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

Sophie Hudson aka “Boo Momma” is one of the funniest speakers and podcasters I have ever been around. Sophie has a way about sharing truth and encouragement in this most relatable way. Today, we cover key topics from Peepers (readers you need) to why Birmingham women are so classy and then we spend most of our chat time discussing women and leadership.In this episode, she shares the hard truth that our churches and communities have not always prepared women for leadership. As moms, we so often wonder if we even have gifts? And we often don’t even see ourselves as leaders. This conversation is a really important one for us as women. Sophie goes into ways we can embrace our roles as women and how to walk fully and confidently in our God-given gifts.This episode is very profound and at the same time practical. You will walk away with tangible things you can do today to see yourself more clearly - how God made you a leader.If you have sons, don’t miss the beginning part as she shares about what God is teaching her as a parent of a grown son. She has some beautiful encouragement for moms of sons and how their relationship has morphed and strengthened over time.I am praying you feel this conversation so fired up and excited to discover your gifts and go lead with passion! I pray that through his conversation we learn to be kind to ourselves and gracious as we learn who we are. Let’s pay attention to what makes us come alive and SEE clearly how God wired us to glorify Him right where we are.In this episode, we discuss:Raising sons and what’s she’s learning latelyWhy women don’t see ourselves as leadersHow we can begin to identity our unique giftsHow to see yourself as God sees you - finding your unique wiring Enjoy !Courtney What brings you alive? 00:00Introduction and Family Background01:37Active Parenting and Engaging in Conversations04:23The Growth of Self-Awareness in Children07:56The Importance of Light-Heartedness in Leadership09:11Empowering Women in Leadership12:13Recognizing and Embracing Leadership Gifts15:56Finding Peace in Pursuing Passions20:02Bringing Joy and Encouragement in Everyday Life21:17Finding Purpose and Identity Beyond Motherhood23:26Embracing Your Unique Gifts and Talents25:53Prioritizing Personal Interests and Passions35:31Living a Life that Brings Joy and Glory to GodConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:SophieHudson.comBig Boo CastA Fine Sight To See - her newest bookPeepersDaily DrillsHomeGoods Camp White BirdCarpool Conversations PodcastPardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Scripture tells us that God is like a potter and we are like the clay that he works with (Isaiah 64:8). He forms us with his hands, but he doesn’t forget about us once he is done! We are not a clay pot that sits on a shelf and is only touched when we remember to dust it every now and then. No, God continues to shape us.In fact, God loves us so much that he calls us his own! When we choose to follow Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family where there is both freedom and grace. Our father is so faithful to us that even when we don’t choose him or we run away from him, he waits for us and rejoices when we return. There is nothing we, or our kids, could ever do that would make our heavenly father love us less (or more!).So this week, let’s pray that our kids know God as the good father that he is. Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I didn’t know “swap” was a thing in podcasting. Who knew? It was an immediate YES when we got the opportunity to swap episodes with my dear friends Sissy Goff and David Thomas. You will get to hear one of their actual episodes from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast - to get a glimpse of how they support parents across the world. These two have helped raise my kids in some ways. I have read every book they have written and listened to every episode of their podcast. Sissy and David, with Raising Boys and Girls, offer clinical experience and grace-filled encouragement for every stage of our parenting. You will see a glimpse of their practical parenting support and tender encouragement in this episode. When you were growing up, did your parents pass a feelings chart around the dinner table? Or did you have healthy conversations around emotions? We’re guessing, for most of us, that’s a no—but we’d love to hear in the comments!In case you didn’t or are just wondering what a healthy emotional vocabulary looks like for your family, this episode is the one for you! In it, Sissy and David discuss what it looks like to fold an emotional vocabulary into the life of your family, plus stumbling blocks and building blocks that are often more specific to girls and boys (and maybe mom’s and dad’s, too). We hope it helps and that you’re HAPPY and ENCOURAGED once you have a chance to listen!Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season over on our podcast, Raising Boys and Girls.And be sure to listen for Pardon The Mess as we appear on their podcast in the next couple weeks!Enjoy!Courtney Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithCelebrating around the TablePolitics SimplifiedResources from today’s show:Sign up for Raising Boys & Girls monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!Tune into more of this series on the Raising Boys & Girls podcastGo behind the scenes and watch Sissy & David’s podcast on YouTube!Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart.Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com.Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The mother-daughter relationship can be the most special bond out there. However, it can also be tough in many seasons. The mother-daughter duo of Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley Cooney are on the podcast today to give us very practical tips on ways to build, maintain and strengthen our relationships with our daughters.As we think about the mother-daughter relationship, we can often jump to the things we need to add to our plate. We feel guilty that we aren’t doing enough. Sandra shares that we may need to actually eliminate things. We may need to limit what we do - to make room for this important relationship. As a mom of daughters, I absolutely loved this chat and it gave me so many great ideas I can still implement in my own home. However, if you have sons, you will still gain some great thoughts on connecting with all of your children.My favorite part of the episode is when Allie shares about her college experience and how she made her faith her own. Her insight was really helpful to me about our kids finding their identity and how they can change from “I have to love Jesus” to “I want to love Jesus.” So many powerful moments from two of my favorite people.In this episode:Creating a safe and loving environment for daughtersHow to pass on an authentic faithHow to show interest in your child’s lifeEnjoy!Courtney00:00Introduction and Mother-Daughter Similarities03:50Creating a Safe and Loving Environment for Daughters07:16Passing on Faith: Modeling and Encouraging a Personal Relationship with God16:14Modeling Authentic Faith18:36Personal Faith Journey22:11Staying Stable in Parenting24:12Being Available and Humble28:30Showing Interest in Your Child's Life30:23Adjusting Parenting ApproachesConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:SandraStanley.comAllie Stanley InstagramMeet Me In The Middle - their new bookI Said This, You Heard That - temperament bookParenting book by Andy and Sandra StanleyAllie & Courtney - previous podcast episodeOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever had a season where you question everything about yourself? Have you found yourself in an insecure spot and wonder if you’re too late or too old? Do you wonder if you have anything to offer the world?I have been in this place more times than I can count. Being a mom and balancing career and purpose and raising kids can be very complicated and very discouraging. It’s so very hard to discern what to do when God feels quiet and sometimes the path feels uncertain or vulnerable.My guests today, Cari Trotter and Terri Flannagan, share their own stories about why it’s so hard to discern around career and calling. I believe their honest feelings and practical advice will encourage you in your own journey.Please don’t miss this entire episode. It’s a little long, so you may need to listen in two parts. My favorite part is at the end when we start tackling the practical stuff. What do we do with a complicated situation? How can we take a step? How can we discern what to do in the next season?I pray this episode meets you in such a special way. That you feel like we opened your heart and soul and spoke to a place that needs encouragement. I am insanely thankful for authentic and honest friends that love me and love Jesus. It’s a true gift.In this episode, we discuss:Handling a midlife crisis, work and reinventing ourselvesBalancing careers and raising kidsHow to discern what God has for us How to fight the very loud lies that want us silent and frozen00:00Introduction and Entertaining Start04:02Talking About Fashion and Passion Projects05:50Midlife Crisis, Work, and Reinventing Ourselves08:51Introductions and Current Life Situations11:54Why Balancing Work and Personal Life is Hard16:38Discerning What's Next and Dealing with Lies22:13Navigating Transitions and Evaluating Priorities25:20Dealing with Comparison and Seeking Authenticity27:13Being True to Yourself and Finding Support31:48Conclusion and Final Thoughts34:46Staying Rooted and Grounded37:13Embracing Silence and Growth44:34The Journey of Faith50:56Redefining Success57:45Embracing Struggles and FailureConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:CariTrotter.comParty On Purpose - Cari’s business with girlsCari’s InstagramTerriFlannagan.comThe Unreal Reel - Terri’s InstagramOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You can imagine, I have been quite excited to share this episode with you all. Priscilla Shirer is one of the gifted preachers that has inspired me and challenged me so much over the years. I was so thrilled to get a chance to interview her about her latest movie and book. The Forge, produced by The Kendrick Brothers, is set to release next week. I Surrender All, her latest book, just came out last week. Both of those new projects are all about surrender. How can we surrender our lives and go from being a believer to a disciple? I loved how she teaches us about that difference and how the idea of surrendering all can truly impact our faith (and our families).Although Priscilla is a world-renowned teacher, preacher, actor and writer - she’s also a mom, just like us, giving it her very best. I love hearing about the ways her amazing parents instilled the practices of faith. She shares about their consistency and what she remembered about growing up in a house that honored God.Don’t forget to grab your Prayer Journal! We will be starting to pray through that together on Pardon The Mess on September 9. Grab a friend or your small group and let’s commit to pray for our kids this entire school year.In this episode, we chat about:The difference between being a believer and a disciple How to walk through grief and hold onto your faithHow to instill faith in our kids when they aren’t into itHow to stay consistent with honoring God with your kidsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Priscilla Shirer - Priscilla’s ministry, Going BeyondThe Forge - Her latest movieI Surrender All - Her latest bookEvans Family on Death & LossOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are finishing our Summer of Stories with Nicole Zasowski. She is a counselor, author and speaker that shares her painful story of infertility and miscarriage. Many of you know too well what it’s like to embrace joy when you’ve walked through so much loss and disappointment. Nicole bravely encourages us all that it’s possible. It’s possible to find joy and practice thanksgiving even when mourning and grief is very present.Make sure you follow along this week on Pardon The Mess Instagram page. I will share the picture of all of her kids that stopped me in my tracks. The photo was edited to feature her 3 kids on earth and her 5 kids in heaven all walking together on the beach. This photo so beautifully depicted the reality that Nicole is a mom of eight children, not just three. If you have been through loss like Nicole, I believe you will be so encouraged by her honesty about the emotions she feels and her journey with God through it all.My favorite part is when she shares about the brain science behind negativity and joy. She shares practical ideas on how we can lean towards and practice savoring joyful moments. We can store these memories in a part of our brain that helps us recall them again and again.Praying for each of you now, that you feel seen and heard through this episode. I pray that God meets you in the tender, broken and disappointed places of your heart. Much love,Courtney In this episode, we chat about:Nicole’s journey with infertility and miscarriageLeaning into God with all of your emotionsHow sadness can help us find the joyHow to practically celebrate and savor moments when life is hardTimestamps:0:00 Introduction and Background03:48 Struggling with Infertility and Miscarriage08:09 Feeling Alone and Finding Support11:35 Journey Between Children16:01 The Vulnerability of Joy22:24 Holding Both Pain and Joy24:17 The Power of Celebration27:56 Savoring Everyday Moments30:21 Celebration as a Rhythm35:40 Engaging God in Joy and PainConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:NicoleZasowski.comLost to FoundWhat If It’s Wonderful NLT Student Thinline Reference BibleHope for your HomeschoolOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to Week 9 of our Summer of Stories series! This Summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the hilarious and wise Karen Stubbs. How many people can say they married a Top Gun fighter pilot? Well, Karen married that guy we saw in the movies. However, she very quickly realized that the cute uniform wasn't that cute when he was away most days of the month.Karen’s story is one of raising her young four kids without support. So many of you know this road - whether you are a single mom, have a husband that travels or works often or even if you live from friends and community. Karen shares the very honest truth of what God did when she felt completely alone and isolated in motherhood.Make sure you get to the end when Karen shares about parenting very different personalities. She explains why it’s so important that we really know how our kids operate and the benefits of parenting them with strengths in mind. I am praying Karen’s story reaches so many moms that feel in over their heads and you find reassurance that God is with you every step of the way. Karen is now a grandmother and runs a global ministry for moms. She has mounds of wisdom and truth that you will enjoy!In this episode, we discuss:How to parent alone from single parenting to a traveling husbandHow to practically survive in a world with little support and communityWhen you realize your husband cannot meet your needsHow to parent kids with unique personalitiesWhen your child questions