My 11th Hour Plea!

I know this is last minute, so I will make this short and sweet. I'm not sure if anyone will actually read this in time, but it's my 11th hour plea! PLEASE....help me to at LEAST make my $500 minimum goal tonight! The walk for life is tomorrow morning and I am only $162 away! Of course, I would LOVE to raise much more beyond that, but am grateful for whatever I can get for Heartline.

Please, help me right meow!

I've written a lot about the walks I have done in the past (and I tried extra hard last year, but still didn't raise very much). I know there are a lot of good causes and fundraisers out there that you might want to spend your time and money on instead. I get that. It doesn't have to be much. Just donate a buck for the babies (or whatever God lays on your heart) and share this link! PLEASE!! Heartline fell WAY short of their goal last year and it looks like this year isn't going to be a smashing success either. It breaks my heart and I hope that they never have to shut down! I don't want them to ever have to worry about that (or for scared and hurting women to not have a place to turn to) so PLEASE.....let's keep things going!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I apologize that I haven't said anything about it sooner. I wrote a few updates on my fundraising page, but I never did get around to blogging about it here. Things have been busy and stressful lately; there just hasn't been much time. Personally, I've been exhausted and also dealing with some major back problems. It is going to be very painful for me to walk tomorrow, but I'm still going to do it because I'm committed and care so deeply about this! Please, pray for a miracle; not just for my healing but that Heartline will be fully funded! Thank you and God bless you!

Bucks for Babies

Tonight, I posted on my Facebook and Twitter about the Walk for Life that is this Saturday (please share my post and tweets on your own social media!!). I'm DESPERATE to get the word out at the last minute to help reach that $60,000 goal for Heartline Pregnancy Center. I am sad to say that at this point, they still haven't even met half of their goal.

I truly do not understand how or why this is so hard. Life is the most basic thing that there is. There are many causes out there to fight for, but it all comes down to just one.....life/quality of life, and survival of the human race. If we don't make this our priority, nothing else matters. If we don't fight for our own lives and the lives of others, what's left? Nothing!

Please, read my post about all that I'm willing to do (and the goals I have laid out) for this walk for life. Or, just simply click here to go to my fundraising page to pledge/donate. Then, share this post with as many people as possible....PLEASE! Email it, Facebook it, tweet it, etc. Please, DO SOMETHING!


Grace and peace to you, my friends. I am fighting hard and it's killing me inside because I feel like I'm pouring myself into something so vitally important and no one cares. It's like sounding an alarm that no one hears or warning people and yet they are unmoved and unchanged. I have to know that there are still people out there that care and are willing to stand with me and with the women and children that need us. Will you be that person? Share this post and share whatever you can spare to donate....even if it's just a buck, they all add up! Bucks for babies; and the kind that SAVES their lives and not profits off of them! God bless you!

I'm Willing to "Do Something" for Donations!

Have you ever had a moment where you said, "That's it! I've had it!"? Have you ever been so fired up that it moved you to drastic action? Undoubtedly, you have. Who hasn't been riled up about something at some point in their life? It could have been something petty or something truly worth fighting for, but we've all had times where an injustice has compelled us to fight for what's right; and made us feel that we would do whatever it takes, no mater the cost.

That is how I felt today when I read this article by Matt Walsh. Every time I read something of his, I feel like he's writing my own thoughts and feelings. I nod in agreement, share his posts on Facebook and Twitter, and do all I can to keep fighting the good fight.

One of the ways I have been hoping to make a difference is through the annual Walk for Life for my local crisis pregnancy center (Heartline). I have been trying hard to get people to care enough to donate. I thought that the release of those undercover videos (which exposed Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry) would cause people to step up in record numbers to defend life and support CPCs in their communities. Yet, at this moment, I haven't met my minimum fundraising goal and the fundraiser as a whole hasn't even raised 10%....and there are less than 25 days left until the walk!! :(

Like Matt Walsh pointed out in his article, it doesn't seem like much has changed...and I'm blown away by that! HOW can we POSSIBLY live life as usual when there is mass genocide going on in America? Are we REALLY going to continue ignoring this hidden holocaust and scandalous atrocity of murdering children and selling their organs for profit?! Do we really want our legacy to be that of the Nazis??!! C'MON AMERICA!!! Why aren't we jumping at the chance to DO SOMETHING?!

This is why I'm upping the ante. If you need new incentives to help, I'm going to give you some right now! I am willing to make several personal sacrifices based on certain fundraising milestones that I reach. If donating out of the goodness of your heart (or the fact that you can claim your donation as a tax deductible contribution) isn't a good enough reason, I am now committed to doing the following:

• $500 raised - I will go ONE WEEK WITHOUT MAKEUP. Yes, you heard me lol. I can't remember the last time I have done this (if ever). Anyone that knows me knows that I do not go out in public without touching up my face (you'll eventually see why!). On the week that I do this, I will take a picture each of the seven days and share it on my Twitter and other personal social media accounts. I will do this to show my support for uncovering and sharing the real and raw truth about the ugliness and horror of abortion. You can't sugarcoat or glamorize it, folks. I'm sure there will be some that will ask me "why do you look so tired?" or "why aren't you wearing makeup today?" and maybe even "you look so old!" etc....and I will tell them why. I will also be sure to share about it on this blog as well! 

• $1,500 raised - I will post a video on my blog (and/or social media) where I draw from a list of names of those who have donated. The winner will receive a free Piyo exercise program (the base kit) from me and a free computer cleaning/tune-up from my husband (references are available regarding his work; he can also tune up your computer remotely if you don't live around here). Chris and I have our regular "day jobs" but we still find time to work these other jobs that we love. Essentially, we both like to keep "machines" running. Just like a computer, if you keep your body strengthened and running efficiently, you will be more likely to function at peak performance. Finely tuned machines work best! An energized body and optimum technology are two things that most people depend on to get through the day so we would like to use our time and talents to help with that! *NOTE* This is limited to United States residents only. The funding page only shows me the name, date, and amount given so if you want to be a part of this giveaway, please email me that you've given (especially if you elected to be displayed as anonymous or if I don't already know you personally). If I don't know who you are, I can't draw your name and contact you for shipping information if you win lol. Additionally, my husband's computer work is only for an in-person or remote cleaning/tune-up. If you need additional extensive/heavy-duty work, computer parts, etc.,you'll have to discuss fees with him.

• $2,500 raised - I will draw an additional name from the list of people who have donated and the winner will receive a bag of Shakeology (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, greenberry, vegan chocolate, and vegan tropical strawberry are the flavors available). Chris will also offer a free computer cleaning/tune-up. *NOTE* Same terms also apply here as previously outlined in the first giveaway.

•  $5,000 raised - I WILL SHAVE MY HEAD!! Yes, you read that correctly!! Again, anyone that knows me knows that I value my hair (and look awful with short hair) so this is a BIG DEAL for me to commit to! The way I see it, my hair will come back; but lives lost do not. This will be a great opportunity for me to not only "die to self" but to sacrifice for a good cause and share about defending life when I get asked all kinds of questions. I know that the first assumption will likely have to do with cancer; which is also a cause that is near and dear to my heart. My grandma conquered breast cancer, but didn't win the battle with the skin cancer that she fought later on. My great-aunt, other relatives, and many brave friends have also dealt with this horrible disease; and several are still fighting or have passed away. I hate cancer about as equally as I hate abortion. Both are ruthless, senseless, life-sucking killers that claim countless lives and shatter families.  If my hair weren't color treated, I would donate my hair as well. I want those whose lives have been touched by cancer to know that this will be in honor of YOU too! When I reach this goal, I'm sure my empathy, grief, and prayers for all those who have suffered (past and present) will only multiply. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my Grandma and strive to fight off tears (I'm crying even as I type). However, I am willing to take on any extra empathy and grief if it means that I've raised awareness (as well as funds) to save and sustain the precious lives of babies, women, and families! 

Whew! I'm both nervous and excited! I'm more determined and pumped for this walk than ever! I really hope this post will motivate people to donate and even PARTICIPATE with me! ;) By the way, I decided what my costume is going to be when I walk (yes, costume! It's a "superhero for babies" theme and dressing up is a fun option that I'm excited to take part in as well!). I am going to be R2D2. Why? Because Star Wars is awesome....duh! ;) Actually, it's more than that. R2D2 is resilient and never gives up! He overcomes every obstacle (including discouragement from C3P0) to fulfill every life-saving mission he takes on. He proves that one person (or droid lol) can make ALL THE DIFFERENCE! NEVER underestimate your purpose in this world! God uniquely created you with a special role to play! Don't give up or let anyone or anything thwart you; even if you get knocked down or things blow up in your face. 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! As I wrap up this post, I want to share with you the video of a song that I heard the other day. I was incredibly encouraged, empowered, and inspired! It's called, "Do Something" by Matthew West. I challenge you to watch and listen to this! It is a heart pounding, fist pumping, inspiring call to action that will remind you that all things are possible! It's quite the anthem! May it inspire YOU to do whatever "something" God lays on your heart. Hopefully, one of those "somethings" will be to donate a dollar or more to reaching my goal for Heartline because it's MY something....as well as OUR something, and HIS something! If life doesn't mean "something" to us, then nothing truly matters at all. FIGHT FOR LIFE! Donate "something" and feel free to share this blog! God bless you!

How You Can Be A Real Life Superhero

By now, you have probably seen at least one of the many videos that have been released; the videos which have thoroughly exposed Planned Parenthood for their unlawful, unethical, brutal, and barbaric practices of butchering and selling aborted babies for profit. Even if you haven't seen them (and I don't fully recommend that you do - it's horrific!) I would venture to say that MOST of us have enough humanity to recognize that this extermination of our own human race needs to stop! The abortion toll far exceeds even the death toll of the Holocaust and yet this is STILL going on....and it's "legal"!!

"But, what can I do about it?" you might ask. Well, as I was just reminded when I watched the movie War Room today, PRAYER should always be our first response and is our most powerful weapon to defeat evil! Our number one enemy is Satan and his primary goal is to kill and destroy (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). However, there is good news! God has already defeated Satan and is greater than ANYTHING he can conjure up against us (John 16:33, 1 John 4:4, Isaiah 54:17). We must pray, repent, and ask for God's forgiveness and healing for our sins and the sins of our nation. He will hear us when we humbly come and submit to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14, James 4:7). Suit up in your armor, warriors (Ephesians 6:10-20)! Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!

Secondly, as you pray, listen to how God stirs your heart. Maybe God will prompt you to volunteer for a crisis pregnancy center. Perhaps he'll lead you to join in on a walk for life and/or donate what you can to make centers and services available for vulnerable women who need help choosing life for themselves and their babies. Additionally, you can share this and other pro-life posts to spread the word to others on your social media (in addition to sharing in person). You can even prayerfully support those who are standing up for life and vote for the kinds of people that will value human life.

The list of possibilities for making a difference are endless! Allow God to lead your heart. REFUSE to look the other way and pretend you didn't know. Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." We cannot afford to be apathetic and dull our consciences!

Please, stand with me in this fight! Better yet, WALK with me! My family and I are doing the walk for life again this year and I have started a team for our church. I encourage fellow members of our congregation to join our team! Even if you're not a part of the Vineyard church, you are still welcome to join us (or you can even start a team for your own church/group or walk/run on your own). We have until October 10th (which is the day of the walk/5k) to build our team and raise funds. Also, there is a "superhero" theme so IF you want to dress up (which you all know I DO!) you can do that as well! They are awarding prizes for best costumes! ;)

If walking and fundraising isn't your thing, could you at least help me raise at least $500.00 for Heartline Pregnancy Center? If everyone that is reading this would donate something, I would more than meet my goal. For some reason, you all are shy about commenting, but the stats show that these posts are getting views so I KNOW there are readers. ;) All you need to do is click here to donate. You can choose to donate immediately or you can select the option to be billed later (you'll get something in the mail to collect your pledge after the walk/5k is over). 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you for reading this post! My hope is that at the very least, more people will be praying and doing whatever they can to support ministries like these. If you don't want to pledge to my local pregnancy center, I hope you will at least help with the one where you are! These caring and loving environments where women can receive real help makes the difference between life and death. Our collective prayers and donations ensure that there will be people there to pray for them, give them pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, counseling, adoption services, and so many other types of assistance! We need to give women a real choice and a chance to choose life; but we can't if death camps like Planned Parenthood is all that's available to them. We HAVE TO keep our CPCs fully funded and continually available (and in abundance!). Let's be the heroes, everyone! Together, we can rescue more women and children! Thank you in advance for caring and helping me reach my minimum goal! God bless you!

Why Did This Have to Happen NOW?

"WHY did this have to happen NOW?" That was the question I was asking myself when I injured my back last Saturday. The timing couldn't have been more wrong (not like there is ever a good time or reason to injure your back). It was so stupid! All I was trying to do was get something out of the dishwasher and SNAP.....just like that. I was so dizzy and nauseous that I thought I was going to pass out. I broke out in a sweat as I struggled to straighten up the best I could and go sit down so I wouldn't FALL down. 

The pain was intense; unlike anything I ever felt before. I used ice and pain reliever and everything I could to try and help myself feel better. It just wasn't doing much. I know I didn't help matters any by continuing on with the plan to go to a charity event that I had committed to, but I did it anyways. I rested up on Sunday and finally got to a chiropractor on Monday. Now, it's Tuesday and I'm happily aligned but still rather sore. I still have much to do this week and am doing the best I can to push through it as I still think about that aggravating question in my mind of "why did this have to happen now?" 

I know I'm not the only one that asks that question. I also know that there are those that are asking it that have bigger problems than a hurt back. Those people would be the ones that I NEED the strong will and a strong back for; the women and babies who I WILL be walking and raising money for this Saturday. As of right now, I have raised $135.00 of my $500.00 minimum goal. I have less than three days to raise at least $365.00 more. The money raised will go to help women who are scared and wondering why a pregnancy had to happen to them now and are terrified about what to do next. Your gift of ANY AMOUNT (if all you have is a dollar, we'll take it!) will help provide pregnancy tests, limited obstetrical ultrasound, adoption information as well as parenting support, baby supplies, and so much more! Click here to visit my family's funding page (yep, my husband and children are walking with me too!) and make your donation! Or, contact me with how much you would like to pledge and you will be sent a collection form in the mail to send in your donation to Heartline Pregnancy Center.

If you haven't read the poem that I wrote a few years ago called "Hearing Their Hearts' Cry", take a moment to read it and prayerfully consider your donation amount. Also, you might remember the testimony of a friend of mine, Saundra, who had an abortion. It was a traumatic and regrettable experience for her. Read her short testimony below and let's help ensure that women get the help they need and won't have to go through this alone: 

Memories of a sunny fall day in early October, sitting in a crowded room of young mothers... How do you force a smile on your face and push down the knots forming in your stomach, knowing that very soon you will walk back out into sunlight with an empty womb, childless. It seemed easy enough for several of the young women, but for me personally I knew it was a death sentence I was carrying out.

As my name and several others were called, we shuffled into a room with a projector to watch 'the movie' that showed us the procedure we would be going through. I got so queasy, I had to leave the room, almost passing out in the hallway. Not once did a counselor say anything about options, and I desperately wanted someone, anyone to talk me out of what I was about to do. Undress, put the gown on, lay on the cold metal table... this will only take a few minutes...that was such a surreal feeling, just going through the motions and struggling to not lose it, not to cry. I remember looking into the nurses face while the extraction was going on, and wishing there was something she could have done to make it easier, but death is death, there is nothing easy about it. I wonder now how many babies she saw die before her heart began to harden to what she was seeing...

Afterwards you are sent to the bathroom to clean up, lay down for a while if you need to compose yourself, and then of course there are cookies and juice to help build up your strength from the loss of fluids. Some of the young women bounced around chatting, relieved and ready to get on with life, and others like myself lingered. I didn't want to walk out those doors, didn't want to live. I didn't think I could ever bring myself to look at a mother and her child without feeling tremendous guilt and pain. I did leave eventually, and then I kept the traumatic events to myself for 6 years, until I married. For 3 years in my marriage, I lived under the lie that God was punishing me, and that I would never have another child because I had so carelessly ended the life of my first born. It didn't matter that the pregnancy came from a traumatic incident on a college campus. It didn't matter that the one adult I came to very quickly advised me to just get rid of 'the problem' because I would lose a full scholarship and risk anger and being cut off from my family. In my mind and heart I didn't deserve another chance, and was headed for hell, condemned for life.

I thank God for a group of women, who were powerful intercessors and LOVING pro lifers who chose to hate the sin and love the sinner. Because they cared about the life of the mother as well as the child, I was able to repent and find healing. Isn't that what all pro lifers should be doing? Loving the mother as much as the unborn child? Maybe if you can win the heart of the mother, she will consider other options before she chooses abortion? Maybe we should be praying for the hearts of women who are broken, fallen, all over the world so that maybe they won't have to make these choices? May God bless you all as you endeavor to serve Him with your whole heart!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Please, donate something....anything! Unplanned pregnancies...they are happening RIGHT NOW. The reasons and whys are varied and often very tragic. We may not be able to offer answers, but we can offer help and hope.....NOW! Please, let's protect the innocent and be the reason that a woman chooses life; for herself and for her baby. God bless you!

Yesterday's Rally and March for Life

Yesterday, Mitch and I went to the annual rally and March for Life in Fort Wayne. To read highlights from the event, please read the article I posted on Examiner.com (and please subscribe and pass it along! Please, remember to credit me if you decide to write for them as well!). That article took me four hours to organize/compile, write, and post and I had some technical issues that made me lose it (good thing I had saved my own copy elsewhere! So much for the "auto save" feature that was supposed to prevent that!).

Since articles aren't supposed to be "bloggy" or about the writer, I saved some of the good stuff for my own blog (like these two pictures). This picture is of Cathie Humbarger and I. She works tirelessly to put together and promote events like this and she is always fighting hard for life! As some of the other speakers said, she is truly one we all look up to and a pro-life hero! ;)

This picture is of Abby Johnson and I. As you will read in my article, Abby Johnson is the Planned Parenthood worker that resigned after seeing an ultrasound aided abortion. What she saw totally changed her heart and her life! I was so honored to hear her speak and to get to talk to her in person! She is another amazing pro-life hero that is now working hard to expose Planned Parenthood and motivate others to stand strong for life!

There are a couple things that I wanted to mention that I couldn't fit into my article. One of them being that Cathie reported that we have yet another abortion provider in Fort Wayne. The glimmer of hope is that, once again, a Women's Care center has opened across the street (which has led to a lot of women coming to the "wrong door" and subsequently, getting REAL help!). ;) Praise God!!

The other thing I wanted to mention was a little bit about some of the Planned Parenthood secrets that Abby revealed. The laws and patient safety ordinances that help restrict abortions are having a positive effect on Planned Parenthoods because it's making it harder for them to operate. However, there are instances in which they are being able to skirt around the laws. Abby talked about going to NAF (National Abortion Federation) conferences as well as CAPS (the Consortium of Planned Parenthood Abortion Providers) and how they stategized to beat the system. She was right when she said you would have a hard time googling information about CAPS because it's very secretive (but I was able to find this link).

Abby said that she learned about how Planned Parenthoods were going to get around a law that said that the RU486 (abortion pill) could only be given by a doctor who administers abortion. She said that women in more rural areas didn't often get to the big city clinic where that could be done. So, they are setting up pcs, web cams, and a cash drawer in these smaller clinics to where the women sit in front of them and she gets the pill administered to her by a doctor in a totally different clinic via the web cam! He/she just simply presses a button on his computer, that is wired to the little drawer in the clinic that she's in, so that the pill is dispensed to her! The worst part about this is, these rural area girls are in danger of hemmorhaging and having blood clots because of this pill and if they have complications like that, their nearest ER could be miles away (not to mention the fact that her "administering doctor" isn't anywhere near her!). So, by the time she gets medical care, it may be too late!!

In instances where things like this occur, Abby said that Planned Parenthood doesn't even report them until 1,000 patients have experienced a problem!! So much for women's health! Not only do these women not get follow up with their "doctors" (especially doctors like these that they have never even meet in person) but they get no real patient care. Once you're done, you're done. They get you in and out and that's all you get.

This is only the tip of the iceberg! I would like to think that anyone reading this would be outraged and horrified. Even if you aren't pro-life, I would think that the fact that a corporation is acting illegally and placing people at mortal risks would be enough to get upset about. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with things like this!!

So, what can you do to help? Well, for one, you can spread the word (and even forward this blog). Write/call/e-mail your representatives and do whatever it takes to spread awareness and get the ball rolling!! If we band together, we can get it done!! God bless you all!!

Walk for Life Update and Saundra's Story

Well, I got a few more updates for you (see the end of this entry for the leader boards)! One being that South Carolina is officially in second place after I got a five dollar pledge from one of my Mom’s sweet friends (you know who you are! Thank you!!). Additionally, I also got some support from a couple guys (thank you, Sean, for your prayers and thank you, Jason, for your pledge!!). That means that Tennessee is now on my list of contributing states! Oklahoma has also been added to the list after my sweet friend, Saundra, pledged her prayers!! Thank you, Mama Saun! I love you so much!!

