Callie, The Calico Cat

 

Callie—sophisticated, charming, loving, intelligent, independent, amusing, generous, patient—a cat with a unique personality indeed; she is a gorgeous calico who has been bringing our family demonstrative joy for seven years. Born in a window box, having been conceived by a “barnyard” cat moved to the city, she was dropped down by her mother and caught in a bedsheet along with her two brothers being the only surviving female kitten. Her gorgeous reddish orange, black, and white markings define and give beauty to her humble beginnings. Unique, one-of-a-kind, she trusts us for her every need, possessing a fun-loving yet quiet nature. Unceasingly, she greets our guests politely; she entertains with the best of “cat” hospitality. With unfailing devotion, she greets us at the door with audible cat mews that say “welcome, good to see you…” each time we arrive home. When I sit at my computer, she will sit in my lap, occasionally not resisting the urge to walk across my keyboard causing my computer to do strange things, with the clear indication that she desires more of my time! Not a complainer or whiner (she doesn’t bark either!), she is content to rest comfortably on the love sofa as the afternoon sun beams through the living room window. When it storms, she takes refuge under the bed, but emerges to quickly get back to “business as usual.”

 

Callie, the Calico Cat, metaphorically shows me ways that my own life could be richer and more meaningful. Days spent with Jesus doing whatever tasks are at hand give moments of incredible peace and contentment. The Bible is so rich with examples of hospitality to demonstrate Christian character—patience, kindness, warm greetings, giving comfort, and resting in Jesus. Taking refuge in the inevitable storms of life, emerging to “carry on” and “do” whatever it is we are called to do…these are powerful, life-defining lessons! God is always there—waiting for our response to Him even when we complain or spend too much time on trivial matters. He delights when we desire to come to Him, wanting to be in His presence, greeting him with gladness, trusting Him for our every need, and resting peacefully in the LIGHT of His love quieting our souls. He is forgiving when our "straying" causes undesirable consequences. 

Thank you, God, for sending your son, Jesus, giving us the free gift of eternal life if we accept it. And, thank you for teeny, tiny incredible moments of bliss and grace giving us glimpses of heaven’s eternal glory—that with Christ in us—we have now!

Copyright © 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

Fear Not

Well, it’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means that in the United States of America, it is somehow officially or unofficially the “Christmas season.” However, when Christmas comes to mind for me, it’s actually more than Black Friday shopping (which should make us all very "afraid") or Thanksgiving turkey dinner leftovers. It’s easy to see why Charlie Brown, the character in the classic Charles Schultz comic strip, was depressed about the secularism and commercialism of Christmas (if Charlie Brown could see us now!).  In the renown TV production, A Charlie Brown Christmas, the confused Charlie Brown listens to Linus tell him what Christmas is all about as he quotes from the book of Luke in the Bible:
    

"'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'"

In elementary school, we always recited this passage from the Bible. Forty years ago it was expected that we would recite it, and it was an integral part of our Christmas celebration! Never could I have imagined how things would change in my lifetime. Quoting the Bible has gone from being expected to not being allowed and even shunned. I took so much for granted—especially those words, “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people…” Jesus was and IS that JOY!

Life without Jesus…unimaginable! It is with Him that we have victory over all the evil and wrongdoing in this world and more importantly, we have victory over death in Jesus Christ.

“Fear not” and “fear nothing” … the victory is in Jesus, and this gives hope that brings joy. It has been said that sorrow is not the cause of not having joy…unbelief is the cause of not having true joy…We can have JOY now with Jesus Christ as our personal Savior knowing that when He comes again, we will know the perfect and undefiled joy of the Lord—forever!

Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

FALL in Empty, "Leaf" Full

   

Artists must surely envy the beauty of the northeastern mountains in the Fall. During my last visit there, the backdrop of color swept the horizon with golden yellow, burnt orange, and burgundy red. Atop Belknap Mountain, God's presence was clearly visible and audible. This glimpse of God's glory was evident as my daughter and I had not arrived empty, we had arrived "full" anticipating how God would reveal his will as we prayed, read his Word, hiked, and visited special places (without cell phone or internet service). One such place was the Route 104 Diner displaying the inspiring sign: "Fall in Empty, 'Leaf' Full." Returning from a day trip to Vermont, convinced that we were famished, we applied the literal interpretation as we ordered lunch at the quaint diner. Recounting God's good gifts, we marveled at how he gives so freely to us. When we come to Him empty, He fills us with promises and assurances from His Word. As we fall on our knees and cry out to Him, the response is full of His grace and mercy. As believers in Jesus Christ, answers in challenging circumstances are revealed; His presence is known through his Holy Spirit. We can even feel full, but as we listen and obey His truths, He can fill us even more. Unable to fathom the mighty works and gentle spirit of our LORD, He fills us up with the goodness of His grace as we desire to know Him.

When we returned to our South Carolina home, we created and displayed a sign with a modified motto to which the diner had introduced us, "Fall in full, leave 'fuller,'" on our pantry door as a daily reminder not only of God's provision of good food but also, and more importantly, as a provision of God's amazing grace in our lives--giving us JESUS and the promise of eternal life for all who trust in Him as Lord and Savior!

With deep inexpressible gratitude, today I thank God for saving me and giving me the gift of an eternal perspective!

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."  ~Ecclesiastes 11:5

Lord Jesus, fill me with your spirit when I feel empty and especially when I think I am full. Thank you for your grace--for giving freely. Allow me to accept it fully with a grateful heart although I cannot possibly fathom the depths of your works.

© Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges. All rights reserved.

Gifts of Grief

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
                                                      ~ I Peter 5: 6-7

When someone close to you that you really love dies, you quickly discern from desirable submission or undesirable coercion what is important in life! Grief has a way of “teaching” us how to recognize the good that happens as a result of suffering great loss. It is also a “counselor” as priorities are often reassessed and even reordered. Suffering and evil are omnipresent as we live in a fallen world—nothing is perfect on this earth. Comforting is the knowledge and understanding that a Holy, Sovereign God can use every situation for an even greater good bringing glory to His name. When a loved one dies, it seems impossible that God could possibly use this great loss for good—missing the laughter, the hugs, the experiences, the joyful moments—seeing the empty chair at the dinner table and setting one less place setting…but God can and does use especially the most sorrowful and broken circumstances to draw us to Himself. If we are honest, is it not the times that we face trouble, or illness, or pain that we cry out to God? Isn’t it then that our prayers become more fervent? Even those who don’t pray every day will often ask others to pray for them in a time of desperate need—sickness, job loss, difficult circumstances, broken relationships! We all draw near to God and desire His presence with greater intensity during any trial. For this reason, grieving loss can be a beacon in the darkness bringing us to the LIGHT—Jesus Christ! This is a much bigger picture than small human minds can fathom. Grieving a great loss focuses our minds and hearts on what is really important! We have to go places and do things we may not want to go to or do in order to get us where HE wants us to be! God uses our losses to bring brilliance beyond measure to our lives in much the same way a jeweler molds, holds, and uses an opal stone which has no color or shine of its own—only in the hands of the craftsman does it take on color, shine, and brilliance!

 

God uses trials in our lives to mold us and shape us in ways that otherwise would not be possible giving the gift of incomparable eternal rewards!

Going through a difficult time? Ask Jesus to come spend the day with you—read His Word aloud and tell Him the desires of your heart. He already knows you better than you know yourself.  Draw near to God, and He promises to draw near to you!

 

© Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges. All rights reserved.

     

All God's Children

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”   

                                                                          ~ I  John 3:1

 

Psychology books, child advocacy groups, and Christian writers have a great deal to say about children concerning their developmental stages, how children should be protected, and guidelines for disciplining children. Without question, children are to be protected, loved, “discipled,” and regarded as a blessing from the LORD.

 As believers in Jesus Christ, we are God’s adopted children. We are all members of the “family of God.” We are His children—some of us 5 years old, some of us 25 years old, and some of us 75 years old or even older. When we accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior of our lives, God adopted us as His children with all of the rights and privileges including a full inheritance as heirs to His kingdom. How amazing to think about this heritage which supersedes biological heritage or genetic patterns. There are no class distinctions, no cliques, no favorites, and no social status. We all inherit all the rights and privileges as full heirs to God’s kingdom. God is our perfect Father!  He protects, provides, teaches, guides, and cleanses us from all unrighteousness and is faithful and just to forgive us when we ask Him.

