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.
Simply Love Your Spouse S2 E10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and we get to talk about love! Not the fairy tale kind where all your dreams come true, but the kind that takes hard work, intentionality, and selflessness. If you are single or dating, please don't let the title of the...
20 Things I’m Taking into 2020
2019 was one of the most significant years of my life. In this series, I’m sharing 20 things I learned that I’m making part of my daily life.
Crossing Barriers Season 2 Episode 9
In the last episode, Brenda talked about what she has gleaned from her travels to India and other parts of the world. She shared that experiencing other cultures and meeting different people teaches us that though we are different, we all crave to be loved and...
Lessons from India Season 2 Episode 8
Breaking down barriers. That is what is happening in Chiluvuru, India inside and outside the walls of the Menno Clinic. There, they provide medical, vision, and dental care to the surrounding community with a very specific goal in mind: to meet people of all faiths...
Living BEYOND the Storybook Image Season 2 Episode 7
Welcome, friends, to a brand new year! To some, a new year means setting resolutions to better oneself in hopes of attaining some form of perfection. Even in the Christian community, we have lists and ideas of what we could be doing better or more of in order to...
5 Lessons From A Hard Year
2019 was a hard year. By December, I told my husband I found joy. Find out what changed and the 5 lessons I learned about faith and God.
Why I Don’t Hate Christmas Anymore
The Ricki Lake Show called me because I hated Christmas. Things have changed. Here’s why I don’t hate Christmas anymore and perhaps you won’t either.
Overcome Holiday Stress Season 2 Episode 6
Brenda talks about how the holidays can bring cheer for some while bringing holiday stress for others. Learn four tips to handle it.
The Empty Place this Christmas
How do you manage grief and loss at Christmas? Author and pastor John Ashley shares three tips for making it through the holidays when you miss a loved one who’s died.
Controlling Your Emotions Season 2 Episode 5
Depression and anxiety often increase during the holidays. Kids need their parents to see their emotions and help them regulate when they feel overloaded.
Restoring Relationships During the Holidays
The holidays is a time for restoring relationships. Here are insights on how to approach relationships with steps for healing and harmony.
Social Media Discernment: Season 2 Episode 4
Today’s technology is a useful, but even adults need discernment about guarding our spiritual/emotional/physical well being.