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

Christian Parenting
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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

  1. Celebrate others: Mary and Elizabeth

    1D AGO

    Celebrate others: Mary and Elizabeth

    And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:41–45 ESV) There’s a beautiful scene between two relatives in Luke 1, as we read about the coming of Jesus. Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist, and her cousin Mary had just been told by an angel that she would give birth to a son and he would be named Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Imagine having this kind of news and needing to process this with a friend. And it’s especially tricky when you are a virgin and learn you are expecting a child. In Luke 1, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth to tell her the unexpected and life-changing news. At the moment she entered, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. The interesting part about this moment is Elizabeth’s joy in her response to Mary’s news. She could’ve been a little confused that her cousin had just “one-upped” her by sharing that she was pregnant with the Savior of the world. Instead, she recognized that the Lord was fulfilling his promises through Mary. It was a moment of pure support, praise, and celebration. She immediately proclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42 KJV). Throughout the Bible, and even in today’s culture, we see moments of jealousy and comparison. Even in Christian communities, we see jealousy and discontentment when God is blessing others. Let’s pray that our children respond to their friends just like Elizabeth did to Mary. Let’s pray that they trust the Lord with their paths and step in as the first one to celebrate with joy for their friends and family. Jesus, when __________ has a friend or a family member who has great news, let them be the first to celebrate. Let them cast aside the feelings of jealousy and stand firmly in their own journey with God. Let them be known as friends who praise what God is doing in the lives around them. 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min
  2. What really matters most with Cynthia Yanof

    5D AGO

    What really matters most with Cynthia Yanof

    She’s baaacccckkkk!!! The creator and original host of Pardon The Mess podcast, Cynthia Yanof, is back with us today. She is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Aside from great humor, she brings real life encouragement with biblical truth. In today’s episode, Cynthia and I chat about what matters most in life. As we look ahead to 2026 - where can we spend our time in a way that matters? I remember many moments in life I was all worked up and stressed over things in parenting that really didn't matter. I pray you feel seen and so much needed permission to let things go after this conversation. Cynthia shares beautiful stories about parenting, faith and friendship in a way that leaves me feeling encouraged. She has such a heart for prayer and is the reason we pray every Monday as a community. I’m super thankful for the legacy she left over here at Pardon the Mess! Enjoy Courtney  Chapters: (00:00) Welcome Back and Podcast Journey (02:30) Navigating Parenting and New Projects (05:01) Life with Kids: Balancing Ages and Stages (08:05) What Really Matters in Parenting (12:19) The Importance of Rest and Margin (13:04) Urgency vs. Importance in Parenting (16:11) Lessons Beyond the Game (16:27) Navigating Parenting Pressures (18:48) The Importance of Friendship (24:55) Faith and Love in Action 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 Cynthia Messmerized Podcast Sidetracked Podcast Feeding the Mouth That Bites You Podcast How’d I Miss That? (new book) by Cynthia Yanof Life Is Messy, God is Good by Cythia Yanof Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting Raising Daughters I Can Only Imagine 2 Open a LearningRX center 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    37 min
  3. Week 23: Plant seeds - John the Baptist

    FEB 9

    Week 23: Plant seeds - John the Baptist

    Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” (Acts 19:4) Do you love the Olympics and watching teams compete? It can be so inspiring to watch a team of swimmers work together in a relay or a track and field star pass his baton to the next runner. Each team member is important. It’s a powerful reminder to do our part with excellence. In the life of John the Baptist, we see a devoted follower of Jesus do his part with great faithfulness. He didn’t even know what his effort and work would mean in the end, but he obeyed and trusted. John spread the good news of the coming Messiah so that people were ready for him; his entire ministry was planting seeds in the hearts of the people. Some even asked if he was the Messiah, but he always pointed people back to Christ (John 1:19–28). It’s fun to imagine that somehow our own stories of faith are a part of one giant race with batons passing through generations. When we teach our kids about Jesus, we are planting seeds in their hearts. We don’t know what those seeds will grow into, but we can trust that they will take the baton we pass to them and continue to pass it to others. Let’s pray that our kids trust their calling over their lives and realize their greater impact in God’s big story. Jesus, thank you that we get to be part of your greater story. Lead __________ to hear your call on their life. Help them to worry less about earthly things and more about trusting you. Give them opportunities to plant seeds in the hearts of people around them and be obedient in joyfully sharing your good news! 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min
  4. My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 2 with Preston Morrison

    FEB 5

    My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 2 with Preston Morrison

    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 previous episodes: My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship MattersMy Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with GodMy Virtual Mentor: Personalities and TemperamentsMy Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity My Virtual Mentor: Time Management & Creating Margin Today’s episode comes to you in two parts. The first episode is with author, speaker and amazing mom Sara Hagerty. She has such a genuine heart to keep her life rooted in Jesus. We talk all about how identity is a challenging topic for us as moms. We care so much about how we do as moms - and we can get really rattled if it doesn’t go well. Our identity can quickly become rattled if we have it tethered to the wrong source. I also wanted to release a second episode today that I believe will practically help you think through “identity.” The week that I recorded Sara on this topic, my own heart was wrestling with what God says about our identity. I stumbled across this message by pastor Preston Morrison and it rocked my world. I got his permission to re-air it for you. Do not miss the truth and clarity that Preston provides around our “identity in Christ.”  My favorite part is the humility that Sara brings to the table. She is so honest with how hard motherhood can be and she invites us to bring God into every single disappointment and hard circumstance. She urges us to lean into the very things that drive us crazy.  Enjoy! Courtney (02:59) Navigating Motherhood and Identity (05:57) The Struggles of Motherhood (08:59) Finding God in the Chaos (12:05) The Unseen Work of Motherhood (15:00) Embracing the Struggles (17:56) The Impact of God’s Attributes (18:20) Understanding God Through Adoration (21:43) The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity (24:52) The Importance of Limitations in Parenting (28:29) Navigating Identity Beyond Achievements (32:52) Finding Beauty in Boundaries (36:39) Embracing Loss and Suffering in Motherhood MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (IDENTITY) Scripture to memorize: Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Scriptures for prayer and study: Verses on Identity Books for further study: In His Image – Jen WilkinMade for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image – Hannah Anderson Discussion questions: Have you struggled with your identity? In what seasons have you questioned your identity? Who does God say that we are? Is there a time you attached what you “do” to your identity?  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 Sara Unseen by Sara Hagerty Adore by Sara Hagerty The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty Preston Morrison podcast, The Leader’s Cut Part 1 episode with Sara Hagerty Resources from Titus 2 Mentoring Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting Raising Daughters Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 34m
  5. My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 1 with Sara Hagerty

    FEB 5

    My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 1 with Sara Hagerty

    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 previous episodes: My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship MattersMy Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with GodMy Virtual Mentor: Personalities and TemperamentsMy Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity My Virtual Mentor: Time Management & Creating Margin Today’s episode comes to you in two parts. The first episode is with author, speaker and amazing mom Sara Hagerty. She has such a genuine heart to keep her life rooted in Jesus. We talk all about how identity is a challenging topic for us as moms. We care so much about how we do as moms - and we can get really rattled if it doesn’t go well. Our identity can quickly become rattled if we have it tethered to the wrong source. I also wanted to release a second episode today that I believe will practically help you think through “identity.” The week that I recorded Sara on this topic, my own heart was wrestling with what God says about our identity. I stumbled across this message by pastor Preston Morrison and it rocked my world. I got his permission to re-air it for you. Do not miss the truth and clarity that Preston provides around our “identity in Christ.”  My favorite part is the humility that Sara brings to the table. She is so honest with how hard motherhood can be and she invites us to bring God into every single disappointment and hard circumstance. She urges us to lean into the very things that drive us crazy.  Enjoy! Courtney (02:59) Navigating Motherhood and Identity (05:57) The Struggles of Motherhood (08:59) Finding God in the Chaos (12:05) The Unseen Work of Motherhood (15:00) Embracing the Struggles (17:56) The Impact of God’s Attributes (18:20) Understanding God Through Adoration (21:43) The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity (24:52) The Importance of Limitations in Parenting (28:29) Navigating Identity Beyond Achievements (32:52) Finding Beauty in Boundaries (36:39) Embracing Loss and Suffering in Motherhood MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (IDENTITY) Scripture to memorize: Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Scriptures for prayer and study: Verses on Identity Books for further study: In His Image – Jen WilkinMade for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image – Hannah Anderson Discussion questions: Have you struggled with your identity? In what seasons have you questioned your identity? Who does God say that we are? Is there a time you attached what you “do” to your identity?  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 Sara Unseen by Sara Hagerty Adore by Sara Hagerty The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty Preston Morrison podcast, The Leader’s Cut Part 2 episode with Preston Morrison  Resources from Titus 2 Mentoring Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting Raising Daughters Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min
  6. Week 22: Live with purpose - Esther

    FEB 2

    Week 22: Live with purpose - Esther

    If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? (Esther 4:14 NLT) Esther is one of only two books of the Bible named after a woman, which is pretty incredible! Esther was an orphaned Jew living in a foreign land. She was unlikely to make an impact on history, but God had other plans! She was so beautiful that she was brought to the king and became his queen. When a plot to destroy the Jewish people was uncovered, Esther had a choice: Should she keep quiet, or tell her husband and risk her life? It was then that her cousin, who raised her, asked the famous question: Perhaps you were born for such a time as this? It’s not always easy to step into our purpose. Like Esther, we may find ourselves in situations where doing the right thing feels risky. But when that purpose comes from God, it’s nearly impossible to say no to because it feels so right and everything falls into place. What was your child born to do? We don’t fully know, and the answer will unfold and change with time. But we do know that God chose you to be the parent of your child and to live in this time for a reason. There will be a moment (or many moments) in your child’s life where they realize they were made for something. Maybe it’s landing the right job, maybe it’s starting a family, or maybe it’s being in the right place at the right time. It could be a call to ministry or stepping out in faith to use their time, talents, and treasures to glorify God and serve others. We can be encouraging parents that point them back to Scripture and the promise that God created them for a good purpose and has good plans for their future. This week, let’s pray that our kids grow in their faith, knowing that God made them for a reason, that they will discover their purpose and step into it with confidence, knowing God is with them every step of the way. Jesus, thank you for making all of us for a purpose. Help __________ rely on you and seek your word to help them find your purpose and plan for their life. Give them the faith to step forward in obedience, knowing that if you call them to something, you will equip them. And may they always remember that they were created for such a time as this. 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    12 min
  7. Anxiety, postpartum depression and God’s faithfulness with Kerri Taylor

    JAN 29

    Anxiety, postpartum depression and God’s faithfulness with Kerri Taylor

    Imagine you can hear me screaming with excitement. You get to meet MY SISTER, Kerri Taylor, on the podcast this week. I am so proud of her for doing this. It isn’t easy to walk back through the hardest season of your life. However, she has a passion to turn her pain into purpose.  Kerri is a wife, a mom, a leader of moms and one incredible athlete. She is the best big sister I could ask for and the reason I rededicated my life to Christ. In this episode, she shares about her intense journey with postpartum. If you have experienced anxiety or depression as a mom, I believe this episode will really encourage you. I love that Kerri gets practical and shares things that helped her get through her season of depression and anxiety. She encourages us to see a doctor, get counseling, avoid hiding in your home and lean into God. She trusted God through the dark times and is now sharing about his faithfulness on the other side. I am praying that this will reach any mom suffering with anxiety and depression to be reminded that you are never alone. Enjoy! Courtney Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo Sign up for Morning Minute Resources from today’s show: Connect with Kerri Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min
  8. Week 21: An enthusiastic yes! - Isaiah

    JAN 26

    Week 21: An enthusiastic yes! - Isaiah

    Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) Isaiah had a vivid dream of God seated on his throne surrounded by angels. One of the angels took burning coal, touched Isaiah’s lips, and cleansed him from sin as God asked the question “Who will go for us?” And Isaiah answered with a resounding “Send me!” He went on to become an adviser for many kings and called on people to repent and be obedient. But the most important message he shared was the message that a Savior, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace was coming! His prophecy was fulfilled with Jesus. Isaiah was ready for the privilege of serving God even before he knew what he was meant to do. He offered himself to the Lord immediately. Most of us are slower to commit. Questions and fears flood our minds: If I say yes, will he send me to be a missionary far away? Where am I going? What do I have to say and do? Will I have to give up things that I love? What is the cost for me? Isaiah knew that if God was calling him, it must be important and worth saying yes to. Growing closer to the Lord also means knowing his calling won’t lead us astray. When God invites us to do something, we don’t have to be afraid—we can be excited! We want our kids to know that truth as well. They don’t need to know every detail, they just need willing hearts that are excited and ready to follow! This week, let’s pray that our kids say yes to God with enthusiasm, not hesitation or fear! Lord, help __________ say “yes” to you with joy and excitement. Give them a heart that is eager to follow your plans, knowing that you have great things in store. When you call them, help them to trust you completely, knowing that you will lead them every step of the way. 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 Avocado Green Mattress: https:// AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    6 min
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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

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