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Imagine the most freezing day you can remember.

That is what I remember about February 10th, 2017.  It was so cold out it hurt my face.

It was a Friday and I had 2 hours between dropping my son off at pre-school, running ALL THE ERRANDS, accomplishing some of the at home to do list and getting back to his school on time to pick him up.

I felt overwhelmed (like I often do).

I also knew that this was the time I liked to give prayerful witness outside the local Planned Parenthood.  It was on Fridays that the abortion doctor makes his rounds to their location.  It is on Fridays where around 25 women come for their abortion appointments every week.

It is also on Fridays when my friend Mary stands outside and from the sidewalk offers help to the women and couples walking into the building.  She takes the 30 seconds to 1 minute it takes for patients to walk from their car to the door to let it be known, there is a possible way to choose life.  There is a community of people that will provide financial and emotional support for the next months, and the next few years.

Help is out there that most Americans have NO IDEA about.

I wanted to get my personal errands done . . . but I also wanted to help Mary.  I wanted to also communicate the help and assistance that is offered with so much love and substance that this knowledge could truly give a woman with an abortion appointment the answer she desired more than that appointment.

Hope.

Realistic hope.

But being realistic, I know I have a responsiblity to help my family first. The bills need to get paid and whatever else was on my to do list that day seemed like I should do those chores more than stand outside a clinic for an hour.

Still, I felt called to do something.

I had an idea.  I texted Mary to make sure she was outside the local Planned Parenthood around 9:30 in the morning.  She responded yes.

I drove to the nearest drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts.  I ordered 2 medium hot chocolates and one giant “box of joe” container of hot chocolate.  I got 12 cups and lids and I drove to the Planned Parenthood.

I pulled over, got out of the car and gave the two medium hot chocolates to Mary.  I suggested she offer some hot chocolate to the women walking into their appointments.

I mean, who in the world would want to talk outside on a day like this!??  It must be -30 out!  If you are going to offer some alternatives, offer some hot chocolate so she can think of something other than frost bite!

I brought the box of hot chocolate that could give a dozen people a cup to the group praying the Rosary quietly outside the clinic.

I commended them for being outside praying on such a cold day.  I hoped my gift would life their spirits.

I told Mary how sorry I was that I couldn’t stay.  I probably told her “how much I had to do”.

Then I left.  I drove away and started my to do list.

Then, at 11:00 am, I got a text message.

It was Mary.  She wanted to know A Baby’s Breath’s address and phone number. A Baby’s Breath is the crisis pregnancy center I volunteer with – it is located extremely close to the Planned Parenthood.

I sent her the info as quickly as possible.

I was filled with curiosity.  What was going on?????????

Eventually I spoke to Mary on the phone.  She had called to a woman entering the clinic saying:

“My friend just brought me hot chocolate.  She was here because she wants to adopt a sibling for her son.  All you have to do is keep your baby safe for 7 more months.”

That initiation inspired the woman walking into the Planned Parenthood for her abortion appointment to stop, turn around, and listen to more of what Mary had to offer.

Mary explained there was a place just a few doors away that offered free ultra sounds.

The woman agreed to go with Mary and request one.

Did that woman have some hot chocolate you might wonder . . . No.  As Mary told me, “that was long gone by then”.  But, Mary also told me,

“That hot chocolate gave me the good opening line that drew her to me “

In early October, after months of not really talking to Mary, I received another text:

The woman who turned away from abortion the day in February when you brought me hot chocolate just delivered a baby girl!”

Not only did Mary give this young mother hope on that cold day in February, Mary developed a relationship with her.  She helped her so much a long the way, that when her daughter was born, she felt compelled to share the joy with Mary.

I know the crisis pregnancy center offered the young mom to be help as well as Mary who works with another pro-life organization.  I don’t know if she took any help, other than that day.

My guess is many women walking into an abortion appointment are looking for a reason to turn around and never look back.

This baby girl and her mama are two people that make me think my guess is correct.

I love this memory, because it reminds me that every little thing we do in love, matters.

Giving an hour to pray outside a clinic matters. Lifting the spirits of those praying outside the clinics matter.

And lives are saved by those standing outside the clinics (another story here: God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle

Does this young mother struggle today?  I don’t know?  But I know Mary, and she probably checks in with her every once in a while and reminds her that she would love to help her.

Is God calling you to be a “Mary”?

Is God calling you to be a “hot chocolate deliverer”?

Will you seriously consider offering a prayerful witness to life?  What a wonderful act to do this Lent – you can, and don’t have to feel alone!

Take a minute now and go to The 40 Days for Life Website

Donate an hour of your time.  Pray for our country and our world.

And maybe, witness a miracle . . .

In the mood for hot chocolate now?

Amazon Prime has some!

Hot Chocolate – and Amazon Prime!

Dunkin’ Donuts Hot Chocolate

The post The Hot Chocolate Miracle appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy on the About Me page.

1. Be open minded.

Pro-life does not mean anti-choice.

Not everyone with an abortion appointment is a person with no faith in God.

Some people walking into the clinic were told it was best to terminate the pregnancy by a doctor and do not know about organizations like Be Not Afraid or Lily’s Gift.

