Decluttering 101 with Allie Casazza

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Joshua was one of only two people who left Egypt and entered the promised land. He was a military leader and a spy, and eventually took over as leader of the Israelites after Moses died. He continually led the Israelites into battle and trusted in Gods promise that they would reach and enter the promised land.

Through all the battles and all the whining of the Israelites, it would have been easy for Joshua to feel overwhelmed, defeated, and afraid. And he probably did! But God continually reminded him to be strong and courageous. God did not want Joshua to rely on himself; he wanted Joshua to rely on him.

We live in a world that tells us to believe in yourself. In reality, thats a lot of pressure to put on ourselves, and its a lot of pressure for kids to feel. As Christian parents, we know a better way. When our kids doubt themselves, when they are nervous, they dont feel good enough, and fear of failure quietly creeps into their minds, our job is to remind them that God is with them. He will never leave them or forsake them, so they dont have to be brave on their own. True courage does not come from relying on ourselves; it comes from relying on the one who never fails.

This week, lets pray that our kids feel strong and courageous because of Gods never-ending presence in their life.

Jesus, help __________ to feel strong and courageousnot because they know it all and can do it all but because they have access to you who does know it all and can do it all. Help them to remember that they dont have to muster up their own energy and strength; they can talk to you, and you will lead them just like you have led your people before. Amen.

If you love this episode and dont have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, its not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And dont forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. 

Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

This episode is one we dont want to think about - but we must. The average age of first exposure to pornography is between age 8 and 11. Porn is everywhere. As a parent, it can feel super intimidating and scary to think about these discussions. How do we talk to our kids? What language do I use? When is the right time? How can I protect them? How can I help through this struggle?

Greta Eskridge is the author of How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn and she has a personal story of how porn almost ruined her family. You will love her honesty about her own story, her passion to help other families and the practical ways you can begin to protect your kids.

My favorite part is when she shares about our reaction as parents. We want our kids to come to us whenever they are in trouble. We want to be a safe place so a calm and steady response is required. It is natural to react in anger and fear - but dont forget its not too late. She encourages parents to circle back and remind your child that they are loved and you are there to help. She also encourages us as Christians parents on how to give them a why that ties this issue to their faith and Gods best plan for their life.

Dont miss this one!

Courtney

(01:03) The Journey to Addressing Pornography

(02:36) Starting the Conversation with Kids

(05:34) Creating a Safe Space for Discussion

(08:22) Navigating Technology and Safety

(13:05) Understanding the Impact of Pornography on Teens

(19:45) The Role of Parents in Teen Conversations

(24:28) Resources and Hope for Healing

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Greta

Greta Eskridge Podcast

Its Time To Talk to Your Kids About Porn by Greta Eskridge

Good pictures, bad pictures - book for young kids

God Made All of Me - a book to help children protect their bodies

Song on private parts

Protect Young Eyes - router info and more

Romans 12:12

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Beyond the Sex Talk podcast series - Gracebased podcast

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Then the Lords anger burned against Moses and he said, What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. (Exodus 4:14)

Aaron was chosen by God to support Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. When Moses doubted his ability to speak, Aaron stepped in and delivered Gods messages to Pharaoh. He was Mosess helper! He wasnt the main leader, but his role was still importanthe stood beside Moses, helped perform miracles, and guided the Israelites.

Later, God appointed Aaron as the first high priest; he had a time to support, and he had a time to lead. We know Aaron wasnt perfect; he made a lot of mistakes, but God allows us to keep serving him despite our mistakes because he is full of grace.

Its natural for our kids to want to be the star of the show: the leader of the friend group, the starting player on the team, first in band, line leader. But Aarons life reminds us that God values leaders and the people who support them. Your child will lead at times, of course, but there will also be times when they need to humbly and graciously stand by the side of another leader. Sometimes being a friend, encourager, and helper is just as important as being in charge.

This week, lets pray that our kids seek the Lord, not the spotlight. Lets pray that our kids honor God by serving where he places them, knowing its where they are meant to be to make the biggest difference.

Lord, help __________ have a heart like Aaronsa heart that serves, supports, and honors you. Help them to remember that they dont need accolades from people, because those are just temporary. Instead, help them to use their gifts to glorify you in every role that you call them to. Amen.

If you love this episode and dont have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, its not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And dont forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. 

Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

You will recognize the last name Shankle because Melanie Shankle is a frequent guest on Pardon The Mess. Melanie is one of my favorite authors out there and its so fun to have her daughter, Caroline Shankle, on the podcast today.

She is so delightful and gives such a great perspective of what its like to be a young girl learning hard lessons with God by your side. She reflects on 3 giants teens are facing today. From fitting in to comparison to believing God is who He said He is. It is so helpful for me to hear these things from a young girl that is part of my daughters generation.

My favorite part is when she shares about her journey with her faith. How God made it real to her during her college years. She thought she wasnt good enough to have a strong faith. What an encouraging reminder to our teens that God wants them just as you are. 

Make sure you hug your teens today and remind them that their struggles are normal, validate their journey through difficult seasons, pray for them and remind them that God has them. And then send them this episode and let Caroline remind them that these giants dont have the final say.

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters

(02:51) Life as a Grad Student and Author

(05:46) The Journey to Writing a Book

(08:40) Facing Giants: Fitting In and Comparison

(11:40) Believing in God: A Personal Journey

(14:30) Lessons from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

(17:23) Appreciating Family and Personal Growth

(20:170 Fun Questions and Closing Thoughts

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Caroline

Carolines new book - The Lion and the Bear 

Melanies episode on Storytellers Live (watching Caroline struggle)

Impact - A&M freshmen retreat

Melanie Shankle on Pardon The Mess

Here Be Dragons by Melanie Shankle

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting resources

10 Questions Series

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:1112 NLT)

Mosess life was full of ups and downs. But he is forever known as a great and humble leader. When Moses was born, Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, but God had a different plan for Mosess life: He was saved by Gods plan and raised in Pharaohs palace. And in another turn of events, God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses was a leader among the Israelites, and it cost him everythinghis family, his lifestyle, his comfort, and his reputation.

Moses was not always a confident leader; he initially doubted himself and asked God to send someone else. Someone more eloquent. Someone more prepared. Someone more capable. But the mission to free the Israelites wasnt about Mosesit was about God.

Humble leadership starts with putting God first and knowing that his power works through us. When we follow God, he directs our every step. God doesnt call perfect leaders; he calls willing ones.

Our kids may not lead a people group to freedom, but they will most likely have opportunities to stand up for what is right, help others, and lead others in the way of the Lord. They may feel unequipped at times, just like Moses did, but as parents, we can remind them that when God says go, we dont say nobecause he equips those he calls.

This week, lets pray that our kids grow to be leaders who rely on Gods strength before their own.

God, I pray that __________ would be a faithful and humble leader who answers your call, follows you, and confidently relies on your strength to accomplish the tasks you set before them. When they feel unequipped or unprepared, remind them that you will give them all they need. Help them to take their focus off themselves and onto you and your power. Amen.

If you love this episode and dont have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, its not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And dont forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. 

Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org