Brenda blogs weekly on life, faith, and parenting beyond the storybook image here at Life Beyond the Picket Fence Blog. She also writes for 10 to 20 Parenting and Whatever Girls. Join her and the not-so-perfect community by subscribing at Life Beyond the Picket Fence.
5 Ways to Protect and Defend Your Marriage and Family
Christian marriages and families are bombarded by spiritual attack, but the enemy isn’t political. Learn 5 practical ways for to defend and protect your family.
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5 Things to Know About Your Needs
Women meet the needs of others, yet we seldom feel okay stating our needs. Here are 5 truths about why knowing your needs are important.
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Back to School Toolkit
Parents need a parenting toolkit to help their kids navigate the school year. Here are critical resources and practical ways to help your kids.
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How to Reflect Christ is a Post-Christian Culture
Legalism or freedom? How do Christians, especially Christian parents, discern morals and grey areas in a culture where Christian values are swiftly changing?
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Made Like Martha Interview with Katie Reid
There’s a Martha in all of us, but those list makers are not second rate to Mary. Learn about Katie Reid’s new book Made by Martha and enter to win a copy!
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7 Truths When Your Child is a Missionary
My family and I recently returned from a mission trip in Monterrey, Mexico, where our daughter, Jenna, is a full time missionary. She went on a mission trip her junior year in high school and spent Christmas Day at an orphanage in Mexico. When I read her senior...
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7 Principles of Powerful Prayer
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 We walked through the children's home on a prayer walk, being instructed on how to pray at the various locations: the entrance of the home, the playground, the library, the toy room, and the rooms for the...
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Sacred and Holy Moments
Certain moments are sacred and holy, and the depth of the experience cannot be expressed. But the Holy Spirit speaks for us when we can’t on our own.
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Parenting a Ministry Instead of a Child
I met Bekah Shaffer at a speaking conference last year. As I learned more of her journey, I asked her to write a post for you. Her words are important. I learn a lot from her commitment to God. I'd love to hear what you learn from her story: From Bekah. My husband and...
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10 Ways You Idolize Your Kids
It’s sneaky and subtle, but it’s easy to idolize your children, putting them in a position above God. Here are ten identifiers that indicate you may worship and enable your kids.
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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.
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49 Lessons from 49 Years
This week I turn 50. Ministry is full right now, so I'll be concise about 49 significant things I've learned in 49 years of life. Here you go. 49 Life Lessons Life is short. As Tim McGraw says, "Life like you were dying." It's what I taught my history students. Life...
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