The people standing outside the clinic are not pro-birth. They offer real help for after the child is born as well as during the pregnancy.

Don’t be afraid to listen to the other side and truly act and think – lovingly.

2. Give of yourself. Donate your time.

Go on the March for Life.  Before you say, “I can’t” . . .think about it, pray about it and consider it.  People have marched in Washington for extremely meaningful causes and made history.  This is definitely a meaningful cause and you could help make history.

Go on a “mission trip” . . . . for an hour . . . in your own community. Stand in front of a clinic and pray.  Pray the Rosary.  Pray, “Jesus, help them to hear Your voice”.  Pray for the moms, the dads and the grandmothers.  Pray for the employees that work there. Hold a sign. Don’t hold a sign.  Pray with others. Pray alone.  But GO.  It matters.  It helps.  Women have been helped and feel eternally grateful for witnesses standing outside the clinics.  Lives have been saved.

3. Buy Hot Chocolate.

Yes, you read that right.

An amazing thing happened last winter . . .

It was an extremely cold day.  I had a million things to do and an hour and a half to do them in.

Still, it was Friday, and I knew full well what happens on Friday at the Planned Parenthood just 10 minutes from me.

I knew some people would be standing outside praying.  I thought, I’d like to go . . . but I just can’t.  I don’t have the time.

But, I really felt compelled to do something.  It was so cold . . . I thought the least I could do is buy a big thing of hot chocolate.  I thought, I’ll give it to those who are praying, and suggest they offer it to the women walking in for an appointment.

So that’s what I did.

I bought hot chocolate and gave it to my friend who regularly stands outside the PP.

I bought a huge container and a stack of cups and gave it to the men who were praying there, and I got a large personal one for my friend Mary.

I suggested they offer it to the women they were hoping to speak with before they entered the clinic. I thought, maybe that will be an ice breaker, and maybe it will lift the spirits of my friend freezing her butt off in the hopes of helping a young woman choose life.

Well guess what . . . it did.

Mary, my friend who was outside the clinic, called to a woman entering after I left.

She shouted, “My friend who just brought me hot chocolate will adopt your baby – you only have to take care of the baby for 7 more months”.

That woman came down to Mary on the sidewalk and spoke to her.

She ended up choosing life.

She ended up choosing to parent.

I couldn’t stand with Mary that day, but I brought the hot chocolate.

I suggest you bring the hot chocolate too . . .

or the lemonade, or just stop and say keep up the prayers, or ask them how you can help and deliver.

Your actions, no matter how small, matter.

4. Give time and resources to crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life organizations.

The Pregnancy Center I work the most with, A Baby’s Breath, operates solely through volunteers and donations.  Find a “crisis pregnancy center” or “pro-life union” in your area. Offer to give your time.  If time is not possible, ask the centers what they need!  They might need diapers, or they might need help with marketing.  They may need a new website – donate the money or if you are a website designer, offer your services.

They may need to know who’s hiring for the families they support looking for work.

They may need gift cards to give to clients going through a rough time.

These centers and organizations are vital.  I was so unaware of all the help and love that is provided by these organizations.

Women and children need support and connection. So many of these places truly empower the women and families they serve.

They need volunteers.  They need you.  They need your friends.  It could be an hour a week.  It can be more than that.  It could be one box of diapers, or it could be a few thousand dollars.  You know what you have and what you can offer . . . bring what you are able.

5. Spiritually Adopt an Unborn Baby . . . or Two.

This prayer, authored by Fulton Sheen I believe, takes about 20 seconds to say.  It is SO POWERFUL!  The miracles my family has witnessed (God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle) have compelled me to share this prayer with anyone and everyone.  We pray it as a family every night after Grace Before Meals.  We now do so every 9 months.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much.  I beg of you to spare the life of (name your child), the unborn baby I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion. Amen

That’s it.  That prayer saves lives.

6. Stop being silent.

A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“In some causes silence is dangerous.”
–Saint Ambrose

Speak up in loving, but couragous ways.

Speaking up doesn’t mean pointing fingers or getting political.

Speaking up can mean sharing a post about Project Rachel, running a diaper drive for a crisis pregnancy center, inviting a friend to pray in front of a clinic with you or posting a picture of you at the March for Life.

Stress mercy.  Offer solutions that empower women and cultivate love.

7. Support change.

No matter what political party you belong to – tell your representative that you are pro-life and what that means to you.  Can’t go to the March for Life?  Take an hour that day to write and send a letter to your local, state and federal representatives.

Share articles about non-profit organizations like And Then There Were None,  

which helps people working in abortion clinics get different employment.

Let the world know about people who are very active in the pro-life community and adopt special needs children or from foster care.  Make a donation to Reese’s Rainbow or Special Angels Adoption.

Stress hope and love.

More Pro-life from prayerwinechocolate:

Dear Beautiful Woman Considering an Abortion

Dear Brave Soul Standing Outside of Planned Parenthood/

Pursuing Adoption Without an Agency: What We Did Right

The Rose Garden: A Baby’s Breath Adoption Group

Terminate, Interrupt or Choose Life?

Find more inspiration on Pinterest . . . follow CSMI on Pinterest

The post 7 Meaningful Ways to Support the Pro-Life Movement appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

A powerful picture of a crowd during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia was shared on social media a little over a year ago.  The photo captured a group of people lined up on the sidewalk, anxious to see Pope Francis pass by and wave to them.  All of them were holding their phones… except one elderly woman.  The expression on the old woman’s face clearly demonstrated that she was enjoying the moment and fully present in it.

I remember my sister, a “millennial”, telling me to put my phone down that same weekend.

I think that no matter how old we are,

we all know we are looking down at a device to often.

We know we need to look up at each other.

We know we need to be kind to one another.

We all want love to win in our personal life, in our nation and in our world.

But, have we prayed about it as much as we talked about it?

Does anyone else think it might be a good idea to look up even more?

One of our strengths as Americans is how much we encourage kindness toward others. Another strength we have is how much we value education.

It is not uncommon for parents to refer to a book or read an article in order to help them love their children.

We know that it is perfectly okay to look at and refer to a reliable source in order to better ourselves.

And most of us believe:

God is love.

1 John 4:8

There is no greater source to go to than God when we seek to love one another.

No matter how we identify ourselves – as a Catholic or agnostic, as a Jew or Protestant, as a Muslim or an atheist – we can certainly meditate upon the meaning of love and the calling that each of us has to be an instrument of peace.

Don’t believe in God?  Meditation is proven to lower stress and increase good health.  Go to a church while some old ladies are praying the Rosary and sit quietly.  Listen to the meditation.  I guarantee you will find rest. You might also find that your blood pressure is lower.

Are you a believer?  Great!  Pray more.  Please, I beg of you!  There is not one person in this world that could use less prayers.  Even Pope Francis asks us all to pray for him!

Let us truly love one another. Let us truly embrace our freedom to pray. Let us ask the Holy Spirit for more guidance before we engage in a debate about politics or express our opinion about the media.

Let us remind ourselves that:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 4-8

It seems that many of us are often upset by what we see on the news or on Facebook or Twitter. There is A LOT of information out there that is upsetting.  Let us bring ourselves to the one source of peace that will renew, energize and calm us . . .

Our Creator

Not sure the words to pray?  Sit in silence and ask the Lord to move your heart.

Want some words to pray?  Here is just one prayer that might help . . .

And a longer version of the same prayer:

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Help me to be patient and kind.

Help my family to not envy or boast.

Help my community to honor all members and to not be self-seeking.

Help our leaders to be slow to anger and not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.

Help me to keep no record of wrongs, but to always ask –

what can I peacefully do at this moment?

Lord Jesus, Enable and inspire all Americans to always protect, trust, hope and persevere.

Open the hearts of all Americans to truly love You Lord;

and compassionately love our neighbors.

Please Lord, give all of us a mind to know you,

a heart to seek you, 

wisdom to find you,

and conduct pleasing to you

Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Saint Katharine Drexel, pray for us!

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

I am not suggesting that we do not speak up for those that need our voice.

I am suggesting we seek guidance from the Lord before we do so, and seek that guidance frequently.

Let’s make sure we can answer the following question with a confident, “YES!”

Have you prayed about it as much as you have talked about it?

Prayer causes miracles.

Who doesn’t love witnessing a miracle?

Dear America,

Please look up at each other,

and more often than that,

look up towards heaven . . . and pray.

May God Bless America

Interested in why asked Saint Katharine Drexel to pray for us?  Read this post Hear, Listen, Understand: St. Katharine Drexel’s Prayer for America

The post Dear America, Please Look Up appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

It is our belief that these centers provide amazing services.  It is also our belief that many people living near them do not realize how much help and support is provided by them.

We hope that by publishing our posts about these amazing places on the same day, and sharing this information on social media, that more people will come to know how much love, help and support exists for women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

A Baby’s Breath

Catherine Mote is the Director of A Baby’s Breath in Warminster, PA.  There are actually five A Baby’s Breath centers in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  Since the Warminster location is the one closest to my home, I asked Cathy Mote is I could interview her about the Warminster center.  She, thankfully, agreed

Here is the interview conducted by me (Amy Brooks).  The answers of each question were provided by Catherine Mote.

Who is the founder of A Baby’s Breath and what was her vision?

Karen Patota is the founder and President of A Baby’s Breath.  Karen’s vision is described best by the mission of her organization: “to help a mother to see her child take his/her first breath”.

What do you want the local community to know about your center?

First and foremost that we are here!  I also want the community to know about our free services.  We provide free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, free material assistance and free parenting classes.  We can help a woman find whatever she needs during her pregnancy.  If we don’t have it in the center, we can direct her to where she can get it.  We can help her until she is self-sufficient.  With most women that happens by the time her child is three years of age.

What is your center’s greatest strength?

Everyone who helps out is a volunteer.  Our advocates are reliable, dedicated and genuinely amazing, loving people.

If a woman is considering abortion, what would you hope someone would tell her about your center?

