Happy April Pardon The Mess Family!Do you have a fellow mom that always calls you higher? I have been friends with Kirsten for over 20 years and she is that kind of mom friend. When we catch up, we get to our priorities fast. And that’s what you hear about today - her priorities and how to make some progress in those.Kirsten is a wife to retired NFL player Benjamin Watson, mom of 7 beautiful children, advocate, speaker, author and dear friend. Benjamin and Kirsten have been on before - you can listen to that episode here. As you’ll hear today, we talk about what’s most important. Kirsten shares what God is teaching her, how she keeps her marriage a priority and the calling she has as a mom to raise kids that know Jesus. I absolutely love the end when she shares a few minutes of encouragement and a challenge. Kirsten challenges us to get after tough topics around the table and continue to make our homes a safe place for conversations.Enjoy!Courtney(02:56) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Teens(06:01) The Emotional Journey of Growing Up(09:03) Trusting God in Parenting Decisions(11:59) The Importance of Confessional Community(17:12) The Power of Shared Burdens(18:00) Embracing Differences in Community(19:33) Prioritizing Marriage Amidst Family Life(24:01) Navigating Kids' Activities and Sports(27:40) Intentional Conversations with Kids(32:00) Practical Tips for Family MealsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Connect with KirstenSis Take a Breath - Kirsten’s book  The Watson Seven - Kirsten and Benjamin’s foundation Adventure BibleUntriggeredPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)Salt and light are often spoken about together and it seems like an odd pairing, but Jesus shared these two things for a reason! Salt and light give life. When we pray that our kids are the salt of the earth, we pray that our kids have a faith that is enticing to others and long-lasting. The world will tell our kids that it is better to live a life apart from God, but let’s pray that our kids show those around them that Jesus makes life better! Jesus wants his followers to make a visible impact on the world around them. We aren’t supposed to hide our faith and joy in the dark, we are supposed to show it off. In a world full of darkness, we should be lights shining Jesus’ love to all around us in words and actions, showing others that he gives life. This week, let’s pray that our kids have a faith that shines for others, looks desirable to others, and is constant throughout their lives.Dear God, please help _______ be a light each day to those that you have placed in their life. Help them bring light and joy to dark places. Help them to reflect you in all they do and be a shining example of you. Please give them opportunities to be your salt and light so that more can come to know you. Amen. Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From the reality TV show “Married to Jonas” to becoming a mom to postpartum to a viral blog and recently a cancer journey - Dina’s story reminds us all that God will never leave us. I’m so thankful I had the chance to get to know Dina and her incredible story. She feels like a mom I would meet at the park and then I’d want to sit for hours and laugh and cry. Dina is the REAL deal! Although, I booked her on this podcast to chat about cooking and the power of family dinner - God took us on a turn. Dina is so open in our chat about her postpartum days, her cancer journey and career ups and downs. I believe many of you will relate to her journey and be inspired by her authentic quest to glorify God no matter the season of life.I loved hearing about the days of cooking on TV (Hallmark, The Today Show, GMA, Rachel Ray and more). I’ve always wondered how they pull off a meal in 3 minutes. In this episode, we chat about:Dina’s postpartum and honesty about motherhood What she learned about God through her cancer journeyFrom cooking in a dorm to cooking on national televisionEnjoy!Courtney (03:02) Dina's Journey: From Cooking to Counseling(05:58) Navigating Life's Seasons and Faith(08:56) Health Challenges and Personal Growth(12:02) The Impact of Motherhood on Identity(15:04) Overcoming Postpartum Depression(18:08) Finding Support and Community(19:35) Navigating Mental Health and Support(22:40) Sharing Personal Journeys and Faith(30:01) Practical Cooking Tips for Busy Moms(35:44) The Importance of Family Meals and ConnectionConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:At the Kitchen Sink - Dina’s new book A Million Tiny Momentshttp://adventurebible.comPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’” (Matthew 4:19 NLT)When Jesus tells his future disciples that he will make them fishers of men, I don’t think he was envisioning them sitting in a boat waiting for bites. To be a successful fisherman, you have to go where the fish are hungry and cast your net (or your line). Jesus planned to use his disciples to draw people to him. He needed them to go to where the people were hungry for hope and share his message! We can do this today and so can our kids. As believers, we need to meet people where they are. There are times when we will witness to others and see great success immediately. Other times we will witness for a very long time and see very little fruit. There may be people that we pray for for a long time before we see God move in their lives (maybe that’s even our kids)! But God’s calling is to continue to cast our nets and share his good news, even if we don’t catch anything.So this week, let’s pray that our kids will take an active part in sharing the hope of Jesus, casting their nets far and wide to draw people closer to their Savior.Jesus, you call us to be fishers of men. I pray that _______________ would see the people around them and meet them where they are to share your good news. May they never be ashamed of the gospel, but be ready to share it far and wide. Amen.Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s not everyday you get to interview someone that disconnected in an extreme way. Carlos Whittaker wanted to really test his attachment to his phone and learn from the power disconnecting. So he went to live in an Amish community, in a monastery, and then did life at home without a device. His lessons are so powerful about how to reconnect with the ones we love most.When we recorded this episode, Carlos had just recently lost his father and was about to speak at his funeral. Many people have grown to love him on Carlos’ instagram account, and I have been so moved by the way Carlos cared for him through his final days. You won’t want to miss the parenting lesson he shares about his amazing father.I’d love to challenge us today. Let’s practically think through our daily lives and how we can disconnect regularly so that we connect more intentionally with each child. Carlos offers several practical ideas on how to do that - even if your job requires you to be online.In this episode, we discuss:How connection matters with our kidsHow to disconnect from devices and whyHow to connect with teens and their interestsEnjoy!Courtney  Chapters(00:00) Navigating Parenting Challenges(02:54) Caring for Aging Parents(05:58) A Life-Changing Call(08:58) The Journey to Reconnection(11:55) Transformative Family Time(15:00) Balancing Work and Life(17:46) Detoxing from Digital Dependency(20:09) Balancing Online Sharing and Family Life(22:37) Curiosity as a Path to Empathy(26:45) Connecting with Teens through Shared InterestsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Connect with CarlosCarlos’ Podcast - Human SchoolCarlos’ latest book - ReconnectedA Million Tiny Moments Dead Sea SquirrelsChristian Parenting Easter bundlePardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7)The Greek word for anxiety means “cut up into pieces.” So when we feel anxious we feel cut up or divided, and if you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, it can really feel like that! But Jesus wants us to bring him our cut-up pieces because his peace can make us whole. In fact, the Greek word for peace means “wholeness.” So this verse literally says God wants us to bring our divided hearts to him so he can make them whole. So many of our kids struggle with anxiety and so many of us do as well. None of us want to see our kids hurt as they fight this battle. Anxiety and worry are challenging roads, but we can encourage our kids that we follow the God who made the whole universe. He cares for them, hears them, and wants to ease their burdens.This week, let’s pray that they cast their fears and anxiety onto the Lord so that they can feel his rest because his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). Lord, I pray that ________________ brings their divided heart to you. I pray against the anxiety that is so prevalent today. Whatever it is that ___________ feels cut up about, may they present their requests to you, and may your wholeness guard their heart and mind. Please give them the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Grace Valentine is BACK! You all absolutely loved the first episode and you will love this one even more. Grace is a firecracker for Jesus. That’s what a grandma would say - but it’s so true. She comes in with such energy and truth that will just fire you up.She is a speaker, author and podcast host and is impacting thousands of young women around the world. On today’s episode we talk about all things FRIENDS. Friendships are just hard, not just for young girls for us as women. Grace has bible-based true encouragement for how to make and maintain friends.JOURNAL alert! You will need to take notes for this one. She just casually tosses out profound statements at the speed of lightning. So, buckle in.My favorite part is when she compared homecoming to the Met Gala. I still laugh out loud when I think about it. She quickly pivots from that joke to the sting of rejection. She also asks amazing questions: will that rejection taint your view or make you wiser and kinder? Or will it make you bitter? In this episode, we chat about: Understanding shallow vs deep friendshipsHow to humble yourself in conflictChallenges of making and keeping friendsEnjoy!Courtney DeFeo (02:58) Navigating College and Post-Grad Life(05:53) Friendship Journeys and Challenges(09:00) The Complexity of Friendships(12:00) Understanding Shallow vs. Deep Friendships(15:02) Finding Your Community and Dance Floor(16:29) Navigating Loneliness and Friendship(20:45) Conflict Resolution in Friendships(28:08) The Importance of Authentic ConnectionsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Connect with Grace ValentineThe Better Friend - Grace’s new bookA Million Tiny MomentsSky Ranch CampsPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Depending