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If you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant and are considering your options, it’s important to look at all the facts surrounding whatever your decision might be. As our clients at both our Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania offices seek out information on what to do next, they often ask us for more details about abortion and how it may impact their life. Are there health risks? Can abortion cause physical complications after? The decision to have abortion can impact women a variety of ways, and abortion has both physical and psychological risks, whether medical abortion or surgical abortion. According to research done by CompassCare (see their website for additional info and references), there can be common side effects, immediate complications and potential future health complications caused by an abortion. Should you be contemplating having an abortion, here’s what you need to know: COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF HAVING AN ABORTION: Bleeding Cramping Dizziness Drowsiness Nausea/vomiting IMMEDIATE COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN HAPPEN AFTER ABORTION: Damage to the womb or cervix Incomplete abortion (requiring additional surgical procedure) Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes Excessive or heavy bleeding Scarring of the inside of the uterus Sepsis or Septic shock (blood infection) Uterine perforation Death POTENTIAL FUTURE HEALTH RISKS FROM ABORTION: Future pre-term deliveries Breast cancer Pelvic inflammatory disease Mental health issues Infertility and future childbearing (more info) Sexual dysfunction For more information, please see this resource from Pennsylvania’s Department of Health. While it’s not possible to know how each woman’s body and mind will be specifically impacted by an abortion, it’s important to know the potential risks. When dealing with health decisions, we encourage you to seek out thorough medical information so that your choice can be an educated one. WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP? The best first step before making a decision about abortion is to confirm the viability of your pregnancy. As you seek your next steps, we welcome you to visit us for a free confirmation ultrasound that will detect a fetal heartbeat, determine gestational age and determine a viable uterine pregnancy. Your ultrasound will be reviewed by our medical director, and a licensed medical professional will be available to discuss the results. For more information, please contact Life’s Choices today – no pressure, no judgment and full confidentiality. All our services are free. Contact Us Disclaimer: Life’s Choices is not an abortion clinic. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decision. Life’s Choices does not provide prenatal medical care, birth control, emergency contraception or abortions. We do not refer for emergency contraception or abortions. #abortioninformation #mifeprex #abortionpill #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #misoprostal #confirmationultrasound #medicalabortion #abortioncomplications #freeultrasound #surgicalabortion #mifepristone #womenshealth #abortionrisks #berkscounty #abortion #abortionpills #freeresources #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

A friend of Life’s Choices, Kristi, had received scary news during her pregnancy — the baby in her womb was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. She recently shared her story with us, and we wanted to share it with you, too. If you’re facing an unplanned or complicated pregnancy, we hope this story of hope and love encourages you today. EMMA’S STORY This is a story worth telling. This is a life that I could have thrown away. This is the baby I could have aborted. This is the baby who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 28 weeks gestation. This is the baby who had known congenital birth defects, not suspected, but known. This is my girl. This is my daughter. This young lady excelled in school earning honors and scholarships. This young lady has traveled internationally, played sports and the piano, has sung at Carnegie Hall, was in choirs and musicals and bands, and so much more. This young lady graduated from college with two bachelors degrees; one in journalism and one in theatre arts, along with a minor in French. This young lady interned at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and The Institute for Therapy in the Arts in Chicago, IL. This beautiful young lady is choosing a career path of service, giving back using her education and drawing from her own personal experiences of living with hydrocephalus. This gorgeous human being, my beautiful daughter, wouldn’t be here today if I had chosen to abort her 26 years ago when the diagnosis, that seemingly daunting life sentence, was cast upon her. This life was saved. This life was given life. Can you see what we could have missed if this life had been given up? COME FOR HELP, LEAVE WITH HOPE Whether you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant and aren’t