Some of you might remember her name because two years ago, she allowed me to share her story on my blog. I commend her for her courage in being willing to share because it’s not easy to talk about abortion. She is one of the many women I know that have experienced the pain and loss of a child in this manner, and it’s something I don’t want to see any more women have to suffer through. That’s why I fight so hard against the culture of death; not only to save the lives of babies but for the women who experience these losses (as well as the fathers, grandparents, and siblings involved). Actually, everyone is affected, really. If you stop and think about it, your own life has probably been affected by abortion in some way - even mine. It just so happens that my dear friend Jama even told me that she was almost aborted (but thank God she wasn’t!). It’s painful to think of the fact that if she hadn’t been given the chance to live, I wouldn’t be blessed with the incredible gift of her friendship or the blessing of knowing her husband (who just got baptized last Sunday! Praise God!) and her precious little boys! I would have been so robbed because she is such a treasure to me and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without my best friend (I LOVE YOU JAMA!!). It kind of makes you wonder what this world would be like (and what WE would be like) if we weren’t cheated out of so many lives through abortion. What might those lives brought to this world if they were allowed the chance to live their purpose and make a difference?

Anyways, without further delay, here is Saundra’s story in her own words. May it touch your heart and inspire you to have love, mercy, and compassion on others who are hurting. May it also move you to take action and pledge your support as I Walk for (and fight for) Life!!! Grace and peace to all of you!

Memories of a sunny fall day in early October, sitting in a crowded room of young mothers... How do you force a smile on your face and push down the knots forming in your stomach, knowing that very soon you will walk back out into sunlight with an empty womb, childless. It seemed easy enough for several of the young women, but for me personally I knew it was a death sentence I was carrying out.

As my name and several others were called, we shuffled into a room with a projector to watch 'the movie' that showed us the procedure we would be going through. I got so queasy, I had to leave the room, almost passing out in the hallway. Not once did a counselor say anything about options, and I desperately wanted someone, anyone to talk me out of what I was about to do. Undress, put the gown on, lay on the cold metal table... this will only take a few minutes...that was such a surreal feeling, just going through the motions and struggling to not lose it, not to cry. I remember looking into the nurses face while the extraction was going on, and wishing there was something she could have done to make it easier, but death is death, there is nothing easy about it. I wonder now how many babies she saw die before her heart began to harden to what she was seeing...

Afterwards you are sent to the bathroom to clean up, lay down for a while if you need to compose yourself, and then of course there are cookies and juice to help build up your strength from the loss of fluids. Some of the young women bounced around chatting, relieved and ready to get on with life, and others like myself lingered. I didn't want to walk out those doors, didn't want to live. I didn't think I could ever bring myself to look at a mother and her child without feeling tremendous guilt and pain. I did leave eventually, and then I kept the traumatic events to myself for 6 years, until I married. For 3 years in my marriage, I lived under the lie that God was punishing me, and that I would never have another child because I had so carelessly ended the life of my first born. It didn't matter that the pregnancy came from a traumatic incident on a college campus. It didn't matter that the one adult I came to very quickly advised me to just get rid of 'the problem' because I would lose a full scholarship and risk anger and being cut off from my family. In my mind and heart I didn't deserve another chance, and was headed for hell, condemned for life.

I thank God for a group of women, who were powerful intercessors and LOVING pro lifers who chose to hate the sin and love the sinner. Because they cared about the life of the mother as well as the child, I was able to repent and find healing. Isn't that what all pro lifers should be doing? Loving the mother as much as the unborn child? Maybe if you can win the heart of the mother, she will consider other options before she chooses abortion? Maybe we should be praying for the hearts of women who are broken, fallen, all over the world so that maybe they won't have to make these choices? May God bless you all as you endeavor to serve Him with your whole heart!


Financial Pledges

1. Indiana
2. South Carolina
3. Ohio and Tennessee

Prayer Pledges

1. Indiana - 9
2. South Carolina - 2
3. Oklahoma -1

12 Prayer Warriors!

Men Vs. Women

Women = 11 pledgers and 11 prayer warriors!
Men = 1 pledger and 1 prayer warrior! ;)

THE WOMEN ARE LEADING!!


Participating States 5/50

Indiana
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee


**Please contact me at melissawalksforlife@gmail.com if you would like to pledge your dollars and/or your prayers! Even five bucks will help!! All I need is your name and address and The Hope Clinic will send you a letter in the mail AFTER the walk on the 19th to collect your pledge!! Thank you so much and God bless you!!**

Walk for Life Update: "At Least..."

It’s time for my first “Walk for Life” update!!

Last week, I posted a blog asking for your support in the Walk for Life on September 19th. In that blog, I asked for pledges of both the financial and prayerful kind. Since then, I have had ten people (including myself) officially confirm their pledges (their funds and/or their prayers). THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH to those of you who responded so quickly and are generously and graciously pledging from your hearts!! Praise God for you!!! There will be lives helped/saved because of YOU!!! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!!!

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I raised over $2,000 dollars in 2007 and had the support of over half of the 50 states!! I would like to meet or beat that this year!! However, I know that the economy is really taking a hit right now, so I am hoping to at least raise a minimum of $1,000. Right now, I’m a little over 25% of the way there. While I am really happy about that, I am hoping that the outpouring will begin to increase. As I mentioned before, if everyone reading this would pledge AT LEAST FIVE DOLLARS I would meet or beat my goal!! I blog on several different sites (and have sent my first blog out via e-mail as well). Yet, there are only nine other names next to mine on my pledge form (and all of them are women too!). Yep, that’s right! All of my pledgers are WOMEN!! WAY TO GO LADIES!!! WAY TO STEP UP!!! Though, it would be nice to have some MEN leading the way, wouldn’t it girls? After all, they are a part of this circle of life too! We may be the ones that give birth to life, but God allows them to be part of that creative process too (and every man has a Mama after all lol!). So, here’s your cue, guys!! Take your place!! Lead!! Step up!! Defend, protect, and sound the battle cry for life!!! Let’s hear from YOU!!! (Maybe I should make a “guys vs. girls” leader board! Would that help? I think I’ll do that! The male pride won’t stand for being outdone by girls will it?? LOL).

I’m hoping and praying that I will hear from more of my life-loving, God-fearing family and friends! I know there are PLENTY of you out there that profess your faith and your passion for others and so I am expecting to see that faith in action!! ;) I know that you guys can AT LEAST PRAY and probably AT LEAST pledge FIVE DOLLARS!! I don’t think that’s asking too much, do you? There are probably a lot of you that spend just that much on breakfast at McDonald’s in the morning every now and then. It’s pocket change! Can you sacrifice one coffee and a McMuffin in order to help save the lives of women and children?

Ok, not trying to make you all feel guilty - I just want you to think a little. We are all SO BLESSED in America!! I’m hoping that as we realize that, we will be willing to share what wealth we have with the least of these (Matthew 25:40). Will you please consider helping? All you have to do is contact me and tell me your name and address and how much you want to pledge. I will write it down on my form (only myself and the Hope Clinic will see this information) and the clinic will send you a letter AFTER THE WALK to collect the money. So, pledge now and pay later!! The walk isn’t until September 19th, so I think that gives everyone plenty of time to save AT LEAST FIVE BUCKS!!!! But, if the money really is an issue right now, no problem! Would you AT LEAST consider pledging your daily prayers? (Please, see previous blog for prayer suggestions for each day of the week). PLEASE?!

