Ebook
Timeless wisdom for a simpler life
Do you feel trapped in a chaotic, relentless, demanding lifestyle? Discover the secrets to the peaceful, compelling life you long for through the skills honed by our grandmothers and lived out by the Amish. Drink from this well of timeless wisdom and gain practical skills with Brenda L. Yoder as your guide—a counselor, career woman, and busy mom who’s raised her family on a farm in the heart of Amish and Mennonite country.
In this new book, the author of Fledge: Launching Your Kids without Losing Your Mind equips women with 10 timeless lessons drawn from generations past. Learn to overcome practical obstacles and solve daily challenges with a calm presence, authentic faith, and voice of reason. No matter where you live or your season of life, you can draw inspiration from the simpler life.
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Notes
The Author
“If you sometimes wish you could let go of the frenzied, urgent, exhausting way you live your life, don’t miss Brenda L. Yoder’s captivating book Uncomplicated. She reveals ten secrets that lead to a life of contentment, meaning, authenticity, and humility that result in a life well lived—one that passes a legacy on to the next generation. This book is filled with rich biblical applications and practical next steps. Experience this book yourself and then gather a group of friends and discuss each chapter together.”
“Take a deep breath and settle into Uncomplicated. Brenda L. Yoder offers a fresh, yet age-old perspective on what really matters in life. She provides practical wisdom gained from Scripture, wise counselors, and some long-forgotten practices forfeited in favor of our high-end, hurried lives. Each chapter brings a breath of fresh air as she reminds us that we can do the hard work of living differently from what culture screams at us. And we can do it through God’s empowering work. Sometimes it means setting down the phone and tapping into the gifts and skills that God has already given us. Sometimes it means stepping up and trying and then trying again. Yoder’s tone is that of a wise, encouraging friend cheering you on, reminding you that you are equipped and strong. A more peace-filled, uncomplicated life awaits. Let’s go there together.”
“I read Uncomplicated, ironically, during a recent holiday break with my eight children and their significant others, including my profoundly disabled son, who anxiously paced because of the unexpected break in his normal routine. Brenda L. Yoder’s slow, calming words beckoned me to find peace in the oftentimes complicated overwhelm. She encouraged me to slow down, practice the art of staying present (yes, this is a skill in the level of chaos I often experience!), and choose simplicity, contentment, prudence, common sense, and humility. I pray her words extend the same offer for you as you exhale into the enduring strategies that create a legacy for a life well lived.”
“Brenda L. Yoder has written the book we all need to read as we navigate this complex, fast-moving world. She encourages us to hold fast, make do, remain calm, connect with others, and more—all no-frills actions we can take to improve our lives and the lives of our families, friends, and communities. This is a beautiful book to be enjoyed while sitting at your kitchen table, on your porch, or on a blanket beneath a shade tree. You’ll come away changed in positive, time-tested ways.”
“With practical advice, strong biblical context, and the authenticity she’s known for, Brenda L. Yoder provides the perfect resource for the weary woman. Her years of professional counseling, her contagious encouragement and deep wisdom are exactly what we need for clear direction. If life feels overwhelming, confusing, or you just need some encouragement to keep going, don’t miss this book!”
“Uncomplicated empowers women to embrace, simplicity, contentment, resourcefulness, and flexibility with practical tools. Brenda L. Yoder comes alongside readers just as if you were sitting across from her in the counseling office or at a coffee shop.”
“I remember when I became a mom and I longed for wisdom. Honestly, that desire hasn’t stopped, even now that my kids are grown. This book is full of the kind of hard-earned wisdom that’s gleaned from women who have come before us. If you’re looking for direction on how to live a meaningful, uncomplicated, and vibrant life, this is your book.”
Brenda L. Yoder, LMHC, is a counselor, speaker, author, and educator. She is the author of Fledge: Launching Your Kids without Losing Your Mind and cohost of the Midlife Moms Podcast and Facebook group. She also hosts and writes the Life Beyond the Picket Fence podcast and blog, covering a variety of topics on faith, life, and family beyond the storybook image. Brenda is currently a part-time elementary counselor and therapist in private practice. She and her husband, Ron, are parents to four adult children and two daughters-in-law, and grandparents to three grandsons with whom they love creating new memories. Brenda and Ron live on a farm in Shipshewana, Indiana, where she loves gardening and spending evenings sitting in her front porch rocker.