Wow, is it Christmas already?!?!

Wow, the year is coming to an end and Christmas is days away! My class is finished on Friday, which I am so glad! I will finally have some free time :) The more time on my hands, the more I truly start to think about things, life, etc. God has been so good. He blesses me beyond my wildest dreams. :) I can't even begin to tell you how I am amazed every day by even the little things God brings to my attention. He seems to always be there when I need someone to listen or guide me. I know that He always meets every need. He never ceases to amaze me! I know I have talked about this before, but really, He is awesome! I think that God brings certain people in your life just when you need them. I have been struggling with some different situations, but never to my surprise God is there leading me. Recently, I was hit with some health issues. Although NOT cancerous, the doctors are almost certain that I have a brain tumor. This is definitely a scary thing. Let me tell you, I hate going to the doctors, and even more so, I hate not knowing what is going to happen. It is a little, well very, scary. Nevertheless, I am learning to trust Him for comfort and strength. Along with the medical issues, also comes the medical bills, but God will provide as always. God is great and He will take care of it all! Luckily, I met another person who has been through exactly what I am going through, and can tell me all about it! See, God knows...
On another note, things are settling down some so I will be able to rest and relax. Whew! What a year! I will try to update along the way, but really everything is alright for now. I am ready for Christmas! Remembering to be thankful always for all He has given! God bless and until next time....

Happy Thanksgiving

Wow, I cannot believe that it is already Thanksgiving. I mean, seriously, where has the year gone?!?! Don't even get me started on Christmas...I haven't done a single thing for that yet. I have been so incredibly busy that I feel as though sometimes I am neglecting the important things. This is probably true in some aspects. I feel disconnected sometimes from friends because well, we all know, I hate talking on the phone, and just simply put--I can't for the life of me return calls soon enough! I do love all my friends who are always there whenever you need them or even when you don't :) I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life. I know it is easy to complain and just ramble on about what's wrong in life. I am guilty of this many times. I am very thankful for the life I have, family, friends, and many wonderful things. I cannot say enough how grateful I am that I grew up in a Christian home and have a great church (actually 2 churches) that I can attend and grow in the Lord. I am blessed to have everything that the Lord has given me. This year has been so good. I really cannot complain about anything! I am excited and anticipating what 2010 will hold for me :) I know I am looking ahead a little far, but it will be here before you know it! Well, just wanted to write a little since it has been a while and this is a great stress-reliever for me :) God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

Ephesians 5:20, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4:6, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Wow, what a difference a day can make, huh? Well, it has been quite some time since I blogged last...time is just flying by! Well, just some updates on new stuff happening in my life. Recently, I bought some new living room furniture. It is very nice...leather...but we haven't gotten it yet :/ so no furniture to sit on downstairs...lol. It is supposed to be delivered this weekend. I am excited! I had my 27th birthday on Oct. 18th...wow, I can't believe I am 27! I think this will be a good year :) Today, I started my next class in graduate school. It looks like it will be a hard one, but God is faithful and will see me through!
On another note, I got some difficult news from the doctor today...I have to get further testing that includes an MRI before any conclusions can be made on what is exactly the problem. Please pray that everything goes ok and that the results are not bad.
I am studying the book of James right now. It is amazing and awesome that God knows exactly what we need and when we need it! James 1:3, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." In trying times, I rely on Him to see me through! He is my rock and my strength!
God bless until next time :)
~Bridgett

Trusting and Relying on Him

So everything has been going crazy as usual. Busy has become the norm for me :) But, nonetheless, God is ALWAYS good! Despite my constant shortcomings, God continually shows His grace and blessings to me! Things have actually been going well. I was blessed with the ability and financial funds to buy a townhouse and finally got moved in and settled. Things are a constant progression, but great! I am starting my next masters' class in October. I was able to go to the beach for a long weekend with great friends. It was a blast and always good to enjoy God's creation! I have been promoted to a new position at work with great perks--which is definitely a prayer answered! The Lord is definitely good, and gives me WAY more than I deserve in this life!
Do you ever feel like you can't get enough of something? Well, lately that is how I feel about God's word and talking to Him. I used to think about how someone could pray for hours straight...but now, I can totally imagine doing it myself--except days at a time! Something that God has been and is constantly teaching me is to rely and trust Him. I have been praying about some "stuff" in my life, and it is amazing to see how God provides and just answers those requests! He is absolutely, without a doubt, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Sometimes, I worry so much about how to handle certain situations or problems that may or may not happen in my life. It is really funny to me, but a great pleasure to watch the Lord work and sometimes just completely remove those "potential" problems and situations from my life. Hey, I am NOT complaining because less stress is always a good thing :) Sometimes, trials are good, but we don't think so until we are way passed them! God definitely is teaching me to wait on Him and trust Him with everything completely! One joy of being a Christian is the excitement of waiting for God's work in my life :) Never knowing what to expect definitely keeps life exciting and interesting!
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Grace in Trying Times

Today, 2 Corinthians 12:9 came to my mind..."And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
So, definitely a good verse for trying times. I mean who can really take glory in troubles. I hate going through tough times. Sometimes, well most of the time, we try to keep our troubles to ourselves. It is hard, but for some reason, on the outside I want to seem as though I have it all together, when really on the inside I am crumbling. I am so glad that God is always there and can be my comfort and strength! His grace is sufficient! Seriously, I don't know how people do it without Him. Trials are good, even though we often don't see how... Really, I mean isn't it when you are struggling that you get closer to God because you pray and seek Him. At least, that is true for me! You want help and sometimes no one on earth seems to care, but God is always there and listening and WANTS to help us! So, on one hand troubles are exactly that...bad, but on the other, we know God is there and ever so present in our lives. He is cheering us on, even when we want to give up or think there is no point. God is good and all-sufficient! Don't give up on Him! He loves you!

Most Important Stuff

So, lately I have been thinking about what is really important to me. The most important thing in life to me is my relationship with Christ. Some people have made me think lately because of random comments about going to church, reading the Bible, etc. I have come to realize that above everything else in life, Christ is the Ultimate #1 in my life. Really, who cares what other people think!?!?! When it comes down to the end, it doesn't matter what others think--it only matters what God thinks. Something else, a person can be so nice or the greatest person, but if he/she lacks a personal walk with Christ...everything else doesn't measure up! Another thing lately has been brought to my attention...EVERYTHING that I do in life should be my best because it is ultimately for God, not myself or others. Even if the job I have is not my "dream" job, I should still strive to do my best. I often forget that I am representing Christ. Man, talk about steppin' on toes...lol I need to step up my game because I have been failing miserably at representin'! Also, I am being tested at holding my tongue! What a powerful little tool that can do major damage or good! Gotta learn to keep that in check! Just some thoughts....
In Christ,
Bridgett

Proverbs 27--Simple Lessons

Well, it has been a while since I blogged...so I thought I should get back to this :) Things are crazy busy--some things never change :/ Hmmm....I absolutely LOVE how God brings things to our attention when we need them most! I have been struggling with a couple of things lately and last night, I was reading Proverbs 27...ya know to go with the day. I totally needed it! I love how it fit exactly into my situation. Isn't God amazing!?!? I usually have a devotional book that I use, my Bible, and then a separate just reading book that I do for devotions, but I packed those...so I decided to just pick some random scripture to read for the night....BUT it definitely isn't random for God! Anyways, it was humbling. The chapter started out with, "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." I love this because life would be boring if we knew what the future had in store. It is awesome to live each day waiting to see what God has for us! Then, I read on and saw verse 6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." It is hard to get criticism from a friend, but really I would rather a friend tell me the truth than act like nothing is wrong. As much as it may hurt or I might not understand, it is better for someone to be straight-forward with me. If I offend someone, sometimes I don't even realize it, but if that someone never tells me...I will not know and that bitterness will eat that person up! I think it is better to get it out than to keep it in sometimes! Next, there was verse 24, "For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?" Man, does this step on the toes... When it really comes down to what matters, money and worldly possessions are nothing and really a lasting legacy or testimony is what we should be concerned with. Sometimes I wish I could just win the lottery (which by the way, you have to play to win...lol) but then other times when I really really think about things and when I am most happy, money doesn't even come into the picture and I wish I was on a desert island away from it all! God is soooo good and definitely meets all my needs. I never cease to be amazed at the works and plans God has for me! I lay it all in His hands because He knows best!

It's Not Good Enough for Me....

