My husband and I recently adopted a puppy from our local Humane Society and I couldn't have been more thrilled. She is so sweet and loves playtime and snuggles. Because she's a puppy, she also enjoys being naughty from time to time. She'll get into things she's not supposed to and she loves using our shoes as chew toys! We've been working on training her so that we can minimize these bad behaviors but training is an ongoing (and sometimes tiring) process. It requires consistency, time, and sometimes more patience than I currently possess. Sometimes it seems as though she's choosing to do things she knows she shouldn't. For example, she will grab a sock out of the dirty laundry bin and run away after making eye contact with us - frustrating!
Lord, thank you for the grace and mercy you continue to pour out on me despite my sins. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to purify me of those sins and to suffer the punishment for them so that I do not have to. Lord, I am truly sorry for my sins and pray that you continue to forgive me for the sake of your Son, Jesus. Almighty God, guide me according to your path that my life might reflect your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen ![]() Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
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Have you ever had a morning when you woke up and everything was coming at you like a ball of fire….baby crying, phone ringing, stomach growling, people knocking at the door, or your neighbor's music is too loud. It’s always something. You don't want to get out of bed, take a shower, talk to ANYONE, or even clean. You’d rather live and lay where it’s just messy, thinking your mess is the comfort you need to get through the day. Do you have moments like this? You want to go crawl under a rock and never come out. You want to throw in the towel and say “NOPE” to any and every one that crosses your path. People this is what you call a depressive state of mind.
But the God I serve did not allow the devil to take over me. He allowed me to get out of that bed and get myself together, take my shower, do my hair, put on lashes (lol), play with my baby, do her hair, and make sure she’s clean and looking cute. This year (2017) I want to be better, happier, and more loving. I feel this is my year to get all this junk out of me that's been in me since I was 12 years of age. With God on my side and my New Beginnings family, anything is POSSIBLE! Philippians 4:13 New International Version (NIV) I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. ![]() Shaneka has been a resident at New Beginnings since June of 2015. She is working towards pursuing a degree in nursing. She has always dreamed of working in the healthcare field and is excited that New Beginnings can help her fulfill her dream. She enjoys spending time with her beautiful baby girl, Kiarra. The statsDid you know that according to recent research in metro-Milwaukee, about 72% of families in poverty were headed by single mothers in 2009? Research also shows that generationally-poor children are more likely to continue in a cycle of poverty, which results in an increased likelihood of dropping out of school and an inability to obtain employment with self-sustaining wages. These numbers are scary. In addition, a recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted the fact that babies born to African-Americans in Milwaukee are dying at a rate that exceeds three times that of babies born to Caucasians. The reason for the disparity is unknown, however the article indicates that premature birth is the cause of about 60% of infant deaths and that chronic stress has been shown to be a key cause of premature births. Chronic stress in the lives of Milwaukee African Americans comes from such sources as poverty, uncertain supplies of food and housing, unemployment and violence. how new beginnings helpsThe model of New Beginnings was created to combat these scary statistics! New Beginnings actively works to reduce the stress in the lives of its mothers by providing them with secure housing while they take advantage of the provided opportunities to increase their education and vocational skills. By focusing on educational tracks that lead to a professional career with a median salary of around $50,000, New Beginnings prepares mothers for a self-sufficient life. Additionally, once mothers are equipped with a self-sustaining career, the stressors of affording secure housing, purchasing food and supplies, and unemployment are substantially alleviated. By coupling faith-based programming with educational advancement and preparation, New Beginnings prepares mothers for a self-sufficient life rooted in Christ. What You Can DoBy supporting the ministry of New Beginnings, you put a dent in the statistics. Every mother that succeeds at New Beginnings breaks the cycle of poverty for herself, her child, and future generations. There is power in ONE person. Together we provide strength in numbers. The statistics are scary, but together we can work to break the cycle! To donate or get involved, please visit www.homeformothers.com. The difference is YOU!
