Friends, the “Special Announcement” I alluded to last week is a bittersweet one. I hope you’ll take a listen to the short video above for the details.
As always, I’m so grateful for every single one of you who’ve shown up at this table time and time again. Your friendships have blessed me beyond all words.
I’ll still be here, writing in this space, and I pray we can continue to follow each other online. We truly are better together, and I’m ever-thankful for this sisterhood of writers and readers. ♥
Most of all, I pray God’s favor on the ministries He’s chosen to filter through our meager hands. May He always be our Number One. 
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.“
~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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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.
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I just got your e-mail and decided to pop over. Oh dear Brenda, it is sweet to see you and hear your voice😂😂😂
I’m happy the good things God is set to do in your life. Not being so active this year because of life changes and demands however, this had been a great place to fellowship with other ladies.
God bless my friend and I trust He will lead you all right and well.
So good to see you, Ifeoma, thank you for popping over. And, thank you for sharing your posts here in this space, friend. I’m grateful for you and look forward to staying in touch. xoxo
Hi Brenda, my internet is slow so I can’t stream the video. But I assume you are pausing or stopping the linkup from what I read in your email. I pray blessings on you, no matter where the Lord is leading you. Hoping I can give you a hug at She Speaks in July…even if you’re going to the Studio option, I’d love to see you for a little while if you’re in the area. Blessings to you!
Thank you, friend. And, I do hope I’m able to drive down to see you in July. That’s the hard part about them having two SS this year! I want to see everyone, not just the Sept. group! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your posts in this space friend, and for all the times you’ve been an encouragement to me. So glad we’ve connected and I look forward to staying in touch. xoxo
Oh, Brenda! How sweet to hear your voice! How exciting to see where God will take your writing! Thank you so much for being such an amazing encourager here through this link up! I pray God blesses you richly as you follow where He leads and bring Him all glory and honor and praise!
Thank you, friend. And, thank you for sharing your posts here each week. Your friendship is a blessing for which I’m grateful. And, congrats on your new study!! 🙂 xoxo
Thank you for all you’ve done in hosting the linkup, Brenda! This has been one of my favourite linkups to take part in and I will miss it but I understand your decision and wish you all the best for your future writing. It will be exciting to see where God leads you!
Thank you, Lesley. So grateful you’ve shared your posts here and it’s been wonderful to connect with you. Please don’t be a stranger. 🙂 xoxo
Brenda,
Obedience yields HIGH dividends. May your faith increase, your creativity explode and your voice reach its intended audience as God uses you in even BIGGER ways to expand His kingdom! Praying for you and I salute your courage to step away from the known into new lands that He will show you.
Oh, Tyra—thank you, friend. I graciously receive that blessing. Thanks for being here and sharing, and I pray you’ll continue to stay in touch! xoxo
Brenda,
You have such a sweet and caring heart and I’m glad you’re listening to God’s leading and doing what HE would have you do. It’s hard to let go of things – especially things we’ve created. Believe me, I get that feeling of being a jack of all trades and master of none. When life gets overwhelming, we do have to hit the pause or cancel button at times. I’m praying about some of those very same things in my life right now. Something’s gotta give. I’m right there with you. Thank you for sharing this space and your beautiful heart. And we WILL get together in June!!
Love you sweet friend,
Bev xoxo
Thank you, friend, for always being first in line most weeks to get this party started. Your commitment to sharing here has blessed me, and I’m so glad we’ve connected. I’ll pray with you about those hard decisions you mentioned as well. God’s ways are often hidden, but always best, so we’re wise to seek and follow them, even when it’s hard. (Maybe especially when it’s hard, because that’s where the faith is visible, ya know? “…the evidence of things unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1) — Love you back, my friend. Look forward to meeting in June! xoxo
You’re so sweet and thoughtful … I admire your hard decision and willlingness to follow the next right step God is placing in front of you. Can’t wait to see what He does in your life, Brenda. I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines …
Yay, my own personal cheerleader! 🙂 Thank you, friend. Your encouragement is always a blessing, and I’m thankful for you. xoxo
Brenda, it was wonderful to see you and hear your voice. This has truly been such a favorite stop for me each week. It will be exciting to see how the Lord guides you in the days ahead as I know He will continue to use your words for His purposes. Blessings!
My late-fourties voice that insists on being small like a child’s voice? 🙂 — Thank you, dear friend. It’s been such a pleasure to get to know you and I’m so grateful for all your encouragement; it’s meant so much to me. Please don’t be a stranger! xoxo
I loved hearing your voice. And I completely understand where you’re coming from. You have so much on your plate. I will MISS this link up and the beautiful community you’ve curated in this space. Would love to collaborate with you in the future, and I hope you enjoy your sabbath May. All the best to you as you write for different publications. May your words find favor in SO MANY places!
I will miss it so much, too, friend. So, so thankful for you being such a constant in this space. Your encouragement and wisdom has meant the world, and I’m so glad we’ve connected. Please keep in touch, friend. I’ll still be here writing, and I know you’ll still be there writing, and I’m grateful we can remain connected. P.S) Yes! Let’s do collaborate on something! xoxo
Sweet Brenda it was so good to see you and hear you this morning! While I’ll miss the community here, I completely understand needing and wanting to follow where God is leading you. Blessings as you follow my friend, can’t wait to see where He leads you! 💕
Oh, Jill. Sweet friend. Thank you. — And, this makes me think of your site title…Following His Footsteps. You’ve modeled this well, friend. So blessed by your constant encouragement, and I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you. Hope we wind up at She Speaks together again someday! xoxoxo
You are such an encouraging soul! This space has been so rich
Going to miss it – and you!
That warms my heart, friend. Thank you, Susan. And, please don’t be a stranger. Would love to continue to follow one another online. Your writing always has a way of speaking into my spirit. xoxo
Oh Brenda you are so tender and have such a sweet heart, thanks for giving us this outlet for as long as you did. Will pray for that quieting you need and for your words that you write for the Lord as you follow Him. Much love and hope our paths continue to cross many times. And PS yes I would love the Chasing Community mug or notebook and happy to pay postage as well 🙂
Thank you, friend. Have loved hosting your words in this space, and so loved meeting you at the writing workshop last year. Hope we’re able to meet up at another conference sometime! Thank you for your kindness; it’s been such a pleasure to connect with you. — And, I’d love to send you some goodies, just shoot me your mailing info and I’ll send it right out. xoxo
I had to come over when I saw the email this morning. Brenda, you are such a sweet spirit and joy to hear and virtually fellowship with. I am ever thankful we crossed paths in this community of believers, I’ve been so blessed and encouraged by you! I understand about needing to quiet your spirit, I have been there many times and wrote about my experience with needing frequent breaks. I am praying for you, He will lead you and fill you will his goodness my friend. Thank you for sharing your talent and creations with us as well. If you have any goodies left over I will email you my address, and would love to save your address to write to you! Have a blessed day and may God bring peace and joy to your new season.
Thank you, sweet friend. Your encouragement blesses my heart more than you know. So thankful we’ve connected and look forward to staying connected. Thank you so much for the prayers, and I’d love to send you the goodies. — And, agreed, I’m learning as I age, that frequent breaks are so life-giving for me as well. We’re so much better equipped to serve the Kingdom when our souls are rested. Thanks for being here and sharing in this community, friend. xoxo
Brenda, Your gentle and quiet spirit has encouraged me. I will cherish my Chasing Community mug! Thank you for hosting this community. I took an unexpected sabbatical and am thankful I checked here today, and for all the times I linked here. In this internet day, we will stay connected, and I look forward to reading your book someday. ((Hugs)).
Your words bless me, Debbie. Thank you so much. And, I hope all is well with your unexpected sabbatical. Will pray for you, friend. So glad we’ve connected, and yes, so grateful for this day & time where we can remain connected over the internet. xoxo
Oh, Brenda! You are a precious, precious soul! Such an encourager and so kind to all. I will sorely miss you! I trust God will meet you in this time of peace to reveal His perfect will to you. I would feel so blessed to have the Chasing Community gifts if you have any extras left! I will get in touch with you. May Jesus blessing you abundantly, sweet friend!
Thank you for your sweet words, Cheryl. Such an encouragement, you are. And, please do stay in touch! I’ll still be here writing and plugging along in the ministry of next steps. 🙂 So happy to send you the Chasing Community goodies. Thank you for being here and sharing in this community, friend. xoxo
I am so very excited for you friend! Excited that you are listening to what God is speaking to your heart, that you are seeking that rest your spirit needs, and that you are pursuing the call He has for you. I’ve learned how valuable seasons are in our walk, but also in our work. Chasing Community has been a lovely, sweet season for all of us, and I am so excited to see what God brings for you in the next season 🙂
Don’t be a stranger friend! You are so dear and I am incredibly grateful for you!
xoxo
Awe, I love that you’re excited for me, friend. That makes my heart smile so big. Thank you! So grateful for you as well, Becky. Your encouragement and friendship have been such a gift, and I’m so glad we’ve connected. Definitely won’t be a stranger, and I pray you won’t be either, friend. xoxo
Bittersweet, indeed but I’m so glad you’re following God’s promptings. That’s a brave step and I expect that God will bless you with clarity and a renewed sense of purpose and well-being, you know, the ‘it is well with my soul’ kind. 🙂
Thanks so much for your hear to serve us so well, Brenda. And it was such a joy to see you and hear your voice this morning.
Blessings on your journey!
Your words are a balm to me this morning, Marva. Thank you. And, thank you for sharing your words in this sisterhood, friend. I pray we’ll stay connected. xoxo
Brenda!!! I’m going to miss this space! It truly is one of my favorites! (I’ll still keep in touch, and pop in here frequently).
I do understand your decision, as well as the angst you feel. But I know that God has such wonderful plans for you, and there’s nothing more beautiful than following His footsteps!
You are so sweet and genuine, and you have blessed me immensely! Praying for you as you journey forward.
Ps- I LOVE my gift! My 11 yr old fights me over the mason mug! 😉
((hugs)) and blessings, friend!
Rachel!! Ya know when you meet someone and you feel like you’ve known them forever? That’s you for me, friend. So thankful we’ve connected, and I look forward to staying in touch. Thank you for bringing your words to this table each week, friend. — And, yay for loving the goodies!! 🙂 xoxo
Brenda I’ve so enjoyed joining this community when I can, and I appreciate your encouragement. Will miss this place. Blessings on your new adventure in following where God leads.
Thank you, friend. It’s been a pleasure to connect with you, and I pray we’ll stay connected online. xoxo
You have a beautiful spirit, my friend. Please, please, please, let’s stay connected. I’ve loved connecting with you and others here on #chasingcommunity. May we all rest well in His good and perfect will. <3 (And keep us posted on writings, publishings, etc. Oooo – exciting!)
Dear friend, thank you. I’ll definitely still be around, and still writing, and will absolutely stay connected. Please do the same, friend. Have so enjoyed getting to know you. And, will sure keep you posted on whatever the Lord decides are my next steps! xoxo
I hope you have a wonderful May! Thanks for hosting!
Yes, bittersweet. I am going to miss your link-up but so glad you are listening to what God wants for you. I loved listening and watching your video. You have such a sweet spirit about you. You are a blessing in my life.
Awe, right back at ya, friend. Thank you. Your sweet words are encouragement to me, always. I look forward to staying connected. xoxo
You’ve been a warm and gracioius host and I’ll miss you!
