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

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Handouts 2 and Confirmations

 
 
Handouts 2 and Confirmations
 
On the tails of my last post Handouts, I was at peace with where God has placed me, and thankful for showing me to people that I can love. I didn't feel the need to have confirmations, but in His gracious, loving Spirit, He blessed me with one today anyway.  A friend sent this to me today. . .
 
 "Miracle in the Mountains" is a sweet book by Lonnie and Belinda Riley of Meridzo Ministries in Eastern KY. Page after page of how God has answered prayers. Incredible! This is for you (pg 105): A volunteer who came to help in Lynch said they were giving away too much food. He cited an old adage, teach people to fish, not just give them fish. Lonnie said, "As I recall that is a Chinese proverb, not a biblical story. So let me go to my Father and see what He has to say." He prayed intently, listening for God and this is what He heard: sometimes it is necessary to give a person a fish, because that's the only way they survive, and sometimes it is time to teach them to fish, but only when ready to learn. What good does it do to teach them to fish and then put them in a desert? His conclusion was not only give food and teach to fish, but also help them to build lakes where they can fish. As they have trusted God to provide for the immediate physical and spiritual needs, they have also trusted Him to provide lakes for long-term needs and produce a quality of life that will honor Him. "The poor and needy are thirsty, but there is no water. But I, the God of heaven, have heard them. I will make a river to flow from the mountains so that all men will know that God has done this thing." Isaiah 41:17,20(Lonnie's paraphrase)"
(thank you Mylinda:)
 
Today I have rejoiced in my heart for two of our bridge friends.  One came to us the other night and said the magic words.  In the last two days, he has gotten out of his tent from the woods and made it to three AA meetings, got himself a sponser and will be entering an outpatient rehab.  He is leaning on his newfound faith and is surrounded by people who care about him. He already is looking better!
 
The other friend was just hired by the college in our town as a chef on their campus after passing all his tests. This man has a bad leg and yet walks because he has no transportation.
 
I guess our handouts didn't hurt them.
I have always believed since being in this Blanket Ministry and now the Homeless Outreach Ministry, that taking care of the immediate needs first, will give them the strength and encouragement they need to stand on their own two feet and move forward. We all need our physical needs met and we all need to have cheerleaders behind us and we all need to know that someone cares.
 
Again, with what they need to survive, whether that be a tent, blankets, coats, a hot meal, friendship, prayer, love and a lot of cheerleading. . .they can get on their feet and begin a new life. . .a new life with Him, Jesus.
 
It's so wonderful to hear them praising God, thanking Him, pointing to the sky giving Him glory.
That's what it's all about!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, my friend. Can't wait to see what God has in store at the bridge this week! Kandy<><

Denise said...

Beautifully said.

Lisa Maria said...

Sweet friend...what joyous hope this message brings. Your 'handouts' are hope wrapped up in love and I am so thankful to God for the example you give me in compassion.

Very often, it is so easy to hand out a meal but it is rare to hand out love and concern.

God bless you and all at the bridge...may His graces be poured out on all of you.

Love & Hugs

Vicky said...

I'm so glad someone offered you just the encouragement you needed! Hugs to you sweet one!

Maryellen said...

You are such an encourager to so many, we forget you need encouragement, too! So glad your friend met that need for you. I'm always just next door...miss you!!! We need another "date" night...oh, and I have a song running through my mind that needs you to blog about!!!! Let's talk!

Beth Zimmerman said...

It seems to me that this was the example Jesus left for us ... meeting the physical needs first! I understand the "teach them to fish" mentality but a starving man isn't going to make a patient fisherman.

Floyd said...

Amen. That IS what it's all about. To God be the glory.

Anne said...

Hello, Dear! Yes, it is!! ♥ I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you!
So nice to "meet" you!
Hugs,
Anne