Heartbeat International invites you to the long-awaited and much-anticipated European Pregnancy Help Leaders Summit.

You are invited to Budapest, Hungary, September 19-21, 2024 for in-person networking, training, learning, and encouragement with like-minded leaders from the pregnancy help movement across Europe.

2024 European Pregnancy Help Leaders Summit

• When: September 19-21, 2024
• Where: K+K Hotel Opera in Budapest, Hungary
• Affiliate Cost: FREE for two individuals from any Heartbeat-affiliated organization (Not affiliated yet? Click here!)
• Cost for Summit:
  • Affiliate Double Occupancy - € 0.00: Only two complimentary registrations per organization.
    
    
  • Non-Affiliate/Extra Team Members - Double Occupancy - € 335.00:Includes registration and accommodations.
  • Non-Affiliate/Extra Team Members - Single Occupancy - € 449.00: Includes registration and accommodations.
  • Attending Conference Only - € 195.00: No lodging/hotel accommodations included with this option.

Heartbeat offers registration and accommodations (including breakfast and hotel meals) for two persons per affiliated organization. 

(This offer has limited availability and registration will be first come, first served.) We look forward to hosting you.

Affiliate registration includes:

• 2 nights stay in a double-occupancy room
• Breakfast
• Lunch on Friday and Saturday
• Dinner Thursday Night

How to register your two leaders for free:

The Summit registration is FREE for two team members of a Heartbeat-affiliated organization. When you are filling out the registration form, at the bottom of the form, click on Affiliate Double Occupancy and the cost reflected underneath should be 0.00. Then you register your second participant. Before you hit submit, double-check to ensure the total price is still 0.00. Your credit card will not be charged, so long as you click on "Affiliate Double Occupancy" (see screenshot below). 

If you want to register more than two people from your organization, it will be at your expense, and you will need to fill out a new form to register the appropriate information. Then, click on single or double occupancy. The cost reflected is per person. 

Contact Ellen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you run into any technical difficulties.

In the Beginning

Established in 2003 and celebrating 21 years of life-saving help, Option Line is the only fully-staffed, bilingual, 24/7, pro-life contact center in the U.S. Since we first answered the call, we’ve served more than 7 million people who are desperate for answers in an unexpected pregnancy. Our primary goal through Option Line is to encourage and empower those who reach out to us by offering trustworthy guidance through personalized care. We accomplish this goal by communicating directly with over 1,000 men and women each day at our contact center via phone, live chat, texting, and email.

Option Line Plus

In the age of at-home abortion, pregnancy help must be available to clients the moment they reach out. Upon recognizing the invaluable impact education from a medical professional can have on women making such choices, they began a careful process of testing the addition of nurses to their team more than two years ago. The protocol for Option Line Plus was developed by leaders from our own Medical Impact team at Heartbeat International, who have experience in pregnancy help centers—their expertise and understanding of your work informs every aspect of this project.

          

Affiliates, watch an Option Line Call Connections video from one of our consultants who shared a recent call that changed her (and her callers') life.

Reviews Speak for Themselves

Read some responses to post-chat surveys from our contacts:

"Dalia* was very kind and helped calm some of my nerves about my situation."

"I really needed to know the facts and this is the first person to explain things to me clearly! THANK YOU!!!"

"Athena* was amazing she really helped me see what I need to do and what’s the best option for me."

"Rose* answered everything I wanted to know! I was so scared, but Rose* changed my mind on things!!!"

"Ashley* was lovely to chat to. Helped me to not feel so worried."

"This site is extremely helpful it put my mind at ease and Ana* was such a nice women she answered my questions right away."

"I`ve been on other sites and they charge you for an answer which [Option Line doesn’t] and is very understanding if someone is not used to this or has difficulties/disabilities."

Some states require special notices to be included with each solicitation delivered to the public.

CA: Heartbeat International’s audited financial statement is available upon request to Heartbeat International.

DC: Heartbeat’s Business ID is #400214000149 and our license expires on June 30, 2024. This information does not constitute an endorsement by the District of Columbia or by an officer or employee of the District.

