Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids
Religion & Spirituality
About
As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess. 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
Episodes
- Week 36: A legacy of faith - Eunice and Lois
This episode of Pardon the Mess explores the legacy of faith demonstrated by Eunice and Lois, mother and grandmother of Timothy, mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5. It discusses how parents can influence future generations by modeling a sincere fa…
- Why discomfort is critical for our kids with Sissy Goff and David Thomas
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, therapists Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the importance of allowing children to experience discomfort to build confidence and resilience. They share insights on how parents can help kids believe in…
- Week 35: Proclaim faith publicly-the jailer’s house
This episode discusses the biblical story of the jailer's conversion as an example of transformative faith. It emphasizes baptism as a public declaration of this inward change and encourages parents to foster a similar confident and joyful…
- How do I grow in my faith with Shelley Giglio
Shelley Giglio shares insights on nurturing a personal relationship with God, emphasizing its importance for family and children. The episode offers practical advice for spiritual growth and maintaining faith amidst life's challenges.
- Week 34: Contentment - Paul
This episode discusses the Apostle Paul's example of learning contentment through faith in Christ, despite enduring numerous hardships. It highlights that true contentment is learned, not natural, and encourages parents to teach their chil…
- Finding faithful friends with Tammie Floyd
This episode features Tammie Floyd discussing the importance of community and friendships for mothers. It covers cultivating life-giving relationships, the role of the local church in a child's faith journey, and how God provides support.
- Week 33: A passionate faith - Peter
This episode discusses the biblical story of Peter walking on water, highlighting lessons on faith, doubt, and resilience. It encourages parents to pray for their children to develop a bold and passionate faith, trusting Jesus even when th…
- How to stop procrastinating and get unstuck with Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff returns to Pardon the Mess to discuss his book "Procrastination Proof," offering practical insights on why families procrastinate and how to move forward. The episode covers common traps, the importance of small steps, and guidin…
- Week 32: Repentant heart - Zacchaeus
This episode uses the story of Zacchaeus to explore the concept of repentance in Christian parenting. It highlights how Jesus
- The love language that matters most by Dr. Gary Chapman
Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, shares insights on how understanding and applying love languages can strengthen family relationships. The episode covers practical advice for communicating love effectively to spouses and c…
- Week 31: Focus on Jesus - Mary
This episode discusses Mary's devotion to Jesus, contrasting it with her sister Martha's distraction. It highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus even amidst responsibilities, encouraging parents to model this for their children and…
- My Virtual Mentor: Leaving a legacy with Jeff Henderson
This episode features Jeff Henderson discussing the importance of intentionally building a family legacy, exploring end-of-life values, and how everyday decisions shape what we pass down to our children.
- Week 30: Salvation - the thief on the cross
This episode reflects on the biblical story of the thief on the cross to discuss the concept of salvation as a free gift, not earned by good works. It emphasizes the hope that children will embrace faith early in life but encourages prayer…
- Marriage reconciliation and restoration with Cheryl Scruggs
In this episode, Cheryl Scruggs discusses her personal journey of marriage reconciliation after divorce, highlighting the challenges, the importance of communication, and the possibility of restoration.
- Week 29: Let go of perfection - Martha
This episode examines the biblical account of Martha and Mary, contrasting Martha's focus on service and hospitality with Mary's devotion. It highlights that serving others should stem from love and a focus on Jesus, rather than striving f…
- Navigating Foster Care with Meredith Brock
Meredith Brock discusses the realities and beauty of foster care, sharing insights from her experience as a foster and adoptive mom. The episode explores supporting children from hard places, the role of the church, and various ways to hel…
- Week 28: Believe in miracles - Jairus
This episode uses the biblical story of Jairus and his daughter to discuss the theme of believing in miracles. It encourages listeners to have faith in God
- ADHD 101 - Tips to better support neurodivergent children with Dr. Kelly Cagle
This episode features Dr. Kelly Cagle discussing how parents can better support neurodivergent children, such as those with ADHD. The conversation covers understanding neurodiversity, challenges in traditional education, and practical stra…
- Week 27: Generous - the boy with the fish
This episode, "Generous: The Boy With The Fish," from the Pardon the Mess podcast, uses the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands with a boy's small lunch to illustrate the principle of generosity. It encourages parents to teach their childre…
- My Virtual Mentor: Prioritizing Your Marriage with Ashley Willis
This episode features Ashley Willis discussing the importance of prioritizing marriage, especially during busy times like raising children. The conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for couples, addressing common struggles…
- Week 26: Loved by God - John
This episode discusses the transformation of the disciple John, initially called "son of thunder," into "the disciple whom Jesus loved," highlighting how a close relationship with Jesus changed him. It emphasizes that God's love is real, c…
- Learning to dream and create again with Ashlee Gadd
In this episode, Ashlee Gadd shares with Courtney DeFeo how mothers can rediscover their creativity and passions even in the chaos of raising kids. They discuss embracing creativity, making space for joy, and the significance of imperfect…
- Week 25: Ask questions - Nicodemus
This episode discusses the importance of encouraging children to ask questions about their faith, using the example of Nicodemus seeking answers from Jesus. It explores how curiosity and personal inquiry can help kids develop a deeply root…
- Difficult conversations, mental health and self regulation with Kim Anderson
This episode features therapist Kim Anderson discussing how to navigate difficult conversations, mental health, and emotional regulation with children. Anderson emphasizes attunement, boundaries, and self-care for parents, reminding them t…
- Week 24: Celebrate others: Mary and Elizabeth
This episode discusses the biblical account of Mary and Elizabeth from Luke 1, highlighting Elizabeth's joyful and supportive response to Mary's news. It contrasts this with modern jealousy and comparison, praying that children will celebr…
- What really matters most with Cynthia Yanof
Cynthia Yanof rejoins Courtney DeFeo on Pardon the Mess to discuss prioritizing what truly matters in life and parenting, offering biblical insights and encouragement to release non-essential stresses.
- Week 23: Plant seeds - John the Baptist
This episode of Pardon the Mess focuses on John the Baptist as an example of faithfulness and planting seeds of faith. It encourages listeners to trust that teaching children about Jesus is like planting seeds that will grow and be passed…
- My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 2 with Preston Morrison
This episode features Preston Morrison's message on identity in Christ, shared by Courtney DeFeo. It addresses the difficulties mothers face in establishing their identity, particularly when it's tied to external validation rather than the…
- My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 1 with Sara Hagerty
This episode of Pardon the Mess features author and speaker Sara Hagerty discussing the challenges of motherhood and identity, encouraging listeners to find their identity in Christ rather than in their performance as mothers. It also incl…
- Week 22: Live with purpose - Esther
This episode discusses the biblical figure Esther, highlighting her unlikely rise to queen and her courageous choice to act for her people. It draws parallels to modern parenting, encouraging listeners to help their children discover their…
- Anxiety, postpartum depression and God’s faithfulness with Kerri Taylor
Kerri Taylor shares her intense journey with postpartum depression and anxiety on the Pardon the Mess podcast. She discusses leaning into God, seeking medical and counseling support, and trusting in His faithfulness through difficult seaso…
- Week 21: An enthusiastic yes! - Isaiah
Inspired by Isaiah 6:8, this episode discusses the importance of an enthusiastic "yes" to God's calling, mirroring biblical parenting principles. It encourages parents to help their children develop willing hearts, trusting God's guidance.
