John 8:31-32
...If you abide in My word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
What a shame that someone could destroy such beautiful Live Oaks rooted in such rich history in Auburn, Alabama. How ironic is it that when trying to hurt a tradition, a victorious spirit, a gathering place of love and family that can not be devastated that only the destroyer was ultimately defeated?
As an Alabama fan, my heart has hurt to think about how one man's actions have reflected negatively upon an entire population of people. I love that I grew up an Alabama fan and that my family celebrated the various traditions that go along with football in this state including "the rivalry" between Auburn & Alabama. However, in recent years, I have come to appreciate the beauty, the spirit, the family that is Auburn with my husband(Auburn graduate and fan), family and friends. My love for Alabama as a football team will never parrish as it is much deeper to me than football. It is memories, it is family, it is what makes ME, me.
However, when I think about how it makes me feel to hear one man's lapse of judgement, horrible choice, sin reflected on an entire following I can not help but see a parallel to our relationship in Christ. How many times have MY actions hurt Christianity as a whole? As a follower of Christ, a child of God, a DISCIPLE I must look to my own life and ask the troubling question: Am I poisoning trees? Precious moments that I have been given to live my life with purpose that I have wasted, tarnished, thrown away, destroyed. How much shame have I caused to His kingdom by my negative example through sin, horrible choices and lapses in judgement? Don't you think God's heart aches much the same as ours does regarding the poisoned Live Oaks when we don't share His love with others or when we give in to our flesh and sin? I am so very grateful that He has forgiven me and I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ can forgive me for letting them down when I have misrepresented our "team" and gone astray. May we remember that whether we say Roll Tide or War Eagle that we are first and more importantly called to live according to His purpose.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, November 8, 2010
Last Christmas
It is hard to believe that last Christmas was almost twelve months ago. For it was then that perhaps for the first time, I truly experienced the true joy of Christmas and the love of Christ. The humbling experience of last Christmas has left a lifelong impression on me that I pray leaves me forever changed and has an impact on how I see Christmas from now until I go to be with Jesus.
Last December I was in my eighth month of pregnancy. The devil was trying to attack my family and me physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. There are many lessons that we learned through these trials that I would love to share with any that could use an inspiration, but for now I will remain silent on the details. However, in spite of all that we went through, we were able to truly see God at work in our lives. We learned that through our hard times, God was truly present and provided for us in ways that bring tears to my eyes.
I will never forget the humbling experiences between Gayle Talley and me on behalf of the FAITH Class of Oakmont United Methodist Church. Because others gave from their hearts and were obedient to God’s will, my family was able to experience God’s love in a way that we never had before and were able to truly experience the magic of Christmas. Many blessings were to follow but that moment is written on my heart and one that I will forever treasure.
This year, I have a family on my heart. When I look back at all the suffering that Brandon and I went through last year physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially… all of it combined is the size of a mustard seed in comparison to the mountain that this family is climbing. Our burdens seem so miniscule in comparison to the overbearing weight this family is now facing. However, I take hope and delight in the Lord’s promises and claim in the name of Jesus that He is going to humble this family in the most powerful of ways. I look forward to all that He has in store for them and I pray that they too can perhaps for the first time see the face of God in their Christmas blessings as they allow Him to carry their cross.
This year, I am asking that you give the biggest and best Christmas gift of all. The single gift I would like to receive this year will not fit under my tree. It can not be contained inside my home or church because it is so much bigger than that. Please ask God to allow you to experience His love this Christmas and to infect others through your boldness. If you feel called to help someone: give from your heart and you will be forever changed. If you feel the call to give to the family I mentioned and would like to help them this Christmas you can make checks payable to: Oakmont United Methodist Church and mark it “Last Christmas”. My prayer for each of us is that we have experienced our last Christmas for ourselves. I pray that from this day forward we will experience Christmas solely through the joy that we give to others through obeying the call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!!!
Last December I was in my eighth month of pregnancy. The devil was trying to attack my family and me physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. There are many lessons that we learned through these trials that I would love to share with any that could use an inspiration, but for now I will remain silent on the details. However, in spite of all that we went through, we were able to truly see God at work in our lives. We learned that through our hard times, God was truly present and provided for us in ways that bring tears to my eyes.
I will never forget the humbling experiences between Gayle Talley and me on behalf of the FAITH Class of Oakmont United Methodist Church. Because others gave from their hearts and were obedient to God’s will, my family was able to experience God’s love in a way that we never had before and were able to truly experience the magic of Christmas. Many blessings were to follow but that moment is written on my heart and one that I will forever treasure.
This year, I have a family on my heart. When I look back at all the suffering that Brandon and I went through last year physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially… all of it combined is the size of a mustard seed in comparison to the mountain that this family is climbing. Our burdens seem so miniscule in comparison to the overbearing weight this family is now facing. However, I take hope and delight in the Lord’s promises and claim in the name of Jesus that He is going to humble this family in the most powerful of ways. I look forward to all that He has in store for them and I pray that they too can perhaps for the first time see the face of God in their Christmas blessings as they allow Him to carry their cross.
This year, I am asking that you give the biggest and best Christmas gift of all. The single gift I would like to receive this year will not fit under my tree. It can not be contained inside my home or church because it is so much bigger than that. Please ask God to allow you to experience His love this Christmas and to infect others through your boldness. If you feel called to help someone: give from your heart and you will be forever changed. If you feel the call to give to the family I mentioned and would like to help them this Christmas you can make checks payable to: Oakmont United Methodist Church and mark it “Last Christmas”. My prayer for each of us is that we have experienced our last Christmas for ourselves. I pray that from this day forward we will experience Christmas solely through the joy that we give to others through obeying the call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A New Day
This year has not been easy for us. We have faced many uncertainties and continue to face the sting of adversity. That being said, we are so blessed! God has given us so much and continues to enrich our lives with more than we deserve. I can say for the first time in a while that I look forward to tomorrow. I can see a new day on the horizon and it is a gift from my creator. God is leading us down a new path and uncertainty is cohabitating with fear and doubt at least it is in my mind. But I recall that God does not give us a spirit of fear and I must trust and know with confidence that His ways are higher than my own. No I can not change all that has hurt us this year but I can grow and become stronger in my faith knowing that I have so much to look forward to because He promised me a new day!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lyrics from Chris Rice song-Welcome to our world
This is one of my favorite songs and it is so beautiful right here at Christmas time. Read the words and ponder them with your heart. May the spirit fill you with many blessings.
"Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child Welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world"-Chris Rice
"Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child Welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world"-Chris Rice
Dear Hootie,
We are so excited to have you come into our lives. We have been waiting so long for your arrival and Barrett is thrilled at the thought of having a baby brother to care for and play with. He can't wait to hold you and feed you and read his books to you. When I asked him if he was ready to have a baby brother, he told me, "I'll be gentle"!
We know that you will be happy here with us and we will work so hard to be sure that you have all that you need. You will always have plenty of love. We can't wait to hold you and kiss you and hug you. Barrett will pat you and tell you not to cry when you are sad. He also said he
wants to tell you that we will get you something to drink when you are thirsty.
Daddy has painted your nursery a beautiful shade of blue. He is getting all your furniture together and mommy will soon start decorating. I am going to paint some pictures for your walls. Maybe some monkeys, giraffes and an elephant too.
It won't be long before you are here. Christmas is almost here and then it will be almost time! I go to the doctor next week to see how big you are and how much you weigh. Everyone says what a big boy you are. My tummy is huge! You move around a great deal; especially yesterday.
We have some ultrasound pictures of you, but we can't wait to see your face and hold you in our arms. We already love you so much and can't wait to bring you home to live with us.
We love you,
Mommy, Daddy & Barrett
We know that you will be happy here with us and we will work so hard to be sure that you have all that you need. You will always have plenty of love. We can't wait to hold you and kiss you and hug you. Barrett will pat you and tell you not to cry when you are sad. He also said he
wants to tell you that we will get you something to drink when you are thirsty.
Daddy has painted your nursery a beautiful shade of blue. He is getting all your furniture together and mommy will soon start decorating. I am going to paint some pictures for your walls. Maybe some monkeys, giraffes and an elephant too.
It won't be long before you are here. Christmas is almost here and then it will be almost time! I go to the doctor next week to see how big you are and how much you weigh. Everyone says what a big boy you are. My tummy is huge! You move around a great deal; especially yesterday.
We have some ultrasound pictures of you, but we can't wait to see your face and hold you in our arms. We already love you so much and can't wait to bring you home to live with us.
