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

It’s a brand spanking new year and the perfect time to jump in and join us as we pray over our kids.    We’re kicking off 2023 by praying purity over our kids, focusing on Psalm 119. I can’t imagine a more significant thing to pray for our kids than purity in all the different scenarios our kids face each day.    Listen in as we discuss biblical purity and praying for it in our kids’ sexual relationships, what goes into their bodies, what they look at online and listen to, and the standards by which they live their lives.   But praying purity also deserves a reminder that God brings grace and forgiveness to each of us when we miss the mark. That’s the beauty of a God who loves us (and our kids) so much that he wants purity to be more about our relationship with him, than a one-time accomplishment where we either hit the mark or miss it.   Lots to pray for this week. Don’t miss it!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you’d consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we wrap up 2022, I’m finishing the year the same way I started it by sharing a few of the things I wish I had known as a younger mom.    I try not to live with regrets, but I also know the value that comes by taking inventory in our parenting and acknowledging the areas of growth as well as the struggles.The four things I’m sharing with you today began with an article I wrote several years ago from the perspective of “the oldest mom on the playground.” Since then, I’ve had opportunities to share these parenting truths to various groups, and the Lord has given me even greater clarity that I pray will encourage and challenge you.   I have no doubt that your social media feeds (like mine) are packed with all kinds of weight loss and exercise challenges for a physically healthier 2023. But I would also encourage you to avoid “back-burnering” (assuming that’s a word) your parenting and instead take this week to consider what’s working, what’s not, where you might need to be encouraged, and where you need to encourage others. I’ll start us off with today’s podcast on the four things I would tell my younger parenting self.   I would be so grateful if you would not only take a minute to listen, but then also share it with the other parents you’re walking alongside with each day.   P.S. As we wrap up this year, I’m praying that Pardon the Mess will reach more and more parents. One way you can help us do this is to leave a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. It would be a great blessing if you could take just a minute and do that for me today! So grateful 💕   Resources from today's show:  Christian Parenting Year End GivingOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1   We have a negative connotation around the idea of living in the shadows. We want to avoid raising kids in the shadows because it feels unknown, overlooked, or even worse: insignificant. Yet so often what the world calls “successful” is not God’s definition of success. And living with platform and worldly significance comes at a cost we often fail to consider.    This week we’re praying Psalm 91 over our kids, and asking God to reveal the beauty of shadow living—but only when it’s in the shadow of the Almighty. In this shadow is where we find  God’s love and protection. In his shadow is where we find a nearness to God not present anywhere else, simply due to the sheer proximity required to walk in God’s shadow.   This is our last week of 2022 to pray over our kids. Please don't miss it. Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves.”  — Joni Eareckson Tada   The ten words above have marked me from the very first time I heard Joni Eareckson Tada speak them. And today I want to re-share one of my favorite episodes of the year where Joni is sharing her heart behind these words.    Joni is an author, speaker, artist, and the most incredible example of loving Jesus in the hardest places that I’ve ever known. She suffers with quadriplegia, and, even so, has traveled the world sharing her hope in Jesus.    Joni very candidly talks to us about her accident and the words she prayed just months before it happened. We get a little insight into how she’s learned to love Jesus even when life’s midnight moments of despair come creeping in.     There’s literally no way for me to hype today’s show enough, so please, please take a minute and go listen.    Resources from today's show:  Joniandfriends.org Christian Parenting Year End GivingOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room.”   Singing carols like “Joy to the World” is one of my favorite things this time of year. The nostalgia that comes with singing these beautiful words reminds me over and over again of the significance of Jesus coming to earth as a baby, paving the way for our salvation.   This week we’re praying for our kids to experience the true message of Christmas and respond with the profound joy that our favorite Christmas carols describe. My dear friend Kay Wyma joins us to talk about Psalm 98 and how Christmas impacts our parenting and changes the lives of our families.   As we enter this week leading up to Christmas, I pray we can remember to praise God no matter what we’re facing in the moment, because our eternity is settled. That’s the heart of Christmas.    Join Kay Wyma and me as we pray for our kids. Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We hear Jesus referred to as Immanuel in the Christmas story and all throughout the Christmas season. We know it means “God with us,” but do we ever stop and think about what that means practically?    Rebecca Carrell is with us today and has the perfect Christmas reminder of why Immanuel changes everything in our lives. She challenges us to consider how the Israelites experienced God in the desert through the daily direction and provision of following a cloud and waiting for manna to eat.    We have the same opportunity to tap into the real presence of Jesus, who wants to guide and direct us through all we face each day.    Take a few minutes to nurture your soul as we consider the gift of Immanuel, the God who is with us in this very moment.    Resources from today's show:  Rebecca Carrell Honestly Though podcast  Sky Ranch Camps  Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oh contentment, why are you so elusive this time of year? Why do the holidays leave us searching for better presents, bigger wow moments, and flawless family interactions?    As you may have guessed, we’re praying for contentment this week as we head into the home stretch of Christmas. We’re asking God to remind us that he knows each of our needs before we even realize them, and he’s faithful to provide in the most generous and comprehensive way that’s in our best interests.    Join me this week as we consider Psalm 34 and what it means to “taste and see” that God is good. Leaning into this truth will help us pray for our kids (and ourselves) to acknowledge that anything and everything that’s good in this life is from God—and his provision is perfect.   Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Friendships are some of God’s greatest gifts in our lives. However, they can be super complex too.    Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnson join us today to talk about healthy friendships in our own lives, as well as parenting friendships with our kids.    Here’s some of the great friendship topics we cover: The lies we believe in friendships Loving ourselves so we can love others The number of friends we have capacity for Facing rejection in friendships Guiding our kids through lasting friendships   Amy and Jess are so much fun, and I know you are going to walk away with a new appreciation for the true gift of friendships.     Resources from today's show:  Christian Parenting Year End Giving I’ll Be There by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I realize it’s December and life is crazy! But let’s take just a few minutes to slow down and pray for our kids today.    Our focus this week is praying that our kids learn to fear God. Fearing God sounds confusing, but it’s not about living scared or fleeing from him. Instead, it’s living in such awe and reverence towards God that we’re willing to submit to him even when it doesn’t make sense.    We learned last week that fearing God is the key to wisdom (Psalm 111:10). And in a world that thrives on earthly knowledge, our kids need wisdom from God’s word now more than ever.     Join me in praying that our kids won’t settle for a head-knowledge of God, but instead gain a heart of awe and reverence that propels them towards their Savior. Fear God. Gain wisdom. Live in his blessing. That’s the long and short of it.   Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we’re talking all things Christmas with Alicia Wood and Lee Cordon! Alicia and Lee are pros when it comes to Christmas preparations and keeping our sanity this time of year. They are so much fun and you’re 100% guaranteed to be in the spirit of Christmas after today’s show.  Here are a few of the things we cover: 🎄Gift giving ideas and how to keep it under control 🎄Making lists and preparing for Christmas early  🎄Hosting holiday gatherings with less stress 🎄Hacks for decorating your house and wrapping gifts  🎄Family traditions and keeping our faith central to our celebrations   This is the podcast you need while running errands, addressing Christmas cards, and doing all the Christmas things this time of year!    Resources from today's show:  Alicia Wood Lifestyle  Do Say Give with Lee Cordon Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy