Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

Get ready for an episode today with the Executive Director of Christian Parenting, Steph Thurling. I got to know Steph pretty well throughout my entire journey of becoming the new host of Pardon The Mess, and I can totally see why she is in a leadership position at this organization. She’s not just highly capable - she has a massive heart for parents to help raise kids that know and love God. That seems overwhelming at times, and she gets it.   In this episode, we go stage by stage (toddler years to teens) and chat about practical ways to introduce Jesus and your faith to your kids. You will love her insight and her realistic approach. She also shares her heart for prayer and how that can practically work in your home.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Connect with Steph Thurling on Instagram   Steph’s ministry, Raising Prayerful Kids   Steph’s book, Raising Prayerful Kids   ABC Scripture Cards   Pardon The Mess  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I have long admired and respected the work of author and speaker, Jennifer Dukes Lee. It was such a treat to meet Jennifer during this interview and ask her all about the idea of “journaling.” In this episode, we discuss the benefits of being honest with God, how to encourage your kids to journal, and how to look back and assess our lives in a way that brings healing and hope.   My favorite part of the episode is when she shares how difficult it can be to be vulnerable before God. She recognized the difficulty while encouraging us to work through that to experience God in a more special way.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Connect with Jennifer on Instagram   Jennifer’s website    Jennifer’s new book, Stuff I’d Only Tell God Pardon The Mess  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Jeannie Cunnion and I talk about how often we try to parent in our own strength. We discuss how our relationship with the Holy Spirit can change the game of parenting and why this idea feels super spiritual or super strange.    Jeannie encourages us to access this unbelievable power and learn how to recognize God’s voice in this way. We can feel like we have to earn this level of faith, but Jeannie reminds us how available the Holy Spirit is - and challenges us to lean in and be active in this relationship. From that place, we can know that we are parenting in God’s strength not our own.   We also have some fun comparing her boy world (mother of 5 boys) versus my girl world. She’s basically a frat mom.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Learn more about Jeannie Cunnion Her most recent study, Never Alone JEANNIE INSTAGRAM Classical Conversations Pardon The Mess  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s not every day we get to hear from an NFL football player and his wife about raising 7 children - while trying to honor God, stay married AND do ministry together. Kirsten and Benjamin are the Directors of the NFL for Pro Athletes Outreach. In addition to this important work, they also spend time equipping and encouraging families through speaking and writing.   You will enjoy hearing these UGA Bulldogs (both former college athletes) chat a little about football, and we get to hear Kirsten affirm Benjamin ahead of this Father’s Day weekend.   My favorite part of the episode is when they discuss the non-negotiables in their family. It gives a framework for intentional parenting and how to get ahead of it all with a plan. It also encourages us to be on the same page with our spouses as we encounter the tough moments of parenting.   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Connect with The Watsons Pro Athletes Outreach (POA) Benjamin’s New Book - New Fight For Life Kirsten’s Book - Sis Take a Breath   Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters Pardon The Mess  is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, we get to hear from one of my all-time favorite moms and leaders - Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She has worn many hats over the years - from Survivor contestant to co-host of The View to shoe designer to carpool mom and NFL wife and now author and speaker.   In this episode, we get into specifics around how to trust God. And how to teach our kids to trust God in prayer even when he feels silent or absent. This idea can be really tough because we often don’t get the answer we hope for in the big and small moments of life, and yet we want our kids to remain faithful in that disappointment.   We also discuss the idea of “contenting” - an idea God is stirring in Elisabeth for us to learn how to be stretched and be content in the midst of life’s struggles. As moms, it’s so easy to compare left and right and lose sight that God is at work even in the stretching and growing phases of motherhood.   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Connect with Elisabeth Her latest book - Flashlight Night More on “Contenting” Classical Conversations   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Sissy Goff and David Thomas with Daystar Counseling are here! Each of them have been counseling kids for over 30 years. I cannot think of two individuals that have impacted my parenting in a more practical and profound way.    In this episode, we talk about a few of the challenges with raising our kids in a scary and sometimes dark time. From anxiety to school shootings - we’ve never felt more anxious or ill-equipped to raise children.   David shares some encouragement and tips on raising an emotionally strong boy. Sissy shares about her upcoming book to help anxious parents raise kids in the midst of our own self work. She notes that women and girls lead the statistics in anxiety.    There are also some tender moments where they both reflect back on the most horrendous time in their own Nashville community. You will be encouraged to hear more stories of God working in and around Covenant School. I know so many are grateful for the work Daystar did to step up, comfort and care for so many families (locally and nationwide). Quotes: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” - Frederick Douglas   “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me: ‘Look for the helpers.’ You will always find people who are helping.” - Fred Rogers   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: The Worry Free Parent- Pre- Order! Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas @raisingboysandgirls  @sissygoff    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week is a big week for Pardon the Mess! If you missed last week’s show, go back and hear the announcement about our new host, Courtney DeFeo. In this episode, Courtney and Cynthia talk about how this decision unfolded and the challenges of obeying God even when it’s messy and unclear. Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes. Join in as Courtney interviews Cynthia about her favorite Pardon the Mess moments. You can also hear the who, when, where, what, and why behind Cynthia’s move to a new podcast. We are beyond excited about what’s to come! This summer is going to be packed with more great interviews about parenting in the midst of our messy lives. We will continue to laugh together and possibly cry together as we pursue our relationship with God during all of life’s challenges. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We did it!   We’ve made it to last week of our 2022-2023 prayer journal and praying our kids through the school year. 🙌🏼   I can’t think of a better way to wrap things up than to pray for our kids to walk with God. Today we’re talking very practically about ways to do that, and how the Psalms give a roadmap for weathering the ups and downs of our everyday faith.   On a personal note, I want to thank each of you for joining me each Monday this year (and the last several years) to pray. It’s been an amazing journey and hearing the ways the Lord is moving in your families has forever marked me.   I also want to let you know that after May, I will no longer be hosting Pardon the Mess. My dear friend, Courtney DeFeo, will be the new host and you’re going to LOVE her. I can promise you that 100%.   In the last two episodes, we’re sharing more details about Courtney, what’s to come on Pardon the Mess so definitely tune in.   I’m so grateful for each of you. Great days to come!   In this with you,   Cynthia Yanof   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today is a big day for Pardon the Mess! We’ve got an announcement that we’re so excited to share with you. At the end of May, Cynthia will be leaving Pardon the Mess and passing the mic to our dear friend Courtney DeFeo. Courtney is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and 100% the authentic and hilariously real friend we all need.    Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes at Pardon the Mess. You will get to know (and love) Courtney DeFeo as well as hear the who, when, where, what, and why behind Cynthia’s move.   These next two weeks will be a big celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re heading towards on Pardon the Mess. And above all, we want to be sure YOU have all the scoop on the amazing things coming your way.    Continue to connect with Cynthia Yanof here: MESSmerized Podcast  FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM    Resources from today's show:  Love God Love Others Classical Conversations   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Having an inaccurate view of who we are to God is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons for keeping us discouraged, defeated, and ineffective for Kingdom purposes.    Today we’re praying for our kids to have the heart knowledge (not just head knowledge) of who they are in Christ. We’re praying they understand at the deepest levels how they were designed perfectly in the image of God and nothing can change his great love for him.    Join me in praying Psalm 139 over our kids and ask the Lord to shelter our families from anyone and anything that calls our value and significance into question.    Can’t wait to pray with you! P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Emily Ley is always such a delight and today is no exception. She’s a master planner and creator with a knack for organization within the boundaries of real life. It was so fun to get a peek into her morning routine and a few ideas for keeping ourselves sane in the upcoming summer months.    I especially loved her words on being comfortable with who we are, while also being comfortable with who we are not. And reminders that taking care of ourselves matters, and we have permission to set routines that work for us and then stick to them.    Her new devotional is 🔥and a great way to start our days off right.  Can’t wait for you to hear from sweet Emily.    Resources from today's show:  Sure as the Sunrise devotional  All things related to Emily’s products and podcast can be found here!    Adventures in Odyssey   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Faith thrives in holy discomfort. The greatest moments in life can often result from some of the most uncomfortable decisions being made. Nothing worth having comes without a cost.” - Louie Giglio    This is one of my favorite quotes and it speaks perfectly to life in the middle of the struggle. Sometimes perspective is the key to handling life’s biggest struggles and knowing that God always controls the larger picture.    This week we’re praying for our kids to know God is compassionate towards them, fully aware they are doing life without him physically present in a world with real struggles. Let’s ask the Lord to remind them that some of our greatest God-given opportunities arise from the ashes of our hardest struggles.    Can’t wait to pray with you!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lisa Whittle is joining us today and she’s an amazing speaker, podcaster, and author. We’re talking about the chasm between our head knowledge and our heart knowledge and how only God fills that gap. He knows our every worry, anxiety, and daily routine. Why does this matter? Because he loves us and so desperately wants to use us for His glory.    Lisa also cautions us to watch out for things that mimic the real experience of God, and very practically gives us pointers on figuring out the difference in dreams versus goals for our lives.    Heck, we even talk about our tendency to want to “payback” those who hurt us . . . and who doesn’t need a good word on that.   So glad you’re with us today.    