JOYFUL NEW YEAR

                  F     A     I     T    H    HH   H

 

A new calendar year is rapidly approaching….In only a few hours, there will be celebrations and well wishes all over the world! Literally millions of dollars will be poured in to “celebrating” a new year. As one year folds time in to another, there really is no finite boundary or new beginning in the calendar year itself. However, this is a great time to reflect on the past year and to set goals establishing priorities, continuing the journey….

Last year on December 31st, I chose to focus on the topic of FAITH as it applies to personal growth. Using this as an acrostic, there were five areas that I identified where I desired to learn, grow, and deepen my personal walk with the Lord. On New Year's Eve, I wrote out "10 Priorities for 2013." The acrostic focused on these areas:  

 

Future – Knowing that my days on the earth are numbered helps me keep an eternal perspective

Afraid – Trusting God for the outcome for every event and decision in life and having no fear

Intimacy – Time reading/meditating on God’s word to “hear” and to receive wisdom and discernment

To Jesus – Looking to Him and Him alone who authors and perfects my faith

Heaven – Knowing full well that my hope is in the Lord and that HEAVEN is my eternal home

My musically talented daughter and I wrote a song entitled, “The Victory’s Already Been Won,” based on this 2013 theme, and we are enthusiastically enjoying singing it for whatever audiences will listen!

The words of the chorus are:

Faith is the evidence of things I cannot see,

Faith is the assurance of the hope He has for me;

Faith in unseen miracles of a Sovereign God,

Faith in the VICTORY that’s already been won.

Today, reflecting on the journey of 2013, it is humbling to see God's hand of mercy and grace in all things. To know that He is an amazing and sovereign God gives courage and hope as well as the strength to persevere in tough times. Thanking Him now for all of the precious “gifts” in my life—family, special friends, and especially my brothers and sisters in Christ... God makes no mistakes; everything that is a part of my life is for my good and His glory. What an awesome “end” to a year filled with unimaginable, incredible growth as well as mind-boggling opportunities and what a glorious “beginning” to the earthly adventures of a new calendar year with Jesus coming to spend every day—now and forever!  

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”   ~Hebrews 11:1

 

                                                                        

                                                                    Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges      All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

PATIENTLY WAITING

Candlelight Service at Calvary

 

 



As you know, it's definitely not easy for young children to "wait patiently" as they anticipate the "surprises" that come with celebrating Christmas. In reality, it's hard for "older children," like me, as well! Although the "surprises" anticipated (or unanticipated) change over the course of life, there is an ensuing peace to know that "waiting patiently" and "working hard" at whatever we are called to do, experience, or endure is part of God's ultimate, sovereign plan!

Amidst the inevitable, unavoidable "busyness," reflecting on the myriad of unanticipated opportunities as well as the innumerable blessings of creating memories in celebration with family and friends during this CHRISTmas season, the common thread lacing the activities and festivities was "patient waiting." The guests who would come to celebrate with us, for whom we had waited patiently, delivered sparkling smiles of joy and gladness. Visiting in the home of "brothers and sisters" in Christ was encouraging and uplifting. These moments are the treasured and cherished ones...that last forever!

What beauty to behold thousands of lit candles on Christmas Eve night, to be still and to be silent, to worship, and to hear the message of CHRISTmas ... to know that ETERNITY entered our time here on earth! This Christmas message--that God revealed Himself in the giving of His Son--is a powerful reminder that work, preparation, and, yes, "waiting patiently" for that ultimate eternal hope to be fully revealed is the reason for every season! This patient waiting gives strength both literally and figuratively.

Thanking God today for giving us a glimpse of what IS and WAS and IS TO COME in the "here and now" ... and, waiting patiently...

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Celebrating CHRISTmas all year!



This is a link to the Calvary Christmas Eve Candlelight Service...Enjoy and be encouraged!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvYXjbluLg


Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges     All rights reserved

THERE NEVER SEEMS TO BE ENOUGH TIME

 

 

As a young career woman, I was given many opportunities to present time management seminars in school districts and dental practices. “Managing time” appears as a straightforward and even simple concept in theory; however, it is paradoxically an enigma revealing the complexities of life. How do you actually “manage” time—this precious gift?  In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 200 weeks, a part of the training was focused on having a paradigm shift and putting first things first using “true north” principles. As a licensed facilitator, I began reflecting on these principles from an eternal perspective and digging in to the scriptures. This actually led me to desire change based on truth from the Word of God.  

