We all have our own thoughts as to what God looks like, what it will be when we see Him face to face, and then there are some of us who wonder what He looks like and try to draw our own image.
I saw God and I want to share with you what He looked like to me.
Sam, Marsha and I left Monday morning at 6:30am for me to go see a neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt. (Tim had to work). It always so nerve wrentching when you see a new doctor, but Marsha was there to go back with me. Then comes in my pastor, he prays with me before I go back, I give him a hug and thank him. Everyone, including the doctor, is extremely nice. So compassionate and caring. The doctor had caring eyes, a sypathetic smile and a compassionate hand shake. The day was full of God's goodness and grace!
I had a test that was two hours long, Sam and Marsha patiently waited and Marsha tried to ease my anxiety. I hugged them both for their time and patience that day.
My girls hugged me when I came home, my babysitter and her mother gave me a hug, Tim called and gave encouraging and loving words about the day. After all was settled and I start my shower (you all know I pray in the shower-that is my closet of prayer) I looked straight up and just said "Thank you God", then I just repeated it and repeated it until I had tears running down my face with the water. Then I said "God, if I could see you I would give you the biggest hug to thank you for your goodness today". I just imagined what it would be like to give God a big hug. Then in the quietness God sweetly said "You did hug me today", then he reminded me of all the kind people today and brought back images of the day to me that shown me I did see God, I seen him thru the love and kindness of other people!!! How amazing is that??!!!!
You see our lives are to reflect that of God's, so that people may see Him thru us!
Let someone see God thru you today!
Until next time...
Bridgett
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
IT'S BACK...
I bet you are asking yourself..."What in the world is she talking about". Well, let me tell you...my cyst is back. Yep, that's right...the cyst on my brain stem is defintely back and bigger than last time. If you know me or read my book you will know what I'm talking about. Last time the cyst measured 9mm now it measures 13mm X 11mm, go ahead get your ruler out...and yes...it's scary.
I knew something was going on because I have been sick for several months so my doc decided to do another MRI, my prayer to God was asking Him to show the radiologist what was making me sick to let it shine like the sunshine and boy did He ever!
I was speechless, just quiet for several days. Tim told me I have to fight and to be honest with you there is no fight in me, my body is too tired. Then I told Tim just this week that I'm afraid to talk to God about it...that I am so mad I'm afraid of what I will say...afraid I will ask questions...I was afraid I would hurt His feelings.
Then my aunt told me to go ahead and yell at God, He knows what I am thinking anyway and He's a big boy, He can handle it. Yet, I still couldn't make myself do it. Still afraid I would hurt His feelings, the very one who sent His son to die for me and I am hurting His feelings, I just couldn't do it!
Our pastor has been doing a bible study on Revelations on Wednesday nights and last night was on Chapters 4-6. He began talking about the seven seals that were opened and each represented something, some bad...some good. Then the discussion came, what do you do when these "seals" come to your door? The answer...endure and pray. Ok, now my question, how do you endure and pray when these seals keep appearing at your door. My "seal" is this cyst. I prayed, we all prayed, God healed, I said yes to His calling of sharing my testimony, and yet it comes back. Why? Is this the devil trying to keep me from doing God's work or is God doing some other work through me? Tough question...no right answer.
My pastor was so great in reassuring me that my faith is not any less because I am asking these questions and yes, God can handle the "why's" of our life. So home we go and back to the shower I go. (You know I pray best in the shower). God and I had a loooonnnnggg talk. I did ask why, I did tell Him I was mad and that I couldn't fight...I did ask why did this happen to my family again. Silence...nothing by water and tears running down my face...then there was peace, such a sweet peace. Very loudly I asked...if I had all the answers to these questions then why would I need faith? My faith is in God the very one gave my life and the very one who knows when my life will end. I do trust Him with all that I have!
So this morning, I put on my "big girls panties and got over it". I will fight and I will be able to because God is with me. One thing I want you all to know is that God didn't cause this...God did NOT bring this cyst back...this is just life and things like this happen in life. I didn't do anything bad to cause this and God is NOT trying to teach me a lesson. God is walking right beside me and He feels as bad for me and my family as I feel myself. God will provide direction, assurance, love and mercy! I love Him will all that I am and we will fight together and may God be seen though me during this difficult time!
" For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I knew something was going on because I have been sick for several months so my doc decided to do another MRI, my prayer to God was asking Him to show the radiologist what was making me sick to let it shine like the sunshine and boy did He ever!
