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 29, 2011

Stirred Waters~Greg's Baptism

(if you are new here, Greg is my homeless friend I befriended over a month ago and have witnessed an amazing transformation. . .you can check out previous stories below the typewriter, bottom right of the blog, ex. . ."Praising God" and "Voice of the Homeless~Greg"


August 23. 2011, Greg repented of his sins and invited Jesus Christ into his heart.  August 28, 2011 Greg entered into the baptistery of my church and stirred the waters mightily with his big frame of a body and his enthusiasm of a changed heart; a saved heart.

While we were waiting for it to be time to change for the baptism, Greg spotted one of our charter members, Ms. Francis and made a beeline out into the hallway.  I stayed behind and just watched.

 They obviously new each other. They both seemed genuinely pleased to see the other.  They were both smiling big.  She was so gracious to Greg and rejoiced over the fact that he was getting baptized in our church in just a few minutes.  After a few minutes, I entered the scene and Greg told me had met Ms. Francis at Hotel, Inc. awhile back when she worked there. It had been quite some time, and yet they each remembered the other. 

Greg had been so nervous about the bigness of our church and ALL the people in it.  Wasn't it so gracious and loving of our Father that of all the people there, Greg spotted one he recongnized and knew from years ago.  I think this put him at a little more ease.

Keith, Greg and I sat in the prayer room waiting for it to be time to get ready.  Greg kept thanking us for being his friend, for talking with him and sharing without being judgmental of him.  "That goes a long ways" he said.

Greg was nervous but also very excited.  We had prayed for peace, and when Greg left to put on his baptismal robe, he said he was feeling full of peace.  

I sat in the pew right in front of the baptismal waters so he could see me.  God placed sweet friends with me on that same pew to hold my hand and rejoice right along with me.  I don't think any of us were breathing and tears of joy were flowing.

SO many blessings to list from the week, so here I go. . . 

park benches in the shade
being thanked just for listening
on bended knee with husband in prayer
cord of three strands not easily broken
the privelege of praying the sinners prayer with my friend Greg
younger son beside me witnessing a soul being saved
friends willing to go with me to interview the homeless
testimony sheets filled out
friends in church pew with me holding hands and hugging
seeing peace all over the face of one who had only known chaos
the pictures will say the rest. . .







buried the old life and raised into a new one!

Keith and I were also so proud of our church.  Greg had been going to a church of maybe 30 people.  We probably had over 600 people in this service.  Thinking of the crowd that would be there made Greg so nervous, but after praying with him, peace filled him up.  Our church could not have been more friendly to him and made him feel more welcome. The standing ovation, hooping and hollering and clapping wasn't so bad either!  Someone gave him the devotional, Jesus Calling and someone else brought him a brand new backpack filled with things.

The generosity overwhelmed him but he was all aglow with appreciation and joy.
He said he didn't realize there were so many good Christians in one place.
He's in a different world now.

Before the baptism Greg said to us,  "I've had an amazing week.  I normally don't think like
that.  All year I might have had a good day ~ but I've never had a good week."

Greg got in our car after the service and said "This will be a day I will never forget."
He also said later in the car, "This is the way to live, people need to live for Jesus."
We talked about what our pastor said in the service, that we believers are commanded
to go tell.  Greg shook his head in agreement.  He is going to go tell.

We have wanted to offer him things at different times, and he has always said "No, I just want you to
keep doing what you've been doing, just keep being my friend."

"You've got it Greg, we'll be friends forever"
And he's got a friend forever in Jesus

He may be homeless on this earth for now, but he has a mansion waiting
for him he can call home for eternity.
Thank you Father!



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22 comments:

Anonymous said...

a big hearty AMEN !! Thanks for sharing the photos.

Patty said...

Praise the Lord!!!! Praying for Greg continually!!!

Anonymous said...

PLEEZE HELP ME FOR GOD SAKE

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristin - amen amen amen - I am so glad to hear that Greg gave his heart to Jesus and got baptised. The angels are rejoicing
God bless
Tracy

Anonymous said...

Oh Kristin...thank you so much for sharing this story...what a blessing to "watch" Greg's story unfold...watch as you "labor" along side him until he comes to his new birth. Such joy fills my heart...Oh that we would all be that kind of friend.
I am sure you are still floating...
Blessings~

Cora said...

I have tears running down my face! What a way to start a Monday morning for me --- just perfect. Maybe I'm getting old and tears come too easily, but this whole story from beginning to end has been so precious. I remember the first time you met Greg, Kristin. I'm continuing to pray for him and I just know that there's going to more to this story. . . . .

Erin said...

love this. What a time to celebrate our amazing Jesus!

Anonymous said...

Is this the same Gregg that you ministered to through the homeless program? It really doesn't matter, but I was just curious!

At any rate, how wonderful for Gregg! :) It's always good news when someone receives the Lord into their heart and soul. :)

Amy Sullivan said...

Ahhhh! How cool that you continue to share Greg's journey with us. Tell him there are a whole slew of internet friends that are excited for him.

Unknown said...

Love it!!! Oh Kristin, I wish I could have been there to witness this with you. God's amazing, redeeming work displayed for all to see. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us. Many blessings!

Kristin Bridgman said...

I wish you all could have been there with us too! That would have made the day even better!
Thank you all for being so happy for him and praying for him...I continue to tell him about everyone and he is SO grateful!

Jenn said...

not sure if my first post worked or not.. so just wanted to say glory glory.. this made me so happy! I am so excited for Greg. /Loved what you wrote and enjoy stopping by your blog!

Alida Sharp said...

How exciting! Rejoicing along with you over Greg's new life in Him!

lynnmosher said...

Hallelujah! Those photos speak volumes! I'm in tears! Just looking at Greg, I can tell God has some special plan for him. Still praying for him!

Reformed rebel said...

The look on Greg's face is priceless! Greg's story is the best I have heard in a long time. I am so excited for him and for you and Keith. Praise God for all HE has done and for all He is going to do!!

Blessings...Chelle

Sarah M. said...

Wow! What an answer to prayer! Praise to our God who is still on His throne! What a multitude of thanksgiving you have this Monday!

Maryellen said...

I was there and witnessed a baptism unlike any other I've beeen a part of (only my own tops it!) :D Overwhelming joy and praise for what God has done for Greg and for all of us! He has used so many of us to be a part of Greg's journey and it continues to amaze and humble me! Will be continuing to pray for Greg as Satan will try even harder to tempt him and use his circumstances to bring him down. I believe Greg is ready to meet the challenge!

Unknown said...

Oh, I just totally cried while reading this. It never fails how my heart soars when someone is baptized. Praying for Greg as he embarks on this new faith journey!

Unknown said...

TEARS!!!!!

Pamela said...

What beautiful occasion to witness through your words. I rejoice in baptism -- an example set by Jesus.

Blessings,
Pamela

Denise said...

God's grace is awesome and truly amazing! I am rejoicing with Greg (and for you and your husband for all that you do!); the look on his face is full humility, love, and peace. :)

Praise!
Denise

Lisa Maria said...

Oh Kristin.. this exceeded even my powers of imagination! What a beautiful testimony! As I said before this must be your season to work in the vineyard of Our Lord..look at what beautiful fruit you are producing for Him!

May He continue to give you the courage to reach out and change lives! Wish I were there 'whooping and hollering' too! My heart is so full.. Praise God!

Love & Hugs from your friend over the seas