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

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The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20) In the Christmas story, the angel of the Lord announced Jesus’s birth to some lowly shepherds who were minding their own business, watching over their sheep. It seems like an unlikely group, but their response is a perfect example of a life of faith. The shepherds were rightfully afraid of the angel, but they immediately said, “Let’s go . . . see” (Luke 2:15). The Bible says they hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby. Then they spread the word because they could not contain this big news! And when they had told as many people as they could, they came back to Mary and Joseph and praised God for everything they had seen and heard. Let’s remember that response this Christmas: Let’s go learn more, let’s tell everyone about it, and let’s praise God for all he has done! It sounds easy enough, but we all know there are barriers to spreading the good news of Jesus: peer pressure, distraction, embarrassment, and self-doubt, just to name a few. But if we just move past those things, we can share the hope of Jesus with our hurting world, just as we were meant to do! Let’s pray that our kids will always be proud and ready to share about Jesus, knowing that the news of our Savior is too good to keep to themselves! Father God, thank you for sending your son as a baby to rescue our broken world. Help __________ to internalize the good news of Jesus and be so excited that they have to tell others! Keep our family’s hearts and minds on you this Christmas season. Amen. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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What a thrill to interview my oldest daughter and one of her very best friends. Ella and Landry have been friends since 3rd grade and it’s so special to hear from two young women that are keeping their faith a priority in college. I ask them about their “favorites” from tennis shoes to rom-coms and then we get into some more serious topics. My favorite moment is when I ask each of them, “ What is God teaching you right now? ” I was blown away by their answers and also felt so thankful that they are both engaged in their college church communities. Ask your kiddos that question this Christmas break and let them share about their faith. I am always astounded when I learn how much depth and wisdom is in these teens. They are wiser than you know. You also don’t want to miss my opening story about an “elf on the shelf” adventure gone wrong. I am still feeling a little rattled from it. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 07:05 High School Experiences and Advice 10:02 Navigating Junior Year Challenges 14:54 Senior Year Reflections and Relationships 18:26 Maintaining Faith in High School 23:35 Parental Guidance and Support 25:37 Navigating High School Dynamics 26:56 Understanding Teen Communication 28:04 The High School Experience: Challenges and Growth 30:51 Transitioning to College Life 33:35 Building Friendships in College 37:48 Spiritual Growth and Lessons Learned 43:18 Legacy of Love: Lessons from Grandmothers Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess Courtney DeFeo ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Ella’s new sneakers - Back 70 Yahtzee Game Nertz Game Quiplash (on Apple TV) New Morning Mercies devotional Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube ! Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command. (1 Samuel 13:14) You may remember David for being a king or for beating Goliath in an epic battle. David’s story is one of those Bible stories that inspires us to face with courage whatever God lays before us. However, one of the noteworthy moments in David’s story was when God said that he was “a man after God’s own heart.” David was far from perfect. He was a shepherd turned king. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then arranged her husband’s death. He messed up again and again, however we can see in the Psalms that David had a deep love for God and a willingness to repent, and that he met with God often. When he sinned, he didn’t hide; he repented and turned back to God because his relationship with God mattered most and he wanted to be aligned with him. It’s encouraging to note that God chose David to lead because of his pure desires for God, not because he was the best behaved, most talented, or most skilled in the world’s terms. What does that mean for us? We are all called to follow Jesus, and that means we are to live in harmony with what God’s heart desires for his people. As our kids grow up, it can be easy for them to follow their own hearts or what others want. But we can encourage them to make decisions and lead others based on God’s desires, not earthly desires, and that is hard! Let’s pray that our kids are known as people after God’s own heart and that each of our children reflects the heart of God in their schools, communities and friend circles. Father, please help __________ to desire what you desire. Lead them to live in a way that’s pleasing to you. I pray they know your heart more and more each year. Give them a heart like David’s, one that seeks you above all else and makes time to meet with you day after day. Amen. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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I have a new bucket list item: I want to go to Uganda and meet Josh’s mom! What a woman. Josh Poro is a pastor and father from Uganda that has been living here in my town of Colleyville for the last 7 years. I was curious to chat with him about what “parenting” looks like in Uganda vs America. Sometimes, I need to shake things up in my life and get out of the bubble I am living in. I like to listen to unique podcasts or watch compelling documentaries to expand my mind. This is the purpose of this episode. I wanted Josh to shake up our Western view of Christianity and parenting in a way that challenges us. My favorite part is when he talks about the power of prayer. He challenges us in America to pray longer and bolder. And to keep praying for our children again and again. If you’d like to see more of Josh’s sermons - visit his YouTube channel ( Kingdom INSights Ministries - Apostle Joshua Poro ). Enjoy! Courtney Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Josh Poro's Journey (02:57) Life in Uganda: Culture and Challenges (05:59) Journey to the US: Asylum and New Beginnings (08:57) The Importance of Prayer in Family Life (12:01) Cultural Differences in Prayer Practices (14:57) Teaching Children About Faith and Prayer (18:01) The Role of Mothers in Spiritual Upbringing (30:01) Cultural Perspectives on Parenting (32:55) Empowering Children for Independence (36:04) The Power of Prayer in Parenting (44:23) Parenting as a Ministry Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess Courtney DeFeo ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Connect with Josh Josh’s youtube page - Kingdom INSights Ministries - Apostle Joshua Poro Sign up to volunteer at Josh’s new church NIV Application Bible Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube ! Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. (1 Samuel 23:16 NLT) Jonathan and David were opposites and unlikely friends, but their friendship was so strong that it continues to be cited as a prime example of a God-honoring friendship to this day. Jonathan had every reason to feel envious of David: Jonathan was heir to the throne, yet God chose David to be king. Jonathan even risked his life to protect David from his father and strengthen David in the Lord when he needed it. Jonathan was a selfless and loyal friend who continually pointed David back to God. No doubt, God placed Jonathan in David’s life for a reason. He knew that David would need a friend to strengthen him in his role, his confidence, and his faith. Friendships come and go, and the friends our kids have right now may or may not be their friends in the future. There is a time and place for temporary friendships—friendships that are fun and fulfilling and safe, but don’t stand the test of time for one reason or another. It’s the lifelong friendships that are sacred. The friendships where you know the other person is with you no matter what and will challenge you to be a better person and a more faithful Christ follower. Our desire as parents should be that our kids have at least one of those friends. This week, let’s pray that our kids are not fair-weather friends. Let’s pray that they are committed, loyal, selfless friends who strengthen their friends’ faith in God. And let’s pray they find those same friends in return. Father God, please help __________ to be a God-honoring and good friend to others. Help them to say no to jealousy, gossip, and comparison and yes to compassion, encouragement, and joy in their friendships. Help them to find friends who sharpen and strengthen their faith in you and may you be the center of all their relationships. Amen. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Did you know that once a month we are doing a mentor episode? We will cover a different topic each month in hopes to provide helpful content for you and your local mentor. 1) listen to the episode 2) talk about it with a mentor or friend that is a season ahead of you If you’re just getting started - don’t miss the first few episodes: My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship Matters My Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with God My Virtual Mentor: Personalities and Temperaments If you have been around this podcast for any length of time, you know that I am passionate about generosity. I was raised in a home that lived out their faith with generosity. The biblical concept of generosity and stewardship is one that gives meaning and purpose to my daily life. It’s been so fun to pass down this legacy of generosity to my kids and watch them step into this way of life. Today, I have the absolute honor of interviewing Boyd Bailey. Boyd is the President of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) in Georgia. He is also the author of several books, including his latest, The Power of Generosity: Experiencing God’s Amazing Abundance - How to Change the World Through Acts of Kindness. My favorite part is when he shares a GREAT idea. He gives his grandkids money at Thanksgiving and they come back together at Christmas to talk about what they did with the money and time. What a fantastic tradition! I am 100% doing this. Enjoy! Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Personal Connection (02:00) Boyd's Current Endeavors and Family Involvement (04:06) Understanding Stewardship and Generosity (10:03) Practical Generosity in Family Life (18:03) Hearing from God and Spiritual Growth (22:01) Benefits of Generosity in Relationships (24:58) The Impact of Generosity on Family Dynamics (29:07) The Power of Generosity Book Overview MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (INTIMACY WITH GOD) Scripture to memorize: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 Scriptures for prayer and study: Matthew 6:19-21 Matthew 5:14-15 I Timothy 6:7 Matthew 25:23 Books for further study: The Power of Generosity by Boyd Bailey A Life Well Spent by Russ Crosson Love Your Life Not Theirs – Rachel Cruze The Truth About Money Lies – Russ Crosson Discussion questions: Did your parents teach you about the concept of stewardship? Are you aligned on finances with your spouse? Where have you seen generosity impact your own life? What are some practical ways you can practice generosity in this season? Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess Courtney DeFeo ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Connect with Boyd National Christian Foundation The Power of Generosity - Boyd’s latest book Wisdom Hunters Saving Susan Light ‘Em Up Acts - Courtney’s act of kindness program Winshape Marriage Retreats Center for Relational Care Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide NIV Application Bible Super Simple Science with Dr. Fizzlebop Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube ! Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:27–28) Hannah wanted a child more than anything else. During Old Testament times, the most important thing a woman could give to a husband was a child, specifically a son. Not having any children was considered a curse and a disgrace, maybe even a result of sin. Hannah was distraught that she could not produce a son for her husband. How did Hannah deal with her emotions? She cried and she prayed. She never gave up or doubted God; she trusted him for a miracle and promised the Lord that if he gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11). God heard her prayers, and he blessed her with a son, Samuel. Here is where my mind is blown: True to her word, Hannah returned Samuel to the temple when he was done weaning, meaning she likely raised her beloved child for two to four years and then gave him over to the temple for training. Can you imagine that level of sacrifice and trust in God? Hannah prayed without ceasing, and then when God blessed her greatly, she handed over her blessing knowing that God had a better plan. Samuel eventually became a great prophet, anointing the first king of Israel! Hannah’s faithfulness to prayer changed the course of Israel’s history. We may not know what impact our prayers have on our children, their future, or the world. But like Hannah, we can trust that God knows the outcome and it will be good. This week, let’s pray for our kids’ futures, and let’s also pray that our kids have a big prayer life that makes an impact on generations to come. Lord, help me to have a faith like Hannah’s, holding __________ with open hands, knowing you have the best plan for their life. I pray that __________ will bring all their struggles, their hopes, their dreams, and their plans to you in prayer. Give them patience to trust in your timing, knowing that your plans are always better. And may their prayers impact generations of believers. Amen. If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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In this week’s podcast, Lee Strobel is BACK to talk about the Nativity story. He shares about challenging common perceptions and interpretations. I absolutely loved hearing the detail and history around the “manger” which was more like a guest room. And he gives us some more clarity around the date of Christmas and how it was chosen. It was so interesting for me to hear from Lee which nativity details have been misunderstood or overemphasized or even simplified. This would be a great episode to listen to with your kids! As a former atheist and investigative journalist, Lee’s heart is to give us a “Case for Christmas” and ultimately point everyone to his savior Jesus Christ. My favorite part is at the end - do not miss it! His story brought me to tears about how he experienced Jesus when he was an atheist. It was the generosity of Christians that drew him to God. What a powerful reminder that God is using everything for his glory and you never know who is watching. I am so thankful for our community and hope you had a restful week with your family. Take just a few moments to let your kids share what they are grateful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Courtney DeFeo Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess Courtney DeFeo ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Connect with Lee Strobel Case For Christmas Is God Real ? for Teens Lee on Shawn Ryan Show Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube ! Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy