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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

Friday, July 20, 2012

Crackpot




I opened up the e-mail and there it was.  An invitation to step out of another comfort zone.  An invitation to come speak at a church about the blanket ministry for the homeless I had started several years ago.  I actually had spoke at this church last year and they wanted me to come back to give an update and share whatever I wanted.  That familiar knot hit me right in the stomach and I typed out “yes” to the invitation.



Speaking in front of a group of people whether it’s 50 or 500, the numbers do not matter, it’s just the act of getting up in front of people with all eyes on me that makes me nervous.  I don’t know why.  It’s probably selfish.  It’s not about me and I know that.  And I’m passionate about the homeless.  They have become my friends.  That is why I can say yes, even though I’m shaking like a leaf.  I also can say yes, because I know these invitations are from God and I also believe His promises. . .like the one that says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.



A friend responded to me on fb with this quote. . . “The bigger the discomfort, the bigger the blessing.”  So true! After every time of stepping out of the comfort zone, I am blessed big time!  I am beginning to see the discomfort as a blessing, because when the blessing comes at the end, I know it’s all God.  It’s God who speaks through me, it’s God who reaches out and touches, it’s God who does the work.  He’s just using this crackpot of a vessel and it is a privilege to be used by Him.  I always pray before I leave the house to go speak that all glory would go to Him, my Father, my Savior.  And it does.  And this makes me happy, sometimes giddy.



I think being a crackpot can be good in some ways because then the light can shine through it.  It also allows the cruddy stuff to run out so it can be filled with the good.  So maybe, just maybe, this crackpot is ok with the knot in her stomach as He fills her up.  Maybe the knot is like the thorn in Paul’s side. . .a reminder?  I’d like to tell God that I don’t need a reminder, I know what I need to know, but then I can hear Him say, “I know more.” 



Ok Lord, take this crackpot and use her, shakes, knots and all!  She's ready.


What puts a knot in your stomach?


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11 comments:

Wendy @ E1A said...

The college principal at the BC I attended (many years ago) would only give us a minute or so notice that we were going to be called upon to give testimony in front of hundreds of people. That used to give me knots! Also, speaking in front of crowds at the Mound in Edinburgh gave me knots. I used to love door-to-door outreach however and chatting to people one-to-one.

Wendy @ E1A said...

Hi Kristin

Left you a comment on my blog :D

Reformed rebel said...

I know you'll do great Kris. GOD always comes through!

Blessings...Chelle

marlece said...

Oh geez, I can totally relate to the 'nerves' getting the best of you in front of people. You just have no idea how much this scares me. It seems I am alway put in the position though. I always instantly feel tears coming when I speak. Whether it is because I'm emotional about the subject or emotional because I'm scared and then I get the giggles and that makes me cry. I have a hard time leading a bible study group. But, I've been leading for years. Ugh! Anyway, I heard Joyce Meyer speak about a 'crackpot' one time and I have never forgotten it.

You'll do great if it is anything like your writing here on your blog.

Denise said...

Bless you dear, He can, and will use you.

Laura Rath said...

When God is urging us to move outside of our comfort zones, He knows what He can do through us long before we do.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving a comment. I enjoyed "meeting" you.
Blessings,
Laura

Anonymous said...

I'm with you girl! I've clearly heard God say you are called to speak to 1000's about what I've done in your life and the ministry He's called me to. I saw the vision over 10 years ago and I'm not there. Not even close and I get sick thinking about it, BUT (whenever there's a BUT...there's GOD) I know what He calls you to, He provides. Keep the faith and can't wait to hear how it goes.

Anonymous said...

Oh I can relate completely! But you are so right. The blessings of obedience always outweigh the butterflies. God has used you in a mighty way and will continue to guide you through, I know.
Tresa

Kristin Bridgman said...

OH Girls, it went beautifully! And yes Tresa, the blessings outweigh the butterflies. The people in the church were SO kind, loving and gracious that they just put you right at ease. A lovely church! And they are going to collect blankets for our ministry for the homeless. Blessings indeed!

Aritha V. said...

God bless you!

Unknown said...

I really loved this post. I found your blog when I posted it to Ruby and so glad I did. I got so nervous at church one day that when I was lector and got to the altar, I looked at the book in my hand and couldn't remember where I was or what I was supposed to do. God grabbed a hold of me and guided me right before I panicked. Donna

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