I want to introduce you to “the Brain Lady” (aka Karen Wood) —to explore a unique intersection of faith, motherhood, and neuroscience. Karen shares her personal journey that led her from helping foster kids to becoming a therapist and eventually the author of Brain Prayers, a book dedicated to praying for our minds and the minds of those we love.
We are diving deep into how our brains process stress, habits, motherhood, and even grief, and how intentional prayer can transform not only our thoughts but our daily lives. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply curious, Karen offers accessible tips for bringing faith and practical brain science together.
You can find Karen's video of this episode on her YouTube channel, The Brain Lady Podcast
She is also on IG @BrainLadyPodcast and Karen.D.Wood
Also Facebook @The Brain Lady and Karen Wood.
Her website is Brainladypodcast and the book (affiliate link) is called, Brain Prayers
Today we also mentioned:
Vision Christian Writers Conference
Episode #230 Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House with Dana K White
Please visit Pam @ TendingFields.net or on IG @TendingFields and on Facebook @TendingFields Mom's Group
Please Subscribe to this podcast so that you get notifications in your downloads when we have a new episode available.
#brainhealth #storiesoffaith #prayingmoms #christianmotherhood #mentalwellness #faithjourney #womanofGod #selfcareformoms #brainprayers #healingjourney
Lisa’s world changed forever the day her husband suddenly passed away—leaving her not only as a widow, but as the “only parent” to their young children. The grief was overwhelming, and her identity—so long intertwined with her husband—felt lost in the chaos.
With raw honesty and gentle humor, Lisa recounts her journey through loss, moving from shock and survival to healing and new beginnings. She opens up about the awkward conversations, the unexpected kindness of neighbors, and the deep reshaping of faith required to move forward. Along the way, Lisa found purpose—starting a ministry for widows, creating resources to help others navigate grief, and encouraging those in seasons of suffering.
Please follow Lisa at The Widow's Comeback.com
on IG @The Widow's Comeback and
on Facebook @ The Widow's Comeback.
Lisa's book The Widow's Comeback is available now (affiliate link) and would make a thoughtful gift.
Also mentioned in this episode:
The Grief Recovery Handbook (affiliate link)
Listening with Love: Practical Tools for Supporting the Brokenhearted an interview with Susanne Murphy
Make sure you join the Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook to stay connected with Pam and her friends.
Also- please sign up for the Tending Fields newsletter to keep up to date with changes to this podcast. (link to sign up is available through the TendingFields.net website)
#widowscomeback #storiesoffaith #griefjourney #healingheart #faithoverfear #communitymatters #findingpurpose #visionboard
Susanne’s world fell apart piece by piece—her marriage ended, her health declined, her family home was lost, and as she mourned her father’s passing, she also became her mother’s caretaker. Just as Susanne thought she had found hope again, another deep loss left her shattered and without direction. Through this cascade of heartbreak, Susanne discovered that the well-meaning words and advice society gives us about grief often leave us even more isolated and confused.
In this episode of The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith, Susanne Murphy joins Pam Fields to share her raw and honest journey through extraordinary loss and the profound lessons God revealed in the midst of her pain. Susanne not only tells her story but offers practical, biblically grounded tools to help us walk alongside others in their sorrow. She exposes the myths our culture perpetuates about grief and invites listeners to approach heartache with compassion and listening ears.
You’ll hear Susanne’s heartfelt encouragement for the brokenhearted and learn how even life’s “good” changes—like a child moving away to college or a big family move—can trigger grief that needs to be acknowledged. Drawing from her work as a grief recovery specialist, Susanne brings hope, healing, and a new perspective on how to hold space for our children and friends as they process loss, both big and small.
If you or someone you love is facing grief, this conversation will equip you to respond with empathy, listen without judgment, and recognize God’s redemptive work in the midst of suffering. Susanne reminds us that our stories are not over—hope, healing, and God’s loving presence are waiting as we step forward in faith.
