100 Good Things About Getting Older

1. Well compared to the alternative, getting older is awesome! Ba dump bump.
2. You become tall enough for the ride.
3. The longer you live, the more you can imagine other points of view and maybe accept them.
4. You’ll experience love and heartache and hopefully appreciate the difference.
5. You can stay up as late as you want.
6. You can decide to do things differently.
7. For me, motherhood has become the coolest thing about being older.
8. Becoming a grandparent might be even cooler.
9. Discovering the way each of those roles, change you.
10. You get to see the world from a child’s view. (Which made me ask the kids what they thought was the coolest thing about getting older. See their replies below.)
11. You get to be older than someone else. -Ethan, age 8
12. You get to work with your mom one day. -Sophie, age 5
13. Ava! -Jackson, age 2 (speaking of his 1 year old friend.)
14. I am surprised that he didn't say that you could have another "nack" (aka snack). That too IS a perk and it's his favorite past time (aside from thinking about Ava). Go have a snack!
15. You're a wee bit closer to meeting Jesus! 
16. You can drive where you want.
17. You've found someone to learn from
18. and then someone to teach.
19. You can appreciate the gift of hindsight.
20. Ooh discounts… AARP anyone?  …. Not I. At least not yet.
21. Retirement.
22. We get wiser.
23. The getting was good…
24. If getting there was half the battle, now you have to determine what to do with the other half...
25. Emotions are more stable
26. Another opportunity to celebrate.
27. Okay, the presents…
28. And you can have a party!
29. We have less to prove.
30. We can start defining/redefining priorities...
31. Hopefully, committing to more of them.
32. All of the historical moments you can witness.
33. We take time to reflect, reminisce, remember...
34. The loss of memory, can keep things new… and maybe even exciting.
35. This also makes keeping secrets a bit easier...
36. If you’re Scarlett, you still have one more day to think about it…
37. You’ve learned from a mistake.
38. You’ve hopefully learned to forgive someone
39. and then found yourself forgiven.
40. Less hormones anyone!?
41. Gray hair is the crown of splendor. Psalm 16:31
42. Well, what a blessing to even have been born at all. 
43. Sometimes, we find ourselves born again.
44. We toughen up,
45. but mellow out.
46. Naps.
47. We worry less about what others think.
48. You can give yourself permission.
49. Dinner is at 4...
50. Some of your favorite clothes just might come back in style.
51. Thankfully, you also get to see some clothes go out of style! (men's skinny jeans...sigh)
52. You made it to the top of the hill.
53. You can stroll down the other side if you want to... or lie down and roll.
54. You don't have to make your bed anymore.
55. You might get new teeth.
56. We learn which rules to break and which ones to keep.
57. The same with things to save and things to purge.
58. At least once you'll get to be the leader, Simon or Polo. 
59. You might even get to be the "boss" in real life.
60. The power we attain when we end up serving instead. 
61. "Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." -C.S. Lewis
62. Antiques increase in worth. ...hang in there!
63. Can I just say "thankfully, no one saws us in half to count our rings"?
64. Medical science and technology keep improving.
65. The longer you live, the more likely you are to see an eclipse, a good sunset/rise, a blood moon, a meteorite shower or shooting star.
66. You can only build your legacy while you're alive.
67. The older you get the less peer pressure you have.
68. You can design the future.
69. And share your past. 
70. The day is always new.
71. Age is always measurable, even if you need a calculator to count it.
72. Beauty is a state of mind and not the body.
73. You can make another wish,
74. or you can make it happen. -unknown
75. "Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional." -Bob Monkhouse
76. God is always with you.
77. A cane can help hold you up, knock something down and extend your reach. (And if you put it on top of your head, it will make you taller, which I hear scares bears away). I think I might get one.
78. If you need a hearing aid, silence and sound both become optional.
79. Hair growth slows. I certainly hope this means that we can shave less.
80. We shrink as we get older. I've been trying to think of a positive about this but the only thing that comes to mind is that if you wear high waters long enough, you might grow into them.  
81. At some point people begin to excuse your blunders because of your age... ;)
82. It gives you something to look forward to.
83. You get to spend a little bit more time with someone you love.
84. No one can make you do anything if you don't want to.
85. You can find a prescription for almost everything that ails ya'!
86. Eventually you're old enough for 'it'.
87. You can develop a collection.
88. One day you might find out it's worth something.
89. People only laugh when you pass gas in public when you're little or when you're old.  You may have passed the first window but the second one is approaching.
90. If you forget, someone will usually remind you.
91. Keep it up and you just might honor your mother and father.
92. You're never "too old" for it.
93. Things become less important.
94. You can have dessert before dinner.
95. There is a purpose for each of us and as long as we're living, there's something to do.
96. You can still pass through a cemetery without staying.
97. All of the wonderful photo opportunities.
98. I can't help but think about periods where people didn't live much past their thirties and forties. Here, I am feeling like I am just now getting my head screwed on right. I am thankful for the opportunity to live beyond that.
99. Eventually, you reach the end.
100. You can come up with #101.

100 About Me

1. My parents did not name me Reginald. You'd be surprised how many people ask me that. I was however, almost an Erika.
2. Everyone in my family calls me something different though. (Shanny, Lucy, Rooster and more...)
3. I am an Aries.
4. When I was in high school, one of my favorite shirts was a No Fear t-shirt that said “The older I get, the better I was”. I do feel like the older I get, the better I am. :) Thank God!
5. I was surprised by how much I loved motherhood.
6. I married my high school sweet heart.
7. I like who we are now, way better than who we even thought that we could be then!
8. I quit smoking in 2008 and still want a cigarette!
9. I think that I was 8 when I wrote a letter to Bon Jovi and asked him to marry me. His stupid fan club had the audacity to intercept my letter and even send back a reply, inviting me to his "club". sigh...
10. I could go to school for forever to learn about different hobbies, like pottery, photography, glass blowing, etc...
11. I own a guitar but have never played.
12. I love a good excuse to get all misty-eyed.
13. I think my best feature is my heart.
14. I can't think of any surgery that I would like to have. I like me the way that I am. I just need to work out.
15. I cannot find time to work out.
16. I feel most like 'myself' when I am inside out.
17. I can't kill anything, except ticks and mosquitoes but sometimes even that makes me sad.
18. You should see my flailing ballet when I am carrying spiders to a safe place. They are so creepy.
19. I would be a vegetarian if I wasn't raised to eat meat.
20. Steak is my favorite food. ...The crispy fat around the edge of a rib-eye makes me burst into song.
21. When the kids were babies, the only song I could ever think to sing to them was "Danny's Song" by Loggins and Messina. I forgot the words to every other song.
22. Ethan would always cry the moment I started because I sing that "awesome".
23. Sometimes I drive like Bo and Luke Duke. ...at least in my mind.
24. I used to write poetry in high school.
25. Occasionally, I dabble in writing songs.
26. I think that I don't finish them because no one would want to hear me sing them. haha.
27. I hate using acronyms in place of words. (Ex: LOL and TTYL). Hence my "haha"
28. I'd like to have a retired animal farm when I am older and open it up as an opportunity for kids too somehow...
29. My bucket list only has about 50 things on it but I've started doing them.
30. The more I learn about God, the more I realize how much I do not know.
31. I feel like I've really come into my faith in the last year. The first big step toward that was fixing my prayer life.
32. There is no going back.
33. I had a small tattoo once.
34. I rejected the ink. It completely disappeared.
35. I hate to have my finger nails painted.
36. I do prefer to have my toenails painted and usually only have about 3 colors that I will wear. 
37. I was a tom boy.
38. Sophie makes me like sparkles.
39. I've even gotten to be more comfortable in dresses than pants.
40. I am a daddy's girl.
41. My sister in law and I truly feel like sisters.
42. I am an only child.
43. I've heard a rumor that I have a half-brother and struggle with whether or not I should find him.
44. I have two of my dogs' teeth inlayed in gold in charms on an anklet.
45. Yet, I am repulsed by the idea of having my kids' teeth hanging along side them. haha. Go figure...
46. I refused to have a DJ at our wedding because Colin and I don't like to dance and a DJ will usually make you.
47. I'd say my favorite flowers are Gerber Daisies and Peonies.
48. But I've REALLY got a thing for trees.
49. Orange, teal and red are my favorite colors.
50. My favorite bible verse is: "Above all else, guard your heart, for all you do flows from it."-Proverbs 4:23
51. I try to live by it.
52. One of my favorite quotes is: "This life cannot be lived apart from what it must forgive." -Robert Creeley.
53. Another is: "When you live your life believing that everything primarily depends on you, you become enslaved to your strengths and weaknesses." - Pastor Tullian Tchividjian
54. I have a list of affirmations that I read almost every day.
55. I had to adjust them when I overheard Sophie's version.
56. I LOVE getting older!
57. My favorite book is a collection of poetry by Rod McKuen titled "Alone".
58. Brown liquor makes me mean. -I guess it's a good thing that I don't like it.
59. I was always a beer girl but had to put that away too. I've been sober since 2014.
60. I was disqualified from all branches of the military for sleepwalking and eczema.
61. I'm afraid of leaving the country.
62. And going on a cruise ship.
63. My favorite singer is Van Morrison.
64. Jackson's middle name is "Van" after him.
65. I cried my eyes out at a Counting Crows concert.
66. No one was more surprised than me when I reacted that way.
67. I was crushed when I learned that I had a peanut allergy.
68. However, I prayed like the dickens that it wouldn't be dairy. Whew!
69. I think I might foster or adopt when my kids are older.
70. I am looking for ways to volunteer with my children. 
71. I believe in the "more the merrier"
72. I was so relieved to pass up deciding or trying to control who could and could not get along. "Come if you want to and stay home if you don't" is much easier to manage.
73. I can't tell you the last time I had an entire day to myself alone.
74. It's a secret covet.
75. But I figure that there's plenty of time for that later!
76. All of my family lives in Florida. I miss them in the most ridiculous way! I wish they lived here too.
77. God gave me the second best possible family to be close to.
78. I love that we live on a "compound".
79. I struggled with what item should be first and last on this list and if the order reflected anything about me. 
80. I don't care which way the toilet paper rolls or if it's even on the holder.  -As long as there is toilet paper, I am happy.
81. I can be a pretty gruff person but it's usually because I am in a hurry or because I am tired (which makes me want to hurry).
82. I am thankful to be slowing down.
83. I went to over 18 schools between the 4th and 12th grade.
84. When I lived in Key West, some kids and I were waiting for the bus and a dolphin came up. We all walked out in the water and played with him/her until the bus arrived. 
85. I hate pickles and more importantly that their juice contaminates everything.
86. I have about 5 pair of shoes and if an outfit won't go with them, I won't buy the outfit.
87. The minute that you and I make plans, I'm thinking about all of the places that we can eat while we're together.
88. Out of all of my children, I think that Ethan and I are most alike. :) Jackson's budding personality doesn't seem to be altering that status.
89. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
90. I used to hate holidays so, I started pretending to be excited about them and I started some things that would become tradition. It took a few years but now I am the most excited in our house.
91. I am learning how to embrace who I am, including owning my mistakes and what I am good at.
92. This list is part of that, I'm sure.
93. I am thankful that Colin married me.
94. I have recently fantasized about getting back into my wedding dress.
95. I played center on an all guys basketball team in school.
96. I don't really like chickens all that much but somehow I still collect funky ones. I think mostly because collecting chickens is completely ridiculous. haha
97. I do love and also collect old jars.
98. At this very moment Jackson and Sophie are playing in the rain in the front yard. I look up to see that Jackson has stripped off his diaper, pants and boots and is running through a puddle. For a millisecond I thought about going to get him but I don't because everyone should have mud between their toes, their cheeks and occasionally in their teeth. -Even if the last two happen in that order from the same puddle.
99. I wonder how many people flinched at that and I chuckle.
100. I deleted something off the list because 2 years later it still bothered me.
101. I am trying to give up excess but at the same time I believe that everything deserves a little extra. So here's a bonus!

