Surviving the Storms

Today as I was driving to work and I turned on the radio to listen to Glenn Beck like I usually do in the morning. He was talking with a gentleman who wrote a book about being a survivor. How did Glenn know that I needed advice on this very day of coping and surviving?

As I arrived at school, I remembered that we had an assembly today. The guest presenter was Stephen Nasser, a holocaust survivor who in a family of 21 people was the only one who survived that horrible event in history. He spoke about surviving the storms of life and that feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t help. How did Stephen know that I needed help and direction on surviving the storms of life?

Glenn or Stephen didn’t know that I needed help today, but I can assure you that my Heavenly Father knew and they were both answers to my pleading prayers. I am grateful for prayer and for more importantly answers to prayers. I am grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows, loves and watches over me and my family. I am so blessed.

I also read an article today written by President Faust that has also brought me comfort and once again taught me that the tests of this life are just that….”tests of faith.” He states, “Who are good parents? They are those who have lovingly, prayerfully, and earnestly tried to teach their children by example and precept “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.” This is true even though some of their children are disobedient or worldly. It is very unfair and unkind to judge conscientious and faithful parents because of some of their children rebel or stray from the teachings and love of their parents. Let us not be arrogant but rather humbly grateful if our children are obedient and respectful of our teachings of the ways of the Lord. To those brokenhearted parents who have been righteous, diligent, and prayerful in the teaching of their disobedient children, we say to you, the Good Shepherd is watching over them. God knows and understands your deep sorrow. There is hope. “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (D&C 6:36)

As I have struggled through trials with adult children who are lost on the path, I have come to know that even our Heavenly Father has had the same experiences when some of His children have used their agency to make poor choices. He continues to love them and has never blamed Himself for their unwise choices. Why should I not have to struggle just as He? Has my faith been tested over and over? Yes. Do I at times feel like others judge Lynn and me because not all of our children are active in the church and it must be the parents fault because they didn’t do something right? Yes. Do I know deep in my soul that Lynn and I are good parents and have done all we can to lead our children on the path of righteousness? Yes. Do I know that there is a God and there is a plan? Yes. Do I know that there is a caring Savior who is there for me and my family? Yes. Do I understand that there are divine solutions to each of our most distressing problems? Yes. Will I always be strong and never question why me again? No. But I do know that because of Christ’s atonement there is an “ever-present power to call upon in everyday life,” (President Packer), I will be able to survive my storms along the way and find “the peace of life.”

A GORGEOUS JANUARY HIKE!

We woke up this morning and thought....Today is the perfect day to play outside! No work, no school just time to do whatever we want.....WOO HOO! So, Lynn, Lerin, Trent (her man!) and I headed out to a remote part of Snow Canyon state park to explore for a few hours. We had a blast and soaked in the sun and views of the canyon. We found petroglyphs, slot canyons, lizards, squirrel's and breathtaking vistas. There is nothing better than a great hike to lift your spirits and get you ready for another work week. We got lost for a bit, but just went up higher and higher to see if we could remember the way back to the car. Don't you fret....we made it back safe and sound! After our hike we hit Quizno's to have a bite and sat outside to keep enjoying this beautiful January day in STG..... Ah.... St. George in January-no inversion, no fog, no snow!

Happy New Year!

This past few weeks since Christmas has been crazy at the Bridges’ home. Lynn’s dad happened to pass away the day after Christmas, so we spent many days up north in SLC/Ogden preparing for and attending the funeral during our break from work and school. We spent a lot of time on the freeway and in hotels and relatives homes. But we did manage to have a wonderful Christmas at home for a few days. Amber came up from Salt Lake and Alexa was here for the break from USU for almost 3 whole weeks! Plus Jayme and Jadi came over on Christmas morning to spend the day….so we had a blast together as a family. Christmas Eve we had our traditional dinner with chicken cheese soup in bread bowls, shrimp, Cheese and crackers, veggies, sparkling cider and a variety of other assorted treat and food items. We ate until we were sick!

We then settled into the family room to watch “Joy to the World” and reflect on what Christmas is really all about. We also choose names for Christmas in our family and we all gave each other our gifts. I LOVE CHRISTMAS EVE, I think even more than Christmas day. We have such a great time together and it feels so warm and perfect to have everyone together, happy and thankful. PLUS… this year EVEN St. George had a white Christmas! BONUS!!!

Every year Lynn and I also buy all the kids a toy and a game for Christmas Eve – we started this tradition when they all got old and boring several years ago. This year we bought a Wii for our Christmas Eve toy!!! They all screamed and were so excited like they were all 10 years old…..not 20, 24 and 27! Lynn and McKay were pretty competitive as usual and were sweating their guts out during their boxing match. We bought three games, Wii Sports, Wii Play and Wii Mario Party.

Jadilyn’s first Christmas was amazing! She loved her new toys and laughed and giggled all day long. She is getting cuter everyday! She thinks her daddy is the funniest thing ever – she is now sticking out her tongue and giggling every time he looks at her. He taught her that “trick” and gets so excited to show us her new “tricks” as he call them – I hope he realizes that she isn’t his dog! He is so proud of his daughter. I got Jadilyn a bib and McKay a t-shirt that says, “I kiss my dog on the mouth” for Christmas. It was his favorite gift (besides his brand new Chaco’s which he never will take off until he needs a new pair).

So, now that January is here -- Alexa is back up in Logan…..FREEZING by the way; Lerin AND McKay (finally….yes….McKay decided it was time to go back to school and FINISH) started back at Dixie and I am on the downhill slide – second semester is underway—woo hoo!! Lynn left for Orlando this week for some business meetings and life is back to the old grind.