I have also made it easier for you to contact me too!! I have set up an e-mail account specifically for this walk. You can contact me at melissawalksforlife@gmail.com

So, that settles it!! You know what to do and you know how to contact me!! No more excuses!! ;) I’m expecting LOTS of people to step up now (and not just the women either!! COME ON GUYS!!!). I want to hear from people all around the country!! Blow me away and bless this Crisis Pregnancy Center with the outpouring of your compassion and love!! Please, just FIVE DOLLARS at least? If anything, AT LEAST your prayers??? And this isn’t for ME, it’s for the women and babies that are walking through those clinic doors; desperate for help, love, compassion, and wisdom. Are they worth FIVE BUCKS to you? Are they worth your prayers? Can you put a price on LIFE? Think about it…..

In the coming days and weeks, I will keep you updated on how things are going. I will post the “leader boards” each time (though I will keep the exact dollar amounts pledged secret until the very end because I don’t want to deter people from continuing to give once I reach my goal!! I want the pledges to keep coming!!). ;)

Thank you, everyone, for reading!! I pray that God will stir your heart to action!! Grace and peace to all of you!!! God bless you!!


Financial Pledges

1. Indiana
2. Ohio and South Carolina

Prayer Pledges

1. Indiana (7)
2. South Carolina (1)

8 Prayer Warriors!

Men Vs. Women

Men = No pledges/No prayer warriors :(

Women = Leading in pledges and prayers!! (8 prayer warriors!)

THE WOMEN ARE LEADING!!

Participating States 3/50

Indiana
Ohio
South Carolina

I Need Your Help

Today is August 22, 2009. While that date may not mean anything in particular to anyone, I know at least two people who celebrated a birthday today (happy birthday to my friends Jen and Brian!!). So, truly, this day IS a special day! In fact, EVERY DAY is special and significant because it’s another day that we are blessed with; another day to live, breathe, and enjoy life!!

Life - what a gift!! My two friends are celebrating the many years of life they have had on this earth thus far. They are alive today because God created them with a purpose and their mothers lovingly birthed them into this world.

That is why I am blogging today; to ask you all if you will help make it possible for everyone to have a chance at life. Two years ago, I participated in my first Walk for Life which benefited The Hope Clinic in Berne. Once again, they are having their bi-annual walk and I am eager and ready to be a part of it!!

In 2007, so many of you blessed The Hope Clinic with your prayers and donations. All total, they collected over $20,000! Praise God! And, $2,860 of it came from my family, friends, and perfect strangers who graciously donated after I posted about the walk in my blog!! Thank you!!

I am now hoping and praying that what was raised in 2007 can be matched and surpassed!! Of course, I will need the generous help of all of you!! Some of you might remember that I had people in over half of the 50 states (plus Canada and Washington D.C.) who pledged their prayers and their pledges. You also might recall that while my home state, Indiana, had the most people pledging to pray (10 in my state - 41 overall) we were beat by a landslide in the financial pledges by (ironically) the liberal and pro-choice state of New York. New York gave a total of $2,000 while the givers in Indiana came in second with $425.00 and ironically (again) the highest givers sandwiching us between 1st and 3rd place was California and Washington D.C. (both gave $100.00). While it’s very encouraging to see that we still have wonderful and loving pro-life givers in these typical liberal/pro-choice states, I am hoping that my state (as well as the rest of the states) will give even more this year and show just how solidly pro-life and supportive they are!!

Alright, people. NOW is the time to pledge!! I KNOW that money is tight (believe me, I KNOW!) but there is no better time to give!! Why? Because in an economy like this, more and more women and babies are in danger! Organizations like Planned Parenthood push for more profits off of death during times like these by encouraging scared women to rid themselves of a “burden” during uncertain times. We must prevent these women from being taken advantage of by the abortion industry!! We must be there for them and show them that LIFE is still the best option!!

So, how will your pledges do this? All the money that The Hope Clinic raises goes to offer care and support to women in need through: pregnancy testing and ultrasound verification, education on options beyond abortion, client education in regard to sexual integrity and STD’s, Baby Bucks incentive program, maternity and infant clothing loan program, free diaper program (income based), and the Tender Mercies post-abortion recovery program. They also provide community referrals and volunteer peer counseling.

Additionally, The Hope Clinic has just opened a sister clinic in the northern part of the county!! Praise God! TWICE the opportunity to help women in the county and surrounding area!! Isn’t that GREAT?!!

Ok, now for the meat and potatoes of this blog. Just like my simple “Will You Help?” request from two years ago, I am once again asking for your help and support. All you have to do is contact me and let me know how much you want to pledge. I DO NOT COLLECT THE MONEY!! All I do is write down your name, address, and amount on my pledge form (and NO ONE else but me and The Hope Clinic will see or share your private information). Then, The Hope Clinic will send you a letter to collect your pledged amount AFTER THE WALK (which is on September 19th). So, pledge now and pay later (by the way, it’s tax deductible)! This gives you more than enough time to save some money back if you need to. Any amount will help!! In 2007, I had people pledge all kinds of amounts; anywhere from $5 to $500 or more. I have a few hundred people (including my e-mail contacts) that will read this. If everyone who reads this pledged just FIVE DOLLARS, I would raise well over $1,000 (though if you want to pledge even more, that’s GREAT!!). C’mon! Is FIVE DOLLARS doable for everyone?? Look at your hand and those FIVE fingers. Those FIVE fingers were once no bigger than the palm of your hand! That’s right, go on…..look at your hand. Imagine a tiny little baby’s hand (or your own child’s hand) in yours, with those five tiny fingers. How much will you give for that little one? Or, maybe you want to give ten; one dollar for the fingers on both hands. Or, maybe twenty; for all of his/her fingers and toes. Every life is precious and priceless. How much are you willing to invest?

I look forward to hearing from all of you in regards to your beautiful and sacrificial gifts of pledges and prayers on behalf of the mothers and babies who need you!! I will also keep you updated on how many states are pledging their dollars and prayers. Additionally, if you have material goods (like baby blankets, diapers, etc.) that you want to donate (or if you would like to join me in Walking/Fundraising) let me know!!

If you pledge your prayers, here are the areas of prayer that I encourage you to pray for in the weeks leading up to the Walk (and hopefully, continuing afterwards). Prayer is the most effective tool we have! After all, as I heard at a pro-life rally, ‘The goal isn’t to make abortion illegal, but unthinkable.’ We do this through prayer and by being there to support and educate others about the sanctity of life and helping them recover in the event that they have regretfully made a mistake. There is no condemnation or judgment; only information, love, comfort, and healing (I know many women who have gone through this; love, compassion, and understanding is what they need most of!). Let’s pray for one another and pray for changes of heart towards abortion. Then, we will truly see abortion abort itself as people begin to respect the lives of themselves and others! Grace and peace to you all! God bless you!!

Day by Day Prayer Suggestions (if you are prayer pledging)

Sunday

Pray for the hearts of this nation and that God would soften every heart; opening everyone’s eyes to the evil of abortion (and the lies that are used to enforce it). Pray that there would be a passion stirred within every heart to stand together to protect and defend human life! A lot of people who support the pro-choice/pro-death agenda are just ignorant, deceived, and don’t know any better. They really don’t know what they are doing and it’s not “people” that we are wrestling with, but the evil spirits at work.

Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.


Monday

Pray for Planned Parenthood and abortion providers everywhere! Pray for the patients who walk into their doors; and for their workers (and so-called “doctors”) who perform the abortions. Pray that God’s conviction would rain down on them and that their eyes would be opened and that they would have a change of heart/mind and repent. Pray that government funding would be stripped away and that as more people realize their agenda, the clinics would be put out of business. Pray also that the truth about abortion and awareness would spread and that the media would stop hiding the tragic facts about abortion.

Isaiah 46:3-4 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Tuesday

Pray for the healing of women who have had abortions (as well as the healing of the men who will never know their children, the children that will never know their siblings, and the grandparents that will never know their grandchildren). Pray that they will know God’s healing and forgiveness. Abortion takes its toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Pray for understanding and compassion and how you can offer it to a hurting person who has gone through the emotional turmoil of abortion.

Isaiah 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Wednesday

Pray for Crisis Pregnancy Centers everywhere and that they would have the funds and the volunteers that they need to keep them running. Pray that more women will seek them out first rather than seeking an abortion. Ask God to move their hearts towards life rather than death. Pray also for the effectiveness of things like the monthly call for life, prayer vigils, etc. and that hearts would be softened and changed.

Psalm 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Thursday

Pray for our elected officials. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage the ones that are standing for life and values and that He would convict and change the ones who do not. Pray that God would move people to vote for solid pro-life candidates that will value and protect human life.

Psalm 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Friday

Pray for a spirit of adoption to move in the hearts of people. Pray that those facing the decision will choose life for their pre-born babies and also that there would be more people who willing and able to adopt. Additionally, pray for the women (especially the struggling single Moms) who are keeping their babies and are working hard to provide for themselves and their children.

Job 10:8-12 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favor, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Saturday

Pray for an end to abortion. Pray this little prayer written by Lou Engle (and please check out this website for more information on “Bound for Life“ http://bound4life.com/) : “Jesus, I plead your Blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

A Weekend To Remember: Day 3

Sunday was a remarkable culmination to all of the events of the weekend!! Even though we were tired from being on the go so much, we still managed to have the energy to brave the events of the day.

We checked out of our hotel and drove to the mall where myself and fifteen other girls met at Torrid to prepare for the fashion show. We all gathered around and listened as Jama (one of the store employees) explained why these fashion shows mean so much to her. Aside from the fact that it’s fun and brings exposure and revenue for the store, Jama has a greater reason for organizing these events. She and one of her friends had once tried out for modeling and her friend, who was a size 2-4, was told to lose weight. Well, that sent her into a tragic downward spiral to where she was basically living off of microwave popcorn and water (as Jama put it). It brought tears to my eyes as she explained how terribly thin her friend got. She was always trying to lose “just five more pounds.“ She said that her friend ended up killing herself because, as she stated in her suicide note, all she saw in the mirror was an “ugly fat girl.” How heartbreaking!! There is no reason why this girl had to feel so bad about herself!! She was beautiful just the way she was!! But, because of the cold and vain comments of the superficial “you gotta be thin to be beautiful” world, it shattered her confidence and self-esteem!! My friends, that is awful and senseless!! It angers me that our society is so petty as to put down others to the point where they would hate themselves so much as to take their own life!! It’s about time that the world stops putting so much emphasis on weight and external beauty!! A society that continues to place value and worth on superficial things will forever be discontent, shallow, and unfulfilled!! This madness has got to stop!! That is why Jama works so hard to encourage girls to just be who they are so that they will be “one less”; ONE LESS woman who feels badly about herself and ONE MORE woman who feels beautiful and confident about who she is and not the number on a tag of a garment or on the scale!!

So, after Jama’s inspiring and tear provoking speech, we set out to get our outfits ready so we could proudly display to the viewers of the fashion show that even though we aren’t stick figures, we are beautiful and confident women. We are beautiful women created in the image of God and His love and light is in our hearts and radiates outwardly. The love of Christ, and knowing that we are His beloved, cherished, and beautiful daughters (His PRINCESSES), is what gives us worth, meaning, and TRUE BEAUTY!!! (“True Beauty” hmmmmm, reminds me of a song by Mandisa. ;) Check that one out!!).

So, after we put together all of our clothes, accessories, and shoes, we practiced our “walks”. Man, I am telling you, we got some super-fine gorgeous girls with lots of flair and unique personalities!! They are truly fabulous and I am proud of every single one of them!! I am grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know the majority of them, talk to them, and laugh with them!! Another girl read my thoughts when she commented on the fact that we were all having fun and getting along. I guess she assumed, as I sort of did, that we would all be super competitive and jealous of each other (as portrayed in the media). But, NOT SO! We were all respectful and sweet; not to mention mature! It was great to be ourselves and feel comfortable with each other so quickly!! I truly enjoyed being around all of them and sharing the experience with everyone. And, the day only got better from then on!!

One of the models, Amanda, owns the salon “The Surface” (which she later explained to me that it was so named because they want to bring the inner beauty to “the surface”). Her salon was one of the sponsors for the fashion show and they graciously did the hair and make-up for all of us!! The salon is just beautiful and very welcoming and the staff was just great!!

So, after I got my hair and make-up done, I went back to the mall to meet a few of my friends and go shopping before it was time to go back to Torrid to get ready for the show!!

As we gathered together, we were just wowed by how amazing everyone looked!! Amanda and her staff had done a really great job bringing that beauty to the surface!! ;) Then, we all got the store ready and set up for the show and put our first outfits on. Before the show, we all joined hands and prayed together (oh yeah, I TOTALLY loved that!!). I just couldn’t have asked for a greater group of women who had their focus in the right place!! And, Jama once again inspired us by telling us all that we were definitely “one less” and that: “You aren’t beautiful despite your size, but BECAUSE of your size!” That statement resonated with every single woman and all of them were saying, “That’s good!! I’ll remember that!”

So, with that in mind, we nervously (but confidently! LOL) did our thing as we worked the runway and a packed room full of people!! Many of my family and friends were there to cheer me on; as well as enthusiastic strangers who told me to, “Work it, Melissa! Work it!“ LOL
After we “worked it” we met the representatives from the modeling agency, did some shopping, and then, the “top model” and the runners up of the fashion show was announced. And no, I didn’t win. ;) Well, not in the way you are thinking anyways!! I didn’t win the tiara, trophy, gift basket and audition with the modeling agency, but I won in many other ways!! One being that I now have a greater wealth of friends (don‘t worry Terra - you are still my bestest LOL Forever and always!). I value and treasure that more than any tiara or trophy that will rust away and be forgotten. True treasures never fade away!! ;) Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. You’re like “you wouldn’t be saying that if you won!” Well, sure, if I had won, I would have been excited - but, I know what TRUE treasure is!! I would have likely been one to want to share the whole thing with my girls; making sure they all had their picture taken with it, and then dedicate it back to the store or something. LOL I don’t know. There’s no way to know what “might have been” because it didn’t happen that way. All I know is that we ALL truly did win!! Everyone did fantastic and we all shone like stars!!

Well, that’s the end of my amazing weekend!! If you want to see pictures of everything, please visit the link provided. Also, be sure to check out my You Tube play list that I put together. It’s clips of my runway walks (minus the first one because Mitch was just learning to work the camera) as well as our final walk together and the announcement of the winners. I hope you enjoy the pictures and videos!! God bless you all!!

Today's Rally And March For Life

Today, we attended the rally at the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne. In the lobby, we were privileged to meet Congressman Mark Souder. I thanked him for being so dedicated and passionate in defending life and moral issues in Washington and I even prayed with him. I also told him that hopefully, he would rub off on Evan Bayh. He said, “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” How sadly true!! I told him how aggravated I was that Mr. Bayh claims he has Hoosier values, but doesn’t advocate for the values that Hoosiers really do hold dear. So, while I will not be holding my breath for Mr. Bayh, I will continue holding him up in prayer.

Oh, and before I explain more details of the day, I just happened to catch the report of the rally and march on the news tonight and wouldn’t you know, they have footage of us talking with Mark Souder!! AND, they got a close-up of our daughter Gianna (who, I might add, we named after abortion survivor Gianna Jessen). When/if I can get the video clip of that, I will be sure to share it!! I e-mailed the station and asked if they will have a link to that footage (or if I can get a copy of it and permission to upload and share it….though, I won‘t hold my breath for this either).

So, anyways, Mark Souder was one of the many speakers at the Rally. He had a lot of good things to say. He even made the point of saying that even when we get Roe Vs. Wade overturned, the fight for life will never truly be over. There will still be abortion (just like there was before the ruling) because there is sin and evil in this world. And, it will continue to be that way until the Lord returns because Satan is always trying to destroy the lives that God creates. But, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t fight with all our might!! We are making a difference and things will be better!! And, we should stand for life as it pertains to all areas; not just abortion alone. We need to stand up for the elderly, disabled, and for the babies who are experimented on and destroyed through stem-cell research.

After the rally, we marched in the frigid cold through downtown Fort Wayne. At the end of the march, we listened to a few women tell their heart-breaking stories of abortion and how it has hurt them. They described the emotional and mental scarring, as well as the physical problems that many of them had. One woman nearly bled to death after having her abortion. Another woman almost miscarried in her subsequent pregnancy. All of these painful things were never discussed or disclosed to them by their “health care“ providers providing them a “choice.” (Yeah, some “choice“ isn‘t it when you aren‘t truly informed! That‘s not “choice“ at all!). They were all grieved at how they were deceived and that they bought the lies because they have suffered dearly for it in so many ways.

All of them described the condemnation and judgment they felt. One even described how a peaceful protester outside the clinic begged her not to do it because she had a daughter who did and committed suicide a short time later. Yet, she went ahead and went through with it and afterwards, almost did the same thing. Thankfully, though, she did find healing through the women’s care center, joined the Bible study, and found redemption and healing. So did many of the other women there who described how they carried the condemnation and shame with them for years. They encouraged others that if they had been through what they had gone through to please reach out and seek healing. There is nothing that God can’t forgive you for. There is NOTHING the blood of Jesus doesn’t cover!!

There is so much more I could say about their touching speeches, but it’s impossible to remember and articulate it all. Though, I will end with one particular moment that really grabbed my heart and that was when one woman talked about how she changed her mind in the middle of her abortion. The “doctor” said that it was too late. And, she struggled with the pain as she watched kids at the mall with their Mommies or as she heard them laugh. She said it made her feel so guilty and she was unable to enjoy life because the abortion had robbed her of her joy. Her devastation continued even after she had more children. Whenever she looked into their eyes, she would wonder what kind of eyes her firstborn would have had. She would watch her children play baseball and feel the regret of not letting her firstborn have the chance to play and swing the bat. She beat herself up terribly over that until she came to Christ and allowed Him to heal her. She said because of what God had done for her, she now had the courage to be “silent no more.”

That is where these links come in. If you have had an abortion, know someone that has, or are even a man who regrets being party to the decision to abort your child, here are some help links. There is hope, help, and recovery. You do NOT have to go through this alone!! There are people who care who can help you through your pain:

Silent No More Awareness
www.silentnomoreawareness.org

National Option Line
1-800-395-HELP
www.care-net.org
www.heartbeatinternational.org
www.optionline.org

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats
1-877-HOPE-4-ME
www.rachelsvineyard.org

Abortion Recovery International Network Directory
www.abortionrecoverydirectory.com

National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing
1-800-5WE-CARE
www.noparh.org

Healing Hearts Ministry
1-888-217-8679
www.lutheransforlife.org/outreach/healing_hearts/index.htm

Healing Hearts Ministries (online e-mail emotional support)
1-888-792-8282
www.healinghearts.org

National Memorial for the Unborn
1-800-505-5565
www.memorial-unborn.org

Rapha (refers to licensed counselors)
1-800-383-4673

Victims of Choice
(630) 378-1680
www.victimsofchoice.com

Safe Haven Ministries (online message board emotional support)
www.safehavenministries.com

Elliot Institute
www.afterabortion.org

Ramah International
www.ramahinternational.org

Hope Alive, USA
(479) 855-0072
www.hopealiveusa.org

Project Rachel (Pregnancy Loss Outreach of the Catholic Church)
www.hopeafterabortion.com

SaveOne
866-329-3571
www.saveone.org

Life Issues (for men)
(513) 729-3636
www.lifeissues.org

Jennifer O’Neill book, workbook & video
www.jenniferoneill.com

Heads Up To All My Friends!!

***PLEASE READ THIS!! It’s not as long as it looks!!!***

This week is sanctity of life week. Therefore, I have put together a daily prayer guide of items to pray for - as well as some scripture verses to read and mediate on.

It has now been 35 years since abortion was legalized and over 40 million babies have died because of it. But, through prayer and activism, we have a chance to change things.

In addition to this prayer guide, I also ask you to be in prayer for a request that I just received in my inbox today. It comes from a woman in my area who told me that a girl had come to church with a very urgent prayer request. She said that her friend found out she is pregnant and her parents are trying to force her to have an abortion against her will. I pray with all my heart that she won’t be pushed into it!! I have passed along my contact information, and I can only hope and pray that the girl receives it and that I can help in any way possible. I will even house her at my own residence if I have to in order to protect her and her precious pre-born baby.

I also know that I have an abundance of loyal prayer warriors (as well as dedicated pro-life contacts) who will pray and help in any way they can. So…..PLEASE PRAY!!!!!! If I get any more updates, I will let you know!!!

Girls like this one are the reasons why we must do what we can to protect life!! It’s not just her baby’s life at stake, but hers as well. If she has an abortion, she greatly increases her risk for breast cancer as well as physical, emotional, and psychological complications. That’s something the abortion industry certainly won’t tell her. They call it “choice” but when you don’t disclose all the risks as well as the suitable alternatives, what “choice” is that?? It’s not a choice at all; it’s a death sentence!!! It makes me angry because so many women suffer because they are not given a REAL choice to choose life and then, they suffer emotional pain because of it.

Every woman I have ever talked to who has had an abortion has expressed to me their guilt, shame, and grief. They even tell me how they have had physical complications, miscarriages, inability to conceive, and subsequent pregnancy difficulties because of abortion. This has got to stop!! These precious women and children need not have to suffer!! “Choice” isn’t liberating; it’s VICTIMIZING!! How can the world not see the after affects and how we ALL SUFFER FOR IT!!! Dear God, bring us healing!!

Stand with me everyone!! And, if you live in this area, please meet me at the pro-life rally on Saturday, January 26th at 12 noon at the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne. Then, we will march around downtown at 1:00 p.m. My husband, children, and I will be there. We hope you can make it as well!!