Another Look At Abortion

This post is just going to be a random collection of thoughts. I will start with my own story and then share some statistics and other resources.  I recognize that not everyone feels the same as I do or even has the same experience(s). 

However, I have been stopped by several people that wanted to tell me that they learned something (from a view that I didn’t expect) after hearing my testimony.  In all of my sharing, I was really only thinking about a post-abortive mother. Yet, the Lord used my story to touch others on the same subject outside of that position.

My hope is that this view can open your eyes to something new in your own thought process about it, no matter where you stand.

Before my abortion

• I thought it would never happen to me. 
• I was Pro-Life.
• I believed in God and had some sort of church background. I was ‘saved’.
• I wanted this baby.
• I was on birth control.

Deciding abortion

• It was more the flip of the switch. SUDDENLY, I was terrified.
• "DO IT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE" was really all that I could hear.
• I didn't feel like I could talk to anyone. I mean, who do you tell that you are considering an abortion? Is it illegal? Would I get arrested even mentioning it?  I knew it was the unthinkable, so how could I verbalize it?  Who do you tell???  …You tell the abortion clinic. 
• I was afraid to be counseled and the clinic didn’t really try to counsel me.
• I didn't feel like adoption was the solution because I couldn't guarantee that anyone else could be trusted either.
• Once the “switch flipped” I secretly hoped that God would give me a miscarriage, so that I didn't have to be the one to make the decision.
• Although, I could not (would not) cry for help, I secretly hoped that someone else had radar on me and would fight my ambivalence and rescue/support me. Not just by telling me not to do it. They didn’t know what I was facing. I needed someone to support me and show me HOW I could keep a baby in these circumstances.
• Within 48 hours I went from being Pro-Life to being one of those women.

After the abortion

• I felt like God would never forgive someone like me.  He might forgive everyone else’s sin but he couldn’t forgive this one.
• I thought life could return to normal. I would just put this part of my life over in a corner.
• I thought about it more than I expected.
• I felt that I wasn’t worthy of being helped because I deserved every bit of my suffering.
• I couldn’t begin to look at God because I couldn’t even face myself. So I also put my faith over in another compartment too.
• For a long part of my life, I felt unlovable or like something was ‘wrong’ with me.  Having an abortion, gave me a truth to attach to that feeling. It validated why I was unlovable.
• I was afraid that I would never get pregnant again and that I would be a terrible mother.  I was also afraid that any future children might be taken as punishment for my past sin or that I was still awaiting my fate in another sense….
• Later on when I got married, (although it was not his child) my abortion affected my marriage because it still affected me.
• After meeting my living children, I became more aware of how much I miss the child that is not with me.

General Statistics

• 1-3 women will have had an abortion by the age of 45. Shocking, isn't it?
• A woman that has had an abortion is 6-7 times more likely to commit suicide.
• There is a significant increase in depression, substance abuse, and self-destructive behavior (which may include subsequent abortions) for a woman after the first abortion. 
• Teens that have had an abortion face even more alarming statistics for depression and substance abuse.
• There can be physical conditions left from the procedure, even sterilization for some.
• 50% of all women that have had an abortion live in fear of a retributive God.
• There are studies that indicate that more lives are lost to abortion than any other cause of death.
• Only 1% of aborted babies die to save the life of the mother.
• Men aren’t unscathed by the damage of abortion.
• Statistics for right here in Hampton Roads.
• There is even a "Post Abortion Syndrome"

(I should’ve cited those statistics but I originally took them for a verbal testimony. I might go back and note them later. You can do your own research though and come up with similar numbers.)

Everything about abortion is controversial; the statistics, the methods, the consequences. It is hard to read the above statistics though and then think that abortion is safe or a simple choice. No matter what I post or what you find or whether or not it's even legal, the abortion itself is a tragedy. Sometimes that tragedy leads to another later.

Take Aways

• Never say "Never".
• Don't be afraid to show you can help a pregnant woman. Don't wait to do it either. She might now know how to voice her fear.
• By not speaking up, she might take your silence as rejection of her or the child.
• If you recommend abortion, not only is it a sin but you might also be inviting that man or woman to a burden that they can't handle.
• When you become pregnant, your life will never be the same. Abortion doesn't change that fact.  Whether or not, you have the baby, your life may never be the same.
• If you are pregnant or if you want to help someone who is, here are some places that you can start:
• See my "resources page" for our area. If you don't live near me, you most likely have many of the same or similar programs. Most of these links are for government benefits and local connections to food, shelter, medical resources. The ones below will be more specific to pregnancy. If something speaks to you, then I recommend that you initiate getting as much of the information as you can. If you hand her a list like this, it might overwhelm her even more.
• Government Benefits for Virginia 
• Your local Social Services office can help with the above programs in addition to childcare. They might also have additional information about local non-government services in your area.
• The Cooperative Extension also has additional resources but they also have a ton of free classes on topics like cooking, building budgets, etc. 
• Research grants and financial assistance for pregnant women in your state for a variety of needs.
• Education Assistance for Pregnant Women (there are probably more than these.)
• Virginia Department of Health Pregnancy Assistance Fund
• Additional Nationwide Scholarship Programs
• These facilities offer parenting classes.  You can also show you support her by going with her to the class(es).
• Rural Virginia United Coalition
• The Northern Neck Connection
• Classes by Sentara
• Classes by Riverside
• Health Department
• Look for Job Opportunities.
• Take up a collection of infant clothing and needs.
• Pray. Even if you don't know what to say, pray together and open your hearts to God for direction. 
• Provide Emotional support and just be a friend.
• Here are a list of Crisis Pregnancy and Post Abortion resources:
• Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater
• Pregnancy Resource Clinic of Hampton Roads
• Another list of Crisis Pregnancy Centers in VA
• National office for Post Abortion Reconciliation and Healing
• Hope after an Abortion
• New Life Family Services – Materials that I use in my class come from this site. 
• List of resources for Men
• Memorial For The Unborn 
• If you would like information about the Conquerors Bible Study for Post Abortion Healing, please contact me.