Thank you, friend. I’ll still be here writing, so pop in anytime! xoxo
Oh! Sweet Brenda, I will miss chasing community! Your link up was the first one that I ever participated in and you made it so simple. You truly brought an element of community to this online world! I am sad that I won’t see you at She Speaks this year!! I would love to go to She Speaks studio, but it is at the beginning of our homeschool year on a Monday and Tuesday and I just don’t think I can get away! So I will miss seeing you!!
At the same time, I completely understand the need to step back and be still before the Lord so that he can speak into your life! I am finding that in this busy season of writing and editing my first book that I barely have time to read what other people are writing, and really I try not to read too much else during the writing phase so that I can focus on what God wants me to say. I am excited about the new season you are entering and pray the Lord’s blessings on the hands of your work. <3 <3 <3 Misty
Oh my heart, Misty; thank you for all your kind words, for they bless me, friend. Thank you for being a part of this community from the start, and sharing your words at this table. I’m so excited for all the things happening in your writing world, and can’t wait to see how God works throughout your ministry. — And, I’m thinking about trying to drive down to the July She Speaks one evening just to hug a few necks, so stay tuned!! 🙂 I’ll still be here writing, and I pray you’ll pop in and say hi when you’re able—and, I’ll do the same for you. God bless you, friend. xoxo
I’m so sad to see you go; I’ve enjoyed being here and will miss you. Your welcoming community has made me better – a better writer and a better nurturer. I would love to receive the journal and the mug – so I’ll send my mailing info via email.
Nylse, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that, it truly blesses my spirit. — And, I’d love to send you the Chasing Community goodies. I’ll be on the lookout for your email. Thanks for being here, friend. xoxo
Thank you Brenda for the chance to post with you. Several bloggers I have met are leaving for various reasons. I still like a newbie although I’ve done it for three years. Your words and posts have been both encouraging and beautiful and whatever your next step is, the Lord is ahead of you and makes path clear. God bless, hope to hear about whatever you do.
Thanks for being here and sharing in this community, Rebecca. 🙂 It’s been lovely to connect with you. And, thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement, friend. — And, I’m not leaving blogging or writing, just bringing the linkup to a close. I’ll still be here writing, so please pop on by anytime! xoxo
I still feel like a newbie.. sorry.
Oh Brenda – I am sad to see you go as well, but at the same time I completely understand. The Lord shared a word with me just a few weeks ago that I shared with our church and I posted a clip of it on line. It was titled; The Winds of Change. and it talks about how God is sending His Spirit to move and breathe over every area of our lives and how He is separating the wheat (things we to be doing) from the chaff (those things we need to stop doing) As I watched your video, I just felt like that is exactly where you are at – the winds have begun to blow and God is directing you to where He needs you in the season to come. Blessings and thanks for being a great place to linkup too.
Lovely analogy, Debbie. Thanks for sharing it. I do feel the winds of change, and I love thinking of them as a directing motion from God. All glory be to Him, wherever He leads, I will follow. — Thanks for being here, friend; it’s been lovely to get to know you, and I look forward to staying connected. xoxo
Oh Brenda, thank you for what you have offered us here each week!!! You are loved my friend and many blessings on what God has next for you. Can’t wait to see how He works on your behalf to accomplish His will💕 You are dear one in this community.
Thank you, friend. Your kindness means so much. I pray we’ll stay connected. I’ll still be here writing, so please pop by when you’re able, and I’ll do the same. It’s been so sweet to connect with you. xoxo (P.S. I hope you got your box this week!!) 🙂
Awwwww, Brenda, I will miss you and this link up, but I completely understand! I just want to thank you so much for this link up. When I first began blogging this was one of my first ones and you made me feel so welcome! We all appreciate you so much and wish you the best!! Blessings to you!
Thank you, Leslie, for your sweet words. It warms my heart so much to hear that I could’ve made even the smallest of differences. God bless you, friend. And, so glad you’ll stay connected. xoxo
PS I know you will still be here! So the “miss you” is just to let you know you are cared about! I’ll be reading your blog and checking back with you!
Brenda, first, I loved hearing you today on video. Thank you for taking the time to do that because I feel I got to know you a bit more. Second, thank you for opening up your space here for sharing. Taking time for Sabbath and to hear the Lord is so important! I know He will direct you clearly as He promises. And finally, I’m looking forward to hearing about Studio. I have a feeling it’s going to be well-received because of the smaller community and the ability to work through a project there. Excited for you.
Thank you, Lisa, for your sweet encouragement. It blesses my heart, friend. And, yes, will let you know all about SS Studio when I return. I’m excited to see the differences as well, and think the project-oriented atmosphere will be just what’s needed to unearth this book on my heart. Thanks for being here and taking the time to share, friend. I look forward to staying connected, and to hopefully seeing you for a hug and a smile at SS! xoxo
Brenda, I can’t imagine how much time you’ve devoted to this linkup each week, and I am so thankful for your encouragement. That said, I totally understand your need to step away and devote that energy to other writing projects … many blessings as you follow each lead and Spirit-led prompting. Hugs, friend!
Thanks so much for your sweet encouragement, friend. xoxo
Brenda, I will certainly miss linking up here, but I totally understand. Blogging, in general, is demanding and sometimes a weekly linkup is “one more thing.” Blessings as you follow God’s leading. I look forward to reading your words here and in other places.
Thank you, Donna. 🙂 Have enjoyed connecting with you, and look forward to staying connected, friend. xoxo
I will miss you here, Brenda! But I totally understand your need to heed the Lord’s calling and move into new ventures. The Lord is our only constant; everything else around us can change over time. Thank you for your faithfulness in hosting us and for your encouraging words you often left on my own blog. You are special! May God bless whatever you do next.
Oh, Lisa. Bless you, friend. Your words are so encouraging to me. I look forward to remaining connected. xoxo
Good for you, Brenda!! Though it’s hard to let it go, I’m proud you’re following His leading! There is a season for everything so enjoy your Sabbath! Blessings!!
Thank you for the sweet encouragement, Esther. There truly is a season for everything, and I’m thankful for the season that was #ChasingCommunity as it gave me the opportunity to cross paths with other God’s girls like yourself. Thanks for being here and sharing, and please do keep in touch. xoxo
Ack! I haven’t been over here in a couple weeks (Thursdays are difficult day for me to link up), and what news! This has been one of my favorite link up’s and it’s all due to your charming hospitality. I loved seeing you on video. You seem just the same in real life as you do behind the screen. Brenda, you are an inspiring writer, and I look forward to seeing how God will use you for his glory. I know it isn’t easy to step away, but I am praying for you! I’ll keep in touch, friend!
Oh, friend. ♥ Please do keep in touch, and I’ll do the same. Thankful for your friendship and encouragement. You’ve blessed my heart greatly. ♥ xoxo
Brenda
I have been taking a little bit of a rest myself listening to the Lord’s leading for the next right step. Praying for you as you continue your journey. Quieting our hearts is the absolute best thing we can all do when we need His direction! Blessings on this next leg of your journey!
Hugs
Thank you, Naomi. 🙂 Prayers for you as well, friend. xoxo
Hi Brenda well I am sorry to hear that but I totally understand- we gotta go where He leads. Chasing Community was one of only a very few link ups where I received a beautiful warm welcome and experienced that sense of community and I put that down to your kindness and taking time to connect with those linking up. Not everyone does that so thank you for your kindness to me and your encouragement . Will keep following and reading here and on instagram. Blessing to you x
Tracey, your words truly are a blessing to me. Thank you for taking the time to share that. It’s been so lovely to connect with you, and I look forward to keeping in touch. ♥ ♥ xoxo
Brenda,
Thanks for the link-up! I’d taken a leave from blogging since the spring and didn’t see this until now. I’m so sad to see this go but…good things are ahead! I pray God’s guidance for you! Hope to see you around the blogosphere!!!!