Annette Bridges
Annette Bridges, born in Chamblee, Georgia, was the youngest in her family and the only girl with three brothers. All her years have been spent in the south except for college years in Illinois. With a B.A. degree in sociology and graduate studies in early childhood education, she worked as an educator in public schools until becoming a home schooling mom. She has also worked in various social service and community organizations. Writing aspirations began as a young child with journal keeping. But she would not be published until she became an empty nester when her daughter left for college. Her email address is annettebridges@gmail.com.
Annette Bridges, born in Chamblee, Georgia, was the youngest in her family and the only girl with three brothers. All her years have been spent in the south except for college years in Illinois. With a B.A. degree in sociology and graduate studies in early childhood education, she worked as an educator in public schools until becoming a home schooling mom. She has also worked in various social service and community organizations. Writing aspirations began as a young child with journal keeping. But she would not be published until she became an empty nester when her daughter left for college. Her email address is annettebridges@gmail.com.
Showing 51 - 100 of 116 stories.
Make today your independence day!
Column: Bluebonnet
Jul 4 2007 01:45AM
Freedom - peace in mind, body, spirit - is a divine right. But like any right, it needs to be practiced, put into action and, at times, defended.
Birthday blues
Column: Bluebonnet
Jun 27 2007 01:05AM
I think we give age too much credit and power over our lives. I've decided to be like my grandmother. No one was ever certain of her age.
What might have been
Column: Bluebonnet
Jun 20 2007 02:32AM
Call it failed expectations or perhaps lost opportunities, looking back on my life lately, I've been struggling to overcome feelings of regret.
On a wing and a prayer
Column: Bluebonnet
Jun 13 2007 01:47AM
If your dad, husband, brother or son is away from home this Father's Day, remember the World War II song that reminds us of God's unwavering protection.
The 'D-days' of our lives
Column: Bluebonnet
Jun 6 2007 01:10AM
Sometimes 'D-days' are planned and expected and sometimes not. No doubt, each of our lives has been filled with significant events that have become momentous and transforming landmarks in our life journeys. Jesus certainly had his share of 'D-days.'
What do you take for granted?
Column: Bluebonnet
May 30 2007 02:23AM
Sometimes we don't realize what was good until it's gone. We must not wait until we lose something to place a high value on what we have.
Life lessons from 'American Idol'
Column: Bluebonnet
May 23 2007 02:38AM
The season may be ending, but the life lessons are only beginning for the contestants. These same lessons are true for any graduate and for the rest of us, too.
Joy in a dark day
Column: Bluebonnet
May 16 2007 01:31AM
Your sense of humor may be the best medicine for your health, can assure a happy marriage and will help you get through any catastrophe in life.
Multitasking madness
Column: Bluebonnet
May 9 2007 01:15AM
Jesus didn't practice multitasking to accomplish his great mission - but, rather, the art of mindful living.
Don't be your own worst enemy
Column: Bluebonnet
May 2 2007 01:00AM
Individuals who experience traumatic events often struggle with guilt - not only survivor's guilt, but also guilt for actions not taken.
What's age got to do with it?
Column: Bluebonnet
Apr 25 2007 01:08AM
What if the stories of seniors' achievements were not thought unusual but rather the normal and natural continuation of life and purpose?
When size matters
Column: Bluebonnet
Apr 18 2007 01:53AM
As children of God, we are each equal recipients of a treasure trove of spiritual skills and abilities that equip us to meet and master any 'Goliath.'
Forgive and change your world
Column: Bluebonnet
Apr 11 2007 01:11AM
The power of Christly love and forgiveness helped me leave anger and self-justification behind for a future of harmonious relations with my neighbor.
A view to the Passion
Column: Bluebonnet
Apr 4 2007 12:50AM
What does it mean to 'drink of his cup' and 'partake of his bread'? Christ Jesus illustrated the meaning of his transforming words with healing and regenerative works. We can do no less in our discipleship.
There's a cure for complainers
Column: Bluebonnet
Mar 28 2007 02:37AM
The Devil knows how to keep the complainer complaining. Whether you're the giver or the receiver of complaints, take heart, my friends: There's a way for both of you to beat the Devil at his game.
Is humanity in critical condition?
Column: Bluebonnet
Mar 21 2007 02:41AM
Jesus has been called the best man who ever walked the earth, but he was also the most criticized. What advice would he give to our destructive, criticizing ways?
Too late? Maybe not!
Column: Bluebonnet
Mar 14 2007 01:01AM
Do you feel like you've missed the boat, that it's simply too late for you to go for your dreams and attain them? The example of a woman who didn't even begin her 'career' until after 50 tells me I'm not too old to go for mine.
No 'us and them' in God's eyes
Column: Bluebonnet
Mar 7 2007 01:17AM
It often seems impossible to see anything but our differences. But Jesus' teachings speak to more about what binds us rather than what separates us.
Is there really greener grass out there?
Column: Bluebonnet
Feb 28 2007 01:19AM
Measuring ourselves against others is a fruitless exercise and an incredible waste of energy. The truth is, there's no one like us, and this makes us incomparable.
Angels among us
Column: Bluebonnet
Feb 21 2007 12:27AM
Every dialogue with Shirley was one of self-discovery, and I was changed by each and every visit. She saw the best in me and helped me to see it, too.
Defeating the intolerance within
Column: Bluebonnet
Feb 14 2007 12:49AM
In order to fight my own internal struggle against intolerance, I decided I needed to look again at the greatest of all Jesus Christ's sermons.
Looking for love?
Column: Bluebonnet
Feb 7 2007 02:07AM
My mother never looked for a man and didn't appear to want one. Yet men seem to be irresistibly drawn to her, like bees to honey. Perhaps my mother has some helpful advice for those looking for love.
What ants can teach us
Column: Bluebonnet
Jan 31 2007 01:55AM
Obstacles in their path do not stop them. They refuse to give up. Clearly, they are examples of courage, expectancy and determination.
Life is like a game of football. No, really!
Column: Bluebonnet
Jan 24 2007 02:03AM
Who would have thought that watching this year's football play-offs would lead me to reach some life-reaffirming conclusions?
Every decision is an opportunity
Column: Bluebonnet
Jan 17 2007 01:24AM
God has equipped each of us with the spiritual sense needed for making good decisions. If we utilize our spiritual sense, we will be prompted toward right thinking which will direct us to the best course of action.
Leave your mistakes and start anew
Column: Bluebonnet
Jan 10 2007 12:16AM
The apostle Paul doesn't expect us to have all the answers for the future. We simply make strides, however slowly, however long it may take.
Beating the New Year blues
Column: Bluebonnet
Jan 3 2007 12:50AM
Are you beginning the new year with confidence and expectation or with dread and trepidation?
Keeping the Christmas feeling
Column: Bluebonnet
Dec 20 2006 01:44AM
We don't have to pack away those warm fuzzy feelings we have for our fellow man this time of year.
Happy Christmas, and we had nothing
Column: Bluebonnet
Dec 13 2006 02:38AM
I was 10 years old the Christmas of 1968. We had little money, no income, no home, few clothes and no toys, and we were separated from other relatives.
Christmas, miracles and all things possible
Column: Bluebonnet
Dec 6 2006 01:16AM
Country-western singer Joe Nichols' lyric "I've learned to never underestimate the impossible" inspires my childlike enthusiasm and hope that anything truly is possible.
The greatest gift: 'Today'
Column: Bluebonnet
Nov 29 2006 01:31AM
One day it hit me: Time wasn't the culprit. Time was actually more of a self-imposed limitation.
Gratitude - the path to joy
Column: Bluebonnet
Nov 22 2006 12:40AM
With gratitude as the premise for every thought, feeling and action, how would your day change? Do you doubt that your mental state impacts everything and everyone around you?
Giving thanks for our selfless heroes
Column: Bluebonnet
Nov 15 2006 01:18AM
Although he was not present at our Thanksgiving dinner table, his empty place was set. We didn't raise our forks until we first expressed our gratitude for his service to our nation.
Here's wishing you a near-death experience
Column: Bluebonnet
Nov 8 2006 02:27AM
Tim McGraw nailed it when he sang, "Live like you were dying... like tomorrow was a gift."
Be a landslide of one
Column: Bluebonnet
Nov 1 2006 12:43AM
Don't think your vote matters? Consider this. . .
Jesus didn't allow any energy leaks
Column: Bluebonnet
Oct 25 2006 02:39AM
Here's a great problem solving role model for a day of impossible roadblocks.
Don't be fooled by the view
Column: Bluebonnet
Oct 18 2006 12:16AM
Mistaken impressions, rash judgments, believing the worst - we've all been there.
Where's your prayer closet?
Column: Bluebonnet
Oct 11 2006 01:12AM
We can follow Christ Jesus' prayer instructions wherever we are - at work, grocery story or stuck in traffic.
Let's talk marriage
Column: Bluebonnet
Oct 4 2006 12:22AM
It's often a political, social and religious hot topic. It's often discussed as what it could be or should be or isn't. But marriage to me is...
Feeling how God sees me
Column: Bluebonnet
Sep 27 2006 02:25AM
Many times, when I've been struggling with some problem or challenge, I've found it healing and transforming to consider what I believe the God-view is of me.
Oh to be a child again!
Column: Bluebonnet
Sep 20 2006 01:53AM
I wanted to get up and dance, but I didn't. When do we lose our impetuous, uninhibited childlike self? How can we get it back?
To say or not to say
Column: Bluebonnet
Sep 12 2006 02:37AM
Like missiles that once in the air, cannot be recalled, our words can leave indelible marks on hearts and lives. We all need to be more mindful of what we say and write.
The emptiest nest
Column: Bluebonnet
Sep 6 2006 12:17AM
My world was about to change. It was September 2001, and my only child was heading off to college.
So you had a bad day
Column: Bluebonnet
Aug 30 2006 12:37AM
Some people are resilient and can bounce back like silly putty. Others break a nail and are roadkill the rest of the day. Fortunately, there's an antidote for the roadkill days.
How big does your nest egg have to be?
Column: Bluebonnet
Aug 23 2006 02:27AM
What if The American Dream is not about fame and fortune at the end of it all? What if it's about the journey.
Imagine John Lennon's dream
Column: Bluebonnet
Aug 16 2006 02:05AM
John Lennon sang, "Imagine there's no countries . . . nothing to kill or die for." He sang of the world living as one, living life in peace, a brotherhood of man. Can you imagine that?
Defending against the Texas drought
Column: Bluebonnet
Aug 9 2006 12:58AM
One need only turn on the television, while trying to cool off in the air conditioning, to feel like we inhabit a world out of control. Can prayer really make any difference?
Yoda: 'Do or do not. There is no try.'
Column: Bluebonnet
Aug 2 2006 01:29AM
A possibility thinker dares to imagine. He doesn't let perceived limitations, such as age -- or even drought -- stand in his way. He doesn't allow past failures to halt present actions. He doesn't view failures as mistakes but rather lessons learned.
Jesus likes our potential
Column: Bluebonnet
Jul 26 2006 02:41AM
We need only watch or read news headlines to get a depiction of humankind that is not very desirable. One that says the nature of man is dishonest, murderous and so forth. But Christ Jesus says we have a spiritual nature. Really?
A journey of detours
Column: Bluebonnet
Jul 19 2006 12:30AM
Lately, I've been wondering what my life would be today without my past mistakes.
Showing 51 - 100 of 116 stories.