29
Aug
2011
Are You Sexually Active? Part II
Have you ever really thought about the term “broken heart”? If you’ve ever been involved in a relationship, you’ve probably experienced the feeling. If you’ve ever been involved sexually and can really be honest with yourself, you know the feeling well. I wonder about the idea of “friends with benefits”…is a person really able to detach emotionally from someone they have shared such intimacy with?
A wise man once said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This makes such sense…our hearts deserve protection just as much as our physical bodies. Our future will be shaped by the condition of our heart. Imagine living without the heavy emotional baggage (anger, resentment, guilt, depression, distrust, jealousy) of a broken heart. Here’s a challenge…put off sexual activity until you are married. AND we’re talking about all types of sexual activity (anal sex, oral sex, mutual masturbation, etc.) You know it’s true…all of these things are intimate and all of them stir up your emotions. So, how about being radical for the sake of your heart- protect yourself by refusing the negative consequences of sex outside of a committed, married relationship.
If you’ve already gone there, don’t believe the lie that its too late for you. Start over and allow your heart to believe that You Are More than a one night stand or a half-hearted commitment. We are here to talk to you and help you with that decision. Call Hope at 652-8343. It’s your life…you get to decide how to live it.
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22
Aug
2011
Are You Sexually Active?
If the answer is yes, you may want to reconsider that choice.
In the next three blogs we will provide you with some information to help you make an informed decision about your sexuality. Remember, this is your life. You get to call the shots. Is it worth the risk?
There are over 25 known STDs…we’re just giving you a glimpse at some of the most common. Remember: we are not just talking about sexual intercourse that spreads disease, but all sexual activity (anal and oral sex included).
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the U.S. The rate of chlamydia infections among reported Utah teenagers aged 15-19 years has more than doubled from 2000 to 2008. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 75% of females infected with chlamydia do not present signs or symptoms. Men infected with chlamydia are around 50% symptomatic. Untreated infections can progress to serious reproductive complications and other health problems including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and epididymitis in males. Chlamydia can also infect infants during the birth process which can lead to health complications.
Source: The Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Analysis and Reporting Program
Genital herpes infects one out of five Americans over age 12. Genital herpes can cause recurring painful sores around the genital region, mouth or throat. It can cause complications in pregnancy for years to come. There is currently no cure.
Human papilloma virus will occur in at least half of all sexually active men and women at some point in their lives. Various strains of HPV can cause genital warts and are linked to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, penis and anus.
Source: Center for Disease Control, Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Prevention, May 2009
It’s not too late to make a U-turn. Today, you can decide to wait for sex until your married. It’s the only 100% effective way to protect your body…and your heart (see next post for more). Call Hope at 652-8343 to talk to someone about abstinence.
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28
Jul
2011
You Are More…
Well, it’s official. We have entered the world of blogging. We are excited to provide encouragement, good information, and useful links to equip and inspire our clients and those seeking our help. We are calling our blog, “You Are More”, inspired by a recent song by Tenth Avenue North with the following lyrics…”You are more than the choices that you’ve made, you are more than the sum of your past mistakes, you are more than the problems you create…”
If you find yourself believing the lie that you are only as good as the choices you make, or the grades you receive, or the way others see you…think again. Hope Pregnancy Care Center is a place to get a free pregnancy test and education about your options BUT we are also a place of encouragement, hope and new beginnings. We can not erase your past mistakes, but we can offer practical help and the support necessary to not only survive this hard time but learn, grow and thrive. We believe as the Bible teaches that your are precious, full of hope, and able to overcome. Come see us and learn that there is hope because You Are so much More.
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