FL: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR HEARTBEAT INTERNATIONAL IS CH14778. 

IL: Contracts and reports regarding Heartbeat International, Inc. are on file with the Illinois Attorney General.

MD: A copy of the current financial statement of Heartbeat International, Inc. is available by writing 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH 43240 or by calling (614) 885-7577. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

MI: MICS No. 27401.

MN: Heartbeat International, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH, 43240. Heartbeat International, Inc. provides training and education to pregnancy resource centers. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

MS: The official registration and financial information of Heartbeat International, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.

NC: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available for the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.

PA: The official registration and financial information of Heartbeat International, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

VA: Financial statements are available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.

WA: Heartbeat International, Inc., located in Columbus, OH, is registered with the Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by visiting www.sos.wa.fov/charities or, within the state, calling 800-332-4483.

WV: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia, 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

WI: Heartbeat International, Inc. provides training and education to pregnancy resource centers. A copy of the most recent financial statement disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue, and expenses, is available by contacting Heartbeat International, Inc. at 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH 43240.

Heartbeat International is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All gifts to Heartbeat International are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.

by Beth Diemert, Director of Affiliate Services
Heartbeat International

As Holy Week is here and Easter is fast approaching, it is a routine occurrence for me to anticipate an Easter celebration that is full of some of my favorite music. One of the songs that is always top of mind is Sandy Patty’s, Was It a Morning Like This? I know I am dating myself a bit, but it is a classic in my mind, as it depicts the scenes of resurrection morning and those who had a part in it. I love imagining those being played out and the raw emotion in it all.

“Was it a morning like this when Mary walked down from Jerusalem? And two angels stood at the tomb. Bearers of news she would hear soon.”

Those scenarios, of course, take a look back, to that glorious morning that changed everything. But this Easter season, my mind is drawn forward to the idea that all of those thousands of years ago, our heavenly Father knew what a “morning like this” would look like in 2023.

“Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice to feel You again?

As those who work in pregnancy help, our mornings are currently laced with the reality of a post-Roe America. Chemical abortion, angry legislators, big Abortion, determined politicians, big Pharma, censorship, false rhetoric, big Tech, vandalism, and money that follows an agenda. A lot of money.

And in the mix of all that, we as believers, called to a holy mission, consecrate ourselves, and work to be the gospel to those who are in need, in a valley of decision, desperate for truth, real help, and much love. 

So…let’s start here. That gospel, originated in the Easter story, is as relevant on a morning in 2023 as it was that first morning in Jerusalem. To deliver the hope of the world, to the ones who think they have no hope. No choice. No future.

Over and over like a trumpet underground did the earth seem to pound "He is risen!"

Jesus knew false accusations. Jesus knew persecution.  Jesus knew violation and suffering. And yet, Jesus chose to lay down his life in the greatest sacrifice of all time to bring us everlasting life. Those of us in the life movement should be beholden this Easter season, to revisit the Easter story with intentionality, and glean its power and example, to empower us, in continuing to share, and be, the gospel, in everything we say and do.

Luke 23 teaches us much to this end, but three things I want to specifically draw our attention toward:

1. Verses 28-30 – “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!'”

Jesus was referring to what he knew was to come in the destruction they would see in Jerusalem, which would surely affect them and their next generation of children. But how interesting that Jesus would emphasize that weeping should not be for him, but for themselves, particularly using the issue of motherhood at this unprecedented time, speaking to what should be the greatest joy of motherhood becoming a great misery.

Fast forward to 2023, and where are we with this direction from Christ?  Could we ever have imagined the calamity that would come upon motherhood and do we realize this is the issue that Christ called out on his way to the cross, telling the women not to weep not for him, but for themselves, his heart breaking in anticipation of future horrific tragedy?

2. Verse 34 -The next words Jesus uttered were to ask the Father to forgive those who were mocking him, blaspheming him. “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do.” Jesus did not fight back, retaliate. His heart was for the forgiveness of those who were committing horrendous acts against Him. Their need, their deception. On a morning in 2023, do we do the same?

