• Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

in Uncategorized

Glory Whisperers

cacoon no leaves

 

They call to me from my windows, daring me to bear witness to their Maker. Spectators of the everyday places below, perched confidently on their sky-stretched bleachers. Seemingly overnight they appear—nature’s answer to the Christmas tree.

Once barren limbs in waiting, now decorated garlands of brilliance—strands of tiny bulbs in shades of green that only spring could author. Swaddled in the glory, they’re sacredly woven—tightly, yet softly—all at once. Ever so slowly they arise, obedient to their high calling. Glory Whisperers, they are.

Envious of the glory, I give in to their playful taunting. Bounding down the porch steps, I sling my faithful sidekick across my shoulder, eager to see its lens interpret this nativity of spring.

Brittle, dormant grass of summer-past rumples beneath my heels as I circle the yard—my senses alive to the splendor. Every Gladys Kravitz hollers “Abner!” from behind peeled curtains. They’re curious of the neighbor, in the taupe house, snapping pictures of the empty limbs. So many empty limbs. The Gladyses don’t see the glory. I pay them no mind…the glory captivates me, I can’t un-see it.

We label spring with this extraordinary charge of being nature’s awakening, and aptly so, but—the awakening has an awakening. Before it awakens, it must become. Each click of the camera leaves me all the more enchanted as I wander the waiting area of nature’s delivery room. Un-birthed leaves line limb after dry limb…tightly wound pockets of promise, daily unfolding—becoming.

As my toes linger in a landscape that drips with the mystery of becomingness, my mind wanders to another landscape—another daily unfolding that is alive within each of us.

We drag kids out of bed and manage schedules. We wash dishes and prepare supper. We walk through Target trying to will our unruly feet away from So. Many. Clearance. Aisles. All the while, this careful unfolding is sprouting on the scenery within.

Pockets of promise—tightly, yet softly woven—evidenced through eye-shaped windows. Each day gently giving way to less of the becoming and more of the awakening—in shades of beauty that only the Rainbow Keeper could author. We rise up, obedient to our high calling. Glory Whisperers, we are.  Chasing Holiness

Glory Whisperers 1
Glory WhisperersGlory Whisperers 2(1)
Glory Whisperers

Glory Whisperers “…I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

 

 

 

We rise up, obedient to our high calling. Glory Whisperers, we are.
Tweet This

 

 

~ Blessed to link up this week with #IntentionalTuesday , #RaRaLinkup , Titus 2sday , #TestimonyTuesday , #TellHisStory ,  Thought-Provoking Thursday , #DanceWithJesus , Faith Filled Friday , Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop and Weekend Whispers ~  

35 Comments

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.

« Hourglass Interrupted
Farmer’s Daughter »

Comments

  1. Jodie says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Beautifully written.
    Love your photography .

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 24, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Thank you, Jodie. 🙂
      (((Hug)))

      Reply
  2. Wendy Munsell says

    February 12, 2016 at 11:19 am

    This post… a poem of praise to the Giver of Life, spoke His presence to me this morning. Thank-you for sharing the link to it at Hope*Writers!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 13, 2016 at 9:21 am

      Hi, Wendy, thanks for your sweet encouragement. Bless you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lori Schumaker says

    February 13, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    Such beautiful poetry! And the image collage is fabulous! Absolutely breathtaking!!!!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 15, 2016 at 10:21 am

      Lori, you bless me. <3

      Reply
  4. Miranda says

    April 5, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Love this!! Very beautifully written and such a great reminder.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 5, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Your encouragement blesses me, Miranda. Thank you for coming by and reading. ((sweet blessings))

      Reply
  5. Lisa notes says

    April 5, 2016 at 10:20 am

    When I see all those baby leaves on the tree—every single spring!—I can’t help but know there is indeed a God. All living things do whisper His glory. Thanks for sharing your words and photos.
    Lisa notes recently posted…Where will they die? Not in that tornadoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 5, 2016 at 8:56 pm

      Me too, Lisa–His artistry and renewal–only God. Thanks for coming by and reading, great to see you. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  6. Crystal Storms says

    April 5, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Brenda, what beautiful words that cause me to pause and witness the becoming around me. Love the pictures at the end, friend. : )
    Crystal Storms recently posted…Intentional Tuesday Linkup {Week 57}My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 5, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      ((Crystal)) Thanks for being an encouragement, friend. <3 ((xoxo))

      Reply
  7. Linda Stoll says

    April 5, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Brenda … I know springtime has blossomed when those tight green buds make their way to the forefront.

    Lovely, lovely. Them, this post, YOU!
    Linda Stoll recently posted…What’s It Like Being Married To You? ~ and the $40 Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 6, 2016 at 11:00 am

      Linda, thanks for bringing a smile to my face. I appreciate you, friend. <3 ((xoxo))

      Reply
  8. Anna Smit says

    April 5, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    Beautiful words. Creation is so full of His Glory. This is why I love to run in the dunes and forest. What an amazing Maker we have. Thank you for reminding us to still to behold Him in wonder.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 6, 2016 at 11:09 am

      Hi, Anna, thanks for coming by, it’s nice to meet you. 🙂 I just clicked over and saw the exciting news of your upcoming book release. Congrats. 🙂 May God bless the work of your hands. ((sweet blessings))

      Reply
  9. Karen A Del Tatto says

    April 5, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    The Lord has gifted you not only with photography, but in words.

    The poetry and Truth of this post is absolutely beautiful. The progression of your stunning pictures capturing the essence of all that you were conveying. The Scripture verse came alive with your pictures.

    I am so glad I stopped by here today! What a blessing it was!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 6, 2016 at 11:23 am

      Karen, what a blessing your words are to me. Thank you, friend. <3 ((xoxo))

      Reply
  10. Pam says

    April 5, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    Breathtakingly beautiful words and photos! You captured this season and its meaning and glory perfectly! I am so delighted to be your neighbor today at the Linkup at Intentional Tuesday! Thank you! Thank you!!
    Pam recently posted…What I Missed on the QuestMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 6, 2016 at 11:31 am

      Hey, Pam, great to neighbor you. 😀 Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement. ((hug))

      Reply
  11. Betty Draper says

    April 5, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    Beautiful

    Reply
  12. Carol says

    April 6, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Your post reminds me of the keen observations of nature that Lilias Trotter includes in her diaries and in her Parables of the Cross. Beautiful photos along with your inspiring words!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 7, 2016 at 9:22 am

      Nice to meet you, Carol. Thanks for coming by and reading–and for sharing your kind words. ((sweet blessings))

      Reply
  13. Betsy de Cruz says

    April 7, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    This is beautiful, Brenda. I want to be a Glory Whisperer for sure! So much glory all around us during the spring!
    Betsy de Cruz recently posted…Hope When You Need to Know How God Sees YouMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 8, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Betsy, you already are a Glory Whisperer. 🙂 You bless. <3 ((xoxo))

      Reply
  14. Joanne Viola says

    April 8, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Beautiful post! The photos are truly breathtaking & point to the glory of our Creator. Grateful to have stopped here this morning. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 8, 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Awe, thanks for dropping in and reading, Joanne. So nice to see you. Blessings back at ya. ((hug))

      Reply
  15. Joy Lenton says

    April 9, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Hi Brenda. I really love this beautiful poetic post! Your words and images convey such grace and a deep soul gratitude for God’s creation. A really uplifting read. Thank you. So blessed to meet you and be your neighbour today at the Weekend Whispers link up! 🙂
    Joy Lenton recently posted…Whole: made whole in our shared brokennessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 10, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Hi, Joy, great to meet you. 🙂 So glad we were able to share words together, this week. Thank you for your sweet encouragement. ((blessings))

      Reply
  16. Carrie says

    April 9, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    Fabulous post in celebration of our Maker’s spring! I’ve got to grab my camera and get outside soon. It’s been too long. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 10, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Well, make make sure you share those photos when you take them. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and being an encouragement, Carrie. ((sweet blessings))

      Reply
  17. Deb Wolf says

    April 11, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Wow, this is so beautiful, Brenda! Thank you so much for linking up at Counting My Blessings!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 12, 2016 at 9:32 am

      God is quite the artist, isn’t He? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Deb. Always good to see you. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  18. Denise Crosby (@amothersfaith) says

    April 24, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    This is so beautiful! Oh, the splendor of God’s glory is everywhere. Thanks, friend:)
    Denise Crosby (@amothersfaith) recently posted…A Glimmer of Hope in the DarknessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      April 26, 2016 at 9:45 am

      Hey, Denise, great to see you. 🙂 Yes, His glory abounds. Oh for eyes to see. ((xoxo))

      Reply

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’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Every-which-way I turn, I sense it: Heartache. Su Every-which-way I turn,  I sense it:
Heartache. Suffering. Pain. Sorrow.
.
My compassion can barely stand itself.
.
A tide of trouble beats against the shores of my heart, begging a prayer or two or ten.
.
Compassion can sometimes feel like more than a heart was made to hold.
.
We long for life and health and peace for our families, our communities, our world…ourselves.
.
Flipping through my Bible this morning; my eyes catching on years of faded ink underlining generations of ancient truths,
.
Verse upon verse…underscored reminders of the tender nature of God,
.
Sacred pages alive with precedent,
.
Revealing a heart beating wildly with compassion for a world in pain.
.
Oh, to step in the shadow of the Savior,
.
Who chose to feel compassion’s ache, instead of looking away.
.
More than ever I recognize that it’s the Christ in us that swells compassion upon a hurting world.
.
These are the glory days of hope. 🙌
.
For we have this confidence: There will be another day—when pain will not exist. 🙌
.
Thank you, Lord, that our hope is not misplaced in You. 💗
.
Dear friend, life can be overwhelming at times, AmIRight?!
.
Praying today that your soul may find rest & peace in the gentle heart of God who never leaves us alone. 💕
.
.
#weary #rest #pain #sorrow #grief #compassion #grace #notalone #suffering #heartache #butgod #soulrest #faith #ministry #amwriting #influence #leadership #serve #christianwriter #hope #restingod #believe #savior #trust #powerofgod #weariness #tired #freedom #godknows #godishere
Many a time in life I’ve felt I was standing at Many a time in life I’ve felt I was standing at the edge of a sea, hemmed in by its boundary, unable to discern a path forward.
.
If this feels familiar, friend, I have the sweetest of news…
.
God has not misplaced His plan for your life.
.
Our great God is not bound by limitation. His roads can cross right through our seas, on pathways no one knew were there! 🙌
.
Oh friend, may you rest quietly before your God at the water’s edge, trusting Him to bring you to a place of abundance.
.
The mighty waters of your circumstances are no match for His power, His heart, His purpose.
.
You’re not alone, for He goes before you, ordering unique pathways along His timeline—all for you, my friend.
.
Set your every hope into the tender palm of God and walk in freedom, for He is able. 💕
.
.
.
#uncertainty #godwillmakeaway #godisable #waitongod #trust #faith #rest #believe #powerofgod #hope #abundance #confusion #weary #circumstances #godstiming #nextrightstep #encouragement #ministry #influence #serve #amwriting #christianwriter #godcares #purpose #plans #seek #god #freedom #peace #faithfulgod
Friend, no matter what you’ve been through…hea Friend, no matter what you’ve been through…healing isn’t hopeless.
. 
So often it can feel easier to tamp hurt upon hurt deep into our spirits, than to do a new thing.
.
But, friend, our God is a God of fresh beginnings who makes pathways through the wilderness and steams in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
.
You don’t walk alone, for His kindness and faithfulness walk with you through it all.
.
This book _Good Boundaries and Goodbyes_ by @lysaterkeurst is a beautifully honest resource for learning to understand & create healthy, Godly boundaries in our lives.
.
If you’re looking for a good resource to begin forming healthy boundaries, or are looking for help to understand others’ healthy boundaries, this book is a great place to start.
.
I have an extra copy I’d love to give away. Leave me a comment on Instagram if you’d like to be entered to win.
.
Also, OBS (Online Bible Study) is beginning a free online community study of this book January 23rd. If you’d like to sign up, head over to proverbs31.org.
.
May this be a stream in your desert, dear friend, the dawn of a beautiful new thing God’s set apart for you. 💕
.
.
.
#goodboundariesandgoodbyes #book #boundaries #healthyboundaries #emotionalhealth #stuck #relationships #peoplepleasing #misunderstood #security #letgoletgod #freedom #christianwriter #faith #ministry #influence #hope #amwriting #service #newrelease #grief #weary #rest #healing #heal #peace #moveforward #babysteps #grace #newmercies
About 5-6 years ago I started doing this thing tha About 5-6 years ago I started doing this thing that, at the time, didn’t feel like anything radical or life-changing.
.
I simply started trying to stop eating around 7pm, and not start eating again until 11am.
.
At the time, I’d never even heard the term “intermittent fasting;” I was just trying this new-to-me thing to help with weight management.
.
Over time, I learned that what I was doing was called intermittent fasting, and that it has health benefits well beyond the weight management realm.
.
(Search the word “autophagy” if you’re interested in learning more about that.)
.
I’m not gonna lie, back when I started, 7pm to 11am was hard! It took some time, and I didn’t always do it “perfectly.”
.
These days, I typically go from 6-7pm to 1-2pm. My body has adapted and most days it’s very easy. Often, I’d fast longer except that I take supplements that keep me awake at night if I take them too late in the day.
.
Yes, I came to intermittent fasting for the weight loss. (30 pounds has long been gone.) But, I stay because I’ve never felt better. Allowing my body the restorative time each day has been a game-changer for me.
.
For a few weeks now, I’ve been feeling like I’m supposed to share this…like someone needs to hear it.
.
If that’s you, friend, I want you to know that it’s not as hard as it seems. Start as slowly as you need to. Add another hour or 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes per week until your body adapts.
.
There’s no right or wrong. There are no bad days. It’s a lifestyle of freedom. You can switch it all up when you need to or want to for social reasons. It’s easier than it seems.
.
I’m no doctor. I’m not medically advising. I’m just a girl who has always longed to make a difference, so I share in hopes of helping.
.
No matter what your goals are this year, whether they’re health or relational or work related, it’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to get off track by January 10th and start over again.
.
All is progress, my friend. Baby steps count. 💕
.
#intermittentfasting #health #goals #2023 #fasting #healthylifestyle #hope #growth #liveyourbestlife #leadership #influence #christianwriter #amwriting #ministry #serve #smallbeginnings #progress #slowgrowth
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Market theme by Restored 316

Copyright 2022 Brenda Bradford Ottinger · Log in