Stains of Grass: Reflections on Everyday Life, One Word, Five Minutes at a Time

By Brenda J. Otto

For anyone who has questioned, struggled and sought guidance to find meaning in both the mundane and momentous events that shape the everydays of our lives, Stains of Grass is an insightful look at how we might approach both the challenges and opportunities we're presented with - everyday..

Guided by her faith, prompted by her inner Spirit, and with honest and unique interpretations, Brenda uses words, photographs and scripture to provoke thought and offer a gentle nudge for each of us to look both inward and outward. Inward for a better understanding of ourselves and our motives in this life, and outward so we may more readily see and be first to reach out when others need lifting up.

Her words are her way of extending a hand. Won't you take it?

Brendas book is a combination of love, deep appreciation and guidance. You can use it as a coffee table book to encourage conversation, a source for daily reflection, a resource for a book club or support group, and a guide for doing a personal journal. I keep her first book in my waiting room and people are constantly commenting on it and asking where to get it. Thank you, Brenda, for another beautiful literary gift! Rhonda Jager-Pippy, LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker)

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512713022

Brenda J. Otto

An Iowa girl born and raised, Brenda is a wife and mother of two with two young granddaughters. Writing soothes her spirit as photography soothes her soul. If a picture paints a thousand words, so can words paint a picture, and for Brenda, the two are intertwined. Thus, the inspiration behind the premise for her first two books. As an author, Brenda was an invited speaker at the 2014 Iowa Reading Association Conference, a council of The International Reading Association, held annually on the campus of Iowa State University. She presented on the importance of promoting literacy for all, her passion for writing and her belief that writers must first write to express, not impress. With her background in writing and graphic design, she is working on a series of storybooks for her granddaughters. Her love and appreciation for her family, and her faith in God the Father who bestows all blessings, keep her grounded everyday. For more on the author and her writing, please visit [e-mail].

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Copyright © 2015 Brenda J. Otto.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The contents of this book are the author’s personal writings, images and photographs (unless otherwise credited) and may not be reproduced in any way without the author’s consent or permission. All writings, images and photographs (unless otherwise credited) are copyrighted and protected. This book is for general information, entertainment and inspirational purposes only, and is not intended to render psychological, financial, legal or other professional advice. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

WestBow Press

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

The Scripture quotations contained herein, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked (NKJV) is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

ISBN: 978-1-5127-1303-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-1302-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015915309

WestBow Press rev. date: 9/30/2015

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

QUESTION

PERSPECTIVE

TRESPASS

HEART

COMFORT

SILENT

WAIT

HOPE

TEMPTATION

REFLECTION

ESCAPE

DELIGHT

BRAVE

SELFISH

LAUNDRY

GRIT

DRIVEN

LOUD

JUDGMENT

KNOWLEDGE

CARE

JOY

Also by Brenda J. Otto

288 Chances

DEDICATION

To anyone who has questioned, struggled and sought guidance to find meaning in both the mundane and momentous events that shape the everydays of our lives. This book comes from where I live – in the everyday.

I still write because I can and because I have to.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my dear family and friends who have inspired, encouraged and supported me on this writing journey, my sincere appreciation. You have, beyond measure, helped me find the confidence to openly share my writing –