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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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Remember When

Remember when we went to “Putt-Putt” on Labor Day for our first date
—and made it a tradition?

I wouldn’t want to play mini-golf every first Monday of September for 30 years (and counting) with anyone else.

The best traditions are always the ones that choose us.

Remember when we walked the cobbled aisle of an autumn garden
—and made it a fairy tale?

The elegant cake crafted with the weathered hands of a Granny who loved well.

And, the Groom’s Cake we ordered that, when sliced, wasn’t chocolate after all. Oops.

The fountain, the butterflies, the harp—the vows under the deep October sky.

Remember when we bought our first house with the avocado appliances on the modest street—and made it a home?

When we didn’t know you couldn’t cover oil-based paint with water-based. (Or that there even was such-a-thing as paint types.) Those walls never did forgive us.

And the time an Oreo commercial convinced us to make a late-night trip to Publix. Back when fast-forwarding commercials wasn’t a thing.

And when we accidentally planted that vine by the front steps and spent every year thereafter pulling it out? I wonder if it’s still there? People with black thumbs should be allowed—exactly no where near—Lowe’s gardening section.

Remember when we set up a nursery in the back room, brought our sky-eyed son home—and made it a family?

The “Elbow” (Elmo) crib mobile, the Pooh Bear curtains, and the music box that still plays its song in the corners of our memory.

The baby boy who loved his stuffed “Puppy.” And the one who loved his books. And the one who loved his dinosaurs. The children for whom we prayed.

The “flesh of our flesh, joy of our joy, life of our love“—all clothed in powder-blue (+ dirt)—hooking our hearts with their smiles forever.

Remember when we spent years moving across creation
—and made it an adventure?

Carolina by way of Florida (again,) by way of Indiana, by way of Kentucky, by way of Connecticut, by way of Indiana (again), by way of Carolina (again + forever-and-ever-amen + please Jesus.)

And all the meals around a family table with the little boys who grew up along the way. How I pray we gave them a Godly foundation.

Remember when we wandered through time’s back door
—and made it a life?

The door inconspicuously marked: “Just another day in paradise.” No fancy placard signifying its importance. Just day upon day upon day of life together—our little party of five—adding up to a lifetime.

Oh for the days of an 8 year old, a 5 year old and a one year old—instead of a 22 year old, a 19 year old and a 15 year old. We had more energy, and less gray then. And no idea the work and joy that’d fill the coming years with the three great lights of our life.

Remember when we promised to grow old together
—and make it a future?

When 50 seemed forever away and Not A Door We’re Knocking On.

When we sit on the front porch and rock to the light of a thousand stars together.

And dream. Of the beach house,  the mountain cabin, the grandbabies.

All-the-while knowing full-well we’re living the dream. Every sunrise. Every sunset.

We’re doing it—this growing old together  thing.

Thank you for being my best friend, my favorite, my love.

Happy 25th Anniversary. ♥ The best is yet to come.



Thank you, friends, for indulging my side-trip down memory lane today. You’re always so generous with your grace toward me. I’m beyond blessed by the sweet community who gather here.
♥


Congrats to Maree D. for winning last week’s drawing for Micah’s book! It’s a goodie; I read it in a weekend. Hope you love it, Maree!



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Comments

  1. Liz says

    October 12, 2017 at 5:51 am

    LOVE this! Happy Anniversary! May God continue to bless, guide, and strengthen your marriage!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you, friend. ♥

      Reply
  2. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    October 12, 2017 at 5:58 am

    Brenda,
    What a beautiful tribute to your marriage. Congratulations are certainly in store….Happy Anniversary! Enjoy some good time reminiscing like you’ve done here today 🙂
    Blessings sweet friend,
    Bev xo
    Bev @ Walking Well With God recently posted…Is Control The Antonym Of Love?My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you, Bev. xoxo

      Reply
  3. Michele says

    October 12, 2017 at 6:46 am

    Brenda~such a sweet posting. Thank you for strolling us down memory lane. Happy Anniversary! You have much to celebrate, friend. ❤️

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you, Michele. 🙂

      Reply
  4. KellyRBaker says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:02 am

    This is the sweetest post! Happy Anniversary, Brenda!
    KellyRBaker recently posted…How God Worked on Me While FastingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you, Kelly. ♥

      Reply
  5. Debbie Putman says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:19 am

    This was fun to read and I loved learning a little more about you. It made me nostalgic for the best memories in my own marriage.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you, Debbie. ((Hug))

      Reply
  6. Jill says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:47 am

    I loved your trip down memory lane, it made me tear up thinking of our journey of 20 years! Thanks for the reminder to look back but also wildly cherish the here and now. Always a pleasure to be #ChasingCommunity with you, Brenda!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you, friend. ♥ Happy 20th to y’all!

      Reply
  7. Diana says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:50 am

    Happy Anniversary, Brenda!!I thank the Lord for blessing you and your husband with such beautiful years and that He will give you grace, good health, and long life together .

    So glad to link up here . Thank you for that opportunity as well
    Diana
    Diana recently posted…7 ADMIRABLE QUALITIES EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST CHOOSE TO EMBODYMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you, Diana. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Michele Morin says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:06 am

    What a sweet tribute to your 25 wonderful years.
    And I learned that our kids are approximately the same age, and both of our “babies” are 15!
    Michele Morin recently posted…The Problem of Belonging: Jayber Crow Discussion Group (6)My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:19 pm

      Thank you, Michele. Yay for 15 year old baby boys. ♥

      Reply
  9. Robin says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Beautiful memories Brenda! Thank you for sharing your heart and home with us. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary. My 30th anniversary is next month and I’m feeling so sentimental! The nostalgia and the memories are flooding my thoughts and my heart. Thank you for reminding me what matters most!
    Robin recently posted…I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOUMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:19 pm

      Thank you, Robin. And Happy 30th to y’all next month! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lesley says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:26 am

    This is such a beautiful post- I love all the memories you shared! Happy Anniversary, Brenda!
    Lesley recently posted…Carried To The TableMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you, Lesley. xoxo

      Reply
  11. Sherry Stahl says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:28 am

    Brenda,
    Love your walk down memory lane. Praying you continue to make wonderful memories for another 25 plus years <3
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo
    Sherry Stahl recently posted…Defeating Anxiety By Counting Your BlessingsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:21 pm

      Thank you, friend. ♥

      Reply
  12. Maree Dee says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:47 am

    What a beautiful tribute to your marriage. Happy Anniversary! Quite an accomplishment, I am sure with lots of good memories and bit of hard work.
    Maree Dee recently posted…How to Rest in the Midst of the Unexpected?My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:21 pm

      Thank you, Maree. ((Hug))

      Reply
  13. Linda Stoll says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:59 am

    Oh what a beautiful ode to your marriage, Brenda. Ah yes, I remember those avacado appliances well …

    Blessings to you and your man as you walk hand in hand into the next season.
    Linda Stoll recently posted…31 Days * A Sampler BouquetMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you, friend. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Lois Flowers says

    October 12, 2017 at 10:23 am

    Blinking back tears, my friend. Happy Anniversary! Here’s to many, many more Labor Day Putt-Putt dates! 🙂

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      Awe, thank you, Lois. 😀

      Reply
  15. Sarah Geringer says

    October 12, 2017 at 10:40 am

    I love every single detail you shared here, Brenda! What a beautiful tapestry of memories. Happy anniversary to you, sweet friend!
    Sarah Geringer recently posted…The Abundant Life, Part 2My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      Thank you, Sarah. ♥

      Reply
  16. nylse says

    October 12, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    I remember our “Remember Whens!”. I love this post and what it means. Happy anniversary to you and much more.
    nylse recently posted…And Still, Be StillMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 12, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      Thank you, Nylse. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Meghan says

    October 12, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    Happy Anniversary!!!!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 13, 2017 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you, Meg! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Lisa notes says

    October 12, 2017 at 9:06 pm

    Happy 25th Anniversary, Brenda! Jeff and I just celebrated our 25th as well (Sept 4). 1992 was a great year to get married. 🙂 Hope you have many more wonderful years to come!
    Lisa notes recently posted…How to Mark the Moment – Intro {Series}My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 13, 2017 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you, Lisa. And Happy 25th to y’all too. Yay for 1992 weddings. 😀

      Reply
  19. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    October 12, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Happy Anniversary!
    Lisa/Syncopated Mama recently posted…Friday Frivolity – Food Truck EditionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 13, 2017 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  20. sue says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    beautiful. I better start listing – 30th in three months. made me choke up a little and that’s a good thing!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 16, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Happy almost 30th to y’all, Sue. That’s wonderful. 🙂

      Reply
  21. bethany mcilrath says

    October 16, 2017 at 9:56 am

    So sweet, Brenda! This put a big smile on my face : ) (And may have inspired a sappy text to my own personal favorite and love!)

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      October 16, 2017 at 2:12 pm

      Awe. Love that, Bethany. 🙂 Thanks for popping by. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Emily says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:49 am

    Congratulations, Brenda and husband! Loved your remember whens. I’m going to have to do that at our next anniversary, our 33rd! Your youngest is 15! Wow! I think you had him with you when we met in person at a Panera.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Mark the Moment - Intro {Series} says:
    October 12, 2017 at 8:05 am

    […] with Debbie, Carmen, Brenda, […]

    Reply

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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.
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Fast forward to January 2021, over 12 months later, and I’m sill sugar free.
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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.
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But, in rolled March being all tempting with her candies of Easter, so I continued through April.
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But, a funny thing happened on the way to May. By May, I didn’t really want sugar anymore. (Mostly.)
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So, here I am in January 2021 still sugar-free. I’ve lost 34 pounds, and feel so much better.
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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!
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What will the “you of January 2022” be thankful to the “you of today” for doing?
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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.
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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.
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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!
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You’ve got this, friend; I believe in you! 💗
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#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.
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We hold these moments close, protective of their scars, as they nestle deep within our personalities, affecting the way we view ourselves and others.
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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.
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How easily we question whether our insecurities and struggles might be exchanged for confidence & calm had suffering not inked itself upon our yesterdays.
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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.
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Nothing is beyond His redeeming reach , sweet friend.
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Our sorrows aren’t too great for God to find His glory in them.
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— Read the full devotion & join the conversation over at proverbs31.org today! Meet you there, friend! 💗
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#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
Such a lovely study for a fresh year of adventure Such a lovely study for a fresh year of adventure with God.
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The Lord has done amazing work in my life in the area of fear, but even still, it continues to be a stronghold in my life at times. What about you, friend?
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I encourage you to check out this beautiful new study by @katymccown . Together May we step into 2021 armed with tools & truth to smile without fear!
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Praying for you, sweet friend. 💗
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As the sun sets on 2020, my mind can’t help but As the sun sets on 2020, my mind can’t help but wander to all the loved ones we walked into this year with, who we’ll sadly not walk out with.
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Praying for all who are grieving today. May God meet us in 2021 with joy in unexpected places, and heal our hearts as only He can.
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Happy New Year, friend. I’m so thankful for you! May His favor rest upon your home in 2021. 🥰
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