want to hug necks, give the customer a great deal on a vehicle and love them”. Ford is an American built business who proudly celebrates our country’s independence. Chatom Ford is proud to serve the community in and around Chatom, AL and extends an invitation to you to make that drive and see for yourself how this dealership focuses on faith, family and freedom! — Chatom Ford Located at 16978 Jordan St, Chatom, AL, 36518 and can be reached by calling (251) 847-2229 or visit their website at www.chatomford.com.
Youth Sports at
Spring Hill Baptist Church
Basketball Camp 2 July 22-26, 2019 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Cost: $25 Spring Hill Baptist Activities Center Questions? Colleen Smith, csmith@shbc.cc or 251-342-5375
Upward Football & Service Volleyball Open Registration for grades K5 -6th is open NOW (Late registration July 26). Evaluations: All children must attend a football evaluation. They will take place at the SHBC Activities Center (SHAC). Make an appointment for your child’s evaluation by contacting Ashley Johnson. Questions? Contact Ashley Johnson, ajohnson@shbc.cc or 251-342-5375
Register for these events at www.shbc.cc/register.
2 South McGregor Avenue | Mobile, AL 36608 | 251-342-5320 | www.shbc.cc Love GOD | Love EACH OTHER | Love THE WORLD
July 2019 23
24 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
JULY 2019 Calendar July 1 – July 31 Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath: Summer Garden Walk - Join Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team for a guided tour of the Gardens to see our wonderful summer displays, floral borders and new additions. Stay for lunch in our Magnolia Café and check out our new merchandise in the Bellingrath Gift Shop. The event is the first of the Wonderful Wednesdays series at Bellingrath in June and July. Visit bellingrath.org for the full schedule; call 251-459-8864 to register. July 4 Fireworks Celebration - Come out listen to patriotic songs performed by the Mobile Pops, enjoy a picnic, enjoy scenic Downtown Mobile...best of all celebrate the 243rd birthday of our nation! July 13 Super Adoption Day with ARF - Join us on Saturday from 11am-2pm for a Superpower Dog adoption event! We have partnered with Animal Rescue Foundation in Theodore, Alabama (http://www.animalrescuemobile. org/) to help find forever homes for our furry friends. This event is in conjunction with our summer IMAX Dome feature film, Superpower Dogs. Those who finalize the adoption process with ARF will also get a FREE one year family membership to the Exploreum! (We will also be giving out some SUPER awesome swag from the Superpower Dogs film and PEDIGREE Foundation as well!) The event will take place in the Exploreum atrium in an effort to avoid any potential inclement weather and, of course, to keep the pups out of the summer heat. Guests can enter the adoption area in the atrium for free but if they decide to visit the exhibits or IMAX they can get in for a discounted $10 combo price for both. Exploreum members can attend the event and exhibits for free (IMAX additional fee). More about ARF: ARF is a non-profit, adoption guarantee animal shelter serving the Greater Mobile area.
July 19 – Aug 11 “Oliver!” The Musical - Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park presents Lionel Bart’s “Oliver”, the Broadway musical based on Charles Dickens’ timeless novel. A great show for all ages with classic tunes including “Food, Glorious Food!, “Where is Love”, “Consider Yourself”, “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two”, and “As Long as He Needs Me” Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart Fridays/ Saturdays 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinees 2:30 p.m. $16 adults; $14 students and seniors OLIVER! will run on weekends, July 19 through August 11, 2019. Reservations online at http:// playhouseinthepark.org/box-office or call 251-602-0630 TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN LATE JUNE! Reservations: 251.602.0630. OLIVER! is presented with permission of MTI, N.Y., N.Y. The Playhouse-in-the-Park 4851 Museum Drive Across from the Mobile Museum of Art www. playhouseinthepark.org Email: playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail.com Phone: (251) 422-5434 Find us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram!
Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for Youths, available at Eventbrite.com and the A & M Peanut Shop downtown Mobile. For information please visit gcehjazzfest.org, or call (251) 478-4027! July 24 Bay Bites Food Truck Festival Hosted by Mobile Baykeeper’s Young Advisory Council (YAC) Leadership Committee, Bay Bites is an annual food truck festival benefiting our work for clean water, clean air, and healthy communities. Enjoy delicious food from the area’s best local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music, lawn games, and a variety of kids entertainment options to come on the beautiful riverfront of downtown Mobile. The festival is on July 24 from 5-9pm at Cooper Riverside Park. Learn more and purchase tickets online at mobilebaykeeper.org/bay-bites.
July 31 Christmas in July Workshop at Bellingrath Gardens and Home - Go behind the scenes of Bellingrath’s famous Magic Christmas in Lights show and learn how you can create July 22 – Aug 2 your own magic from our experts. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Guests may select a metal frame creatFestival - The GCEH Jazz Festival ed by our team and then learn how presents the Marcus Johnson Summer Jazz Camp, held weekdays during to attach lights to decorate the piece. July 22-August 2, 2019 at the History All materials will be supplied and are included in the cost of the program. Museum of Mobile. This dynamic A salad/sandwich buffet lunch is also 10-day Jazz music education proincluded. Space is limited and resergram is geared towards intermediate vations are required to attend, so be level middle and high school band sure to make your reservation early students from Mobile and Baldwin for this one-of-a-kind workshop! Counties, yet all Gulf Coast area The event is part of the Wonderful aspiring jazz artists are welcome and Wednesdays series at Bellingrath in encouraged to participate. The cost June and July. Visit bellingrath.org for is $75 per student and registration is the full schedule; call 251-459-8864 to required. The Festival also includes register. An Evening of Jazz & Spoken Word on July 25th at 7 pm, Featuring Yo Jonesy & the Crowded Jewelz, along with HuggyBear da Poet and the PowerLines Poets, at the History Museum of Mobile (Admission is $15 ea. @ HAVE AN EVENT? the door). The GCEH Jazz Festival culminates in one incredible main TELL US ABOUT IT! If you have an event stage jazz concert, JAZZ @ LAIDLAW, you would like listed in the featuring nationally and internationBay Area Christian Family Community Calendar ally known jazz artists, at 7 pm at the Email to: USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center bayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com subject line-Calendar (5751 USA So. Drive, USA Campus).
®
July 4 Fireworks Celebration - Come out listen to patriotic songs performed by the Mobile Pops, enjoy a picnic, enjoy scenic Downtown Mobile...best of all celebrate the 243rd birthday of our nation!
July 13 Super Adoption Day with ARF - Join us on Saturday from 11am-2pm for a Superpower Dog adoption event! We have partnered with Animal Rescue Foundation in Theodore, Alabama (http://www.animalrescuemobile. org/) to help find forever homes for our furry friends. This event is in conjunction with our summer IMAX Dome feature film, Superpower Dogs. Those who finalize the adoption process with ARF will also get a FREE one year family membership to the Exploreum! (We will also be giving out some SUPER awesome swag from the Superpower Dogs film and PEDIGREE Foundation as well!) The event will take place in the Exploreum atrium in an effort to avoid any potential inclement weather and, of course, to keep the pups out of the summer heat. Guests can enter the adoption area in the atrium for free but if they decide to visit the exhibits or IMAX they can get in for a discounted $10 combo price for both. Exploreum members can attend the event and exhibits for free (IMAX additional fee). More about ARF: ARF is a non-profit, adoption guarantee animal shelter serving the Greater Mobile area.
July 2019 25
A bout O u r A dve rti s e r s
Support us by supporting them.