Resources from today's show:  Lisa Whittle’s Book  Adventures in Odyssey   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Life gives us lots of good days while also throwing in some bad ones along the way too. As adults we know life is hard on this side of heaven, and knowing where to turn in our hardest moments is critically important.    This week we’re praying for our kids to know what David knew in Psalm 13—trusting God means trusting Him even on the hard days.      As parents our knee-jerk reaction is to try and eliminate the source of our kids’ pain. But so often that same hard place is the greatest opportunity for them to know that Jesus is their only hope. Join me in praying this week that our kids turn to God instead of drugs, self-harm, or anything short of God’s best when they are facing hard times.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I recently attended the IF: Gathering and had the privilege of worshiping through music with the amazing Christy Nockels. I’ve always been a huge fan of her music, but in recent days I’m an even bigger fan of her heart for the Lord.   Today is super fun because we get a glimpse into the creative process behind her latest album, This is the Hour. She talks about coming to a place of complete exhaustion and how the Lord spoke rest into her life. We even have a super honest discussion about yelling at God when it feels as if life has become too much.    I can’t wait for you to hear this amazing conversation because I know you’re going to love Christy as much as I do!   Resources from today's show:  Christy Nockels new album Christy Nockels podcast  Adventures in Odyssey Classical Conversations Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sometimes, the worst advice comes from the most well-intentioned people in our lives. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely given and received lots of bad advice over the years.    Today we’re considering King David’s model for giving advice, which is simply pointing people to the Lord through our words and actions. In Psalm 31, David advises that in life’s very hardest places we are to love the Lord and put our hope and trust in him. Plain and simple.    Let’s pray this week that we learn to use discretion in whom we allow to speak into our own lives and the lives of our families. Let’s also pray that our kids only take advice from those who have prayed about it, searched Scripture, and ultimately point them back to Jesus. Talk less, pray more. Seems like the next right step.    Can’t wait to be with you this week!  P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Many of us are at the stage of caring for our aging parents. If you are not, it’s probably headed your way in the not too distant years. Undoubtedly it can be a hard topic, but loving our aging parents is a really important one we’re tackling today.    Sarah Smith joins us today to share her journey of caring for her mom who was diagnosed with early onset Alzhemiers. Sarah is honest about the challenges they have faced on this road, but also encourages us to draw closer to the Lord and trust him every step of the way.   Here’s a few of the topics we cover on today’s show: Being realistic in expectations Overcoming guilt when considering healthcare facilities Supporting our friends who are caring for their parents Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in patience and love Don’t miss this important conversation with Sarah Smith.    Resources from today's show:  Broken Beauty So God Made a Mother The Dad Tired Q&A Mixtape   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Over and over again we’re called to live differently as followers of Jesus. The way we defend ourselves is one example of living counter culturally and exactly what we’re praying for this week. When we are wronged the world returns the favor with equal vengeance. But the reality is that real justice only comes from the Lord, and we’re called to wait on him who is faithful, upright, and just. (Deuteronomy 32:4).   Join me in praying this week for our families in all the places where we are tempted to defend ourselves. Let’s be reminded that the Lord is looking for opportunities to be gracious to us, and only in him will we find true rest and strength from the enemies we face.    Can’t wait to pray with you this week!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If there were a contest for great names of podcasts and books, Heather MacFadyen of “Don’t Mom Alone” just might win. Heather is my dear friend and is joining us today to talk about an incredibly important topic: Occupying your God-given space. She’s written an amazing new book on this topic, and we get to hear her heart behind it first-hand today.    This conversation is so practical when we’re wondering how to figure out where God has assigned us to work for him, and how to get past self-doubt and the dreaded imposter syndrome. (Been there, done that.)   I also LOVE her advice on hearing from God and discerning if our plans and dreams are from God or from ourselves. You guys, please go listen—because we can’t afford to spend even one more day questioning if we’re being faithful in the place God has entrusted us and our families.    Resources from today's show:  Right Where You Belong by Heather MacFayden  Adventures in Odyssey Every Parent Wants To Know Christian Parenting Event   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine a world in which we decide today to trust God with everything we have and from this moment forward we live in His peace and confidence because of that decision. It’s truly hard to imagine, right?    Instead, I’ve found that trusting God is a lifelong process of reminding ourselves how God is good and why he’s trustworthy. It’s going back to biblical truth that he’s our strength and our shield (Psalm 28:7), our hope and our future (Jeremiah 29:11), and working all things for good (Romans 8:28).   I’m guessing our anxiety and stress levels would look a whole lot better if we could fully embrace these promises of scripture.   Today we’re praying for our kids to learn to trust God just as David does in Psalm 3. We’re praying they know that God is their sole sustainer whether they are facing an army of enemies or simply a future of uncertainties. Why? Because God is trust worthy. He really is.    Let’s pray over that today.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy