Understanding Gods Plan: Life, Love and Relationships

2009

The Beginning

Before You Were Formed, I Knew You

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Ultrasounds Windows to the Womb

Development of Life

8 weeks

10 weeks

22 weeks

Smiling

Sucking

Yawning

12 Weeks After Conception

24 Weeks in the Womb

Meet Kelly!

PrePre-Natal Care is Important!

Not a blob of tissue

Motherhood is a Blessing!

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Fatherhood is a Blessing!

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Life is a Gift!

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Life and love are meant to be connectedwith God

Relationships Intimacy

Love

God
Life Sexuality

Family

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Is this what is meant to be?

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The Story of the Fall

The Story of the Fall

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Attacks on the Value of the Human Person:

Pornography Lack of Modesty Media Music Alcohol, Drugs, etc.

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Pornography

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STDs/STIs
HPV Chlamydia Herpes HIV/AIDS Gonorrhea Syphilis Genital Warts

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What about homosexuality?

What we can say about persons with homosexual tendencies:

We are all daughters and sons of God. All persons with homosexual tendencies must be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2358) All people -- religious, married and single -- are called to chastity.

What we can say about homosexuality:

There is no conclusive scientific or theological explanation for why some individuals have same-sex attractions. The Church teaches that the psychological basis of homosexuality remains largely unexplained. (CCC 2357)

What we can say about homosexual acts:

Homosexual acts are contrary to the natural law* because they do not involve the union of a man and woman in self-giving love open to the creation of new life. *natural law is a universal precept present in the heart of each man and
established by reason (CCC n. 1956).

Sexual Exposure Chart

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What Is Meant By

Abstinence
means saving all sexual activity for marriage.

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Chastity
is a virtue. Chastity is purity of heart, mind, and body Defends love against selfishness It is a way of life!
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Benefits of Chastity
Chastity is the Guardian of Love No serious heartbreak. No crisis pregnancy. No STDs or STIs. No regrets.

Respect for self and others. A chance for love. A lasting marriage. A fulfilling sex-life!
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Bonding and SexIts in the Chemistry!

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The Instruction Manual

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In the beginning.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

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JPII Theology of the Body

John Paul II calls this the Theology of the Body

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Image of the Trinity

Father Son

Holy Spirit
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Family as Image of the Trinity

Father

Mother

Child

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Sacrament of Marriage = Gods Graces Sex is Sacred!

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Love = Sacrifice

Love one another as I have loved you.

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What is Love?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7
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Gods Plan for a Great Love Life:

Free Total Faithful Fruitful

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Free
For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13

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Total
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.
Genesis 2:24

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Faithful

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Corinthians 1:7-8
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God blessed them saying, be fruitful and multiply Genesis 1:28

Fruitful

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The Pill, Implants, Etc

Artificial hormones attempt to prevent the release of the egg, and thin the lining of the uterus. If the egg is not kept from ovulation, it can be fertilized. However, because of the thinned lining of the uterus the new life will not be able to implant, causing an abortion. Makes women more vulnerable to STDs, negative emotional side effects and several other physical problems.

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Condoms---Safe Sex Isnt Safe

Statistics: During the time that usage among teens rose from 21% to 67% Teen pregnancy decreased STDs grew to epidemic proportions because of overconfidence and reliance on condoms
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Effectiveness?
When used 100% of the time, latex condoms can:
reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS by about 87% 13% chance will still get HIV odds a little worse than 1 in 10 is this safe sex or protection?

At best, condoms can reduce the risk but do not prevent contracting disease. No condom protection for most common viral STD: Human Papillomavirus, HPV
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Protection?
Proper consistent usage required---every time Only prevents contact with some bodily fluids and only the skin of the genitals themselves (if covered properly) 20% failure rate (1 in 5) Tears, breaks, cracks Temperature sensitivitycold/heat Quality varies, as does distribution & storage
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HIV
Est. 33.2 Million people infected worldwide Stable or waning in every country Sub-Saharan Africa continues to account for approximately 70% of global burden of HIV Handful of southern Africa account for a full 1/3 of global infections,with adult rates up to 25% Yet, Africa provides some greatest examples of SUCCESS!
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UGANDA Success Story

HIV Rates decreased from 21% to 6% in 1991 to 2003 During a USAID study, those reporting 2 or more partners declined from 86% to 29% for men, 75% to 7% for women Data shows HIV declined in Uganda because of fewer sexual partners (being faithful) rather than condom use Abstinence and faithfulness are by far the most important factors for stopping HIV epidemic
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Contraception Contrary to Gods Plan

Not Free
Based on Fear

Not Total
I give you everything except my fertility

Not Faithful
Fails to uphold marriage vows

Not Fruitful
Creates a deliberate barrier to new life
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NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP)

99.6% effective* in planning your family AND completely in line with Gods Plan! Its TOTAL love. Its SACRIFICAL love by abstaining within marriage. at intervals,

It strengthens marriage instead of weakens it.

*German study 2007
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No Condom for the Heart

The only 100% sure way to safeguard teens from teenage pregnancy, STDs, and emotional damage is abstinence until marriage.

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Healing

God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in faithful love.

(Ex 34:6)
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The Gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

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Practical Advice
Surround yourself with people with the same values. When you start a relationship, talk about how you will be living Gods plan. Every relationship you have should bring you closer to God. Avoid sins such as pornography and other negative behaviors (drugs, alcohol) Ask yourself: What is the best way that I can respect God, my friend, myself, and my future spouse? Focus on the most pure, beautiful image of man and wife, and conform your actions to make that your future!

Pray

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Pray

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Blessed Mother

Spiritual Journey
Find time to open your heart to Gods love and guidance. Admit when you need help turn to Christ and the Sacraments. Seek grace and the strength to live Gods plan by receiving the Eucharist and attending Mass. Frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation for strength and healing.
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Advice from Scripture

fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honor, everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

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