Here We Grow... Through a Transformation in Christ

​New Beginnings recently finished the boutique design project, and we are thrilled that it is finished! When I suggested that we transform our dingy basement into a beautiful, welcoming space, I failed to consider two things. The first is how difficult and time-consuming it would be, and the second is how much patience I would need to see the project through to completion.

​Can you picture me in a paint suit over my business casual clothes, with a paint sprayer in hand and a paint mask and goggles strapped around my face? The first step in the boutique design project was to paint the ceiling black, which involved using a paint sprayer. As a go-getter, I figured I could do it myself, but I was very wrong! In about two minutes, paint sputtered everywhere, and I seemed to be doing more harm than good. Ultimately, we had to hire a paint expert to fix my mistakes. The design project was long, and sometimes tedious, but with the help of volunteers we completed the project. The result was a beautiful, transformed space.

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Getting down to the Nitty-Gritty

The boutique design project reminds me of how we often approach trials and tribulations in our life; sometimes we try to accomplish everything on our own without patience. God makes it clear that not everything happens overnight when he says, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:25). At other times, we turn to worldly solutions, rather than focusing our eyes on Christ. Pastor Bob Fleischmann often says, “Our problems are not horizontal problems between you and me, but instead they are vertical problems between you and God.” I think this is a great way of illustrating what God is saying in Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

​​At New Beginnings, mothers experience a process of transformation as they learn to filter the challenges of life through faith in Christ who gives them their eternity. Seeing this transformation happen is nothing short of amazing, and the reason why New Beginnings exists. One mother spoke of her experience in a previous blog.  She has begun to put God first and has realized the importance of seeking him! With prayer and patience, we are so blessed to see mothers transform through Christ at New Beginnings. Please continue to pray that the mothers and children here may be brought close to God through the blood of Christ.

​“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought nearby the blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 2:13

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 UW-Milwaukee and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys singing, camping, spending time with her dog (Bella) and cats (Mufasa & Jasmine), and going on adventures with her husband, Daniel.  ​

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