Creative storytelling in parenting with Dallas Jenkins
Oct 24 • 31:31
Creative storytelling in parenting with Dallas Jenkins
Episode:

Creative storytelling in parenting with Dallas Jenkins

October 24, 2024 • 31:31 • Courtney DeFeo

I couldnt wait to have a chat with the founder, producer and director of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins. Although thats super cool - I also wanted it to be practical for us as parents. He was fantastic!

My kids are very visual learners and I am sure many of your children are as well, so I wanted to hear his thoughts on creative storytelling. Some kids cannot read the Bible and get what they need right away. They dont understand the context around the stories. Dallas is a master at providing context to scriptural truth through his TV series and films. 

This conversation challenged me to keep thinking creatively about how we infuse virtues, values and faith in the lives of my kids. It encouraged me to keep living faith more than I lecture about it. We know that much of lifes most valuable lessons are caught not taught. It reminded me to relax if my kids are more into movies, books, music vs reading.

My favorite part is the amazing God story behind his newest movie for kids, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is truly extraordinary how it came about. I can't wait to take my kids to see it (with all of their friends) and kick off the season that is all about the birth of our Savior.

In this episode, we chat about:

  • How The Chosen series changed my neighbors life
  • How to use creative storytelling in your parenting 
  • How Dallas latest movie came about and how it can benefit your family

Enjoy!

Courtney

(00:00) The Power of Friendship and Faith

(02:53) Transformative Impact of 'The Chosen'

(06:05) Family Dynamics and Sacrifices

(09:01) Creative Storytelling in Parenting

(12:00) The New Movie: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

(14:55) Behind the Scenes of the Movie Production

(17:51) The Journey of Faith and Persistence

(21:00) Encouragement for Families and Communities

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from todays show:

The Chosen

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Carpool Conversations 

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Podcast:

Pardon the Mess

With Courtney DeFeo
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. Follow Pardon the Mess on Instagram and Facebook!
All Episodes:
Jan 2 • 54:19
How to avoid parent burnout with Drew McClure

Happy New Year!!!

I cannot believe its 2025. I've been thinking about this year for a long time because its the year my first child graduates from high school. Well, that went fast!

Todays episode is a special one for me, but also insanely practical for all of us. We have my brother, Drew McClure, on the show today to talk about parent burnout. Is it just the life of a mother to feel utterly exhausted all the days of our lives? Is there a way to have more energy? Better energy? Focused energy? Meaningful energy? 

He talks us through how to make some traction this year so we dont burnout early in the year. His thoughts are wise and sustainable and tested. As the Founder of People Profit, his job is to coach companies to eliminate burnout and increase capacity. He has a deep passion for humans and how we work. So, lets get his take on the performance of a parent!  

Drew encourages us to start with one thing. Just one thing. You may want a journal or pad of paper as you listen to this one. Its FULL of helpful tips to write down.

My favorite moment is in the beginning when he tells his story from going to a wild middle schooler to walking with great friends that love Jesus. Its a powerful example of how God can step in and speak to the heart of our kids. And that even the BEST parents (mine) cannot control outside influences and your childrens decision. But God. He can work it all for good.

Enjoy!

Courtney

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

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Dec 30 • 11:39
BONUS: Love: Make God a Priority

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33)

As we inch towards a new year, many of us are considering our goals and priorities. Some of us are coming up with our word of the year. That seemed to be the trend that started a few years backpick one word to focus on for the entire year. Ive heard people choose words like love, intentional, joy, courage, prayerful.

But what if our word was simply, God?

What would our year look like if we chose to focus on God before everything else?

This week, lets pray that our kids will love God with their whole hearts and make seeking him their first priority every day this coming year and every year. 

Father God, I pray that ______________ would choose you this year. Give _________ an undivided heart and teach them your ways. I pray they would wake up every day and decide that honoring you and deepening their relationship with you would be their first priority. When it is tempting to choose something else over you, remind them that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever and that you want their whole heart. Amen.


Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer Journal

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Dec 26 • 20:07
Heartfelt encouragement for every mom with Courtney DeFeo

Merry Christmas friends!!!!

I wanted to end the year with some heartfelt encouragement to each of you. Try to get away from all the noise and distractions when you listen to this one. Sit with your eyes closed or go on a walk - and pray God would encourage your anxious and weary heart.

Its so easy to get to the end of a year and only think about the few things you didnt do right or mistakes that were made. I want to remind you of the MANY things you are doing well for your children. God sees them. 

