Have you wondered what your baby looks like as he/she is growing inside of you. This helpful tool will show you how!
\http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-gallery
\http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-gallery
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
The 5 Love languages
Have you ever felt like you were speaking a different language with your boyrfirend/ girlfriend, or husband/wife? Perhaps you have tried to communicate something with the best intentions, but somehow ended up in a big argument. Sometimes families just need a little education to begin communicating better with their families. Gary Chapmen gives some helpful tools to begin speaking in your wife or kid's "love langage." Have your family take the test to learn their love language.
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Adoption Stories
When David Platt preached on James 1:27, "Religion that Our God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world," the response of the church was extraodrinary. Families decided to put their faith into action by being foster parents, and starting the process of adoption. Be inspired by watching this beautiful video of families who have changed Birmingham and the lives of children:
http://www.brookhills.org/local/adults/care-for-children.html
http://www.brookhills.org/local/adults/care-for-children.html
Friday, May 13, 2011
How do I find the right person to date?
By: Focus on the Family
How can I find the right person to date? I'm a Christian high-schooler who is anxious to please God, but my past relationships with members of the opposite sex haven't turned out to be very positive experiences. What can I do to avoid this in the future?
You're to be commended on your diligence, foresight and obvious desire to please the Lord. Unfortunately, many young people don't give much serious thought to issues like dating, marriage and sexual purity. Instead, they allow themselves to be led by feelings and passions and wake up at some later date filled with remorse and regrets.
As you move forward in this important area of life it's vital to bear in mind that the most important aspect of any relationship is the character of the individuals involved. You may be attracted to someone by personality or physical good looks, but if there is no depth of character behind the veneer you'll find it hard — if not impossible — to forge a lasting and meaningful bond with that person.
People get to know one another on the level of deep and genuine character by spending lots of time together. Before becoming romantically involved with an individual of the opposite sex, you should do the hard work of building a real friendship with that person. As the two of you go through a wide variety of experiences together, you will have many opportunities to discover the truth about one another's morals, values, attitudes and ways of treating other people. This crucial information will help you decide whether or not you want to go beyond the stage of mere friendship.
In Galatians 5:22 the apostle Paul gives us a wonderful list of qualities that you can use as a "character reference guide" when considering the possibility of becoming more closely involved with an individual of the opposite sex. A person who manifests the fruit of the Holy Spirit, says Paul, will exhibit peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are precisely the characteristics you want to look for in a potential life-partner.
Don't misunderstand. We're not recommending that you hold other people to an unrealistic or perfectionistic standard. We're all fallen human beings, and this means that we often make mistakes and behave in ways that are completely contrary to the qualities included in Paul's list. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. That's where we come face to face with our deep need of God's grace. Nevertheless, if you find yourself strongly attracted to an individual who doesn't display several of these characteristics, you should probably think again. That person is definitely not a good dating prospect — no matter how smart, successful or good-looking he or she may be.
If you're not involved in a solid, Christ-centered youth group, we'd suggest that you do some research and find a church in your area that has one. Make sure that it's based around things like discipleship, spiritual maturity and Christian service rather than just fun and games. Take part in group activities that include members of both sexes and get to know as many people as you can. This will equip you with the wisdom, maturity and discernment you'll need in order to recognize a potential mate when you see one.
Our last piece of advice may be the most important of all: seek wise counsel from trusted Christian adults. Talk to your parents about this issue. Make an appointment to discuss it with your pastor or youth leader. If for some reason you don't feel that you can broach this subject with your mom and dad, find out if your pastor can match you up with a mature, happily married Christian couple in your church. If all else fails, give us a call here at 1-800-553-2229.
How can I find the right person to date? I'm a Christian high-schooler who is anxious to please God, but my past relationships with members of the opposite sex haven't turned out to be very positive experiences. What can I do to avoid this in the future?
You're to be commended on your diligence, foresight and obvious desire to please the Lord. Unfortunately, many young people don't give much serious thought to issues like dating, marriage and sexual purity. Instead, they allow themselves to be led by feelings and passions and wake up at some later date filled with remorse and regrets.
As you move forward in this important area of life it's vital to bear in mind that the most important aspect of any relationship is the character of the individuals involved. You may be attracted to someone by personality or physical good looks, but if there is no depth of character behind the veneer you'll find it hard — if not impossible — to forge a lasting and meaningful bond with that person.
