Ponderings: O Christmas Tree

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.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

O Christmas Tree

Surely the Lord is in this place. No, I'm not talking about a beautifully decorated church building right now. Right now I am talking about a cold, windy place by a bridge where the homeless reside.

Because love came down from Heaven to a manger, because that love was invited into hearts, love on this day walks down a grassy path to a bridge. . .to lonely people who are cold. Love came in to warm just a little with hugs and tinsel, Christmas balls and bells.

You may think we were the givers of gifts. In a way we were, but in the giving, we received a gift that no bow can be put on. The gift of a smile, that appreciation, the gift of sharing the greatest love of all, the gift that came to all of us on another night long, long ago. Oh, no amount of presents with bows can match the gift we received this day. We heard from one of the lonely ones. . ."This is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen! "

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou tree most fair and lovely!
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide
Spreads hope and gladness far and wide
Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Thou tree most fair and lovely!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message:
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth
Good will to men and peace on earth
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Thou hast a wondrous message

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

You stand in verdant beauty
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty
Your boughs are green in summer's glow
And do not fade in winter's snow
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
You stand in verdant beauty

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety
On Christmas Day you stand so tall
Affording joy to one and all
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
You fill all hearts with gaiety

He was happy and loved the tree. . .

by the world's standards not so beautiful a tree, but to us it was!

His birthday is tomorrow and he is coming to church with us. No better present than that! Except for the babe in the manger. This man said he invited Jesus into his heart when he was a little boy, 9-10. He grimaced as he told me he needs to get Jesus back in there. I think he knows Jesus doesn't leave us once we've asked him in. It's us who leave Him. Tomorrow he might just be taking the first steps back as he walks into church with us. Please pray for him, his name is Chris.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, the site of thee at Christmastide

spreads hope and gladness far and wide. . .

Linking with

8 comments:

Unknown said...: Praying for Chris right now. What a beautiful tree and beautiful hearts that decorated it. :)

Many blessings, sweet friend!; December 10, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Nancy said...: I was so surprised when I opened your blog to find the same picture of "the gift" that I have on my blog....like minds, uh?

Such a sweet time decorating the tree...Jesus loves our attention to others....; December 10, 2011 at 5:05 PM
Amy Sullivan said...: In the giving we received. Isn't that how it always is?

This is such a fun idea, Kristin. I loved all the pictures. They told the story so well.; December 11, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Anonymous said...: Oh Kristen...love, love, love this...and your beautiful heart. I believe that this will inspire others...; December 12, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Anonymous said...: What a beautiful gift - the gift of acceptance and friendship.; December 12, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Jennie Lathrop said...: What fun!! The most simple things can be such a HUGE blessing!!; December 12, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Debbie Petras said...: How wonderful to invite this young man to church with you. Yes, it is we who may be prone to wander but not the Lord. A beautiful tree and words!

Blessings and love,
Debbie; December 12, 2011 at 6:33 PM
She Stands said...: I see a beautiful tree full of love and Gods grace!!! Love , love, love this post!!!
xoxo; December 14, 2015 at 11:47 AM