• Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

in Uncategorized

Exciting Changes for #ChasingCommunity!

Welcome back, friend.

Has my calendar gone rogue or could it actually be May already?

The faithfulness of time—such a graceful mystery.

Celebration or sorrow, melancholy or hopeful, empty or filled—the shadows of time are there—watching as a day becomes a week becomes a month becomes a year—all in elegant rhythm.

What an honor to be known full-well by the Keeper of time.

 

Y’all, another month means another #ChasingCommunity drawing — and

Yippee for yay!!

I’m finally able to show you what we’ve been working so hard on behind-the-scenes!

Aren’t they adorable?!

Each monthly drawing winner will have a choice of this 20 oz. acrylic, insulated Chasing Community mug, or this teal, 80 page Chasing Community writing journal!! Yay! I hope you love them as much as I do. (And, stay tuned for other options in the future.)

Just my small way of saying thank you. Thank you for sharing your ministry of words at this table. Thank you for embracing community. Thank you for trusting your hearts in this space.

Whether you’re a writer-friend or a reader-friend, I continue to pray for each of you and the lives touched by the Spirit through you.

May the Lord’s favor be upon you and the work of your hands. You inspire me. Thank you.

Congratulations to this month’s winner — Liz G.! May the Lord richly bless your ministry as you team with Him to grow the Kingdom. ♥


And, guess what? There’s a brand new #ChasingCommunity Linkup button so everything can be all matchy-matchy! Woohoo!

<a href="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/chasing-community/"><img  src="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Linkup-button.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>

 

It’s a pony-tail and sandals environment around here. No fancy rules, just a couple details:

  • Please remember to 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.

Ministry+Friends=Fun. I’m linking up today with my friends at #ChasingCommunity. Come join us!
Tweet This
 Loading InLinkz ...

27 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.

« If My People, 3rd Edition
Poured Out »

Comments

  1. Michele says

    May 4, 2017 at 5:38 am

    Hi Brenda~love all the goodies you just revealed. What fun and congratulations. When ever I read your words I feel like I am sitting with you on your front porch and us chatting about our day. Thank you for that.

    P.S. Your kitty is so cute.

    Reply
  2. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    May 4, 2017 at 6:09 am

    Brenda,
    Love all the new Chasing Community merchandise!! I agree with Michele. Your place is one where you just want to flip off you flip flops, sit a spell, and sip some sweet tea! Love what you’re doing here and always fun to pop in and share….
    Blessings sweet friend,
    Bev xx
    Bev @ Walking Well With God recently posted…For Those Of Us Who Are “Fixers”My Profile

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    May 4, 2017 at 6:48 am

    Say what!?!?! I never win anything! You’re such a gracious host! I do wish we could all sit down for a pot luck in real life! What fun that would be! Thanks for being amazingly encouraging!
    Liz recently posted…Word Nerd Wednesday – Ark of The CovenantMy Profile

    Reply
    • Becky Hastings says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Can I come to that potluck too?!

      Congrats Liz! 🙂
      Becky Hastings recently posted…Why I Don’t Want a Mountaintop FaithMy Profile

      Reply
  4. KellyRBaker says

    May 4, 2017 at 7:28 am

    Yes, they are adorable! Brilliant idea! 🙂
    KellyRBaker recently posted…Live Empowered: the Holy Spirit Moves through UsMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Sarah Geringer says

    May 4, 2017 at 7:44 am

    Brenda, good job on your creations! It’s always fun to link up here with you and so many other great writers. Blessings to you, friend!
    Sarah Geringer recently posted…Meeting God in the Garden: PlantingMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Lesley says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:18 am

    These look great! Well done, and thanks for alk you do in hosting the linkup.
    Lesley recently posted…April ReflectionsMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Jill says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:19 am

    Love how this community is evolving and all the new and exciting changes! Happy to always link and connect with you Brenda!

    Reply
  8. Paris Renae says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Brenda, you are awesome, these are great, what a surprise. Love your link up and your sweet spirit. Awesome to be part of a circle of writing/reading friends.
    Paris Renae recently posted…The Right Time…My Profile

    Reply
  9. Leslie says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:39 am

    Brenda, I love it! Your new logo is sooooo cute and the cups and journals, too! Thank you for the link up each week. You are such a lovely host! I’ll pick up your new button right now to replace the old one on my link up page. : )
    Leslie recently posted…Wildflowers in the Garden – Guest InterviewMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    May 4, 2017 at 9:00 am

    OhMyGoodness, all those things look SO cute! I hope your first week of May has been a great one!
    Lisa/Syncopated Mama recently posted…Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible, illustrated by Omar ArandaMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Kristi Woods says

    May 4, 2017 at 9:54 am

    Aren’t those cute?! And you’re so generous, Brenda. Thank you. It’s a joy to walk alongside you in the writing/ministry world.
    Kristi Woods recently posted…#YourStory: Horace Williams Jr.My Profile

    Reply
  12. Sherry Stahl says

    May 4, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Brenda,
    The products look great! The new button is cute. I’ll get that up soon.
    Praying the sweetness of God’s presence envelops you this week and inspires great writing out of that intimacy.
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo
    Sherry Stahl recently posted…Could God Be Making Your Life Difficult?My Profile

    Reply
  13. Laura Rath says

    May 4, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Love the new logo and fun products! Thank you for hosting the link-up and encouraging community. ?
    Laura Rath recently posted…Don’t Let Fear and Self-doubt Kill Your DreamsMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Michele Morin says

    May 4, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Congratulations, Liz! And, once again, Brenda, you are wow-ing me with all your ingenuity!
    Michele Morin recently posted…Loneliness: An Opportunity and a Sign of HopeMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Sandy says

    May 4, 2017 at 11:12 am

    I love the color and design! They look great!

    Reply
  16. Joanne Viola says

    May 4, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Brenda, the new items are so pretty! I have so enjoyed being here each week. The encouragement that is shared by you and others is so appreciated. I am grateful for the community you are building! Blessings!
    Joanne Viola recently posted…Is It Good or Best?My Profile

    Reply
  17. Misty says

    May 4, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Hi! Brenda, You are so sweet! Today, I want to know that I have really loved getting to know you better through #ChasingCommunity, and I am praying that God will bless abundantly bless your ministry!

    What a fun idea to give away mugs and journals with your new logo! Hugs & Blessings, Misty
    Misty recently posted…Hope for the FutureMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Becky Hastings says

    May 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    How exciting! The cup and journal are beautiful. Can’t wait to see what else is in store!
    Becky Hastings recently posted…Why I Don’t Want a Mountaintop FaithMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Betsy de Cruz says

    May 4, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    I love your gifts, Brenda! Turquoise is my new favorite color! Decided that this week. May the Lord bless you, your family, and ministry, friend. I didn’t link up today (I’m so busy this lately that I’ve cut back a bit) but I still wanted to come by and read what you had to say. 🙂
    Betsy de Cruz recently posted…Why 53 is Beautiful: What I’ve Learned This YearMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Julie says

    May 4, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    I love the new Chasing Community items. They are super adorable!
    Thanks for hosting Brenda! Have a good weekend!
    Julie recently posted…Why I Need to Trust God When I SufferMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Brenda says

    May 5, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    So happy y’all like them. 🙂 Thank you each for your sweet encouragement. You bless my heart. <3 ((xoxo))

    Reply
  22. Donna Reidland says

    May 8, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    I love your new creations! I’m always amazed at all the creativity you and others display! Thanks for hosting! Have a great week!
    Donna Reidland recently posted…“Paranoia!” May 8My Profile

    Reply
  23. Lux G. says

    May 9, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    OMG, Brenda. These are awesome and thoughtful gifts. Would love to have them. Love the color and design.
    You are an amazing woman.
    Lux G. recently posted…Top Super 7 Cakes To Celebrate Your Wedding AnniversaryMy Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What Happened in the Waiting Room | Waxing Gibbous says:
    May 4, 2017 at 7:27 am

    […] I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community, #HeartEncourgementThursday and Grace & […]

    Reply
  2. #YourStory: Horace Williams Jr. says:
    May 4, 2017 at 9:57 am

    […] Linking with other Jesus writers and lovers here: #testimonyTuesday, #raralinkup, #heartencouragementThursday, #chasingcommunity. […]

    Reply
  3. Why I Need to Trust God When I Suffer - Unmasking the Mess says:
    May 5, 2017 at 9:25 am

    […] at #SittingAmongFriends ,   #TellHisStory ,   #CoffeeforYourHeart , #HeartEncouragement ,   #ChasingCommunity ,   #TuneInThursday ,   #GraceMoments , #Grace&Truth ,   #DancewithJesus  ,  […]

    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 Photographs Prayer Proverbs 31 Ministries Purpose Quotes Racism Rejection Rest Seasons Sisterhood Surrender Teens
  • Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

From the Author

I am a member of COMPEL Training Encouragement for Today Badge She Speaks

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

While I’ve never been through separation or divo While I’ve never been through separation or divorce in marriage, so many truths on the pages of this new book by @traciemiles resonated with me.
.
You see, there are other forms of “divorce” in life beyond the marital ones, and we don’t always get to chose who accepts us, loves us, values us.
.
Rejection stings, whispering lies into our psyches. Unworthiness takes root, growing weeds of pain where beauty should bloom.
.
And friend—if, like author Tracie Miles, you are living through the aftermath of divorce, she sweetly meets you in that sacred space with vulnerability and tools to help you move forward into a bright new future you may not have dared to dream for yourself. 
.
Anyone who purchases this beautiful new book by February 1, 2021 will receive 5 lovely gifts to jumpstart their journey to healing. To receive these gifts visit davidcook.org/tracie-miles-living-unbroken-preorder .
.
If you decide to order, I’d love to know your thoughts & how it impacts your spirit. Please let me know how I can pray for you, sweet friend. God is not finished with the story of you. 💗
.
.
.
#livingunbroken #bookrelease #readersofinstagram #lifeafterdivorce #christiandivorce #proverbs31ministries #ministry #pain #heartbreak #lonliness #faith #startingover #trust #fear #single #guilt #acceptance #beautyfromashes
Modern translation: It’s okay to stay in your la Modern translation: It’s okay to stay in your lane!
.
It doesn’t matter what God’s got the ones around you doing. No matter where He’s placed you in ministry—make no mistake, God’s the One growing the seeds.
.
Freedom abounds in knowing it’s not about us, right?!
.
Friend, your lane is important, and God has you in it for a reason. Trust that He’s growing seeds you may never see, all from your faithfulness to your part.
.
Your part matters! 💗
.
.
.
#onebody #kingdomwork #ministry #stayinyourlane #watchgodwork #hesgotthis #bible #scripture #amwriting #leadership #influence #trust #hope #bettertogether #writersofinstagram #obedience #doyourpart #showup #riseup #makemuchofjesus #itsallaboutjesus #notaboutus #freedom
This time last year, I was 11 days into what was s This time last year, I was 11 days into what was supposed to be a one-month sugar fast. After going a little sideways on the holiday sugar the previous month, I decided to re-center & nix the sugar for January 2020.
.
Fast forward to January 2021, over 12 months later, and I’m sill sugar free.
.
Never did  I intend to make this a lifestyle, it just sort of chose me. When I got to February & saw all the valentine candy, knowing my affinity for those dang chewy cinnamon and cherry hearts, it only seemed right to continue my fast another month.
.
But, in rolled March being all tempting with her candies of Easter, so I continued through April.
.
But, a funny thing happened on the way to May. By May, I didn’t really want sugar anymore. (Mostly.)
.
So, here I am in January 2021 still sugar-free. I’ve lost 34 pounds, and feel so much better.
.
Friend, who do you want to be this time next year? Whatever that goal is that feels big & daunting, I’m here to tell you that—you can do it!
.
What will the “you of January 2022” be thankful to the “you of today” for doing?
.
Show up for her! Change is rarely comfortable & easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it, or that you’re not worthy of it, my friend.
.
We can get so busy with life & family & ministry that we forget to show up for ourselves. It’s not selfish to remember your goals & dreams, friend. Allow those seeds God planted to instinctively guide you as you baby-step your way to success.
.
And, if you’ve already fallen off the wagon with your new-year goals, no worries! It’s okay! Brush yourself off, give yourself grace, and begin anew! You’ll be glad you did this time next year!
.
You’ve got this, friend; I believe in you! 💗
.
.
#showup #youvegotthis #newyeargoals #goals #resolutions #change #2021 #newyearnewyou #mindovermatter #showupforyourself #nevertoolatetostart #believe #faith #babysteps #ministry #influence #leadership #hope #amwritjng #writersofinstagram #allthingsarepossible #withgod #believeinyourself #trustgod #onedayatatime
Sone seasons of our stories are so challenging, th Sone seasons of our stories are so challenging, they invest themselves into who we become, leaving a clear before and after in their dust.
.
We hold these moments close, protective of their scars, as they nestle deep within our personalities, affecting the way we view ourselves and others.
.
Whatever the hurts of our lives, our meandering minds aren’t shy about chasing illusions, wondering who we would have been had certain chapters been absent from our stories.
.
How easily we question whether our insecurities and struggles might be exchanged for confidence & calm had suffering not inked itself upon our yesterdays.
.
But friend, time and again Scripture reveals the Lord’s delight in using broken people, shaping what “would have been” into something full of purpose and abundance.
.
Nothing is beyond His redeeming reach , sweet friend.
.
Our sorrows aren’t too great for God to find His glory in them.
.
— Read the full devotion & join the conversation over at proverbs31.org today! Meet you there, friend! 💗
.
.
.
#proverbs31ministries #butgod #beautyforashes #sorrow #pain #struggle #brokenness #scars #rejection #tragedy #purpose #hope #grace #glory #redemption #compassion #wisdom #wouldacouldashoulda #imperfect #godsglory #amwriting #ministry #leadership #influence #bible #hope #peace #comfort
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Market theme by Restored 316

Copyright 2020 Brenda Bradford Ottinger · Log in