And Finally

From the very beginning of all of this, I was afraid. For whatever reason(s), I didn't feel as though I had a voice or a choice.  I absolutely resisted asking for help or even considering what I wanted the outcome to be. I deliberately turned away from God, in an effort to harden my heart, in order to get through this situation. It might not have seemed that way in the moment but in hindsight, I would say that was an accurate description.

After the abortion, I was afraid of speaking out because I did it to myself. I don't know that I knew quite what to think of the situation. I didn't want to be the depressing friend. I think that I was afraid to face what had become my truth. I was afraid to look back at God because I deliberately turned away.

When I took the Conquerors classes, I knew it was what I needed. I knew by the end of it there was an opportunity for me to also lead those classes when the time was right. As it has drawn closer, I still found myself afraid of some sort of rejection or negative consequence. Speaking out for the first time, writing about it here, going public in my church and even in waiting to begin my first class; I was nervous and maybe even afraid.

Yet, I can tell you that when I have considered God and moved forward in what I believe to be his will; he has met me where I was, every step of the way. -And the result has surprised me every single time.

I'd like to encourage you to read Romans 8:18-39. Verse 26 says that the Spirit helps us in our weakness. No matter who you are, the holy spirit can help you. Whether you're helping a friend or if you're the parent trying to make the initial decision. Maybe you need help acknowledging the decision(s) you've already made. Maybe it's in finding forgiveness or owning your truth or helping someone else face their own truth. Wherever you are in your journey, the Spirit will help you in your weakness. 

v37 says that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Do not let a temporary spirit of fear result in a permanent sentence. No matter what you've done or where you've been or what you're facing, there is NOTHING that can separate you from the love of God. v39

Fasting | Notes

I've fasted from food a few times. Each time, there was a situation that I needed clarity in. I didn't follow any manuals or seek any physician's council. Which, in hindsight may not have been the wisest decision but they were short fasts and I don't have any health issues.

With each fast, I needed a discerning heart for how God wanted me to respond in the particular situation. Not only did I receive my answer(s), I had peace about each one I was given. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit every time.

I intend to learn more about fasting this year. I like to make notes so that I can share them as well as remind myself about it later. So, you may want to check this page again later to see if I have any additions. If you plan on fasting this year, it goes hand in hand with prayer. You may find my notes about prayer useful as well.

1. Fasting is an opportunity to retrain your brain.  You and I are hungry every day at different times. We also fester over things that upset us and worry incessantly about things that we shouldn't. Every time that we get one of those urges or that hunger pang, they serve as prompts to pray instead of eating, worrying, festering...

2. Going without is one thing but replacing 'it' with more of something focused on God is really the intent of the fast.

3. You are repeatedly dying to self.

4. For me, fasting seemed to take a lot of the emotional response out of my problem. It allowed me to see the details of the situation instead of being blinded by my feelings about it.

5. Each time that I have fasted, I have felt peace and clarity.

6. The purpose of a fast is to make you "as clean a vessel possible, in order to gain more of the Holy Spirit and discernment". That might not make much sense but alcohol subdues you, caffeine perks you up, other foods can also have various effects; we're just so accustomed to eating them that we don't realize their impact. Not putting it in our bodies, allows us a clean starting point if that makes sense.

7. It is a form of worship. Recognizing that you need God more than a necessity or desire.

8. You will never have dominion over any appetite of your body until you make fasting a regular part of your diet. - Fred Michaux, Pastor of City Life.

9. Fasting isn't only about food. In fact if you check out Isaiah 58; It is labeled "True Fasting" and never mentions food.  It talks about the importance of checking the attitude of your heart, so that the things that you do or give up don't cause your to be bitter about doing them. It also acknowledges the importance of loving others, building up the body of believers and also fasting from your own tasks in order to honor the Sabbath. Consider fasting a tool to dying to self in any aspect.


Resources

The following resources look interesting to me and are what I will be using when I begin to dig deeper. This was an easy place to store them for access later. May they be a blessing to us both!

Fasting Can Change Your Life - Interviews & Testimony's about fasting

The Beginner's Guide to Fasting, Elmer Towns

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, Elmer Towns - This one looks at several fasts in the Bible and what they were used for. -

This link looks like a pdf study guide that goes with the above book.

A free link with some more info.

***

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  And I will be found of you, saith the LORD." Jeremiah 29:13-14 

Resources

I love to share resources with people but often can't remember the names of programs or I find that I don't have the time to look them back up.  I've struggled with ways to organize the contacts. So, this list will be random but it's a new attempt and work in progress. Most of the resources will be listed in relation to the county that I reside in but please research resources in your area if these are too far for you.

Please also feel free to share this page and suggest additions to this page. Many of the resources have been taken from other "group" pages. So, I will list those organizations at the bottom. 

I discovered 211Virginia after I created this page, so I will start with it because it is a searchable database of resources in Virginia! It's driven by Social Services and United way, etc.  Awesome!!
.

Abuse

• Red Flag - Violence on College Campus
• Laurel Shelter
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• The Feminist Majority Foundation
• The Wounded Heart (Sexual Abuse Bible Study) - Message me for details about local classes.
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Self-defense classes
• Celebrate Recovery - Local churches may have a meeting near you!
• The Christian Treatment Center

Animals

• Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) - Assistance and affordable Spay/Neuter procedures and shots
• Animal Care of Mathews, RR 14, Mathews, Va - (804) 725-5242 - provides upfront coverage for procedures with payment plan.
• Other Spay/Neuter/Shot Clinics - Scroll to the bottom of this page for listings.
• Gloucester Mathews Humane Society
• Pet pantry

Bible Study

• Bible Study Fellowship - Click to find classes near you
• Community Bible Study - Click to find classes near you
• Check local churches near you

Clothing Closets and Resources

• Newington Baptist Church
• Gloucester Point Baptist Church
• Laurel Shelter
• Salvation Army

Family/Kids

• Parenting Classes & Resources
• Free Tax Counseling - 804-725-1709
• Bereavement Support Group
• Center for Child and Family Services, Inc
• Community Education Department for your child's school
• Outdoor Safety Tips
• Water Safety Tips
• Home Safety Tips
  
  Free things to do with the family:
• My active child
• Your local parks and rec  Don't forget parks and rec for surrounding counties.
• Preschool pass Busch Gardens/Water Country
• Lowes & Home Depot work shops
• Gloucester Arts On Main - Schedules Fish School and other art workshops.
• Centershot Ministry - (Youth Archery Program) - Contact Seth Craig - 804-693-2071
• Blue Bird Gap Farm
• Riverbirch Animal Farm
• Volunteer - Volunteering is feel good, no cost, fun, & educational family thing to do.

Food Pantries

• Bread For Life Community Food Pantry at St. Therese Catholic Church.
• Bellamy United Methodist Church
• Salvation Army
• First Presbyterian Church 
• Abingdon Episcopal Church
• Union Baptist Church
• One Harvest via Gloucester Point Baptist Church (replaced Angel Food Program)
• See this link for other student & summer meal programs.
• Soup Kitchen
• Meals on Wheels

Housing/Shelter

• Laurel Shelter
• G.U.E.S.T. (Gloucester United Emergency Shelter Team) - 804-803-1755
• Helping Hands Mission Camp - Home Repairs & Accessibility Ramps

Local connections to more resources

• Cooperative Extension - Programs for kids, family, agricultural and community
• Social Services - Medical, financial, energy, food assistance & child care resources
• Government  Benefits & Programs for Virginia Residents
• Resource Council 
• Focus on Family - 1-800-A-FAMILY - They have access to national Christian resources.
• Salvation Army
• Contact your church about your needs. They may be able to take a collection or suggest another resource.
• Search the internet for your need and location and you will often be surprised at what you find. Trying different search options, will reveal different opportunities. Include the word free.