I was speechless, just quiet for several days. Tim told me I have to fight and to be honest with you there is no fight in me, my body is too tired. Then I told Tim just this week that I'm afraid to talk to God about it...that I am so mad I'm afraid of what I will say...afraid I will ask questions...I was afraid I would hurt His feelings.
Then my aunt told me to go ahead and yell at God, He knows what I am thinking anyway and He's a big boy, He can handle it. Yet, I still couldn't make myself do it. Still afraid I would hurt His feelings, the very one who sent His son to die for me and I am hurting His feelings, I just couldn't do it!
Our pastor has been doing a bible study on Revelations on Wednesday nights and last night was on Chapters 4-6. He began talking about the seven seals that were opened and each represented something, some bad...some good. Then the discussion came, what do you do when these "seals" come to your door? The answer...endure and pray. Ok, now my question, how do you endure and pray when these seals keep appearing at your door. My "seal" is this cyst. I prayed, we all prayed, God healed, I said yes to His calling of sharing my testimony, and yet it comes back. Why? Is this the devil trying to keep me from doing God's work or is God doing some other work through me? Tough question...no right answer.
My pastor was so great in reassuring me that my faith is not any less because I am asking these questions and yes, God can handle the "why's" of our life. So home we go and back to the shower I go. (You know I pray best in the shower). God and I had a loooonnnnggg talk. I did ask why, I did tell Him I was mad and that I couldn't fight...I did ask why did this happen to my family again. Silence...nothing by water and tears running down my face...then there was peace, such a sweet peace. Very loudly I asked...if I had all the answers to these questions then why would I need faith? My faith is in God the very one gave my life and the very one who knows when my life will end. I do trust Him with all that I have!
So this morning, I put on my "big girls panties and got over it". I will fight and I will be able to because God is with me. One thing I want you all to know is that God didn't cause this...God did NOT bring this cyst back...this is just life and things like this happen in life. I didn't do anything bad to cause this and God is NOT trying to teach me a lesson. God is walking right beside me and He feels as bad for me and my family as I feel myself. God will provide direction, assurance, love and mercy! I love Him will all that I am and we will fight together and may God be seen though me during this difficult time!
" For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, October 18, 2010
I DO.....AGAIN
Yes, that title means what it says, I would marry my husband again and I did!
July 20th was our 13th wedding anniversay, we have said for a few years that we wanted to renew our vows (if you've had a chance to read my book then you'll understand why this was important to us). Our plan was to go to the beach this summer with the girls and have a private ceremony. A trip to the beach just wasn't in our budget so we decided to use Uncle Sam's pool. We didn't have an official ceremony the first time so it was pretty exciting to plan this one. If you know me then it will be no surprise that I wanted the colors to be black and white. Bro. Lynn, who married us the first time, was able to do the renewal ceremony. Marsha helped ALOT with decorations, Sister Mandy got the girls ready for me and others helped serve the punch and cake. The cake was black and white so were the decorations and my dress. Funny isn't it?! Tim and my dad wore white shorts and a black shirt, even the girls were dressed in black and white. My sister, Candy, made the table centerpieces and my sister Mandy took the pictures. We had about fifty guests (friends and family) and my dad actually got to walk me down the isle! That was so exciting! It was extremely hot, but we were happy.
I love Tim so much and I know he loves me just the same. There is no doubt that God brought us together and I am forever grateful that He did. He's a wonderful husband and father who loves the Lord with all his heart and I was proud to say I do...again! Thanks to everyone who helped make this day special...we love you all.
Our table centerpieces custom made by...Candy Lancaster
July 20th was our 13th wedding anniversay, we have said for a few years that we wanted to renew our vows (if you've had a chance to read my book then you'll understand why this was important to us). Our plan was to go to the beach this summer with the girls and have a private ceremony. A trip to the beach just wasn't in our budget so we decided to use Uncle Sam's pool. We didn't have an official ceremony the first time so it was pretty exciting to plan this one. If you know me then it will be no surprise that I wanted the colors to be black and white. Bro. Lynn, who married us the first time, was able to do the renewal ceremony. Marsha helped ALOT with decorations, Sister Mandy got the girls ready for me and others helped serve the punch and cake. The cake was black and white so were the decorations and my dress. Funny isn't it?! Tim and my dad wore white shorts and a black shirt, even the girls were dressed in black and white. My sister, Candy, made the table centerpieces and my sister Mandy took the pictures. We had about fifty guests (friends and family) and my dad actually got to walk me down the isle! That was so exciting! It was extremely hot, but we were happy.
I love Tim so much and I know he loves me just the same. There is no doubt that God brought us together and I am forever grateful that He did. He's a wonderful husband and father who loves the Lord with all his heart and I was proud to say I do...again! Thanks to everyone who helped make this day special...we love you all.
Our beautiful girls...thanks to Mandy for getting them ready
Tim and Bro. Lynn walking down the isle
Me and my dad
Yes, I did get a new ring...
A kiss to seal the deal...my favorite pic
Our cake...pretty and delicious
Me, my mom and Tim
The Jordan Family
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Breathe...
Our pastor's wife has been leading a bible study in her home on Tuesday nights on this book titled... "Breathe..Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life" . It's so nice for the ladies to come together one night a week and just fellowship and also to be able to hear other people's opinions. We are just three weeks into the study and have five more to go and I've already learned so much. My prayer is that I can take what I learn and start practicing it. I want to share a couple of thoughts that the author points out, there is alot that I have underlined so I will try and narrow it down:
1) You can't love in a hurry!
2) Did you notice God anywhere in your day?
3) You are not valued by what you do...but who you are!
4) Hurry keeps you from seeing God all around!
5) When we say yes to things...will it enrich our lives or clutter them?
Pretty deep stuff, isn't it? Deep...but oh so true! No I do not have time to read a book, and no I do not have time when I get off work and go to a Bible study on a weeknight, no I don't feel like it and yes I am tired! BUT I want to make time and take time to learn how to listen to be the person God wants me to be. The book of James says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you". In order to do that we have to slow down and breathe. That requires change and making changes are scary...but the author points out that: "we need to make changes that will allow you to pay attention to your soul".
I'll keep sharing with you as we continue the bible study...may all our prayers be that we slow down, breathe and draw closer to God!
Until next time,
Bridgett
1) You can't love in a hurry!
2) Did you notice God anywhere in your day?
3) You are not valued by what you do...but who you are!
4) Hurry keeps you from seeing God all around!
5) When we say yes to things...will it enrich our lives or clutter them?
Pretty deep stuff, isn't it? Deep...but oh so true! No I do not have time to read a book, and no I do not have time when I get off work and go to a Bible study on a weeknight, no I don't feel like it and yes I am tired! BUT I want to make time and take time to learn how to listen to be the person God wants me to be. The book of James says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you". In order to do that we have to slow down and breathe. That requires change and making changes are scary...but the author points out that: "we need to make changes that will allow you to pay attention to your soul".
I'll keep sharing with you as we continue the bible study...may all our prayers be that we slow down, breathe and draw closer to God!
Until next time,
Bridgett
Monday, September 6, 2010
A Day With My Girls...
Most of you know that I have three daughters, for those of you who don't...well now you do. Being a mom is the most amazing, rewarding and at the same time the most terrifying gift that God gives us ladies.
This past Saturday I thought it would be fun to take the girls out for a treat. They have had a rough few weeks. They started a new school, which meant new teachers, new friends and new work! To top that off I have been fighting these migraines again for a few months...talk about a bummer! So, Tim was on night shift and I thought it would be good to spend some time just me and them. I am not sure how boys are but just imagine trying to take three girls to Chattanooga...now let me explain three obstacles that have to be tackled.
1st- Deciding on which movie to see. We did have it narrowed down to two and wouldn't you know when we have a vote it's 2-1 (let me add, as a mom you don't vote because that is seen as you liking the other two better than the one or you like the other one better than the two...so don't go there)
2nd- Deciding where to eat. That's challenging even with no kids. Everyone have has different idea and then you always have the one who says "It don't matter" but secretly mumbling under their breath. Thankfully dad called with a good idea. It's always best to bring in an outsider to help decide.
3rd- Deciding what stores to go to spend "their" money. Ok you should already know how this one is going to go. Why is it that they can spend your money real fast but when it's their money they can't seem to let go of it. And why is it that they do so good on the Math homework but when it comes to how much money they have to buy something they never have it figured correctly.
I would have you reading for hours to explain in detail to tell you how the day went, so I will try and sum it up...
Lifeway- twice (once in Hixson and once at Hamilton Place)
Mall- twice (2nd time because one didn't want a GiGi's cupcake (Hello???) they wanted a cookie instead
Purchases- they spent their money and of couse they were short so they spent some of mine
Meltdowns, Short tempers, Name calling, Unhappy girls- TOO MANY TOO COUNT!!!
