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

Monday, August 1, 2011

Reach Out and Touch

My mom reminded me of a song I used to play on the piano when I was a little girl and later when I became an adult, we used to sing it together.  As I read the words again, I thought how appropriate it went with pictures I have from the last two years of our blanket ministry. . .

Thought I would put the two together and share as I am thinking about starting the 3rd year and the new people I might meet and reflecting on the ones I have met.  These are just a few of them.  If you happen to meet someone new, or old, think about this song and "Reach Out and Touch"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Reach out and touch a soul that is hungry,


Reach out and touch a spirit in despair.


Reach out and touch a
 life torn and dirty,
A man who is lonely, if you care.



Reach out and touch that neighbor who hates you,
Reach out and touch that stranger who meets you,


Reach out and touch the brother who needs you,

Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.


Reach out and touch a friend who is weary,
Reach out and touch a seeker unaware.



Reach out and touch, though touching means losing
A part of  your own self, if you dare.





Reach out and give your love to the loveless,
Reach out and make a home for the homeless,




Reach out and shed God's light in the darkness,



Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you.








This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material possessons and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18
Reach out and touch someone

( if you live in or near the Bowling Green Area, please start to pray about donating blankets and sleeping bags for this coming winter.  I will begin to take them at anytime.  New or GENTLY used ones are welcome.
Not only do these go to the homeless but the very needy.  Schools and hospitals have called me asking for blankets and we have been able to give to everyone who called because of the generous donations in the past.)
THANK YOU!

The composer of the music and the words is Charles F. Brown. 
Copyright 1971 by Word, Inc.


                                                                              continuing the counting of eucharisteo

                                                                        roof over my head
                                                                         walls around me
heat for the winter
air conditioning for the summer
plenty of food
family around me
soap for my body and hair
toothpaste and toothbrush
shoes for my feet
clean clothes
car to get me around
comfortable bed to sleep in
blankets to snuggle in
church home to gather with others in
people who care about me
mercy
love from my Lord

(P.S.   For  those of you following, my husband found Greg!  I have an appointment with him next week-end)

linking with
and


33 comments:

Anonymous said...

You and your ministry are AWESOME !! Go Kris and GO GOD! Your post charged me for another week!

Anonymous said...

PS: I added your RSS feed to my blog...just in case you get one of those emails saying somebody linked you. Only lil' ol' me...LOL :)

Eileen said...

Beautiful words and beautiful pictures. This is what it's all about. Thanks.

Cora said...

Kristin, your words just tugged and pulled at my heart today. Add to that, the pictures. . .
Beyond beautiful!!!!!! Your ministry, your life, and your testimony have changed me so much, and I can't say thank you enough times. You have such a beautiful heart, Kristin!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Popped over.....I love the mats for the homeless....my daughter can crochet, but I never learned more than a chain stitch....I could make balls though....I love this idea....do you know if anyone does this in the Nashville area? I would love to help with this in my area.

Blessings~

Sadee Schilling said...

What a touching post--literally using your hands and Jesus' hands. Thank you for giving, and for your sweet words on my blog today!

Unknown said...

Seeing your ministry in action through these pictures, accompanied with the verse...such power and overwhelming love flood my soul.

Heather Rae said...

That is beyond beautiful. It seems most people reach out and text today instead of touch! I love this poem.

Wishing you a happy Monday, Kristin!

P.S.- Know anyone who would like a FREE blog makeover? I'm hosting a giveaway on my blog!

Carrie said...

Powerful photos - what a lovely way to extend Jesus' love. I've started collecting plastic grocery bags to make plarn balls with my three girls. And I watched the video for making the mats. This will be our year-long community service and I thank you for sharing it on your site.

Lisa Maria said...

What a beautiful song and you've illustrated it so appropriately in photos. There's a song we sing in church that goes 'Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place if you can'. You are making the world a better place, my friend, you reach out and touch so many.. not just the homeless but via your blog as well. So glad you found Greg.. looking forward to the rest of his story.

Wish that I lived close by so I could help out. My husband and I are actually thinking of trying to get this ministry introduced in our parish.. maybe God will open the right doors.

Love from Hugs from overseas

Debbie Petras said...

I love how you wrote:
"Reach out and let the smile of God touch through you."

That is what I hope to do. No matter where God calls us I pray that we would allow Him to work in us and through us. You certainly are doing that!

Thank you for stopping by and visiting me at Heart Choices.

blessings and love,
Debbie

Beth Stone said...

Thank you so much for your kind words at my blog earlier today, and also for adding my button to your sidebar! I'm honored to be included.... I look forward to getting to "know" you here in the blog world... God bless.

lynnmosher said...

Kristin, I think that song was ingrained in your soul and led the way to your ministry. How awesome! Beautiful and touching photos! Thank you!

Patti Hanan said...

Kristin, the poetry and the pictures are heartwarming. God bless you and this wonderful ministry.

Theresa Miller said...

Oh, this is beautiful! What an amazing sacrifice.

Unknown said...

Kristen, isn't God just incredible? As a child you were playing a song that speaks to your ministry as an adult. Amazing! Beautiful pictures and beautiful words. Love your list of blessings too.

Shelly said...

What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing these photos and lyrics. I know there is more that I can do in my hometown. Praying God's blessings and provisions over your ministry.

Shanda said...

Thank you for directing me back here. I am a follower but haven't been following many people lately as I've been busy. I look forward to reading about the blankets. My husband is the Outreach Director at our church and have been working with several, getting them into hotels till they get on their feet. But they are a different level than some of these. WE are actually starting a bible study and meal thing on Wednesdays. Can't wait to read more of your stuff.

Ken Corder said...

This is outstanding. Each of us being an intersection of Heaven and Earth builds the Kingdom of God "on earth as it is in Heaven." I presented a talk on this subject at http://thirdwayliving.org/2011/07/intersections-of-heaven-and-earth/.

Thanks for sharing your story.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I have always loved this song and the practicalness of it. Your pictures are beautiful. I can only imagine the joy you have brought by being the hands of Jesus delivering a blanket.

Fondly,

Glenda

Connie said...

What a blessing you are to so many. Love the title, "Ponderings From the Pond."

JodeneShaw said...

Thank you for this reminder to reach out and touch ... thank you for sharing the photos too.

Debbie said...

This is beautiful, and I really love the way your gratitude list goes with it so well. So many simple things that we can take for granted.

I live in a rural area. It's so much harder for us to find those in need because if we have homeless, they are out in the country somewhere hidden from view. I pray for the eyes to find them.

Kristin Bridgman said...

Thank you everyone!!! God is so faithful and good! I'm so excited for all the ones who want to start this in your own communities. The statistices show the number of homeless is huge all over and it is growing. They need tangibles, but they also need love poured out to them and to be shown that they are cared about. The one thing I hear all the time is that no one wants to look at them or talk to them. They have lost a lot of self-respect and dignity and confidence. I want them to know there are people out there who do care and more importantly, that there is a Savior who cares!
Debbie, I had no idea my town had homeless until someone told me. I live outside of the town, in the country. But when I purposely went looking, I found. Or really, God led. I was totally surprised just how many we had here. And everyone of them has been very nice and polite with me and I have enjoyed talking with them. My prayer is that I can begin to write their stories and share them however God leads.
Thank you everyone for coming by and leaving your sweet comments, it means a lot!

Anonymous said...

These pictures are so powerful. Our family just began working as missionaries in an inner city church (we live in the country too - it's about an hour from our home). Last night we handed out flyers and your pictures reminded me of the faces I saw yesterday. God is so in love with each and every one of us, regardless of our homes or our looks or status. So glad to serve alongside you even if we are states away! :)

DIY and Stuff ---Poo and Doo Style! said...

You inspire, and challenge me. Thank you for your example and for "just being you".

Erin said...

Kristin,

Your pictures said it all...letting people know that they are valuable and precious. Thank you for what you do and for writing about it. It blessed me!

~Erin
www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Kristin, This touched my heart so deeply! Thank you for sharing this! You are such a blessing!

Anonymous said...

This post was truly humbling, yet heart-warming and inspiring all at the same time. I felt very moved inside my heart as I read this post.

Thank you for sharing this! Also, I thank the people who allowed themselves to be photographed in this sensitive matter.

Kristin Bridgman said...

Yes Ms. Wildflower Cottage,
We are also thankful to them and very appreciative of their cooperation. We always ask their permission before bringing the camera out. We always want them to maintain their dignity and feel comfortable with us. We would never do anything to make them uncomfortable. And no one has ever said no to us. In fact, some come to us when they see the camera for others and ask to have their picture taken.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. What a blessing this post is because it is a reminder that we should all be grateful for everything we have. A friend here in Kuwait started Operation Hope many years ago; she collects blankets, clothing and toiletries for the third country nationals who work in this country. My kids and I have been fortunate to help with packing bags for distribution and the school we are at is big on community service so there is always some sort of fundraising going on. Anyone who has a roof over their heads, food in their cupboards, a bed to sleep in at night and choices in life should never, ever grumble or complain. Wishing you a wonderful day! :) Tammy

Susie - Walking Butterfly said...

So wonderful and totally what jesus would do! Bless you!

Denise said...

What beautiful words and inspiring pictures. You have a precious ministry going, and have such a beautiful soul and passion to share and love all of God's children! :) What a delightful post to start my day! :)
Denise