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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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If My People

Do you ever wonder how in the ever-living-world  it is that we have the ear of Almighty God? The Guy who spoke it all into existence?

My whole being begs to comprehend such mystery—my whole heart searches to contain its gratitude.

My church is doing a prayer and fasting series this month called “If My People,” and I can think of no better way to begin 2017 than in prayer.

So simple yet so complex, I’m forever astounded by this birthright of the people of God.

Question: Have you found yourself thinking: ”Maybe this will be the year?” The year your long-prayed-for loved one will finally join the family of God?

Thought: Perhaps together we can pray that 2017 will be their year of homecoming.

If you feel comfortable, please share the first name (or initial) of someone you’re praying for. May we join hearts across the world on their behalf, praying them into the household of faith.

Fun side note: Next week is our first monthly giveaway! Everyone who linked up with us here at #ChasingCommunity in January will be entered in a drawing for a fun little gift. Woohoo!

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It’s a pony-tail and sandals environment around here. No fancy rules, just a few small things:

  • Family-friendly posts only, please.
  • Please visit and comment on the post linked before yours–and others as you’re able.
  • Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)

Thank you for bringing your dish to the table–May your ministry of words find community here.

I’m linking up today with my friends at #ChasingCommunity. Come join the fun!
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Comments

  1. Lesley says

    January 26, 2017 at 5:53 am

    So true that prayer is so simple and yet so complex, but it’s amazing to know that we can go to God at any time and he always hears us. Praying for Carla.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Thanks for sharing, Lesley. ((Prayers for Carla)) xoxo

      Reply
  2. Becky Hastings says

    January 26, 2017 at 7:00 am

    Something so important, yet I forget about it so often. Praying for so many with your great reminder today. Especially Sam.
    Becky Hastings recently posted…Words with God on Seeking DirectionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:35 am

      Praying especially for Sam today, Becky. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  3. Michele Morin says

    January 26, 2017 at 7:07 am

    Brenda, thank you for this sobering wake up call.
    Michele Morin recently posted…Till We Have Faces (4): Work, Weakness, and SweatMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Liz says

    January 26, 2017 at 7:11 am

    Please pray for Holly A. Oh, how my heart is burdened for her. XO
    Liz recently posted…Word Nerd Wednesday – RevelationMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:36 am

      Absolutely praying for Holly A. today, Liz. Thank you for sharing. <3

      Reply
  5. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    January 26, 2017 at 7:21 am

    Brenda and Company,
    Please pray for “N”…that God would do a radical work in her heart.
    Thank you!
    Blessings,
    Bev
    Bev @ Walking Well With God recently posted…More Room For HimMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Praying with you, Bev, that God would do a radical work in N’s heart. Thank you for sharing. xoxo

      Reply
  6. Maree Dee says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Prayer is so mysterious and amazing how it works. Prayer is what got us through many difficult situations. Sometimes it provided strength to get through it and sometimes it was answered prayer. At the beginning of each year when we were weary from the past year my friend, and I would say, “This is the year..” You know in some way that statement always came true in small steps of progress. God is good. He will answer our prayers just maybe not exactly as we had hoped. I am still praying for a miracle, and in the meantime, he is providing much so that I can persevere. Thank you for your post.
    Maree Dee recently posted…Five Tips To Embrace and Manage Our WorryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:39 am

      Will join you in praying for that miracle, Maree. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  7. KristiWoods.net says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:34 am

    Praying for Pattsy. xo

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:40 am

      Praying with you for Pattsy. Thank you for sharing, Kristi. ((hug))

      Reply
  8. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:46 am

    Pray for the Bazin family – we’re finally seeing a window crack open, as their middle daughter asked us for a Bible this year for Christmas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:41 am

      PTL, that sounds promising, Lisa. Prayers for the Bazin family. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  9. Angie in Austenland says

    January 26, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Brenda, this is one of my favorite verses and one I have been praying and thinking about this past year and now as we embark on a new presidency. My mom and I are praying for my brother, Luis. He is so close to opening his heart fully to God yet there is something keeping him from saying YES. So, if you can include him in your prayers, I would be so appreciative.

