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

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Crossing the Threshold


My mother-in-law is preparing to cross that glorious threshold. . .getting ready to go home.

As her body is getting weaker and weaker, I believe Heaven is waiting with open arms to receive Ms. Anna Leota into their presence.  Yes, she is a believer, so soon, she will walk strongly into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank you Mom Bridgman for giving me your son, Keith, who has been my wonderful helpmate, my loyal husband, my partner for life, my love.  You gave me the gift that was meant just for me, one that no other could have given.  And I am so thankful that you have received the gift from One that no other could give, the gift of salvation.  This helps us to release our loved ones to Him, knowing you are going to a better place, a place we will be one day ourselves.

I don't know what Heaven will be like but I smile as I think of you seeing for the first time, what all I cannot comprehend.  I imagine the colors will be out of this world, the sounds will be glorious, jewels around every corner and gold down the streets.  More than I can fathom, but you will see soon.  It might be completely different.  But I do know this for certain.  You will leave the tired body behind, the cancer you will say good-bye to, and you will stand straight, running right into that glorious home waiting for you.  And the best of all, standing face to face with Him, the One who Saves, the One who grants mercy and grace and has loved unconditonally like no other, the One who hung the moon and the stars, and the One who has been by your side and is now at this very moment. You will smile like never before, you may bow at the feet of Jesus, and then raise to praise like never before. However it looks, it will be glorious because He will be there!

I won't say good-bye, just so long for now.   Because some day I will be where you are heading. 

O death where is your sting? Oh hell, where is your victory.  Christ has had the final word here.  Hallelujah!

Dear readers,
Please pray for my father-in-law Kenneth who is preparing to let his sweetheart of 63 years go.
Please also pray for the two sons, Kenny and Keith.
Thank you!

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bridgman


12 comments:

lynnmosher said...

Oh, Kristin, I'm so sorry. Praying for everyone. The photo is heavenly! Blessings to you, dear one!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Praying for you and your family, Kristin, as you prepare to say goodbye and begin grieving, this side of heaven.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you and your family are having to say goodbye but so thankful, at the same time, that it IS only for a short time. As the song says, "heaven's sounding sweeter every day".

Praying for all of you.
Jennie

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Kristin, you are in my prayers, as are the others you have mentioned here. It is so hard to bid farewell to those we love so dearly, but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. I pray that you will be so much aware of His dear presence during this time.

Reformed rebel said...

Kris, I will be praying for you all. It's hard to say good bye to those we love so much but oh what a reunion you will all have some day! And just to know she will be sick no longer and with the LORD! Heaven is sweeter everyday!!

May the Lord give all of you HIS strength at this time.

Praying...Chelle

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Letting go is so hard. We are selfish in a way we'd like them to stay here, with us, even though we know they really do go to a better place. My heart goes out to your father-in-law. I've lost a beloved spouse, yet we were not married 63 years. I do know the longer you are with someone, the more difficult to let go. I am praying for all of you, especially your father-in-law.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law! I am so thankful that your family has the comfort of your faith. You and Keith are in our thoughts and prayers.
In CHrist's love,
Sheila and Alan Reeves

John 14:1-4
Jesus said, " Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Praise be to God!

Anonymous said...

Oh...when two have been one for so long...praying grace for you FIL...and comfort to all...blessings to you.

Thoughts for the day said...

It is so hard to watch one so close to leaving this world into another, when my mom in law was in the last 'few weeks' of passing it was an incredibly hard time for all of us. The most impressive part was when she would lay in her hospice bed and reach up above her head, and the two dogs would growl and make small woofing sounds. We said "mom what do you see?" She said "they are coming for me but it isn't time yet, I can't reach them"... the ANGELS were in the room and the dogs KNEW it. They were hovering until they got the go ahead to bring her home. Honestly it was the most 'incredible' thing to be a part of and so powerful for us.
I pray for you and your family. IT is hard to let them go.

Denise said...

So very sorry, will be praying for all of you.

Erin said...

What a wonderful tribute to your mother in law! It sounds like she was a great saint who will be welcomed into heaven with love!
Blessing,
~Erin

God Mission Possible said...

Kristin,

What a lovely and touching farewell message you leave for your dear mother-in-law. How blessed you all are to share such a wonderful relationship. You honor her with your sweet words of affirmation and love for her and your husband. God bless you as you travel this road of personal loss. May He give you comfort and peace when He calls her home.