Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone.

This time of year ushers in a wave of hope for a better year -- this year. Sadly, many people believe that "new beginnings" start only with resolutions in January. As if some kind of magical force exists to bring forth drastic changes during this month alone. Now, I must agree that there is indeed a powerful force that brings amazing change in our lives. That power comes from God alone. His love, grace, and power, are the perfect ingredients for new beginngings and fresh starts.

For the women at Bethany House, the minute they walk through the doors, a fresh start has, well, has started. As they prepare for motherhood they uncover new new ways to live and improve their lives.

The staff and volunteers at Bethany House help them embrace the process of change that seems so daunting in the beginning. After all, the idea of change is bound to cause some discomfort ... even postive change. We tend to get stuck in what's familiar, even when what's familiar isn't what's best for us. Thankfully, in a safe evironment, women are able to learn that change brings joy and confidence. It is a new lease on life for the residents of Bethany House.


Ultimately, after nine months of pregnancy, the women end up with the ultimate new treasure -- a baby. There is simply nothing "newer" than new life. The baby in the above photo was born to Jennifer. She is one happy mama. We think baby's pretty happy, too.

So, you want a new beginning? Great! Any time is a good time to start fresh. There's no need to wait for next year when today is as good a time as any. Go on! Grab your new beginnging.


God bless you!


For more information about Bethany House or to give online, visit: http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/

Baby Luvs

Have you ever seen such adorable baby girls? Well, if you have children of your own ... of course you have! -- your own. But, seriously, these to baby dolls were born in the last two months at Bethany House. There mothers were able to find a safe home and personalized program that allowed them to deliver healthy babies and embrace motherhood. Their successes give us great reason to rejoice.

The Christmas Season and subsequent New Year celebration, remind us of new beginnings and fresh starts. This time of year, every year, most of us find time to evaluate our lives and set goals for the future. These precious little ones have their whole lives before them. Thankfully, now, they their mothers have the tools to provide safe homes and better tomorrows. There is nothing more significant than life. Life is the ultimate example of God's love. Jesus' birth demonstrated that love in a very tangible way. God's love for us resulted in the birth of His Son, who would later pay with His life for our sins.

Most of us would die for our own children, yet can you imagine that same child/ren dying for you? I can't. The pain God the Father must have endured watching Jesus in such agony. The pain Jesus felt with the weight of our mistakes weighing on His perfect heart. Such love. '

What do we do as Christians? Do we exhibit Christ's love to the world around us? or do we "look" like everyone else? Sadly, many of us are not much different from our unbelieving neighbors. We say we're against abortion. We say we feel bad for those homeless people. We think about visiting someone in prison. But do we really do anything?

Believe me, I don't write this stuff to shame anyone. If you're convicted, that's the God talking to your heart. I know He talks to mine every time I share a message like this one. Why not help a beautiful baby experience the best new beginning possible. Support life. Call Bethany House, or another maternity program in your area and give something. Anything will help. Can you imagine if everyone gave just two dollars a month to a program of their choice what a profound difference that would make.

Let's start our New Year out on the right track. Giving for God's work.

Visit http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/ to give online. There are lives depending on this ministry. We can make a difference one life at a time. God bless you and Happy New Year!

Holiday Babies

If you're wondering where we've been, the answer is simple -- helping two new moms with their newborn babies. I consider that an acceptable reason for not blogging.

The lovely mom picture above is Mary, and her new daughter, Bethlehem, Beth for short. Perfect holiday names! Right now, I'd like to share a brief summary of Mary's story. I hope you enjoy. I'm sure you'll discover why Bethany House is so important to the community.

Our very own Mary was born and raised in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Although a poor country, Mary was able to attend school. As a young adult, eager to embrace a better life, she entered a lottery that would allow her to immigrate to the US. Mary “won” one of those coveted spots and arrived here in March. She hadn’t been traveling alone, though. Unbeknownst to her, she was carrying a baby inside.

Her pregnancy was a tremendous shock. Pregnant without a husband, in her country, is absolutely unacceptable. Now, not only is Mary ashamed - She is in a foreign county. She has very limited English skills. Her condition has placed her in a financial dilemma with no way to obtain employment. Uncertain what to do, she confided in one person, who confided in yet another, who knew about Bethany House. This person made the call to inquire about Mary entering the program. During the initial interview it was obvious just how much Mary needed the assistance and acceptance Bethany House offered. She was literally lost with no one to help.

While at Bethany House, Mary has grown immensely and in so many ways. Her language skills have improved. The family like environment and her commitment to taking ESL classes have helped this process. She has gained a greater understanding of American culture, including how to navigate public transportation! She has become a much more confident woman, and all in time for the arrival of her precious daughter, Bethlehem. Yes, Mary and baby Bethlehem.

Beth - for short - was delivered via an emergency C-section on 11/14/08, weighing in at 6 lb 12 ounces. Both mom and baby are thriving. Thank goodness they are here!

Right now, Little Beth is receiving so much love from her own enat (Amharic for mother). Let us celebrate this happy new beginning.