People get to know one another on the level of deep and genuine character by spending lots of time together. Before becoming romantically involved with an individual of the opposite sex, you should do the hard work of building a real friendship with that person. As the two of you go through a wide variety of experiences together, you will have many opportunities to discover the truth about one another's morals, values, attitudes and ways of treating other people. This crucial information will help you decide whether or not you want to go beyond the stage of mere friendship.
In Galatians 5:22 the apostle Paul gives us a wonderful list of qualities that you can use as a "character reference guide" when considering the possibility of becoming more closely involved with an individual of the opposite sex. A person who manifests the fruit of the Holy Spirit, says Paul, will exhibit peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are precisely the characteristics you want to look for in a potential life-partner.
Don't misunderstand. We're not recommending that you hold other people to an unrealistic or perfectionistic standard. We're all fallen human beings, and this means that we often make mistakes and behave in ways that are completely contrary to the qualities included in Paul's list. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. That's where we come face to face with our deep need of God's grace. Nevertheless, if you find yourself strongly attracted to an individual who doesn't display several of these characteristics, you should probably think again. That person is definitely not a good dating prospect — no matter how smart, successful or good-looking he or she may be.
If you're not involved in a solid, Christ-centered youth group, we'd suggest that you do some research and find a church in your area that has one. Make sure that it's based around things like discipleship, spiritual maturity and Christian service rather than just fun and games. Take part in group activities that include members of both sexes and get to know as many people as you can. This will equip you with the wisdom, maturity and discernment you'll need in order to recognize a potential mate when you see one.
Our last piece of advice may be the most important of all: seek wise counsel from trusted Christian adults. Talk to your parents about this issue. Make an appointment to discuss it with your pastor or youth leader. If for some reason you don't feel that you can broach this subject with your mom and dad, find out if your pastor can match you up with a mature, happily married Christian couple in your church. If all else fails, give us a call here at 1-800-553-2229.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Christian Adoption Agency
If you are just starting to look into adoption or you have been considering the adoption option for a while now we can help you learn more about adoption and help you select the family you would like to place your child in.
The Christian Child Placement Service has been committed to supporting birth families and helping children since 1979. We can help you with your needs immediately.
Our services are extensive for birth parents. We are available seven days a week and we are on call just for you. We care about you and your child. We provide free, ongoing support without judgment.
Contact us today!
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
The Christian Child Placement Service has been committed to supporting birth families and helping children since 1979. We can help you with your needs immediately.
Our services are extensive for birth parents. We are available seven days a week and we are on call just for you. We care about you and your child. We provide free, ongoing support without judgment.
Contact us today!
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
Monday, May 9, 2011
Starting Out a Dating Relationship
When couples mistakenly look to each other as the sole source of encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion, life becomes complicated.
from Focus on the Family
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2
We are given a truly beautiful picture of marriage in this scripture: being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. It’s a glorious tapestry to imagine, especially as a couple begins their life together, but it’s also an imagining that can be wrought with questions like how to even begin to weave such glory.
What we need to know is that we are not called to do the weaving; we are called to yield to the Father so that we can be woven together by Him.
Look at the first part of this scripture and consider what each person has the potential to bring into a marriage out of the overflow of their relationship with Jesus: encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion. What an amazing description of what we long for in marriage. It is from that springboard in which a couple is able to discover the rhythm of their life and love together.
When couples mistakenly look to each other as the sole source of encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion, life becomes complicated. We are called to offer these things to each other, but if our source is not Jesus, we will be quickly depleted of these gifts and will harbor resentment and feelings of inadequacy in our relationship.
Let us first encourage one another in our personal relationship with Jesus, and then let Him craft our corporate relationship with Him, and we will watch with humility and awe as He begins to weave us together in Him.
Lord God, the colors of your heart are stunning. Take those colors and weave us into a tapestry of your design. As a couple, let us yield to You and trust that You will cover us in your love. That in our lives and love You are glorified.
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
from Focus on the Family
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2
We are given a truly beautiful picture of marriage in this scripture: being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. It’s a glorious tapestry to imagine, especially as a couple begins their life together, but it’s also an imagining that can be wrought with questions like how to even begin to weave such glory.
What we need to know is that we are not called to do the weaving; we are called to yield to the Father so that we can be woven together by Him.