For example, I remember the day a few months ago when I read the email that said I had received the Promotional Writing and Editing internship position I’d interviewed for at New Beginnings. Coincidentally, the entry for that day in the student devotional I used daily was entitled “New Beginnings”. While I did know that I would have a great time being the intern at New Beginnings, at the time I didn’t know just how great my experience would be, and how it would be a “new beginning” for me as far as my career ambitions and personal relationships were concerned. While I have learned what I expected to-more about professional writing and communication, as well as how a fundraiser is organized-I’ve also learned some other great things. In the past three weeks alone, I’ve observed and participated in group activities so I could write about them later. Doing so has allowed me to spend time getting to know the residents and their adorable babies, in addition to spending time in God’s Word. As a result, my idea of what a work environment should look like has been transformed in a positive way, and I often find myself paying closer attention to my personal relationships to make sure they grow and flourish. Even though I don’t know what God has in store for me throughout the rest of my internship, I do know that it will be beyond amazing. I can’t wait to see what my future looks like with God in it! Can you? ![]() Elizabeth Scheibl is the Promotional Writing and Editing Intern at New Beginnings. A student at Wisconsin Lutheran College, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in History. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and practicing martial arts.
In all your times, times of joy, thanksgiving, sorrow, disappointment, trouble, just have a plain simple talk with God. Yes, prayer is talking to God. When you are with your best friend do you try not to talk to them? No, you want to talk to your friend, you want to tell him your hopes and plans, to ask for his help. Well, when you have faith in God you know that He is your best friend through Jesus Christ. God is always there, always ready to listen to you. There is nothing you can’t tell Him. Of course, He knows everything already, but He still wants us to pray to him. Though God desires to talk to us and spend time with us through prayer, it is also for our benefit, because we need a relationship with God. The point is, talk to God, because that is prayer. Sometimes when I can’t seem to get my thoughts together enough to pray, I write down what I am feeling, what I am saying to God. Don’t forget to listen too, to be quiet before God. You don’t have to be constantly telling Him something, or asking Him for something. “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10. Be aware of God’s power and our security in Him. He is omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), and omnipotent (all powerful). Because God is who He is, we can trust Him and surrender to His plan. Some people think that a church is the only place to pray, and God is happy when you talk to Him there. But that is not the only place God will listen to your prayers. Jesus prayed alone in quiet places (Luke5:16), He prayed with others (Luke 9:28), He prayed at the home of his disciples and followers. He prayed in nature, in the garden and in the desert, on a mountain (Luke 6:12). He prayed at all times, He prayed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. He prayed regularly, Luke 5:16 says, Jesus often prayed. Jesus prayed for himself, as we see in John 17 and Jesus prayed for others (John 17:9). Not all our prayers will be answered the way we expect. Someone once told me, there is no unanswered prayer, God either answers yes, no, or wait. Wait and no can be a challenge! Once again we look to Jesus, to see how He handled it. In Matthew 26:36-44 we see that He prayed and said to God “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (NIV). ![]() Karen O'Leary is the the Program Manager at New Beginnings. She has her BA in Bible Theology and her Masters of Divinity. She has 8-years of experience as a Social Director at a non-profit organization helping those in crisis with financial assistance, brief supportive counseling, and being a spiritual presence in their time of need. In her free time Karen enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. It can be very easy to get caught up in the commotion of life. There are a million different things going on around us and through our minds each and every day. So where does this leave us? For many, it can be easy to get distracted and pulled away from the true reason we are all here. God has always been apart of my life. My parents baptized me and brought me up in the Word from birth. As I have grown up, I have learned that this is not the case for most. In fact, as Lutherans, we are the minority in many cases. I have always wanted to live in such a way that my faith shows through. I love that New Beginnings has given me this opportunity. I have never really had the privilege of working with mothers in this capacity. Learning their stories and hearing about their hopes and dreams has been an amazing experience. I have been able to not only share my own faith but also see them grow in their own.
I will be graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2018 with a degree in both Human Social Services and Psychology. I will then be going on to graduate school to get my masters in social work. The opportunity that New Beginnings has given me not only has prepared me for that line of work, but also has solidified for me the fact that I want to work with children. I am very thankful for my position here and know that I will leave here with so much more than I ever could have thought. ![]() Eden Ehlers I am from Peoria, AZ. I'm a currently a Junior at WLC, double majoring in Psychology & Human Social Services. I aspire to become a social worker in a medical setting. I am thankful for New Beginnings & the experience it is giving me. It has been a great blessing. Sometimes I wonder how I came this far and how I manage with both my kids. To tell you the truth, sometimes it gets hard but I’ve learned that nothing is impossible, especially when it comes from God. With Him, everything is possible! When I had my second baby, I didn’t know how I was going to do this but honestly it just came naturally for me to manage both of my kids. Coming to New Beginnings really changed everything and made me look at my situation so differently. Truthfully, it helped my faith grow more and more. It is just amazing how God did all this. Wow, God is really good! I thank Him for bringing me here. I have learned and I am still learning more and more day by day. I am not going to give up because New Beginnings hasn’t given up on me even when they should have. I really do love the women at New Beginnings. They truly show what love and family are all about. They care, they’re very supportive, and they teach you more about God so your faith can grow more with Christ. When you need a shoulder or someone to talk to, they are here and they will cry with you. Amazing! These women care and the love and compassion they have shows that they definitely love their jobs, our kids, and us. God bless these women now and forever! ![]() Jasmira has been a resident at New Beginnings since May of 2016. She is working towards pursuing a career as a beautician. She is excited that New Beginnings can help her fulfill her dream. She enjoys spending time with her beautiful baby Caleb and going to visit her older son often. "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10) Sometimes we feel like life is getting the best of us. We feel hopeless, overwhelmed, and overworked. Our thoughts become jumbled and frantic as we struggle to keep up with all of our responsibilities and others' expectations. It's always one thing after another and we feel as though we are being pulled in every direction. Rather than focusing on being thankful for the good in our lives, we find ourselves feeling beaten down and defeated by all of the bad. We may begin to question the path we've chosen or lash out in anger and frustration at those for whom we care most.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) Next time you are feeling helpless, seek comfort in God's Word. Go to your Heavenly Father in prayer and ask for His guidance. Only He can grant us true peace from the anxieties of this world. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11) ![]() Taleya Williamson is the Operations Manager at New Beginnings. She was born and raised in Puyallup, Washington and attended Evergreen Lutheran High School. Taleya recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Bachelors of Science in psychology with a minor in anthropology. In her free time, Taleya enjoys spending time with her husband, David.
![]() SINFUL HUMANS CAN BE SELFISH In this world, it is so easy to get caught up in ourselves, our life, our actions; what WE did. Success always seems to be internalized as something WE accomplished. Let’s address the other extreme – blaming God for our misfortune. What an interesting change of heart! I think we all can recognize how easy it is to praise our fortunes as our own, but blame our bad luck on God. Don’t let yourself become infected with self-pride, but rather be a humble servant of Christ. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
LIVE TO THANK JESUS! I am sure that not many of us have thought of our life as an assignment from God. But God tells us that we are all called for His purpose. Ah yes, Romans 8:28 may be coming to mind now… (And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose). So let’s ask the WELS question: What does this mean? LIVE YOUR ASSIGNMENT Whether your talents and gifts are money, time, or a specific talent, use it to glorify God and His purpose for your life. Ultimately, use your gifts to bless others, but never forget to say, “Thank you Jesus”! Do you have a gift or talent that you could use to serve the mothers and babies at New Beginnings? ![]() Brianne Hansen is the Executive Director at New Beginnings. She grew up in Marshall, WI and graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School. Brianne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In her free time, she enjoys singing, camping, refurbishing furniture and spending time with her husband, Daniel.
Ways to encourage cognitive growth. Read books aloud to your baby and recite nursery rhymes, choose books that have brightly colored pictures that show common objects, point and make noises – say the animal sounds to go along with the animal pictures. Babies enjoy cloth books with different textures, and flaps. Have meaningful conversations with your baby, react to their coos and smiles, they are expecting you to respond. Provide lots of fun bath toys. Give your baby toys that let him push a button to make something happen, or activities like shaking or banging objects. Your baby wants to see the results of his actions, this helps him learn the “if-then” reasoning. As you can see, babies are not only growing physically during their first years of life, but also cognitively (mentally). It’s never too early to help your baby become all that they can be. ![]() Karen O'Leary is the the Program Manager at New Beginnings. She has her BA in Bible Theology and her Masters of Divinity. She has 8-years of experience as a Social Director at a non-profit organization helping those in crisis with financial assistance, brief supportive counseling, and being a spiritual presence in their time of need. In her free time Karen enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. |
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