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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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Sweet Somethings

Welcome back, friends.

Greetings from the Chasing Holiness Cafe’. Grab a cozy table in the corner, and enjoy these Sweet Somethings (calorie-free, of course), chosen just for you. May your soul find refreshment today as we  begin this brand new month in 2016.

1.

“You got to take that gift that’s packed away on your back, you got to jump off that cliff and pull that cord. That gift opens up and provides the soar.” — Steve Harvey

 

Remember those Discomfort Zones we talked about last month? Well, whata’ya know—Steve Harvey has a little something to say about it too.

If you’re anything like me (and I’m betting you are) our heart’s cry is to make a difference.  And, friends—differences aren’t made in the comfort zones.

We want the measure of our lives to be more than the intangible, the barren, the comfortable. In order to have eternal impact, we have to jump.

Grab a pew and get your Amen on. Welcome to the The Steve Harvey Church of God. (Otherwise known as The Family Feud.)  Steve said it best in this short (six minute) video: “The only way for you to soar, is you got to jump.”

The video clip “Jump” is no longer active. There are other active videos on youtube, but out of respect for Mr. Harvey, I’ve chosen not to link an unauthorized video. It is, however, on his site, IAmSteveHarvey.com under the title: “You’ve Got to Jump.” If you have six free minutes to pop over and watch it, I promise you won’t regret it.

 

“You cannot just exist in this life, you’ve got to try to live.”  — Steve Harvey
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2.

February’s theme = “seek.”
We can’t fly unless we seek the One who knows the way.

prayer 2

 

“Never stop praying.” (I Thes. 5:17)
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 3.

Preach, Granny.

wireless communicatino

 

Happy February, sweet friends. flower

 

What about you? What Sweet Somethings have you savored in your world recently?

~ Blessed to link up today with #Intentional Tuesday , #RaRa Linkup , Testimony Tuesday , #TellHisStory ,Coffee for Your Heart , Sitting Among Friends ,Thought-Provoking Thursday , #DanceWithJesus , Faith Filled Friday , Faith and Friends Friday and Weekend Whispers ~

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Comments

  1. Jeralyn says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Started my day off with you! Thanks:) I had no idea Steve Harvey had that in him ! JUMP!!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 2, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Hey Jeralyn, good morning, my friend. 🙂
      …We’ll just have to call him “Brother Steve” from now on. 🙂
      Thanks for starting your day with me; I’m honored. ((xoxo)) <3

      Reply
  2. Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Brenda,
    God really has me in the “uncomfort zone” – starting and fostering a non-profit foundation is not in my bag of tricks or strengths. This is a whole new venture for me. All the more reason I need to, as you point out, “Seek” Him and His way because I really don’t know exactly where the path is leading. I do believe that God purposely takes us outside our comfort zone so that we have no other choice but to seek Him, trust Him, and follow Him. Great reminders for me this am.!
    Blessings friend,
    Bev xx
    ps. A note is on its way to you…would love to meet up with you!!
    Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God recently posted…When You’re Under AttackMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 9:10 am

      Hey, Bev. 🙂 I can only imagine your “uncomfort zone”–what you are doing is so impressive to me. Won’t it be fun to look back and see the path He took you on, and realize the difference that it made. Praying for this beautiful ministry of yours. Look forward to getting together. 🙂 ((hug))

      Reply
  3. Gleniece says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:51 am

    Good morning, dear Brenda. I thought about your question, and I think I’m savoring the peace that only Christ gives. Things have been difficult lately with my husband’s work slowing way down and my truck needing parts we can’t afford. In the past this would have made me anxious but God knows all about it. He’s worthy to be trusted. It will all be fine, I know.
    (I think I’m being tested with my one word “patience”, what do you think?).
    Gleniece recently posted…Rosemary Mini BiscuitsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Hey, Gleniece. Thanks for sharing your heavy heart and the sweetness of the Lord showing up in the midst of the pain. “He’s worthy to be trusted.” Love that. Prayers for you guys. ((hug)) Thanks for stopping by and reading, friend. ((blessings))

      Reply
  4. Kathy says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    such entertaining wisdom, refreshing! I’m savoring little and big things I’m grateful for..we’ve had a bit of stress in transitions with our work, so rather than focus on fear, despair, etc..I am shifting my mind to the things God has given us we’re so grateful for! Blessings today from #testimonytuesday!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 11:47 am

      Love that, Kathy. That mental shift can make all the difference, can’t it? Prayers for you guys. I hope that life settles down soon. ((hug))

      Reply
  5. Linda Stoll says

    February 2, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    Wireless connections. Yeah, I like that Brenda!

    So good to see you this afternoon!

    ;-}
    Linda Stoll recently posted…Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids . . . the Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Hey, Linda. 😀 Good to see you, too. Thank you for stopping in and reading. ((hug))

      Reply
  6. Ann says

    February 2, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    I had seen that clip of Steve Harvey before, but I think it’s great to get this kind of advice from someone who is pretty well-known and respected by most people. I also agree that prayer is vital to keep us going in life!!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      So true, Ann. We need more men and women in entertainment today who are willing to stand up and share the Word so openly. I love that he is using his platform unapologetically for God. Thanks for coming by and reading, Ann. . 🙂

      Reply
  7. Betsy de Cruz says

    February 2, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    Hey there, Brenda! You post brings some cheer to my day! (Especially the cartoon with the grandma!) My sweet something that put a smile on my face was the bird I heard outside my window this morning, first birdsong I’ve heard since winter started. Spring must be around the corner in Texas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Oooh, don’t ya just love those chirps. It can be freezing outside and when I hear them, my mind thinks it’s spring/summer. Yay for spring being around the corner. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and sharing today, friend. (( xoxo ))

      Reply
  8. Karen Del Tatto says

    February 2, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Thank you so much for spurring us on to jump!

    I loved this quote you shared, “In order to have eternal impact, we have to jump.”

    So glad I stopped by! 🙂

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      I’m so glad you stopped by today, too, Karen. 🙂 Loved hearing from you. 🙂 ((hug))

      Reply
  9. Pam says

    February 2, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    What a great nudge and encouragement! Thanks so much for sharing this, Brenda! Visiting as your neighbor at #TellHis Story linkup.
    Pam recently posted…When a Gift Honors and HumblesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      So glad to be neighbors with you, Pam. Thanks for stopping by and being an encouragement. 🙂

      Reply
  10. heather m. says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I love all these things you posted soooo much- and the Steve Harvey video… who knew he had it in him?!? Preach on brother! I think we’re on the same page today– your cartoon about wireless connections (amen!) and my mention of snail mail. SOOO glad I got to be your neighbor at Holley’s today. You shared such simple truth that my heart just needed to hear! ♥ Thanks so much Brenda!!
    heather m. recently posted…God’s Peculiar Love LetterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      What an encouragement you are, Heather. Thank you for sharing so graciously. Blessed to be your neighbor today; I enjoyed your “permission” to be peculiar as well. 🙂 Great to connect. ((hug))

      Reply
  11. Judy Turnbull says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:23 am

    Great encouragement in your post today! I love being inspired to reach new places. Jumping out in faith!
    Judy Turnbull recently posted…Are You Independent? Maybe There is a Better Way.My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 3, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      Jumping right alongside ya on that uncomfortable trampoline. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your encouragement today, you bless me. ((hug))

      Reply
  12. Lenae Brooks says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I love this post!!!!! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      🙂 Thanks for reading, Lenae.

      Reply
  13. Alisa @ Flourishing Today says

    February 4, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    Brenda this is such confirmation to what God has been speaking to me over the past month. Getting out of my comfort zone is definitely the theme of the year for me. =) How are we ever supposed to go to the next level of what God has for us if we don’t step out and do it afraid? Thanks for sharing it on Thought Provoking Thursday.
    Alisa @ Flourishing Today recently posted…Made With IntentMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 5, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      Well, we’re on this ride together then. 🙂 Glad to be uncomfortable with you. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Alisa. ((blessings))

      Reply
  14. Marva | sunSPARKLEshine says

    February 5, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    Hi Brenda, I’m so glad we bumped into each other on Faith n’ Friends. This past week God has been reminding me that He has my day all figured out, not me. And in fact, that was the best thing I needed. I love how personal he is and how He always calls me back to rely on him. Wishing you blessings!
    Marva | sunSPARKLEshine recently posted…True Identity: The Truth About Being Chosen and CompleteMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 7, 2016 at 9:02 am

      Hi, Marva. Nice to connect with you this week as well. 🙂 Love your sweet-something. We like to get ahead of God, and order our own days, all too often, don’t we? He’s a patient God. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and reading, Marva. ((blessings))

      Reply
  15. Barbie says

    February 7, 2016 at 3:28 am

    My sweet savorings this week have been the bonds of friendships and the truths they speak into my life. So thankful you shared this at the #weekendwhispers link up. Blessings!
    Barbie recently posted…Whispers of His Grace // Weekend WhispersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      February 7, 2016 at 9:05 am

      Sweet indeed, Barbie. Friendships bring richness into our lives in the yummiest of ways. Thanks for coming by and sharing, Barbie; always good to see you. ((hug))

      Reply

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Never can there be too many magnolia pictures. . S Never can there be too many magnolia pictures.
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Says the lens of my eyes; of my soul.
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(“Not so,” says my iphone storage, but that’s a tomorrow problem.)
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Every time I leave my house, I can’t not stop, not stare, not take another jillion pictures.
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This magnolia tree of mine, she keeps a record of time, reaching farther into the sky with each passing year.
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In all her southern glory, she lifts leaves and limbs toward heaven, pointing to the One on whom all glory rests.
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Boldly, yet elegantly, she speaks of a Creator who, year upon year, grows lovely things under the banner of His care in the lives of His own.
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She doesn’t question the winter, knowing full well that her Maker has yet to deny spring its beauty.
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I wonder how breathtaking magnolias must be in the City of God. ✨
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“Not to us, O, LORD, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 💕
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The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts toward home, doesn’t it?
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Perhaps, for you, that’s a beloved Home State where the soil smells like childhood and dreams.
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Perhaps you’re like me, and yesteryear’s home holds heartache and rejection, insecurity and confusion.
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Far too much of my past I spent chasing roots, not sensing an inheritance of belonging within the halls of my kin.
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Layer by broken layer, though, the Lord is healing me from within, showing me that…
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What our hearts long for can’t be satisfied with what our lives long for.
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The temporal can’t pacify the eternal.
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We’re so prone to searching for home in containers not meant to carry its calling—whether in place or people, title or position, acceptance or belonging—that we seek to satisfy its longing with lesser things.
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Having a sense of home within our circles is beautiful and sacred, but—it’s a shallow substitute for the inheritance we have in God.
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Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a p Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a prayer into the ear of God, day upon year upon decade?
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You’re asking “why,” and “when, O Lord,” yet the situation your heart plays on repeat at the altar of God, remains seemingly unchanged.
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Oh, friend, I understand; me too.
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Sometimes those miracles we’re waiting for, they come at the expense of years of prayer.
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The life-mending, soul-touching, supernatural work of God takes time to witness from our perspective.
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Oh, but take heart, dear friend, for God hears the cries of your heart.
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That outcome you’re praying for? Your God is already there, working out the details ahead of you.
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Even when it feels like you’re crying yet one more prayer into the silence, He hears and is moving ahead of you in ways you can’t even imagine right now.
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Hang on, my friend; keep praying, for those prayers are a worthy sacrifice to the only God who is altogether able. 🙌💕
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I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you feeling downright weary at times?
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If so, I understand. Me too.
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You are not alone.
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This one’s for the weary. 💗
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Head over to Proverbs31ministries.org. to read & join the conversation! 💕
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