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

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Leaving 99 for the 1

For those who are new here, I began a blanket ministry for the homeless 3 winters ago.  And just to let you know in case you are thinking, "How brave", NO, I am SO not brave it's ridiculous.  You know that little verse in the Bible that say, 'With God, all things are possible"?  It's true!  God can take a scaredy cat like me and infuse her with boldness that she never had before.  Pretty cool, huh?

My husband and I didn't know where to find them except to go to the Salvation Army.  But, if even for just a little while, those people have a roof over their head.  I was looking for the homeless with no roof, no walls, no doors.  We began to find them. . .underneathe bridges, in the parks, in the libraries, sitting on benches outside of churches, in abandoned barns. 

The encounters have been awesome in one way or another.  Some talk right away, some need a little coaxing, some cry, some are intoxicated, some have not had their medication that day for mental illness.  But the Holy Spirit is there every time.  Incredible conversations have taken place, opening my eyes to see more than the obvious.

I'm reminded of Jesus leaving the 99 to go search for the one who was lost.  A lot of wonderful agencies and churches are out there to help these people, but the people have to find their way to these places.  What I like about the Blanket Ministry is we go out looking for them.  I pray every time asking God to lead me to that one, or two, or however many He chooses to lead me to.

For those who live in the Bowling Green area, there will be a  Homeless Outreach meeting August 21, from 5-6pm at Hotel, Inc.  Please come join us and partake in the discussion of the how's, why's and where's of how to get this outreach off the table and into the community. Let's be His feet and go find the "ones" and become friends sharing the love of Christ, and lead them back to a fold where they can receive the help they need. If you just want to listen and observe, that's great too.  Don't be scared.  You don't have to sign up for anything.

 If you don't live here, or don't come, would you please pray that God would lead this meeting and bring the people in that are needed?
Thank you so much!

Aren't you glad Jesus came looking for you?

homeless woman in my downtown square


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9 comments:

Vicky said...

Kristin this is just beautiful... so poignant and touching. You make me want to come and definitely inspire me to search my heart for what I can do here in my own community. You are the living proof that we can be afraid- but do it anyway. Thank you for leading the way!

joy said...

Very good deed indeed. Bless your hearts:)

Brandee Shafer said...

Kristin, I'm far away in Virginia, but my husband's brother and his family live in Bowling Green. I would love to meet you, some day, when we travel to visit them!

Positively Alene said...

I wish I was Bewitch and could twinkle my nose and show up. My heart is there with you -- and girl I'm a scaredy cat too. But God does amazing things when I step out afraid. Beautiful ministry and heart. Love ya!

Lisa Maria said...

Hello my sweet friend!

I've been offline for a while, but strangely enough I was pondering this particular verse myself and meditating on Jesus my good shepherd.

I pray this venture will be a great success and I wish I could come and see you in action...with the Holy Spirit beneath your wings it must be an awesome thing to witness!

Love & good wishes from over the seas!

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

I love watching you grow in this ministry. I love your heart to serve and to obey even in the hard things.

Keep devoting yourself to the Lord work, labor fully, because your work is NOT in vain!

Kristin Bridgman said...

Vicky, I wish you could be here, I would SO love to meet you. You inspire me!

Joy, not a deed, a joy and they bless me! Thank you.

Brandee, you come see me anytime! I left you my numbers :)

Alene, Oh how I wish you could be here and we could work side by side. I know I could learn so much from you! Bless you as you minister to others!

Lisa, I love and cherish your prayers, my sweet, faithful friend. Love you!

Stacie,
You have such a gift of encouragement and I am so blessed to know you. Thank you for sharing your gift with me!

Denise said...

Really lovely post.

Joan Hall said...

Kristin:

This is a wonderful ministry. Although I live far away (in Texas) I'm lifting you all up in prayer.

Blessings,
Joan