French Fries and Clean Suits with Cynthia Yanof

You all LOVED our series Empty Nester Wisdom from two years ago so we are bringing it back. Mentors have played such a vital role in my parenting journey. For the next two months, we are going to learn from other wise and godly moms that are just a season ahead of us. This series isnt just for those entering the empty nest season - its for all moms and all stages. Get your journals ready for the next 9 weeks - they all offer some advice and encouragement worth keeping. And possibly bring a tissue box. 

Have you all watched the amazing show Love On The Spectrum? If not, you need to add that to your watch list for the summer. Its a romantic documentary series as people on the autism spectrum look for love and navigate the changing world of dating and relationships.

My guest today is Nicci Smith who is a mom, wife and fierce advocate of the autism community. Her son, Tanner, is one of the breakout stars of the show. Nicci is doing an amazing job of sharing her faith in her new found fame. In todays episode, we hear from a seasoned mom of four grown kids and all that God has taught her along the way.

She is so honest about her faith and her doubts which is so refreshing. She is also honest about how long she wanted to fix the autism out of Tanner. She provided invaluable wisdom to let go of control sooner. And to enjoy the exact child God gave to each of us. She shared that shes thankful God didnt answer her prayers to take the autism away. 

Join us for the next 9 weeks and dont forget to grab a journal and take notes from these wise mommas. What a gift!

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(10:49) Acceptance and Letting Go

(16:42) Trusting God's Plan for Our Children

(18:40) The Power of Maternal Instincts

(21:11) Navigating Sibling Dynamics in Special Needs Families

(22:00) Fostering Compassion and Understanding Among Siblings

(28:38) Transitioning to the Empty Nest Stage

(31:08) Faith and Trust in Parenting Journeys

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 Nicci

Connect with Tanner

Talk To Me, Sis podcast

Christian Parenting products

Marriage Simplified

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

Guess whos back? My dear friend Dana Sheheane. I wanted to get super practical as we end this school year with best of parenting one-liners. What one-liners do you remember from your childhood? What works in your house?

We go rapid fire today and cover many topics - but you will get a taste of how we tried to keep respect a priority in our homes. We also talk about the new wave of gentle parenting and get honest about our concerns for this approach. As a childrens pastor, Dana sees many kids that have not learned about authority and some simple obedience. Let us know what you think!

I hope this episode is practically helpful for you - and you get some ideas on how to incorporate some helpful little phrases. 

We compiled the list HERE (insert link) for you to print - and be sure to add your own. On social media this week, we will give you space to do that and we want to hear whats working in your home. 

Of course, the most effective and most lasting one liners you can ever use can be found in Gods word. Dont forget to have scripture in your home and try to memorize as you go. You can find ABC Scripture Cards at Cleerely Stated - these are the updated versions of the cards I created for my kids when they were young. Looking back, Im so glad these truths were hidden in their hearts from an early age.

Congratulations on the end of the school year mommas - you did it!

Love,

Courtney 

(02:50) Summer Plans and Community Engagement

(06:00) Health Updates and Family Challenges

(12:09) Parenting Insights and One-Liners

(21:28) Navigating Disappointment and Attitude

(22:34) Encouraging Independence in Problem-Solving

(23:58) Instilling Values of Love and Acceptance

(24:26) Awareness and Responsibility in Life

(25:09) Teaching Accountability and Contribution

(26:09) Raising Considerate and Kind Individuals

(27:16) Understanding Self-Worth Beyond Appearance

(28:21) Teamwork and Shared Responsibilities

(29:40) Learning from Mistakes and Growth

(30:57) The Importance of Punctuality and Respect

(32:01) Assuming Positive Intent in Relationships

(34:37) Planning and Responsibility in Adulthood

(36:39) Setting Boundaries and Respecting No

(37:10) The Power of Kindness and Empathy

(41:31) Intentional Prayer and Connection with Children

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:

Link to one-liners PDF

Danas first episode on PTM

Mountain Brook Community Church

Connect with Dana

ABC Scripture Cards

Scripture Affirmation Cards

Noteworthy Prayers

Noteworthy Kids

Christian Parenting products

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

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

We have spent the last few months together praying for our kids to live a life of faith. We have prayed that they would know, love, follow, and share the good news of Jesus. Might I encourage you to continue in these prayers? Our job as a praying parent does not end just because this journal ends.

Prayer is the very best gift you can give your kids and the only one that will last forever. Keep doing the hard and holy work of raising your kids in the faith, your work is not in vain and it does not go unnoticed. Continue to pray for your kids to have a lasting faith in Jesus and that they will keep their eyes on him, working to expand his kingdom until the end of their journey when they hear the Lord say, Well done my good and faithful servant. 

Remember, a life of faith is not linear. Your faith story has ups and downs and your kids faith stories will have ups and downs, too. So no matter where your kids currently are or will be in their faith journey, do not lose hope. Remember that God is sovereign over all thingsincluding the lives of your kids. He loves your kids even more than you do and he knows how their stories will go.

Together, lets make it our mission to pray for the next generation to live full lives of lasting faith and make a big impact in the world for Gods kingdom as they share with others what he has done in their lives 

Father God, thank you for the opportunity to raise the child/children you have given me. Thank you for the gift of communicating with you through prayer. I lift up ________ to you and pray that they will live a full life of faith. Lord, in all the ups and downs of their life, may they continue to keep their eyes on you. May they know how much you love them and may they love you back wholeheartedly. Wrap your arms tightly around them all the days of their life. You know ________s story and I trust you with it. 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

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