Listen in for practical tips, biblical encouragement, and the gentle reminder that you are never alone in your heartbreak.
Check in with Susanne at Whole Heart Coaching or on Instagram @Susanne_Murphy
You can also connect with Pam and Friends on the Facebook group, Tending Fields Mom's Group and on Instagram@TendingFields
The book mentioned in this episode was
The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James & Russell Friedman
Some other episodes about grief:
#204 Partnering with God Through Chronic Pain, Susan Sage
#198 Supporting One Another Through Trials, Julie Foge
#192 A Mother's Loss, A Family's Faith, Christina Varvel
#146 Grief, Loss and Community, Kim Mendoza
#storiesoffaith #griefsupport #momshelpingmoms #healingjourney #faiththroughloss #holdspace #hopeafterheartbreak #listeningwell #grieflessons
Brenda grew up in the tranquil town of Shipshewana, Indiana, where life moves a bit slower and communities thrive on simplicity amidst modern chaos. Brenda is a therapist, writer, and speaker, and today we are talking about the importance of making life and faith uncomplicated in a fast-paced world.
So ponder with us the beauty of a back-to-basics lifestyle, not by rejecting modernity, but by reconnecting with God-given skills and sensibilities. "Life is complicated but how we respond doesn't have to be."
Head over to Brenda's website at BrendaYoder.com and her Instagram is @BrendaYoderSpeaks. You can find her on Facebook @BrendaYoderAuthor and her Facebook community is Midlife Mom Podcast .
Check out her podcast Midlife Mom Podcast
Some books we talked about today (affiliate links)
Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life by Brenda Yoder
Fledge: Launching Your Kids without Losing your Mind by Brenda Yoder
Terms of Service by Chris Martin
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
As always, you can stay connected with Pam through the website TendingFields.net or in her Facebook group, Tending Fields Mom's Group
#valuesclarification #midlifemom #creativeproblemsolving #lifeiscomplicated #simplifylife #slowdown #christianparenting
Welcome to our neighborhood! Sit on down with Pam, Jodi Jackson Tucker and Lisa C Qualls to chat about the fulfilling yet challenging journey of foster care and adoption. Jody and Lisa dive into the dynamics of large, blended families and the vital role of faith in navigating the complexities of adoption.
They offer insight into how communities can rally support around adoptive and foster families, shining a light on the global orphan crisis and the transformative power of prayer. This episode is packed with encouragement, practical resources, and real stories of God's faithfulness, perfect for anyone interested in adoption or wanting to support those who are.
Please check into the resources mentioned in this episode starting with these author's books: (affiliate links)
Healing for Every Heart in Adoption, By Jodi, Lisa and their friend Betsy
Fasten Your Sweet Belt: 10 Things You Need to Know about Older Child Adoption By Jodi Jackson Tucker
Second Mother: A Bible Study Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms By Jodi Jackson Tucker and her friend Tracie
The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment By Lisa C. Qualls and Karyn Purvis
Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith By Lisa C. Qualls and Melissa Corkum
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E Coleman
And of course you can reach these ladies on their websites and socials....
Jodi Jackson Tucker on IG @Second Mothers
and on her website JodiJacksonTucker.com
Lisa C. Qualls on IG @ Lisa C Qualls and on her website LisaCQualls.com
Other adoption resources and podcasts:
Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)
#219 Becoming Known: Journey to Family Connection with Lynne Leppard
#185 Spiritual Intentionality: Nurturing Faith Amidst Motherhood with Sarah Frazer
#181 Instant Parenthood and the Lessons Learned with Kristi Bridges
#174 Finding Strength in Motherhood with Betty Predmore
#163 Living with Purpose: Finding Meaning in Every Day with Kim Cusimano
#111 Fostering a Legacy of Love with Dusti Stark
#96 Mothering from the Overflow with Jesse Faris
#73 Grace According to Gifts with Karol Holmes
#31 Treasure Mining the Gift of FASD with Natalie Vecchione
#adoptionjourney #fostertoadopt #fostermom #fostercare #Secondmothers #kinshipmoms #calltonurture #christianparenting
With spring cleaning on everyone's mind, we're tackling the love-hate relationship we have with tidying up. Joining us is Dana K. White, who wrote the super-relatable book "Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House." Dana talks about what it was like growing up messy, thinking she'd magically become organized as an adult, and how she finally found peace with her not-so-perfect home. Dana reminds us that God doesn't judge us by our clutter! Praise the Lord!
Check out DanaKWhite.com for more encouragement.
You can also find her on Instagram @aslobcomesclean and on Facebook @A Slob Comes Clean and YouTube@DanaKWhite
Quick links to her books (Amazon affiliate links)
Decluttering at the Speed of Life
Jesus Doesn't Care About your Messy House
As always, you can join Pam and Friends in the Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook! and come say "hi" on IG @TendingFields
#StoriesofFaith #DeclutterYourLife #GraceOverGuilt #BalancingAct #MessyHouse #MotherhoodJourney #SpiritualGrowth #FindingPeace #RealLifeStruggles #FaithAndHome
From Worry to Worship: Rediscovering Prayer as a Superpower
In this episode, we are talking about the beautiful chaos of seasons in life, prayer, and breaking through anxiety with faith and vulnerability. Maybe you have had to leave behind the familiar to embrace the unknown, release your children and stand at a distance. We know what that is like.
Anxiety can grip the heart but the power of Jesus, community and prayer to break those chains.
Follow along with Jaime (and Alana) at
PrayingChristianWomen.com on FB @Praying Christian Women and on IG @PrayingChristianWomen
Make sure to get (Affiliate links)
Pray Like a Girl by Jaime Hampton and Alana Terry
The Digital Fast by Dr. Darren Whitehead
Back Porch Theology Episode with Dr. Darren Whitehead
As always, If you are looking for a community of women to encourage you on your faith journey, join Pam and friends in Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook.
Please stop by Pam's website TendingFields.net to stay connected.
#prayingchristianwomen #praylikeagirl #prayingmom #prayerlife #nomoreanxiety #worryandfear #imawarriornotaworrier #prayerwarrior
L.G. Nixon unfolds her journey from a layered spiritual upbringing to becoming an author weaving supernatural themes into children's literature. Raised in a home where the extraordinary was believed just beyond the shadows, Nixon's faith blossomed after her first husband's passing enlightened her understanding of salvation, reshaping her entire path.
Now a grandmother, her passion for sparking spiritual curiosity in young minds shines in her enchanting book series, "The Issachar Gatekeeper," which artfully marries fantasy with scripture, encouraging children to explore biblical narratives through the lens of adventure and faith.
So join us for this chat about the profound supernatural occurrences threaded through the Bible, revealing how stories from Noah to Jesus intricately stitch together the divine and the miraculous. Discover how these tales resonate today, offering insights into contemporary phenomena through a biblical perspective.
Follow LG's writing adventure at LGNixon.com
She is also on IG @lg_nixon and on FB @LGNixon
You can purchase her books through Amazon (affiliate links) or wherever books are sold.
The Ghost in Your Christmas Present
If you are looking for a community of moms to support your journey, join us at Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook.
Other podcasts you may enjoy:
# 88 God's Healing Power Today Marie Tsuruda
# 104 Spiritual Warfare, Be Prepared Ruth Wagnell
# 197 Fighting the Unseen: A Discussion on Spiritual Warfare Laura Gallier
# 217 Artistic Escapes and Spiritual Growth - Ruth Douthitt
#ghoststories #creakyoldhouse #unseenrealm #spiritualeyes #supernatural #holyspirit #bibleimagry
#spiritualrealm #illuminated #christianbooksforkids
Shayla Huber felt like she was constantly fighting an internal battle, trapped by insecurities, people-pleasing tendencies, and the ache of a childhood marked by divorce. Outwardly, she led a successful life, but inside, she struggled with a disconnect from God's love.
In this episode of "The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith," Shayla shares her transformative journey from feeling spiritually orphaned to embracing God's unwavering love.
Discover how her deep encounter with divine grace changed her heart, improved her marriage, and empowered her to write "10 Things I Hate About My Husband" to guide others towards the same freedom.
Connect with Shayla on TikTok or on Instagram and Facebook
Her website is ShaylaMarieHuber.com
Check out her book (Affiliate link) 10 Things I Hate About My Husband
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode #220 A Battle Plan and Prayer for Wayward Hearts -Laine Lawson Craft
Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook
#prayingwife #christianmarriage #surrender #rodeowife #10thingsIhateaboutmyhusband #changedlife #marriagerenewal
Kari is opening up about the challenges and triumphs of raising her son, Brady, who was diagnosed with autism. Initially overwhelmed by the diagnosis, Kari felt as though she had been hit by a "Mack truck." But through faith and community, she found strength and purpose.
From leaving her 30-year career in finance to founding KIND Families and becoming a voice for autism advocacy, Kari's journey is one of resilience, faith, and embracing uniqueness.
She discusses the struggles within traditional educational settings and the joy of discovering a supportive homeschool hybrid environment. Discover how her faith deepened, leading to a perspective shift that saw her embrace her son's God-given uniqueness.
Follow along her journey at:
KindFamilies.com or on IG @ KINDfamilies, on Facebook @KINDfamilies and on Linked In @ Kari A Baker
Listen to The KIND Families podcast
and make sure to get the book (affiliate link)
Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences
Looking for a community? Join Pam and friends in the Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook.
Here are some related episodes:
#81 Supporting the Special Needs Mom - Wyvonne Williams
#87 Confident Special Needs Parenting - Stephani Cook
#117 Parenting on the Spectrum - LaCinda Halls
#163 Living with Purpose: Finding Meaning in Every Day -Kim Cusimano
#207 Surrendering the "Why?" - Julie Sunne
#224 Love, Faith and Neurodiversity - Dr. Stephanie Holmes
#faithjourney #neurodiversity #autismadvocacy #kindfamilies #christianparenting #findyourtribe #ASDawareness #christianparenting
Today, Julie Napp shares her journey of faith, resilience, and motherhood after the sudden loss of her husband. Facing the challenges of raising five children alone, Julie candidly reflects on her deepened faith, embracing emotions, and the evolving family dynamics. Amidst her grief, she highlights the importance of small gestures and the unwavering support from friends who helped her navigate this difficult time.
Julie’s story is a powerful testament to God's presence and love, even in adversity.
Check out her website at JulieNapp.com
she is also on Tik-Tok @juliannasunshine
and on Instagram @ JulieNapp and
Julie joined with 30 authors to share their stories in the book, Strength in the Storm (amazon affiliate link)
A few other episodes about grief and loss:
#124 Jesus Cares for the Widow - Micah Dillon
#146 Grief, Loss and Community - Kim Mendoza
If you are looking for a tribe of moms to encourage you, please join us at Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook.
#joyandgrief #joyandsorrow #youngwidow #griefsupport #trustinggod #spouseloss #peaceofgod
Dr. Stephanie Holmes takes us on her intriguing journey from law to counseling, all thanks to a little divine nudge. Sharing her personal experiences with a neurodiverse family, Stephanie opens up about her life as a mom and wife navigating the unique challenges that come with it.
Through an honest conversation, she lends insight into the tricky mix of autism, faith, and marriage, offering hope and support to anyone in a similar spot.
With a heartfelt prayer and practical tips, Stephanie suggests ways to fully embrace neurodiversity in our lives and marriages.
