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As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess.
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Week 1: Seek righteousness - Noah →
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Hey friends, today we are kicking off this years series that follows Christian Parentings brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. This is something that we look forward to every school year!
If you're new here, every Monday I will share a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your kids.
Let's get started with week one:
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. (Genesis 6:9)
Noah was a great man of faith and obedience. During his lifetime, the Lord saw that the world was wicked. Genesis 6 tells us God saw that every inclination of the human heart and mind was evil, and he was deeply troubled by it. While everyone else on earth was living apart from God, Noah looked different. He was righteous, meaning he was in a right relationship with God. Because of his righteousness, God entrusted Noah with an incredible taskbuild an ark to his specific measurements and rescue humankind and animals from a great flood. And we all know what happens after that: They were safe and preserved life on earth.
It sounds crazy and it probably looked crazy. But Noah and his family confidently lived in a way that was outside the norm because of their faith. No doubt Noah was ridiculed for his righteousness both before and while he was building the ark. But he trusted Gods word even when it didnt make sense, and isnt that what we want for our kids as well?
There will be times when following Jesus means standing alone, making choices that others dont understand, getting made fun of, or trusting God in uncertain circumstances. It is not always easy to live a righteous life.
This week, lets pray that our kids grow to be confident in their faith, listen to Gods voice over any others, and choose to live in a right relationship with the Lord even when it looks a little (or a lot) different from the norm.
Lord, help __________ to have a faith like Noah. Help them to grow in righteousness and focus on you and your ways before anything else. When life is challenging or circumstances dont make sense, may they walk in your ways, knowing that they are always good and that you are always faithful. 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. (It also makes a wonderful gift for grandparents or friends!) 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
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Why Mentorship Matters with Courtney DeFeo →
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I need EVERYONE to listen to this episode! Its the kickoff episode for this upcoming school season and you will hear about an exciting new mentor program. I feel more excited than ever to be hosting Pardon The Mess this year. I feel expectant at what God is about to do IN and THROUGH our listeners. I believe it will be a multiplying year for all of us.
I prayed for God to give me direction, discernment and a fresh wind for these upcoming episodes. I do not take it lightly that you trust me with your time and heart and I want to steward that well. Pray with me that God moves through these episodes to reach people for Jesus and that we glorify Him through our families.
In todays episode, you will have just me! I will share my journey with mentorship and invite you to join me all year. Maybe God is calling you to disciple or mentor a younger woman or maybe God is nudging you to reach out to a mentor. Either way, this episode will set you up for success and remind you why it matters.
At the end of this weeks episode, I will answer some of your parenting questions. From parenting new drivers to teen girls to young adults - parenting is so hard and we all need practical help. I share some resources and encouragement around a few topics. Let me know what other questions you have. Simply DM me over at Pardon The Mess Podcast on Instagram and I will make a note for our next Q&A episode.
Enjoy!
Courtney
(00:00) Welcome to Part of the Mess
(01:22) The Power of Prayer and Community
(02:38) Embracing Mentorship
(04:52) The Importance of Discipleship
(10:34) Introducing My Virtual Mentor
(15:06) Reframing Your Role as a Mentor
(20:02) Practical Steps for Mentoring
(22:42) Q&A: Addressing Parenting Challenges
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Subscribe to Christian Parentings Friday Favorites
Compass Church - Womens Fall Kickoff
Compass Church - Mentor Program
Johnson Ferry Baptist - Titus 2 Mentoring
Goals Sheet
Doing Life With Your Adult Children - book by Jim Burns
Im happy for you, sort of, not really - book by Kay Wyma
The Lion and the Bear - devotional by Caroline Shankle
God Is - devotional by Alena (Pitts) Franklin
The Better Friend - book by Grace Valentine
Girl Mom Podcast by Kari Kampakis
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Practical ways moms can pray with Jodie Berndt →
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Its time for another school year. I am sure youve shopped for backpacks and school supplies and all of the things. Have you made a plan for how you will pray for your kids this year? I would argue its one of the most important things you can do for your family.
