Posts filed under: ‘Prayer and Devotions‘
Baby Madison rests with Jesus
I am extremely sad to report that Baby Madison passed away in her mother’s arms. After a long battle to live, our littlest baby ever (Bethany House’s) now resides in her eternal home, in the arms of Christ. This is a very difficult time for Rachel (Madison’s mom) and all the staff and volunteers at Bethany House. We ask that you keep Rachel in your prayers. Her faith in God has allowed her to walk through this challenging time with grace. Although heartbroken, she rests in the knowledge that someday she, too, will join her daughter in the presense of God Almighty. They will indeed meet again. Madison is hidden in her heart where she will remain until that special day.
For those of you who have lost a loved one, especially a baby or child, you understand the wide range of emotions that this young mother is experiencing. You have likely asked God some pretty tough “Why” questions along the path of grieving. I’d like to invite you to read an incredible book that responds tenderly to the “where were you God?” question. The book is The Shack. Please take the time to read this obviously God-ordained story. I suspect you will be as surprised and as comforted as I was.
Again, thank you for your prayers and support of Bethany House.
God bless you!
Add a comment April 14, 2008
Save babies now!
Mom, Rachel sits proudly next to her tiny new baby. This baby, born weighing only 1.9 ounces truly is a miracle. Without Bethany House miracles like this would diminish because young, pregnant women would have nowhere to turn. Please read the following letter carefully with an open heart.
Dear Friends,
Bethany House could close by the end of June.
You and a small group of other faithful people have provided the support and encouragement that has allowed us to care for the 440 girls and their babies God has brought to us over the past 18 years. Recent economic challenges have caused a number of people to cut back their support or suspend it altogether resulting in a $6,000 deficit each month. If nothing changes our savings will be completely depleted in June.
Tragically, pregnant girls needing shelter may not have anywhere else to go. Three other maternity homes in the Portland/Vancouver area have closed recently. Yet, the number of girls desperate to save the lives of their babies has not diminished. More people are now needed to provide the financial support so these girls can have a safe, nurturing environment to have their babies.
From the beginning, we have striven to be good stewards of the resources God has provided us. We have focused the vast majority of our resources on the care of the girls under our roof and preparing them for their lives as new mothers. We have lacked sufficient resources to reach out to others to help share the blessing of providing the needed support. We have sought the counsel and accountability of others to guide us, and we are actively seeking foundation grants to pay for out-reach efforts, but these take more time than we currently have. We desperately need you to pray about others you know who also have a heart for unborn children and their mothers. Our website www.bethanyhousenet.org has more information and the ability for you to make online donations.
Executive Director, Bethany House
Add a comment March 18, 2008
Baby so Small
In God’s hands. Ummmmmm. I love those words. What a safe place to be. Although things in this life can get more than a little challenging, understanding that we belong to a holy God allows us to keep going when giving up sounds preferable.
Ever wanted to throw in the towel? Of course you have! You’re human and life is hard and at times seems unbearable. Right now, at Bethany House, life has been rocky for one young mom and her little (and I mean little) baby.
Several days ago, this mom noticed that her swelling was increasing at an alarming rate. Her legs looked more like tree trunks then legs. Thankfully, the staff at Bethany House ensured she got to the doctor ASAP. After glancing at our girl, the good doctor sent her directly to the local hospital, who after running a barrage of tests, rushed her to yet another hospital specializing in Neo Natal Care. Oh, I failed to mention, this young lady was only six months pregnant!
Talk about your world rocking beneath your feet. It’s times like these when clinging to God is the only answer. After all, there are no athiests in foxholes. This precious woman remained calm and strong in spite of her highly concerning circumstances. She continued to rest in the knowledge that God was in charge no matter what happened. There was a whole lot of praying going on as staff and volunteers reached out into the community for prayer support. Shortly after arriving to the new hospital, an emergency C-section was ordered.
Amazingly, a short time later, a 1 lb 9 ounce baby girl (Madison) was welcomed into the world. Yes, her entry was not as planned, and yes there are many more trials ahead, but mom is trusting that together they rest in God’s hands. I’d like to ask that you pray for little Madison. I’ll post a photo as soon as I can. It’s difficult to get a picture at this time as she is still in intensive care where she will remain for some time. She is, thankfully, breathing on her own and mom is doing much better, as well.
Without Bethany House, who knows where this mom would have been.
Would she have made it to the doctor? Would she have even known to go? Thank goodness we don’t have to answer those questions because a program like Bethany House is available and she will continue to live within its safety for months to come. But, I think that it’s important for you to know that in the Portland/Vancouver area three maternity programs have recently, or are getting ready to close due to lack of funding. This is frightening to say the least.
If helping infants and their young mothers is important to you, I’d like to challenge you to get involved and to consider supporting Bethany House, or a program like it in your own area. For without these homes, far too many young women will be out in the cold, pregnant and alone. It doesn’t have to be this way, nor should it. Why in a country as wealthy as ours should any girl who wants help be denied? It’s not just up to our government, it’s up to us be part of the solution. Help babies like Madison have a chance to live the lives they deserve. For more information about Bethany House, visit: www.bethanyhousenet.org or email: bethanyhouse@runningblue.com,
2 comments March 2, 2008
Love?
For far too many women, both young and old, Valentines Day is not the celebration of love that it should be. For some, February 14 is just another sour reminder of how far they’ve fallen from the hopes and dreams of what love might have been in a different time, different place, and with a very different person.
