Welcome

Why a blog from me, someone who has never been a writer, someone who has never been articulate or had a solid grasp of the grammar world. Because God told me to write. Several years ago a life storm invaded my family. God kept telling me to write it all down. I argued, but He would not let up. This went on every day for a couple of weeks until one day out of frustration, (I'd like to say it was out of obedience), I picked up a pen and paper and wrote for 7 hours straight! Do you think maybe I needed therapy and God knew it?

I've been writing ever since and have learned to love it! I started out sharing my stories with friends and family. I've now been published in a Nashville church paper, Our Daily Journey (a devotional site of RBC Ministries), PCCWeb Daily Devotional, Ruby for Women Ezine Magazine, and I am a contributor in the book Alabaster Jars, Life in Abundance Collection 2.

Why Ponderings? During this life storm, God led me to a pond in the woods behind my home. There He met me each time, teaching new lessons, reminding me of old ones, showing His presence and allowing me to feel His love through the surroundings of that pond. I found myself returning over and over to ponder, pray and praise. A healing of my heart took place and out of the experience came my first book, Ponderings From the Pond, then a second book, Ponderings From My Porch, and now a third book is in the works along with a memoir about my storm.

Why am I making myself so vulnerable? Because God has done so much that I cannot keep quiet. I have to share. Jesus's last words to his desciples were, "Go,tell." We are his disciples too and this is just one of my ways of telling.

I'm no scholar but I have heard God's voice in my spirit, experience His love daily, and have a desire for others to experience this also. I would love to share with all who visit and I would love to hear from you. If my sharing gets just one to ponder, to be quiet with the Father, to see and hear from Him or to be reminded of something from Him, then this is worth my vulnerability.

As you visit me, sometimes we will be at the pond, sometimes we will move to the front porch, and sometimes we will just be here, there, and yonder. Thank you for coming and please feel free to come back anytime, you are always welcome here.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

*****EXCITING NEWS*****

My first book, Ya Know What I'm Say'n, has been released.


Ponderings

Ponderings

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Clothing

As I sat outside on my deck, I laid my head back and gazed upwards.  I took in all the bare branches of the many trees and I thought, “I am so ready for you trees to get dressed.”  I’m ready for them to don their new outfits of spring colored flowers followed by the finest of green leaves.  A few of my trees have the beginnings of buds, telling me they are getting ready for the runways of the land.

I dream of the trees getting dressed and I ponder. . .how did I dress myself this morning?  The proverbs 31 woman comes to mind as being clothed in strength and dignity.  I look down at myself this morning and think I do not look very dignified in my pajama bottoms and big baggy shirt.

And then I think of that other suit mentioned in the Bible, the full armor of God.  Did I put on the belt of truth, the breast plate of righteousness, are my feet filled with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace?  Am I taking up the shield of faith and did I put on the helmet of salvation?  Am I holding the sword of the Spirit.  I look down at my Bible and think yes, I am holding it, in lap and heart.  After 37 years of being His Child, I can say, “Yes”, I am dressed properly.  There are times, when I need to take a look in the mirror and adjust some of my clothing, but because I am His completely, I am dressed properly.  Do I always look strong and dignified?  I don’t think so, and those are the times I need to adjust that shield on my breast, check my shoes, and make sure the belt is bucked properly. 

When I began making my trips to the pond, my suit had become loosened, baggy, and not in good shape.  I had become weak, with the breath knocked out of me because of choices and actions from some around me.  But the Lord met me each time, tightening up that belt, straightening the breast plate and getting my feet ready for a ministry I didn’t see coming.

My strength becomes stronger each day.  My strength comes from the Lord, I know this full well, so I never take His suit off.  I pray as each day passes, dignity will grow in me for I want His light to shine through me and only with His clothing line can I even begin to be robed in dignity.  This clothing is not just about wearing but applying.  I learn as I wear. 

Again, I look down at my baggy clothing donned only for my bed and deck and smile as to how I would look to you all right now.  But as the trees prepare for their new clothing, I prepare each day to come into His presence with my heart open and robed in love. I’m so thankful that my heart is more important to Him than my outer clothing.  Thank you my Lord! 

But when I come to town, I will put on some real clothes for you all. . .if you call blue jeans and a sweatshirt real clothing.

“For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the heart.”
First Samuel 16:7

Psalm 104:16 says. . .The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly…”
If He waters His trees abundantly wouldn’t He water His people abundantly also with blessings?  The water nourishes the trees, and his blessings continue to nourish me. . .

143.  alone time to ponder, pray, and praise
144.  nourishment
145.  clothing, inside and out
146.  the sword of the spirit
147.  strength - the Lord's kind
148.  bare trees - a sort of mirror for me today
149.  visit with a friend
150.  kind, sweet words
(come visit me next week to see how road kill had me pondering about another kind of clothing...hmmm...are you pondering now?  :)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Kris, you are such a blessing to so many. Thank you for being sold out to the LORD, for not holding back and giving your all. You are a beacon because you are dressed, and because you hold his Word in your heart. I want that too. Thank you for being such a vessel for the LORD. :)

Kristin Bridgman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristin Bridgman said...

Thank you Lori, you are so sweet! I need to adjust those clothes every now and then, but I try. And you do have that, I have NO doubt!
Love you :)