I share a few letters from YOU - words you wrote to your younger self. And then I read my own letter and it was so powerful for me to do that. Try to get some time to write your own letter to the younger version of you. What did you need to hear as a young mom? And then lets receive that same tenderness and grace and love for the mom that we are right now. 

I am so thankful for our community. Lets keep showing up for these kids and loving God in the new year ahead. You are so very loved and you are such a great mom.

Merry Christmas,

Courtney

Chapters

00:00

Reflecting on Motherhood: A Year-End Pause

06:04

Wisdom from Friends: Insights on Parenting

11:46

Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

18:10

Looking Forward: A Message of Hope

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

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
Dec 23 • 8:14
BONUS: Love: Gods Gift to Us

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

Its easy to get caught up in the to-dos and materialism of Christmas. There are so many activities and so many gifts to purchase. And while giving and receiving gifts is exciting, the greatest gift we can ever receive came as a tiny newborn baby in a lowly manger all those years ago. Its up to us to receive this gift! So we can always be praying that our kids will accept Gods gift, believe in him, and love him all the days of their lives.

The book of Luke tells us that when Jesus was born, shepherds worshiped and spread the word, angels sang, and Mary treasured all those moments up in her heart and pondered them (Luke 2:19). As we approach Christmas day, lets focus our attention on those same acts. As a family lets worship the Lord, spread his good news, sing songs of adoration and celebration, and lets store up the memories and meaning in our hearts so that we can remember Gods great gift to us all year long.

This week, lets pray that our kids grow to know and love the true meaning of Christmas and that they would focus less on consumerism and sparkle, and more on the good news of Jesus.

Father God, thank you for sending us the greatest gift when you sent your Son to be born. May we all focus on you this season, not on the stress, pressure, or things. May _____________ remember that Christmas should be fun, but the most important part about it is you. Amen.

Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer Journal

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
Dec 19 • 56:16
Practical products and tips for the mom life with Dana Sheheane

Happy December!!! 

I am so very delighted to introduce you to one of my favorite moms on the planet - Dana Sheheane! This episode is a simple, rambling and lighthearted chat with one of my real life mom friends. You will LOVE her! Shes one of us folks.

I feel like we can raise amazing Christian kids - if we are wearing the right bra and our coffee stays warm. Amen? So lets dive into some practical ideas and a girlfriend chat. 

The majority of the episode is just fun ideas and simple tips for your everyday life. However, dont miss the end. We talk about a few intangible and critical things you need to survive in 2025 - from margin to community. Enjoy her wisdom and her adorable laugh!.

In this episode, we chat about:

  • Perimenopause 
  • Chicos
  • Heating mats
  • Stitch guns
  • Embarrassing kids 
  • Best bra per Dana
  • Solution for cold coffee
  • And much more!

Love,

Courtney

(05:55) Parenting Insights and Challenges

(11:58) Holiday Traditions and Family Dynamics

(18:52) Navigating Hormonal Changes

(29:56) Embracing Embarrassment as Parents

(39:04) Must-Have Gadgets for Everyday Life

(45:14) Finding Joy in Everyday Challenges

(51:16) Building Community and Connection

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Resources from todays show:

Wild Interest podcast

Danas Story - StoryTellersLive Part 1

Danas Story - StoryTellersLive Part 2

Lighthouse Family Retreat

EOS Lotion- not cherry. No scent. We lied

FYY Food Warming Mat 

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

Coffee Mug Warmer

Stitch Gun

Podcast episode i LOVED lately

Diva Detergent

Best Bra per Dana

Treasures in the Dark by Katherine Wolf

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About the Host

Courtney DeFeo

Courtney DeFeo is the NEW host of Pardon the Mess! She is the author of In This House, We Will Giggle and Treasured and creator of ABC Scripture Cards and the kindness movement, Light ‘Em Up Acts. She loves to encourage parents and women through speaking, writing, and podcasting. She also serves on the board of For Girls Like You and Lighthouse Family Retreat. Her deepest desire is to encourage others and give generously in a way that draws people to God.

Her most honorable mention is her husband Ron and their two wildly fun girls (Ella, 16 and Larson, 14). Courtney is passionate about Jesus, coffee, Auburn football, Coca-Cola classic, her dog Mazie, spending time with friends and family, and finding deals at TJ Maxx. Although they have lived in Atlanta and Orlando, they currently reside in the DFW area. Courtney’s family loves to serve at Compass Church, travel together, and consume large amounts of table-side guacamole. Connect with Courtney on Instagram or visit CourtneyDeFeo.com.

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