• Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

in Uncategorized

…And, Don’t Eat the Birdseed

 

Happens at your house too, I bet.  You know those words that spill out of your mouth; words that you never thought you’d say.

I’m learning this boy-life as I go, and I can’t say that I understand yet, what exactly makes them tick.  The one thing that I have learned for sure is that — I have a lot yet to learn.

The things that come out of my mouth these days surprise, even, me.  Especially me.

Don’t lick your toes.

Don’t pee on your brother.

Don’t eat the cat’s food.

Where are your underpants?

Don’t chase the ice cream truck.

What is this, and why is it on my table?

Don’t step on your brother’s head.

Do you have a death wish?

Yes, that is a beautiful rock, sweetie.

Spaghetti for breakfast?

What would possess you to drink vinegar?

No, there’s never a dull moment in my home.  Being the only female in a house full of menfolk makes for one very eventful life.  One crazy, chaotic, beautiful, blessed life.

I suppose you know you’re a parent when your day starts with: “Good morning son…did you know that your shirt is on backward?”  flower

(Originally published as the winning article in the “Real Moms, Real Jesus” contest held by Hearts at Home in 2009.)   

Leave a Comment

Thanks for the Company!

Subscribe to receive updates and 15 lovely printables created just for YOU!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

My Pursuit of Loveliness »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Tags

(In)Courage But God Callings Children Control Faithfulness Family Fear Fill in the Blank Freedom Friendship Giveaway God Graceful Guest Posts Home Hope If My People Inclusion Marriage Motherhood Nature P31 Pain Prayer Proverbs31Ministries Purpose Quotes Racism Rejection Rest Seasons Sisterhood Surrender Teens
  • Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

From the Author

Encouragement for Today Badge Let In the Light

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Hey, friend. 💗 How is your 2025 going? Whether Hey, friend. 💗 How is your 2025 going? Whether carefree & calm, or perhaps like mine, it's been a whirlwind of extra, I pray the Lord has met you in the midst with all of Himself. 💗 ...
.
I wanted to share some exciting news with you! 🎉 I've had the beautiful honor of contributing to a brand-new devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries called: Let In the Light: 50 Devotions to Confidently Know God Is Good and Guiding Your Steps. Releasing TODAY, October 28, 2025!
.
This book is filled with encouraging devotions from authors (including me!) who want to remind you that God’s light is never gone — even when life feels cloudy or dark.
.
If you’ve ever needed a reminder that God’s light is still shining, this book was written for you.
.
I can’t wait for you to read these devotions and let a little more of His light into your days! 🔆
.
May this offering of light bring hope, peace, and comfort to you in this season, my friend. 💗
.
Available at the P31 Bookstore, or anywhere you like to buy your books. 
.
(P.S., I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book as you're able to share, friend!) 💕
.
#letinthelight #christianwriter #Jesus
God bless America. 🇺🇸 God bless America. 🇺🇸
I see You, God. 🙌 💗 . . . #glory #praise #wo I see You, God. 🙌 💗
.
.
.
#glory #praise #worship #ocean #sky #creator #sustainer #lord #god #beauty #naturalbeauty #sunset #moon #rainbow #faithfulgod #peace #hope #life #onelife #faith #beach #christianwriter #nature #heavenandnaturesing #seegod #believe #photography #rejoice #witness #goodnessofgod
Fluent in the story of tomorrow, my heart envision Fluent in the story of tomorrow, my heart envisioned scene upon scene of a future where my little one grew and laughed and lived.
.
Yet, dreams that once danced deep in the hollows of my heart now rest inside a slip of bygone time.
.
One moment I was pregnant with life—the next, a heartbeat lost to eternity.
.
Whether miscarriage or other aching loss, perhaps you, too, know this empty echo in your spirit as you grieve your beautiful dreams interrupted. I’m so sorry for your loss, dear friend.
.
It’s okay to feel what you feel; God isn’t judging you for being human and heartbroken. The Lord understands your disappointment and confusion, and He doesn’t need you to filter your pain.
.
Your God is right here, right now, loving you where you are.
.
In times like these when there are no answers to the “whys” your heart cries, dear friend, may you rest in the tender love of God, who is forever with you.
.
Curl up in His palm and be held in the comfort of His care.
.
Full article live on Proverbs31.org. We’d love for you to join the conversation today, friend. 💗
.
.
#loss #heartache #dreamsinterrupted #unexpected #motherhood #pregnancy #miscarriage #pain #pregnancyloss #children #family #fear #tomorrow #rest #trust #ache #empty #alone #darkvalley #neveralone #godiswithus #godslove #godspresence #comfort  #faithfulgod #why #p31 #christianwriter #godsgirl #peace
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Market theme by Restored 316

© Copyright 2025 Brenda Bradford Ottinger · Log in