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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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My Virtual Mentor: Leaving a legacy with Jeff Henderson →
Legacy is something every family is building, whether intentionally or not. But in the middle of busy schedules and full lives, it can be easy to lose sight of what were actually passing down.
In this months My Virtual Mentor episode, Jeff Henderson, author, pastor, and leader, shares wisdom on what it means to live and lead with legacy in mind. The conversation explores what truly matters at the end of our lives, the values we want to instill in our children, and how to be more intentional with the time weve been given.
We talk about the tension between work and family, why choosing your family matters more than you think, and how everyday decisions shape the kind of legacy you leave behind.
This episode is designed to not only encourage personal growth, but also spark meaningful conversations, with a mentor, spouse, or trusted friend, about the kind of life and family you want to build.
If youre just getting started - dont miss the previous episodes:
- My Virtual Mentor: Why Mentorship Matters
- My Virtual Mentor: Intimacy with God
- My Virtual Mentor: Personalities and Temperaments
- My Virtual Mentor: Stewardship & Generosity
- My Virtual Mentor: Time Management & Creating Margin
- My Virtual Mentor: Identity in Christ (Part 1 and Part 2)
- My Virtual Mentor: Prioritizing Your Marriage
Chapters:
00:00 Reconnecting at Chick-fil-A Headquarters
05:01 Lessons on Leadership and Legacy from Truett Cathy
12:50 End-of-Life Perspectives: What Truly Matters
17:04 Navigating Parenting with Encouragement and Wisdom
18:20 The Weight of Words
22:14 Preparing for Impact
23:35 Defining Legacy and Values
28:01 Carrying on Family Traditions
34:20 Leadership and Influence in Parenting
37:43 A Prayer for Parents
MY VIRTUAL MENTOR GUIDE (MARRIAGE)
Scripture to memorize:
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Scriptures for prayer and study:
Psalm 78:4, Matthew 6:20-21, Psalm 103:17, Proverbs 29:18
Books for further study:
- Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People by Truett Cathy
- Choosing to Cheat by Andy Stanley
- The Legacy Life by David Green
- Divine Disruption by Tony Evans and children
Discussion questions:
What do you want to pass down from your parents?
What do you want your kids to say about you when your life is over?
What values matter most to you?
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Resources from todays show:
- Connect with Jeff Henderson
- What To Do Next by Jeff Henderson
- FOR by Jeff Henderson
- Resources from Titus 2 Mentoring
- Open a LearningRX center
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
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Week 30: Salvation - the thief on the cross →
Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:4243)
As Jesus was led to his crucifixion, he was surrounded by two men on crosses next to him, all three of them facing death. One man was mocking and doubting Jesus, but the other man turned to Jesus in his final moments and was promised eternity with Jesus.
Although not much was shared in this interaction, the thief did proclaim Jesus was Lord. Its a powerful reminder that its never too late to repent and accept Jesus. There is always hope; in fact, the Bible says that everyone who calls on his name will be saved (Romans 10:13). This story also reminds us that doing good works or earning our way to heaven is not what Jesus offered us; it is a free gift.
As believing parents, our hope is that there is more distance between our kids salvation and their death than there was for the thief on the cross. We know that true peace, joy, and hope is found in following Jesus, and we want our kids to have that for a lifetime; we want them to experience a full life of faith. We want them to spend many years drawing others to faith. However, we must never count out a child that is full of sin and far from God. God is still reaching for them up until their last breath.
This week, lets pray that our kids accept the free gift of salvation and spend their lives following Jesus.
Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation. Lord, please draw __________ to you. Help them to understand what following you means, that there is nothing they can do to make you love them less or more, and that you give them the gift of peace on earth now and eternal life with you later. 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
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Marriage reconciliation and restoration with Cheryl Scruggs →
Marriage can be both deeply challenging and incredibly beautiful, and many couples experience seasons of disconnection along the way.
In this episode, Cheryl Scruggs shares her powerful story of reconciliation after walking through divorce and finding her way back to her husband years later. Together, the conversation explores the realities of marriage, the slow drift that can happen over time, and the hope that restoration is possible, even after deep hurt.
We talk about the importance of communication, the danger of letting resentment grow in silence, and the role of community in helping marriages stay healthy. There is also practical encouragement for women who want to be more intentional in their relationships and create space for honesty and healing.
This episode is a reminder that while marriage takes work, it is also a place where God can bring growth, redemption, and renewed connection.
Here are the verses she shared!
Matthew 19:26
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Deuteronomy 8:2 (read full chapter too)
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Chapters:
00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges
03:02 The Journey of Marriage Ministry
06:02 Crisis in Marriage: Recognizing the Signs
09:09 Building a Stronger Connection
11:59 The Importance of Vulnerability in Relationships
19:20 Navigating the Transition to Empty Nesting
22:02 The Importance of Nurturing Intimacy
24:34 Overcoming Disconnection in Marriage
27:32 The Role of Counseling in Strengthening Relationships
29:59 Practical Steps to Show Love and Respect
31:54 Finding Hope and Redemption in Marriage
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Cheryl and Jeff
Thriving Beyond Belief - Cheryls podcast
Thriving Beyond Belief - Cheryls newest book
I Do Again - Jeff and Cheryls book
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Week 29: Let go of perfection - Martha →
Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are neededor indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:4142)
Martha kind of gets a bad rap. In her story, Jesus and the disciples were staying at her home. Martha spent her time making food and busying herself to make her home hospitable, while her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to him. We all want to be Mary, choosing time with the Lord over the busyness of life (more on that in two weeks), but its important to remember that as disciples of Jesus we are called to sit and serve.
In Marthas case, it was all about priorities. Creating a hospitable home and serving others is important. In fact, Martha served Jesus and his disciples again at a dinner given in Jesuss honor before Passover.
But when it comes to serving others are we focused on Pinterest perfection or on making people feel comfortable and pointing to Jesus with our actions? Its more about our attitude than our actions. Taking care of Jesus and his disciples was a good thingbut it seems as though Martha was seeking perfection. The truth is, seeking perfection is setting ourselves up for failure because it means we are depending more on ourselves than on Jesus. We cant be perfect, only God is perfect.
Todays world looks like perfection and our kids are growing up right in the middle of it. But we can encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus and serve him and others because its whats in their hearts, not what makes them look best.
This week, lets pray that our kids can let go of any pressure for perfection and learn to rest in Jesus and his perfection. Lets pray that when they are overwhelmed by the things of life they redirect their hearts toward the most important thing.
Jesus, when __________ feels overwhelmed by the busyness of the world, help them to focus their heart back to you. Give them the peace to let go of perfection and expectation, and to rely on you instead. May they serve others out of a response to your love, not out of obligation, pride, or image. 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
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Navigating Foster Care with Meredith Brock →
Foster care is a journey that holds both deep brokenness and incredible beauty. For many families, it can also feel overwhelming to know how to step in and support children from hard places.
In this episode, Meredith Brock, CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a foster and adoptive mom, shares insights from her familys experience with foster care and how the journey has shaped her faith and motherhood. The conversation explores the realities of caring for vulnerable children, the tension of holding both joy and heartbreak, and the ways God often meets families in their most difficult moments.
Together they talk about what it looks like to support children with hard stories, how foster care can refine and stretch a familys faith, and why the church has such an important role in caring for these kids.
Its also a reminder that supporting the foster care system isnt limited to becoming a foster parent. Whether through respite care, advocacy, or supporting families already in the system, there are meaningful ways we can all step in and help.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
05:53 The Call to Foster Care
11:57 The Importance of Community Support
17:58 Respite Care and Community Involvement
24:07 Personal Growth Through Foster Care
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Connect with Meredith
Connect with Proverbs 31 on Instagram
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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