The Open Door Pregnancy Resource Center

  Make It a Simple Christmas That time is upon us, and while there is nothing better than being with loved ones making memories, somehow, there are moments of stress. If your December calendar is like most, filled with holiday parties, music concerts, parades, and shopping, then you understand. We want to get everything done and make everyone happy in such a short time. But your to-do list is longer than your kid’s Christmas list, and you have no idea how you’re going to get it all done! Does your Christmas seem to be shaping up to be more of a hassle than a Christ-centered holiday? Do you feel like you are becoming distracted from the true meaning of the holidays? Doing less and keeping it simple can mean more time for family, more room for traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) Your family and friends can appreciate the simplicity of Christmas by following these helpful tips an...

  The Best Foods to Donate During the Holidays Many people rely on food from local food banks to feed their families. Unfortunately, one in seven Americans struggles with not knowing when they will get your next meal. While we are about to embark on the holiday season, several of us are thinking about making food donations to our local food banks or churches. But several questions come up such as what types of donations help most or what kinds of food should you avoid donating? We have come up with a list to help you help others this holiday season and the rest of the year. Where to Start During the holidays, it’s nice to make donations to help families make their Thanksgiving special. Making donations of items like canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and stuffing mix can help make a family still enjoy some of their favorite holiday meals. Here are some other ideas: Donation Suggestions Canned pumpkin Canned yams Cream of Mushroom, Onion, etc. Cranberry sauce Boxed stuffing Dried maca...

  Healthy Communication Means a Healthy Relationship No relationship is perfect, and we all know that. But what we should also know is that we all deserve a healthy relationship. Healthy relationships should bring out the best in you and the other person. There is a lot of advice people would like to give for a long and happy relationship or marriage. But it would seem that that advice is what works for them. To keep it simple, the first thing to a healthy relationship is communication. But why is it important? This may sound like a silly question, but it is amazing how many couples don’t realize that the lack of open dialog is the reason for their troubles. Open and honest communication is fundamental to make sure you both understand each other’s expectations and needs. Lack of communication can cause unwanted problems in your relationship, so how can we communicate better? First off, don’t attack the other person. When you become aggressive or harsh by pointing the finger and usi...