Are you in an abusive relationship? If so, maybe this February 14 can become your doorway to freedom. Consider the following information:
Signs of an Abusive Relationships http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/relationships/abuse.html
Important warning signs that you may be involved in an abusive relationship include when someone:
- harms you physically in any way, including slapping, pushing, grabbing, shaking, smacking, kicking, and punching
- tries to control different aspects of your life, such as how you dress, who you hang out with, and what you say
- frequently humiliates you or making you feel unworthy (for example, if a partner puts you down but tells you that he or she loves you)
- coerces or threatens to harm you, or self-harm, if you leave the relationship
- twists the truth to make you feel you are to blame for your partner’s actions
- demands to know where you are at all times
- constantly becomes jealous or angry when you want to spend time with your friends
Unwanted sexual advances that make you uncomfortable are also red flags that the relationship needs to focus more on respect. When someone says stuff like “If you loved me, you would . . . ” that’s also a warning of possible abuse. A statement like this is controlling and is used by people who are only concerned about getting what they want — not caring about what you want. Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Signs That a Friend Is Being Abused
In addition to the signs listed above, here are some signs a friend might be being abused by a partner:
- unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains, or marks
- excessive guilt or shame for no apparent reason
- secrecy or withdrawal from friends and family
- avoidance of school or social events with excuses that don’t seem to make any sense
A person who is being abused needs someone to hear and believe him or her. Maybe your friend is afraid to tell a parent because that will bring pressure to end the relationship. People who are abused often feel like it’s their fault — that they “asked for it” or that they don’t deserve any better. But abuse is never deserved. Help your friend understand that it is not his or her fault. Your friend is not a bad person. The person who is being abusive has a serious problem and needs professional help.
A friend who is being abused needs your patience, love, and understanding. Your friend also needs your encouragement to get help immediately from an adult, such as a parent or guidance counselor. Most of all, your friend needs you to listen without judging. It takes a lot of courage to admit being abused; let your friend know that you’re offering your full support.
Although the above information is geared toward a teenager, it is valid for adults as well. Finding a safe person to share the secret with is a must. A majority of the young women who come and find a safe refuge at Bethany House have experienced abusive and traumatic relationships, too. Rebuilding a life after an abusive relationship is challenging, but possible.
When “Jane” shared the following story, I was heartbroken:
“Tom took me on a drive to the beach. He’d been doing meth and hadn’t slept for days. He kept talking about how he wanted to kill me. I knew how violent he could be, and I was scared for my life. I just sat quietly hoping to keep him from finding any more reasons to be mad at me. We drove up a winding dirt road far into the coastal mountains. My terror grew as we drove futher and further away from the main roads. He led me to a cliff and forced me to look over. He told me if I ever tried to leave him this is where I’d end up. He also told me no one would care because I was a worthless piece of sh…; I thought I was going to die that evening. Amazingly, God had another plan for me. Dying that night wasn’t part of it.”
Friend, if you are reading this right now, and are suffering in an abusive relationship, I know God led you to this journal. Please, seek help now. Don’t wait. Had “Jane” continued in that relationship, I have a horrible suspician that we would have never met. Her pregnancy served as a “wake up call” for her. Today, she is raising her two children and is still free from that violent and degrading relationship.
There are many resources in your community that can help, including a national abuse hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
that can get your pointed in the right direction. If you are pregnant and seeking help, contact Bethany House. If we are unable to help, we will provide you with resources that can. Don’t wait. You deserve love.
You’re lovable and worthy.
Add a comment February 9, 2008
Before I was a Mom
I adore this wonderful poem. I would love to give credit to the author, but I have no idea who wrote this piece. If it was you, please let me know so I can post your byline. Enjoy!
Before I was a mom…
Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.
Before I was a Mom,
I slept as late as I wanted
and never worried abot how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words of lullabies.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on
Pooped on
Spit on
Chewed on
Peed on
Or pinched by tiny fingers.
Before I was a mom,
I had complete control (most of time) of:
My thoughts
My body
And my mind
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so that doctors could do tests
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldnt stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love somone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn’t know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure
all was okay.
I had never known the warmth
The joy
The love
The heartache
The wonder
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
Even though the women at Bethany House didn’t choose their circumstances, they have chosen life. Once that adorable creation enters the world, their world, all things will forever be changed. Thank fully, there are places like Bethany House to help these first-time moms learn and grow. However, the truth remains … motherhood is a miracle experienced differently by every woman. Helping a woman embrace her role as a “mom,” “mommy,” and “mother,” is an experience not to be missed.
Add a comment December 30, 2007
Prayer for a Single Mother
As I traveled through the cyber world this evening, I discovered a prayer site for moms. I really liked this prayer specifically written for single moms. The girls at Bethany House and other maternity programs need our prayer support. So, please, join me in praying for single moms everywhere, right now. Don’t ever think prayer doesn’t make a difference, because it does … always.
Prayer for a Single Mother
Dear God, she seems to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders, but to carry it more lightly than I think I would. I see her balancing work and home, money and no money, friends who no longer make time to see her, and I send up a prayer for her.
Her old friends have moved on with their lives, and in truth, she doesn’t have much in common with them anymore. She is lonely, loving God. She would like company but doesn’t want to make time for new relationships because her waking hours are already full: she is a mother. She walks when gas is too expensive for the car and forgoes new clothes so her child can have shoes.
This is not how her life started out, but circumstances changed from her life of privilege to this life she embraces so fully. Her life is difficult and she seems so tired much of the time, but I am inspired by the love she has for her child.
Give her the strength to put in long hours each day; the courage to face those who dismiss her with blaming and knowing nods; the ability to maintain her loving life at home; and the deepest knowledge in her heart that you love her.
Please send a comment if you are committed to pray for single mothers with us. I’ve posted the link for more unique “motherhood” prayers below:
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Mothers/#Single
1 comment December 17, 2007