Agave Mexican Restaurant – 5556 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 345- 7484,www.agavemexicanrestaurant.com
Lighthouse Restaurant - 12495 County Road 23, Irvington, AL, 251824-2500
Andress Jewelry, LLC – 21 ½ Saraland Blvd, Saraland, AL, (251) 6759020, www.andressjewelry.com
LPC Services, Behavioral Health Specialists – 605 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 10, Mobile, AL, (251) 478-5050, www.LPCServices4Help.com
Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe – 2511 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 471-1710, www.cammiesolddutch.com
McKemie Place – www.mckemieplace.org
CC’s Inflatables – 6170 Hwy 90, Theodore, AL, (251) 610-4396, www.rentfromcc.com Central Christian School – 17395 Hwy 104, Robertsdale, AL, (251) 947-5043, www.ccssaints.com Chatom Ford – 16978 Jordan Street, Chatom, AL, (877) 556-2248, www.chatomford.com
Mobile Christian School – 5900 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 661-1613, www.mobilechristian.org Mamun/REMAX Partners – 7221 Grelot Road, Suite B, Mobile, AL, (251) 660-8400, (251) 391-2047, www.mamuns@remax.net NuView Counseling – 1120 Hillcrest Road, Suite 2G, Mobile, AL, (251) 401-3560, www.nuviewcounseling.com Oak Ridge Gifts & Pharmacy – 4180 Oak Ridge Ave, Mobile, AL, (251) 445-5882, www.shoppesator.com
Christopher Mullenix, DMD, MD, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - 715 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile, 251-471-3381, www.mobileoralsurgery.com Palmer’s Toyota Superstore - 470 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 251-639-0800, www.palmerstoyotasuperstore.com A Cooper Attorney at Law, LLC – Angela M. Cooper, (251) 300-2220, Pathway Church – 7200 Moffett Road and 10775 Airport Blvd, www.amclaw.net www.pathwaychurch.us Cook’s Pest Control – PO BOX 91750, Mobile, AL, (251) 665-7378, Pickett Orthodontics – 6611 Wall Street, Mobile, 251-607-0110, www.cookspest.com www.picketortho.com Cottage Hill Christian Academy – two locations to better serve your family, 4225 Cottage Hill Road and 7355 Creekwood Drive, Mobile, AL, (251) 660-2427 and (251) 634-2513, www.chcacademy.org Empress Audio & Marine – 1216 W I-65 Service Road S, Mobile, AL, (251) 478-5820, www.empressaudio.com First Baptist Tillman’s Corner – 5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 661-0114, www.fbtc.org Generational Travel – (770) 744-1537, info@generationaltravel.com Government Street Baptist Church/School – 3401 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL, (251) 660-7444 Lisa Granger – Keller Williams Realty, Inc., 1565 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 454-1170, lisamichelle@kw.com Greer’s – Locations throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties, www.greers.com
PureVine Health Care – (251) 622-2487 Amy Rainwaters Coaching – (513) 225 – 8206, www.amyrainwaterscoaching.com Serenity Funeral Home – 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 653-4781, www.serenityfuneralhome.com Spring Hill Baptist Church – 2 S. McGregor Ave, Mobile, AL, 251-342-5320, www.shbc.cc Strategic Wealth Specialists, LLC – 3233 Executive Park Circle, Mobile, AL, (251) 472-4426, www.strategicwealthspecialists.com Synergy Realty - Mobile, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. – 1565 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 232-3090, www.synergyrealtymobile.com Thrivent Financial – Christina Gibson and Timothy Benson, Agents – 90 McKeough Ave, Suite C, Saraland, AL, (251) 281-7312 for Christina and (251) 709-0315 for Timothy, www.thrivent.com
Hansen Heating & Air – Two locations to best serve you – Mobile, 251471-3047 and Eastern Shore, 251-210-1493, www.hansenair.com
Touching Hearts Senior Care – 3263 Demetropolis Road, Suite 10, Mobile, AL, (251) 445-4204, www.touchingheartsseniorcare.com
Hacienda San Miguel - 880 Schillinger Road, Mobile, AL, 251-6336122, www.sanmiguelrestaurante.com
Wholistic Health Care – Dr. Jimmy Steger, 4412 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL, (251) 660-1240, www.drsteger.net
Shane Hale, Bellator Real Estate & Development – (251) 370-8812, shane@shanehale.com, www.shanehale.com
YMCA (Mobile & Baldwin Counties) – www.ysal.org
Kenmar Family Funeral Home – 11400 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 639-1272, www.kenmarfamilyfuneralhome.com L.A.W. Enterprise – 4431 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL, (251) 656-8540, www.lawenterprise.com
26 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
God ~ Glory ~ Freedom Celebrating July 4th from now until July 31st here at Chatom Ford! Every vehicle purchased “New or Preowned� will come with a
Bible, Gift Certificate and American Flag! This is a small gift to our valued customers and an opportunity for us to celebrate our Independence!
16978 Jordan Street, Chatom, AL (251) 847-2229 www.chatomford.com July 2019 27