Celebrate God’s Goodness With Miriam

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance.” Psalm 16:6

Come on in … would you like a cup of tea or coffee? Our special guest today is Miriam Jones Bradley. I have been blessed to call her my friend ever since we were roommates in college.

Miriam is an encourager through and through. She is a writer who loves God with her whole heart and is completely committed to the mission to which He has called her.

Women On God’s Mission is one stop on Miriam’s blog tour, in which she is giving testimony to God’s goodness. I also invited Miriam to introduce to you her newest book: All I Ever Needed: A Legacy For Life (picture and link below).

Sara: Welcome, Miriam! Now I know you are a great story teller, but no crazy stories from our college days today, okay?! Although, I’m sure we could write a book, especially about the experiences on our mission trip to Hungary and Romania.

Miriam: Oh, my! I don’t remember too many crazy stories, but we did have a very special room that year. That mission trip was something I’ll never forget. The other day I ran across a photo of the two of us climbing a ladder to get into the apartment while our guide held it steady. Do you remember that?

Sara: Ha! Now that you mention it, I do remember being locked out. I remember some humorous situations but also the way God worked in our lives as we visited and ministered in several village churches. At one church we met a former communist guard who cried when he told us of his salvation through Jesus Christ. Incredible.

Mirm, I love your newest book, All I Ever Needed: A Legacy For Life. Thank you for sharing treasures from your life in this memoir! I am so blessed to see how God has “Romans 8:28” written through the pages of your life. My heart was warmed by memories of your parents, grandparents and other family and church members. Please tell us about your mission and how God has been at work in your life recently.

Miriam: My mission is simple. I want to encourage people of all ages to realize they can be whatever God wants them to be. Until now, I have done this primarily through children’s ministry and writing children’s mysteries. This year I expanded and recently released a book for grown-up children!

In January I chose the word “TRUST” as my word for the year. I don’t know about you, but I really struggle with giving up control and trusting God. As if I am every really in control, or could do a better job than He does. Duh, Miriam.

Sara: I struggle with that, too. God is extremely gracious and patient with us.

Miriam: As I compiled, edited, and wrote pieces for the book I became increasingly aware of the impressive job God did in arranging my life, most notably the people who surrounded me. This in turn bolstered my trust in God. As I see what He has done in the past I gain confidence for the future.

The Jones Family

But what about now? Does He still arrange things? I think so! For instance, my aunt called the other day. “Miriam, I’m reading your book for the third time. I find new things every time and I’m enjoying how it helps me get to know you better.” She continued by telling me that she woke up in the night and was thinking about the book and then she remembered something, another book. One that belonged to my mother.

Mommy and Me – 1972

When I was ten, my mother died suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a life-changing and defining event. When my grandparents left after the funeral, Daddy sent her notebook with them. Mommy’s notebook is a collection of poems, sayings, songs, and quotes on a variety of subjects. I had to make a file when I was in college. This was my mother’s file and through the years she added to it. She added notes from messages and seminars. She added notes of presentations she gave to ladies groups with her own handwritten comments in the margins. Notes of memories. Notes scribbled over by a child who was practicing the letter “M” a lot.

My aunts decided that I should have this notebook. So, a couple of weeks ago my husband and I drove to Georgia where we scanned the pages into the computer and I brought the notebook home.

My Mother’s Book

Sara: Miriam, I have goose bumps. How happy your mom would be to know that you now treasure her treasures. Some day you can tell her all about it!

Miriam: This book has been an unexpected gift. You see, as long as I can remember I’ve been told I look like my mother. It’s something I’ve always been proud of since I believe my mommy was beautiful, inside and out. I also suspected that I was like her in many other ways. Through this notebook I’ve learned that it’s true. Not only do I look like her, but we also share a way of seeing the world and expressing ourselves.

I’m thankful the notebook wasn’t remembered until after I wrote my book. I never read her notes beforehand, so the similarities I see are – well, just the way we are. What a gift! And, one more way to see that God can be trusted to give us what we need, when we need it so we can accomplish our own specific mission.

Sara: What a story! God specializes in showing us His love and wisdom in the most powerful and endearing ways. I stand in awe and praise God with you. I know your mom would be so proud of you and thankful to God for the woman you have become! Thank you, Miriam, for joining Women On God’s Mission for coffee today.

Miriam’s book is such a joy – I highly recommend it. Each short chapter stands alone, while together weaving a beautiful testimony of God’s grace. I love it because, in addition to the poignant and at times humorous memories, Miriam brings out spiritual nuggets she has learned from each and every story she shares. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy! This book would be an excellent gift for your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, niece, pastor’s wife, teacher, neighbor, and friends.