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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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How to help unite the church with Dr. Eric Mason →
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I get so many books and pitches that come across my desk. There are so many talented4w authors, pastors and leaders out there and I wish I could have every one of them on. I always pray for discernment on which guests to put in front of you.
When the new book, Rebranding the Church by Dr. Eric Mason, came across my desk, I was definitely intrigued. Dr. Mason planted a church in a tough neighborhood in Philly over 19 years ago. Hes a passionate pastor, husband and father that is leaning into important conversations for unity in the church.
This conversation challenged my thinking and I pray it does that for you too. In todays episode, Dr Mason and I talk about the state of the church and the constant division we are seeing. Are we being a light to our cities? Are we unified with other believers or treating them like enemies? What is the image the world sees with church leadership?
I hope this stirs your thinking (like it did for me) and challenges you to lead my family well in the area of church unity. My favorite part is towards the end when he talks about his approach to Christian parenting. He has his kids listen to podcasts and it invites them to ask questions around faith. He encourages us to invite dialogue into our home. I love that he is an intentional and present dad in the midst of pastoring thousands of people.
Enjoy!
Courtney
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Family Dynamics
(05:03) Navigating the Church's Image and Unity
(10:00) Leadership Challenges in Modern Church
(22:42) Parenting in a Complex Spiritual Landscape
(27:39) The Importance of Presence in Parenting
(29:15) Breaking the Soil of the Heart
(30:12) Unity in the Midst of Division
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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Resources from todays show:
Connect with Dr. Eric Mason
Thriving Ministry
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
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Week 18: Hear Gods voice - Elijah →
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Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10 ESV)
Elijah did truly incredible things in the name of God. We could list miracle upon miracle and talk about Elijahs great faith, his refusal to bow to others, and Gods power. But in 1 Kings 19, Elijah slows down, and the story is so powerful.
Elijah was exhausted from all his work defeating the prophets of Baal and he was afraid for his life. So he ran into the wilderness, where he told God he wanted to die. While he slept under a tree, God, in his goodness, sent an angel that provided food and water. With more energy, Elijah continued his journey, waiting to hear from God.
A powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire came, but God was not in those as you would expect. God was in a still small voice. Elijah was able to hear from God when he was rested, taken care of, and still. He slowed down in the middle of great and important things. He took a nap, ate, drank, and listened.
Our world values productivity and speed. Those are good things, but its important to rest too. In fact, God calls us to Sabbath! Sometimes, our kids just need to rest (we do too!). God knows our limits. He will provide what we needphysically and spiritually. And he often speaks in the quiet moments, when our hearts are still enough to listen. So lets take time to encourage that in our kids.
This week, lets pray that our kids learn to slow down and listen for the voice of God.
Lord, when __________ feels tired or discouraged, remind them that its okay to rest. Help them to take care of themselves, trusting that you will meet their needs. Help them learn to still their bodies and souls and listen for your voice. Thank you for speaking to us and hearing us. 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
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My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship, Time, and Creating Margin with Elaine Franklin →
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Did you know that once a month we are doing a mentor episode? We will cover a different topic each month in hopes to provide helpful content for you and your local mentor.
1) listen to the episode
2) talk about it with a mentor or friend that is a season ahead of you
If youre just getting started - dont miss the first few episodes:
- My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship Matters
- My Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with God
- My Virtual Mentor: Personalities and Temperaments
- My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity
I am so delighted to give you life coach Elaine Franklin on the podcast today. She is 77 years young and has been mentoring women and couples for decades. Her passion for stewardship and time management is so evident. She is practical and wise and gives me hope that we can spend our days wisely in 2026.
My favorite part is when she talks about how to create margin in our lives. I do believe time management is one of the most critical things we can address in our families. How we spend our time matters. It can impact the sanity of our homes. It can help us focus on what matters most.
Enjoy!