    And thank you for stopping by today. I am always thankful for new friends. 🙂

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 10:42 am

      Honored to pray with you for Luis. ((Hug)) Thank you for sharing, Angie. <3

      Reply
  10. Joanne Viola says

    January 26, 2017 at 10:43 am

    So grateful for the gift of prayer. Praying this morning for “S” – may God’s will be done. Thank you!
    Joanne Viola recently posted…He’ll Do It!My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:24 pm

      Prayers for “S” Joanne. Thank you for sharing ((hug))

      Reply
  11. Valerie Sisco says

    January 26, 2017 at 10:50 am

    Brenda,
    How powerful is joining together in prayer? Thank you for hosting this! Praying for two friends of mine, that they will know God in new ways this year and draw closer to him!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:25 pm

      Will be lifting up your friends, Valerie. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  12. Ruth says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Praying for Liz & Margot. Also Jean-François and André and others in their families.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:27 pm

      Joining you in prayer for Liz, Margot, Jean-Francois, Andre and all the others on your heart, Ruth. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  13. Christine Duncan says

    January 26, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    Yes! I love this call to lift up our loved ones! I have had D and A on my heart for SUCH a long time… and am trusting that He is nourishing the seeds planted 🙂 So glad we connected over at Instagram, Brenda! Blessings, and great post!
    Christine Duncan recently posted…Your Struggle, His InstrumentMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:29 pm

      Joining you in prayer for D and A, Christine. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))
      And, instagram…how fun is that? I’m new to it, but I think I might love it. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Michele O'Leary says

    January 26, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Brenda, you touched a soft spot for me about a couple of my family members. There is nothing more in my life or world that brings me to my knees than family. God reminded me this week as I prayed about my family: He’s got this. He He placed on my heart the picking will happen when they are ripe and ready. I am holding onto those thoughts and promises from my Father. Beautiful words of encouragement, Brenda. Hugs!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:30 pm

      Joining you in prayer for your family, Michele. xoxo

      Reply
  15. Ceil says

    January 26, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    Hi Brenda! Thank you for your wonderful words about prayer. It is amazing the the Maker of the World cares about me.
    Please join me in prayer for B. and for M. Thank you!
    So nice to meet you, and to be introduced to your bloghop. I’ll catch you next week 🙂
    Blessings,
    Ceil

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      Prayers for B and M, Ceil. Thanks for sharing. ((hug))
      And, will be great to have you join along next week! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Julie says

    January 26, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    Pray for Angie and family! Having God in their life would give them a different perspective!
    Julie recently posted…Does Your Marriage Communication Stink?My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 26, 2017 at 8:33 pm

      Lifting up Angie and family, Julie. Thank you for sharing. ((hug))

      Reply
  17. Tyra says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    Brenda,
    I’m so glad you visited my blog. How is it that we are just meeting? On this 1st visit to your blog I am refreshed. So much is communicated in the “feel” of your site. It’s so welcoming and personable. And this POST!!!! Across the body, God has believers united in prayer. I’ve been burdened for weeks with the urgency to pray. But that load is lifting as I see God uniting so many in prayer. Looking forward to getting to know you.

    Reply
  18. Nicki Schroeder says

    January 27, 2017 at 8:14 am

    “Do you ever wonder how in the ever-living-world it is that we have the ear of Almighty God? The Guy who spoke it all into existence?” In answer to this question, yes, all the time! 🙂 God is soooooo good! I am so amazed at the fact that He desires to have a deep and intimate relationship with ME! It’s so cool when we really think about how amazing and mighty our God is and that He loves each and every one of His children!
    Nicki Schroeder recently posted…Give The Gift Of Grace TodayMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Ginger Harrington says

    January 28, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Love the heart of your blog. I’d love to pull up a rocking chair and visit. I have great joy in that one I have been praying hard for has entered the family of God. Rejoicing.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      January 28, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      PTL, Ginger. That’s great news. Rejoicing with you. ((hug))

      Reply
  20. Wanda says

    January 30, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Yes, indeed I’m often amazed that the creator of the universe bends down to listen to us. Yet I’m not sure I’m taking full advantage of my access to the King. Thanks for the soul encouraging reminder to use what is available to me.

    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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Even in times when life doesn’t feel full of lovely, may we listen to the magnolia’s anthem.
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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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Or, maybe the humble shelter of your youth, where boo-boos were kissed & fairytales carried you into dreamland.
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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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No place, no person, no position—no earthly brand of belonging—can ever claim home to your soul like the Haven of Him.
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Quiet your spirit in the shadow of His covering, dear friend, for never will He stop calling you His own. 💕
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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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Not because God is cruel, but because God is thorough. He phones nothing in; takes no shortcuts with our hearts.
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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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Oh, that our souls would rest in remembering that Jesus also knew what it was to feel weary as He walked this earth in human flesh.
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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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