Check out her websites:
ChristianNeurodiverseMarriage.com
Neurodiverse Christian Couples podcast
or on Instagram @neurodiverse_christian_couples
on Facebook @ NeuroDiverse Christian Couples
Also her books: (Affiliate links)
Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of Neurodiverse Marriage, Autism and Faith You may also enjoy the movie mentioned: Temple Grandin
If you are looking for a community of women to encourage your heart, join us on Facebook in Tending Fields Mom's Group
#FaithInMarriage #NeurodiverseRelationships #ChristianCouples #UnderstandingAutism #FamilyCommunication #SpiritualGrowth #AutismAwareness
Practicing extending grace to myself by sharing a quick
end-of-year message with you along with the top 3 books
from my reading list in 2024!
Please come visit me at :
or join the Tending Fields Mom's Group on Facebook.
My top 3 reads of 2024:
(Amazon Affiliate links)
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Toxic Empathy by Allie Beth Stuckey
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
2025 will look a little different as I will only release an interview every other week. I look forward to serving you a bit through the written word in the coming year!
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
Joy's exposure to p*rn in fifth grade and a traumatic college experience created a burden and contributed to trapping her in a cycle of shame. But through God's grace, Joy discovered a path to freedom and healing.
Today, Joy opens up about overcoming shame and destructive habits, addressing the lack of conversation around women's struggles with pornography within church communities. Her insights, drawn from surveying over 1,000 Christian women, reveal how understanding God's design for sexuality and fostering intimacy with Him and a supportive community can lead to profound transformation.
Find her on Instagram @JoySkarka.
The book, "Her Freedom Journey" is available on Amazon (affiliate link)
Also mentioned in this episode:
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen Jensen
God, Sex and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery
Authentic Intimacy (ministry)
Birds_Bees on Instagram
Avid Readers of Christian Fiction on Facebook
Other podcasts on this topic:
#187 Overcoming Shame with Teresa Whiting
#184 Faith in Crisis: Confronting a Partner's Pornography Addiction with Jody Allen
#156 Resilient, Renewed, Remade with Ruth Hovsepian
Through heartfelt anecdotes and personal stories, Jennifer Henn reveals how a serious health crisis became an unexpected catalyst for her children’s independence, and the grace-filled lessons learned through mistakes along the way. Jennifer will also share about her homeschool home, driven by love and desire to provide a more personalized education.
If you are parenting teens or considering the long-term character training and education of your younger children, we think this episode will give you much food for thought.
To connect with Jennifer, head over to her website
To learn more about home education, check out Jennifer's book (affiliate link) Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling.
Join our community on Facebook at Tending Fields Mom's Group or visit Pam on Instagram @TendingFields.
#launchingwell #raisingadults #parentingteens #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolbasics #charactertraining #lifelessons
This week, Maureen Miller shares her journey from feeling like an outsider to accepting God's healing and purpose for her life. Once facing the hardship of infertility, Maureen shares how prayer and trust led her on a divine path to embrace adoption. Her story of grace and strength unfolds through powerful experiences, like the transformative vision that directed her to freedom and learning to align her desires with God's will. Maureen's story beautifully portrays the blessing of community and friendship, the strength in solitude, and the unwavering support of Jesus through life's trials.
You can read more about Maureen on her website PenningPansies.com or on Facebook @Maureen Miller
She is also in the Tending Fields Mom's Group on FB.
Check out the books that Maureen and Pam have contributed to:
Life in the Estrogen Free Zone
Her new book honoring adoption will be coming out in the spring of 2025 be looking for Gideon's Book.
A resource that was mentioned today: Bravelove.org
A few podcasts you may enjoy....
#200 Practical Prayer for Busy Moms- Janet McHenry
#185 Spiritual Intentionality - Sarah Frazer
#181 Instant Parenthood - Kristi Bridges
#174 Finding Strength in Motherhood - Betty Predmore
#163 Living With Purpose - Kim Cusimano
#118 Unconditional Love for Women in Crisis- Suzanne Burns
#111 Fostering a Legacy of Love - Dusti Stark
#96 Mothering From the Overflow - Jesse Faris
#faithjourney #prayerlife #adoptionstory #communitysupport #spiritualgrowth #womensfriendship #trustingGod #healinginChrist #honoringbirthmothers
Laine Lawson Craft is a mother who intimately understands the trials of parenting prodigal children. Laine shares her journey through heartache and hope, marked by her experiences with her sons who faced destructive choices, and offers a message of encouragement to parents facing similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining unconditional love, and the power of persistent prayer.