One analogy which encouraged me to focus on an eternal perspective is to imagine myself at my 90th birthday party or to write what my own obituary might say. What would be the "words of truth" that others would convey about my life.

Keeping this eternal perspective brings innumerable blessings…and encourages me to be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to me--especially the gift of TIME!

Realizing that we all have a limited amount of time on this earth--making every hour count, understanding that once time is used, you can never get it back to love, serve, give, forgive, and share-- changes one's paradigm to an eternal perspective!  

Each week that we are given the gift of time, there are 168 hours in the week. Mathematically this looks something like:

       168 – 56 (hours of sleep/8 hours per night) = 112

       112 – 10 (hours for personal hygiene/shower, etc.) = 102

       102 – 15 (hours for food preparation/eating/dining) = 87

       87 – 50 (40 hour work week plus commute--this is more for "stay at home moms raising children") = 37

       37 – 10 (planning and transition time) = 27

The balance of finite earthly time each week would be estimated to be between 20 – 30 hours (although it is probably less due to unexpected events/circumstances).

Scheduling what is important from an eternal perspective and deducting those hours from 168 (hours in a week) gives a visual representation of what and how we spend our time. This means scheduling the important things FIRST--God, family, important relationships--to avoid becoming enslaved to the “tyranny of the urgent.”

Asking this question, "what IS IMPORTANT?" and consciously recording what is important in my life has a powerful impact on how I choose to use the time that God has and is giving me. Making a prayerful, conscious choice to love the Lord and serve from an eternal perspective “makes ALL the difference!” And, it has ETERNAL REWARDS!!!!

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Matthew 22: 35-39 (ESV)

 

 

Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

BIRTHDAYS

In our family, birthdays are special weeklong events! This has been a tradition for several decades now, and it is such a privilege and an honor to celebrate another year of life each year. Each day for an entire week there are notes of encouragement and “heart” gifts that just “appear” to celebrate the birth of a beautiful life.

Being conceived and born is a miracle beyond anything the human brain can even fathom. To conceive a child is actually a very complicated, intricate process. General statistics reveal the complicated process to conceive life is met with innumerable obstacles. There is only a small window of time to conceive and biological conditions must be optimum—an egg is only available for 24 hours. Once the embryo is formed, cell division and implantation take about 6 days. It is believed that only 50% of fertilized eggs actually implant. Of these, the chance of miscarriage in the first trimester is thought to be as high as 20%--with many being “unnoticed.” So, being born…having a BIRTHday is truly a miracle!

These scriptures remind us of this great gift of life:

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”

Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my unformed body, all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

If you are reading this, not only have you experienced the miracle of being born, you also have the miraculous opportunity to be “born again”…not by entering the womb, but by receiving the free gift of salvation. Not one gift, but two gifts...the gift of life itself and the gift of eternal life if we choose to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives by believing that Jesus died for our sins and accepting Him as Lord of our lives.

John 3:3   Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Celebrating BIRTH times two with an

ETERNAL perspective!

 

 

 

Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

Forecast: More Than Sunshine

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, a best-selling children’s book that brings smiles and giggles, poignantly illustrates how the people of Chewandswallow got their food. Grandpa is the “story teller” whose imaginative “tall tale” is sparked by him accidentally flipping a pancake on his grandson’s head at breakfast. The sketches in the book are in black and white until Grandpa tells “his dramatic story” in pictures of how it rains food on the people of Chewandswallow at mealtime since there aren’t any food stores there. The dynamics of this renowned picture book feature the illustrations in black and white until the story begins—then everything is in color.

The people of Chewandswallow are imaginary. But, as Christians, we see what wasn’t there before…and, it is REAL…the picture is vivid and clear! We know that the Lord is providing all the “food” we need to satisfy our physical, emotional, and spiritual longings. Yes, there are moments of “black and white” in the flesh. Clearly, every single one of us will have trials and difficulties. Even these are opportunities for adventure to wait on the Lord and “see and taste” what He will provide for us daily. Ultimately, He will make EVERYTHING right in His own time; so, believers in Jesus Christ live every moment with this eternal perspective!

Wishing for sunshine? Try "welcoming" the rain (even if an undesirable visitor)—from the raindrops come food for the soul—blessings and healing! It is easy to desire all sunshine and no rain; but, we know that with this scenario, the plant withers and dies!

Why not focus today on treasuring “life’s delights”—the gladness of basking in the sun and true joy as God makes even our disappointments and suffering treasures for the soul in His time!

                                                                                             

 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. ~Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Copyright © 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges

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