We love you,
Mommy, Daddy & Barrett
Hootie
Brandon & I have had the most difficult time naming our child. If he had been a girl, it would have been easy...Baylee would have been her name. However, a boy name is much more complicated. We have tossed around several names but none quite as strong and powerful with sticking power as has been Hootie. It was all Barrett's idea and the word spread fast. For lack of a better name, he has been just that for quite some months. Now when we try to suggest another name, Barrett will not hear of it. His brother's name is Hootie and that is that.
Because of Mary
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
—Genesis 2:18, 21-24
Looking back on this past year, I feel a mix of emotions potentially due to being eight months pregnant. We have been through so much over these past twelve months as a couple, as parents, as a family. All of the trials are constant reminders that Brandon and I are no longer complete as individuals and we need each other to remain whole. Not only do we need each other but we now have Barrett who depends on us and our little bundle in my tummy needs us too! I am happy to share this bundle of joy with Brandon in January, 2010 and let him carry him for a while!
January, 2009-After three years of agonizing pain following my first pregnancy, the doctors finally decided to remove my Gal-Bladder. It was instant relief and seems to have cured what ailed me.
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6
The months went by... Barrett had his third birthday in March and we celebrated with a train theme and even had a real train to ride on at his party. It was a wonderful celebration and Barrett seemed to enjoy every minute. Summer came and the weather was hot. Summer was a blast this year! Barrett became an instant swimmer. We had great outings together, he and I. He had come to the age where he was much more independent which allowed me to breathe again and concentrate on not only just him but our family and home as a whole. Then potty training hit like a freight train! For the first time, I felt myself lose control of my little boy and experience every parent’s worst nightmare. My child became defiant and unruly. It was a disaster. My conscience told me I was pushing too hard, however, there are rules regarding potty training and preschool and I knew how much he needed to be accepted into preschool. So against my better judgment, we trudged on. Many tears were shed and I thought I may still be fighting this uphill battle in Kindergarten. Oh, how the teachers will talk about my child, I thought. None of them will want him in their class!
August. It came all too quickly. The heat of the summer remained. Only my time to get this child “ready” for preschool (whatever that means) came to a screeching halt. His teacher called me on the phone to discuss the beginning of school. The much dreaded conversation. The summation of a decision that would most certainly affect my child’s future was before me... To tell the truth or to fudge… I must not lie that would only create a disaster. I will just tell her that he is not ready. We will keep things the same for him for another year. He can play with Grandmommy in the mornings and Gigi in the afternoons. They can help me get him “ready”. We need to buy more time and always there’s next year. I returned the teacher’s call and told her that he was not ready. He was not even potty trained. She was such a delight and told me not to worry. Pottying would be a goal for many children in the class and they would be focusing on this goal and spend lots of time in the restroom. I began to relax. He was going to be fine! Then came the first day. His first day ever in a structured environment. He did not get a great, he did not get a good, he got a FAIR. My heart was broken. They don’t love my child! How can any child get a fair on his first day of school? My hormones had kicked into gear as I was now around four months into my second pregnancy. I was devastated. Worry crept in and my emotions were at their peak. I began to doubt my decision to even put him in preschool much less the preschool where I worked. It was a tough couple of months. Then, he adjusted and things got better. He is now potty trained!!! He had wonderful teachers that loved him and supported him through so much drama as he reluctantly mastered this goal.
Meanwhile…
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'
—Deuteronomy 33:27
Satan was at work trying to disguise my Lord’s master plan for our life and family. He first hit through our church. He loves to come in and weaken people so that he can get a foothold. He was allowed to come in and destroy and devastate a body of people in a way that broke many a heart and divided a congregation. We, the Bridgmons at this time are not attending a church that my family has been a part of for fifty years. It is one of the most sorrowful experiences I have had to go through in my thirty years of life.
He also tried to get into our home by hitting us in the financial gut. We have never been comfy cozy in our finances as Brandon is a small business owner and I decided to take a job that allows for me to spend as much time as I can with my child while providing the best insurance around for my family. There have been struggles but never have we hit a hurdle like we did this year. We hit it head on and hard! We completed Dave Ramsey’s FPU in the spring and had made changes to our lifestyle which included not spending as much money going out to eat, closing credit card accounts, saying no to “stuff” and avoiding temptations known as “cheetahs”. So, here we are smack dab in the middle of my pregnancy, in a huge recession, broke-no sign of a lender anywhere and our credit card accounts CLOSED! It would have been a great time for us to have had spiritual guidance from a loving pastor only that was not the case. I would love to say that we never had a cross word toward one another or that we did not allow Satan’s conniving ways to cause confusion and turmoil in our home. I would love to say that Brandon was able to immediately find another source of income and that we were not affected in the least financially or emotionally. In all honesty, times were hard and we were broken.
Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways; acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5, 6
November-A time of celebration and Thanksgiving. God is good all the time! He always has a plan even when we can not see what He is up to. The job search was much more difficult than we had anticipated. Jobs are scarce. Unemployment is high. Times are tough for many, I am afraid. We were not alone. Brandon applied everywhere! It was a humbling experience to say the least but we were not too proud to have him provide for our family no matter what extra job he had to take. Only it took so very long!
Brandon started work in management at Pizza Hut on the first Thursday in December. That was around the time my doctor told me to do NOTHING when I came home from work due to my pregnancy health issues. We had to cut back on so much and now I could not do simple household chores and errands while his work load was doubling. I would like to say that I never felt sorry for myself and that I was prepared to be without Brandon in the evenings. I wish I could say that we do not miss him every single night and worry about him while he is working so hard and comes home so tired. I would like to tell you that Barrett does not miss him terribly. I would like to be able to say that neither of us is ever grumpy or stressed. Honestly, times are still hard and we are still broken.
December-We are so blessed. We know that our God will provide for us our every need. Look what He has done so far. We have each other, our home, our families, our pets and our beautiful child who is soon to have a baby brother. We anticipate great things in 2010. God never promised the road would be easy, but He did promise to walk with us and even to carry us in the tough times. Right now we are cradled in his arms. A place that should be so safe, so comfortable. Why do we long to be so self sufficient when he promises to take care of our every need?
I think about Mary as we approach the Christmas season. I don’t know if her belly was as big as mine but I know that her heart must have been broken when she had to leave her family and her town and go to Bethlehem. As I ponder this life- my unfinished story of two people raising two children in a broken world, I sometimes fear uncertainty. But I look to Mary as a role model. She did not feel sorry for herself. She did what she had to do to take care of herself and her unborn child. She and Joseph were obedient even though they could not see exactly what God had planned for their lives and they too must have wondered at times, why, God? I am so glad that this couple went to Bethlehem and that Mary gave birth there to my Savior, Jesus. I am so thankful that Mary and Joseph followed the Lord’s plan even in the tough times. Because of Mary, God has a plan for my life and her child is holding my hand.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, may we remember the birth of our Lord and remember his words of comfort, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33
—Genesis 2:18, 21-24
Looking back on this past year, I feel a mix of emotions potentially due to being eight months pregnant. We have been through so much over these past twelve months as a couple, as parents, as a family. All of the trials are constant reminders that Brandon and I are no longer complete as individuals and we need each other to remain whole. Not only do we need each other but we now have Barrett who depends on us and our little bundle in my tummy needs us too! I am happy to share this bundle of joy with Brandon in January, 2010 and let him carry him for a while!
January, 2009-After three years of agonizing pain following my first pregnancy, the doctors finally decided to remove my Gal-Bladder. It was instant relief and seems to have cured what ailed me.
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6
The months went by... Barrett had his third birthday in March and we celebrated with a train theme and even had a real train to ride on at his party. It was a wonderful celebration and Barrett seemed to enjoy every minute. Summer came and the weather was hot. Summer was a blast this year! Barrett became an instant swimmer. We had great outings together, he and I. He had come to the age where he was much more independent which allowed me to breathe again and concentrate on not only just him but our family and home as a whole. Then potty training hit like a freight train! For the first time, I felt myself lose control of my little boy and experience every parent’s worst nightmare. My child became defiant and unruly. It was a disaster. My conscience told me I was pushing too hard, however, there are rules regarding potty training and preschool and I knew how much he needed to be accepted into preschool. So against my better judgment, we trudged on. Many tears were shed and I thought I may still be fighting this uphill battle in Kindergarten. Oh, how the teachers will talk about my child, I thought. None of them will want him in their class!
August. It came all too quickly. The heat of the summer remained. Only my time to get this child “ready” for preschool (whatever that means) came to a screeching halt. His teacher called me on the phone to discuss the beginning of school. The much dreaded conversation. The summation of a decision that would most certainly affect my child’s future was before me... To tell the truth or to fudge… I must not lie that would only create a disaster. I will just tell her that he is not ready. We will keep things the same for him for another year. He can play with Grandmommy in the mornings and Gigi in the afternoons. They can help me get him “ready”. We need to buy more time and always there’s next year. I returned the teacher’s call and told her that he was not ready. He was not even potty trained. She was such a delight and told me not to worry. Pottying would be a goal for many children in the class and they would be focusing on this goal and spend lots of time in the restroom. I began to relax. He was going to be fine! Then came the first day. His first day ever in a structured environment. He did not get a great, he did not get a good, he got a FAIR. My heart was broken. They don’t love my child! How can any child get a fair on his first day of school? My hormones had kicked into gear as I was now around four months into my second pregnancy. I was devastated. Worry crept in and my emotions were at their peak. I began to doubt my decision to even put him in preschool much less the preschool where I worked. It was a tough couple of months. Then, he adjusted and things got better. He is now potty trained!!! He had wonderful teachers that loved him and supported him through so much drama as he reluctantly mastered this goal.
Meanwhile…
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'
—Deuteronomy 33:27
Satan was at work trying to disguise my Lord’s master plan for our life and family. He first hit through our church. He loves to come in and weaken people so that he can get a foothold. He was allowed to come in and destroy and devastate a body of people in a way that broke many a heart and divided a congregation. We, the Bridgmons at this time are not attending a church that my family has been a part of for fifty years. It is one of the most sorrowful experiences I have had to go through in my thirty years of life.
He also tried to get into our home by hitting us in the financial gut. We have never been comfy cozy in our finances as Brandon is a small business owner and I decided to take a job that allows for me to spend as much time as I can with my child while providing the best insurance around for my family. There have been struggles but never have we hit a hurdle like we did this year. We hit it head on and hard! We completed Dave Ramsey’s FPU in the spring and had made changes to our lifestyle which included not spending as much money going out to eat, closing credit card accounts, saying no to “stuff” and avoiding temptations known as “cheetahs”. So, here we are smack dab in the middle of my pregnancy, in a huge recession, broke-no sign of a lender anywhere and our credit card accounts CLOSED! It would have been a great time for us to have had spiritual guidance from a loving pastor only that was not the case. I would love to say that we never had a cross word toward one another or that we did not allow Satan’s conniving ways to cause confusion and turmoil in our home. I would love to say that Brandon was able to immediately find another source of income and that we were not affected in the least financially or emotionally. In all honesty, times were hard and we were broken.
Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways; acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5, 6
November-A time of celebration and Thanksgiving. God is good all the time! He always has a plan even when we can not see what He is up to. The job search was much more difficult than we had anticipated. Jobs are scarce. Unemployment is high. Times are tough for many, I am afraid. We were not alone. Brandon applied everywhere! It was a humbling experience to say the least but we were not too proud to have him provide for our family no matter what extra job he had to take. Only it took so very long!
Brandon started work in management at Pizza Hut on the first Thursday in December. That was around the time my doctor told me to do NOTHING when I came home from work due to my pregnancy health issues. We had to cut back on so much and now I could not do simple household chores and errands while his work load was doubling. I would like to say that I never felt sorry for myself and that I was prepared to be without Brandon in the evenings. I wish I could say that we do not miss him every single night and worry about him while he is working so hard and comes home so tired. I would like to tell you that Barrett does not miss him terribly. I would like to be able to say that neither of us is ever grumpy or stressed. Honestly, times are still hard and we are still broken.
December-We are so blessed. We know that our God will provide for us our every need. Look what He has done so far. We have each other, our home, our families, our pets and our beautiful child who is soon to have a baby brother. We anticipate great things in 2010. God never promised the road would be easy, but He did promise to walk with us and even to carry us in the tough times. Right now we are cradled in his arms. A place that should be so safe, so comfortable. Why do we long to be so self sufficient when he promises to take care of our every need?
I think about Mary as we approach the Christmas season. I don’t know if her belly was as big as mine but I know that her heart must have been broken when she had to leave her family and her town and go to Bethlehem. As I ponder this life- my unfinished story of two people raising two children in a broken world, I sometimes fear uncertainty. But I look to Mary as a role model. She did not feel sorry for herself. She did what she had to do to take care of herself and her unborn child. She and Joseph were obedient even though they could not see exactly what God had planned for their lives and they too must have wondered at times, why, God? I am so glad that this couple went to Bethlehem and that Mary gave birth there to my Savior, Jesus. I am so thankful that Mary and Joseph followed the Lord’s plan even in the tough times. Because of Mary, God has a plan for my life and her child is holding my hand.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, may we remember the birth of our Lord and remember his words of comfort, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33
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