Connect with Laine on IG @LaineLawsonCraft and at her website @LaineLawsonCraft.com
Make sure you subscribe to her podcast Warfare Parenting
The Parent's Battle Plan can be purchased on Amazon (affiliate link)
Join Pam and the community of friends on Facebook at Tending Fields Mom's Group.
Some other episodes on this topic:
#71 Hurting Moms, Mending Hearts Cathy Taylor
#83 Prodigal Parenting with Amy Oberg
#104 Spiritual Warfare, Be Prepared with Ruth Wagnell
#115 Living Far Above with Denise Warnick
#130 Parenting Adult Children with Teresa Janzen #158 Highlighting the Victory: Overcoming Addiction with Ruthie Hedlund
#169 Mending Generational Wounds with Blythe Daniel
#prodigalparenting #christianparenting #boundariesandprayer #unconditionallove #godhasredeemed #newlifeinchrist
In this heartfelt episode of "The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith," we sit down with Lynne Leppard from New Zealand. Lynne, an adoptee, shares her personal journey of discovering her roots and the impact it had on her life. Growing up with questions about her identity, Lynne sought to connect with her birth family, navigating the complexities of sealed records and family histories. Her story is one of faith, family, and finding a place to belong.
Connect with her on Facebook at Lynne Leppard Author
or on Instagram @ Road_to_Belonging
Her full story, Road to Belonging is available through my Amazon affiliate link or from Torn Curtain Publishing.
Also mentioned in this episode:
The Power of Writing it Down by Allison Fallon (affiliate link)
No matter what time zone you are in, you can chat with Pam, Lynne and our mom friends over on Facebook at Tending Fields Mom's Group.
You can also connect with Pam on IG @TendingFields
#kiwifarmer #NZauthor #newzealandauthor #adoptionstory #adoptee #belonging #attachment #security #knownbygod
As a passionate advocate for faith integration into family life, Beth Meverden recounts how God led her from her own college years to discovering her purpose in guiding young believers. With valuable insights, she unveils strategies to combat the alarming trend of teens drifting from faith post-high school, urging parents to be the primary spiritual mentors.
You will find many resources available to you at
BethMeverden.com including the free Discipleship Map
and the Testimony Interview to enjoy with your community.
Find Beth on YouTube at Beth Meverden
Train Your Child website and on Facebook at Beth Meverden
Check out Church(ing)Kids on Amazon (affiliate link)
As always, you can find Pam on IG @ TendingFields and we would love for you to join us in the Facebook community, Tending Fields Mom's Group.
#humbleparenting #churchingkids #spiritualtraining #trainupachild #christianparenting #christianmom #deuteronomysix
From the magical escapism of childhood fantasies to Christian-inspired storytelling, Ruth opens up about how her faith journey intertwined with her passion for writing and art. Once distanced from her faith during college, she recounts her reconnection inspired by figures like RC Sproul, influencing her renowned "Dragon Forest" series. With tales of self-discovery and bravery, Ruth's narratives invite readers to explore themes of redemption and moral complexity, casting dragons in new, thoughtful lights.
Connect with Ruth at Artbyruth.com
On IG @author_ra_douthitt FB @Author Ruth Douthitt
Make sure to check out her podcasts:
A Writer's Day and Broken Vessels Mended by God
Some of her books (Affiliate links)
Another mention in this episode:
Wolf Soldier by James Hannibal
Highlighting another podcast for mama's in the next season of life: Finding Purpose In the Empty Nest
Join Pam's Facebook Community at Tending Fields Mom's Group
#dragonsforkids #dragontales #fantasynovels #christianfiction #goodvsevil #visualart #booksforkids