- Ways to simplify your routine when you’re overwhelmed with KyAnn Molina
This episode features KyAnn Molina, author and podcaster, who shares practical strategies for parents feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. She discusses finding home systems, time management, and rhythms to combat burnout and improve daily s…
- Week 20: Forgiveness - Hosea
This episode uses the prophet Hosea and his marriage to Gomer to illustrate God's unwavering love and forgiveness, which is not based on human actions but on His character. It encourages parents to model this forgiveness for their children…
- How do I fit in God’s story? with Jonathan Murphy
Dr. Jonathan Murphy joins Pardon the Mess to discuss finding your place in God's story and addressing faith questions relevant to Christian parenting. He highlights the shared purpose of loving God and others, offering insights from his ex…
- Week 19: Hunger for God - Elisha
This episode explores the biblical story of Elisha asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, highlighting the importance of children developing a deep hunger for God. It encourages parents to foster their children's connection with G…
- How to help unite the church with Dr. Eric Mason
Dr. Eric Mason joins Courtney DeFeo to discuss the state of the church, the importance of unity among believers, and the challenges of church leadership. Dr. Mason also shares insights on Christian parenting, encouraging dialogue and inten…
- Week 18: Hear God’s voice - Elijah
This episode discusses how the prophet Elijah heard God’s voice not in dramatic events, but in a still, small voice after he rested and was cared for. The podcast encourages parents to help their children learn to slow down, rest, and list…
- My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship, Time, and Creating Margin with Elaine Franklin
This episode features life coach Elaine Franklin discussing stewardship and time management. Franklin shares practical wisdom on creating margin in life, emphasizing the importance of managing our time effectively to focus on what matters…
- Week 17: Biblical wisdom - Solomon
This episode discusses biblical wisdom, using King Solomon as an example of someone who asked God for discernment. It encourages listeners to seek God's wisdom for themselves and their children, emphasizing that true wisdom involves acting…
- Q&A with Larson DeFeo
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Courtney DeFeo interviews her daughter Larson DeFeo. They discuss topics including friendships, advice for parenting teens, the importance of mentoring, and the significance of offering grace to children…
- Week 16: Share the good news - the shepherds
This episode uses the biblical account of the shepherds who spread the news of Jesus' birth as a model for Christian parenting. It encourages listeners to overcome barriers like peer pressure and self-doubt to share the hope of Jesus, and…
- Q&A with Ella DeFeo and Landry Smith
Courtney DeFeo interviews her daughter Ella and her friend Landry about their college faith experiences. The episode covers their favorite items, challenges, friendships, spiritual growth, and lessons learned, highlighting their engagement…
- Week 15: A man after God’s heart - David
This episode discusses the biblical figure of David, emphasizing that God chose him not for perfection but for his desire for God and willingness to repent. It encourages parents to guide their children toward seeking God’s heart and desir…
- Parenting in Uganda vs parenting in America with Josh Poro
In this episode, Courtney DeFeo speaks with Ugandan pastor Josh Poro about the cultural differences in parenting between Uganda and America. Poro emphasizes the power of prayer in raising children and challenges listeners to pray longer an…
- Week 14: Godly friendship - Jonathan
The episode discusses the biblical friendship of Jonathan and David as an example of a God-honoring relationship. It emphasizes the qualities of loyalty and selflessness, encouraging listeners to pray for their children to be and find true…
- My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity with Boyd Bailey
This episode features Boyd Bailey discussing biblical stewardship and generosity, sharing practical ways families can practice generosity and insights from his book, "The Power of Generosity."
- Week 13: Prayerful - Hannah
This episode discusses Hannah's story from 1 Samuel, highlighting her fervent prayers for a child and her ultimate sacrifice in dedicating her son Samuel back to the Lord. It emphasizes the power of prayer and trust in God's plan, encourag…
- The Case for Christmas with Lee Strobel
Lee Strobel returns to discuss the Nativity story, addressing common perceptions and historical details about the manger and Christmas date. As a former atheist and investigative journalist, Strobel shares his powerful conversion story, em…
- Week 12: A thankful heart - the healed leper
This episode of Pardon the Mess focuses on the importance of a thankful heart, using the biblical story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus after being healed. Host Courtney DeFeo explores how modern comforts can make gratitude fo…