Brenda blogs weekly on life, faith, and parenting beyond the storybook image here at Life Beyond the Picket Fence Blog and podcast. Don’t miss a message. Join her and the not-so-perfect community by subscribing at Life Beyond the Picket Fence.
The Secret to Your Child’s Greatest School Year
School started this month for thousands of students. When I worked in a school, I loved the excitement of the first day. Faces are filled with excitement, anticipation, but also anxiety. Uncertainty is real for kids. Parents often ask me, "How can I build my child's...
3 Helps for Parents starting a New School Year Episode 22
A new school year is almost here! How can you best equip your child, whether starting preschool or college, to be strong and courageous in this world of adversity? Whether you send your kids to public school, private school, or homeschool, it can be terrifying as a...
The Last Day
No one prepares you for the last day your child is home before they leave for college. But God’s been preparing them, and you, all along.
3 Strategies to Live Out Your Faith Episode 21
Do you ever wonder, "How do you really do this Christian thing? What does it really look like to walk out your faith?" If you have, then we are so glad you're here! These types of questions have come from new Christians as well as seasoned Christians and are good to...
Three Lessons from a Really Weird Summer
It's been a weird summer. Too much rain. Too much heat. It's July 19th already and other than the heat and rain, it's been work as usual. Where has the summer gone? School starts soon for us. I barely have time to write in between speaking, counseling, and the few...
6 Principles to Reclaim Joy
Joy seems elusive when we focus on our immediate feelings. Brenda shares biblical wisdom for reclaiming joy with six practical steps.
3 Simple, Powerful Principles for Marriage Episode 20
Do you struggle to balance being the good wife when it feels like you have nothing left for your husband after caring for kids and others all day long? It’s a common feeling for women with kids. In this episode, Brenda tackles these marriage issues with three powerful principles.
The Discipline of Biblical Mindfulness and Soul Searching Episode 19
What is biblical mindfulness? In this episode, learn how to fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word and the fruit of the Holy Spirit rather than emptying your mind through other disciplines.
When the Right Thing Turns Out Wrong
Have you done the right thing but the outcome wasn’t what you hoped for? Here are four principles to manage life when you do what’s right but things turn out wrong.
What Kids Need in a Fragile Culture Episode 18
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or ill-equipped in raising kids in today's culture? There is no question that today's culture is hostile, broken, and fragile. And the thought of sending your kids, whether they are 2, 12, or 22 years old can be enough to pull you into a...
Raising Kids is Exhausting and Here’s Why Episode 17
No matter what season of raising kids you are in, chances are you are exhausted. The struggle is real. As moms, we are uniquely attached to our children's emotional and physical well being in which we are consistently aware of throughout the parenting journey. It is a...
Why Moms Cry at Graduation Time
May is a hard time for moms of seniors. Graduation is a rite of passage for your student, but also for you. Here’s why little things like a form letter brings you to tears.