My Virtual Mentor: Prioritizing Your Marriage with Ashley Willis

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:1113)

In his efforts to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He was beaten, imprisoned, hungry, and persecuted. He experienced dangerous travels, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite! But through all of that, Paul continued to praise Jesus. He even sang hymns while in prison!

Of all people, Paul understood that our situations and our lives are temporary. He knew what it was like to have more than enough and also knew what it was like to struggle and fear. Through faith, Paul learned to be content in Christ, not his circumstances.

Our lives can change in a second, and our emotions are fleeting. True contentment is learned, and it doesnt come naturally, especially for kids. Its so normal for our kids to want the next best thing. Of course they want the latest toys, electronics, shoes, or clothes, or a place on the best sports team. But when they base their happiness on these things, they are chasing a status and a high that will always leave them wanting more. Even though we know this as parents, we fall into that trap too!

We will only feel truly content by trusting in Gods provision for us no matter what. Our contentment in Christ grows as we trust God more and more. This life is not about the latest and greatest, its about being in a relationship with God.

This week, lets pray that our kids shift their minds to Jesus and learn to be content in him no matter what.

Lord, teach _______ to be content in you. Help them trust in your provision, rejoice in every season (good and bad), and find their peace not in circumstances or what they have but in you. May they, like Paul, decide that through Christ, they have all they need. Amen.

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

Parenting was never meant to be done alone, but building meaningful community can feel challenging in the middle of full and busy lives.

In this episode, Tammie Floyd shares wisdom from years of parenting and ministry, with a focus on friendship and the importance of community for moms. The conversation explores what it looks like to cultivate life-giving relationships, why support matters in every season, and how God often provides the right people at the right time.

We also talk about the role of the local church in a childs faith journey and why consistent involvement can have a lasting impact.

This episode is a gentle reminder that we need each otherand that intentional community can make all the difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Family Background

04:59 Challenges of Parenting in a New City

10:03 Navigating Adult Friendships

14:59 Building Community Through Church

19:58 Raising Kids in Faith

20:51 Engaging Kids with Faith-Based Content

23:09 Navigating the Transition to Young Adulthood

27:02 The Importance of Community in Parenting

29:06 Prioritizing Church in Family Life

31:18 Three Key Themes in Parenting

35:59 Finding Joy and Humor in Parenting

39:39 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Tammie

Gateway Church

Parenting on Purpose curriculum

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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 Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:2931)

Peter is known for being a leader among the disciples, for his job as a fisherman, for denying Jesus three times, and for his passionate and eager faith. Peter was ready to follow Jesus anywhere. In fact, when Jesus called Peter to follow him as his disciple, Peter immediately dropped what he was doing and followed him. And when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the water too.

Peter stepped out of the boat, trusting that if Jesus called him, he could do the impossible. For a minute, he walked on water. But then he took his eyes off Jesus, just for a second, and started to sink. When Jesus rescued him, he asked, Why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:31).

Here is the thing: However imperfectly, Peter got out of the boat. This story reminds us that faith isnt about never failing; its about always coming back to Jesus. Peters willingness to step out in faith grew his relationship with the Lord; it allowed him to experience miracles and do great things for Gods people and church. We can do those things too, but only if we are brave enough to get out of the boat.

It doesnt have to be perfect. A life of faith has ups and downs, and we will all have moments of doubt. But a passion for Jesus means that when we fail, we always know who to reach for, knowing that he will reach back and help us.

This week, lets pray that our kids take a risk for their faith. Lets pray that they boldly and passionately follow where Jesus asks them to, knowing that with him they can do the impossible.

Jesus, give __________ a bold and passionate faith in you. Help them to hear your call for their life and give them the courage to follow you in that calling. When they face dear or doubt, remind them to call on you and trust in your goodness. Amen.

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

Procrastination is something every family faces. It shows up in our own lives and in our kids, often leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure where to start.

In this episode, Jon Acuff returns to share practical insight from his latest book, Procrastination Proof. The conversation explores why we procrastinate, the common traps that keep us stuck, and how to take small, meaningful steps toward progress.

We also talk about how these patterns show up in our kids and what it looks like to guide them with understanding and encouragement instead of frustration.

This episode is a helpful reminder that getting unstuck doesnt require perfectionjust a willingness to take the next step.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Procrastination and Its Universality

02:57 Jon Acuff's Journey to Writing 11 Books

05:56 Understanding Procrastination as a Solution

09:02 The Satisfaction of Completing Tasks

11:53 Four Permissions to Overcome Procrastination

15:05 Navigating New Seasons of Life

18:10 Encouragement for Moms Facing Identity Changes

19:14 Emotional Transitions of Parenting

20:04 Understanding Different Parenting Styles

25:45 Identifying Parenting Traps

30:30 Encouragement for Personal Growth

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Jon Acuff

Procrastination Proof - Jons new book

Four Traps Quiz

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Zacchaeus was a very rich and corrupt tax collector who was disliked by the Jewish people. One day, Jesus was passing through town and Zacchaeus decided he wanted to see him! But as you may know, Zacchaeus was a wee little man, so he had to climb a tree to get a good view. Much to everyones surprise and dismay, Jesus pointed him out, spoke to him, and invited himself over.

At that moment, Zacchaeuss heart changed. He felt guilty, but he also acted on his guilt and repented. He vowed to give half his possessions to the poor and to pay back four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. This wasnt just a small apologyit was a complete turnaround; salvation came to his house and his faith was real because it moved him to action.

We all have a barrier to genuinely meeting and following Jesus. For Zacchaeus, it was his corrupt values and his size. But Jesus broke through those barriers, and when he did, Zacchaeus repented. For our kids, those barriers might be life situations, friends, or even distractions. But no barrier is too big for Christ to reach us. Jesus sees each of us and knows us personally. He invited himself into Zacchaeuss life, though Zacchaeus was a known sinner, and he invites himself into our kids hearts too.

But responding to Jesus isnt just about hearing his call; its about repentance. Zacchaeus didnt just listen, he changed. As parents, we want our kids to truly follow Jesus, and that means turning away from sin and choosing a new way of life with him.

This week, lets pray that our kids recognize the sin in their lives and repent of that sin, feeling confident that Jesus forgives them.

Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins. Help __________ to see the sin in their life and to feel convicted. Take away all their guilt and shame in a way that only you can as they experience your perfect forgiveness. And may they live their life in a way that reflects your grace. Amen.

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