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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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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
Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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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
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How to trust God in college with Camryn ORear, Caroline Unterbrink and Lucy Donovan →
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Do you have a daughter or son headed off to college or maybe a high school senior? This episode is for you! I gathered three college sophomores and asked them all the questions. What are your dorm tips? Study tips? Rush tips? Now, these are three girls. So, I imagine we need to do another episode with some guys - because their perspective would be different. However, so much of what they shared is universal and helpful to all.
Camryn, Caroline and Lucy offered such amazing encouragement for college kids on how to keep their faith a priority. I loved how they gave very practical tips from finding a mentor, finding a church, getting coffee with new friends and making a choice to spend time with God.
My favorite part is when they share about what they appreciate about their moms. Its so fun to hear from the mouths of grown kids what mattered in their lives. I pray that it will encourage you to keep loving God and loving your kids well.
(00:00) Introduction and Dorm Essentials
(05:40) Study Tips for College Success
(11:28) Navigating Rush: Tips and Insights
(17:02) Maintaining Faith in College
(22:49) Appreciating Parents and Their Influence
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources Mentioned
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Empty Nester Wisdom with Heidi Miller (How to parent with anxiety) →
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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
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