So, I find it very interesting that people will pay a significant amount of money more for the exact same product you can get for less because it is generic. I mean, seriously, come on now. I am very money conscious-just ask anyone who knows me well. I can't see paying more for the same product I can get for less just because of the brand name. I mean, don't get me wrong, there are certain things I buy name brand because of quality. I just don't see paying more than I have to for things. Sometimes, I even walk around a store carrying something and then get to the register and decide not to get it...lol Most of the time, I talk myself out of tons of things. I definitely analyze my purchases, especially the big ones. Sometimes, I would prefer to have someone else manage my finances. Oh well, just some random thoughts. I went shopping for a gift this weekend and was thinking about this lately. :) God bless!

Pray without ceasing!

Lately, I have been thinking and wondering about things ahead. I think about changing jobs, buying a house, taking trips, finishing my Master's, etc. I have soooo many questions and no answers! It is crazy to think of all the possibilities. I am finding myself more and more in prayer. Prayer isn't a bad thing though...I don't know about you, but I like to pray to God like I am talking to Him. I don't like to be "stiff" or "rehearsed." I do have reverence toward God, but He is my Father and closest friend. I share everything with friends and family. The good thing about God--He LISTENS to me. He cares and I can go to Him for anything. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 God is the light to my path! I can't go wrong with Him!

One Day at a Time

God is so good! He knows exactly how much I can handle and definitely surprises me sometimes :) I am learning to take one day at a time! Definitely, take a deep breath whenever I feel overwhelmed! My class is going pretty good so far, just gotta stay on top of it! Also, I feel like God has something really exciting and good waiting just around the corner for me. Do you ever feel like that? Well, I like how it is exciting to not know the future sometimes because you can just IMAGINE what is in store :) I just need to stay focused and keep Him first! Despite the bad things that happen, I definitely make it through each day by God's grace! Things couldn't be much better right now :) God is Great! God is awesome! God is good!

Laughter

I love to just sit around with friends and family and talk about memories! It can be so much fun! I love to laugh, and the best is when your side starts to hurt and you are just crying from everything being said. It is great to just replay things in your mind and almost remember it like it was yesterday! Oh, and not to mention the lessons that were learned from it all. :) Sometimes I wish time would slow down. Friday night I was able to visit with some awesome people and catch up! I had a fun night and boy, can kids make you laugh at the things they say and do :) I wish I could think as simple as a child and be that carefree! Kids are super! Anyways, things are getting ready to get even more crazy with class starting Monday. God is great and mighty, so I am going to rely fully on Him! God bless!

Wow, life is CrAzY!

Let's see this past weekend went by so quickly, as they all seem to do these days! Friday night I went out to eat and bowling with really good friends. It was a blast! I actually got several strikes! Yay! I didn't get home until 1:30 am and to bed around 2 am, which wouldn't be that bad for a Friday night...but I had to be up and ready by 6 am on Saturday! Well, I went on 3 hours of sleep all Saturday that wasn't too bad. I went to White Lake with my parents on Saturday. It was lots of fun. The lake was really cool, it was clear and I could go out really far and still touch! Crazy! It was great! On Sunday, I had to leave and come back home. I arrived back to my apartment around 10 pm. It was a busy weekend and I was exhausted! Am I the only one who thought summer was supposed to be relaxing? My summer seems to be getting busier as it goes along! Class starts on Monday....I just keep reminding myself to keep going!!! This too shall pass :)
On another note, I was thinking about how most businesses (at least the ones in which I have worked) are composed of lots of people who "kiss butt" to get higher up in the ranks. Personally, I can not stand this and I will not submit to this standard. I work hard and refuse to play favorites or try to impress certain people. I am who I am! My work and standards should speak for themselves and if someone doesn't approve....Oh well! It shouldn't matter what others think, besides I only have to live to one standard...GOD's!

Just a Slow day

Today went by so slow for me! It was really slow at work. Luckily there were no bad calls for me. Days like today are the reason I bring a good book to work :) However, I finished my book by lunch. It was a great book. It definitely made me think about some things that needed to be resurfaced in my life. If I mention the title, you would laugh...just like a girl at work did when she saw it! Let's just say that I like to read books that are self-help and Christian. Let's see...being a single young Christian girl...it is always on my mind or at least in the back of it :) I will let you ponder... But really the book was great! It made me put my focus back on God! If I am focused on Him then he will bring everything into place. Everything works together for good. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me. But honestly, I am focused on getting closer to Him. I am staying busy too with traveling and trying to get my Master's degree. I have wanted to do that since graduating college and finally have the opportunity at my doorstep to do it! Things are going great! I feel like I am right where God wants me....but that's not to say that it will change :) I still have the FBI on my "list" of things to do :) Although, I am praying about what the Lord will have me do in the future, who knows, I am flexible and open to whatever :) Anyways, these are just some ramblings about what's going on in my life right now. God is good all the time! Trust Him to give you the best! He is able and willing to do it!

Blessings

I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me. Sometimes I forget to thank Him for even the little things. It seems when things are going badly it is easy to remember to pray about those things, but when things seem to be going just fine the prayer is a little less. I am very thankful for all that God has given me: family, food, friends, home, job, lots more. He continues to amaze me every day. He provides and meets all my needs and desires. It is awesome that when I begin to worry and stress about something, God is always faithful! I have been through some very tough situations in the past few years. I can definitely say that God always provided. I like the saying, "What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger." In my life, I can definitely see some instances and examples of this! God uses even the worst of situations to teach me the most amazing lessons in life! Even though I struggled with certain situations, I am now stronger and can help others in the same situation. God is good all the time!

Jesus knows best!

One of my favorite passages is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." This passage helps me to just remember that He is in control. I know that if I trust Him with anything, He is able to lead me in the right direction. He is able and willing to guide me into His perfect plan without taking me through any troubles that otherwise, I would have ended up going through on my own. Even if I go through trials and tribulations in life, He is always there and I am not alone. Troubles and trials do come along in life, but why should I worry or try to figure out why? God can handle it all. "Don't tell God how big your problems are....tell your problems how big your God is!" That is a very good way to look at it. My sister tells me all the time that I analyze things too much. I definitely try to see the underlying meaning of people's actions and thoughts. I can't help it... I lean on MY understanding in certain situations and really I get nowhere because it just confuses me more. So, I am making a conscious effort to rely on God more and trust Him with EVERYTHING. The stronger my relationship with Christ, the easier it is to trust Him with my life. He is my strongtower and all in all! God is good all the time!

A Proverbs 31 Woman?

Well, most people think of me as sweet and kind...umm let me tell ya, sometimes it is a struggle! I am pretty easygoing and cheerful, although like everyone else, I have my moments. Sometimes I just want to scream or give someone a piece of my mind! But, for some reason...I hold back :) Well, maybe that reason is because as a Christian it would ruin my testimony! I work so hard to build my testimony so that others can see Christ and I don't want it to be shattered in a moment of anger or frustration! The older I get, the less I stress about petty things and really have learned to pick my battles. I am striving to be like Proverbs 31:26: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness." In today's world, this is VERY hard to do. With society, it is a struggle to stay on top and we are taught to stick up for yourself and not to let others run us over. I can say from my experiences that being ran over stinks! I have had to bite my tongue many times. Seriously, you can learn lots from just listening to others talk. You realize how dumb someone sounds and then you can be thankful that you didn't open your mouth and utter those words! :) Just like most of us were told growing up--"If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all!" Lessons learned ;)

Am I at peace?

Well, over the past 3 days I have had a verse come up about 4 times and each with a different situation. It is crazy how the Lord works and brings things to your attention. The verse is Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." There are so many things going on in my life and in the world. Sometimes it seems so easy to become overwhelmed. I tend to get discouraged if something doesn't go the way I had planned or if someone close is headed down a rough path. It is so easy to say to people, just rely on God, He is your strength. But, for me and many others, that is hard to do when we can only see the problem in front of us. Sometimes, I have to look past the current problem or situation, take a deep breath, and pray that God knows what He is doing. I KNOW that I can always depend on God and definitely trust Him with EVERYTHING. I am learning to bring this truth to mind when I face trials or get discouraged. I have began to be comforted even more, each time I get more into God's word. I love how He is always there, even when the world walks out. He is definitely ALL I need! God is so good!

Something New

So after a little thinking, I decided that I am going to start blogging. Sometimes, I just feel like typing out my feelings on random things. I think this would be a great way to do so, even if no one reads it. So, this is officially the first blog, and hopefully will not be the last :) I can't guarantee that it will be an everyday occurrence but I will definitely try to keep it up! Hopefully it will not be a bore! Enjoy the journey along with me!