Todays guest is prayer warrior, author, TV host, speaker and Bible teacher, Jodie Berdnt. She has authored a series of books entitled Praying Scriptures. She has a book for little kids, teens up to adults. During our chat, she shows us some practical ways we can use Gods word to pray for our kids. Watch this episode on YouTube so you can see the little hands she traces for her kids and grandkids. So cute!
My favorite part is that she talks about the biggest benefit or praying for our kids. Prayer unlocks the door to peace and security as a mom. I loved her encouragement that we can simply let go through the process of prayer. We can acknowledge that God is doing the work and He really cares for our kids. He can accomplish things that we never could as a mom. Wow! Its just what I needed to hear at the start of another school year.
Love,
Courtney
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background
(02:54) The Importance of Local Community
(05:24) Prayer and Its Impact on Parenting
(07:54) The Journey of Praying Scriptures for Children
(11:19) Transformative Power of Prayer
(13:57) Practical Prayer Strategies for Moms
(16:43) Long-Term Prayer for Children
(19:37) Praying for Teens and Young Adults
(22:20) Encouragement for Moms
(24:59) Closing Thoughts and Blessings
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Jodie
Jodies Books
MomLife - Jodies show
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Growing the dynasty through adoption with Jessica Robertson →
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Weve got another great episode here at Pardon The Mess with Jessica Robertson. In this conversation, Jessica shares about her journey of faith, family and the importance of adoption. She reflects on her upbringing in a Christian home, the legacy of her father-in-law Phil Robertson, and the values instilled in her family.
Jessica discusses the emotional journey of adopting her son and the challenges and joys that come with it. I loved hearing her heart for adoption and how that has impacted her own faith.
My favorite part is at the end when she shares about what God is teaching her in motherhood right now. He has been pressing on her to slow down and enjoy the kids at every phase. That is a great challenge for this week. How can we slow down? Can we hug a little longer, stay at the park a little longer or linger at the kitchen table? Lets not be so rushed that we miss moments with the gifts from above - our children.
Does everyone have their Prayer Journal? Im excited to pray together through this school year. Join me!
Enjoy!
Courtney
(00:00) Introduction and Family Background
(05:45) The Journey of Adoption
(11:15) Challenges and Joys of Parenting an Adopted Child
(16:31) The Heart of Adoption and Fostering
(21:27) Dear Valor: A Story of Adoption
(26:56) The Power of a Mother's Love and Presence
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Jessica
Jep and Jess Growing the Dynasty
Dear Valor - her newest book
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Navigating your blended family with Ron Deal →
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One of our listeners reached out about her need for resources for her blended family. I am so glad she did! This episode is for all of those navigated blended families and stepfamilies. I learned so much through this chat with Ron Deal and hope we all lean in to gather more understanding of all of Gods beautiful families.
Ron L. Deal is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who conducts laugh and learn marriage and family seminars and professional training around the country and online. He specializes in both marriage enrichment and stepfamily education.
Frequently featured in the national media, Ron has worked full-time in marriage and family ministry since 1988 serving in both local churches and with FamilyLife®. He currently serves as President of Smart Stepfamilies and Senior Director of FamilyLife Blended®, a division of FamilyLife®. He is the most widely read and viewed author on blended families in the country.
My favorite part is how Ron shares the complex nature of blended families but also gives hope! He reminds us that God is in this process and for your families. He also encourages parents to have patience for the timing of it all. Dont give up!
Enjoy!
Courtney
(0:00 - 2:00)Introduction to Ron Deal
(2:01 - 10:00) The Complexity of Blended Families
(10:01 - 18:00) Patience and Time in Family Bonding
(18:01 - 25:00) Resources for Step-Parents
(25:01 - 32:00) Rons Personal Journey
(32:01 - 40:00) Mindful Marriage Book Discussion
(40:01 - End) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Ron
Smart Stepfamilies - books and resources
Smart Stepfamilies - find a counselor
The Mindful Marriage - new book and conferences
Rachel & Rod Brown with Ron Deal (Family Life interview)
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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