When you are beyond tired (soul exhausted) and dont know how to get rest with Jess Connolly

This episode was phenomenal! I think its my favorite episode since I started with Pardon The Mess and Im praying this one goes far and wide. I have to shake my head that I get to talk to people that I admire so much. Lee Strobel is a renowned investigative journalist, former atheist, best selling author - who has spent his career diving into evidence that God is real.

In this conversation, we chat about the supernatural realm. We dive into demons, angels, deathbed visions and much more. I shared my fear about Satan and my skepticism that rises up in this area. I pray that this meets you in your doubts and questions and will give you some opportunities to chat with your atheist friends about God. I also pray this one ignites your faith in a new way.

My favorite part is at the end when we talk about parenting and the supernatural realm. How do we talk about our kids doubts and questions about faith? He shares about a nightly rhythm he had with his kids - to give them a regular and safe space to ponder their faith.

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(02:56) Exploring the Supernatural

(06:04) Experiences of Miracles and Healing

(09:05) The Role of Faith and Skepticism

(11:58) Dreams and Encounters with the Divine

(14:57) Understanding Demonic Influence

(17:11) Demonic Encounters and Exorcisms

(20:34) The Tension of Faith and Skepticism

(24:24) Navigating the Supernatural in Christianity

(28:41) Teaching Kids About the Supernatural

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Lee Strobel

The Case for Christ

Seeing The Supernatural 

Marriage Simplified

NIV Application Bible

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

Then I heard the Lord asking, Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us? 

I said, Here I am. Send me. (Isaiah 6:8 NLT)

We dont know what God will call our kids to do in their lives, but we do know that he wont call them to sit still. He will not call them to keep the good news to themselves. Whatever their profession looks like, wherever they live, whatever their interests are, or who their friends are, God will call our kids to tell people about Jesus!

We are Gods first plan for spreading the gospelhe relies on his kids to be faithful to their calling to go for him. When God says go, we dont say no, even when its hard or uncomfortable! Since God will call our kids to share their faith, lets raise them to respond confidently and go boldly into the situation they are called and say, This is who I was before I met Jesus and this is who I am now.

This week lets pray that when God calls our kids, they will go.

Jesus, I pray that ___________ will respond to your call to go and make disciples confidently and boldly. May they tell others about the amazing things you have done in their lives every day. May they be so in awe of your kindness that they cant help but share your good news. And when they do share about you, Lord, may they do so lovingly and gracefully. Amen.

Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer Journal

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

Can you imagine a world where your kids had room to be kids? Where they didnt hate learning? Where they learned the Bible, core subjects and still had time to play and create and travel? Homeschooling has come so far over the years. As the culture changes and gets further from Jesus and biblical teachings - I think its important to pause and just consider if this could be an option for your family. 

However, we all carry myths about homeschooling. Whether its the idea that they wont be socialized or that moms cant have a job outside of this or that we have to be good in all subjects - lets debunk those together. 

I am delighted to learn from Lyndsey Mimnagh with Treehouse Schoolhouse in this episode. She is so passionate about this style of education and helps break down the myths and the realities. 

My favorite part is when she shares about the benefits she is seeing in her children and their family culture. Dont let fear or insecurity talk you out of something God is nudging you to try! Take a listen and pray on the next steps for your children and their schooling. Just one step. Dont believe the lie that you have to make that decision when they are toddlers and never change course. 

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(03:000 The Joys of Camping and Family Adventures

(05:55) The Journey into Homeschooling

(08:52) Debunking Myths About Homeschooling

(11:56) Socialization in Homeschooling

(14:51) The Role of Parents in Homeschooling

(17:05) The Joy of Learning at Home

(21:30) Balancing Homeschooling and Personal Life

(22:48) Creating Resources for Homeschooling

(25:01) Rooted in Faith: A Curriculum for Families

(27:04) Encouragement for Hesitant Parents

(29:10) Navigating Independence in Parenting

(31:14) Practical Tips for Daily Life

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Lyndsey at Treehouse Schoolhouse 

(CODE: PARDONTHEMESS15 = 15% OFF anything in her store) 

Rooted - Family Bible Curriculum 

Treehouse Book Club

Marriage Simplified

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

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35)

We all want our kids to be leaders in their communities now and in the future. As followers of Jesus, we are called to see ourselves last instead of first. In fact, the Bible tells us that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. This means we lead not by positioning ourselves well, but by seeing the needs of others and meeting those needs with our giftings and resources. 

When we serve and love others in this way, we serve and love God. This week, lets pray that our kids become humble servant leaders in their communities to make a big impact on Gods kingdom. Lets pray that they are the first to help when they see others in need and that they reflect Christs gentleness, mercy, and willingness to sacrificially serve and share with others.

Jesus, help us to lead like you do. May ______________ set aside their desire for power and accolades and serve out of a heart for you and your kingdom. I pray that they continue to make a difference in their community because of the example of service that you give us. May their heart stay humble and focused on you. Amen.

Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer Journal

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

Have you ever heard the term mental load as it relates to what we carry as moms? It's the same as carrying every single thing up the stairs as your arms give way to the overload. Our minds do the same. We just snap because our minds arent meant to carry so much. So what do we do? How do we keep our care and responsibility high for our kids without drowning?

I was delighted to talk about this issue with Emily Jensen, founder of Risen Motherhood. Shes a mom of 5, author, speaker, podcaster and has so much encouragement and practical tips for us.

Mothers Day is this week and I want to challenge us. If you have some expectations or needs for what you need for that day - would you tell your spouse? Or family? Or children? This will help the day to be much smoother! 

My favorite part is when she shares about her recent decision to walk away from a big part of her ministry at Risen Motherhood. She put everything before the Lord and asked Him to confirm which things should go in this season. Wow! What a brave thing to do and I cant wait to see how He honors her with letting go of something so close to her heart.

Happy Mothers Day beautiful moms! You are so loved by God. You are doing a phenomenal job or raising your kids. Giving you a huge Texas hug!

Much love,

Courtney

(02:50) The Mission Behind 'A Million Tiny Moments'

(06:04) Understanding the Mental Load in Motherhood

(09:05) Strategies to Alleviate the Mental Load

(11:54) Long-Term vs. Short-Term Parenting Goals

(14:53) Finding Clarity Through Prayer and Decision-Making

(16:49) Navigating Life's Seasons

(21:27) Alleviating the Mental Load

(25:58) Empowering Kids with Responsibility

(28:15) Managing Expectations for Mother's Day

(32:31) Finding Peace in Motherhood

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Emily

Risen Motherhood

A Million Tiny Moments - new book by Emily Jensen

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

NIV Application Bible

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