3. Verse 43 -The last thing Christ said before he committed his spirit to the Father, was a promise of assurance that the thief hanging next to him, the one who realized truth and knew what Jesus was bringing, asked to be remembered in the kingdom, and Jesus replied, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” No further requirements, no questions, no judgment. In 2023, do we freely extend the gospel in the same way?”

“Over and over in a never-ending round "He is risen!"

Daily in the morning, the Heartbeat team meets to pray as pregnancy help organizations are opening in times zones that span the world. We often pray that you all will experience mornings full of connection, empowerment, truth to be shared, and love to be lavished. We pray that your clients & residents will have a life-changing day. 

This Easter week as we devote ourselves to prayer, we rejoice!  For every morning (in 2023 and beyond) we have more than we need.  “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on us, because the Lord has anointed us to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent us to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…(Isaiah 61:1) The Spirit of the Living God lives with us.

On a morning like this…like a trumpet underground did the earth seem to pound "He is risen!" He is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

From all of us at Heartbeat, Blessed Easter! He has risen, he has risen indeed!

by Sara Dominguez, Heartbeat International

Did you know that April is Abortion Recovery Awareness Month? In a culture where abortion is framed as a “quick and easy” solution to a “temporary problem”, we in the pregnancy help community know that regret is a common experience after an abortion. At times, the regret can be immediate leading women who have taken the first abortion pill to call the 24/7 Abortion Pill Rescue® Network to receive help and healing with the hope of continuing her pregnancy. For others, the experience of hurt and regret may emerge years after the abortion. Regardless of whether the regret after an abortion is immediate or appears later in life, we know that there is hope for healing and recovery after the loss of abortion.

Many organizations affiliated with Heartbeat International either provide abortion recovery programs or point to abortion recovery organizations offering a wide array of opportunities for healing ranging from support groups and retreats to bible studies and one-on-one counseling.

You can explore resources related to Abortion Recovery and the amazing organizations that provide them here.

Abortion recovery resources are not only available to women, but to men as well, and we know the need for abortion recovery healing for men is ever-growing. This month on the Pregnancy Help Podcast, we were blessed to be joined by Jeff Joaquin who shares his story of healing after abortion. The amazing theme that seemed to carry throughout our conversation was about God’s mercy. At times, it can be difficult for me to wrap my mind around the perfect love that we are offered by the One who created us – a love that far surpasses my own feeble attempts at loving. But what hope can be found when we let go of our preconceived notions about the sort of love we “deserve,” and allow ourselves to receive the healing love that our Father offers to us every single day!

You can listen to Jeff Joaquin’s story here.

And so, let’s spend the month of April sharing the wonderful news that there is hope and healing after an abortion. That the God who created us and who loves us perfectly is ready to meet us right where we are to heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds (Psalm 147: 3). We can take our time to tell our stories, whether on paper, in the confidence of a loved one, or confidentially in a small group or counseling room. There is powerful healing to be had when we step into the light of His mercy and allow Him to reveal to us how perfectly loved we are in His eyes.

by Tracie Shellhouse, MCLC, LAS, Vice President of Ministry Services, Heartbeat International

As you may know, the 2023 Heartbeat International Annual Conference sold out for in-person experience and had a robust list of virtual attendees. We understand that while we would love to meet you in person, it's not always possible for everyone in the pro-life movement. We're happy to announce the virtual experience again this year for our annual conference.

Don't let the obstacles of not attending in person keep you from joining us virtually. Since we offer workshops for every role in the pro-life movement, we've created options for you to "bring" your whole team!

Two Virtual Options

1. Basic virtual access that provides access to all of the virtual-only conference for 14 days, or
2. Expanded virtual access that provides access to all of the virtual-only conference content and select in-person recorded content for 21 days.

