When I was a young mom, I {knew} how I wanted to raise my family. We started having children and my dream began.
A strong-willed, temperamental child, a few more toddlers later, motherhood was not the the idyllic picture I originally had. I often felt alone, wondering if I was the only mom struggling. My friend’s children didn’t have open outbursts like 
my challenging one. Why couldn’t I have a compliant child? Was I the only mom who struggled with frustration, shame, guilt, and {anger}?
Unfortunately, our struggles compounded over the years. We felt like we struggled alone for a long time. We’ve been through a lot, but God has been good in replacing the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:22). I’ve seen first hand the power of lives redeemed and overcoming adversity through perseverance and steadfastness. I could write a parenting manual on “What Not to Do.” But, through God’s grace, we’ve also discovered how to parent in the midst of difficulty. We’ve learned things we would not have known if the going was easy. We are still parenting. Through our pain, we have grown and learned, and have been able to encourage others when the parenting road gets rough.
I began Life Beyond the Picket Fence a few years ago, reaching out to any one whose parenting or life experience was not the storybook image. I figured if I felt alone, others may feel alone, too. From that, this ministry has evolved.
I’ve had the privilege to meet another mom, Kristin Nelson, who has the same heart for mothers who feel alone in their walk. Her ministry is focuses on reaching women, moms-in-the-trenches, who need encouragement. She wants moms to know they are not alone.
I was that alone mom. I needed a space like Not Alone Mom.
I have the privilege to join her ministry as a weekly contributing writer on parenting every Friday. She, in turn, will be contributing here also. Please read her complete bio here.
The ministry at Life Beyond the Picket Fence reaches a variety of people other than just moms. Join me Fridays at Not Alone Mom for parenting posts and here on Wednesdays for parenting posts from myself and other writers. It’s a privilege to join others who desire to parent well in the midst of real life challenges. Together, we are not alone.
Also, visit My Catholic Blog for a mention of a past post on Raising Children in Favor with God and Man and other parenting tips. Thanks, Janet, for the mention!
Blessings to you this day, this weekend, this New Year.
Brenda
Mrs. Yoder, I have admired and looked up to you for as long as i have known you! You have been such a big influence in my life, the way you are with the lord, the mother you are and the beautiful home you keep. You are a great representation of the kind of women I have always wanted to be. your words of encouragement mean so much to me! Thank you for all the great memories and encouragement over the years!
Emily, your words are like gold to me. You girls…women…know how much I love you and how proud I am of you. You have always had a sweet, nurturing heart. You are a great mom, and thank you for the great memories. They are in a treasured place in my heart.
I am still waiting on the Lord to replace the locust-consumed years. It’s been a loooong wait… but there are plenty of examples of long waits in the Bible, so I continue to hang in there!
Yes, continue to hold on tightly! There were years, long years, long days and weeks I never thought anything would change. As things have slowly changed, we walk daily in acknowledging His work, in process. You are not alone in your wait. At least Janette and I are standing with you, and I’m sure many more.
That is great…well I have had more than one challenging child..and I have the scars to prove it. One is walking with the Lord and the other has walked away from the Lord. My comfort has always been that God is the perfect parent and yet Adam and Eve rebelled….how can I believe that I could do a better job than Him…He is the only one that changes the heart.
Blessings on all of your posts and encouragement to all moms everywhere
Janette, I receive so much wisdom from you. The analogy of Adam and Eve is convicting, yet true. Thank you for this word of truth!
Thanks Brenda! It’s an absolute honor to be partnering with you in this journey! I have a great deal of respect for your ministry and am thrilled to have you part of mine. Blessings! Krissy
Thank you, Kristin! I can’t wait to see what God has in store. Love to you in Him!
Likewise!! 🙂