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

(Affiliate links)

She Prays 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

The Ghost Writer

The Ghost You Can't See

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