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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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All Episodes:
Empty Nester Wisdom with Wendy Blight (giving yourself grace, tackling anxiety and learning to read Gods word) →
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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
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Empty nester wisdom with Chyrstal Evans Hurst (practical ways to prepare your kids for adulting) →
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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
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Empty nester wisdom with Susan Peterson (world-changing faith, embracing sadness and finding community in this new season) →
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We have a rock star mom on the podcast today! Susan Peterson is a mom I have looked up to for years. Shes the co-founder of Relish, board member for Young Life and longtime volunteer serving Passion City Church and Illuminations. And fun little fact, she is the reason my little ABC Scripture Cards hit the market over 13 years ago.
There are many parts of this I want every mom to hear, but make sure you hear her approach to the emotions of the empty nest stage. She didnt think she would be sad when her kids left the home and was surprised by the mourning. She gives us permission to stop and feel it. Don't miss her advice to take the time to ask God what is next and take the time to mourn the season that you loved so much. I also loved her challenge to stop and thank God for the gift of being a mom and having kids in your home.
Susans family has always traveled the globe serving God. As you will hear towards the end, she said that getting her kids out of their country was one of the best decisions they made. They were able to see God at work in the world. It changed each of them. So inspiring!
I know you will absolutely enjoy this jewel of a human. Susan is a treasure and Im delighted to share her words with you today. Praying you feel Jesus pour right through every minute.
Enjoy,
Courtney
(00:55) The State of Bible Translation
(03:09) Navigating the Empty Nest
(06:12) Finding Identity After Parenting
(08:56) The Balance of Parenting and Faith
(14:03) Lessons Learned from Parenting
(18:02) Encouragement for Younger Moms
(22:04) Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Susan
First episode with Jennifer on PTM
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadomattress.com
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Empty nester wisdom with Sharon Mankin (letting go, finding purpose and recalibrating expectations with adult kids) →
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We have Sharon Mankin back on the podcast! You all loved her wisdom and practical help the last time she was on the podcast. From the first minute to the end, you can see why Sharon is a coach to many women. She has empathy, understanding and practical tools to help us navigate challenging seasons.
This conversation is helpful to all moms in all seasons who want to let go of their kids in a healthy way. I am a lifelong learner and I crave wisdom from women that are ahead of me in their journey. If you are heading into the empty nester season, you will be extra encouraged by her insight, stories and tips. She reminds us that we can discover purpose beyond our parenting role. She reminds us that God is not done with us!
My favorite part is towards the end when she shares about how to know when to step in and when to stay calm and let our adult kids walk through their struggles. I will treasure this advice ahead of Ellas college years.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Navigating empty nest stage
- Emotional journey of letting go
- How to recalibrate our expectations
- How to discover purpose beyond parenting
Enjoy!
Courtney
(03:06) Navigating the Empty Nest Stage
(05:56) Emotional Journey of Letting Go
(08:57) Recalibrating Expectations with Independence
(12:00) Understanding Codependency and Communication
(15:01) Finding Joy in the Transition
(17:56) Personal Growth and Rediscovering Identity
(21:38) Discovering Purpose Beyond Parenting
(24:51) The Importance of Disruption for Growth
(25:35) Balancing Support and Independence in Parenting
(28:40) Emotional Strength and Empathy in Parenting
(30:39) Creative Ways to Love Your Kids from a Distance
(37:50) Encouragement and Connection in Parenting
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Sharon
First episode with Sharon on PTM
Who Matters Most - relationship exercise
Touch Note - Post Cards
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadomattress.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Empty nester wisdom with Jennifer Scott (triplets, college years and finding yourself again) →
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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.
I absolutely LOVED this chat with my buddy Jennifer Scott about the empty nest years. She shares so many pieces of wisdom as she has triplet kids all in college. I asked her what shes glad they did as she looks back. Her answer was so encouraging to me. We invested in a foundation of faith and foundation of relationship.
We can do that parents! We can invest in our kids faith and in our relationship with them.
How do you know when to step in with your college or adult kids? Jennifer shares about how we must discern and lean on God to know when to hold back and when to show up. Dont miss this episode! Its for moms of all ages. I LOVE learning from moms ahead of me.
Thank you Jennifer for always being willing to share your heart, your wisdom and how God is working in your life. Its invaluable insight for the moms behind you.
Enjoy this empty nester wisdom with Jennifer.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Setting realistic expectations when college kids come home
- Resisting the urge to look back and nitpick how you parented
- Trusting God with your kids when the story isnt finished
- Keeping relationship with your kid when we disagree with choices
Enjoy!
Courtney
Chapters:
(02:55) Navigating Life Changes
(06:12) Lessons in Parenting and Faith
(08:52) Returning to the Workforce
(11:58) The Challenge of Empty Nesting
(15:01) Supporting Kids Through Struggles
(18:01) The Reality of College Life
(20:55) Reflecting on Parenting
(24:11) Trusting God with Our Children
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Jennifer
First episode with Jennifer on PTM
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadomattress.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