on how old your kids are, the idea of praying for their future spouse and family may feel like a stretch. But even if your child is currently toddling around your house playing with blocks and eating cheerios, it’s never too early to start praying for their future family.Maybe it’s easier to imagine if your kids are older, but at some point in the future, your child will more than likely go and create their own family to lead. As believing parents, we all desire our kids to lead their future families in the way of the Lord.If marriage is God’s will for your child, someday your child’s spouse will be the most important person in their life. He or she will know them the absolute best and be their partner in faith and life. Together they will, God-willing, raise beautiful children who know, love, follow, and share Jesus. We can pray that our child will find a spouse who loves Jesus, family, the church, and be a supportive partner through the ups and downs of life. We can pray that any future grandkids will grow to love Jesus and continue on a legacy of faith. In the grand scheme of life, we only have our kids in our homes for a little while. As their parents, we have an amazing opportunity to pray for their future family starting now!This week, let’s pray that our kids will continue to pass along a legacy of faith in their future families and homes.Jesus, you know our past and you know our future. Today, I pray for ____'s future. If your plan for them is singleness, I pray that you will surround them with a wonderful community of friends and family and that you will always be their rock, fortress, and best friend. If your plan for them is marriage, I pray that they will find a spouse who loves you with all their heart and has a desire to raise up children who love and follow you. Thank you for the gift of family and the ability to watch my children grow into the adults you created them to be. Amen.Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you spend time overthinking? I sure do, but can honestly say it’s gotten way better over the years. This episode is dedicated to my small group of senior girls. They were telling me that “overthinking” is taking them down for so many days. That conversation had me pondering about the topic and I wanted to help them with this struggle. So, I got Jon Acuff back on the podcast to help me wrestle through it.Jon Acuff writes the most relatable books with common struggles in our daily lives. He’s an entrepreneur, author, speaker, podcaster, husband and dad of 2 college girls. He’s also hilarious and always has me laughing every time we connect.My favorite part is how he gives us a very practical way to approach overthinking. Instead of letting this steal our time, creativity and productivity - what if we were deliberate with what we think about? Could we use that same time and energy to fight for positive thoughts over negative thoughts?He offered a code for his upcoming event In this episode, we chat about:How overthinking affects almost everyoneHow to switch overthinking to something positive How to shorten the pity parties in our mindsEnjoy!Courtney (03:08) The College Experience and Loneliness Epidemic(05:59) Overthinking: A Common Human Experience(08:55) The Dangers of Overthinking(11:56) Soundtracks: Shifting Negative Thoughts(15:07) Faith and Practicality in Overthinking(18:09) Navigating Teenage Emotions and Relationships(20:05) Understanding Teenagers: Insights from Parenting(22:10) Navigating the Empty Nest: Emotions and Realities(24:12) The Challenges of Parenting Adult Children(28:40) Creating a Remarkable Life: Upcoming Event InsightsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:A Million Tiny MomentsThe Unbreakable Boy movieConnect with Jon AcuffRemarkable You - upcoming event with Jon Acuff (code: PODCAST50)Soundtracks bookYour New Playlist book for teens How Teens Win book for teensPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT)On top of these difficult conversations, our kids are growing up in a world that increasingly values individual truth over God’s truth; a world where everyone is encouraged to “live their truth.” But, the Bible tells the story of God’s plan for his people; and as believers, we should use it to shape the way we see and interact with the world. That will often look different than other people around us. These changes in our world can make us feel really unprepared and afraid of the future. But, remember we serve a sovereign God who is always in control! He loves our kids even more than we do. We are not powerless as parents—we have the Holy Spirit in us. We can ask him to prompt our kids' hearts and we can commit to praying for them to treasure the Bible and find a true worldview and identity in Christ!This week, let’s pray that our kids live out a biblical worldview. In other words, let’s ask God to help them know the gospel, love the gospel, and that their lives would be completely changed by it!Dear God, help my child to hate sin and live a life of standing out and following you. Help them to find out what pleases you (Ephesians 5:10) and commit to following you wholeheartedly. Help them to love your word, hide your word in their heart, and let your word shape the way they live. Amen.Sadie Robertson Huff’s message on “your truth.”Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy