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

Christian Parenting
  • 4.8 (835)
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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. My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 2 with Preston Morrison

    10H AGO

    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
  2. My Virtual Mentor: Identity Part 1 with Sara Hagerty

    10H AGO

    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
  3. Week 22: Live with purpose - Esther

    3D AGO

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Ways to simplify your routine when you’re overwhelmed with KyAnn Molina

    JAN 22

    Ways to simplify your routine when you’re overwhelmed with KyAnn Molina

    If you are a parent, you know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Maybe you are heading into 2026 already feeling so discouraged with the way your home and life is running. It feels like the to do's and requests literally never end and your sanity is fading. Maybe you’re already struggling with balancing your job and motherhood. My guest today is author, podcaster, mom KyAnn Molina. She is a mom of young kids that is passionate about helping other moms find home systems, time management and rhythms in a season of burnout. If you are feeling overwhelmed 100% of the time - there is hope. There are some simple ways to improve your daily sanity.  I absolutely loved KyAnn’s passion to help moms find sanity again. It can be so infuriating to feel like your life is out of control. I hope you realize you aren’t alone. Being a mom is hard work. The amount of chores and to dos is legit. The mental and emotional overload is real. You are not doing it wrong - it’s a part of the reality of balancing life and motherhood. I pray this episode meets you with practical help during a season of overwhelm. It can get better!  Enjoy! Courtney Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to KyAnn's Journey (01:10) Experiencing Burnout in Parenting (03:03) Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges (07:06) Finding Rhythms in Daily Life (11:25) Understanding Postpartum Depression (13:11) Creating Peaceful Home Environments (15:37) Meal Planning and Family Connection (18:13) Finding Balance in Parenting and Work (20:12) Preventing Burnout: Proactive Strategies (22:03) Establishing Family Rhythms and Traditions (23:41) The Impact of Comparison in Motherhood (27:57) Trusting God in Seasons of Change 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 Kyann Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms - KyAnn’s podcast Rhythms That Scale - KyAnn’s guide  Simple Rhythms Community - join KyAnn’s community  Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting Gracebased 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

    32 min
  7. Week 20: Forgiveness - Hosea

    JAN 19

    Week 20: Forgiveness - Hosea

    In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7) Hosea was a minor prophet with a major message about God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. The Israelites had turned against God over and over again, and he called Hosea to not just preach about turning back to God but to actively live out forgiveness. Hosea married a woman named Gomer who was continually unfaithful to him. But Hosea pursued her, forgave her, and brought her back to him every time—just like God did and does for his people. God’s love is not based on our actions. It’s good and right to live a faithful life and continually deepen our relationship with God. But even when we turn away, God wants to restore us to him. His love is not based on our faithfulness or our efforts; it is based on his character. Our human character says to “forgive and forget,” but oftentimes we don’t let things go. In contrast, God’s perfect character means he never holds our sin against us. He forgives sinners completely, willingly, and perfectly because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Our kids will make mistakes and hurt us, but we can extend the gift of forgiveness to them and model the kind of love that pursues, forgives, and brings back. That way, when someone hurts them they know how to extend forgiveness as well. This week, let’s pray that our kids know they are forgiven for all their sins because of God’s gift of grace. Let’s pray that they will be quick to forgive others because they have been forgiven by Christ. Jesus, thank you for your perfect love and perfect forgiveness. Help __________ to be a person of grace, knowing that they can forgive others because you have forgiven them. May they learn to truly grasp the miracle of grace and the depth of your love for them. 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

    11 min
  8. How do I fit in God’s story? with Jonathan Murphy

    JAN 15

    How do I fit in God’s story? with Jonathan Murphy

    Welcome back! Have you ever wondered if you fit in the story of God? Maybe you’re reading your Bible and just wonder how it all works together. As Christian parents, it’s important to wrestle with these types of questions. These questions will certainly come up as your kids take their faith journey.  My guest today is Dr. Jonathan Murphy and he helps us tackle questions of faith. He is the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, a seminary professor and author. Most importantly, he is a wife to my friend Sarah-Jane and they have four beautiful children. My favorite part is when Jonathan reminds us that we all have the same purpose - to love God and to love others. There is great joy found in that purpose. This was a powerful reminder to me to stay obedient where He has me planted - in this season of parenting, in this current city and current time in history. Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW Resources from today’s show: Authentic Influencer by Dr. Jonathan Murphy The Story of God and Us by Dr. Jonathan Murphy Tik Tok inspiration - man caring for veteran Sign up for Morning Minute Christian Parenting 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

    36 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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