I’ve recently entered a study of Exodus in my quiet time. Today, I worked through chapters 5-6. I’m sure you know the story well. Moses has been called by God to go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites from bondage. I can completely relate to how Moses felt about this. He doesn’t believe he is up to the task that God has called him to do.
Moses gives almost every excuse in the book. I can’t be the one You want to use (Ex. 3:11). But they will not listen to me (Ex. 4:1). I can’t say the right words (Ex. 4:10). Lord, why don’t You send someone else (Ex. 4:13). And then, when the first meeting with Pharaoh didn’t go well, Moses was at it again. Lord, why did You send me (Ex. 5:22). Lord, You haven’t done what You said You’d do (Ex. 5:23). Does any of this sound familiar? When you read these passages, God always responds to each of Moses’ complaints or excuses.
Then I read God’s response to Moses starting in chapter 6. God says something that, to me, is incredibly important: “And God spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I am the Lord.’” In chapter 6 alone, I count five times God says this: “I am the Lord.” This simple statement affirms everything about who God is, how He works, and that He can be trusted to make a way. Even in the most difficult circumstances.
This is the same God we are commanded to worship in spirit and truth. I believe if we are surrendered to God, then it will be displayed in how we lead in corporate worship. Surrendering demonstrates our trust in Him to do awesome things in our worship….because He is the Lord. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Absolutely not! The lost can be saved, lives can be changed, hearts can be reconciled to Him, impossible situations can improve, sickness can be healed, and much more.
God isn’t going to ask us to do things we can do in our own strength. That means when we’re following His direction, we’re acting in His strength, in His provision for us. Remember – He is the Lord. Let’s commit to lead worship in His strength & provision, not our own. If we do this, I think the truth in Ephesians 3:20-21 comes to life: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Pastor Randy
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Christian Persecution....and Chick-Fil-A
Well, now I've certainly heard it all. Hang with me as I get on my soapbox for a moment.
You're probably heard the story of a CFA restaurant in Pennsylvania who provided food for an event recently. The group that was meeting apparently supports strong marriages, and does not approve of gay marriage. CFA's president stated that the restaurant owners were only providing food for the group's meeting, just like they do for many others. Their provision of food was not a specific endorsement of the group's ideals or beliefs. Needless to say, the airwaves and blogs are hot with criticism of CFA over this, including direct attacks on the restaurant's organization itself, which is based on biblical principles.
I have one thing to say to those who would use this as an opportunity to burn up the wires: get a life. If you don't agree with what a company believes, runs its company, or who it gives food to, then just don't go there anymore. It never ceases to amaze me that these people, who speak/preach in the name of tolerance, obviously don't have a clue what the word "tolerance" means. Apparently their definition of tolerance is that everyone should tolerate what you believe completely, and if you don't, then you're being intolerant. Go check your dictionary and then come talk to me.
When it comes to Christians, it seems we are the only ones that it's ok to be intolerant towards. CFA is a privately held company that is certainly free to run it's business as it desires, as long as it's according to the law. If I don't like something they stand for, then I can go somewhere else. But this isn't surprising, since God's Word tells us that we will be persecuted, just like Jesus Christ.
I applaud CFA for their business practices, as they have done nothing to my knowledge that causes me to question them. They are making a stand for Christ in a world that is growing more and more intolerant of Christian beliefs and practices. And I believe our persecution isn't going to get better - only worse.
So, in addition to standing firm on my own beliefs, I'm going to......eat mor chikin.
Pastor Randy
You're probably heard the story of a CFA restaurant in Pennsylvania who provided food for an event recently. The group that was meeting apparently supports strong marriages, and does not approve of gay marriage. CFA's president stated that the restaurant owners were only providing food for the group's meeting, just like they do for many others. Their provision of food was not a specific endorsement of the group's ideals or beliefs. Needless to say, the airwaves and blogs are hot with criticism of CFA over this, including direct attacks on the restaurant's organization itself, which is based on biblical principles.
I have one thing to say to those who would use this as an opportunity to burn up the wires: get a life. If you don't agree with what a company believes, runs its company, or who it gives food to, then just don't go there anymore. It never ceases to amaze me that these people, who speak/preach in the name of tolerance, obviously don't have a clue what the word "tolerance" means. Apparently their definition of tolerance is that everyone should tolerate what you believe completely, and if you don't, then you're being intolerant. Go check your dictionary and then come talk to me.
When it comes to Christians, it seems we are the only ones that it's ok to be intolerant towards. CFA is a privately held company that is certainly free to run it's business as it desires, as long as it's according to the law. If I don't like something they stand for, then I can go somewhere else. But this isn't surprising, since God's Word tells us that we will be persecuted, just like Jesus Christ.
I applaud CFA for their business practices, as they have done nothing to my knowledge that causes me to question them. They are making a stand for Christ in a world that is growing more and more intolerant of Christian beliefs and practices. And I believe our persecution isn't going to get better - only worse.
So, in addition to standing firm on my own beliefs, I'm going to......eat mor chikin.
Pastor Randy
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Living in Fear
My life has been a series of ups and downs, probably much like anyone's. I can remember great victories throughout my time on the earth. I can also remember some incredible lows. Plus there are many areas of my life that God has shaped over my many years on earth (no, I'm not going to say how many years....).
But one thing has been an incredible weakness for me at times through it all - fear. Some who know me well might say, no way, really? Yes, fear. Sometimes it's fear over small things, sometimes it's fear over large mountains in my way. Sometimes it's just the fear of the unknown. What I've realized is that God knows this about me, and He has ways of pushing me out of my comfort zone frequently. I always recall the story of the mother bird, who at some point has to push the baby bird out of the nest to encourage him to fly. Well, I'm a large baby bird, and God has pushed me out of the nest at times. Actually, there have been times He has not just pushed - He's suplexed me out of the nest. Professional wrestling fans will understand what that means....not that I'm condoning that sport.
In particular, there are a few things that are especially difficult for me. Those are the things that I see God working most intensely in me to get me to trust Him. I'm reminded of some great Scripture on this. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This tells me that my fear didn't come from God, so I know who it did come from. The only fear related to God is the "fear of the Lord" spoken in Proverbs 1, which tells me how to worship Him. In fact, if I practice the "fear of the Lord", then my other fears are likely to subside, even vanish in His power. Psalm 46 tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." The end of that passage says, "Be still and know that I am God." Man, that's good stuff!
Then there's the idea of faith. Fear and faith have a lot of trouble coexisting in the same place at the same time. The Bible is rich in encouragement about faith. One of my favorites is Hebrews 12, which reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, not the things around us, and certainly not our sin or the weights that slow us down. This passage follows up the reminder in Hebrews 11:6 that "without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)". I think it's often those sins and weights that take our eyes off God and lead to fear. It's like Peter walking on the water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was ok. As soon as he looked to the waves, he fell. One way that encourages me is to stay faithful in my time in the Word and prayer. It helps me to look at everything with His eyes, not my own. And that helps eliminate human fear.
I was reminded today that as I live in the will of God, I do not need to fear. Anything God does or allows in my life is for His glory and my good. Plain and simple. My life is bigger than me. It's not bigger than God. As the song goes I teach to the children at church: My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.
Pastor Randy
But one thing has been an incredible weakness for me at times through it all - fear. Some who know me well might say, no way, really? Yes, fear. Sometimes it's fear over small things, sometimes it's fear over large mountains in my way. Sometimes it's just the fear of the unknown. What I've realized is that God knows this about me, and He has ways of pushing me out of my comfort zone frequently. I always recall the story of the mother bird, who at some point has to push the baby bird out of the nest to encourage him to fly. Well, I'm a large baby bird, and God has pushed me out of the nest at times. Actually, there have been times He has not just pushed - He's suplexed me out of the nest. Professional wrestling fans will understand what that means....not that I'm condoning that sport.
In particular, there are a few things that are especially difficult for me. Those are the things that I see God working most intensely in me to get me to trust Him. I'm reminded of some great Scripture on this. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This tells me that my fear didn't come from God, so I know who it did come from. The only fear related to God is the "fear of the Lord" spoken in Proverbs 1, which tells me how to worship Him. In fact, if I practice the "fear of the Lord", then my other fears are likely to subside, even vanish in His power. Psalm 46 tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." The end of that passage says, "Be still and know that I am God." Man, that's good stuff!
Then there's the idea of faith. Fear and faith have a lot of trouble coexisting in the same place at the same time. The Bible is rich in encouragement about faith. One of my favorites is Hebrews 12, which reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ, not the things around us, and certainly not our sin or the weights that slow us down. This passage follows up the reminder in Hebrews 11:6 that "without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)". I think it's often those sins and weights that take our eyes off God and lead to fear. It's like Peter walking on the water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was ok. As soon as he looked to the waves, he fell. One way that encourages me is to stay faithful in my time in the Word and prayer. It helps me to look at everything with His eyes, not my own. And that helps eliminate human fear.
I was reminded today that as I live in the will of God, I do not need to fear. Anything God does or allows in my life is for His glory and my good. Plain and simple. My life is bigger than me. It's not bigger than God. As the song goes I teach to the children at church: My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.
Pastor Randy
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Reflection, Evaluation & Moving Forward
Last year about this time, I was reflecting in my blog about the year that was 2009. I had seen God do so many great things in me and my family. Tomorrow is my next birthday, and I will be turning 46 this year. I saw a commercial the other day stating that people as young as 50 can be part of AARP. Wow, that was a nice bit of encourgement to me! So, I'm four years away from that milestone. But God isn't finished with me by far.
As I looked back at that blog post one year ago, I decided it was time for some reflection & evaluation of how 2010 turned out, as well as look at moving forward into 2011. Here are the goals I listed at that time, first the obvious ones:
- to glorify God in everything I do, say, think, believe, express, etc.
- to love my wife as Christ loves the church, willing to give myself for her
- to make my wife & children my primary ministry as unto the Lord
- to serve faithfully in the ministries God has provided - both school & church
In terms of evaluation, I believe I did make some progress in most of these over last year. But these will remain important parts of my goals for 2011 as well. I always need to grow in loving my wife more. One big area of focus for me this year will be to really invest more in my boys. They are at a crucial age now, and I need to be participating in their lives fully as well as to be an example of a Godly man. The girls will need time as well, especially for Kelsey as she begins her senior year in high school. In addition, I need to lead my family to be more missional in our neighborhood. There's no doubt that God is leading us as a family to make more of an impact for Christ there. The school and church ministries are growing and making an impact in others' lives. I need to continue to be sensitive to God's leading in both places.
But here are a few more goals that still remain close to my heart in 2011:
- to live my life with an increasing passion for Jesus Christ
- to accept God's ongoing process of humbling me with joy
- to not waste my life with things of no eternal value
- to magnify my Lord through both joy & suffering, leaning on His power & will
- to take Spirit-led risks that honor God through simple trust in Him
- to invest Christlikeness in others for making much of Christ in others & the world
- to be willing to give up anything God desires, even my own life
- to be a living sacrifice, holy & pleasing to God every day
I definitely see God working in me every day. My prayer is that He will continue faithfully the process of making me what He desires. And that I will live for Him in all things.
Pastor Randy
As I looked back at that blog post one year ago, I decided it was time for some reflection & evaluation of how 2010 turned out, as well as look at moving forward into 2011. Here are the goals I listed at that time, first the obvious ones:
- to glorify God in everything I do, say, think, believe, express, etc.
- to love my wife as Christ loves the church, willing to give myself for her
- to make my wife & children my primary ministry as unto the Lord
- to serve faithfully in the ministries God has provided - both school & church
In terms of evaluation, I believe I did make some progress in most of these over last year. But these will remain important parts of my goals for 2011 as well. I always need to grow in loving my wife more. One big area of focus for me this year will be to really invest more in my boys. They are at a crucial age now, and I need to be participating in their lives fully as well as to be an example of a Godly man. The girls will need time as well, especially for Kelsey as she begins her senior year in high school. In addition, I need to lead my family to be more missional in our neighborhood. There's no doubt that God is leading us as a family to make more of an impact for Christ there. The school and church ministries are growing and making an impact in others' lives. I need to continue to be sensitive to God's leading in both places.
But here are a few more goals that still remain close to my heart in 2011:
- to live my life with an increasing passion for Jesus Christ
- to accept God's ongoing process of humbling me with joy
- to not waste my life with things of no eternal value
- to magnify my Lord through both joy & suffering, leaning on His power & will
- to take Spirit-led risks that honor God through simple trust in Him
- to invest Christlikeness in others for making much of Christ in others & the world
- to be willing to give up anything God desires, even my own life
- to be a living sacrifice, holy & pleasing to God every day
I definitely see God working in me every day. My prayer is that He will continue faithfully the process of making me what He desires. And that I will live for Him in all things.
Pastor Randy
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas - Why We Celebrate
Luke 2:1-20 (NKJV)
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Randy
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Bridges Christmas Letter
Time for the Bridges’ Family Christmas update! The past year saw God make some big changes in the Bridges’ household. As we mentioned last year, God called us to step out in faith and quickly led us to a new church home at Wakefield Baptist Church in Wake Forest, NC. We have enjoyed getting to know the loving and supportive family of Christ there over the past year. Randy was called as their new part-time Minister of Music in June. It was not easy to leave our friends at Watkins Chapel, but it has been a blessing to keep up with many of them and hear about what God is doing in their lives.
Obviously the change in ministry has had the greatest impact on Randy. He has enjoyed the opportunity to focus on Music Ministry and his teaching at NRCA. The music ministry at Wakefield continues to grow, and Randy is seeing God work in great ways. At NRCA, the school’s recent expansion allowed Randy to teach all seventh graders for the first time. He has a great group of students this year. God is also providing many ministry opportunities in the lives of his students and their families. Randy is trying to read all he can, including a great book by David Platt, called “Radical”. He highly recommends it. Another highlight for Randy this year was taking Daniel to the beach for some discussions on biblical manhood. It was a great trip and an opportunity to spend time together.
Felicia continues to manage Human Resources for the Turnpike Authority, but is really most excited about the progress in her writing over the past year. In January, her friend Daphne suggested they attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference at Ridgecrest, NC, in May. After much prayer about the resources and time away from work, Felicia committed to the trip in faith. God provided a full scholarship from the Cecil B. Murphey Foundation, and Felicia almost missed receiving it because she thought the email notification was junkmail! The conference was an incredible opportunity to meet and study under published authors, discuss current projects with agents and publishers, and learn just how much she did NOT know about writing. She forged some wonderful friendships and has spent the last five months trying to apply all the wonderful things she learned to her manuscript. One of the most helpful aspects of the conference has been her connection with a critique group which has allowed her to get regular weekly feedback on each chapter as she continues to re-write, re-write, and re-write. She is currently praying about whether God might provide a way for her to go back to BRMCWC in 2011, hopefully with a completely re-written manuscript ready to pitch to those editors!
