About this episode
We made it to the end of the Empty Nester Wisdom series! If you missed any of these episodes, I encourage you to go back and be sure you have a notebook. Each guest brought such wisdom and godly encouragement for all seasons of parenting, but especially the empty nest season. I’m so grateful for these women and the timing of this series. God knew I needed these chats just before I send Ella off to college. Today’s guest is a dear friend and a trusted pastor of mine - Heidi Miller. She has been in ministry over 20 years and is currently serving as the Next Steps Pastor at my church, Compass Church. In this week’s episode, she shares about her journey with anxiety and what God has taught her through it all. Whether your child is headed to pre-K or college or their first job, it is so easy to lay awake at night and just marinate in the worry. Heidi gives us such practical ways we can power through anxiety with God by our side. He has met her in anxiety through worship, prayer and community. My favorite part is when she circles back to remind us all - that the thing she worried about most with Carlee was the very thing God used to transform her life. Praying you find deep encouragement and practical support today with this episode. Enjoy Courtney (00:00) Navigating Empty Nesting and Friendship (02:42) Understanding Anxiety in Parenting (05:31) The Journey of Acknowledging Anxiety (08:31) Finding God's Voice Amidst Anxiety (11:27) Practical Steps to Combat Anxiety (14:14) The Power of Community and Prayer (15:31) Navigating Parenting Challenges (19:08) The Importance of Prayer and Community (21:54) Surrendering to God at Night (24:49) Building Faith Through Everyday Moments (28:40) Creating a Welcoming Home for Others 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 Heidi Compass Church Sisterhood/Mentor Event at Compass Christy Nockels - King Who Never Sleeps Worship Playlist by Heidi and Courtney Lectio 365 Adventure Bible 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