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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

Chasing Community

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Welcome to the #ChasingCommunity Linkup!

#ChasingCommunity runs every Thursday, beginning at 6:00 a.m. (EST)

It’s my honor to serve alongside you as we live out our callings to write words that make Kingdom difference.

When I began praying about a linkup, the working title I used was “Potluck Prose.” A communal table filled with sweet offerings to the One for whom we write.

My southern mind envisions a dinner-on-the-grounds scene. Long tables cobbled together, stretched farther than bellies can afford. A mosaic of beloved dishes seasoned with soul. Sweet scents rising, showering the heavens with mouth-watering glory.

And, that’s my vision for Chasing Community — A table set with hard-fought words, seasoned with grace. A pleasing aroma rising, lavishing glory on the One to whom it belongs. ​

Fun Fact: Each month there’s a drawing here at Chasing Community. Everyone who links-up during that month is entered to win a Chasing Community writing journal or a Chasing Community insulated mug! Winners announced the first Thursday of every month. Yay!

Joyfully, I share this space in ministry with you, as we offer back to God the words He first gave.

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

Links to all #ChasingCommunity Linkups:

 Every New Beginning Comes From Another Beginning’s End  — #ChasingCommunity
Spring Spotlight & Giveaway
 When Broken Places Become Timely Places 
 Rise On Up
 What If…
 Snow Still Falls in Spring
 Hope is Alive    
 Honestly   
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 60
 A Girl I Once Knew    
 #ChasingCommunity 58
 What Are You Dwelling On? | Guest Post by Becky Hastings
 If My People, 4th Edition
January Spotlight & Giveaway!
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 54
 A Time to Remember
 Be (Un)impressive  
 The Weight of the Wait  
 Heaven’s Boy 
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 49
 Dayspring
 November Spotlight & Giveaway | + 5th-Week-Fan-Girls!
“But God” with Beverly Rihtarchik 
“But God” with Misty Phillip
 “But God” with Sarah Geringer
October Spotlight & Giveaway
 From Dream to Print by Charity Christy
Remember When
 When God Defines Your Dreams by Micah Maddox
 September Spotlight & Giveaway
 Eight Simple Tips to Up Your Prayer-Ministry Game
Summer’s Classroom
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 36
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 35
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 34
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 33
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 32
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 31 + Giveaway!
As the Porch Lights Linger and the Fireflies Dance
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 29
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 28
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 27
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 26
 #ChasingCommunity Linkup 25
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 24
#ChasingCommunity Linkup 23
Monthly Giveaway & Summer News
I See You
Home is (blank)?
Poured Out
Exciting Changes for #ChasingCommunity!
If My People, 3rd Edition
Spring-Break Slow
I Know My Redeemer Lives 
Un-fine is (blank)?
“But God” with Betsy de Cruz  
“But God” with Crystal Storms 
“But God” with Jill Savage  
February Giveaway & Exciting Announcements 
If My People: 2nd Edition
Wallflower Dreams  
Who Do You Think You Are Anyway? 
January Giveaway!
If My People  
Fill in the Blank
Winners and Words
Linkup Launch & Giveaways!!
Announcing #ChasingCommunity Linkup!

Thanks for the company!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

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(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
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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!
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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.
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Freedom abounds in knowing it’s not about us, right?!
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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.
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Your part matters! 💗
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#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.
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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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#bookrelease #readersofinstagram #fear #faith #biblestudy #womenintheword #smile #trust #study #quiettime #shesmileswithoutfear #ministry #leadership #influence #bible #god #beautyforashes #reader #amreading #faithfulgod #nofear #nofearnewyear
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