their faithLove, Courtney00:00Introduction and Background02:53Challenges of Military Life08:01Relying on God to Meet Needs11:03Impact on Children and Marriage14:25Understanding and Parenting According to Temperaments20:13Navigating the Challenges of Raising Kids in the Church24:16Finding Hope in Difficult Circumstances31:49Practical Parenting Advice from 'The Survival Guide to Motherhood'Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Birds On A Wire MomsWire Talk PodcastSurvival Guide to Motherhood by Karen StubbsPinc Ministries with Ashley HicksTemperament & Personality QuizParenting TogetherNLT Student Thinline Reference BibleHope for your HomeschoolPardon the Mess is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders communityOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to Week 8 of our Summer of Stories series! This summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the extraordinary Cleere Cherry Reaves. It’s very likely that you have one of her beautiful products and didn’t even know it. Her massive heart for Jesus pours right into her beautiful company. I have enjoyed so many of her books, devotions and gifts for years. In the first part of our chat, we talked about her business and entrepreneurial spirit. So many of us moms have a creative stirring from God and we often aren’t sure what to do with that. How do we pursue a creative idea while raising kids? We often get overwhelmed and just put it aside. I’m praying that there’s a few moms listening that need to regain confidence and motivation to explore the creative ideas God put inside your heart.The second part of our talk was my favorite! Cleere shares her story of going into labor prematurely and the miracle story that follows. Cleere’s son, Sledge, has faced so many uphill battles and has suffered more than any mom wishes on their child. Maybe you have a child with a tough diagnosis? Or you know of another mom with a motherhood journey that went differently than expected? This episode is for us all. We can all learn from Cleere’s undeniable faith and perseverance as she raises one strong and mighty boy.Love, CourtneyChapters00:00Introduction and Small Talk04:48Creating Products that Serve a Purpose09:36The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship13:03Starting a Business with a Specific Person in Mind16:11Supporting and Celebrating Others in the Entrepreneurial Journey28:12From Challenges to Miracles: Trusting God's Plan35:45The Impact of Perspective on Others37:37Embracing Authenticity and Finding Joy46:01Trusting in the Character of God49:59The Power of Community and SupportConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Cleerely StatedPromises from the Psalms - card set I bought EllaUnfiltered - Cleere’s new devotionalStrongHeartPardon the Mess is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders communityOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to Week 7 of our Summer of Stories series! This Summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the delightful, creative and intentional Erin Burchik. She is a family friend and I have long-admired her approach to parenting. She desperately wants to enjoy each of her kids and embrace the “good ole days” of kids in the home. She will share how traveling and taking trips became a passion of hers. And she will share some super practical ways to make trips doable and affordable when you’re on a budget.Before we get to the scoop on traveling for less, she shares her story about becoming a mom. Through many trials and some devastating financial loss, Erin has fought through doubt and frustration with God. She felt called to adopt and then it didn’t go as smoothly as she had hoped. It’s so fun to see her on the other side of this battle and see the family that God designed from the very beginning. My favorite part is when she explains the WHY behind their family adventures. She’s not traveling to flex on Instagram or show off or waste money. She’s traveling because she wants to create memories with her kids, to carve out time to adventure together and to get out of their comfort zone. I love her approach!In this episode, we discuss:Erin’s journey to motherhood - foster care and adoptionHow to find community with other adopted familiesHow to exchange gifts for experiences at ChristmasHow to find creative ways to do big trips on a little budgetEnjoy!!CourtneyChapters00:00Introduction and Background04:02The Journey of Adoption08:57Building a Supportive Community18:13Creating Lasting Memories20:05Santa Bringing Christmas Trips22:10Maximizing Credit Card Points25:29Saving Thousands on Family Trips28:21Benefits of Traveling with Kids30:15Building Independence and Confidence33:31Enjoying Motherhood and Savoring the MomentsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:StrongHeartErin’s InstagramErin’s travel site - Points For FamiliesErin’s book - Animals of the NativityErin’s book - The Bear HugTBRI for families that have adoptedPardon the Mess is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders communityOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy