Listen on
Apple Podcasts
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.
Follow Pardon the Mess on Instagram and Facebook!
All Episodes:
Empty Nester Wisdom with Heidi Miller (How to parent with anxiety) →
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We made it to the end of the Empty Nester Wisdom series! If you missed any of these episodes, I encourage you to go back and be sure you have a notebook. Each guest brought such wisdom and godly encouragement for all seasons of parenting, but especially the empty nest season.
Im so grateful for these women and the timing of this series. God knew I needed these chats just before I send Ella off to college.
Todays guest is a dear friend and a trusted pastor of mine - Heidi Miller. She has been in ministry over 20 years and is currently serving as the Next Steps Pastor at my church, Compass Church. In this weeks episode, she shares about her journey with anxiety and what God has taught her through it all.
Whether your child is headed to pre-K or college or their first job, it is so easy to lay awake at night and just marinate in the worry. Heidi gives us such practical ways we can power through anxiety with God by our side. He has met her in anxiety through worship, prayer and community.
My favorite part is when she circles back to remind us all - that the thing she worried about most with Carlee was the very thing God used to transform her life. Praying you find deep encouragement and practical support today with this episode.
Enjoy
Courtney
(00:00) Navigating Empty Nesting and Friendship
(02:42) Understanding Anxiety in Parenting
(05:31) The Journey of Acknowledging Anxiety
(08:31) Finding God's Voice Amidst Anxiety
(11:27) Practical Steps to Combat Anxiety
(14:14) The Power of Community and Prayer
(15:31) Navigating Parenting Challenges
(19:08) The Importance of Prayer and Community
(21:54) Surrendering to God at Night
(24:49) Building Faith Through Everyday Moments
(28:40) Creating a Welcoming Home for Others
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Heidi
Sisterhood/Mentor Event at Compass
Christy Nockels - King Who Never Sleeps
Worship Playlist by Heidi and Courtney
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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Empty Nester Wisdom with Wendy Blight (giving yourself grace, tackling anxiety and learning to read Gods word) →
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Wendy Blight is a passionate woman of God that has written numerous Bible studies and books to equip us as believers. She is on staff at Proverbs 31 and has encouraged and equipped countless moms through her career. This episode will feel like a warm embrace that only God can give.
Wendy has a unique gift of bringing grace, authentic support and deep encouragement wherever she goes. We need that as moms because we can be so hard on ourselves. This episode will leave you feeling really seen and really encouraged - no matter how its going at your house.
I loved how we ended with Gods word and how to make time for it. She offers grace yet again by recognizing the various seasons of motherhoods. If you have littles, getting a shower can feel daunting. So listen in as she shares some tips on staying close to God in every season of motherhood.
Enjoy!
Courtney
(00:00) Introduction and Family Background
(02:58) Wendy's Journey with Proverbs 31 Ministries
(05:51) Navigating the Empty Nest Phase
(08:32) The Importance of Communication and Apologies
(11:33) Maintaining Relationships with Adult Children
(14:16) Understanding Different Beliefs in Parenting
(17:13) Lessons from Motherhood and Prayer
(20:03) Reading the Bible in Different Seasons
(22:47) Addressing Anxiety and Mental Health
(25:42) Encouragement for Moms Facing Challenges
(28:26) Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES PRAYER JOURNAL
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Wendy Blight
Rest for your soul by Wendy Blight
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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Empty nester wisdom with Chyrstal Evans Hurst (practical ways to prepare your kids for adulting) →
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Happy Summer folks!
This is the first episode in this series that I did not cry. Youre welcome. I wanted to get super practical with this one and asked Chrystal Hurst Evans to bring her best empty nest tips for us. She shares about ways we can start training and teaching our kids to live without us. From budgeting to cooking - she explains that much of this training happens well before their senior year. Its a mindset shift earlier that helps make us all ready for those launching years.
As a writer, speaker and gatherer, Chrystal has a massive passion for women and how to get us up and moving towards goals. She is that you can do it friend that will light a fire under your overwhelmed body.
