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God's Love

6/29/2016

When the time came for me to look for an internship for the summer, I sat down with my advisor and we talked about my options and all the places she had contacts with in order to help place me in just the right place. After going through about five different areas, we came across New Beginnings and I knew right then that that was the place I wanted to pursue my first internship.

After finding out that I got the position I was overjoyed and extremely excited to start my adventure here. Not only am I the intern but I got the opportunity to play a role as a resident assistant as well. I was blessed to receive both positions because I am able to spend more time at New Beginnings getting to know the residents and creating relationships with them.

Thinking about my time here, which has only been a month so far, I have already learned so much and have had my eyes open to the world around me. Being in this environment, God’s love is seen everywhere. Through nightly devotions, group nights, friendship Sundays, and all the fun activities that happen here I can really see the work of God being done and how truly blessed we all are to be children of God.

We recently had a baby shower here where all the residents got together to play games and support the mother of the child who will shortly be with us. Just sitting back and watching and listening to all the conversations going on, you can really see how everyone truly cares about one another and how we all are like family. I have been so blessed to have become part of the New Beginnings family and I cannot wait to continue my journey here!

Holly Holm - Summer Intern and Resident Assistant

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Today's Tools

6/22/2016

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As Home Manager, I am often asked, “What does a typical day look like for you?” I will be honest and say that I have an entirely difficult time answering that question. I walk into work each day wondering what tool I will pull out of my tool belt that day! I have a list of expertise to add to my resume including: counselor, mentor, supporter, painter, interior decorator, schedule master, and most recently, expert grill assembler. I am beyond thankful for the many tools God has equipped me with - I will not get bored anytime soon! Along with balancing various tasks, comes a responsibility to prioritize, uphold patience, and use time wisely. Ultimately, it is a balancing act.

I like to view the world as a large machine. We all work together to keep the machine running smoothly. For example, workers come into work so that the machine can continue to run (I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills if the post man didn’t come into work, and my bills would not be sent to me if WE Energies wasn’t keeping track of the energy used at my home, and so on and so forth). We each do what we can to maintain the motion of the gears. But, what happens when we are thrown off balance?

Falling off the bandwagon does not mean we give up; in fact, losing our balance means we must work harder to make up for lost time. Keep pushing forward! Our residents sometimes struggle with this. They are late for school one morning because their baby was crying until 3am, and now the mother questions whether she should attend school at all. Boy, it is easy to think that way! It is easier to give up on something before “it” gives up on you, right? But, what happens when you find your balance again and make it to your goal – if you give up how will you know if you could get there?

So…as we move forward together, we should know that we have some back up ammo in case things go awry. We have our friends and family for support, we have the support of our family at New Beginnings, and most importantly, we have our Lord and Savior. We have all the tools in our tool belt! All we need to do is… keep pushing forward to live lives according to God’s will.

What tools has the Lord equipped you with in your job, daily life, or relationship? Please feel free to share in the comment section below. I would be thrilled to hear from you!

Brianne Kluge is the Home Manager 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 fiancé, Daniel.

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Today Is a Good Day

6/15/2016

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“There are two days you can’t do anything about, yesterday and tomorrow, all you have is today, and today is going to be a great day.” - Celine Dion.

The Apostle Paul said “… but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead”… (Phil. 3:13 AMP).

Yesterday is gone, if nothing can be done about it, it is foolish to keep thinking about it. You are stepping into strength when you “forget” about yesterday’s failure.

We all have things we would like to forget. Even the disciples of Jesus. Matthew 26:56 says, “Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” A little later, Peter, denied Jesus three times in Matthew 26:69-74. Don’t you think that the apostles of Jesus, as they sat together in a room after Jesus’s crucifixion, felt regret and shame? Then Jesus walked in! He didn’t say anything about their failure, he said “peace to you”. Luke 24:36.

The reason Jesus died for our sins is because we have them, we are not perfect, and we fail many ways. That’s why we need a Savior. As believers, we stand in our forgiveness, we are freed from our past failures and sins through the blood that was shed for us on the cross at Calvary.

Karen O'Leary is an Assistant Home 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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Baptism

6/8/2016

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Baptism is a wonderful thing. I was just witness to the baptism of my cousin’s first child. I remember my children’s baptisms as if they were yesterday. I have been to many baptisms throughout my life and some of the ones that seem to stand out the most to me are baptisms of those I have witnessed here at New Beginnings. That moment when they receive that Holy Sacrament brings overwhelming joy to my heart!

So what is Baptism? Well, according to Dictionary.com it is a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian Church. That seemed a little generic to me so I dug a little deeper. I went straight to the WELS website and thought I would look up what it means to the church. On WELS.NET it says “The Bible and Lutherans teach that baptism is a holy act. It is instituted by God. Using water and God’s Word it offers and gives the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation. It is meant for young and old, including children. Infants also are sinful and therefore need the spiritual rebirth brought about through baptism.”

The Bible is full of references to Baptism. We learn what baptism is, that Jesus was baptized and what Jesus commands of us. In 1 Peter 3:21 it says “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The account of Jesus’ own baptism in Luke 3:21-22 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” The Lord commands us in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 saying “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What does all of this mean? Well, according to Luther’s Catechism it means that baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word. Luther also answers the question “What does such baptizing with water mean?” He answered “Such baptizing with water means that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts; and that a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

Baptism truly is a great blessing. What a wonderful God we have that blesses us this way through the Holy Spirit!

Christina Pritzlaff is married with two children. She has completed Early Childhood 1 & 2 classes, Infant Toddler classes, and completed the coursework for her Associates degree in Child Development. Christina splits her time between spending time with her family and working at New Beginnings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, camping, fishing, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch.

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Starting the Next Chapter

6/1/2016

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Whenever I read a novel told from several different characters' viewpoints, I'm usually hesitant to start a new character's chapter and begin reading from their perspective. I liked the character from the previous chapter. I had just gotten used to his voice and was familiar with his story. Now I have to get acquainted with a whole new character and learn her story?

Well, it always turns out that it's actually not so bad. I just need to keep reading, and I usually come to really like that chapter just as much, if not more, as the first one.

So it is that I'm coming to the next chapter of my life and my time at New Beginnings is coming to a close. I'm a little apprehensive about what the next chapter will hold, but there is excitement, too. I have loved the chapter of my life that includes my New Beginnings family; it's one that I will turn back to and enjoy again for years to come. Now, however, I can't let fear stand in my way of enjoying the next chapter that life brings

God certainly put me here for a reason and introduced me to dozens of people along this journey that I wouldn't have had the chance to meet otherwise. I am filled with gratitude for the influence each one of them has had on molding me into the person I am today; a better version of me than I was before I started this position. To each of you, thank you.

To my fellow staff members: Through the ups and downs and the wading through uncharted waters together, we formed friendships and respect for each other. We overcame challenges as we grew individually and as a team. I had the opportunity to work for the best boss ever (wait... I'm not sure I can say that; my next boss is my husband!), but regardless, I gained a lifelong friend.

To the resident assistants: You have put yourselves in a position that requires model behavior every step of the way. This is not an easy task and many college students would shy away from this great responsibility. You may sometimes feel that your job is thankless, but know that you are making a difference in many lives through your time, Your work at New Beginnings is priceless.

To the residents, the bravest moms I know: You are stepping away from pretty much everything you have known your entire life in hopes of giving yourself and your child a brighter future. Whenever you're feeling like life is giving you too much to handle, remember that God is in control. He's got a much bigger picture in store for you than you can see right now. You have taught me so much, instilled a new self-confidence in me, and offered a perspective to life I'm blessed to now know.

To the babies: Little ones, you bring so much joy to our home! You will never remember me, but I will always remember each beautiful baby who came home to New Beginnings while I worked there. Always remember that your moms are determined, hardworking, and love you more than you could know.

To the future moms to reside at New Beginnings: Whatever life you want to live, you CAN live it. No matter how unattainable it may seem right now, there are people who want to help you succeed

And to the supporters of New Beginnings: You may not have ever even been to New Beginnings, or met any of our moms or babies face-to-face. But with the love you show through your prayers, donations, and monetary gifts, YOU are doing Christ's work here just as much as any of us are, because YOU are making it possible.

Wherever life may lead all of you, approach each new chapter with excitement! Live your life with a purpose and above all, keep your faith in Christ Jesus and embrace our Father's plan for your life!

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Beth Shiels is an Assistant Home Manager at New Beginnings. She graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a degree in Psychology in 2008, where she also met her husband, Zach. Along with working at New Beginnings, Beth enjoys staying home part-time with her four children and assisting in Zach's chiropractic clinic. She loves this crazy busy life God has blessed her with and is thankful to have the opportunity to share His love with the moms and babies at New Beginnings!

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God's Love

Today's Tools

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