• Home
  • Welcome
  • Blog

Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

in Uncategorized

Heaven’s Boy

Do you ever think about Jesus’ mother? Her courage, grace, strength—her faith.

Mary is one of the many people I look forward to meeting in eternity.

Before the Holy Spirit lived inside us all, she housed the Lord inside her womb—growing the baby Savior in secret.

I picture her face as He took His first steps—bright eyes beaming with joy and pride at her diapered baby boy’s wobbly achievement.

She knew His favorite meal and His preferred reading spot. She washed His clothes and coddled Him when He was sick.

She and Joseph were in attendance for all His awkward stages; they watched him grow—from baby to toddler to child to teen to man to Savior.

I think about the faith of a quiet girl, turned mother of God. Tweet This

Mary’s Creator, somehow now younger than she. The Mystery of it all.

A mind can barely hold the miracle–the glory–of Heaven’s Boy.

One day.

One day, we’ll know as we’re known.

We’ll sit at a welcome feast among nations of believers—the Lamb our connection, our link, our bond.

Merry CHRISTmas, friend. May the Savior’s presence be ever-real to you in this season of His birth.


<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 casual, pony-tail & sandals environment around here, but a few important reminders:

  • Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for other friends who’ve linked-up today — this is the heart of community & your words of support could be just the thing another friend needs to hear today.
  • Please only share like-minded words of spiritual encouragement and insight.
  • Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)
  • By linking up & leaving your email address you agree to receive #ChasingCommunity updates.

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 ...

 

29 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.

« #ChasingCommunity Linkup 49
The Weight of the Wait »

Comments

  1. Liz says

    December 21, 2017 at 6:12 am

    I was thinking about this very thing on Sunday. Beautiful words, my friend! Merry Christmas to you and your family! May your celebration of our Savior’s birth be filled with love, joy, and peace!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:24 pm

      Wishing you and your family a beautiful celebration of Jesus, as well, friend. Merry, merry CHRISTmas!

      Reply
  2. Lesley says

    December 21, 2017 at 6:54 am

    It is amazing to think about Mary’s faith and how wonderful yet how difficult her calling was. I love that song- I shared it in my post this week too! Hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      Yes. Amen, Lesley. What a difficult “calling.” Such a woman of faith. — Hope you have a lovely Christmas as well, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  3. Sarah Geringer says

    December 21, 2017 at 6:57 am

    Beautiful sentiments, Brenda. Merry Christmas to you!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      Merry Christmas to you, too, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  4. Becky Hastings says

    December 21, 2017 at 7:31 am

    Yes! I wonder about so many things, especially Mary. I know it was Jesus in her womb, but do you think she still had morning sickness? labor pains? Do you think she struggled? I wonder so many things that probably aren’t important, but keep my mind spinning nonetheless!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      Oh, Becky, a girl after my own heart — curiosity is fun, right? 🙂 Love that we share that, friend. Merry, merry CHRISTmas to you and your family, too. xoxo

      Reply
  5. Michele Morin says

    December 21, 2017 at 7:55 am

    A young woman played a beautiful piano solo in our morning service last Sunday — Mary Did You Know. And as I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but think that this sweet young thing whom I’ve known since diapers is likely older than Mary was when she had Jesus. What an incredible story God gave us in His chosen method for sending a Savior into this world!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      I love that song, too, Michele. — He’s one for the “incredible” stories, isn’t He? — May your family have a beautiful Christmas, celebrating the Writer of the most incredible story of all. xoxo

      Reply
  6. Paris Renae says

    December 21, 2017 at 8:15 am

    Merry Christmas, friend, it is all wonder – and it is all LOVE!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      All wonder, and all love. Amen, friend. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  7. Maree Dee says

    December 21, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I love thinking about Mary. Thank you for sharing. I too can’t wait to meet her. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      I’m thinking we may have to stand in line to meet her, friend. 🙂 Hope we’re in line beside each other. — Merriest of Christmases to you, Maree. xoxo

      Reply
  8. Charla says

    December 21, 2017 at 9:19 am

    Merry CHRISTmas to you, Brenda. Praise God for coming to our community through His chosen vessel.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:35 pm

      Merry Christmas to you too, Charla. Hope you’re having a wonderful season and healing up well. xoxo

      Reply
  9. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Brenda,
    Love this reflection on what Mary must have been thinking….love the song “Breath of Heaven”…..hard to wrap our minds around!!
    May you and yours have a blessed and joyous Christmas!
    Love you friend,
    Bev xoxo

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      May you and yours do exactly the same, Bev. — Wishing you a beautiful Christmas, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  10. Cheryl says

    December 21, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I often think of dear Mary, too, and I dearly love the song you shared. 17 years ago, I was expecting our own sweet baby boy at this time of year, and Mary was on my mind and heart so much as I would listen to this song. I was in labor on Christmas Day, and our son was born the very next morning…so we celebrate his birthday the day after we celebrate Jesus’ birthday! God is SO good! Thank you for this sweet post and for the kind comments you leave on my blog and your weekly link-up. May God bless you richly this Christmas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      Happy (almost) birthday to your baby boy, too, Cheryl. — Every Christmas that I was pregnant I thought more about Mary and her experience, as well. Hope you have a wonderful week of celebrations. Continued prayers for LD. ((hug))

      Reply
  11. BettieG says

    December 21, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    What beautiful thoughts here:

    “Mary’s Creator was somehow now younger than she. The Mystery of it all.
    A mind can barely hold the miracle–the glory–of Heaven’s Boy.”

    I love that term: “Heaven’s Boy” as I ponder this beautiful mystery. Truly we cannot rush through the motions of these days unless we let God still our hearts to take time to ponder His Miracle. And, Mary’s heart does speak to me about the way that she “treasured all these things in her heart.” Oh may I ponder and pause to hear Him speak. Blessings to you this Christmas!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      Me too, Bettie…may I ponder with you (and Mary) all these things, pausing to hear Him. Thank you for being here, Bettie. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your household. ((Hug))

      Reply
  12. Lisa notes says

    December 21, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    “The Mystery of it all. A mind can barely hold the miracle–the glory–of Heaven’s Boy.” Such a mystery it is! I’m thinking of using “Mystery” as my One Word for 2018, so I’m glad to see it here, Brenda. Merry Christmas to you!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      ooh, “mystery,” what a great word, Lisa. Can’t wait to hear how that unfolds, if you choose it. Merry, merry Christmas to you, friend. xoxo

      Reply
  13. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    December 21, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  14. Debby says

    December 22, 2017 at 6:43 am

    The Christmas story is righty called the Greatest Story Ever Told and you’ve shared part of what makes is wondrous. Born that men no more may die – Praise God!

    Reply
  15. Jerralea says

    December 23, 2017 at 9:45 am

    It is mind-blowing! I can never get over it, that God would clothe Himself in human flesh and join us on this planet!

    Beautiful thoughts, Brenda. I, too, would love to meet Mary in eternity and ask her a thousand questions.

    Reply
  16. Donna Reidland says

    December 24, 2017 at 1:49 am

    Brenda, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for your faithfulness each week with the linkup and your passion to share God’s truth. Blessings!

    Reply
  17. Linda Stoll says

    December 26, 2017 at 10:59 am

    Merry Christmas, Brenda … thanks for talking about Mary … I’ve become more taken by her faith in recent years. I can not imagine what she went through and who she became in the process of birthing the Savior of the world.

    Bless you, girl … especially during this special week!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Cheryl 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.

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
Such a lovely study for a fresh year of adventure Such a lovely study for a fresh year of adventure with God.
.
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?
.
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!
.
Praying for you, sweet friend. 💗
.
.
.
#bookrelease #readersofinstagram #fear #faith #biblestudy #womenintheword #smile #trust #study #quiettime #shesmileswithoutfear #ministry #leadership #influence #bible #god #beautyforashes #reader #amreading #faithfulgod #nofear #nofearnewyear
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Market theme by Restored 316

Copyright 2020 Brenda Bradford Ottinger · Log in