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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 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
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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
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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
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Empty nester wisdom with Love on the Spectrum's (Tanner's Mom!) Nicci Smith →
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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.
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:
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
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Parenting one-liners that stick with Dana Sheheane →
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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:
Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith
Resources from todays show:
Mountain Brook Community Church
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