sure what to do next, have received bad news about your pregnancy or simply are looking for support as you embark on this journey, Life’s Choices is here for you. You don’t have to walk alone. Life’s Choices offers a variety of completely free services for both before and after pregnancy including pregnancy tests, confirmation ultrasounds, prenatal and parenting classes, baby items and much more. With clients in Berks County, Pennsylvania and beyond, we have offices in both Kutztown and Hamburg. For more information about our free services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. Contact Us #congenitalbirthdefect #pennsylvania #hamburg #pregnancytest #hydrocephalus #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #prenatalcomplications #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #positivepregnancytest

“You’re Gonna Be Okay“ by Brian & Jenn JohnsonI know your heart is heavy from those nights But just remember that you are a fighter, a fighter You never know just what tomorrow holds And you’re stronger than you know, stronger than you know[Chorus] Just take one step closer Put one foot in front of the other You’ll get through this Just follow the light in the darkness One step closer Put one foot in front of the other You’ll get through this Just follow the light in the darkness You’re gonna be ok I recently heard this song as I was driving home from the hospital where my husband was in the ICU, facing a life-changing health crisis. The tears fell freely as I drove, and my thoughts were in a free-fall as well. Panic set in as I thought about how our world had changed overnight. THIS WASN’T IN OUR PLANS The future looked difficult and uncertain. I desperately wished we could “undo” our current situation and go back in time when life was easier and carefree. When negative thoughts take over, sometimes you just need someone or something to take you by the shoulders, give you a little shake, and help you to see things more rationally. That’s what this song did for me that day. It spoke a message that I desperately wanted to hear, and somehow, I believed it. “You’re stronger than you know. You’ll get through this. You’re gonna be okay.“ HERE TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY If a positive pregnancy test has turned your world upside down, you might be having thoughts similar to mine as I drove home that day. If so, we would love to be that voice in your ear, reassuring you that everything is going to be okay. Life’s Choices exists to provide help and hope to those who find themselves in difficult pregnancy situations. We’re here to help you find your way, one step at a time. Here are some of the things I learned during my time of crisis — also helpful steps in dealing with an unplanned pregnancy: Don’t panic. One rarely makes good decisions while in panic mode. Take time to think things through logically and rationally. Get help. Don’t try to walk a difficult journey alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member. It’s humbling, but surprisingly rewarding, to acknowledge your need for help. If you don’t know who to turn to, please call us. Our trained staff are here for you and will listen with care and compassion. Our services are free and confidential, from a pregnancy test and confirmation ultrasound to classes that help you prepare for the future. Be informed. Research your options so that you can make an informed decision. Knowledge is power, and you will feel more in control if you weigh the consequences before making a decision. As much as you would like to, you cannot go back in time. But at Life’s Choices we can give you factual information about your options going forward. Rely on your belief system. This is a time to dig deep and find your inner compass. Knowing what you believe will help you avoid making decisions you later regret. Do you believe that you are part of a bigger picture? Do you believe things happen for a purpose? If so, that will impact how you respond when things don’t go as planned. Remember that “not planned” doesn’t necessarily mean “not good” in the long run. Sometimes the best things in life started out as something we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves, as one of our previous clients has learned. At Life’s Choices, we can help you with each of the steps above. We care about your physical, emotional and spiritual health and will meet you where you are to support you on your journey. Remember these wise words from Winnie the Pooh: “You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem Smarter than you think And loved more than you know.” You’re gonna be okay. Contact Us #pennsylvania #hamburg #you039regonnabeok #pregnancytest #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztown #it039sgonnabeok #covid19 #positivepregnancytest

Perhaps you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy right now and are considering your options. In this time of pandemic with sometimes limited medical help and resources, you may not know where to turn. Maybe you are considering the abortion pill. The abortion pill us advertised as a “safe at-home” way to have an abortion, but is it really safe? Could it be dangerous? Are you putting your health or even your life at risk? Consider these facts. WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL? The abortion pill known as Mifeprex, Mifepristone or RU489, is a two-pill process to terminate an early pregnancy. This is done by cutting off progesterone (which is necessary to maintain a pregnancy), then inducing labor, causing the fetus and the lining of the uterus to be expelled. WHAT DOES EACH ABORTION PILL DO? First, this medication must by prescribed by a healthcare professional and usually requires at least two visits to the clinic to be sure the abortion is completed. It is only effective for a pregnancy that is 10 weeks (70 days) or less. 1st pill, Mifeprex (Mifepristone): Cuts off progesterone which is needed for a pregnancy to grow, and causes the lining of the uterus to break down. 2nd pill Misoprostal (Cytotec): Induces labor causing the fetus and uterine lining to be aborted. This may take several hours to 48 hours after Mifeprex is taken. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TAKING THE ABORTION PILLS? Heavy bleeding Large clots (may be the size of a lemon), and clumps of tissue Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea Painful cramping and lower abdominal pain Tired, weak, back pain Pelvic pain WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM THE ABORTION PILL? Excessive bleeding Remaining fetal/pregnancy tissue resulting in an incomplete abortion Allergic reaction to the medication Possible infection, fever 100.4 or greater, chills, dizziness Severe pelvic pain No bleeding, cramping, contractions within 24 hours of taking the medication Procedure failure that could require another dose of medication or require a surgical abortion WOULD SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE ABORTION? Bleeding or spotting may occur for several weeks May need a blood test or ultrasound to make sure the abortion is completed Emotional side effects of loss, guilt, grief or depression may be felt Additionally, many women are not prepared for the intensity of cramping and the heavy bleeding that is part of the abortion process. Women should not be alone during this process and should have a plan ready if emergency medical care is needed. They will also need to dispose of any tissue and fetal remains. YOU’RE NOT ALONE If you find yourself experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, need someone to talk to, answer your questions, and discuss your options, contact Life’s Choices. We are ready to meet with you and provide you with information as you process this decision. To confirm you pregnancy, Life’s Choices offers pregnancy tests as well as a confirmation ultrasound, both free of charge. A caring, non-judgmental representative will help you navigate the choices ahead of you. Contact us today: Contact Us Disclaimer: Life’s Choices is not an abortion clinic. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decision. Life’s Choices does not provide prenatal medical care, birth control, emergency contraception or abortions. We do not refer for emergency contraception or abortions. #abortioninformation #mifeprex #abortionpill #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #misoprostal #confirmationultrasound #mifepristone #berkscounty #abortion #abortionpills #freeresources #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

Life’s Choices is dedicated to being a place of support for women and families experiencing unexpected pregnancies as well as an educational resource for those seeking to foster healthy relationships. With offices in both Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania, we love serving the Berks County community by providing free resources and creating an environment of hope and healing for our clients. Jordan, one of Life’s Choices clients, recently shared her story of coming to Life’s Choices when facing an unplanned pregnancy. In the short video, Jordan expresses the fear she experienced when receiving the news that she would soon be a mother. FEAR AND TRANSITION Baby James “When I first found I was going to be a mama, I bawled my eyes out. In that moment, I so badly wanted that plus sign to turn into a negative,” Jordan says in her testimonial video. “I was scared, transitioning, growing up really fast and honestly in shock.” But despite those feelings of fear and uncertainty about her pregnancy, Jordan made a choice to access the help and resources she needed at Life’s Choices. While it’s hard to know what exactly to expect until you go through it yourself, Jordan shares, a little support goes a long way. HOPE AND SUPPORT “It wasn’t easy making the decision to become parents, and we certainly couldn’t have done it without Life’s Choices,” Jordan said. “Joy and her amazing team welcomed us with open arms and made the whole process feel a little less scary.” At Life’s Choices, clients have access to free pregnancy confirmation tests and ultrasounds, as well as an array of prenatal, postpartum and family resources such as: Prenatal education (childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, etc.) Baby items Parenting classes Healthy relationships resources Much more! “Thanks to Life’s Choices, I was able to feel so much more comfortable and confident in the decision we made. We’ve been eternally grateful ever since,” Jordan shared about her experience at Life’s Choices. “They set a foundation for us, they were encouraging and supportive all at the same time.” We’re so grateful and honored to be a resource for women and families in this community. What a blessing it is to hear stories like Jordan’s! “James is the most unexpected gift we could have ever received.” Watch the full testimonial video here: SET UP YOUR FREE VISIT TODAY If you’re interested in setting up an appointment with us, whether for a free pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, prenatal or parenting classes, or one of our other life-giving services, give us a call today! We offer free ultrasounds every Thursday at our Kutztown, Pennsylvania office from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., so pick a Thursday that works for you and secure your spot today. Walk-ins are accepted if there is room in the schedule for clients who are not already getting prenatal care under the supervision of a physician. Our regular office hours are: Kutztown: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hamburg: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. We would love to be a free resource for you. We hope to see you soon! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE CALL US TODAY #clientreview #pennsylvania #newparent #hamburg #freeultrasounds #unexpectedpregnancy #berkscounty #prenatalclasses #relationshipclasses #transition #freeresources #kutztown #parentingclasses #sonograms #clienttestimony #unplannedpregnancy #ultrasounds #pregnancy

At Life’s Choices we offer a variety of free services focused on pregnancy, family relationships and much more. With locations in Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania, our non-profit organization deeply cares about the well-being of our clients throughout the Berks County area and beyond. It is our goal to provide quality services in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. WHO WE ARE Life’s Choices takes a holistic approach to healthcare, which means we address our clients physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We do not discriminate in providing services based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, gender or orientation. In addition, we are proud to offer all of our services free of charge. Life’s Choices is able to do this thanks to our generous supporters who believe in our mission and care about our clients. WHAT WE OFFER Pregnancy Tests and Ultrasounds For the client facing a potential pregnancy, we offer both free in-office and take-home pregnancy tests. With the help of our trained consultants, our clients receive the necessary resources and information at no cost them as they consider their next steps. Our team discusses all of the client’s options, whether it be parenting, adoption or abortion, allowing the client to be prepared to make informed choices moving forward. We respect our client’s ability to make an informed decision. Free, limited diagnostic ultrasounds to confirm a viable pregnancy and measure gestational age are available in our Kutztown office. If needed, we can also help our client with information and assistance obtaining medical care, insurance, food, shelter and government assistance. STD Testing For those experiencing symptoms of STDs/STIs or seeking STD testing for any reason, we offer free, confidential STD testing and treatment. We test for chlamydia and gonorrhea and also provide a list of other local agencies that provide more comprehensive testing if needed. Pregnancy, Parenting and Life Skills Classes Life’s Choices also has a large variety of free individual and small group classes that can be taken in person, virtually, or over the phone. Classes provide accurate content along with relatable information. They address topics including: Pregnancy Infancy Toddlers Parenting Life skills Relationships Financial planning And more! Each class earns points that can be spent in our baby boutique on items such as clothing, formula, diapers, baby items or gift cards. Post-Abortion and Pregnancy Loss Support We are here to help clients who have been impacted by the loss of a pregnancy due to miscarriage or abortion. Whether your experience was recent or many years ago, we want to help you find healing. Our pregnancy loss support offers a safe place to talk with other women who understand. For those who have experienced a miscarriage or still birth we assist in providing resources that will help with healing and connecting with others who understand this loss. So many women suffer silently as they experience abortion regret. For those dealing with post-abortive heartbreak from a recent or past abortion, we offer a healing Bible study called Surrendering the Secret. This study connects women who understand this pain as they walk together on a life-changing journey of healing and hope. LEARN MORE We welcome you with compassion and love, and we are here to provide you with help and hope! If you’re interested in any of our services at either our Kutztown or Hamburg offices, contact us here or give us a call at 610-683-8000 (Kutztown) or 484-66-3526 (Hamburg). CONTACT US #berkscountypennsylvania #freepregnancyservices #pregnancyloss #pregnancyclasses #pennsylvania #hamburg #pregnancylosssupport #pregnancytest #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #postabortivecounseling #relationshipclasses #kutztown #lifeskillsclasses

Romance and thoughtful gifts are a sweet aspect of Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t love fragrant flowers and chocolate treats? But romance alone won’t sustain a healthy relationship. For a relationship to thrive, both members must be willing to selflessly invest of themselves — to put the other person’s needs before their own. So, what are some practical ways to accomplish this? Here are four ways you can invest in your relationship this Valentine’s Day and every day: 1. SCHEDULE QUALITY TIME It’s easy to get consumed with the routines of life. We’re all busy, and while it’s important to prioritize your work and productivity, your relationship should be at the top of your priorities list. Each of us is constantly changing and transitioning into who we’re becoming — even in adulthood. As you and your significant other continue to develop and grow, instead of growing apart from each other, work to grow together. Quality time is essential in continuing to get to know your significant other through all of life’s developments. Prioritize setting aside focused time with your significant other, however that looks for you both! 2. LISTEN WELL As you deepen in your relationship, it’s easy to assume you know everything there is to know about your partner. But taking their thoughts and perspectives for granted can be a dangerous relationship killer. Whether in disagreements, discussions or just basic communication, listening to understand your partner is key! When we take time to truly hear what our significant other is trying to communicate rather than planning our next response as they speak, they will feel heard and, as a result, loved. 3. SERVE THEM BASED ON THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS We often mean well, don’t we? But sometimes our gestures feel underappreciated or unnoticed. We buy our significant other an expensive necklace, but they don’t seem impressed. We throw them a lavish surprise party, but they’re uncomfortable through the entire event. So, where have we gone wrong? Here’s a question to consider: are we truly serving them based on their specific needs, or are we considering instead what *we* would want? This is where the listening skill is an important one! As you listen more clearly to your significant other, you will begin to learn and understand what makes them tick. Do they feel more loved when you speak or act in a certain way toward them? What’s most important to them? What do they value and appreciate? Maybe that fancy jewelry turned them off because they’re stressed by your current financial situation. Or maybe instead of a big party, they would have benefited from a quiet movie night at home with you and a few close friends. Continue to find out who they are and what they need, and serve them based on those individual needs. 4. MAKE PRAYER A PRIORITY While this may seem like a basic tip, praying for your significant other is a crucial aspect of a healthy relationship. When we pray for one another, we not only include God in our relationships, but we invest in a spiritual bond with our loved ones. It’s been said that it’s difficult to stay angry at someone if you pray for them — and we believe that’s true. Taking a step back and bringing your significant other before God centers the relationship, both in times of turmoil and of peace. When we take the focus off of ourselves and remember that our significant other is valued and loved by God, we begin to see him or her as God does. Prayer produces a healthy attitude toward one another, and it’s an essential part of a thriving relationship. FREE RELATIONSHIP CLASSES We hope these tips inspired you this month to begin healthy patterns in your relationships if you haven’t already. Investing in your relationship will take time, but it’s worth every minute. Did you know we offer FREE relationship classes at both our Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania offices? We also offer a variety of other classes, too! All of our classes are one-on-one with your own personal coach, catered to your schedule and at no cost to you. We would love to be a free resource for you as you seek to invest in your relationship! Schedule your relationship class today, or give us a call today (Kutztown: 610-683-8000, Hamburg: 484-660-3526). Schedule Your Relationship Class Today #relationshiptips #prayer #qualitytime #valentine #healthyrelationships #relationshiphelp #relationshipclasses #valentinesday #romance #lifeskillsclasses #freerelationshipclasses

The start of a new year is a good time to reflect upon the past year and set some goals for the year ahead. Here are some things I learned from the year 2020 after experiencing a global pandemic and ten weeks of sheltering-in-place this spring: April is the longest month of the year. I don’t need to go to the grocery store every other day. In fact once a week or even less is entirely possible with a little planning. When I can’t be with my friends and family, the effort I take to connect with them is actually very rewarding. I should have bought stock in Zoom. Apparently I’m one of those people who doesn’t clean if no one is coming over. In all honesty, I will be the first to admit that I haven’t been my best self this past year. The anxieties, the lack of control and the constantly changing “rules” have left me weary. Occasions that should have been festive and fun included anxiety and disappointment, robbing me of some of the joy. We have all experienced losses of one kind or another due to the pandemic and that is something to grieve. For those of you who have lost loved ones, jobs or businesses, we are truly sorry. Our hearts go out to you. The Bible says there is “a time for everything,” including a time to mourn and a time to dance. (You can read the whole passage here.) I, for one, welcome the start of a new year; a time to transition from mourning to dancing. Let’s make 2021 a year of celebration! Enough complaining about all that has changed. Let’s celebrate everything we still have! Here are some things to celebrate going forward: Life and health – There are no guarantees. Each day is a gift. Relationships – We need people in our lives, and it is worth the effort it takes to connect with them. Small accomplishments – Sometimes just making it through the day is something to celebrate! Large accomplishments – Weddings, graduations, new babies, birthdays… these things are a big deal! Let’s be creative in finding ways to make them festive. Overcoming obstacles – Life is more challenging than ever. Overcoming difficulties is huge and worth applauding! At Life’s Choices we would love to help you celebrate all of the above. If 2020 has left you fearful, discouraged or weary, we want you to know that 2021 can be different! We are here to help you live life to the fullest. Our services are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, whether it is your physical health, healthy relationships or mental, emotional and spiritual health. We celebrate YOU and will be your biggest cheerleader. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Contact Us Come for help, leave with hope! #pennsylvania #pandemic #hamburg #coronavirus #relationships #hamburgpennsylvania #ecclesiastes #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #quarantine #timetomourn #proabundantlife #kutztown #covid19

Many of us are looking for a fresh start this New Year. New opportunities for growth and healing are often part of our New Year plans. If abortion is part of your life story, you may have thoughts or feelings with which you’ve struggled. You are not alone. ABORTION GRIEF It is not uncommon for post-abortive women to carry an incredible burden of silence and heartache. Many struggle for years with repressed memories, guilt, shame, and depression. Most women feel they are not allowed to talk about their abortion experience, especially in church. According to a study by LifeWay, published in November of 2015, “Over 40 percent of women who have had an abortion say they were frequent churchgoers at the time they ended their pregnancies and about a half of them say they kept their abortions hidden from church members.” The truth is many women who have had an abortion suffer from symptoms of post-abortion grief and trauma. Most often, neither the medical community nor the church understands abortion as a risk factor in a woman’s physical, spiritual, or emotional health. ABORTION HEALING If you feel you have never completely healed or recovered from an abortion experience or that a past abortion may be affecting your current quality of life, you may be interested in our post-abortive recovery group that is starting January 26th. Our mission is to provide a supportive and confidential environment that facilitates healing and restoration from a past abortion and brings a sense of hope and purpose for the future. The Surrendering the Secret study offers an 8-step biblical healing method modeled by women who have been where you are. This study is led by Katie Bailey, the director of client services from our Kutztown office, and Marie Perry. Both Katie and Marie are trained leaders and have led this class in the past. Marie is a former participant and offers a personal insight to the struggles faced by women who’ve experienced abortion: As Christian women, we may know that Jesus can forgive us, but even while knowing Jesus we can still carry the burden of guilt and shame ourselves. Perhaps you are all too familiar with this struggle… I once was. I asked Christ into my heart, yet I was unaware of how to get past the pain and anguish of a messy past. I knew that Jesus loved me, and that God took my sins and put them as far away from himself as the East is from the West, but deep down inside I was at unrest over what I’d done. Yet, how loving our Father is, that through sisters-in-Christ He was able to show me love to help release me from that burden and move into healing.“ Marie Perry, former class participant Is this a struggle for you as well? Would you seek the opportunity to let another sister help you through it too? If you’re unfamiliar with this study but feel as though God is speaking to you, I’d encourage you to view this Surrendering the Secret trailer: For more information or to sign up, reach out in confidence to Life’s Choices at 610-683-8000 or Katie.lifeschoices@gmail.com. Call Us Today Email Us Today #biblestudy #abortionregret #postabortivecounseling #abortion #postabortive #abortionhealing

As 2020 nears its end, we ponder all the ways that God has continued to provide and bless this ministry. Despite the challenges faced this year, we have been able to continue serving women and families throughout Kutztown, Hamburg and the greater Berks County, Pennsylvania area. A YEAR OF ENDURANCE & PROVISION While some of the months looked different due to quarantine guidelines and regulations, Life’s Choices was able to continue many of our services with minimal disruption. Classes were successfully adjusted to a virtual format, and while we had to temporarily hold off on ultrasounds, STD testing and in-person-only services, we were quickly back up and running as soon as it was safe. Many volunteers came out to both our Kutztown and Hamburg offices to help with some much-needed property projects. And despite the constant uncertainty surrounding our regular events this year, we even were able to hold our Spring Chicken 5k (virtually) in June as well as our Annual Fundraising Dinner in September! In a year that could have been very dry, God provided our needs through the generosity of our supporters and volunteers, and we’re so grateful! Thank you for being a vessel of hope for many women and families in our community this year. STRENGTH FOR TODAY, BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW While we pray for a brighter 2021, we thank God for the ways He sustained us this year and remember the hope of abundant life He offers us each day. No matter the struggles and trials we face in this life, we know that Jesus reaches out to us with open arms, calling us to new life in Him. This Christmas season, we remember how God’s gift of His Son gives us fresh hope for each day. Because Jesus came to earth in human form, we can be freed from the bondage of sin and rejoice in the redemption that comes through Him. Let us lay aside the heaviness that the world offers us to reflect on this sweet Advent truth. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Life’s Choices! If you’d like to support us through year-end giving, you can give online here: Year-End Giving #pennsylvania #hopeofchristmas #christmas2020 #hamburg #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #yearendgiving #quarantine #proabundantlife #kutztown #covid19

One of my favorite fun holiday movies is Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation. I don’t like to admit it, but I’m a lot like his character, Clark Griswold. I want more than anything to have a perfect Christmas with my loved ones, but no matter how I try to orchestrate it, things always run amuck. Can you relate? Between hosting meals (how long does it take to took a turkey again?) to making sure the house gets (and stays!) clean for guests, to finding, hiding (remembering where I hid them), wrapping and presenting the perfect gifts, it can be so stressful! Add COVID-19 to the mix, and we are gearing up for a very stressful Christmas. Or are we? CHRISTMAS CHAOS A few years ago, I was in full-on “perfect Christmas, high-stress mode” when disaster struck. OK, not a real disaster, but it felt like it. I was laid low with an exhausting virus, one of my doctors thought was the flu and warned it could take me out of commission for two weeks. This was just a few days before Christmas, and my calendar was packed with work parties, church events, hosting one side of our family on Christmas day and visiting the other out of state the following week. I lay in bed, miserable and achy and sure the holiday was ruined. Instead of resting, I was stressing about how I could salvage the holiday. I begged God to make me better and to do it quickly. Prayer is a mysterious thing, and God himself works in ways we don’t always expect. Instead of immediate healing, he sent people to help and remind me of what was important. My husband took over my necessary duties while still handling his own very busy week with grace and kindness. My kids made me sweet get-well cards and did their best to play quietly and help. My family offered their own prayers and support and were quite willing to change their Christmas plans. And even though I still felt miserable, my heart moved from stressed-out to peace-filled. (In the end, it wasn’t the flu, just a nasty virus. I took it easy, enjoyed a scaled back holiday, and realized we all enjoyed the day more when I wasn’t Clark Griswolding it). HANDLING THE STRESS Medicinenet.com lists some top reasons for holiday stress in non-pandemic times. They include: Fatigue Unrealistic expectations Over commercialization Financial stress Inability to be with family or friends Sadness An inability to cope with difficulties the holidays bring out I know that COVID has caused a huge shift in our life today. It’s stressful to handle all the rules and expectations about masks and cleaning and visiting out of state. It’s scary to think of contracting the virus yourself or inadvertently carrying it to grandma’s house. Add this to regular holidays stress, and it’s a lot to handle! There are, of course, common sense ways to manage these stressors. First, you must take care of yourself. Get regular sleep and drink lots of water. While it’s ok to splurge on a favorite treat, make sure most of your meals are healthy. Practice taking deep, calming breaths when you feel overwhelmed. And focus on spending time with people you love and who love you back. Next, figure out a common-sense budget. This year has been a challenge, but it’s also been a year to try new things. So let 2020 be the year you change how you give gifts (and how many you give). Scale back your plans and expenses for meals, and resolve to enjoy the simple solutions that result. Check out our previous blog post for tips on how to celebrate Christmas on a budget. Finally, find ways to connect with loved ones. Instead of a big gathering with your friends, go caroling outside, social distance style. If you can’t host a meal, use video chat programs to connect safely, and make plans to get together down the road. And with the people you see regularly, resolve to sidestep distracting activities, and enjoy things like conversations, simple meals and the like. REMEMBER WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT Even though I struggle with Christmas stress myself, it boggles my mind that we get so wrapped up in the trimmings of a holiday that began in such a humble way. Over two thousand years ago, a young couple traveled to a distant town due to a government demand to do a census. When they arrived, they could not find or afford a place to stay and ended up sleeping on a barn floor. To top things off, she was pregnant and gave birth that night surrounded by farm animals. Their guests? Friendly but smelly shepherds they had never met. Perfect and stress free? No. But this imperfect event was, in the end, perfectly orchestrated to welcome God’s best gift to our world: Jesus. It’s my hope that you will be able to focus on Jesus as your source of peace this holiday season. Step away from the stress when you can, find joy in the simple pleasures of the time and remember to thank God for the best gifts, which don’t require wrapping paper or stress. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 #christmasplanning #covidchristmasstress #pennsylvania #christmasstress #christmasonabudget #hamburg #berkscounty #budget #familyfun

Gratitude: “The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” There have been many times this year when it has been difficult to show gratitude. For many, 2020 has been a year of illness, isolation, financial struggle and uncertainty. And yet, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on what we do have to be grateful for, true thankfulness is an attitude of the heart all year round. So, how do we live a life of gratitude even in the valleys of life? Keeping perspective. EVERY DAY IS GIFT It’s important to bring our focus back to the basics. Every day we wake up is a gift from God. No day is guaranteed, and it’s a beautiful thing to be alive. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Even on the worst days (or in the worst of years), the gift of life itself is something for which we can be thankful. Each day has its own troubles and its own joys, but God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). OUR TIMING IS NOT GOD’S TIMING It’s easy to feel out of control, especially in years like 2020. Maybe you’ve experienced an unplanned pregnancy or are working through a complicated relationship. Maybe your budget has been tight in a time of job loss or shortened hours. Whatever the circumstance, you are not alone. God is a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). You may not be in control, but you don’t have to be. God’s wisdom is beyond what we can even comprehend, and He’s worth trusting. God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Through it all, God is with you. As we look back on our lives, He has walked beside us in the deepest valleys and on the darkest days. Even in the moments of grief and sorrow, God’s presence, love and patience is worth an attitude of thankfulness. May we have a heart that thanks God in all seasons of life, and may our gratitude for God’s love extend beyond the Thanksgiving season. If you have questions or would like to discuss, we would love to chat! Contact Life’s Choices today. Happy Thanksgiving! Contact Us #pennsylvania #hamburg #thankfulness #lifeofgratitude #thanksgiving2020 #berkscounty #gratitude #thanksgiving #unplannedpregnancy