Look at the first part of this scripture and consider what each person has the potential to bring into a marriage out of the overflow of their relationship with Jesus: encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion. What an amazing description of what we long for in marriage. It is from that springboard in which a couple is able to discover the rhythm of their life and love together.
When couples mistakenly look to each other as the sole source of encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion, life becomes complicated. We are called to offer these things to each other, but if our source is not Jesus, we will be quickly depleted of these gifts and will harbor resentment and feelings of inadequacy in our relationship.
Let us first encourage one another in our personal relationship with Jesus, and then let Him craft our corporate relationship with Him, and we will watch with humility and awe as He begins to weave us together in Him.
Lord God, the colors of your heart are stunning. Take those colors and weave us into a tapestry of your design. As a couple, let us yield to You and trust that You will cover us in your love. That in our lives and love You are glorified.
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
Sunday, May 8, 2011
What It Means to Be Intimate
"Our souls crave intimacy"—by: Erwin Raphael McManus
Sometimes singles will do just about anything to get close to someone they find interesting, intriguing or just plain irresistible.
One single woman I know drives through Starbucks daily to get her dose of caffeine. One morning as she approached the speaker to order, she noticed that the man in the truck in front of her looked very attractive. She eyed him through his rear view mirror. Wow! Handsome! Hmmm. . . I wonder if he's single. In a split second she made a plan.
"Hi. Welcome to Starbucks. What can I get started for you today?"
"Well to start, can you do something for me? Will you ask the guy in front of me if he's available?"
"You mean the guy in the truck? Suuuuuure. I'd love to. What else can I do for you?"
After she ordered her half-pump, no whip, soy, Venti mocha, she laughed at herself and thought, What in the world have I done?
She blushed as the hunky man in the truck pulled to the drive-up window. She watched as Ms. Starbucks asked if he was available. And then, in a flash, she watched as he drove away.
When she got to the window, she learned through Ms. Starbucks' giggles that he was indeed, attached, married even.
Sometimes singles—and everyone else on the planet—will go to great lengths and even make complete fools of themselves to get close to the opposite sex.
Why? Is it because our innate desire for sex? Is it because of loneliness? Desperation? Stupidity? Hormones? Of course, it can be all of the above, but the answer I'd like to focus on is: intimacy.
The human desire for intimacy, for love, drives us to do things that we never thought we would. But why, and what does it mean to be intimate?
Being Intimate Means "In-to-Me-See"
One evening over dinner with a friend, we spoke about intimacy and what it means. She shared a cute little phrase with me to remind me of intimacy's true meaning. "It means ‘in-to-me-see,'" she said. Ah yes, it's a blending of our heart with another's, so we can "see into" who they really are, and they can "see into" us.
According to Dictionary.com, intimacy is defined as, "showing a close union or combination of particles or elements: an intimate mixture."
Being intimate involves the mixing of our life with another's, a mingling of souls, a sharing of hearts. This is something we all long for because it's how God made us. We were designed to connect.
Real Intimacy is More Than Sex
Maybe you are wondering about sex. Granted, sex is a part of intimate expression, but it is not intimacy.
In his book, Soul Cravings, Erwin Raphael McManus writes:
"Sex can be the most intimate and beautiful expression of love, but we are only lying to ourselves when we act as if sex is proof of love. Too many men demand sex as proof of love; too many women have given sex in hopes of love. We live in a world of users where we abuse each other to dull the pain of aloneness. We all long for intimacy, and physical contact can appear as intimacy, at least for a moment."
When Janet married Ryan, she was convinced that even though they were not emotionally close before getting married, that sex would change all that. After all, she'd seen the movies; she had watched television where two hearts blended into one once they became sexually involved. Sadly, she was heartbroken when the emotional connectedness she longed for didn't show up after she made it to bed.
Real intimacy is not found just by merging bodies in sex. When Jesus said, "and the two shall become one. . . " I can't help but think that He meant more than just the physical. After all, how many couples go to bed at night, share their bodies, but not their hearts? Undoubtedly, many of these people would say they are very lonely. Why? Because just as a garden hose is not the source of water, but only an expression, or vehicle for it, so sex is not the source of intimacy, but an outlet (or expression of) it. No matter how hard you try, if real emotional and spiritual intimacy does not exist before sex, it most certainly won't after.
Real Intimacy Makes Us Feel Known
Real intimacy makes us feel alive like we've been found, as if someone finally took the time to peer into the depths of our soul and really see us there. Until then, until we experience true intimacy, we will feel passed over and ignored, like someone is looking right through us.
Sadly, we can miss out on intimacy that can make us and another person feel known, when we predetermine what we think we should see when we examine their life, heart, personality and soul. When this happens, we will try to mold and make them into who we believe they should be. As a result, we are blinded to their good qualities and love and intimacy are destroyed.
Many years ago, when I dated a young man, my mentor told me, "Shana, if you focus on all that he is not, you'll miss what he is." I've since learned that when we ignore another person's beauty and all that God made them to be, intimacy is lost. Why? Because intimacy flows out of feeling wholly accepted just the way we are.
Real Intimacy Begins With You
Perhaps you are wondering how you can build an intimate relationship. In addition to accepting another person just how they are, (Note: This doesn't mean accepting any form of abuse), real intimacy can only begin once you know yourself. Since intimacy means "in-to-me-see," how can anyone "see into" you and who you are, your fears, dreams, hopes and desires unless you know who you are and are willing to allow someone in? Experiencing true intimacy begins with being connected to your own heart.
Granted, sharing who we are with others is often not easy. All love is a risk. I admit, it can be uncomfortable exposing the deepest parts of ourselves. Thankfully, you don't have to do it all at once because developing intimacy is like peeling an onion—it can happen just a little at a time while trust is developed.
Intimacy With God is Real and Rewarding
Because God made us, He intimately knows us better than anyone can. For this reason, He can make us feel known in a way that no one on earth is able; and in this we can experience intimacy in an indescribable way. Intimacy with God through His Son Jesus has been the most rewarding and life-changing thing I have ever experienced.
My prayer is that you will first experience the joy that comes from having an intimate relationship with God and that out of that love you have experienced with Him, that you will find intimacy with a special someone who will make the load of walking the earth a little lighter.
Sometimes singles will do just about anything to get close to someone they find interesting, intriguing or just plain irresistible.
One single woman I know drives through Starbucks daily to get her dose of caffeine. One morning as she approached the speaker to order, she noticed that the man in the truck in front of her looked very attractive. She eyed him through his rear view mirror. Wow! Handsome! Hmmm. . . I wonder if he's single. In a split second she made a plan.
"Hi. Welcome to Starbucks. What can I get started for you today?"
"Well to start, can you do something for me? Will you ask the guy in front of me if he's available?"
"You mean the guy in the truck? Suuuuuure. I'd love to. What else can I do for you?"
After she ordered her half-pump, no whip, soy, Venti mocha, she laughed at herself and thought, What in the world have I done?
She blushed as the hunky man in the truck pulled to the drive-up window. She watched as Ms. Starbucks asked if he was available. And then, in a flash, she watched as he drove away.
When she got to the window, she learned through Ms. Starbucks' giggles that he was indeed, attached, married even.
Sometimes singles—and everyone else on the planet—will go to great lengths and even make complete fools of themselves to get close to the opposite sex.
Why? Is it because our innate desire for sex? Is it because of loneliness? Desperation? Stupidity? Hormones? Of course, it can be all of the above, but the answer I'd like to focus on is: intimacy.
The human desire for intimacy, for love, drives us to do things that we never thought we would. But why, and what does it mean to be intimate?
Being Intimate Means "In-to-Me-See"
One evening over dinner with a friend, we spoke about intimacy and what it means. She shared a cute little phrase with me to remind me of intimacy's true meaning. "It means ‘in-to-me-see,'" she said. Ah yes, it's a blending of our heart with another's, so we can "see into" who they really are, and they can "see into" us.
According to Dictionary.com, intimacy is defined as, "showing a close union or combination of particles or elements: an intimate mixture."
Being intimate involves the mixing of our life with another's, a mingling of souls, a sharing of hearts. This is something we all long for because it's how God made us. We were designed to connect.
Real Intimacy is More Than Sex
Maybe you are wondering about sex. Granted, sex is a part of intimate expression, but it is not intimacy.
In his book, Soul Cravings, Erwin Raphael McManus writes:
"Sex can be the most intimate and beautiful expression of love, but we are only lying to ourselves when we act as if sex is proof of love. Too many men demand sex as proof of love; too many women have given sex in hopes of love. We live in a world of users where we abuse each other to dull the pain of aloneness. We all long for intimacy, and physical contact can appear as intimacy, at least for a moment."
When Janet married Ryan, she was convinced that even though they were not emotionally close before getting married, that sex would change all that. After all, she'd seen the movies; she had watched television where two hearts blended into one once they became sexually involved. Sadly, she was heartbroken when the emotional connectedness she longed for didn't show up after she made it to bed.
Real intimacy is not found just by merging bodies in sex. When Jesus said, "and the two shall become one. . . " I can't help but think that He meant more than just the physical. After all, how many couples go to bed at night, share their bodies, but not their hearts? Undoubtedly, many of these people would say they are very lonely. Why? Because just as a garden hose is not the source of water, but only an expression, or vehicle for it, so sex is not the source of intimacy, but an outlet (or expression of) it. No matter how hard you try, if real emotional and spiritual intimacy does not exist before sex, it most certainly won't after.
Real Intimacy Makes Us Feel Known
Real intimacy makes us feel alive like we've been found, as if someone finally took the time to peer into the depths of our soul and really see us there. Until then, until we experience true intimacy, we will feel passed over and ignored, like someone is looking right through us.
Sadly, we can miss out on intimacy that can make us and another person feel known, when we predetermine what we think we should see when we examine their life, heart, personality and soul. When this happens, we will try to mold and make them into who we believe they should be. As a result, we are blinded to their good qualities and love and intimacy are destroyed.
Many years ago, when I dated a young man, my mentor told me, "Shana, if you focus on all that he is not, you'll miss what he is." I've since learned that when we ignore another person's beauty and all that God made them to be, intimacy is lost. Why? Because intimacy flows out of feeling wholly accepted just the way we are.
Real Intimacy Begins With You
Perhaps you are wondering how you can build an intimate relationship. In addition to accepting another person just how they are, (Note: This doesn't mean accepting any form of abuse), real intimacy can only begin once you know yourself. Since intimacy means "in-to-me-see," how can anyone "see into" you and who you are, your fears, dreams, hopes and desires unless you know who you are and are willing to allow someone in? Experiencing true intimacy begins with being connected to your own heart.
Granted, sharing who we are with others is often not easy. All love is a risk. I admit, it can be uncomfortable exposing the deepest parts of ourselves. Thankfully, you don't have to do it all at once because developing intimacy is like peeling an onion—it can happen just a little at a time while trust is developed.
Intimacy With God is Real and Rewarding
Because God made us, He intimately knows us better than anyone can. For this reason, He can make us feel known in a way that no one on earth is able; and in this we can experience intimacy in an indescribable way. Intimacy with God through His Son Jesus has been the most rewarding and life-changing thing I have ever experienced.
My prayer is that you will first experience the joy that comes from having an intimate relationship with God and that out of that love you have experienced with Him, that you will find intimacy with a special someone who will make the load of walking the earth a little lighter.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Learn about the birth process- unexpected pregnancy
The prospect of giving birth can be daunting, and you may be tempted to put it all out of your mind until it happens. But Glade Curtis, advises "In my experience, women who learn about birth ahead of time are more active participants in their own birth process, which leads to better outcomes," he says.
Consider taking a birth class, in which you can learn about the stages of labor, options for pain management, breathing techniques, and medical equipment that may be used during your delivery. Class offerings vary, so survey the options in your community to find the one that most appeals to you. It's a good idea to start looking into classes mid-pregnancy to make sure you get one you like – and have time to take it!
Learn about your options for labor, birth, and after, and make your wishes clear.
You can also learn about birth by watching videos from our library here.
While learning about the ins and outs of delivering a baby is important preparation, it doesn't give you ultimate control over your own labor.
"There are so many twists and turns that labor can take, and no one can predict how it will go," says Dianne Randall, a childbirth and lactation educator at a Hospital for Women and Newborns in San Diego. "The more you understand and accept the unpredictability, the lovelier your birth can be."
Instead of focusing on "the perfect birth," build your knowledge of different labor outcomes and decide how you'd want to deal with the various possibilities. You can learn about your options for labor positions, pain medication, how your baby is cared for after delivery, and more.
help@pregnantandalone.org
1-800-553-2229 (BABY)
Consider taking a birth class, in which you can learn about the stages of labor, options for pain management, breathing techniques, and medical equipment that may be used during your delivery. Class offerings vary, so survey the options in your community to find the one that most appeals to you. It's a good idea to start looking into classes mid-pregnancy to make sure you get one you like – and have time to take it!