 

What greater gift in life than to know that everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD and accepts the free gift of salvation is God’s child—now and forever!

 

Prayer

Almighty God, how privileged we are to be called “children of God.” You are the perfect Father. Thank you for calling us and choosing us to be your children, heirs to Your kingdom, and thank you for your amazing grace—giving us the free gift of salvation. How blessed to have a perfect Father and be heirs to God's eternal kingdom living with that eternal perspective now!

                                                                                        
                                                                                   
                                                                                                   Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

Reflection of Humility

 "God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.” ~Genesis 1:16 (NIV)

The only natural satellite on earth, the moon is in “perfect” timing in its rotation with the earth. With the exception of the sun, it is the brightest object in the sky. Evidence of the moon having intrigued humankind throughout history is well documented. It has been recognized across cultures, languages, and human interests. It has been romanticized as well as poeticized, and the beauty of its reflection unleashes the artistic admiration in almost every human being. Man has embraced the lack of its gravity and “walked” on the moon. The Bible mentions the moon as playing an important role in God’s magnificent creation and as a significant descriptive sign “appearing blood red” (which it does during a total lunar eclipse) in the book of Revelation detailing Christ’s second coming.

As captivating, illuminating, and stunning as it is, the moon is an unremitting reminder of ultimate humility! For the moon, as bright and beautiful as it is, has no light of its own without reflecting the sun! Its creator who set the sun, moon, and stars in the sky is the source of its light…giving a glimpse of the glory of an awesome God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we bear the mark of humility to a great God who knew us before time and all of creation. Psalm 8:3-4 says, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” We are not here to be seen or heard or fulfill our own selfish desires. We are here to praise and bring glory to a sovereign God.

As a reminder of God’s mighty, glorious handiwork, the moon exemplifies the humility of reflecting LIGHT! Just like the moon without the sun, we have no light of our own without Christ. Walking humbly in His strength and not our own personal power gives freedom from pride, arrogance, and self-defense allowing us to glorify God in all things!

Our God IS an awesome God!    HE reigns!

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” ~James 3:13 (NIV)

 

Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

 

Running the Race

How did this happen? After all, my only motive was to be as healthy as possible by practicing good nutritional habits and exercising regularly. I had wanted to do this for some time, and it seemed the time was NOW. When a close friend asked to join me, that was even better…accountability is desirable! This friend, however, is a friend of “ideas,” and somehow we decided it would be “fun” to sign up to run a 5K in the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot—easily convinced that the fellowship would provide opportunities to connect and share with others (knowing I wouldn’t say “no” to that)!                               

So, the training ensued with Day 1 ushering in thoughts of desperation—surely, I was going to exit this earth after running “how far?” … four tenths of a mile! This was not looking (or feeling) promising. Each day, sheer determination led me to run a little further although the pace was certainly slower than any tortoise of yesteryear. Surprisingly, new goals and new milestones continued to be set each day until I noticed that I was actually looking forward to “the run.” Rain or shine often dressed in layers for the Fall coolness that now presents in the foothills, I have been committed. Yesterday, I was caught in heavy rain, and as it poured on me, stinging especially my arms and face, I continued to run the last mile. Cold and drenched from head to toe, my shoes squeaked in the back door where my 19-year-old daughter did not resist snapping a photo and posting it with glee to her facebook page. With very special, heartfelt praise, she commended me for my dedication saying, “well done, Mom!” 

 

It is refreshing and rewarding to note the progress, to know there is growth and improvement, and to anticipate the actual 5K run early Thanksgiving morning….I am definitely looking forward to being there with others who are running the race. The Turkey Trot is only ten days away so the intensity and duration of my training needs all I have to give in these days ahead!

More importantly, and significantly, I consider the race that is set before me as a Christian. It is the desire of my heart to run the race that is laid out before me—to live the life that God has given me—and to FINISH THE RACE—strong in the Lord! With a longing heart, I desire to hear the words, “Well done…good and faithful servant!” taking delight in being with my Savior.  MARANATHA

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.       ~Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Copyright © 2013 by Dr. Donna Earl Bridges