Brenda Rodgers

Author: Brenda Rodgers

  • What is Your #OneWord365 for 2014?

    A few days ago I was driving in my car listening to the radio. The DJ came on in-between songs and said something like, “Have you heard of choosing one word for your year instead of setting New Year’s resolutions?” It was crazy to me that a movement, I thought started in the blogging world a few years ago, is now on nationally syndicated radio.

    By now you’ve probably heard of #OneWord365 – where you choose one word or one theme for your upcoming year. Maybe it’s something you need to learn or something you want to become or how you want to grow. (more…)

  • When You’re Afraid of a New Year

    The past few days I’ve been counting down. Four more days of 2013. Three more days of 2013. Two more days of 2013. I don’t know if it’s age or what, but each year I become increasingly more nostalgic about it ending.

    Image courtesy of Digital Art/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
    Image courtesy of Digital Art/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    Sometimes a year’s ending is a welcome close, like walking out of that last final exam for the semester. For me, that year was 2010. It was the most tumultuous year I have yet to experience.

    Other times it’s not the year you’re stepping into that’s a relief, but the one you’re stepping out of. What’s awaiting you on the other side of December 31st is a big question mark. A question mark stuffed with fear. (more…)

  • Where This Blogging Journey’s Taking Me

    I officially started blogging in 2008. It was a totally random way to start blogging. I didn’t even know what a blog was. Somehow, by accident, I started reading these stories of women’s lives on these websites with beautiful colors and backgrounds and fonts. They shared pictures of their husbands and children. I love hearing about other people’s lives, and so I would read and became kind-of addicted. For the first time I discovered the term “mommy blogger”. I had just gotten married, and so I thought , “Well, I can have one of these pretty websites, too, and share about my new life.” I started off as some sort-of mommy blogger even though I wasn’t a mommy.

    Funny how God works. (more…)

  • How to Love the Unlovable at Christmas

    The other day I got a text message. It wasn’t the kind filled with exclamation points and emoticons but with hard periods and imperatives. And it was concerning Christmas.

    The moment I read it I got a knot in my stomach. The knot stayed there for days, and now as I anticipate this week of Christmas I can’t shake the words. You see, this week I’m going to see the family member who sent me that text message. As much as I want to say my thoughts are of compassion and forgiveness and love, they’re really filled with dread. I imagine conversations I’m going to have with her. What I’m going to say if she says this or that. How I’m going to respond to the looks, sighs, and snide comments.

    This isn’t the first time I’ve faced dreadful moments with family members during the holidays. And I’m certain it won’t be the last. Holidays can be messy! What I can do this week and in the future, however, is remember what I’ve learned from times before.

    Today I’m sharing one of those times over at Encouragement Cafe and how we can love the unlovable by being living sacrifices. Join me there, and let’s pray for each other this week that no matter what holiday messiness we find ourselves in, we will be the hands and feet of Jesus – living sacrifices – that point others back to Him.

    Merry Christmas, dear readers!!

    Stirring the Spirit one cup at a time

  • Coffee Talk with Jesus: Intimate Chats with the Savior {A Review and Giveaway}

    I have to tell you, I’m a full-on morning person. My very favorite time of day is 5 o’clock in the morning. I come downstairs, black still covering the pre-dawn air, my big overstuffed chair with tufted buttons waiting for me, and of course, the coffee already brewed.

    After pouring that first cup, and sitting deep into my chair, legs folded up criss-crossed, my chatting begins. I talk to Jesus, there in the silence, sometimes even out loud. Then I open my Bible. And He talks back. (more…)

  • It’s Giveaway Time!! Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Hey friends! The holidays are here, and I want to tell you how thankful I am for you, my readers!! It’s been a very busy year for my family (our baby girl just turned one!), and I’m constantly trying to readjust life and my writing ministry, but God has recently spoken a fresh word into my soul as far as this blog is concerned, and I can’t wait to share all of that with you in the next several weeks!

    For now, though, here’s some super fun giveaways and specials for you this Thanksgiving week! These are perfect for all my young, single readers and my readers who need the perfect gift for the tween, teen, or young adult woman in your life! (more…)