Here is the prayer guide; followed by some information on the monthly call for life and some helpful links (by the way, if you don’t live in my area, you can look up your own representatives using the link provided at the end). I meant to write this up and post it yesterday, but I had some other needs to take care of. So, sorry I’m a little late! Anyways, please participate and PRAY HARD!! THANK YOU!!!!

Sanctity of Life Week Prayer Guide

Today

Pray for the hearts of this nation and that God would soften every heart, open everyone’s eyes to the evil of abortion (and the lies that are used to enforce it), and stir a passion within every heart to stand together to protect and defend human life! A lot of people are just ignorant, deceived, and don’t know any better. They really don’t know what they are doing and it’s not “people” that we are wrestling with, but the evil spirits at work.

Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Monday

Pray for Planned Parenthood and abortion providers everywhere! Pray for poor patients who blindly walk into their doors; and for their workers (and so-called “doctors”) who perform the abortions. Pray that God’s conviction would rain down on them and that their eyes would be opened and that they would repent. Pray that hearts would be changed through efforts like the monthly call for life, prayer vigils, etc. Pray that their funding would be stripped (sign the petition here) and that as more people realize their agenda, they would be put out of business.

Isaiah 46:3-4 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Tuesday

Pray for the healing of women who have had abortions (as well as the healing of the men who will never know their children, the children that will never know their siblings, and the grandparents that will never know their grandchildren). Pray that they will know God’s healing and forgiveness. Abortion takes its toll physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Pray for understanding and compassion and how you can offer it to a hurting person who has gone through the emotional turmoil of abortion.

Isaiah 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

Wednesday

Pray for Crisis Pregnancy Centers (like The Hope Clinic) and that they would have the funds and the volunteers they need to keep them running. Pray that more women would seek them out first rather than seeking an abortion. Ask God to move their hearts towards life rather than death.

Psalm 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Thursday

Pray for our elected officials. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage the ones that are standing for life and values and that he would convict and change the ones who do not. Also, pray for this year’s election. Pray that God would move people to vote for solid pro-life candidates that will work hard at making abortion a tragic thing of the past.

Psalm 119:73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Friday

Pray for a spirit of adoption to move in the hearts of people. Pray that those facing the decision will choose life for their pre-born babies and also that there would be more people willing and able to adopt.

Job 10:8-12 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Saturday

Pray for an end to abortion. Pray this little prayer written by Lou Engle (and please check out this website for more information on “Bound for Life“ http://bound4life.com/) : “Jesus, I plead your Blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

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The monthly call for life campaign is something I am very committed to. It is the first Friday of every month (and the next one is on February 1st). It’s an event in which you call and/or e-mail your representatives and officials and ask them to stand with you for life by encouraging them to pass pro-life legislation and put an end to abortion. It’s also an opportunity that, if you want to, you can call a local abortion clinic. (Please visit the monthly call for life website to learn more about it and to sign up for reminders and newsletters).

What I have been doing is e-mailing President Bush, Governor Daniels, Mike Pence, and Senator Lugar to thank them for their pro-life stance and I encourage them to keep up the good work. Then, I e-mail Evan Bayh and beg him to do the same (Evan Bayh is not very pro-life). Then, I call a local abortion clinic and just tell them that on behalf of the monthly call for life campaign, I just want to let them know that we are praying for them and also ask if there is anything I could pray for them personally for. Often, I get strange remarks and even get hung up on. But, I have had some surprisingly favorable responses - which is what makes these efforts worth it!! You never know what kinds of seeds you are planting!! This only takes a few minutes of your time ONCE A MONTH!! It’s a small thing that we can do to help keep the heat on the culture of death and encourage others to stand for life!!

Please utilize the links provided. And, of course, VOTE PRO-LIFE!!! This year is an especially crucial election. That is why I endorse Mike Huckabee for president. He is solidly pro-life, pro-family, and pro-faith. He’s a Baptist minister as well as the former governor of Arkansas and has a Christ-centered vision for this country. Not only does he have morality and values at his core, but he is very smart and will lead our country well - in addition to keeping us safe and ensuring our liberties. (He also wants to implement the “Fair Tax” plan and eliminate the IRS!!) PLEASE, VOTE FOR MIKE HUCKABEE AND ALL OTHERS IN THIS ELECTION THAT STAND FOR FAITH, FAMILY, FREEDOM, AND LIFE!!!

Monthly Call for Life
http://www.monthlycallforlife.com/

List of Abortion Providers
http://www.abortionclinic.org/search/searchResults.asp?state=IN

President Bush
comments@whitehouse.gov
(202)-456-1111

Governor Mitch Daniels
http://www.in.gov/gov/2310.htm
(317)-232-4567

Senator Richard Lugar
senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov
(202) 224-4814

Senator Evan Bayh
http://bayh.senate.gov/WebMail1.htm
(202) 224-5623

Congressman Mike Pence
http://www.house.gov/formpence/IMA/contact.htm
(202) 225-3021

State Representative Jeff Espich (82nd District)
http://www.in.gov/R82/

Finding and Contacting Your Representatives
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Finding Real Help At "A Friend's House"

Tonight, we went to “A Friend’s House” annual banquet. (To learn more about their ministry, please click on the link provided).

The banquet was delightful and there were a few speakers. The speakers talked about A Friend‘s House Ministries and what it offers to women in need. Basically, it’s a ministry unlike most others out there. It’s a residential facility that helps women cope with their life issues and struggles. The counselors really care and they mentor and guide them into becoming independent and healthy women as they help them to overcome their problems in life. And, because it is Christ centered, most of the residents begin to develop a wonderful and beautiful relationship with God as they discover how much He loves them and can heal them of their pain.

Of course, this ministry is at no cost to them, but it’s not “free.” The ministry counts on the generosity of the caring hearts of the community to keep them running. They said it takes over $300,000 to keep them running. And, believe me, this ministry NEEDS to keep going!! Every penny that goes into that ministry helps saves the lives of countless hurting women and gives them a new chance in life and helps them to be a productive member of society. And, in case you didn’t know, for a girl to be able to stay there, it costs a little over $100 a day. But, compared to a government funded place, that they spend our tax dollars on, that isn’t very much. If a woman were to go to a place other than AFH, it would cost thousands of dollars for her per day - and that doesn’t even guarantee that she will get the tailored one on one help that she needs. A Friend’s House ministers to these women so much better because it’s a residential facility that works with them one on one 24/7 and personal relationships are forged and nurtured. THAT is the difference and makes all the dollars put into that place go a lot further!!

It was so heartwarming to hear one of the success stories tonight. One of the ladies that stayed at A Friend’s House was talking about how she gets to go home now after learning the necessary skills that she needed and learning to love herself and get her life straightened out. Previously, she had been doing drugs and alcohol, but now, she has made a total turn around!! Praise the Lord for that!!

It was truly an honor to attend this banquet and to support a ministry like this. If God lays it on your heart, perhaps you could visit their site and donate to them - or at the very least, pray for them! Or, if you are reading this and you are thinking that you could use their help, contact them and apply for their aid. The girl that just finished their program was from Texas. They have accepted people from all around the country!

Well, I guess that is all I have to say for right now. The next time I write, it will probably be Sunday’s sermon synopsis. Of course, it’s all about the continuing “House” series. ;) I’m loving it!! God bless you everyone!!