When life isn’t the way it is supposed to be...

By: American Association of Christian Counselors

“Opportunity’s favorite disguise is trouble.” -Frank Tyger

Trouble: between a rock and a hard place… when life isn’t the way it is supposed to be. Ever been there? It’s been said that there are only three types of people – those who have just come out of trouble, are in the middle of trouble, or, are somewhere down the road, headed into trouble. Life’s like that.

The children of Israel experienced times of great heartache and trouble. Granted, most often it was brought on by their own actions. Invariably however, these times became opportunities for God to teach His people to trust their true King. Psalm 46 is actually a song to be sung to God in times of trouble. Within it we find amazing expressions of opportunity…

Our responsibility?

Press in to God. Vs. 1 declares that “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”(NASV). In an emergency we “dial” 911. In times of trouble we can “dia”” Psalm 91:1. When we dwell in the shelter of God, we will abide in His shadow. A place of refuge. And God is not just present. He is very present. The closer a train gets, the louder it becomes. The greater the trouble, the “louder” the presence of God…

Our response to trouble?

Don’t fear. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…” (vs. 2 NASV). No matter what happens, He is in the midst of it. And Paul reminds us “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 (KJV). Trouble is an opportunity to draw near to God as He draws near to us… without fear.

Rest and relax. As difficult as it may seem when you are being pounded by trouble, God wants you to “Be still” and know that He is God (vs. 10 KJ). Let go… drop your hands… let Him be who He is… GOD. Take the opportunity to watch Him do what you could never do in your own strength…

Trouble. While you will probably never welcome it (me either), you will, over time, learn to embrace it as a window for opportunity…

...If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy could this be a window of oppertunity to turn this unplanned pregnancy into a beautiful gift for an adoptive couple? If you would like to work with a reputable, licensed, full service, adoption agency that gives birthparents protection and ongoing support after an adoptive placement please contact us.

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Pregnant in College & Considering Adoption

Finding out that you are unexpectedly pregnant while you are trying to achieve some of your life goals can be overwhelming.

Would you like to look at all of your options with your pregnancy with a caring Christian caseworker?

We are here to help you during this difficult time. We want you to know that you are not alone and that you have someone to turn to especially if you feel that you don’t.

Call us day or night, we would be glad to listen to your concerns, answer question over the phone, set up a time to meet face to face in a location of your choice to better answer questions, or mail you information that may help you understand some of your options.

While you are considering all your options with this pregnancy we would be honored if you contacted us for support.

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

I want to give my baby up for adoption, how can I do it?

Part of placing a child for adoption is researching all of your options so when it comes time to follow through with your choice you are confident the choice you have made is the best option for you. We here at the Christian Child Placement Service (CCPS) will help educate you on all of your options so you are fully informed to make the best choice for your baby, whatever it is: parenting, adoption, voluntary residential care, placing the child for adoption with a family member, giving temporary custody of the child to a friend or family member to raise baby until you are ready to parent, etc.
As you look at all your options and decide what is best for you we will help you follow through with whatever decision you make.

If you choose to place your child for adoption CCPS has profiles of approved and waiting prospective adoptive couples for birth parents to choose from.

CCPS is a reputable, licensed, full service, adoption agency that gives birthparents protection and ongoing support after an adoptive placement.

Placing a child for adoption is an admirable choice. If you are considering adoption allow us to share information about all of your options.

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

16 and Pregnant (Season 2) | Ep. 5 | Lori and the Adoption Option

16 and Pregnant (Season 2) Ep. 5 Lori: "Lori's parents want her to choose adoption, Lori has an unreliable ex-boyfriend, so she eventually realizes it may be the only option."

In season 2 episode 5 Lori finds herself experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. Her boyfriend and her are no longer together and cannot have a conversation without arguing. Her ex-boyfriend tags her along with empty promises and lies, leading her to believe that he is going to step up and support her and the baby.

Lori’s parents are emotionally torn about her unplanned pregnancy; the fact that the birth father is not responsible, and knowing their daughters unstable emotional state on a “normal day” when she is not experiencing a pregnancy; they state their belief that Lori should place the baby for adoption after looking at all of the facts. Lori’s parents are consistently showing tough love to her, and she does not like the straight forward honest truth.

Lori decides that adoption is her only real option after all other hopes to raise the baby herself with her ex-boyfriend’s support fall through. Lori stated that the pregnancy is the hardest thing that she has ever gone through and she wished that she had taken the pregnancy seriously much sooner.

Lori and her ex-boyfriend come to the agreement that they will explore the adoption option so Lori asks a family friend about her independent adoption. The friend shares about her experience and Lori decides that she does want to place the child for adoption with the same family that her fried placed her child with. Eventually the independent adoptive family changes their mind and states they are not ready to adopt again. This failed independent adoption leaves a bad impression about adoption with Lori and her ex-boyfriend.

Lori decided to go forward with her adoption plan but this time using the security of an adoption agency. With the protection of the adoption agency Lori was able to choose an adoptive family that would not back out on her and that would be held accountable to follow through with their openness agreement.

The ex-boyfriend finally faces the reality that he truthfully cannot parent the baby and tells Lori that he is onboard with the adoption option.

Lori made an adoption plan with an adoption agency, she cared for the baby in the hospital like she planned to do, & she and the adoptive family took part in an adoption placement ceremony as planned.

If you are thinking about adoption and want the security and protection of working with an adoption agency call us we will support you during this time, and will help you make a tailor-made adoption plan.

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

I just found out I am pregnant and I’m not married, what do I do?

Insecurity Unexpected Unwanted Lonely Shocking Scared Embarrassed Alone Overwhelmed

These may be things that a person that has not been planning to have a baby may be feeling once they find out they are pregnant.

If you want to learn more about your options now that you have found out you are unexpectedly pregnant we can help you explore all of your options.

We are here to also support you unconditionally and confidentially. We want you to have the support you need so you are able to make the best choice for you and your baby.


Call us anytime day or night we know that life does not always happen during office hours. We are here to help!

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Teen Pregnancy

This ABC TV show will start its 4the season in March 2011.
One of the topics that is explored in the first season of the show with an unplanned pregnancy is adoption. With support a pregnant teen will place her child for adoption, with support a pregnant teen will choose to parent.

A teen experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can choose what is best for her and the child. It is easier for the teen when her parents or guardian support her decision.

If a teen does or does not have family support in their decision with an unexpected pregnancy they can find support here at our agency.

We, at the Christian Child Placement Service know that choosing what is best for your child and yourself is very difficult. Contact us and we will be glad to help you learn about all of your options so you can makes a fully informed decision

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Mark Schultz song "Everything to Me"

"Everything to Me," by Mark Schultz is a beautiful song about a lady's choice to place her infant for adoption.

Mark Schultz was adopted as an infant and he tells his story behind the writing of the song "Everything to Me," in an interview. Here is a link to the YouTube video interview:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z61zdZJ9uZc

Christian Child Placement Service Adoption Agency

We are here to support you duing an unplanned pregnancy.
Contact us any time day or night.
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
adopt@nmcch.org

MTV's 'No Easy Decision' Special

The Link to MTV's TV Special:
'No Easy Decision' Special: "Markai and James take cameras on their difficult journey as they decide how to proceed with a second unplanned pregnancy and talk with Dr. Drew about making the toughest decision of their lives."

For the past couple of years, MTV has been showing teens the highs and lows of adoption and parenting with programs like "16 & Pregnant" and "Teen Mom".  Abortion took center stage during a special called "No Easy Decision" -- a heartbreaking inside look at three young women who chose abortion. But no matter how slanted MTV is with this topic, they could not hide the hurt and loss these mothers are feeling.

One mother said she had already fallen in love with her unborn baby, but abortion staffers told her it was only a clump of cells and advised her not to think of it as a child with ten fingers and ten toes. Just six weeks pregnant, she went in for the procedure and, even as cameras followed her the next day, almost instantly showed signs of post-abortion stress syndrome: anger, sadness and regret. Another cried, acknowledging the pain she feels when she sees her nephew who was born around the time she had her abortion -- a reminder of what she could have had. Though these women are trying to cope with their decisions and promote abortion as a reasonable option, their pain is far more apparent than they may realize. Our hearts go out to them and the millions more who are daily lied to by a calloused abortion industry. We pray, too, that this show -- however biased it was intended to be -- will be used for good.

One mother stated, "Doing what is right for the baby and giving the baby up for adoption, I don't think I could have gone through with that."  But she was able to go through with terminating a pregnancy.

Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) is real,  PASS can affect women after an abortion. Some women who have had an abortion can find themselves having problems with physical or emotional issues. After an abortion it's possible that a woman will have some feelings of grief, guilt, sadness, crying and loss when this occurs she may be suffering from PASS. PASS may not even occur for several months/years after the abortion has taken place.