Courtney
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(03:36) The Importance of Time Management
(08:50) Understanding Responsibilities and Priorities
(10:53) Finding Purpose and Clarity
(12:47) Practical Tools for Time Management
(19:16) The Need for Margin in Life
(22:46) Reflections on Life and Stewardship of Time
MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (TIME MANAGEMENT)
Scripture to memorize:
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Scriptures for prayer and study:
Ephesians 5:15-16
Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 29:18
Books for further study:
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Freedom from the Tyranny of the Urgent by Charles Hummel
- Its Time - a practical guide to order your days by Shawna Sullivan
Discussion questions:
What is your purpose? What is your mission?
What are your top priorities?
What are the most important things for you in this season?
Who is in your circle of care vs circle of responsibility?
What is God asking you to stop doing?
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Elaine at [email protected]
Connect with Shawna
3 ways to stop wasting your time and money - episode with Shawna Sullivan
7 Dos and Donts for your time and money by Shawna Sullivan
Its Time - a practical guide to order your days by Shawna Sullivan
My Utmost for His Highest - devotional
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
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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Week 17: Biblical wisdom - Solomon →
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Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. (1 Kings 3:9)
Solomon is the biblical king who is most known for his wisdom. One night, God came to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted from God. Solomon asked for wisdom. He could have asked for anything: health, wealth, or defeating his enemies, but he asked for wisdom, and this made God really happy.
God is ready and willing to share his wisdom with us; all we have to do is ask for it. But in a world where incredible knowledge is literally at our fingertips, its easy to overlook biblical wisdom. Earthly wisdom is knowing a lot of math, being well read, and having strong financial literacy; its knowing all the answers on Jeopardy. Biblical wisdom is living within the will of God through the Holy Spirit. Its relying on God to know how to treat people, what activities to participate in, what is right versus wrong, and so on.
God delights in us asking him for wisdom! The Bible says he was pleased with Solomon when he did this (1 Kings 3:10), and he is pleased with us when we do it as well. When it comes to our kids, we desire for them to seek Gods wisdom to make decisions. We model this to them first and encourage them to make wise choices when it comes to friends, where to go to school, acting with integrity, and whether to go to that party. God cares about all of those things, and he will share his wisdom about them with our kids when they ask for it.
This week, lets pray that our kids ask for Gods wisdom and know that true wisdom isnt just knowing what to doits acting upon that wisdom as well.
Lord, give __________ a heart like Solomons, one that values your wisdom above all else. Keep their heart open, ready to listen to your Holy Spirit. We want them to grow wise in every aspect, but to help them make choices that honor you, always acting upon the wisdom you give them. 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
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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Q&A with Larson DeFeo →
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Merry Christmas to you all! I hope this is such a special week for your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus. What a thrill to interview my youngest daughter and give you a chance to get to know her better. Im a little biased, but this girl is one special human. I love learning from her!
She gives her advice on friendships, ways to parent teens, importance of mentoring and much more. She also shares some practical tips from lash serum to our Nuuly obsession.
My favorite part is when she reminds us to offer grace to our kids. I needed this reminder that they need a break from the pressure and expectations. They need to know we will offer grace when they mess up.
Merry Christmas!!
Courtney
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(02:59) Beauty Tips and Favorites
(06:00) Fashion and Shopping Preferences
(08:55) Family Values and Relationships
(11:52) Advice for Middle Schoolers
(12:23) The Challenges of Junior Year
(13:03) Understanding Dyslexia and Learning Differences
(14:42) Sibling Relationships and Transitions
(16:57) College Aspirations and Pressures
(17:52) Faith Development Through Camp Experiences
(20:29) Maintaining Faith in Everyday Life
(23:19) The Importance of Mentorship and Role Models
(26:20) The Importance of Mentorship in Parenting
(27:50) Navigating High School: Advice for Parents
(32:06) Spiritual Growth and Personal Reflection
(34:00) Words of Wisdom for Moms and Teens
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Black Rock - Sugar Free Sunrise
Nuuly link for $30 off
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
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code MESS for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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