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, September 12, 2012

Dear Teen-Age Me

 
 I came across this great blog the other day and found the author had written a wonderful book for teen girls. . .
 
 
I’m happy to be linking with Emily Freeman's post on Friday.  Her book was written to help young teen girls realize the beauty of God’s grace. She tells them they don't have to be all, do all, appear all. All you need is Jesus, and this book is a gentle reminder to teen girls to rest-rest-rest in Jesus’ love.
 
And so in her blog today, she has asked people to write letters to their teen-age self and tell themselves things, give advice, whatever is on their heart.  Sounded interesting to me, so I gave it a try.
 
 
  
 

Dear Teen-Age Me. . .

Thought I would give you some advice I wish I had heard back then with you. . .SO, better late than never right?

Hear it goes Sweetie,

Don't be scared, fear is from the enemy. God is with you always.

God is bigger than any circumstance.

Don't be afraid to be you.

You don't have to be like everyone else.

Learn to laugh at yourself, it makes life so much easier.

 Appreciate the thick, curly, frizzy hair God gave you. Grown women spend BIG money to get the body of hair God naturally gave you.

And when you blow out those birthday candles with your long pigtails hanging down. . .pull them up before leaning over to blow. Hair torches very quickly and doesn't smell good.

When Mom cuts off your waist length hair into a pixie, don't cry.  Our hair grows really quick.

If people laugh, it's their problem, not yours.

When you grow into the Farrah Fawcett feathers, remember they do not have to be perfect.  Throw on a headband and give the hairspray can a break every now and then.

When you and your friend decide to dress up for costume day at school, just remember you have to take a drivers test right afterwards; no time to change
 
Learn to stand strong on your own and not just when your best friend is beside you.
 
Jesus is with you, you're never alone.
 
You are much stronger than you think, don't forget.
 
Talk to people, they really don't bite.
 
Being sensitive can be a wonderful trait, but beware of it letting you get hurt over the littlest of things.

You can't please everyone all the time.

Your Heavenly Father is pleased with you.  Rest in that fact.
 
Don't stay in the box, get out and do adventuresome things. . .it's way more fun. (I know you dressed as a clown and went to school, but be even more adventuresome than that.

Don't waste your time always wishing for that wonderful, perfect boyfriend.  The right one will come along in God's timing and it will be worth it.

Quit daydreaming about Barry Manilow, he's too old for you.

Don't stop playing the violin.  You'll be sorry that you quit.

When you start writing that short story, don't quit.  Take it out of the trash can and keep writing.  You will be glad you did.

Make more friends.  Know that some are just for a season and some will be for a lifetime.  But make them. The more you have the more fun life is.  

I know you love to read, but read more of a variety of writings.  The Nancy Drew Series is wonderful, but the classics and biographies and others are wonderful too and will expand your mind.  Oh, and when you grow up, Winnie the Pooh will still be a favorite of yours.  He is a classic.

Get more involved in church and community activities.  It will make you stronger and more confident.

Look outside of yourself more and onto others.

Don't covet the curves you see the other girls having.  You are special just the way you are.  Learn that now, because the curves never come. . .and it's ok.

Thank your big sister more for the things she did for you.  She'll be even more awesome later.

The enemy loves to lie in your ear.  Don't ever listen.  Listen to that other voice that whispers in your soul.  And learn to kick the other one to the curb.

You are a daughter of the King; hold your head high and be confident in that.

Don't allow your joy to depend on your circumstances or put your happiness on the shoulders of other people. At some point you will be let down.  Put your joy in the Lord always and you will be just fine.
 
You will become more confident in time.
 
  And when people take your picture, quit kissing the guy and look ahead.
 
 
 
Weigh your decisions on God's Word and not on people's opinions.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but life will have more pains, but you can make it through because You have Him who is greater, He who is bigger, and who loves you more than anything.  He will give you strength and courage when you need it.

Life will also have many joys and because of Him, start counting your blessings early and not just the big ones but the little tiny ones too.  Open your eyes to see ALL of them everyday and thank Him for each one.

Look for the lessons He brings your way and learn from them.

You made the most important decision of your life at the tender age of 12.  I'm so proud of you.  It will carry you through the rest of your life.  He, who died for your sins, will carry you into adulthood and give you a great life.  Don't worry and fret. Look forward to it and enjoy each step of the way.  It only gets better.

You are a great gal hon, keep your chin up, your knees knelt in reverance, hands raised in praise, and eyes on the Lord.  Your gonna be just fine.

You are loved!

From your grown up, more secure self,
Kris


Want to read other's stories to themselves?  Jump over here
http://www.chattingatthesky.com/


What would you tell your teen age self?


linking with



 
 
 
 
 
 

13 comments:

joy said...

This is a very touching post. My teen life was the darlesk monent in my life left alone fighting my battle to survive and against the cruel world. I dont know if i can write the details about it. The good thing is God rescued me and nade me whole again. I love this post. Thanks.

Lisa Maria said...

Sweet Kris...I feel like I know you better now! I see glimpses of myself in your teenaged self for sure. I also loved Barry and I actually chose one of his songs for my wedding dance "Keep Each Other Warm". Loved Nancy Drew too and though I didn't trash everything I wrote, it got stuck in a cupboard somewhere and I forgot all about it.

This was so beautiful...love the pics of you and the hubby. I'm so glad you shared this today. Love you!

Denise said...

Wow, I love this.

Jennie Lathrop said...

OH MY GOODNESS! I went from tears to laughing to more tears to laughing out loud...loudly...to finishing the piece boo hoping. I loved this insight into the teen Kris and can say, with confidence, that she grew into one of the most beautiful, godly, loving, caring women I know and whom I am eternally grateful to call one of my closest friends. I love you.

Donna Schultz said...

I actually did this a while back. Here's my post:
http://tuesdayswithjesus.blogspot.com/2011/07/206-dear-sweet-sixteen.html

Shakin' the Foundation said...

I simply adore this!!! I am so glad you shared. What we all would give to go back in time and tell our teenage selves what we know now :)
Great post!!
Oh and I understand the big frizzy hair...I too had the same problem back in the day :)

Blessings!!
Stacey

Joan Hall said...

I love this, Kris. So many things I can relate to. A few years ago, in a writing class, we had to write a letter to ourselves. We didn't have to share with anyone, but it was a real eye opener for me.

Blessings,
Joan

Kristin Bridgman said...

Thank you girls, it was a great writing exercise. I didn't have much time to put it together. If I had more time, I would have said SO much more. But God was there, getting me through and into adulthood.
Joy, I'm so sorry your teen years were that dark, but I rejoice in that you were rescued by our Heavenly Father! Maybe some day you can share your story. I have a feeling you would inspire many people ;)
Here's to encouraging the next generation!

Unknown said...

Beautiful. :)

joy said...

Thanks Kristin. I believe my past had been the reason why I found God. It was painful, but God had given me a hundred fold back. Thanks for your concern. God is good:)

Aritha V. said...

Wow, Kristin this touches me.

Lisa notes... said...

This made me smile. :-) I wonder if our teenage selves would even listen if we could tell them stuff. ha.

I love the pics, too. Thanks for sharing all this with us.

Unknown said...

Oh how I loved this. Thank you so much for linking to my post so I was able to read it. I laughed out loud at your comment about not having time to change before your drivers test.

This was a very touching post.