Four Fully Virtual Add-on Options

+ Individual Basic Access - $99 ( Virtual Conference Workshops)
+ Individual Expanded Access - $149 ( Virtual Conference Workshops + Select In-Person Workshops)
+ Group Expanded Access (up to 5) - $479 (Virtual Conference Workshops + Select In-Person Workshops)
+ Enterprise Expanded Access (unlimited) - $989 (Virtual Conference Workshops + Select In-Person Workshops)

Tips to Make it Happen

1. Bring in extra manpower.

   In 2020, an organization where I was Executive Director, was running at a lowered capacity due to the pandemic. Shortly thereafter, to allow staff to engage fully in attending workshops and creating connections, I would bring in extra volunteers to cover the office operations and only set appointments for the virtual attendees outside the conference schedule. Today, your organization may be experiencing a season where it's operating at a lower staff/volunteer capacity. If so, take the next couple of weeks to schedule some extra "manpower" to ensure staff and volunteers have the opportunity to garner the invaluable knowledge provided through our Conference experience.

2. Empower and encourage volunteers to attend.

   I’m convinced that encouraging volunteers to participate has the potential to strengthen your organization significantly. Investing in a few special volunteers willing to commit to the training, will likely produce greater commitment and engagement from them at our center. And, with training available for every role in the pro-life movement, utilizing our comprehensive Agenda, it will be easy to schedule workshops with staff as they pertain to their respective roles.

3. Take full advantage of the training available.

   With enough paid (and volunteer) staff registered, you can make sure they attend all the workshops they don’t want to miss. Next, you can debrief and identify workshops that can be used to train current and future volunteers. Then, order those workshop recordings and use them for in-services and additions to our training curriculum.

Most pregnancy help organizations can’t take everyone to the conference in person; some of us must stay home and keep the centers open and running. Justifying the investments for travel, food, and lodging costs for staff members can also be a challenge. There are still options! Providing training for your team through our virtual conference is a great way to re-inspire and re-ignite passion for the work they are doing. Affirming your teams in this way can transform your organization!

Finally, when we participate in workshops presented by those within the movement, it affirms that God calls whomever He wants. Our experiences, backgrounds, and methods are not the same. Yet here we are, unified by our callings and commitment to the mission of pregnancy help, where we belong.

And that, perhaps more than anything, is the true value of participating in the Virtual Conference. 

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist
Heartbeat International

If there is one word to describe the world today it might be divided. Actually, we might even be divided about that! Some people might use the words fractured, broken, or disintegrating. The reality is, we see evidence of division all around us, politically, racially, nationally, even within individuals.

None of that sounds like good news.

But in the midst of the bad news, and the division, we see good news.

The night before Jesus was betrayed, he had a meal and a very long conversation with the disciples. The meal was familiar and traditional, a Passover meal. A meal that each of the disciples had eaten many times in their lives, filled with history, song, and prayer.

But the conversation was not so familiar. Jesus did things that disrupted the evening with hard sayings about leaving, about vines and branches, betrayal. He even said one of the friends sitting at the Passover meal would betray him. He washed everyone’s feet which shocked them and then said they would learn to wash one another’s feet as well.  

In the middle of that last conversation and meal Jesus shared with his disciples, he stopped to enter into a conversation with the Father. He did not preface the interruption with “everyone please bow your heads.” No dramatic pause for effect. He simply started praying to the Father as if the Father was a participant in the rest of the conversation, had been there all along. And, of course, He was. But the prayer Jesus prayed was not the overthrow of the Roman oppressors, nor was it for the disciples’ prosperity, or for methods to spread the message.

His prayer was pointed and focused: the unity of the disciples, both the ones present in the room, and the ones who would one day also believe because of the message carried by the ones in the room. He asked the Father, in the presence of the disciples:

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)

This was the last major discourse with the disciples, and the last major prayer time between the Father and the Son to which they would be witnesses. Because, as we know, they slept through the next prayer time on the Mount of Olives. In this little passage, the disciples overheard Jesus talk to the Father about the who, what, how, and why of unity. We need to pay attention to the matters of unity because unity matters.

The Who

When Jesus talked to the Father about unity for the disciples, he was inclusive. He prayed beyond the eleven disciples present in the room (Judas had already left). It was a prayer for those who would believe in Jesus through the testimony and witness of the ones in the room. And any single one of us reading this as well as the billions who follow Jesus around the world, are part of the “those who will believe in me through their message.” Jesus’ prayer to the Father reached down through generations and across the globe. He prayed across time and space.

The What

Jesus interceded to the Father that all of them, all of us may be one: “Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” He wanted more than all of us being in the same room, more than gathering around the worldwide campfire and singing the same song. He prayed for oneness.

Oneness goes beyond togetherness, friendship, partnership, or collaboration.  Oneness carries with it the same meaning as used in marriage-that the two become one. Total intimacy of two still distinct individuals. As the Father and the Son and Spirit are one, Jesus asked God to make us, as Jesus followers, one, in the same way that the Father and the Son are one. The concept is already beyond our human comprehension, so he gave us an example of oneness and intimacy in relationship: just as you are in me and I am in you.

The Father and Son are so united that Jesus told Philip, “if you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Jesus wanted for us the unity the Son and the Father enjoy. That seems like an impossibility. How can we, as flawed human beings, from different races, ethnicities, geopolitical borders, with individual interests, needs, levels of income and desires enter into that kind of oneness?

The How

How on earth could Jesus pray for the impossible? As he said in another time to the disciples, with men and women, in the flesh, this is impossible, but all things are possible with God (MT 19:26). We cannot strive for unity as the world strives for it. Our unity is in the Father, Son and Spirit. Jesus asked the Father, “may they also be in us.” Our unity as Christians, and by extension, as the pregnancy help movement, must be found in, and founded in, the way of Jesus.

Thousands of years earlier, there was another great movement toward unity. It was a monumental effort of the entire world that was united by speech. In Genesis 11, people came together as one and determined to build a name for themselves by building a tower that reached to heaven. The effort failed because of pride and arrogance against God. But in that same passage we see that there is no limit to what could happen if people are united.

The problem was not that the people were united with one another. The problem was that the people were not united with God. Their unity was for the purpose of being like God (sounds like the Garden all over again).

The Why

Unity is not the end goal. Unity with the triune God has a beauty, joy and wonder all its own. But unity also has a purpose. “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” We work for unity so that the whole rest of the world will know that the Father sent the Son out of love. It is so that all those generations since the eleven in the room with Jesus would know the lifesaving truth that Christ came into the world for sinners, to restore relationship, and for unity with the Father, even as the Father and the Son are one.

Psalm 131 says that where the brothers dwell together in unity, it is good and pleasant. Even more than that, God commands a blessing (Psalm 131:1-4). I have four children and honestly, when I see our children getting along, dwelling together in unity, I want to bless them because their unity blesses me. We want to bless our heavenly Father with our unity in the same way.

The pregnancy help movement is spread across the globe. Heartbeat International is currently serving affiliates in 90 nations. We do so in partnership and collaboration with nine different networks. Yet, approximately 30% of Heartbeat's international affiliates are not in networks. They labor sometimes as the only pregnancy help center in the nation. Some centers may be the only place for a woman in an unexpected pregnancy in a radius encompassing 2 or 3 or 4 million people.

Each center looks different. The languages are different. Some centers are urban, some rural, some are Catholic, some evangelical, some Orthodox. Pregnancy help centers hold out the word of life in peace and in war, in famine and in feasting, in sickness, through the pandemic, and in health. We are united with one another, and with the triune God.

Unity is hard. The culture of individualism and personal rights can stand against unity. Our “me” gets in the way of “we.” But if we can pray toward, work toward, and move toward unity, as the pregnancy help movement, the world will know, even as it sees us as a movement, that the Father sent the Son, that the Father loves them, even as He loves the Son. And then, the world might believe.

Society today places so much emphasis on scientific data as the only reliable source to any subject. Truth be told, when it comes to human sexuality, science speaks for itself. Dr. Joe Malone, Sexual Integrity Scientist, helps us understand why on Valentine’s (and every other) day!

TRUE LOVE AND MARRIAGE

Some in our 21^st century Western culture are advocating many new relationship types. These include hookups, friends with benefits, throuples, cohabitation, polyamory, and more. They say that we need to be liberated from our sexually repressed lifestyles. The philosophy is that if it feels good, we should do it with as many different people as we choose. When it stops feeling good or gets old, we can switch to another or others. Being personally happy is the ultimate goal in life for each individual and the most important gifts are the ones we give to ourselves in the pursuit of pleasure, no matter how it affects the other people in our lives. Many of those we serve in the pregnancy help community have adopted this thinking. But we have a unique opportunity to share a vision of marriage, true love, and real sex with them. Consider this.

A CHRISTIAN DISTINCTIVE

An outstanding hallmark of Christianity from the beginning has been monogamous marriage. Christians stood out within their communities because of it. Contrastingly to the above thinking and practice, think of Valentine’s Day and the giving and receiving of a gift with the one we love. We may not realize all the value of the gift, when the gift is sex in a loving monogamous relationship that we can share with the love of our life, our spouse. There are so many benefits to sex within monogamous marriage. Let’s take a look at some of them.

BENEFITS ON MANY LEVELS

Sex within marriage leads to greater and greater levels of intimacy. You get to know each other better and better in a way that no one else on earth does. This helps develop a trust relationship that is sure and steady. In happy marriages this can have interesting physical benefits. Happily married couples blood pressures drop when they sleep together. Their heartbeats synchronize as well. Sex is a great releaser of stress!

Sex within marriage also doesn’t carry all of the negative baggage that sex previous to, or otherwise outside of marriage carries like guilty feelings, regret, worry about STIs or an unwanted pregnancy with someone who is not your spouse.

The physical contact involved in sex helps us to bond more strongly all of the time. There are endorphin receptors throughout the skin covering of the body and they react to intimate and loving touch, which generates endogenous (or internal) endorphins, a kind of super relaxant. Hugs contribute to this, and married couples are encouraged to hug each other at least eight times per day. Their hearts literally beat as one because of the assurance that they have that their spouse loves them absolutely and has their back at all times.

LIFE LENGTHENING AND ENHANCING

Another great benefit of married sex is that it is antiaging! Cells in the body that are anti-inflammatory are released during sexual activity. This helps the body to be able to repair more effectively and seems to be a built-in way that the wellness and well-being of the married couple is enhanced.

Sex within marriage raises our immune system by causing the release of an antibody called immunoglobin A. This helps protect our bodies against invasive bacteria and viruses. A lifelong marriage is a very holistic stabilizing factor physiologically for a couple.

SLEEP

An awesome married sex life helps us to sleep better because oxytocin is released substantially after sex. Cuddling afterwards and going to sleep is very natural and healthy. It helps us to have healthier looking skin as it promotes blood circulation, and it even helps women to have lighter periods. Sex within marriage raises our moods and gives us a more positive outlook on our spouse as we bond.

GOD’S WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY

If we are reflective, we see that its benefits go far beyond immediate pleasure and even increased physical and mental health. When we look at the physical fruits of married sexual relationships - children - it is obvious that this is definitely one of God’s most important gifts to us. After all, his first words to humanity were to go forth and multiply.

Married sex is a wonderful example of men and women displaying consistency, intentionality, and most of all faithfulness. This is what God intended for humans and without a doubt, it is best for us.

Marriage pays dividends multi-generationally to a family and then to all of the lives that a family influences in their lifetime. As we have seen before, it is always in our best interests to do things God’s way. Profound and magnificent blessings follow in that pathway. One path leads to death, the other path leads to life. Let’s help them choose life! Let’s give our clients a gift that keeps on giving, as we share the vision (and science!) of marriage, empowering them to experience one wonderful and memorable Valentine’s Day after another, year after year, and decade after decade.