Learn about your options for labor, birth, and after, and make your wishes clear.
You can also learn about birth by watching videos from our library here.
While learning about the ins and outs of delivering a baby is important preparation, it doesn't give you ultimate control over your own labor.
"There are so many twists and turns that labor can take, and no one can predict how it will go," says Dianne Randall, a childbirth and lactation educator at a Hospital for Women and Newborns in San Diego. "The more you understand and accept the unpredictability, the lovelier your birth can be."
Instead of focusing on "the perfect birth," build your knowledge of different labor outcomes and decide how you'd want to deal with the various possibilities. You can learn about your options for labor positions, pain medication, how your baby is cared for after delivery, and more.
help@pregnantandalone.org
1-800-553-2229 (BABY)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Know what to do when labor starts- unplanned pregnancy
Long before the first contractions hit, you'll want a firm plan for who to call, where to go, and when.
Your doctor or midwife should give you a clear set of guidelines on what to do when you go into labor, like when to call and when to head for the hospital or birth center. Decide who will take you there, and have a few back-up folks lined up to help if you need it. Know the route you'll take – this may sound silly, but it will be one fewer thing to think about. This includes learning where to park and which entrance to use when it's time to check yourself in.
You can get a handle on these logistics by taking a tour of your hospital or birth center. On the tour, you'll also learn about basic policies and see the labor rooms and nursery.
If you can, register for the delivery ahead of time and get the paperwork out of the way. When labor rolls around, you'll be able to bypass the bureaucracy and breeze – er, waddle – right in.
Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date
The last thing you'll want to worry about when labor starts is whether you have a toothbrush packed. Ease your mind by getting your bag together a few weeks before your due date. Refer to our comprehensive packing list for the hospital or birth center or, if you know you're having a c-section.
In addition to the essentials, think about personal items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable. I bought nice slippers so I could feel good walking around the hospital, and I also brought my robe when I had my children.
e-mail: help@pregnantandalone.org
Your doctor or midwife should give you a clear set of guidelines on what to do when you go into labor, like when to call and when to head for the hospital or birth center. Decide who will take you there, and have a few back-up folks lined up to help if you need it. Know the route you'll take – this may sound silly, but it will be one fewer thing to think about. This includes learning where to park and which entrance to use when it's time to check yourself in.
You can get a handle on these logistics by taking a tour of your hospital or birth center. On the tour, you'll also learn about basic policies and see the labor rooms and nursery.
If you can, register for the delivery ahead of time and get the paperwork out of the way. When labor rolls around, you'll be able to bypass the bureaucracy and breeze – er, waddle – right in.
Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date
The last thing you'll want to worry about when labor starts is whether you have a toothbrush packed. Ease your mind by getting your bag together a few weeks before your due date. Refer to our comprehensive packing list for the hospital or birth center or, if you know you're having a c-section.
In addition to the essentials, think about personal items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable. I bought nice slippers so I could feel good walking around the hospital, and I also brought my robe when I had my children.
e-mail: help@pregnantandalone.org
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Adoption Music Video
Every adoption is its own unique story. Here at the Christian Child Placement Service (CCPS) we tailor make adoption plans for birth parents and adoptive families so they can have their unique adoption story.
An expectant parent considering an adoption plan and adoptive families have rights, and CCPS is pleased to advocate for each individual during and after the adoption process so their tailor made adoption plan can be fulfilled.
An expectant mother with an unplanned pregnancy who would like help and support can contact us anytime day or night. We provide information on all options with an unexpected pregnancy and all of our adoption services for birth parents are free.
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex. 14
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Marriage & Relationships - Interpersonal Red Flags
Non-Affectionate
This is not the problem for most couples. Often there's a need to restrain the passions that run so strong at this point in a relationship. Setting the flames of romance aside for a moment, is your friend comfortable with giving and receiving affection? Does he/she show appropriate affection to friends, parents, siblings, etc? If two people are less inclined toward affection, maybe neither will miss it. But affection is a part of the way our Creator wired us. Will your friend be able to show affection to your children? Is it uncomfortable for your friend because affection was never received growing up? The affectionate-resistant person would be wise to explore the reasons that touch is so uncomfortable.
Avoids Conflict
Some people just don't want to deal with conflict of any size, shape, or variety. When tension is present, withdrawal or denial serve to gloss over the problem allowing it to be avoided for another day. Obviously, the problem gets bigger with every effort to sweep things under the rug. How does your friend deal with conflict? Does the problem get avoided or minimized?
Conflict is inevitable because we're human. Whether you realize it or not, there's conflict in your relationship even this side of marriage. You might ask your friend the question, "If I have a concern, how can I bring it up in a way that you'll be able to hear me?" Your friend might say, "I don't want to hear it." That should be a pretty obvious red flag for you. Right now your conflicts might be fairly small, but marriage will change that, there's more at stake. If you don't develop a healthy pattern now, it won't get any better in marriage.
Fears Commitment
We might presume that if the person we would like to commit to isn't quite as interested, it must be a fear of commitment. That's not always the case. Since marriage is such an important decision, getting to know a person well makes a lot of sense. And there's no substitute for time.
Yet there are times when a person sends mixed messages, or struggles to commit due to a fear of intimacy. "When you find out who I really am, will you still accept me?" It seems like she's interested, then it doesn't. He appears to want to move forward in the relationship, but then he pulls back. This hot and cold pattern can go on for years. And even if one makes it to the altar, if the issue isn't resolved, it can still cause chaos and insecurity in a marriage. Do you see a pattern of consistency in your friend's commitments in general? Without the ability to commit, marriage is like the sands of an hourglass just waiting to run out.
Isolated from Family and Friends
Does your friend interact with family and friends? How healthy are those relationships? Though we have no control over our family members, family interactions tell us a lot about a person. That doesn't mean our friend will always end up like Mom or Dad, but it doesn't mean one will necessarily end up differently either. If we don't have the ability to pick our family, we do when it comes to our friendships.
Has your friend kept you away from her family? Does he avoid introducing you to his friends? If so, what's the reason? Are there some issues that are being kept from you? Sometimes those boundaries may be necessary, but interacting with a partner's family and friends will provide valuable information for your decisions about the relationship.
Emotionally Stuck at Home
Has your friend been able to leave home emotionally? I'm not saying she shouldn't love her parents, or that he shouldn't respect his folks. Honoring one's parents is a lifetime responsibility. But honoring them is not about obeying them now that you are an adult.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." When a man or woman doesn't leave home emotionally, heartache invariably results. I've talked with countless couples who've experienced this betrayal from a spouse. People may still be seeking parental approval that they didn't receive as a child. A man may still be controlled by his mother, but anything that even hints of control by his wife will be viewed as such. Can your friend set boundaries and say "no" to his parents when needed? Can your friend tell her parents when she disagrees with them?
Distrusting
No matter what someone does, including yourself, does your friend always second-guess the motivation? If you give your friend a gift, does the question reverberate, "What does he/she want?" Granted, our motivations aren't as pure as the driven snow, but with time one's constant questioning will drive a wedge into any relationship.
Distrust often develops as a self protective measure when people were not trustworthy in one's life. "I can be fooled once, but I won't be fooled anymore," may be the mindset. Again, hurt and pain likely exist behind the wall; and without help, the distrust will likely creep into every crevasse of the relationship. Can people be too trusting? Yes, absolutely, and that's a problem of a different kind. But without trust, marriage becomes a daily witness stand. Over time, the distrust will likely increase.
Dependent
It may be hard to imagine, but some people get married so that they can have someone else tell them what to do. They may fear making mistakes, lack self confidence, or want a "parent" to direct or blame their lives upon. It can look a lot like submission, but it's not.
You may see it in the amount of time a friend wants to spend with you. Who could argue against a couple sharing quality time? Every counselor knows the importance of that! But when your friend wants to spend every waking moment together, you'll likely feel suffocated before very long. It can feel flattering at first, but be careful of anything that tends to get out of balance!
2011 Focus on the Family
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship/interpersonal-red-flags.aspx
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex.14
This is not the problem for most couples. Often there's a need to restrain the passions that run so strong at this point in a relationship. Setting the flames of romance aside for a moment, is your friend comfortable with giving and receiving affection? Does he/she show appropriate affection to friends, parents, siblings, etc? If two people are less inclined toward affection, maybe neither will miss it. But affection is a part of the way our Creator wired us. Will your friend be able to show affection to your children? Is it uncomfortable for your friend because affection was never received growing up? The affectionate-resistant person would be wise to explore the reasons that touch is so uncomfortable.
Avoids Conflict
Some people just don't want to deal with conflict of any size, shape, or variety. When tension is present, withdrawal or denial serve to gloss over the problem allowing it to be avoided for another day. Obviously, the problem gets bigger with every effort to sweep things under the rug. How does your friend deal with conflict? Does the problem get avoided or minimized?
Conflict is inevitable because we're human. Whether you realize it or not, there's conflict in your relationship even this side of marriage. You might ask your friend the question, "If I have a concern, how can I bring it up in a way that you'll be able to hear me?" Your friend might say, "I don't want to hear it." That should be a pretty obvious red flag for you. Right now your conflicts might be fairly small, but marriage will change that, there's more at stake. If you don't develop a healthy pattern now, it won't get any better in marriage.
Fears Commitment
We might presume that if the person we would like to commit to isn't quite as interested, it must be a fear of commitment. That's not always the case. Since marriage is such an important decision, getting to know a person well makes a lot of sense. And there's no substitute for time.
Yet there are times when a person sends mixed messages, or struggles to commit due to a fear of intimacy. "When you find out who I really am, will you still accept me?" It seems like she's interested, then it doesn't. He appears to want to move forward in the relationship, but then he pulls back. This hot and cold pattern can go on for years. And even if one makes it to the altar, if the issue isn't resolved, it can still cause chaos and insecurity in a marriage. Do you see a pattern of consistency in your friend's commitments in general? Without the ability to commit, marriage is like the sands of an hourglass just waiting to run out.
Isolated from Family and Friends
Does your friend interact with family and friends? How healthy are those relationships? Though we have no control over our family members, family interactions tell us a lot about a person. That doesn't mean our friend will always end up like Mom or Dad, but it doesn't mean one will necessarily end up differently either. If we don't have the ability to pick our family, we do when it comes to our friendships.
Has your friend kept you away from her family? Does he avoid introducing you to his friends? If so, what's the reason? Are there some issues that are being kept from you? Sometimes those boundaries may be necessary, but interacting with a partner's family and friends will provide valuable information for your decisions about the relationship.
Emotionally Stuck at Home
Has your friend been able to leave home emotionally? I'm not saying she shouldn't love her parents, or that he shouldn't respect his folks. Honoring one's parents is a lifetime responsibility. But honoring them is not about obeying them now that you are an adult.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." When a man or woman doesn't leave home emotionally, heartache invariably results. I've talked with countless couples who've experienced this betrayal from a spouse. People may still be seeking parental approval that they didn't receive as a child. A man may still be controlled by his mother, but anything that even hints of control by his wife will be viewed as such. Can your friend set boundaries and say "no" to his parents when needed? Can your friend tell her parents when she disagrees with them?
Distrusting
No matter what someone does, including yourself, does your friend always second-guess the motivation? If you give your friend a gift, does the question reverberate, "What does he/she want?" Granted, our motivations aren't as pure as the driven snow, but with time one's constant questioning will drive a wedge into any relationship.
Distrust often develops as a self protective measure when people were not trustworthy in one's life. "I can be fooled once, but I won't be fooled anymore," may be the mindset. Again, hurt and pain likely exist behind the wall; and without help, the distrust will likely creep into every crevasse of the relationship. Can people be too trusting? Yes, absolutely, and that's a problem of a different kind. But without trust, marriage becomes a daily witness stand. Over time, the distrust will likely increase.
Dependent
It may be hard to imagine, but some people get married so that they can have someone else tell them what to do. They may fear making mistakes, lack self confidence, or want a "parent" to direct or blame their lives upon. It can look a lot like submission, but it's not.
You may see it in the amount of time a friend wants to spend with you. Who could argue against a couple sharing quality time? Every counselor knows the importance of that! But when your friend wants to spend every waking moment together, you'll likely feel suffocated before very long. It can feel flattering at first, but be careful of anything that tends to get out of balance!
2011 Focus on the Family
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship/interpersonal-red-flags.aspx
Christian Child Placement Service
e-mail: adopt@nmcch.org
http://www.adoptnewmexico.org/
http://www.facebook.com/Adoption.aChoiceforLife
1-800-553-2229 (BABY) ex.14
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