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

Raise your hands if you have goals? And sometimes, way too many goals? Me too! I have MANY goals and accomplish very few of them. It can be super frustrating to keep missing the mark on your personal and professional goals in the season of raising kids. Jon Acuff to the rescue! I was so delighted to interview a New York Times bestselling author and INC Top 100 Leadership Speaker about the idea of goals.I have always been drawn to the way Jon communicates in the business space and we can learn so much from him as parents. He has the ability to make complicated topics simple. In this episode, he will motivate you to make progress in life - while giving yourself grace. He really encouraged me to realize that the distractions and busyness of our lives are stacked against us, but there is hope and ways we can combat this reality.My favorite part is when we discuss my pattern of quitting things. He gave me such great counsel on how to go after my goals in a realistic and healthy way. You’ll also get a laugh out of the moment he realized his kids dropped a nap. He was furious. I can remember that moment myself. Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Without WaveringJonAcuff.comJon’s book for teens, Your New PlaylistJon’s newest book, All It Takes Is a GoalJon’s InstagramJon’s podcast, Colleen Berry episodePrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Parents, you will love listening to this episode together. Monica doesn’t just encourage moms - but brings an important message to dads as well. Although we definitely discussed parenting boys (because she has 4 of them), we also cover topics that all parents can appreciate.From sibling relationships to their faith to their hobbies - Monica is so practical yet wise. She has a passion for how we can help draw out the amazing potential that each child was born with. Each child was created by one amazing Creator and we get to help influence their lives. It's a refreshing approach that you’ll enjoy.Be sure to listen in for YOUR questions! Many of you submitted specific questions on Instagram and she answered so many of them with great advice.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Marked by PrayerConnect with Monica!Monica’s websiteThe Monica Swanson PodcastMonica’s newest book, Raising AmazingMonica’s book, Boy MomOutdated by JP PokludaPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Calling all moms of girls, high school girls, college girls and young adult girls - trust me when I say “PRESS PLAY” and “SHARE!” I was blown away by this 27-year-old young woman who simply gets it. She is so honest, hilarious, inspiring and challenging. Your girls need to hear her story and how God has used her.From being bullied to battling an eating disorder to partying in college - God drew her back to himself and has exploded her influence in the most beautiful way.I have heard about Grace from multiple college kids and now I completely understand why so many of our girls are hanging on her words. She shares truth and wisdom and she’s incredibly relatable.You will LOVE her!Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Simply Be BoxGrace’s websiteGrace’s devotional Grace’s InstagramYoung LifePrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you look next to “DeFeo family” in the dictionary - you will not find words like “grit” or “adversity” next to us. Although all families endure some really hard things, we are generally not actively looking for opportunities to experience hardship.My time with Mike Erwin was fascinating. He really opened my eyes to all the ways we can introduce adversity to our kids and why “comfort” is a really dangerous pursuit as American families.Mike Erwin is a husband and father living on a 32-acre farm. He is also one of our nation’s heroes - he served as a lead intelligence planner for one of the largest NATO-led combat operations in history and earned two Bronze Star Medals from his tours. You can understand why he is an expert in the subject of adversity - but he’s also a dad raising little ones just like us!My favorite part is when he encourages us to let our kids struggle. He explains how this can bring incredible confidence that our kids won’t learn any other way.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Classical ConversationsMike’s websiteThe Positivity ProjectTeam RWBThe Comfort CrisisLeadership is a RelationshipOne Mile Run DocumentaryPardon 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.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As I hung up with Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, I had this urge to cry. The conversation was so touching and inspiring. I really wish every company out there was run by this woman. We talk about everything from faith to parenting to basketball and her great glasses.You will fall in love with her during this episode, too. My favorite part is at the end when she gives practical advice to us as parents. She reminds us that it truly takes a village. That we should never try to go this road alone and forget to ask for help. I know you will enjoy her humor, her authenticity and her passion for people. We can learn from her in our role as parents and leaders within our workspace.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Cynt’s book, You’ve Been ChosenCynt’s website and consulting companyDallas MavericksMarked by PrayerPardon 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.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Experienced law enforcement officer with a background in the CIA, Jamie Winship, shares miraculous stories of God's intervention. He discusses finding our identity and helping our kids do the same. He also shares a captivating story of how God used a skateboard and his son in Baghdad to bring glory to His name.

Have you ever wished you had a mentor or life coach? Sharon Mankin is a mentor to many and one of the most incredible coaches I’ve ever been around. She is dedicated to her beautiful family including her precious grandkids.Sharon is a speaker, coach, and mentor from the DFW area. When she isn’t loving on her people, she is helping others learn how to lead themselves and lead others well. I treasure her wisdom and you will treasure each moment of this conversation. You’ll feel seen and encouraged through her words as she helps us think through everything from best stain remover, to family vision statements, and everything in between.If you missed the first two “Empty Nester Wisdom” episodes, head on back and enjoy the wisdom with Kristen Hatton and Jennifer Scott.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The MessCourtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Marked by PrayerConnect with SharonCoffee Talk - Biblical Teaching & MentorshipTreasured Study (inspired by Sharon!)Learn about yourself by asking Questions for Feedback from Family and Friends Mom’s best stain remover! OxycleanMary Smith’s (Time Saving!) Sheet Pan RecipeSouper Cubes for space saving meal prep made easy!The Power Moments by Chip and Dan HeathSarah Harmeyer’s Neighbor’s TablePardon 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.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When I was a young mom (yes, before social media took off) - I LOVED reading blogs. They made me feel seen, understood and more normal in my parenting journey. I have followed Jennifer Scott and her blog for almost 15 years. And every time she shares something, I read it and re-read it and try to absorb her wisdom. You are going to LOVE her heart for her kids, her vulnerability on where she’s still growing and her obvious relationship with Jesus that oozes out of her heart. You will feel like you grabbed coffee with a best friend and mentor.Be sure to make it to the end, we discuss her “adulting” list. It’s such a fantastic checklist of things we can be practically teaching our kids before they leave our nest.Be sure to listen back to Part 1 of our Empty Nester Wisdom series with Kristen Hatton and stay tuned for Part 3 with Sharon Mankin.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Connect with Jennifer on InstagramJennifer’s Blog Jennifer’s Adulting List The Christian Parenting 2023–2024 prayer journal is now available! Marked by Prayer is a weekly journal that includes a short devotional around a topic, space for you to journal what you’re grateful for and what you’re praying over your children, and a sample guided prayer.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.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

So many of us parents are fearful about the “teen years”, but are so hungry for advice. That’s exactly why I had Kristen on today to give us encouragement around this topic. We want to prepare and be intentional without taking control of our kids’ entire story. You will love her practical tips while feeling a major sense of peace that God has got it!Be sure to get to the end and enjoy my favorite part. Kristen opens up honestly with her struggle with perfection and how it impacted her daughter. She explains the power of transparency and embracing mistakes. She reminds us that we ALL need Jesus - not just our kids. The more we can show that to them - the more that faith and trust will take hold.Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoResources from today’s show:Classical ConversationsConnect with Kristen on InstagramKristen’s website Kristen’s new book, Parenting AheadPardon 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.orgPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Get ready for an episode today with the Executive Director of Christian Parenting, Steph Thurling. I got to know Steph pretty well throughout my entire journey of becoming the new host of Pardon The Mess, and I can totally see why she is in a leadership position at this organization. She’s not just highly capable - she has a massive heart for parents to help raise kids that know and love God. That seems overwhelming at times, and she gets it.   In this episode, we go stage by stage (toddler years to teens) and chat about practical ways to introduce Jesus and your faith to your kids. You will love her insight and her realistic approach. She also shares her heart for prayer and how that can practically work in your home.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today’s show: Connect with Steph Thurling on Instagram   Steph’s ministry, Raising Prayerful Kids   Steph’s book, Raising Prayerful Kids   ABC Scripture Cards   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 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy