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.
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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.”
CAROL KENT, founder and executive director of Speak Up Ministries and author of When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances
“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.”
AMELIA RHODES, author of Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Pray for Your Community and cohost of the Midlife Moms Podcast
“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.”
JESS RONNE, author, speaker, podcast host, producer of Unseen documentary, and CEO of The Lucas Project
“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.”
ANN BYLE, author of Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively from a Flock of Hens
“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!”
ERICA WIGGENHORN, speaker with Aspire Women’s Events and author of An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt
“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.”
MICHELLE NIETERT, MA, LPC-S, clinical director of Hope Helps and coauthor of Managing Your Emojis and the Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God series, including God, I Feel Sad and God, I Feel Scared
“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.”
—JILL SAVAGE, host of the No More Perfect Podcast and author of No More Perfect Moms