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

Today we get a word from New York Times best-selling author Mary Beth Chapman. Mary Beth is married to Steven Curtis Chapman and mom to their six children: Emily, Caleb, Will Franklin, Shaoey, Stevey Joy, and Maria. As a double bonus, we also have Emily Chapman Richards, the oldest of the Chapman clan and executive director of ShowHope.org, which cares for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Mary Beth and Emily candidly talk about some of the parenting nonnegotiables they have adopted in their families, while also reminding us to let go of the way we think things are “supposed” to look. With authenticity, Mary Beth discusses the hard places in her marriage and the struggle of depression. She also encourages us to take it all to the Lord (and the professionals—ha!). We talk about Mary Beth’s book, Choosing to See, and the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Maria. Their family remains resolute with a testimony of faith in a God who finishes what he starts, even when we may not like how it looks here on earth.   Links from this podcast include: Show Hope Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman     Get the encouragement and support you need to teach your kids to love Christ in a world that doesn’t — directly to your inbox each week! Christian Parenting offers trusted guidance for the hardest job there is. CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //    Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When you get the opportunity to chat candidly about the hard places in parenting with good friends Rebecca Carrell and Kay Wyma - well, you don’t want to miss it. In this episode of Pardon the Mess, the three of us talk about the recent college admissions bribery scandal and the messaging our culture sends that our kids need to look a certain way or have certain credentials to be “good enough.” As followers of Christ, it’s always a great reminder that our identity in Christ is received, not achieved. Kay and Rebecca share real-life examples of some of the tough places in parenting and encourage us to walk in the grace of the Lord as we remind our kids to call out God’s truth in their lives. Kay Wyma is the host of the vodcast, Say Something. She has also written several books, the most recent being Not the Boss of Us. Rebecca Carrell is the co-host of Mornings with Jeff and Rebecca on Dallas radio KCBI 90.9, as well as an author, speaker, and founder of the HeartStrong Faith conference.     Links from this podcast include: KayWyma.com Say Something Vodcast Not the Boss of Us by Kay Wyma Mornings with Jeff and Rebecca on KCBI 90.9  HeartStrong Faith    Get the encouragement and support you need to teach your kids to love Christ in a world that doesn’t — directly to your inbox each week! Christian Parenting offers trusted guidance for the hardest job there is. CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //  Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On October 13, 2006, Abby Rike’s family was involved in a devastating car accident that instantly changed the course of her life. Refusing to let her tragedy become her identity, Abby started a journey that led her to know the Lord in a new, beautiful way. Abby talks candidly and humorously about what gives her purpose and motivates her to get out of bed in the morning. She encourages us to refuse to accept a life of casual Christianity but rather to dive into God’s Word in a way that transforms all we do. Abby humbly acknowledges that she doesn’t have all the answers, but, having walked a very difficult road, she wants everyone to be assured that God will meet you wherever you are. Abby was also a participant on The Biggest Loser and tells us a little bit about that experience. She’s the author of Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope.  Wherever you are in life, whatever you’re worried about or living through, Abby has a word of encouragement for you.   Links from this episode: Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope Rockthis.org How to Help A Grieving Friend by Abby Rike      Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

No introduction necessary on this one, friends.  Kathie Lee Gifford joins us on Pardon the Mess, and we could not be more thrilled to spend time with her. Kathie Lee has been blessed with a successful four-decade career as a television host, actress, singer, playwright, songwriter, and author. She is best known for her fifteen years on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (eleven Emmy nominations), and she’s currently acting as the three-time, Emmy-winning co-host of the fourth hour of TODAY with Hoda Kotb. Kathie Lee and I talk about her faith journey and the impact traveling to Israel has had on her understanding of why she believes what she does. She shares about the difficult days after losing her husband, Frank, and how Jesus is our only hope. Kathie Lee also let us in on her amazing children’s book, The Gift That I Can Give, and how important it is to allow our kids to live out their God-given talents. Oh, and we talk about why she’s leaving TODAY next month and get some insider scoop on what’s next on her agenda. It’s not every day you get to visit with someone who has had a career the likes of Kathie Lee Gifford—especially knowing how seamlessly she shares her faith at every turn. Tune in for this one!    Link: The Gift That I Can GiveOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cultural issues inundate our news feeds every day, and it seems that, all too often, they relate to conflicts of diversity and race. As parents, we all want to talk honestly and biblically with our kids about the real world and the cultural issues they face each day. But if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to feel ill-equipped to talk about diversity with our kids and do it well without saying the wrong things. On today’s podcast, Jenny Brady and Mia Mbroh encourage us to start conversations about diversity in our homes. They are quick to remind us that diversity is not just a matter of skin color, but also gender, socioeconomic status, age, culture, and economic status. Jenny and Mia love the Lord and create a safe place to consider issues of diversity while pointing us back to God’s design and the biblical implications on our faith. Don’t miss this practical, honest conversation on diversity that will help you consider areas where your family might make small adjustments with big impact.   Resources from the podcast: God's Very Good Idea: A True Story of God's Delightfully Different Family White Awake: An Honest Look at What it Means to Be White Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie l TEDGlobal 2009 l The Danger of a Single StoryOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sometimes we have parenting questions that can be awkward, right? And there’s times we need an honest discussion on a topic, but we aren’t sure where to start. In this Pardon the Mess mini-series, Janet Denison answers some of the more awkward or tough questions we face as we raise our kids. We’ve kept these podcasts short and to the point. They are not intended to be the only answer, but a starting point as you go to the Lord with all of your parenting needs. We hope to hit lots of topics that your facing, so please send us an email to editor@chrsitianparenting.org for topics you would love to hear us address in the future. Happy listening!Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As a special agent with the United States Secret Service for 19 years, Darin Kinder has traveled to over 30 countries with presidents and leaders. But on September 11, 2001, he experienced the unspeakable horror as one of those at the World Trade Center. Darin earned a Secret Service Medal of Valor for his heroism that day. But he’s quick to tell people that his story is only a story of survival, while Jesus’s story is one of salvation. For ten years following September 11, 2001, Darin held on to his story and prayed for the Lord to give him the mission for his life. Darin now tells his story of that tragic day, and how even in the chaos and darkness, God was there. He knows that he is now called to speak to men on living lives marked by integrity, courage, and compassion through the ministry he founded, Valiant Ministries. Darin and his wife of twenty tears are raising their four young sons, which he’d tell you is his greatest calling. Darin shares his thoughts on raising brave kids who are willing to live on purpose for the Lord. Darin’s story, his humility, passion, and purpose, will inspire you. Don’t miss this!   Get the encouragement and trusted guidance you need to raise your kids in the uncompromised truth of God’s word - directly to your inbox each week.   CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cheryl Scruggs knows firsthand the difficulties that come with marriage. After divorcing her husband, Jeff, in the midst of her own infidelity, Cheryl realized the lies she believed in her first marriage and the critical importance of having Jesus central in her relationships. Now remarried to Jeff, she talks vulnerably about working through the daily ups and downs and pitfalls we all experience along the way. Cheryl also shares about her daughter’s very public accident (Lauren Scruggs) and how their family drew to the Lord during this crisis. You will be encouraged with her practical words, and even get some suggested readings and resources to give your marriage a boost. (Today’s podcast references Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 19:26, Deuteronomy 8, 1 Peter 3, and Ephesians 5)   For More on Cheryl Scruggs: http://www.hopeformarriages.com/ http://thrivingbeyondbelief.com/   Get the encouragement and trusted guidance you need to raise your kids in the uncompromised truth of God’s word - directly to your inbox each week.   CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //  Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Joni Eareckson Tada wrestled with life’s toughest questions after a split-second decision left her quadriplegic as a teenager. Struggling with how God could allow that to happen, she was blessed with ten words that changed her life: God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves. Joni’s life is a testament to these words and will inspire you in the hard places in life. She talks candidly about questioning God’s sovereignty, working through depression, and living abundantly through Jesus. Joni is an absolute breath of fresh air reminding us of Jesus’ love and urging us to make the very most of every moment the Lord gives us. She’s a well-known artist, author, sought-after speaker, and founder of JoniAndFriends.org. This is a podcast you don’t want to miss!    Get the encouragement and trusted guidance you need to raise your kids in the uncompromised truth of God’s word -                       directly to your inbox each week.   CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you ever think about the day you’ll take your kids to college and what you want them to really know before they leave home? We do too! In this episode, author Holly Shivers and her sister, Wendy Hermes, remind us of the importance of teaching our kids how to pray and memorize God’s word. We all know that with the busyness of everyday life, none of us are looking for something else to add to our to-do lists on a given day. But Holly and Wendy remind us that being intentional in the small things with our kids often pays big dividends in helping them know the Lord in a personal way. And truly knowing the Lord is something we all hope our kids “get” before they leave our homes. Join us for a practical discussion on teaching our kids how to pray and memorize God’s word!   (Today’s podcast references Deuteronomy 11 and Psalm 121.)   Get the encouragement and trusted guidance you need to raise your kids in the uncompromised truth of God’s word -                       directly to your inbox each week.   CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY Facebook // Twitter // Instagram //Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy