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, June 17, 2012

Kris, Kris, How Does Your Garden Grow?

With a son entering college a year ago, not being financially ready for it and being a couple that does not like to borrow money, a book helped me come up with a plan.  The book is Debt-Free U by Zac Bissonnette and believe you me, it works.  It's really a very simple thing. It's called  radical discipline. You give up what are not needs, just wants, and take the money you would have spent on those wants and put it away into an account.  We started doing this.  I mean little things.  I quit buying water bottles.  I quit buying the expensive hairspray at the salon, I quit shopping for myself, I gave up the gym membership, we have no cable or newspapers coming into our home, and on and on and on.  We paid for the first year of college with cash and I'm ready to pay this second year.

One of the things I really like is to garden.  But gardening is not a need, just a want and so that went on my list of things to give up.  Putting my son through college was much more important than having a garden full of plants and I was ok with this.  This new adventure has been fun and exciting, especially when I saw that it was working! I have to tell you though, the pretty flowers and plants out there were catching my eye, but I've been diligent and sticking to the plan.  

God is so good! When we live in obedience He either changes the desires of our hearts or He gives us those desires.  This is one time He chose to give and I shouldn't be but have been amazed.  Everytime I turn around, someone has given me plants and flowers and now all my gardens are full!  A dear lady shared so many things from her garden with me, plants that will come back year after year.  Others  gave us money after my mother-in-law died and said to buy something to plant in her honor.  A neighbor gave me a fern and others, flowers. 

Oh my, how does my garden grow?  With the love of the Lord and friends!

Oh Mary, Mary, you may have had silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row but I have these. . .

#1164. . .black eyed susans


1165. . .lilac bush

1166. . .lambs ears 

1167. . .hosta (this baby has been here awhile!)

1168. . .pretty pink flowers  (I forgot what these are called)

1169. . .ground covers

1170. . .lilies

1171. . .huge ferns

1172. . .red petunias


1173. . .a ninewine bush

1174. . .another species of a lilac bush

1175. . .sage

1176. . .oregano

1177. . .crepe myrtle bush (this baby has been here awhile too)

1178. . .fern for the front porch

1179. . .buds opening up and colors popping out


1180. . .messages

OH, I do this all the time, but Mr. Rabbit is just so cute for telling me!

Dear Father, thank you for loving me so that you would bless me with the desires of my heart, for loving people who shared with me, gardens full of your wonderful creations, and my heart full of joy.
Rejoicing and praising for You are worthy!
Even if my gardens stayed empty, You are worthy!
You are worthy of my praise no matter what goes on, or what is empty. 
You fill me with joy beyond belief and You are enough!
(But, thank you for the garden full of delight),
Your daughter with the dirty knees, spade, miracle grow, and water hose. . .
Amen



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13 comments:

LifenotesEncouragement said...

Hey, how are you?
I think the pretty pink flowers are called impatiens.

I love to garden also; and I loved looking at my garden as it always reminded me of friends and love.

Reformed rebel said...

And thank you!...for sharing all those beautiful plants and flowers with us!!!

Blessings...Chelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristin - there is such great joy in harvesting your on plants and veg. Not that I have a lot, but I am no green fingers so when something survives my tlc, I am in awe of God. Great post
God bless
Tracy

Denise said...

Enjoyed this post.

Nikki @ Simplystriving said...

There is just something to tending to God's beautiful creation, isn't there? Enjoyed your post! Glad we were nearly neighbors over at Ann's today so I knew to visit!
All for Him,
Nikki

Susan Mc. said...

I love the pictures of your garden ...especially the red petunia's in the white chair. Congratulations on getting through that first year debt free. My oldest graduated debt free this year ...YAY. One down...seven to go. : )

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the sweetness of this post...God is good...even if our gardens are empty...but oh the sweet kisses of God He gives. I just go back from the beach...a week of seeing the vastness of His love...I think both of our cups runneth over:)

Shari said...

I loved this! God is so faithful!

Debbie Dillon said...

Love it! Your discipline, your faith and your beautiful garden :)

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

I love how your beautiful garden came together! That is a wonderful way to fill a garden. My mom and grandma share their plants with me to! :)

kd sullivan said...

I love it when He does that, He is the lover of our soul...

Mari-Anna Stålnacke @flowingfaith said...

Truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing! Abundant blessings to you & yours!

bluecottonmemory said...

I would share my spider's knot with you:) God showers us with blessing when we empty ourselves out to others! Congrats on a successful plan!