Some women experience the following after an abortion within the first 3 months:

• Self-harm, strong suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts (CALL 911 NOW)
• Increase in dangerous and/or unhealthy activities (alcohol/drug abuse, anorexia/bulimia, compulsive over- eating, cutting, casual and indifferent sex and other inappropriate risk-taking behaviors)
• Depression that is stronger than just 'a little sadness or the blues'
• Inability to perform normal self-care activities
• Inability to function normally in her job or in school
• Inability to take care of or relate to her existing children or function normally in her other relationships
(i.e. with a spouse, partner, other family member or friends)
• A desire to immediately get pregnant and 'replace' the baby that was aborted, even when all the circumstances that led her to 'choose abortion' the first time are still in place.

If you have had an abortion and are experiencing any of the above SEEK HELP EMEDIATLY. You are not alone. I am here to help, call a family member, friend, or health care personnel. Don't wait get help!

Some women have problems after an abortion that continues for months or years.

• emotions, and dealing with emotional issues
• struggles with depression
• continued suicidal thoughts or attempts
• anxiety and panic disorder
• addictions of all kinds
• difficulty sleeping and sleeping problems
• disturbing dreams and/or nightmares
• problems with phobias, or increase in severity of existing phobias
• eating disorders
• "replacement baby" syndrome
• repeated unplanned pregnancies with additional abortions
• repeated unplanned pregnancies carried to term
• "atonement marriage", where the woman marries the partner from the abortion, to help justify the abortion
• trouble with relationships and dealing with partners
• distress at the sight of other pregnant women, other people's babies and children
• inability to deal with or socialize with other pregnant women, other people's babies and children
• codependence and inability to make decisions easily
• problems with severe and disproportionate anger
• work and school problems (unable to function normally)
• problems bonding with and caring for existing children or new babies
• distress and problems with later pregnancy
• added emotional issues and problems when dealing with future infertility or other physical complications resulting from the abortion.
• unhealthy obsession with excelling at work or school, to justify the abortion

If you found yourself in any of the cycles listed above please seek help! You are not alone; contact me, a family member, a friend, a counselor, a social worker, or health care personnel.

Abortionist may deny that PASS occurs or exists. I have worked with women that have and are experiencing the problems above, PASS is real! If you are contemplating an abortion I have factual information about abortions that the abortionist may not share with you. Please contact me and my agency will provide the information to you FREE of charge. Also our agency offers Bible based post-abortion counseling FREE of charge to any woman.

Call anytime, you are not alone! 1-800-553-2229

Will it cost me to give my baby up for adoption?

The Christian Child Placement Service, Adoption Agency, provides information for you about all of your options including adoption.

•All of our services are FREE
•We are a licensed adoption agency
•We provide tailor made adoptions
•We have caring professionals that can see your needs are met
•Birth parents choose the adoptive family
•We will support you before and after an adoption placement
•We provide free pregnancy tests
•Transportation to doctors visits and other appointments is provided if needed
•Pregnancy options counseling is provided for everyone in an unplanned pregnancy
•We provide baby/fetal development information
•Factual parenting information is provided
•Legal expense coverage for adoption
•Housing and living expenses possible
•Coverage of medical expenses (where applicable)
•We believe that adoption is a loving and unselfish decision
•Birth parents choose the level of openness they want with the adoptive family and child

Contact us for more information on all of your options with your pregnancy:

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Lonely Birth Mom Looking Into Adoption

Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy can be a very lonely time. Afraid to share the news that you are pregnant with friends and family can be very lonely. Not knowing where to turn... turn to us... let us help support you during this difficult time. 

We are pregnancy counselors and adoption caseworkers that will share information about all of your options with you so you can make an informed decision about your pregnancy.  We will stand by you if you choose to tell your loved ones and we will be your support if you don’t.


By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Christian Adoption Topics: Prayer

Prayer at its Best by: Julie Clinton, M.A. @ Extraordinary Women

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." James 5:16 NLT

Too often our prayers turn into pleaful monologues. We present nothing more than our requests to Him… our worries and concerns about life… and maybe a thanks every once in a while. But intimacy is about seeing into another person, and you can only see into somebody else by listening to what he or she has to say—a two-way conversation of give-and-take, talking and listening. Prayer at its best is an intimate conversation between you and God.

When we really listen, we’re better able to hear God speaking to us by His Spirit, through the Bible, through friends, through circumstances, or through a gentle “knowing” that settles in our hearts. When He responds, we know His words will draw us closer to Him because whatever He asks of us is a reflection of His character. When we do more of what He wants, we become more like Him.

Slowing down to pray is difficult in our time-starved society, but we must do it. Getting alone and being still before God in prayer reinforces our dependence on Him and increase our intimacy with Him.

