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

Monday, December 9, 2013

All I Want For Christmas Is. . .

(a repost but doing again this Christmas)


. . .one goat,













Two chickens. . .


five ducks. . .


and a couple of mosquito nets. . .



After being around the homeless, reading books such as Revolution in World Missions, Radical, and Kisses from Katie, materialism has taken a back seat for me. For over a year, closer to two, the Lord has been laying it on my heart to live more simply and do without anymore store bought things. I haven't shopped in a mall in a long, long time. When I do go into a store and see all the pretty trinkets that I used to ooh and ahh at, now almost give me a sick feeling. My mind goes to all the ones who don't even have enough food to eat and the thought of buying a trinket just doesn't feel right anymore.

I am not condeming those who do, please don't hear that! It's just that the Lord has layed this on MY heart and He has shifted my desires and so I feel this is how I need to and want to be now.  . .and it has been so freeing!

I received a catalog from World Vision
 

and was excited to think that this Christmas instead of gifts underneath the tree for me, I wanted the money that would be spent on me to be spent on a goat, two chickens and some mosquito netting.

The world's deadliest creature, the mosquito, kills nearly 800,000 people every year. While preventing this malaria infection in inexpensive by U.S. standards, it's out of reach for poor African families who must watch helplessly as their children suffer and die. One of the best ways to protect children from Malaria - bed nets - as well as critical education for prevention and control.

The ducks and chickens will produce hundreds of nutritious, protein-rich eggs to feed a family year round. And both eggs and ducklings can be sold for extra income.

Dairy goat milk provides great protein to help children grow. The family can sell surplus milk, cheese, and yogurt at the market to earn money for medicines and other necessities. Plus, fertilizer from goats can increase the amount of vegetables grown in a family garden.

To me, this sounds more beautiful than a pretty trinket or something for my home that would collect dust.

If you would like to consider giving in this way please go to the online website of World Vision at http://www.worldvisiongifts.org/ and see what you could give this Christmas season to a family in need.

Another wonderful place to go to shop is http://www.amazima.org/. . .you can buy beaded necklaces made by the Ugandan women and the money goes back to them so they can support their families. With this, you do end up with something pretty around your neck or can give to a loved one.

These kind of gifts change lives. . .these kind of gifts can save lives!

And if you would like to give a gift to the homeless, instant coffee or coffee bags would be a wonderful gift, maybe along with a coffee mug. Hot chocolate and cider bags would be great. Also a great gift would be warm, wool socks.

Please pray about what God would have you do this Christmas shopping season. Let's give a Merry Christmas to those who really need it. The cheer will come in the giving.

words from Katie from her book Kisses From Katie. . .
"Lord. . .help me to never be too busy or too comfortable to rememeber the people who suffer. Help me to never stop desiring to do something about it. Lord help us to remember that as the body of Christ, this is our responsibility. Thank you for loving us even when we forget."

May we never forget. . .

for our backyard neighbors and for precious ones like these. . .



It's priceless!

(For all who have donated to our Blanket Ministry and for the Bridge Christmas bags, I shout out a great big Thank You from the bottom of my heart!)

3 comments:

Vicky said...

Amen sister! Love making these purchases as well :) I have no doubt you will inspire someone else to consider doing the exact same thing! Hugs to you friend!

Susan said...

Christmas has had a whole different flavor for years in our family. Yes, we still buy for the grandchildren and perhaps simple things for adult children but the needless over-gifting has gone the way of the wind. Ducks & Chickens were bought this year via Samaritan's Purse in the names of our grandchildren!!! You are an inspiration.

a joyful noise said...

The goat would be nice, but I wonder if the tiny baby chicks they send would survive. A mama goat would give milk would provide for a family. These organizations are doing a great work and could use more help I am sure.