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, January 31, 2011

One Thousand Blessings, Gifts, Unwrapped Love


As a fairly new blogger, I’ve been roaming around the blogging world looking for like-minded bloggers and came across a beautiful site of a Christian author.  I ordered her book, but noticed she put out a challenge for all who dare to slow down enough to notice the blessings of each day, down to the tiniest of all.  I’ve always been one to not be in too much of a hurry, except the other day when I did move faster than normal and ended up closing the garage door on the back spare tire of my jeep.  But even in that mishap, I could see blessings. . .the non damage of my car. . .having the garage door fixed for very minimal cost. . .a sweet, patient, understanding husband who never gets rattled by these kind of mishaps.  I have always been thankful for all the blessings I see in my days.  Now I will see if I really notice all my blessings and as the number grows on my list, will I become even more observant?  How about joining me and the hundreds of others in this challenge to list blessings each day until we reach 1000?  So here I go with the beginning of my list. . .
  1. the kitchen chat with my younger son and the laughs it produced
  2. my helpful husband who teaches me so many things
  3. the hugs I received today from my sweet neighbor and friend
  4. the soft glow from our entry way lamp that makes the home look warm and cozy
  5. lunch time with one of my favorite little girl
  6. the peacefulness in our home
  7. warm flannel sheets
  8. brand new white cotton socks
  9. hearing my son come in every day yelling, "Hey Mom, I'm home!"
  10. being hugged by my big kid without asking for it
  11. texting from friends who want to share something with me or just be silly
  12. those days when the alarm clock doesn't have to go off
  13. the warmth and coziness of the fireplace
  14. phone conversations with my mother
  15. beautiful dried flowers from the country woods - these smell like maple! 
  16. memories of my grandparents farm where I had my best childhood memories
  17. photo albums to look back on and remember
  18. my sister and brother for many reasons
  19. all my friends in their individual uniqueness who are like bacon bits in a salad...they bring zing to my life
  20. prayer warriors
  21. Bible teaching, people loving, mission minded churches
  22. old hymns and new praise songs
  23. cleansing tears
  24. nose spray to use after those cleansing tears
  25. clean drinking water (not everyone has it)
  26. my own washer and dryer (I never take this for granted!)
  27. holy moments
  28. grace
  29. my church pew at the pond
  30. writing      
                                                                          

9 comments:

Lisa said...

I am just starting my 1000 list too! I also ordered Ann's book this week and can't wait for it to arrive. I am joining up at (in)courage for the Bloom Book Club which starts up in early February! I think it would be great if you joined too! What a beautiful blog you have and welcome to the blogging community!!!!

SuLeigh Hippie Chick said...

I am slowing down even more. What good is life if we forget to live it? I prefer the 'stroll' in order to get it all in and enjoy it!

Thank you Kristie .. love you

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristin, I wrote a comment and I am not sure if it went through :) But in case it did not, I wrote that I am visiting for the first time and love your blog. You can feel the warmth of love here. I also love your blessings and like you I just started my list. I look forward to reading more.

angie @ linen + verbena

Kim said...

I'll take the challenge! We'll be blessed in the attempt, even if we only make it part of the way. Of course, according to Lamentations 3:22-23, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease; His compassions never fail..." Our list of blessings should be endless!

Kristin Bridgman said...

Thank you Lisa-So nice to meet you! I'm glad I'm not the only one who is getting a late start on this, although I guess it is never too late to count your blessings:)

Susan-I love the stroll to, we miss so much when we hurry. I've discovered the little things are sometimes the biggest blessings of that day.

Angie-You came through! Your comment about the warmth of love here means so much to me, You could not have given me a more gracious comment, thank you! It's nice to meet you too:)

Kristin Bridgman said...

Is this Kim, my big sister? Yeah!!!
My big sister is a huge blessing!!!

Jennie Lathrop said...

Like you, Kris, I have made it a point to notice the blessings of each day and spend time most every day in thanks to God for them. I love that it's become a part of my day to the point that thanksgiving just rolls off my lips throughout the whole day. I know He blesses far beyond what I could ever hope to deserve! So thankful He is such a generous, loving, caring God!! So although I'm not going to start an actual list, YOU my dear friend would be at the top!!

Love you!
Jennie

Anonymous said...

Kristy, that's the one thing I have to make myself do, slow down and see the miracles in the mundane. Looks like a great challenge!

Kristin Bridgman said...

Thank you Jennie, you are a HUGE blessing to me!
I don't know Lori, what about the pennies? :)