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

Learning differences impact so many of our families, and oftentimes leave us confused and concerned as we consider the impact on our kids. I’m so grateful we have the opportunity to talk about this important issue today, and I’ve brought in the best to guide our discussion.     Dr. Matthew Housson has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and focuses his Dallas practice on learning differences, specifically diagnosing autism, attention disorders, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.    He is preeminent in his field and is graciously giving us a crash course on topics like these:  When is too young to test for a learning difference? How do learning differences present themselves in elementary, middle, and high school?  Does a LD mean lower intelligence?  What are the different types of attention disorders?  Is it ever too late for “early” intervention?    My prayer is that we can dispel some of the myths and shed light in the dark places we fear on the learning difference journey.    Trust me when I say you need to hear this today—if not for your own children, then for those walking these roads beside you.    Resources from today's show:   The Housson Center  Parenting for the Present resources Captain Absolutely I Love You, Mom! Parent with Purpose - A Perfectly Imperfect Christian Parenting Digital EventPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I’m guessing you pray inerrancy over your kids every day like I do? Just kidding, me neither.      But I do believe inerrancy is a critical aspect of our faith and one we need to be praying for our kids. Boiling it down to one sentence—praying inerrancy means praying for our kids to believe that everything in the Bible is absolutely true. That’s it!    And it’s especially important in a culture of relativism that believes there is no absolute truth. Some of the anti-inerrancy (assuming that’s a word) messages we hear today relate to the Bible being dated and not relevant today because we’re more enlightened now. Or that the Bible was written by too many authors, so it’s contradictory and not a reliable historical source.     There’s lots more to this topic, but we’re going to keep it short by praying that our kids believe every word in the Bible is divinely inspired and the ultimate authority for their lives, no matter what the culture is telling them about the Bible.     Join me in praying inerrancy this week—it’s a big one! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The last few weeks we’ve discussed the various lies we believe when it comes to things like faith vs. science, or our friendships, or even lies our culture promotes such as Christians are intolerant and even dangerous.    But this week we’re honing in on lies good moms (like you and like me) believe, and Kari Kampakis joins us to identity and dispel them.    We’re talking about lies like:    ✨ My needs are second to the needs of my kids ✨ I don’t have time to rest  ✨ We’re to be comforters, not comforted ✨ Our personal wellness goals are selfish  ✨ We aren’t important outside of our role in the family    I especially don’t want you to miss our discussion of having certain “malls” in our lives (you’ll understand when you listen) and how those places of stress and anxiety need to be identified.    I can’t wait for you to hear this word from Kari Kampakis and all that she is sharing from her book, More than a Mom.   Resources from today's show: More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) How Much Is a Little Boy Worth Get your Early bird ticket to the 4 Perfectly Imperfect digital event, Parent with Purpose today!Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s all but impossible to do the things God calls us to without courage. David, Joshua, Moses, and Samuel each challenged their people to be courageous in their last days before going to heaven. Why? Because living for God isn’t the easy road, and we will be called to places that are impossible without courage.    I can’t help but think of what some of our favorite Old Testament greats would have missed without having courage.    Moses without courage doesn’t leave his land and go to a foreign country Esther without courage doesn’t speak to the king and save a nation Moses without courage doesn't lead the Isrealite Rahab without courage doesn’t house the spies   I could go on and on, but let’s just say it’s important to pray courage over our kids because they are going to be asked by God to do bold things in this culture. Let’s also pray that they have the courage to say no to things that are not from God like drugs, toxic friendships, gossiping, pornography, etc.    We have one life to do the things God has called us to this side of heaven—and if the people in the Bible tell us anything it’s that we’re going to need a little courage along the way. Can’t wait to pray with you!Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You had me at hello, Jennie Allen!    Too much?    Probably so, but let’s just stop right now and say that our conversation today on friendship (and the lies surrounding it) is amazing. Coming from a place of starting over in her own world, Jennie shares what she now knows about friendships and what they are, what they aren’t, and what impedes us from the God-given deep connection we so desperately need.    Here are some of the great topics we discuss when it comes to finding your people: The different roles our friendships play What to look for in friends Putting yourself out there Choosing a fire pit over Netflix  Noticing who is already around you Decisions in our careers, neighborhoods, and family that impacts friendships Jennie’s book is out this week and you need a copy!    Don’t miss this much-needed conversation on the importance of our friendships and reminders that finding community is not impossible with a little bit of intentionality.    Resources from today's show:  Noteworthy for Kids FIND YOUR PEOPLE: Building Deep Community in a Lonely WorldPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

They say that character is how you act when nobody’s watching. And as believers, we know that there’s never a moment where no one is watching because the Lord is with us at all times.     This week we’re praying for our kids’ character, using Stephen’s life in Acts 6 and 7 as our reference point. Every time Stephen is mentioned in Scripture he’s described as being “full of faith” or “full of the Holy Spirit” or “full of God’s grace and power.” He had a reputation of knowing and living for God. Reputations matter, and a reputation marked by character has enormous impact.     When we pray for character this week we’re praying not only for our kids' reputation, but for the actions that form their reputation, and for significant character-building opportunities in their lives. We’re also discussing practical marks of good character, like serving others, speaking truth in love, and reigning in on our words.     Billy Graham once said that “[w]hen wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.”     Let’s pray for character together! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jim Denison is with us today, and I believe there’s no one more in tune with our culture and the narratives we’re facing as believers. Jim and I discuss why it’s important to identify the preeminent lies of the day so that we can have answers and bring light to those who so desperately need the Lord.    My hope is that today’s show gives you a new framework by which to consider our faith and encourages you to find your specific calling for the Lord. Although we cover a lot of ground, here’s some nuggets you don’t want to miss:   ✨ How our culture has rejected Biblical morality  ✨ The problem with living in a society that believes there is no absolute truth ✨ The smaller earthquakes forming a greater tsunami for Christians in America ✨ Ways to counter the incorrect narratives and bring light to a dark world   We can be assured that if we aren’t willing to inform our kids about cultural issues of our day, the world will gladly do it for us. I believe today’s show is critical for raising kids who are eyes wide open in today’s culture, but also confident in God’s sovereignty and hope.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What is that one thing that totally gets under your skin as a parent? Messy rooms, bad grammar, laziness? For me it’s disrespect.    It takes all I have not to lose my ever loving mind when my kids are disrespectful in our home or towards others. I think it’s because I know how detrimental it can be later in life if you don’t learn respect early on.     Respect is significant, so I’m thankful we’re talking about it this week. We’re praying that our kids learn to show respect not just towards the authorities in their lives but also respecting those around them because all people are made in the image of Christ. But taking it even further—let’s pray they have an extra dose of respect towards God’s Word, his church, and the people he has put in spiritual leadership in their lives.     Respect is one of the most important things we can teach our children as they learn to interact well with others. Let’s pray together over it this week! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Louie Giglio is back with us today, and you need to drop everything and listen now!    Okay, maybe it’s not that urgent but what a gift to have Louie join us in continuing our series on lies we believe as Christians. Today we’re discussing the common misconception that science and God do not line up, making christians have to turn a blind eye to certain science premises because of our faith.    Louie encourages us to actually do the opposite and stay diligent in exploring science to see how all things lead us back to God. We also discuss how important it is to have these discussions with our kids so they aren’t blown out of the water having never considered this “science vs. God narrative” after they leave our homes.    Louie has a new devotional out for our younger kids (ages 8-12) called The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science. Grab a copy for the little ones in your life as a great way to start science related discussions.    Lastly, if you aren’t familiar with his Passion Conferences for college kids, today is your perfect chance for an insider’s look as Louie shares some of the most meaningful moments in Atlanta last month. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s borderline comical when you stop and think about all the people in the Bible who were simply going about their business only to have God completely “interrupt” their plans and completely change their course.     I think of Noah stopping life to build an ark, or Abraham leaving it all to go to a foriegn country, or even Mary switching her wedding plans to baby preparations.     Only God can take our ordinary days and make them extraordinary for his purposes—if we’re willing. It takes some real intentionality to hold our plans loosely and allow the Lord to interrupt what we have planned in order to accomplish what he has uniquely designed. And the same goes for our kids.     This week we’re praying that our kids live interruptible lives in which they (1) live with enough margin to have time for the things God has for them, (2) learn to hear God’s voice in the still small moments, and (3) live with a willingness to go wherever he leads.    Oh, and I have my own story of interruptibility that I share in today’s podcast—I hope it encourages you as we pray interruptibility over our kids this week. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy