Annette Bridges's Blog, page 13

Mamma on display!

Mamma on display in first bookstore!

 

Mamma on display at A Real Bookstore in The Village at Fairview!

 

Mamma is so happy she is glowing!

 

What mamma says …

Mamma says gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn’t.

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Mamma

 

The election is over! Now what?

My mamma has a philosophy that attempts to see the good in everyone. And in that spirit, perhaps when struggling to see the good in somebody, she would say, “We just have to love the hell out of them.” In fact, “Love the hell out of folks” is a chapter in my new book, The Gospel According to Mamma, which is a collection of twenty-one extraordinary lessons learned from my charming and captivating mamma.

My mamma has always been quite exceptional at finding and appreciating the good in everyone, except during an election season regarding a candidate who wasn’t her choice. And to be honest, I must admit, I have shared her dilemma.

I recall the first election I was eligible to cast my ballot. Election Day was over. The votes had been counted. A winner declared. And my candidate lost the race.

I was devastated. I was sad. I was mad. I was dismayed that the majority of the citizens in my country didn’t agree with me. But this would not be the only time when my preferred candidate didn’t win.

Undoubtedly, now that the US Presidential Election is over yet again, there are those who are happy and those who are not. And perhaps those who are not are finding it difficult to know how to gather their thoughts and emotions.

I’ve come to believe that voting provides us the opportunity to agree to disagree and respect each other’s differing opinions. Hopefully, at the end of the day, we can set aside our differences and be grateful we had the privilege of participating in a democracy. I’m always grateful for this privilege very aware that it is one that women have not always had. Certainly, my love for American democracy is far greater than my opinions on who should lead this country.

But it’s not my patriotic resolve that helps me to hold and practice these beliefs. Patriotism and respect for the democratic process doesn’t help me deal with my emotions following an election, especially when my candidates loose. Frankly, only a prayer-filled conviction can take me to a more centered place and give me peace of mind.

I believe there is a higher power than the presidency that could be called the divine commander-in-chief for all humankind. I believe there are spiritual laws and divine rights that are established and available for everyone. And I believe good is omnipotent and that peace can and will ultimately reign.

After an election with my civic duty completed, I’ve come to realize that I now must implement my spiritual duty to prayerfully support good government, noble and just motives, unselfish ambitions, and high aims for all of our leaders, whether we voted for them or not. This is actually what it means to love the hell out of folks – or it’s how I’ve interpreted my mamma’s instruction.

So when my candidate of choice doesn’t win, for example, I can still have great expectations for the good of my country. I can determine to believe the best about a new President before I believe the worst. And I can expect the best from a new President, too. I can hope and trust that as I faithfully fulfill my spiritual duty and pray for all of my country’s leaders, good, wise and just decisions will be made.

And for my fellow Americans (including my mamma) who may have voted differently from me, I will remember what Abram said to Lot as he attempted to settle a difference of opinion between them, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee…for we be brethren.” (Genesis 13:8) I will pray that Congress also remembers these words!

 

 

What mamma says…

 

My mamma believes with all her heart

that a loving and for­giving God

asks us to do the same for others and for ourselves.

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Mamma

What Mamma says…

Mamma says she is quite certain that

“how old is too old?”

is NOT a question known

to the Lord.

Excerpt from The Gospel According to Mamma.

Book Club Offer

I would be super honored if a Book Club would like to read my book!

I’ve put together a Book Club package offering groups a discounted bulk purchase deal when ordered from my website. See Mamma’s page in the book section of my website. Download a flyer, Mamma – Book Club Offer, that outlines the special offer. I hope to be able to join Book Club discussions when requested and possible via Skype, phone or in-person.

Where to buy Mamma

You’ve asked where can you buy my book?

My bookmark tells folks where my book can be purchased! Paperback at Amazon and eBooks at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Apple iBookstore. I am also selling autographed books from my website as well as discounted bulk purchases, especially for any Book Clubs who would like to read my book.

I just love the bookmark design that Carol Hohle created!! Don’t y’al? And by the way, does everyone “get” the concept of the ringing telephone that goes with The Gospel According to Mamma? How many of you received “gospel” from your mamma over the telephone?

Early praise

Read early praise for The Gospel According to Mamma from some folks who’ve had a sneak peak!

“Annette’s first book is a winner! She picked the perfect subject – her irrepressibly joyous mother, who has given her daughter important and inspiring words of wisdom to cherish. If you yearn to help your daughter navigate life experiences with assurance and spunk, give her The Gospel According to Mamma.” —Mary Jo Beebe, coauthor of Jesus’ Healings and New Testament Healings

“If only there were more mothers like Annette Bridges’ mamma: always �encouraging, always believing the best of her children, a ‘steel magnolia’ �whose motherly advice is based on the Bible and common sense. �Remembering events in her own past, Annette gives us 21 valuable life �lessons based on the wisdom of her indefatigable Southern mamma.”�–Renee Corley, former editor at UPI’s religionandspirituality.com

“Once you get to the end of reading about Mamma and her wonderful lessons, you will walk away a little wiser. Annette puts life in perspective. She lives a fulfilling life, just as her Mamma taught her. Whether to find your faith, believe in your self or master the ability to see the good in others, Mamma lessons help you find the positive. There is much to learn from these strong and inspiring women.” —SingleMom.com

“A look into the heart and soul of Annette Bridges. It could be anyone’s story, but it couldn’t be told any better.” —Bob Belcher, Managing Editor, Corsicana Daily Sun

“For anyone who has ever had a mother (and you know who you are), synthesizing that experience can leave many of us speechless. It is ‘good news’ that Annette Bridges is at no loss for words. She liberally shares her mom’s gospel in deep drafts of down-to-earth good sense and faith, liberally laced with Southern humor.”

—Susan J. Cobb, author of Virgin Territory: How I Found My Inner Guadalupe

“Irresistibly heartfelt. Perfect for all mothers and daughters, past, present and future!” —Jennifer Bridges, author’s daughter and Ph.D. student

“I have been hearing stories about Nellie, Annette’s Mamma for the last 25 years.  Annette makes you feel like you are sitting down with her in her ranch house or on that beach she talks about going to while she shares her Mamma with you from her perspective, with the insights she has gained over her lifetime.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Nellie and Annette, 2 Georgia peaches transplanted to Texas.  I love the way Annette brings the Bible into her daily life and shares it with us so that we can feel the love of God that is so present today in her life and illustrates how the Bible can show us how to go in ours.  Way to go Girlfriend… you finally did it!  You wrote a book and it’s a winner!  I can’t wait to share this with my family and friends!” —Kathy Glover, friend to both Annette and her mamma

Learn more about how to order your paperback or e-book.

New look for website

My website has been given a total make-over to create the focus on my books. I can’t wait for y’all to see it! Check it out and I hope you’ll sign up to get my news post updates!

Cover Design for Mamma

Check out the book cover for The Gospel According to Mamma!