The Parents Behind a Worldwide Name with Lauren & Chris Tomlin


Spoiler alert: these two are as normal as all of us. They are raising kids in the midst of a tough world and chaos at home - they just happen to minister to a worldwide audience. There is an authentic faith in both of them that is so refreshing. You will see why so many of us have been blessed by Chris’s songs throughout many years. 

I have so many favorite parts from this conversation. I get to catch up with my long time friend, Lauren. Together, they share such wise and practical parenting tips for us, and then we end with a story from Chris - how one man blessed him with a prayer (that he would write songs that the world would sing). It’s truly unreal that the exact words he spoke came to life. It’s a powerful reminder for us to speak what God is telling us about the people in our paths. It could bring millions to the Lord. 

 

Lastly, be sure to listen to Lauren’s simple yet profound routine to pray with her girls as they head to school. She asks God to speak to them about how much he loves them every day. Her desire is to teach them to hear how God speaks personally to them.

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by Courtney DeFeo

Marked by Stature

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7

If we want our kids to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor like Jesus, how should we pray when it comes to stature? Merriam-Webster’s definition of stature speaks both to physical height as well as status or reputation; both are key areas we can pray over our kids.

Praying for physical growth is praying that our kids remain healthy and develop into adults who can best accomplish God’s plans for them. It’s remembering that our bodies are God’s temple, so we are called to care for them with the same concern and reverence we would show the physical church. It's praying over our kids’ physical relationships, their decisions related to alcohol and drugs, their health, and praying over everything that impacts their bodies.

Along with physical growth, stature includes praying over our kids’ reputations. Our reputation has the power to lead people to Christ or, if not done well, ruin our witness. It’s what the world looks at to see if we practice what we preach. Knowing that we’re called to live a life worthy of the gospel, let’s pray that our kids grow a reputation consistent with their faith.

Lord, we know you’re more concerned with our heart than our physical appearance, so cultivate in [name]a heart that’s marked by their faith in you. Guide each of my children to make decisions with both their body and reputation that honors you.

God’s word speaks:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
  • 1 Corinthians 13:11
  • Proverbs 22:1
  • Philippians 1:27

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by Courtney DeFeo

How to Pass on a Legacy of Faith with Korie and Willie Robertson


True confession: I was absolutely nervous on this one because I am such a fan of Korie and Willie Robertson. My admiration isn’t because they are famous - it’s because of the way they handle that fame. From afar, they feel so real and genuine and committed to honoring God with all they have and do. They were absolutely genuine and so much more!

In this episode, we talk about their parenting advice for all of us. We talk about kids having free will and how to handle when they make poor choices. They really encouraged me to think about the “why” behind the rules we enforce in our homes.

My favorite part is when we talk about their new movie, THE BLIND, that is coming to theaters on September 28. Long before Willie’s dad, Phil Robertson, became a reality TV star, he fell in love with Miss Kay and started a family. However, his demons threatened to tear their lives apart. THE BLIND shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil’s life as he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, ultimately finding redemption in an unlikely place. 

It was so inspiring to talk through their desire for the film and why it was important to tell their family story. THE BLIND is a story of redemption which will encourage so many people in their own journeys to find hope.

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by Courtney DeFeo

BONUS: Marked by Wisdom

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” —Luke 2:52

The Bible gives us little glimpses of Jesus as he was growing up, like the reference in Luke that he grew in wisdom, stature, and favor. As we kick off a new school year, it seems appropriate to pray for the same areas of growth for our family that Jesus experienced.

The world values the wisdom found in history, art, literature, and music, but, as believers, we’re reminded that true wisdom comes only from God (Matthew 6:33). 

Solomon was given the opportunity to ask God for anything when he became king. Feeling inadequate to fill David’s shoes, he asked for wisdom to govern his people well. God was so pleased with his request that he gave Solomon greater wisdom than any other man (along with lots of wealth). What a great reminder that God’s wisdom is unparalleled and that he’s generous to give it to those who ask. 

As we pray for kids marked by wisdom, let’s pray that they are receptive to God’s instruction and resolved to live in the wisdom it provides. The world has lots of wisdom counterfeits; pray that our kids seek the only true source, Jesus.

Lord, your wisdom is more precious than gold and you generously offer it to all who ask. Provide [name] with wisdom in the words they speak and the roads they walk. Give my family a desire to always seek your direction and clarity in their lives.

God’s word speaks: James 1:5; Colossians 4:5–6; Proverbs 2:6; James 3:17

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by Courtney DeFeo

Why are goals so hard? With Jon Acuff


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. 

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by Courtney DeFeo

Practical Parenting Tips & FAQs


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.

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by Courtney DeFeo

Real Talk for Moms of Girls with Grace Valentine


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!

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by Courtney DeFeo

Rethinking Adversity with Mike Erwin


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.

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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

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by Courtney DeFeo

Balancing Work & Mom Duties with Cynt Marshall


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.

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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

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by Courtney DeFeo