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...

Heartbeat International On November 1971, Dr. John Hillabrand and Lore Maier formed the Alternatives to Abortion in an effort to help women escape the temptation and pressure to abort their babies. These efforts included hotlines, good people opening their home to young girls, then grew pregnancy help center and medical clinics. Hillabrand, an obstetrician, and Lore, a refugee from Nazi Germany, had a heavy feeling that legalized abortion would spread worldwide and so they soon became Alternatives to Abortion International (AAI). After about 75 original contacts grew to about 200 affiliates, AAI changed their name to Heartbeat International and became the go-to for Catholics and Evangelical Christians. People looked to Heartbeat International for start-up manuals, model programs, leadership training conferences, advice, and prayer. They serve over 2,700 affiliated pregnancy help locations, maternity homes, and non-profit adoption agencies in 62 countries on all 6 inhabited cont...

Grief Support Loss is a part of everyone's life. It could be the loss of a loved one, a dear friend, or someone who had a significant impact on your life. After a loss, we could experience a wide range of emotions that can cause us to act differently and affect those around us. It’s understandable, but what if it’s in a way that changes our personality? Grief can affect your body and mind causing depression, bitterness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and stress. Support Groups An important thing to remember is that no one person grieves the same way. There is help out there to get you through the ever-changing emotions you are going through. But where to start. Anyone who suffers a loss and feels isolated should consider joining a support group. Grief support groups provide companionship and understanding for those who are going through grief. Support groups offer a safe place to openly talk about your situation, feelings, and ask questions. In a support group, member...

Parenting It's Not Easy Being a Parent No matter how prepared you feel you are, being a parent is not easy. Providing for a child is a constant responsibility that can be stressful. But we feel this way because we love our children wholeheartedly and are determined to make their lives right. As parents, we have years of dealing with diapers, daycare costs, sick babies, meltdowns, teenage attitudes, not to mention judgment from others; and some of us have to go through this with multiple children! I’ll be the first to admit that I feel ashamed and embarrassed when I feel like I can't handle my kids, and it's taken me years and a kid or two to realize that it’s okay. Kids are kids. They are not born with manners, and they certainly can’t read minds. Children are supposed to be silly and loud, have meltdowns, and ask a million questions. But by no means does that make it any easier as parents. Another thing I learned is that I am not alone, and it’s okay to ask for h...

God Can Mend Your Union It’s no secret that being in a healthy relationship has positive benefits emotionally and mentally. We, as humans, have an inherent desire to connect with others. This can occur in romantic relationships, friendships, or familial relationships. Being in a good relationship can also have a keen effect on our physical well-being and put us in better health as well. These close connections can be long-lasting for both of you. People who are in a healthy relationship love, support, and encourage each other. They also make time for each other, respect and trust one another, communicate, and engage in healthy activities together. A few benefits that a supportive and loving relationship can add to your life and the life of others. Some benefits can be reduced stress, help you become a better person, establish healthier behaviors, help you live longer, and give you a sense of purpose. It’s only natural for us to want to feel needed and be a part of something. De...