Pray specifically. Then, listen. God will respond.

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Adoption Agency In New Mexico

The Christian Child Placement Service (CCPS) Adoption Agency is a licensed full service non-profit adoption agency located in Portales, New Mexico.

CCPS has profiles of approved and waiting prospective adoptive couples for birth parents to choose who they would like to place their child with.

CCPS adoption agency has staff available 24 hours a day to listen to you and to answer questions; we are available whenever you need us.

CCPS can provide assistance to you during your unplanned pregnancy while you are considering adoption. We can help with physical needs, maternity care, or other needed assistance. We also have a nurse on campus.

•housing and living expenses possible
•coverage of medical expenses (where applicable)
•free pregnancy tests
•pregnancy options counseling
•truthful abortion information
•pregnancy information
•baby/fetal development information
•sexually transmitted disease (STD) information
•parenting information
•legal expense coverage for adoptions
•and more

We, at the Christian Child Placement Service know that choosing what is best for your child and yourself is very difficult. Contact us and we will be glad to help you learn about all of your options so you can makes a fully informed decision

Christian Child Placement Service
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org

Honestly Face MYTHS About Marriage

Concepts from:
"Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts," Les & Leslie Parrott

Honestly Face MYTHS about marriage:

Husbands and wives expect the same things from marriage.
*Each Partner has unconscious expectations
*Each Partner has unspoken rules we don't know we have until our spouse breaks the rules

Everything good about a marriage gets better and better

Everything bad in my life will disappear because I get married

My spouse will make me whole (my spouse will complete me)
*Entering a relationship expecting to become whole will create codependence
*Two whole people need to marry for a relationship to be whole
*Get yourself healthy before you get yourself married

Christian Child Placement Service, Adoption Agency
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
adopt@nmcch.org

"11 Rules That You Won't Learn in School About Marriage."

by Dennis Rainey @ Family Life Today

Rule 1: Marriage isn't about your happiness. It's not about you getting all your needs met through another person. Practicing self-denial and self-sacrifice, patience, understanding, and forgiveness are the fundamentals of a great marriage. If you want to be the center of the universe, then there's a much better chance of that happening if you stay single.

Rule 2: Getting married gives a man a chance to step up and finish growing up. The best preparation for marriage for a single man is to man up now and keep on becoming the man God created him to be.

Rule 3: It's okay to have one rookie season, but it's not okay to repeat your rookie season. You will make rookie mistakes in your first year of marriage; the key is that you don't continue making those same mistakes in year five, year 10, or year 20 of your marriage.

Rule 4: It takes a real man to be satisfied with and love one woman for a lifetime. And it takes a real woman to be content with and respect one man for a lifetime.

Rule 5: Love isn't a feeling. Love is commitment. It's time to replace the "D word"--divorce--with the "C word"--commitment. Divorce may feel like a happy solution, but it results in long-term toxic baggage. You can't begin a marriage without commitment. You can't sustain one without it either. A marriage that goes the distance is really hard work. If you want something that is easy and has immediate gratification, then go shopping or play a video game.

Rule 6: Online relationships with old high school or college flames, emotional affairs, sexual affairs, and cohabiting are shallow and illegitimate substitutes for the real thing. Emotional and sexual fidelity in marriage is the real thing.

Rule 7: Women spell romance R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P. Men spell romance S-E-X. If you want to speak romance to your spouse, become a student of your spouse, enroll in a lifelong "Romantic Language School," and become fluent in your spouse's language.

Rule 8: During courtship, opposites attract. After marriage, opposites can repel each another. You married your spouse because he/she is different. Differences are God's gift to you to create new capacities in your life. Different isn't wrong, it's just different.

Rule 9: Pornography robs men of a real relationship with a real person and poisons real masculinity, replacing it with the toxic killers of shame, deceit, and isolation. Pornography siphons off a man's drive for intimacy with his wife. Marriage is not for wimps. Accept no substitutes.

Rule 10: As a home is built, it will reflect the builder. Most couples fail to consult the Master Architect and His blueprints for building a home. Instead a man and woman marry with two sets of blueprints (his and hers). As they begin building, they discover that a home can't be built from two very different sets of blueprints.

Rule 11: How you will be remembered has less to do with how much money you make or how much you accomplish and more with how you have loved and lived.

Pass on "The Rules" to a friend who will enjoy them!

Christian Child Placement Service, Adoption Agency
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
1-800-553-2229 ex. 14
adopt@nmcch.org