That there is a lot of love here.  When she walks into this center she is not going to be judged and she will be embraced.  It is a safe place.  We want her to have a positive outlook on the future and reassure her that her present circumstances are not going to ruin her life. A Baby’s Breath will discuss with her what concerns she has.  If she feels like she is in a crisis situation, A Baby’s Breath will help her to set goals and empower her to rise above it.  Whatever is needed, emotional or material support, will be given to any woman who enters.

Is your center in need of any volunteers or supplies?

Always!  We could always use donations of diapers, wipes, baby wash, shampoo, formula, and gift cards to Walmart or Giant.  We also accept clothing donations for babies and children – up to size 4T.

For women that already have children, what kind of support may she receive from your center?

We can help see if they qualify for subsidized child care; help them look for a job; provide them with clothes and they are also welcome to participate in the free parenting classes.

What other information about your center would you like to share?

We can help women find free pre-natal care (with or without insurance).

We can help women find housing if they need it.

(Check out and like A Baby’s Breath Housing on Facebook!)

Our workers truly develop a caring relationship with our clients.  They offer all kinds of help and relief. Incredible bonds develop and grow between those who work here and clients who seek help here.

A Baby’s Breath Warminster is located at:

600 Louis Drive

Warminster, PA 18974

You can call A Baby’s Breath at 267-275-4097

A Baby’s Breath has four other centers in PA:

Jeffersonville, Collegeville, Wayne and Phoenixville

All of these centers would welcome you as a client or as a volunteer!  If you want to learn more about the organization, check out their website at Ababysbreath.org

A Baby’s Breath Advocates are also happy to discuss adoption as an option as well.  It is A Baby’s Breath’s desire to provide each woman with the information she seeks and to assure her that what she desires for her baby’s life can be obtained.

Will you help spread the message that women facing unplanned pregnancies can get help and support at A Baby’s Breath?  Please share this article with friends and family!

Read more about one young woman’s experience with A Baby’s Breath: Rachel’s Abortion Call and Message

Want to see the other bloggers’ posts? Check out:

FROM LONDON: The Pearl of Great Price: The Good Counsel Network. Saving London’s Babies since 1997

FROM NOVA SCOTIA: Fishbowl Fortune: Raising Awareness of Local Pregnancy Counselling

FROM Cincinnati, Ohio: Fallow Fields

The post A Baby’s Breath Crisis Pregnancy Center: A Hidden Gem in Bucks County, PA appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded.  She was committed to defending life, ceaselessly proclaiming that “the unborn are the weakest, the smallest, the most vulnerable”.

Pope Francis also reminded us of how Mother Teresa inspired hope in those that felt discouraged and under-valued:

Mother Teresa loved to say, “Perhaps I don’t speak their language, but I can smile”.  Let us carry her smile in our hearts and give it to those whom we meet along our journey, especially those who suffer.  In this way, we will open up opportunities of joy and hope for our many brothers and sisters who are discouraged and who stand in need of understanding and tenderness.

Looking back at Mother Teresa’s life, one can find so many inspiring words and recall many speeches directed towards world leaders.  One in particular comes to mind. On February 3, 1994, Mother Teresa of Calcutta spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. Those in attendance included President Bill Clinton, his wife, Hillary and VP Al Gore.

I often read quotes from this speech, such as:

But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself.

and

And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?

But, unknown to many, Mother Teresa continued in that same speech to speak of adoption:

I will tell you something beautiful. We are fighting abortion by adoption – by care of the mother and adoption for her baby. We have saved thousands of lives. We have sent word to the clinics, to the hospitals and police stations: “Please don’t destroy the child; we will take the child.” So we always have someone tell the mothers in trouble: “Come, we will take care of you, we will get a home for your child.” And we have a tremendous demand from couples who cannot have a child – but I never give a child to a couple who have done something not to have a child. Jesus said. “Anyone who receives a child in my name, receives me.” By adopting a child, these couples receive Jesus but, by aborting a child, a couple refuses to receive Jesus.

Please don’t kill the child. I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child.

From our children’s home in Calcutta alone, we have saved over 3000 children from abortion. These children have brought such love and joy to their adopting parents and have grown up so full of love and joy.

Considering adoption but feeling overwhelmed?  I have a free gift for you!  Check out this post and subscribe for a printable download! Dear Couple Considering Adoption

As an adoptive mother who longs and prays for more children, my heart leaps with gratitude when I read these words.

I want to thank Saint Teresa of Calcutta for speaking about the hope and life adoption provides.  I want to thank her for letting me and all other adoptive parents know that she saw the value in adoption – for everyone involved.

Thank you, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, for speaking of and praising the beauty of adoption.

Thank you, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, for reminding us to love the expectant mother.

Thank you, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, for sharing with the world how adopted children bring love and hope to their parents and they too grow up full of love and joy.

I don’t know what Saint Teresa of Calcutta is the official patron of; but in my heart, she is a patron for adopted children, women who have placed a child with an adoptive family and adoptive parents.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us . . . and thank you.

Love,

Amy

Considering adoption but feeling overwhelmed?  I have a free gift for you!  Check out this post and subscribe for a printable download! Dear Couple Considering Adoption

Mother Teresa prayed this prayer.  You can pray it and color it too!

The post Mother Teresa: A Saint For Adoptive Families appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

A commercial for UNICEF USA has a celebrity ask the viewers, “What would you do if there was child right in front of you . . . and all you had to do was give .50 cents a day to save that child’s life?”

And, rightfully so, viewers are moved to give.

I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you.

I am asking you to think of an unborn child that may or may not be “right in front of you” and believe all you have to do is give 20 seconds a day to save that baby’s life.

Not 20 cents . . . but 20 seconds.

I was wondering if you would Spiritually Adopt an unborn baby.

For those of you that “know” me . . . you probably know I long to have more children.  You also probably know that last year my husband, son and I Spiritually Adopted a baby . . . and in October we were stunned when we witnessed a miracle.  Then, four months later, that miracle was reaffirmed and made clear to me that God longs for and loves our prayers.  If you don’t know me or what I am speaking about, please read this amazing story: God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable}.

What I am asking of you is:

1.  Print out this amazing prayer: 

Meg Florkowski designed and donated this FREE PRINTABLE click here to print:  SpiritualAdoptionPrayer8.5×11

2. Fill in the blanks 

*choose a name

*write the date and then write the date that is nine months from today

3. Hang the prayer up on your refrigerator.  Pray it when you see it or after Grace Before Meals . . . or whenever is most convenient to you!

For nine months, take 20 seconds of your day to stop and pray this prayer

I know asking someone for time is A LOT to ask.  In many cases, people would rather give money than time.  But good news – this prayer is short, but powerful!

I am not kidding when I say it is brief.  I just prayed it in less than 20 seconds.

20 Seconds a day could mean a lifetime to another person!

If you would like more resources or information – or would like to consider getting others to Spiritually Adopt – check out: The Archdiocese of Baltimore: Spiritual Adoption Resources.  On this page I found another miracle story related to this prayer!

Read the brief testimony about how another family witnessed the power of Spiritual Adoption!

 An Answered Prayer

Why am I asking this of you?

*I think God allowed me to witness a miracle of prayer so that I would encourage you to “keep the faith” and continue talking to Him.  Miracle stories told by others have always given me hope.  Maybe our story will inspire you to pray and reassure you that prayers are heard.

* It will give my husband and I hope.  We have been home-study ready to adopt a baby for almost two years.  It can be emotionally exhausting and although we stay positive, some days we could really use a boost.  Knowing you are out there praying for a baby whose mother does not feel ready to parent, gives us the hope that maybe we will be needed.

* It will save a baby’s life and the heart of a woman who truly wants to protect her child.

So . . . will you adopt a boy or a girl?

What name will you choose for your baby?

Please comment your baby’s name below!

The post 20 Seconds A Day. . . appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

We know you are facing one of life’s unexpected challenges. Please do not give up hope.

For Matt and I, we both faced many challenges before we met.  One was the challenge of wondering:  will we ever find someone to share our life with?

Then we found one another, and were eager to start a family right away. And life through us another unexpected challenge. We did not give up hope when becoming parents did not come easily or quickly.

Matt and I believe that hope is so important.

We hope you pray about this decision and find peace in those prayers.

We hope you find people to talk to that really listen and show you all of your options.

We hope you dream of a happy future.

We hope you consider us when choosing a life for your child.

We are a very faithful Catholic couple. We truly believe God has a plan for us, for you and for your baby. We were blessed with a little boy through adoption, who will be a gentle and loving big brother. He loves making people laugh.

We know you are facing one of life’s unexpected challenges. Please do not give up hope. Please consider Matt and I when choosing parents for this child. The love and joy we have waiting in our hearts can not be expressed in words. It will shine through in huge smiles, lots of hugs and plenty of fun adventures and everyday blessings.

Our dream is to have children who make happy memories together through their childhood, and become the best of friends into adulthood and throughout their entire lives. We find joy in just making each other laugh every day. We plan trips to the beach every year. Being with other people is always on the calendar, and thankfully, we have a loving family and a large group of friends that allow us to always have something to look forward too.

We feel compelled to share our love and blessings with another child. 

We are so glad you made the brave decision to consider adoption for your baby.

We feel honored that you listened to our story.  We hope you found comfort in our words.  

Hold on to hope!

Sincerely,

Amy and Matt

We can be reached by a call or text at 215-550-1957

Learn more about us on our adoption website and our Facebook Page

The post Dear Beautiful Woman Considering Adoption appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Dear Brave Soul Standing Outside Planned Parenthood,

When you stand outside Planned Parenthood:

You are judged.

You are judged by people who feel very strongly that abortion should be legal – and legal with no restrictions.

You are judged by people who rarely think about abortion.

You are judged by people who think abortion is bad, but Planned Parenthood provides other services besides abortion.

You are also judged by Pro-Lifers who feel strongly against abortion; but have never stood outside a clinic to hold a sign or pray.

You are even judged by the person that is also standing outside Planned Parenthood, but not doing it the same way you are.

So, since you are judged by so many, yet you choose to stand there for a cause that many people avoid discussing – you are certainly brave.

Well brave one – I am going to challenge you to put your thick skin on, because this message isn’t going to be a “let me just congratulate you” post.

I am going to ask that however you stand there,  whether it is with a rosary, a sign or just a quiet presence; whether you sidewalk counsel or silently make a statement . . . I am calling you to  “add more Mercy”.

I ask that you consider . . .

• Not holding a sign of a bloody baby.  I know someone said, “until America sees abortion; they will not reject it”.  BUT, the women showing up for their appointment need to see other signs.  They need to see a sign saying, “we can offer help” and perhaps state one way you can help.  If you can’t offer help, hold up a sign that says, “Unplanned Pregnancy? We want to adopt . . . look us up on Facebook“.  That way, even if they go in, maybe they will look on their phone while they are there and start to see other options.  Make your sign show there are other options! Also, consider holding a sign that says, “WE CAN GET YOU ANOTHER JOB!”  I mean, lots of people hate their jobs!  I’m sure abortion workers do too!

• Going to Mass and Confession or Chapel beforehand.  Pray for the workers, pray for the patients, pray that you only show God’s mercy and love while you are present there.
• Leave the judgements at home. Maybe you don’t need to hear this, however . . . if you are standing next to someone who is yelling at people walking into the building – call them on it.  Tell them to stop, tell them that is not helping.  In some way, ask them to “add more mercy”.
• Invite someone to come with you. You never know who may say yes.

• Ask your guardian angel for help. Padre Pio used to tell people to “send your guardian angel” to him if they could not physically get to him.  Saint Bernadette once said “When you pass before a chapel, and do not have time to stop . . . tell your Guardian Angel to carry out your errand to Our Lord in the tabernacle.”  And Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote, “[T]he swiftness of the angel’s movement is not measured by the quantity of his power, but according to the determination of his will (Summa Theologica, I, 53, 3, ad 1)”.  You can ask your Guardian Angel to help someone – ask your angel to help the woman change her mind.  What have you got to lose?

• Pray the Spiritual Adoption Prayer daily. This prayer is extremely powerful and does save lives.  I feel like God wants me to tell you that.  If you haven’t already, I urge you to read the experience my husband, son and I had with this prayer God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable}
• Talk to the Dads (if you can). Who knows, maybe they are there because they really feel they can’t afford to buy more diapers – tell them where they can get free diapers, formula and so much more.  Most people have no idea all the help crisis pregnancy centers provide.  Share that information – share it whenever you can to whoever will listen! If you are wondering what resources are out there, here is a start.Dear Beautiful Woman Considering an Abortion You probably know more than me – please feel free to add links in the comment section!

• Continue to offer HOPE, and peace. The women going in there for abortion appointments don’t feel hopeful.  Ask God to help you show these women that there is hope.  And when someone gives you the finger – because I noticed that does happen, just say a prayer for them. Don’t give up.  Lives are saved by people like you.  I hope one day you get to experience that (if you haven’t already)!

P.S. Thank you

<3 Amy

The post Dear Brave Soul Standing Outside Planned Parenthood appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

“Diana” was 17 and in high school.  She thought she may have been pregnant, but just to make absolutely sure, she went to Planned Parenthood to find out.  She felt like the walls were closing in on her.  She sat in the examination room and heard the words she did not want to hear: “Yes, you are pregnant”. “Diana” wanted to cry.  The look on her face said exactly that.  The nurse said, “you know, you can have an abortion.”  “Diana” thought immediately, “well that would solve my problem”.

Just last year I found out there are scores of crisis pregnancy centers within driving distance of my home.  Until then, I’m not sure I ever heard of a “crisis pregnancy center“.  If I did – I had no idea what they did or why someone would go there.  I had no idea HOW MUCH HELP is out there.

I was 39 years old when I started to realize the abundant numbers of organizations that have the resources – financial, emotional and anything else a pregnant woman needs.

Then I thought, if I don’t know places like these exist – then many women don’t know they exist.

I don’t know YOUR situation.  I have not walked a mile or even a city block in your shoes. But I do know there is help – and I want to let you know that

there are people out there that will:

help you parent,

help you think about and consider an open adoption plan

help you out of an abusive relationship

give you help anonymously

help you finish school

help you get a job

help you with an addiction

If you are pregnant, and your parents want you to have an abortion . . .

Voice your opinion to someone you can trust.  A guidance counselor might be a good start. Calling one of these organizations and tell them the situation you are facing.  Most likely, if you give your parents time, they will be happy you were extremely vocal.  BUT, they need time.

That is the tricky part.  They need time to feel every emotion – anger, sadness, fear – so in the mean time, make a phone call.  Project Cuddle allows you to be anonymous and is national.  Guiding Star is a home in the Philadelphia area that provides so much support it blows me away. This organization will help you get on your feet – without any government assistance.  Absolutely amazing.  Here is another list of resources: Pro-Life Union.

Call these organizations and “buy time”.  Your parents will eventually come around.  Don’t give up praying.  Don’t give up hoping. And remember – it does matter that you are the one that is pregnant.  Not your mom, or your dad, or your guardian.

But . . . you are right.  I don’t know what YOU are going through.  Perhaps you are pregnant, and your parents don’t know – and you want to keep it that way . . .

Again, call Project Cuddle.  They offer anonymous help.  You don’t have to tell them your name.

Remember Diana from the beginning of the article?  She didn’t want to tell her parents either.  She was scared.  She didn’t want to disappoint them.  She didn’t want them to become so angry they became violent.  She didn’t want them to hate her boyfriend.

Since I don’t know what thoughts, fears and feelings you have going on – the best advice I can give you is to call one of these numbers and talk it out.

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL

More options

800-395-HELP

The people answering these phones have helped so many girls in situations like yours – and in situations that are completely unlike yours.  I would say call.  You can always hang up.

Maybe you are way beyond “what your parents think” years.  Maybe your boyfriend says he’s not ready.

And you love him.  And you don’t want to break up.

I know I’m a total stranger here – but I can tell you, the abortion is not going to strengthen the relationship.  I have a feeling many women can vouch for that statement.  I hope those women comment under this article.  I’m asking you to trust me on this one.  You standing your ground on this issue will only empower you.  It will not make or break your relationship. You can do this.

Maybe you’re not with the father anymore . . .

Maybe the father is married . . .

Maybe you were raped (and that is not fair or right at all) It’s not fair. It’s not fair to you.  It’s not fair to the baby.

Maybe I didn’t say any circumstance that you can relate too.

All I can do is ask you to call some numbers and ask for what other options are out there if you choose not to have an abortion.  Many of these crisis pregnancy centers stay open because everyone who works there is a volunteer.  They are not getting paid.  The same can not be said by those working at planned parenthood – or any other clinic or hospital that provides abortions.

I beg you to seek life for your child.  Consider parenting. Consider an adoption plan.

The best thing about an adoption plan – is that’s what it is – a plan.  Plans can change. An adoption plan does not become a permanent decision until after the baby is born and you sign the papers.  That gives you more time to think about it.

Abortions are not as flexible.  When it’s done, the baby is gone.  The memory will not disappear.

Don’t worry that your baby might be sick.*  Don’t worry what anyone else will say or think. Don’t worry that your life will change drastically.

You are a strong, beautiful woman.

Your baby – whether you are two days pregnant, two months or twenty weeks – is beautiful.

Just like you.

Stay strong. Stay brave.

May the Lord give you what you desire the most.

Love, hugs and prayers,

Amy

p.s.”Diana” didn’t have the abortion.

Let Me Live Song and Video

*If your baby is sick (if your doctor is recommending “interrupting” the pregnancy, or suggesting termination) there are organizations that can provide you loving help.  Check out Be Not Afraid and Lily’s Gift)

Need help until the baby is 3 years old?  Not sure what to do?  Call this Woman’s Center

If you are considering adoption – that is very brave!  I have another post for you! From My Heart: The 10 things I want all women considering adoption to hear . . .

The post Dear Beautiful Woman Considering an Abortion appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

My nerves were on edge as I pulled into the parking lot near the Planned Parenthood clinic. As I got myself and my three-year-old son out of the car, I made sure to grab some rosaries. I had been told to have them in my hand so the PP escort wouldn’t think I was there for an appointment . . . which would have been slightly awkward, to say the least.

I felt like I was walking onto a spiritual battlefield.

God loves us talking to Him. Prayers Matter and they do make a difference.

Let me start from the beginning.  This is a true story about answered prayer.  And when I talk about prayer, I mean both the formal kind and the informal kind.  Both kinds were answered for me this year in such an incredible way!  I feel the need to tell the whole world (or anyone who will listen)!

Last year I started saying some prayers for women considering abortion.  As I laid down to to sleep at night, I asked God to give these women hope and a support network.  I asked God to help them not be afraid and to desire life for their unborn children.

Then one day I was walking up stairs with a load of laundry and a thought occurred to me.  “I know I don’t love these women as much as God loves them . . . how can my prayers help them?”

A short time later I found the Spiritual Adoption Prayer.  I printed it out.  My husband and I agreed to adopt a baby girl, and give her the name we have longed to give a daughter for years now.  It’s not a popular name, and we hesitated to share it.  This blog post will be the first time we allow our favorite name for a baby girl to go public.

We named her Jaina Therese.

The first day we prayed for Jaina was May 7, 2015.

In the meantime we are announcing to the world that we have an approved home study and we are hoping to adopt a newborn.  We don’t have the money this time around to adopt through an agency, but if someone knows someone and we get connected with a young woman who would like to make an adoption plan we could do a private adoption.  We have an excellent adoption attorney.  We tell everyone we know and ask them to tell everyone they know.

But, no luck.

We aren’t making any connections.  My mind and heart go back to the women who find themselves pregnant and decide to terminate their pregnancies.  I start wondering if I stood in front of an abortion clinic with a sign that says, Unplanned Pregnancy? We want to adopt if it would inspire a woman to consider adoption and choose life.

Up until this point in my life, I had never stood outside an abortion clinic or Planned Parenthood to pray or protest.  I had always been pro-life in my heart, but I had never even seen an abortion clinic.

I start doing some research.  I wanted to see if any Pro-Life groups stood in front of the Planned Parenthood that is a ten minute drive from my home.  I certainly wasn’t going to go alone.  I discovered there was a small group that prayed on Fridays.  I went to the store and bought a poster board.  I took a marker and in my handwriting I wrote Unplanned Pregnancy? We want to adopt.

It looked bad.

But I still planned on going.  And one August morning, I decided this was the day.  My son slept in (which never happened).  I packed up some cereal and dressed him.  Out the door we went.  I wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss the people who prayed the Rosary.  My fear was once they were done, they would leave and I wouldn’t get a chance to stand there with my sign.

My hope was more to save a life than to find our baby that day.  My gut and my heart tell me that women who go to abortion appointments really do not want to be there.

I made sure I brought Rosaries, because I was told that an escort might think I am there for an appointment and start walking me into the building.  That would be awkward!

I was so nervous when I got there.  I grabbed my Rosaries, took my son out of his car seat and my sign out of the trunk.  I felt like I was walking onto a spiritual battlefield.

A Bullhorn and a Lollipop

Not long after I arrived, a woman started talking through a bullhorn.  She was saying, “we have someone here who will adopt your child” . .. she said other things too, but I was grabbing my son’s hand and briskly walking away.  I felt so uncomfortable and thought, “A bullhorn?  Really?  Who is going to respond to a bullhorn?  There must be a better way.”

Mary was the woman with the bullhorn.  Once she was done pleading with the young girl to not go into the clinic, I returned to speak with her.  I questioned the bullhorn tactic. Another woman who had been standing quietly the entire time with a pair of Rosaries chimed in . .

“Sometimes these girls are praying for a sign on the way here.  We might be the sign they prayed for.”

As we talked, the unexpected happened.

The young woman whom Mary was pleading with through the bullhorn walked out of the clinic with her mother. They walked towards us.  They kept walking towards us.  Then four of us were hugging (Mary ,”Anne”, her mother and me).  We all started to cry.  It was an incredible moment.

After that initial hug, “Anne’s” mom said, “she needs a place to stay.”  Mary immediately picked up her cell phone and started making phone calls.  I introduced myself.  I asked “Anne” where she was from.  She told me and I responded, “That’s really far away, why did you come here?”

Anne responded, “The clinic near me will only do them (abortions) up until 13 weeks, 6 days.  I’m 13 weeks, 8 days” – or something like that.  I know she said 13 weeks and then the days were more than 7 – so I remember figuring out in my head that she was in her 14th week of pregnancy.

I continued talking to “Anne” and the entire time my son was saying “Mom, Mom, Mom.” At one point I picked him up and continued talking to Anne and her mother.  My son, still saying Mom over and over again, moved my face with his hands so that I would look at him.  He said, “I want to go to A Baby’s Breath“.  I responded, “Why do you want to go to A Baby’s Breath – because they

have lollipops?”.  He said, “YES!!!”.

I then look at “Anne”.  Anne opens her pocketbook, takes out two lollipops.  One for my son, and one for her.  It was an awesome moment, and I was smiling ear to ear and thanking her.

Two days later I am in my kitchen sweeping.  I think, “Anne” was about 14 weeks pregnant, I wonder how many weeks ago we started praying the Spiritual Adoption Prayer.  I then counted.

Exactly 14 weeks and one day before I met “Anne” was May 7th – the day we began to pray the Spiritual Adoption Prayer.  My jaw dropped, I got the chills and I probably said wow more than once.

Could this be the baby we spiritually adopted?  Was “Anne” pregnant with a baby girl? Would she name her Jaina?

My husband, son and I continued to pray the Spiritual Adoption prayer every night after Grace before meals.

Fast forward Five Months

At the end of January I started to wonder how “Anne” was doing and if Mary was still in touch with her.  I called Mary and asked.  Mary said “Anne” is doing great.  She also told me “It’s a girl, did you know it’s a girl?”

Huh.  How about that.  We had been praying for a girl – but it’s either a girl or a boy, so that could be a coincidence, right?

I reminded Mary about the Spiritual Adoption Prayer and how we were praying for a girl and that we named her.

That night at dinner I told Matt that I talked to Mary. She said “Anne” is doing well and she is pregnant with a girl.  I then said to Matt “I wonder if she will name her Jaina .”

The text that made Mary do a double-take

About a week later, Mary checked in with Anne through a text message.  After a few days
“Anne” responded.  In the text, “Anne” thanked Mary for being at the right place at the right time.

She also said she “can’t wait for my daughter J-A-N-A to be born.”

Mary checked the text again. Who was it from?  Does it really say that name???

She called me to tell me.

I can’t explain how I felt.  I thought, “well yeah, that’s her name” and “WOW. WOW. WOW.” simultaneously.

Jana was born healthy on February 15, 2016.  Mary and I are hoping we can meet her, hold her and tell “Anne” this story.

I am so grateful and humbled that the Lord allowed me to have this experience.  I am sure He gave me this experience knowing that I would tell anyone who will listen, and I will advocate and plea with you to spiritually adopt an unborn baby.  This prayer works.  This prayer saves lives.  This prayer gives a mother hope.

Will you join me and pray for an unborn baby?  The incredibly talented Meg Florkowski created this printable. I encourage you to print it out, name the baby and hang it up on the fridge.  I would love if you commented below – did you choose to adopt a boy or a girl?  What name did you choose?

The post God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable} appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.