My favorite is when she shares about how to be a student of yourself. She reminds us that we each have massive skills and gifts from God and we often need our circle of friends to point those out. As moms, we often lose confidence in our skills and it can cause fear as the kids leave the home. What will I do now? Do I have what it takes to change directions or careers now that my time is more flexible? Praying this episode greatly encourages you and provides practical ways to equip you and your family for a new season.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Drawing boundaries with adult kids
- Teaching financial responsibility
- Learning yourself again - gifts, passions and skills
- Prioritizing prayer as you have less control
Enjoy!
Courtney
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background
(03:03) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting
(05:45) Building a Business with Family
(08:50) Preparing for Empty Nesting
(11:42) The Importance of Early Independence
(14:29) Rediscovering Personal Passions
(17:24) Recognizing Transferable Skills
(19:37) The Journey of Self-Discovery
(22:51) Embracing Change in Marriage
(30:17) Faith and the Empty Nest Experience
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Chrystal
Join the Sister Circle
100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You - Chrystals latest book
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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Empty nester wisdom with Pamela Henkelman (letting go of expectations, finding your joy again and choosing your words wisely) →
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We have another great episode in the Empty Nester Wisdom series with Empty Nest Coach and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast, Pamela Henkelman. It was so fun to watch her soar in this conversation and its clear she has a passion in this phase of motherhood.
Pamela shares that this is a very sweet time of life that we can enjoy. We dont need to dread this transition. Its a season where we can rediscover our purpose and our joy. I know she will get you excited to look ahead to this new phase with excitement not dread.
My favorite part is when she talks about her intentional thinking around relationships. She doesnt just prioritize the relationship with her kids, she aims at loving their spouses well. Even if youre 10 years out from being an in-law, tuck away this wisdom from a seasoned mom that is running her empty nest race well.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Allowing children to grow independently
- Connecting with their spouses
- Choosing your words wisely with adult children
- Letting go of expectations with holidays
Enjoy!
Courtney
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Personal Connections
(02:57) Transitioning to Empty Nest Coaching
(05:55) Navigating Relationships with Adult Children
(08:57) Setting Boundaries with Adult Children
(11:58) The Role of Spouses and In-Laws
(15:00) Rediscovering Identity in Midlife
(18:01) Embracing New Opportunities
(20:49) Creating a Welcoming Home Environment
(24:03) Success Stories and Client Transformations
(26:46) Conclusion and Resources
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
2025-2026 Prayer Journal: A Great Cloud of Witnesses
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Pamela Henkelman
Free! 10 things NOT to say to your adult child
Sheepgate - addiction recovery in Iowa
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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Empty Nester Wisdom with Amy Fenton (local church, single parenting and role models) →
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Happy Summer friends!
We are continuing our series, Empty Nester Wisdom, with my friend Amy Fenton. Amy is a mom to three grown kids and shes been serving in childrens ministry for over 30 years. She has a passion for equipping the local church and the young children that come into those doors.
Amy talks about raising three kids (two boys) as a single mom and how the local church supported them along the way. She had a desire for her boys to be influenced by strong Christian men - and she can look back now and see Gods faithfulness. I pray through this episode that many feel called to step into volunteering for kids and students at your local church. It matters!
I loved her encouragement about finding a church that your kids actually enjoy. It may take sacrifice on your part, but consider prioritizing their needs in a church community when they are so young. I loved this practical yet profound advice for us all!
In this episode, we chat about:
- Asking for help as a single mom
- How to find a local church
- Importance of role models our kids lives
- How to support your childrens ministries
Enjoy!
Courtney
Chapters:
(01:24) Journey in Children's Ministry
(02:46) The Importance of Volunteer Engagement
(05:22) The Role of Community in Child Development
(08:34) Finding the Right Church Environment
(11:24) Balancing Parental Guidance and Faith
(15:35) Reflections on Parenting and Counseling
(17:07) Starting the Journey: Finding Support for Mental Health
(19:01) Building a Supportive Community for Children
(21:42) The Myth of the Parenting Checklist
(22:54) The Role of Parents in Church Involvement
(26:00) Rediscovering Self in the Empty Nest
(29:07) Encouragement for Single Moms
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Amy ([email protected])
Curriculum at Think Orange
Amys episode on Raising Boys and Girls
How to find a counselor for my child
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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
