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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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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:
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
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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
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:
Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Resources from todays show:
Danas Story - StoryTellersLive Part 1
Danas Story - StoryTellersLive Part 2
EOS Lotion- not cherry. No scent. We lied
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
Podcast episode i LOVED lately
Treasures in the Dark by Katherine Wolf
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Trailer →
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. Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
BONUS: Love Their Enemies →
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)
Its one thing to love your neighbor as yourself, its a whole other thing to love your enemies. As believers, we arent called to ignore our enemies or to tolerate our enemies, we are called to love them and to pray for them. This is a radical teaching that goes against the norm in society because it is much easier to judge or gossip about our enemies (guilty!). But even more, we are supposed to love our enemies without expecting anything in return.
Scripture makes it clear that the most powerful way we can actually love our enemies is to pray for them.
We begin to see a change in ourselves as we pray for others. First, we start to see our enemies the way God sees them, and God sees them as his beloved and dearly loved children, just like we are. Second, we can be freed from bitterness, resentment, and anger by praying for our enemies as our hearts are softened by the Holy Spirit.
So, this week lets pray that our kids will love their enemies in a radical way and that they will begin to see themselves as God sees them.
Father God, loving our enemies starts with us. I pray that ___________ would learn to love their prayed and pray for them while establishing healthy boundaries. I pray that their hearts are softened towards the people who treat them poorly so that they see them the way you do. I pray for reconciliation and peace if ________ is being bullied or bullying others. Give me wisdom in those conflicts. 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