The ride home- PRICELESS!!!
Yes, even after all of the spats, me wanting to just leave and go home, name calling and the typical stuff that comes with taking three girls to Chattanooga, we did overcome the obstacles and the ride home was wonderful! We put in my Chris Tomlin CD and sang how great God is all the way home and while my girls were singing I couldn't help but to praise God and thank Him for letting me be a mom, a Christian mom. To hear my girls talk about how much they love God is worth more than any straight A report card to me!
Until next time...
Bridgett
This past Saturday I thought it would be fun to take the girls out for a treat. They have had a rough few weeks. They started a new school, which meant new teachers, new friends and new work! To top that off I have been fighting these migraines again for a few months...talk about a bummer! So, Tim was on night shift and I thought it would be good to spend some time just me and them. I am not sure how boys are but just imagine trying to take three girls to Chattanooga...now let me explain three obstacles that have to be tackled.
1st- Deciding on which movie to see. We did have it narrowed down to two and wouldn't you know when we have a vote it's 2-1 (let me add, as a mom you don't vote because that is seen as you liking the other two better than the one or you like the other one better than the two...so don't go there)
2nd- Deciding where to eat. That's challenging even with no kids. Everyone have has different idea and then you always have the one who says "It don't matter" but secretly mumbling under their breath. Thankfully dad called with a good idea. It's always best to bring in an outsider to help decide.
3rd- Deciding what stores to go to spend "their" money. Ok you should already know how this one is going to go. Why is it that they can spend your money real fast but when it's their money they can't seem to let go of it. And why is it that they do so good on the Math homework but when it comes to how much money they have to buy something they never have it figured correctly.
I would have you reading for hours to explain in detail to tell you how the day went, so I will try and sum it up...
Lifeway- twice (once in Hixson and once at Hamilton Place)
Mall- twice (2nd time because one didn't want a GiGi's cupcake (Hello???) they wanted a cookie instead
Purchases- they spent their money and of couse they were short so they spent some of mine
Meltdowns, Short tempers, Name calling, Unhappy girls- TOO MANY TOO COUNT!!!
The ride home- PRICELESS!!!
Yes, even after all of the spats, me wanting to just leave and go home, name calling and the typical stuff that comes with taking three girls to Chattanooga, we did overcome the obstacles and the ride home was wonderful! We put in my Chris Tomlin CD and sang how great God is all the way home and while my girls were singing I couldn't help but to praise God and thank Him for letting me be a mom, a Christian mom. To hear my girls talk about how much they love God is worth more than any straight A report card to me!
Until next time...
Bridgett
Monday, August 16, 2010
A Lesson from God
Some of the simplest things are so profound to me, and I'm not sure why. I say that to tell you something that happened to me last week that is still just blowing my mind. Have you ever been in trouble with God? Go ahead, shake your head yes. We all have at some point in time. Well, I did and it was just last week.
I was talking with a dear friend of mine and just carrying on about a issue. I had become consumed by someone else's motive in doing something that I found myself just livid and for a brief moment I had quit examining my own heart to make sure that I was obeying God. Does that make sense? Let me finish and maybe it will make more sense.
So I am just a talking right along, when all of a sudden God spoke to me thru my friend. She reminded me that as long as I am obeying God and doing what I think He would have me to then that's all that matters. There is no need for me to worry about if someones' heart is in whatever it is that they are doing, that I should worry about my heart! She then so kindly reminded me that what I was doing was being judgemental! Whoa...wait a minute. Judgemental. Not me, never. Oh, but yes, I was being that way. God used my friend to teach me a lesson and a big lesson at that! I quickly wanted to hang up the phone and crawl under my bed at the realization of how I was acting. And the truth is the Holy Spirit quickly started reminding me of other times that I had been "just talking" and that actually those were times that I had placed judgement as well. Talk about a wake up call! I quickly asked God to forgive me not only of my actions that day but of those in the past. Then I thanked Him for using my friend to show me the err of my ways.
I know you are reading this thinking, "Why in the world would she tell something like that on herself, I sure wouldn't." You know the whole point of inviting you on this journey with me is to share the things of God that I am learning, in hopes that it may help you or someone else. We are human and are prone to mistakes and the human thoughts that we strive so hard to stay away from. The important thing is that when God teaches us something we are to remember it, when we ask for forgiveness of a wrong doing we are not to repeat that same action, if we are to strive to have a holy heart and live like Jesus then our thoughts and actions must reflect those of Him.
My pastor reminded us last night of a bible verse, "The Lord disciplines those He loves." Hebrews 12:6
I am so glad that He loves me that much and cares for me to correct me and that He gives us great friends to help us along.
Until next time...
Bridgett
I was talking with a dear friend of mine and just carrying on about a issue. I had become consumed by someone else's motive in doing something that I found myself just livid and for a brief moment I had quit examining my own heart to make sure that I was obeying God. Does that make sense? Let me finish and maybe it will make more sense.
So I am just a talking right along, when all of a sudden God spoke to me thru my friend. She reminded me that as long as I am obeying God and doing what I think He would have me to then that's all that matters. There is no need for me to worry about if someones' heart is in whatever it is that they are doing, that I should worry about my heart! She then so kindly reminded me that what I was doing was being judgemental! Whoa...wait a minute. Judgemental. Not me, never. Oh, but yes, I was being that way. God used my friend to teach me a lesson and a big lesson at that! I quickly wanted to hang up the phone and crawl under my bed at the realization of how I was acting. And the truth is the Holy Spirit quickly started reminding me of other times that I had been "just talking" and that actually those were times that I had placed judgement as well. Talk about a wake up call! I quickly asked God to forgive me not only of my actions that day but of those in the past. Then I thanked Him for using my friend to show me the err of my ways.
I know you are reading this thinking, "Why in the world would she tell something like that on herself, I sure wouldn't." You know the whole point of inviting you on this journey with me is to share the things of God that I am learning, in hopes that it may help you or someone else. We are human and are prone to mistakes and the human thoughts that we strive so hard to stay away from. The important thing is that when God teaches us something we are to remember it, when we ask for forgiveness of a wrong doing we are not to repeat that same action, if we are to strive to have a holy heart and live like Jesus then our thoughts and actions must reflect those of Him.
My pastor reminded us last night of a bible verse, "The Lord disciplines those He loves." Hebrews 12:6
I am so glad that He loves me that much and cares for me to correct me and that He gives us great friends to help us along.
Until next time...
Bridgett
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
My First Book Signing !!
July 3rd, I got to host my very first book signing at a small bookstore in our town named, "Leap of Faith". It was a very exciting day, but a little nerve wrentching too! The owners of this store are great people who love the Lord so I was very grateful they shared their store with me that day. We had alot of friends and family come by and I signed sixty books! That's a lot of signing. My husband was even excited, he bought me a beautiful arrangement to sit on the book table and it is now the centerpiece for our dining table. (He's so sweet!)
It was great to be able to share my testimony with everyone that day, I hope all you that have read my book received a blessing from God and was encouraged in some small way!
I believe that when God does something as amazing as what He has done for me, He expects us to share it with everyone and that's exactly what I plan to do. He not only healed my body but healed my heart by teaching me total surrender.
Love God and love life. Until next time...
Bridgett
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| Bobby and Sherry Donnelley & me and Tim |
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| Me with my books and my beautiful flower arrangement |
e e
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Ok...so I'm new...give me a chance
I've just started my blogging journey and don't know exactly what I am doing...but just like the rest of my life's journey - I'll figure it out as I go. Don't let that scare you off - we'll just consider it a fun, learning experience.
I recently "self-published" my first book titled... "Our Journey to Faith". The best part is that I never saw myself doing something like this, but God has a way of helping us to do what He wants instead of what we THINK we want. Needless to say, I am proud of my book and I hope those who read it will be encouraged by my journey of knowing both myself and God better.
The book is all about my stuggle with migraines and the chaos they brought to my health, my marriage and my relationship with God. It recounts how I almost lost everything...and how I got it all back and much more. It is a true story of God's healing power for all of life.
Please preview my book at http://www.crossbooks.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/.
Love God and Love Life! Until next time...
Bridgett
I recently "self-published" my first book titled... "Our Journey to Faith". The best part is that I never saw myself doing something like this, but God has a way of helping us to do what He wants instead of what we THINK we want. Needless to say, I am proud of my book and I hope those who read it will be encouraged by my journey of knowing both myself and God better.
The book is all about my stuggle with migraines and the chaos they brought to my health, my marriage and my relationship with God. It recounts how I almost lost everything...and how I got it all back and much more. It is a true story of God's healing power for all of life.
Please preview my book at http://www.crossbooks.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/.
Love God and Love Life! Until next time...
Bridgett
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