Megan has had a few changes over the past year as well. She did a great job at NCSU her freshman year, earning all A’s and B’s while acting in three productions. She even won a “Hammy” award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Milky White in “Into the Woods”, in which she stole the show, or at least the first Act! She also decided to change majors to International Studies – Europe which she believes will line up better with the call she feels to missions. Her current plan is to fulfill the study abroad requirement for her major by spending six weeks in Prague, Czech Republic this summer. She spent most of last summer looking for a job and finally landed one working at Red Robin. She even got to exercise her theatrical skills being the bird, but learned that was not quite as fun as it might appear. She was happy to get back to her on-campus job this fall managing the information booth each day at lunchtime. She also had the opportunity to get some backstage experience this semester serving as Assistant Stage Manager and then as Costumer.
Kelsey says her schoolwork has eaten her life. Taking two Advanced Placement courses and three Honors level courses is definitely keeping her busy, especially during Marching Band season. Serving as Squad Leader again, Kelsey and the Marching Knights had a great season, winning numerous awards at the three competitions they attended. As a Junior, this year is filled with college visits, SATs and discussions about possible majors. She is interested in Medical School and even thinking about going to UNC-Chapel Hill for undergrad, much to the horror of the entire family! Kelsey started working at Chick-Fil-A last summer and loves it. They’ve been very understanding about her band schedule and, of course, she gets Sundays off. She and Spencer continue to spend time together, mostly with friends in the band, and will celebrate three years together in January.
Daniel is enjoying sixth grade and feeling like a big man on campus in Middle School. He played Knights League basketball last winter and is thinking about joining the track team this spring. He’s ready for his exam week to come even though he only has to take one because he had almost all A’s this year. He’s found an interest in reading and writing books. He has been reading the Percy Jackson series and is about to start reading the last book. Daniel continues to play trombone in the school band and has joined the youth praise team on drums. He is very excited about being in the church youth ministry. With Daniel turning twelve this year, Randy took him to the beach for some male bonding and life lessons in preparation for his teen years. They had a great time, and Daniel probably learned more than he wanted to know about living as a Godly man!
Matt is in third grade this year and making straight A’s, and makes it look really easy. He has discovered a love for writing and has completed his first play, “A Valentine’s Carol – A Lesson about Kindness.” He tells us it is based on Matthew 5:44. He is singing in the Children’s Choir at church and also played Knights League last winter with Randy as his coach. He just found out he’ll be in the “garage band” in the third grade musical this year at school. Matt’s love for action movies continues, and he is always making up his own movies as well. We’re sure he will be a famous writer one day. But one of Matt’s most important qualities is a heart that shows love to everyone. He is always ready with a hug or a kind word that melts your heart.
Well, that is all the news we have from the Bridges’ home. You can follow us throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter, and our blogs (psalms204.blogspot.com and rbridges2.blogspot.com). We hope that you and your family have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior and that the New Year draws you ever closer to Him!
Merry Christmas!
Randy, Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel & Matt Bridges
Obviously the change in ministry has had the greatest impact on Randy. He has enjoyed the opportunity to focus on Music Ministry and his teaching at NRCA. The music ministry at Wakefield continues to grow, and Randy is seeing God work in great ways. At NRCA, the school’s recent expansion allowed Randy to teach all seventh graders for the first time. He has a great group of students this year. God is also providing many ministry opportunities in the lives of his students and their families. Randy is trying to read all he can, including a great book by David Platt, called “Radical”. He highly recommends it. Another highlight for Randy this year was taking Daniel to the beach for some discussions on biblical manhood. It was a great trip and an opportunity to spend time together.
Felicia continues to manage Human Resources for the Turnpike Authority, but is really most excited about the progress in her writing over the past year. In January, her friend Daphne suggested they attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference at Ridgecrest, NC, in May. After much prayer about the resources and time away from work, Felicia committed to the trip in faith. God provided a full scholarship from the Cecil B. Murphey Foundation, and Felicia almost missed receiving it because she thought the email notification was junkmail! The conference was an incredible opportunity to meet and study under published authors, discuss current projects with agents and publishers, and learn just how much she did NOT know about writing. She forged some wonderful friendships and has spent the last five months trying to apply all the wonderful things she learned to her manuscript. One of the most helpful aspects of the conference has been her connection with a critique group which has allowed her to get regular weekly feedback on each chapter as she continues to re-write, re-write, and re-write. She is currently praying about whether God might provide a way for her to go back to BRMCWC in 2011, hopefully with a completely re-written manuscript ready to pitch to those editors!
Megan has had a few changes over the past year as well. She did a great job at NCSU her freshman year, earning all A’s and B’s while acting in three productions. She even won a “Hammy” award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Milky White in “Into the Woods”, in which she stole the show, or at least the first Act! She also decided to change majors to International Studies – Europe which she believes will line up better with the call she feels to missions. Her current plan is to fulfill the study abroad requirement for her major by spending six weeks in Prague, Czech Republic this summer. She spent most of last summer looking for a job and finally landed one working at Red Robin. She even got to exercise her theatrical skills being the bird, but learned that was not quite as fun as it might appear. She was happy to get back to her on-campus job this fall managing the information booth each day at lunchtime. She also had the opportunity to get some backstage experience this semester serving as Assistant Stage Manager and then as Costumer.
Kelsey says her schoolwork has eaten her life. Taking two Advanced Placement courses and three Honors level courses is definitely keeping her busy, especially during Marching Band season. Serving as Squad Leader again, Kelsey and the Marching Knights had a great season, winning numerous awards at the three competitions they attended. As a Junior, this year is filled with college visits, SATs and discussions about possible majors. She is interested in Medical School and even thinking about going to UNC-Chapel Hill for undergrad, much to the horror of the entire family! Kelsey started working at Chick-Fil-A last summer and loves it. They’ve been very understanding about her band schedule and, of course, she gets Sundays off. She and Spencer continue to spend time together, mostly with friends in the band, and will celebrate three years together in January.
Daniel is enjoying sixth grade and feeling like a big man on campus in Middle School. He played Knights League basketball last winter and is thinking about joining the track team this spring. He’s ready for his exam week to come even though he only has to take one because he had almost all A’s this year. He’s found an interest in reading and writing books. He has been reading the Percy Jackson series and is about to start reading the last book. Daniel continues to play trombone in the school band and has joined the youth praise team on drums. He is very excited about being in the church youth ministry. With Daniel turning twelve this year, Randy took him to the beach for some male bonding and life lessons in preparation for his teen years. They had a great time, and Daniel probably learned more than he wanted to know about living as a Godly man!
Matt is in third grade this year and making straight A’s, and makes it look really easy. He has discovered a love for writing and has completed his first play, “A Valentine’s Carol – A Lesson about Kindness.” He tells us it is based on Matthew 5:44. He is singing in the Children’s Choir at church and also played Knights League last winter with Randy as his coach. He just found out he’ll be in the “garage band” in the third grade musical this year at school. Matt’s love for action movies continues, and he is always making up his own movies as well. We’re sure he will be a famous writer one day. But one of Matt’s most important qualities is a heart that shows love to everyone. He is always ready with a hug or a kind word that melts your heart.
Well, that is all the news we have from the Bridges’ home. You can follow us throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter, and our blogs (psalms204.blogspot.com and rbridges2.blogspot.com). We hope that you and your family have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior and that the New Year draws you ever closer to Him!
Merry Christmas!
Randy, Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel & Matt Bridges
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Give Thanks
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Here are some things I'm thankful for (not a complete list).
I am thankful for............
1. God saving me through Jesus Christ.
2. My wonderful wife, Felicia, who puts up with me every day....and still loves me.
3. My daughter, Megan, who will always be my most favorite actress.
4. My daughter, Kelsey, who will likely perform brain surgery on me some day.
5. My son, Daniel, who is a little too much like his daddy.
6. My son, Matt, who will likely win an emmy for writing a screen play some day.
7. My parents who created a godly heritage in me even through difficult times.
8. My brother, Mike, who encourages me in being a follower of Christ & has provided so much for my family.
9. Mike's family - Steph, Hannah, Josh & Gracie - who will be here soon.
10. All my extended family - know that I pray for you all often.
11. The opportunity to serve at North Raleigh Christian Academy.
12. The opportunity to serve at Wakefield Baptist Church.
13. The pleasure of serving with the staff at Wakefield.
14. The music ministry and those who serve in it at Wakefield.
15. The ability to work with our youth and children at Wakefield.
16. All the past churches I've had the pleasure to serve at & how God used them to refine me.
17. The time I've spent on campus & in classes at SEBTS.
18. God's daily provision for my family and me.
19. The opportunity to see God work in great ways every day.
20. God's Word, the Bible, and how it speaks so boldly to me every day.
21. The Holy Spirit who guides me in holy living & let's me know when I need correction.
22. The gift of music & how it lifts me up, convicts, and encourages.
23. Those who pray for me and encourage me each day.
24. The reminder every day that this life is not about me - it's about God and His glory.
25. Many difficult days & trials that have refined & purified me.
26. Having shelter, cars, food, water, clothes, shoes, and so much more from the Lord.
27. A week off from school to spend with my family for Thanksgiving.
28. The ability to wake-up this morning, to live, to breathe, to exist for God's glory.
29. Opportunities to share with others what Christ has done for me.
30. Cheeseburgers, pizza, Chick-Fil-A, banana pudding, Snickers, McDonald's breakfast, mexican food, chinese food, Moe's, Olive Garden, good action movies & comedies, & N.C. State.
Ok, so I went a little carnal on that last one...........Happy Thanksgiving.
Pastor Randy
I am thankful for............
1. God saving me through Jesus Christ.
2. My wonderful wife, Felicia, who puts up with me every day....and still loves me.
3. My daughter, Megan, who will always be my most favorite actress.
4. My daughter, Kelsey, who will likely perform brain surgery on me some day.
5. My son, Daniel, who is a little too much like his daddy.
6. My son, Matt, who will likely win an emmy for writing a screen play some day.
7. My parents who created a godly heritage in me even through difficult times.
8. My brother, Mike, who encourages me in being a follower of Christ & has provided so much for my family.
9. Mike's family - Steph, Hannah, Josh & Gracie - who will be here soon.
10. All my extended family - know that I pray for you all often.
11. The opportunity to serve at North Raleigh Christian Academy.
12. The opportunity to serve at Wakefield Baptist Church.
13. The pleasure of serving with the staff at Wakefield.
14. The music ministry and those who serve in it at Wakefield.
15. The ability to work with our youth and children at Wakefield.
16. All the past churches I've had the pleasure to serve at & how God used them to refine me.
17. The time I've spent on campus & in classes at SEBTS.
18. God's daily provision for my family and me.
19. The opportunity to see God work in great ways every day.
20. God's Word, the Bible, and how it speaks so boldly to me every day.
21. The Holy Spirit who guides me in holy living & let's me know when I need correction.
22. The gift of music & how it lifts me up, convicts, and encourages.
23. Those who pray for me and encourage me each day.
24. The reminder every day that this life is not about me - it's about God and His glory.
25. Many difficult days & trials that have refined & purified me.
26. Having shelter, cars, food, water, clothes, shoes, and so much more from the Lord.
27. A week off from school to spend with my family for Thanksgiving.
28. The ability to wake-up this morning, to live, to breathe, to exist for God's glory.
29. Opportunities to share with others what Christ has done for me.
30. Cheeseburgers, pizza, Chick-Fil-A, banana pudding, Snickers, McDonald's breakfast, mexican food, chinese food, Moe's, Olive Garden, good action movies & comedies, & N.C. State.
Ok, so I went a little carnal on that last one...........Happy Thanksgiving.
Pastor Randy
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