Medical

• Adolescent Orthodontics - Applications and complete guidelines can be found at www.smileschangelives.org/apply, or toll free at 888-900-3554 to have an application mailed.
• VA Mobile Clinic - Department of Vetrans Affairs, Richmond, VA 804-675-6051
• Vision and sight resources
• Assistance with the Affordable Care Act - 757-275-0125
• Alzheimer's Association
• American Cancer Society
• Local Cancer Advocacy & Assistance
• Bay Aging Resources
• Bayside Children's Therapy
• Brain Injury Support

Recycling

• Versability Resources - (Formerly known as ARC) Computer, Printers and electronics. Some items may have a minimal fee.
• Batteries and florescent bulbs can be recycled at Lowes in the Customer Service Area.
• Toner cartridges
• Prescriptions
• Hazardous Material

Transportation

• Bay Aging 
• Bay Transit

There are also bible studies about rape, addictions, loss of a loved one and other grievances. If you find one that you are interested in, feel free to contact me. I may be able to facilitate a class.

Note to self break this list down by grouping. - pick back up at the center for Children...
http://www.co.gloucester.va.us/Portals/0/commed/documents/freqaskedquest.pdf

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Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 

                                                                                                        -Philippians 2:3-4

Romans 8 | Scripture

Life Through the Spirit (NIV)

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

Whether it’s that thing we did that one time, or the things that we struggle with daily, we are not to be condemned. -Not by peers, not by ourselves and certainly Jesus will not condemn us. He saves, he guides, he forgives and restores. Are we reaching for him or stuck and held captive by “illegal” condemnation?

² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. 

Our addictions, struggles, or simply our not knowing any other way, will often lead to death. He can show us something different. A new life. It takes a lot of self-control to learn the new way and then to retrain ourselves with new habits.

³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, ^[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. ^[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 

The law could not save us. God sent his son to show that the flesh is sinful and we can’t save ourselves. It was the blood of Jesus that saved us. It is his spirit and his grace that restores us.

⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

After being saved, we must continue to follow Jesus. We must continue to learn about and live by the spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 

My commentary says that Paul divides people into two categories- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following him, because his way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. Use the bible to discover God’s guidelines, and then follow them. In every perplexing situation ask yourself, “What would Jesus want me to do?” When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly.

⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

When we allow sin in our life, not only is there the matter of the wrong that was done, but often we waste so much energy, worrying over what has happened or hiding it from others. We kill the moment that could and should be used to serve others, by seeking self-justification or reasoning.

When we make time to study the word, it gets in our mind and heart. Prayer invites the spirit to touch our heart and remind us of those scriptures and/or the path. Obedience to the spirit, allows us to continue moving forward. When we know that we’ve done what was right, we do not need to rehearse responses to what has happened or worry over the consequences.

⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 

When you are still trying to control yourself and do what you want to do, you wrestle with God. You’re not with him. You do not want his laws. If you’re not saved, your “flesh” won’t even appreciate the “Godly way” because it’s so different or unnatural to our humanly desires.

⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Seeking and gratifying self does not please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

If the spirit lives in you, he can guide you. If you haven’t given your life to God, you wouldn’t recognize or acknowledge his promptings.

¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[d] because of righteousness. 

Our physical bodies may wither but the spirit brings eternal life to those who follow Christ’s commands.

¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e]his Spirit who lives in you.

His spirit will bring light and give life to knowledge. Making you aware of consequences, needs of others, and new views of right and wrong. Living in that realm, ignites a zest for living and serving others that may not have been previously kindled.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 

Our obligation is to live by the spirit, not self.

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Die to self, daily, again and again. By rejection of selfish desire, further feeds the life of the spirit.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Those who live by the word and by the spirit, and die to self, show that they are children of God. Actions match words. God will also acknowledge them. 

¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. ^[f] And by him we cry, “Abba, ^[g] Father.” 

This new relationship with Christ will make you want something different. Something better. Something more meaningful. When you see the significant changes in your life from living by the spirit, you will want to make other changes in your life to extend that relationship. We are not “slaves” or called to serve in misery.  There is a heart change that is a natural stage of the progression of faith.

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

He simply reminds us who we are and who we, as Christians, are called to be.

¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

If we can live by the spirit, instead of self. If we can show this love and let it lead in our lives, then we will reside in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Father.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

No matter what we are faced with now, this is temporary.  Eternity is forever and if we can stay strong and persevere, it will be worth the wait and even better than what we imagined.

¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 

The world is simply falling apart and one day the Good Lord, his mercy and his people will prevail. Until then, someone needs to see what Jesus looks like in the life that you and I lead. –Who is it that we are waiting on? What does he look like? How will he save? Who (and why) do you serve?

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 

My commentary for this and the next two verses states: Christians see the world as it is, physically decaying and spiritually infected. But Christians do not need to be pessimistic, because they have hope for future glory. They look forward to the new heaven and the new earth that God has promised and they wait for God’s new order that will free them from the world of sin, sickness and evil. In the meantime, Christians go with Christ into the world where they heal people’s bodies and souls and fight the evil effects of sin in the world.

²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

The world that is, will exist no more.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

Everyone is suffering. When it says creation, I believe that is also referencing animals and plants. Everything already begins dying off the minute that its born. How much more are things altered by man's attempt to control it. We demand 'more' or 'faster' or 'bigger' from everything that we touch. We seldom appreciate the magnificence of  'what' and 'how' things are naturally. Everything has to be changed as if God's way or design was never enough.

While there have been many advances and inventions, there is an ‘ecosystem’ physically and spiritually that is being altered with each change and with each man. There is a cause and an effect. We can serve the cause of Christ or the cause of self; there is an effect but even the earth cries out for life.

²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

Even with the help of the spirit, how many times have we said, God, please just take us home now…?

²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 

Place confidence in God’s goodness and future plan. Not only hoping for this moment or for triumph in this trial. We should hope for redemption at the finality of it all. Not just for self but for all people.

²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Be encouraged that we can be a part of his message and an extension of his love. Be encouraged that he has a plan for each of us.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

God knows your every struggle and every thought. Call him and do not stop calling. Even when you think you know the way, ask him to keep you in his presence. When you do not have the words, he acknowledges the cries from your heart. It is what you allow your heart to need that reveals what you truly desire.

²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Your heart tells God what you need. The spirit interprets and convinces us, yet petitions God when we cannot.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose. 

Even in our most shameful moments, God can bring healing and restoration. He can also bring a glory through that experience whether it is used to educate others or bring about change, or refocus each of us on his path.  Do not let the “one thing” no matter how great or small keep you from pressing on, from finding light, from knowing the redemptive peace of the blood of God.

That does NOT mean that moving forward will be easy or will make us happy through every stage. It is often the hardship that grooms us, the process of continuing through that refines. 

²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

This verse can be confusing. It sounds like God may only give salvation to those he chooses. Other interpretations say that God already knows who will choose him. I have more peace with that second answer. He knows every sin you and I have committed before we even know it. He knows our thoughts and fears and hopes in our most secretive, innermost being. He loves each of us and wants us ALL to come unto him regardless of past or even present and/or future.

He knows (and foreknew those) who will come but for those that do, he wants us to become like him, and to then lead others to him.

³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

He had a plan for each of us as he was making us. The plan did not change when we failed. He still has the plan. You still have the life. He died on the cross to atone for your sin. The best version of yourself and future lies ahead.  GET UP and move forward!

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

You have no right to condemn yourself. He has forgiven you. Others may judge and have a valid reason for convicting or even punishing you. Do not cower down because of it. Stand up. Own your mistakes.  Recognize the need for salvation, repent and move forward. God will bring you through this.

³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

Why would he let his own son die on a cross to save you from your sins, if he too was just going to shame you in the end?  Salvation was for me and YOU. The book of Romans is a letter to you about how much he wants you with him and how he can help you get up and he can help you continue through this life in ALL THINGS.

³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 

Again, you might have your opinions and others might as well. God called you and he will make your paths straight.

³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

He dies for your sins but was raised to vindicate. Cling to salvation and the hope we have in Christ. Rely on the spirit that will show us the way.

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

No one is greater than God. Do not submit to any other God. Not the power of oppressors, the shame of man, the myths of the world or the things that have been.

³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[j]

There will always be someone against us. (Even our self). There will always be persecution and opportunity for others to tell us that we are wrong and not savable. Every day it will come in different forms.

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

More than conquerors THROUGH him. You will not conquer this life or yourself or your enemy without him.

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, ^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 

It doesn't matter how strong the oppression seems or is-

³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Or how far it seems we have to go, there is nothing too big or too bad or too strong that will keep you from the love of God. Nothing will separate you from his love, his direction or the life that he wants to give you. And nothing can hold you back but you.