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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
Q&A with Ella DeFeo and Landry Smith →
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What a thrill to interview my oldest daughter and one of her very best friends. Ella and Landry have been friends since 3rd grade and its so special to hear from two young women that are keeping their faith a priority in college. I ask them about their favorites from tennis shoes to rom-coms and then we get into some more serious topics.
My favorite moment is when I ask each of them, What is God teaching you right now? I was blown away by their answers and also felt so thankful that they are both engaged in their college church communities. Ask your kiddos that question this Christmas break and let them share about their faith. I am always astounded when I learn how much depth and wisdom is in these teens. They are wiser than you know.
You also dont want to miss my opening story about an elf on the shelf adventure gone wrong. I am still feeling a little rattled from it.
Enjoy!
Courtney
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
07:05 High School Experiences and Advice
10:02 Navigating Junior Year Challenges
14:54 Senior Year Reflections and Relationships
18:26 Maintaining Faith in High School
23:35 Parental Guidance and Support
25:37 Navigating High School Dynamics
26:56 Understanding Teen Communication
28:04 The High School Experience: Challenges and Growth
30:51 Transitioning to College Life
33:35 Building Friendships in College
37:48 Spiritual Growth and Lessons Learned
43:18 Legacy of Love: Lessons from Grandmothers
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Ellas new sneakers - Back 70
Yahtzee Game
Nertz Game
Quiplash (on Apple TV)
New Morning Mercies devotional
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Unwrapping the truth about Christmas with Lee Strobel →
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Lets talk about Christmas. Not just the cozy traditions or the sparkling lights, but the actual story of what happened in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.
This week on the podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Lee Strobel and together we explore the deeper truths of the nativity story, why the details matter, and how we can share that with our kids in a way that builds their faith.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
- Why understanding the virgin birth is crucial to understanding who Jesus really is
- The difference between the cultural version of Christmas and what Scripture actually says
- How to talk to kids about the parts of the story that might confuse them (like the wise men and the timeline!)
- And yes, we even touch on Santa and how to navigate that as Christian parents
Lee Strobel is a former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith. After investigating the claims of Christianity as an atheist, he became a follower of Jesus and now speaks and writes to help others explore faith with confidence. His newest book, The Case for Christmas, explores the historical and biblical evidence behind the nativity story.
Whether youve heard the Christmas story a hundred times or are learning it with your kids for the first time, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of awe.
(00:00) From Atheism to Faith: Lee Strobel's Journey
(03:00) The Cultural Significance of Christmas
(05:47) Revisiting the Nativity Story: Myths vs. Reality
(09:04) Understanding the Virgin Birth
(12:12) The Role of the Magi in the Christmas Story
(14:56) The Importance of Context in Biblical Narratives
(18:05) The Legacy of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus
(20:47) Celebrating Christmas with Children
(24:01) The True Meaning of Christmas
Connect with Lee
Resources Mentioned
The Christian Parenting Podcast: Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee Strobel
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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When Christmas doesnt go as planned with Sheila Walsh →
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The lights are twinkling, the carols are playing, and everything should feel magical... but sometimes, it just doesnt. Whether your kids are navigating big feelings of disappointment or you're trying to balance joy and weariness in your own heart, this conversation is for you.
This week Im joined by author and speaker Sheila Walsh, and were talking about what really matters this Christmas: Gods love, Emmanuel with us, and how to guide our children through holiday letdowns with grace, presence, and prayer.
Here are just a few things we talked about:
- How to help kids walk through disappointment (even when they dont get the part they wanted in the play)
- Why our prayers for our children matter more than any gift we could ever wrap
- Simple ways to re-center your home on Jesus in a culture thats always asking for more
- How unmet expectations can be invitations to discover God's love more deeply
Sheilas brand-new picture book, The Little Drummer Girl, tells a beautiful story about a child who doesnt get what she wants and instead finds the joy of giving to Jesus. Its such a special book to read together this season. You can find the link in the show notes!
Sheila Walsh is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, speaker, and co-host of TBNs Praise. She has written over 50 books for women and children, including Its Okay Not to Be Okay, Holding On When You Want to Let Go, and The Storm Inside. Her new book, The Little Drummer Girl, is a heartwarming Christmas story for kids about faith, giving, and the love of Jesus.
So whether youre on your third cup of cocoa or hiding wrapping paper in the closet, I hope this episode wraps around you like a warm blanket and reminds you: Jesus is with us. Thats what matters most.
(00:00) Embracing the Christmas Spirit
(02:52) Sheila Walsh: A Journey of Faith and Family
(05:59) The Heart of Christmas: Lessons from Isabella
(08:59) Navigating Disappointments: Teaching Kids Resilience
(12:06) The Power of Prayer in Parenting
(15:05) Finding Joy in Community and Service
(18:13) Understanding God's Love and Forgiveness
(20:47) The Impact of Prayer Across Generations
(24:08) Celebrating God's Plan in Our Lives
(26:54) The Gift of Christmas: Sharing God's Love
Connect with Sheila
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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Parenting was never meant to be done alone with Elisa Morgan →
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Lets be honest, parenting can feel incredibly isolating at times. Whether you're in a full house or navigating solo moments between the chaos, its easy to feel like no one really sees what you're carrying. But heres the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. This weeks conversation is a beautiful reminder of that truth.
I had the joy of sitting down with Elisa Morgan. And let me tell you, her wisdom is like a warm hug and a pep talk wrapped in one. We talked all about community: the kind that meets us in our mess, challenges us with grace, and reminds us were not the only ones still figuring this out.
Heres what youll take away from our time together:
- Why showing up as you are is the key to finding meaningful friendships
- How biblical community helps us grow spiritually and emotionally
- What to do when you feel disconnected or unseen
- Ways to nurture authentic relationships in every season of motherhood
Elisa is a speaker, author, and podcaster with Our Daily Bread Ministries, and formerly served as president of MOPS International (now MomCo). She has a deep passion for encouraging women through honest stories of faith and motherhood. Elisas personal experience of brokenness and grace infuses her work with incredible hope and healing.
I hope this episode helps you feel just a little more seenand reminds you that you are never parenting alone.
(00:00) Introduction to Community and Personal Stories
(03:05) The Importance of Community in Parenting
(06:06) Navigating Changing Friendships
(09:12) The Role of Scripture in Community
(11:52) Encouragement for Women to Reach Out
(14:57) Building Relationships with Non-Christians
(18:00) Final Thoughts on Parenting and Community
Connect with Elisa
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Fizzlebop Super Science Board Books
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Finding faith in unanswered prayers with Kara Stout →
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Hey friend,
We all know the ache of unanswered prayer, the kind that keeps us up at 2 a.m., whispering desperate prayers into the dark.
This week on the podcast, I sat down with Kara Stout, who knows that ache all too well. From infertility and adoption to financial stress and deep grief, Karas story is one of wrestling with disappointment, surrendering expectations, and still choosing to trust a good and faithful God.
This conversation is for anyone whos walked through the valley and wondered if God was still near. Kara gently reminds us: He is. Even when it hurts.
Here are a few things we talk about:
- What it looks like to pray through grief instead of performing for God
- How to hold space for fear, faith, and surrender at the same time
- The simple but powerful gift of morning and evening prayer rhythms
- Why honesty with God invites deeper healing
Kara Stout is a writer, speaker, wife, and mom who has walked through more than her share of heartache, but shes also found the beauty of Gods nearness in it all. Her new devotional, An Untroubled Heart, is a 30-day prayer guide to help you start and end your days grounded in Gods presence. She is passionate about helping women grow deeper roots of faith even in hard seasons.
Let this episode remind you that unanswered prayer doesnt mean unseen painand healing often begins in the honesty of the wait.
With love,
Steph
Connect with Kara
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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