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.
6 Principles When People Fail You
People will fail you, but God never will. I said this to a friend when she sought my advice. I feared I would fail her because I knew my limitations, and she had already been betrayed and disappointment by so many people. I knew if she sought God over me, He wouldn't...
The Naked Mom: Practical Tips for Vulnerable Spaces
Vulnerable is a word I'm familiar with as a midlife mom. The last few years, everything I was sure about feels like it's slipping away, like tequila that makes that girl's clothes fall off. Only it's not my clothes slipping off, it's the security, and comfort I've...
The Legacy of Being Real
There's a story called The Velveteen Rabbit. It's about a stuffed animal that was drug around by a Boy during the magical moments of childhood, through sickness and fear. What is Real? the Velveteen Rabbit asked the old, wise Horse in the nursery. Being real, the...
7 Steps to Deal with Anger
Anger is an emotion I've struggled with over my lifetime. As a child, I got angry when I didn't feel heard, when I felt no one took me seriously, or when my feelings weren't validated. As the youngest, the way I got my voice heard was when I yelled or said outrageous...
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.
3 Strategies for Grief and Loss
Grief is all around us. These three strategies are helpful for all kinds of grief.
This Year is a Gift: Part 2 Interview with Christy Lynne Wood
"Brokenness is a gift. This year is a gift. I think God is waking us up. I think he's calling us. I think he is allowing us to recognize we cannot do it by ourselves. We need a Savior." - Christy Lynne Wood Hello friends, hope you are having a great week! Today, we...
Hope in Hard Times
https://youtu.be/H6gDq5G2ZhE Where do you find your hope? I find it only in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Hope is not in government, leaders, or even those we love. Hope is a person, just as love is a person. His name is Jesus. Find out more if you do not know Jesus...
Finding Freedom in the Real God: Interview with Christy Lynne Wood part 1
"You can find the real God in the real Bible, when you read it for yourself. Not what someone else has told you about it or not what you think might be there. You can find the real God." - Christy Lynne Wood Hello friends! We hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving...
Good Grief. Realistic Life Care for Front Line Workers
Teachers are exhausted as they start Thanksgiving vacation. Here’s how to manage a holiday when self care isn’t enough. Realistic holiday life care for educators and front line workers.
Sustaining Faith Through Big Disappointment Interview Part 2
Learn how to sustain your faith through big disappointments from a great interview with Andrea Miller.
Overcoming Life’s Big Disappointments with Andrea Miller
In my interview with Andrew Miller, she shares practical tips for overcoming disappointments but also how to strengthen your faith when hope seems lost.