Empty Nester Wisdom with Kristen Hatton

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!

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All Episodes:

Jan 27 • 8:34

BONUS: Follow: Treasures in Heaven →

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be (Matthew 6:21 NLT)

Most of us make it a priority to teach our little kids the difference between wants and needs.

No, you dont need a new Lego set, you want a new Lego set.

I know you dont want to help clean the house, but you need to.

Owning things and wanting things is not a bad thing in itself. What is bad is putting those things before following God. Jesus tells us very clearly that we cannot serve two Gods, meaning we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Instead of focusing our minds and hearts on all the things that money can buy, we are to focus our minds and hearts on the greatest gift that money cannot buy: Jesus and his kingdom. This is so hard in our current influencer society, where you can't use your phone without feeling like you need to buy something or compare yourself to someone else, and it starts young!

This week lets pray that our kids focus their hearts on things that are eternal instead of temporary. Lets pray that they follow God by putting their energy into what God has for them instead of what the world tells them will make them happy and fulfilled.

Father God, you gave us everything when you gave us the gift of salvation through Jesus. I pray for ___________________. I pray that they store up treasures in heaven, that they fix their eyes on the unseen things that honor and bring glory to you Lord, not on the things of this earth. When they are tempted to idolize material things, give them the strength to see past the temptation and recenter themselves on the things that matter most. 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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Jan 23 • 39:18

How do I balance sports, family and faith? with Elisabeth and Sarah Hasselbeck →

Are you raising athletes? Are you struggling with how to best support them? Are you thinking about how their faith impacts their sport - or informs their sport? We have two experts today on the podcast, Elisabeth and Sarah Hasselbeck - both are wives of former NFL players and moms of D1 athletes.

Listen to this episode with the entire family. Maybe sports is a place of disagreement in your family and this could open up some healthy dialogue with your spouse and children. Sarah and Elisabeth share such practical tips for you as you parent your athletes.

Dont miss the end when both Sarah and Elisabeth share about the bigger picture of parenting. They take a moment to give heartfelt wisdom and encouragement for all parents (not just those with athletes)! I am so thankful for these two ladies and the legacy of faith their family is leaving in the sports community.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Hasselbeck family and their history of sports and faith
Parental involvement in sports
How to make faith the highest priority in your home
How to help your athletes face setbacks and disappointments

I have a feeling this will be one of your favorite episodes of the year.

Much love,

Courtney

(Former mediocre dancer who wanted to be a Rockette or Janet Jackson)

(02:55) The Hasselbeck Dynasty: Sports and Faith

(05:53) Navigating Parental Involvement in Sports

(08:57) Lessons from Competitive Parenting

(11:58) Managing Expectations and Financial Burdens in Sports

(19:00) Navigating Sports and Family Commitments

(20:07) Faith and Sports: A Family Perspective

(23:04) The Role of Identity in Sports

(26:01) Encouragement for Moms in Sports

(27:50) Trusting God's Plan for Our Kids

(32:00) The Importance of Great Coaching

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:

Connect with Elisabeth

Elisabeths newest book - Gods Masterpiece

Connect with Sarah

Annabelle Hasselbecks Podcast - Whats Up

Family Meeting Guide

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 20 • 13:25

BONUS: Follow: Deny Themselves →

Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it (Matthew 16:2425)

Denying ourselves might involve taking an inventory of those things we hold more important than God. This might mean choosing between two good things, doing something we dont really want to do, or giving something up. Mostly, denying ourselves means leaving behind a sinful life and walking with Jesus every day. This doesnt always sound appealing, especially to a kid. But Jesus promises us that when we surrender our lives over to him, he will give us life and life to the full (John 10:10). This is the slow process of sanctificationor being made holy. We cant do it ourselves, we need Jesus.

So while our kids may naturally think of themselves first (lets be real, we often do too), the truth is, there is something bigger than our kids that is worth following, and that is Jesus. So this week, lets pray that as our kids grow, they learn to deny themselves and their earthly desires and choose to follow Jesus.

Jesus, you are the king of our hearts and lives. I pray that ______________ chooses to be your disciple and that they always know that the world is not about them and there is freedom in that, release them from the pressure of that. May they evaluate their focus and, with your help and strength, be sanctified to you as they deny themselves, turn from sin, and follow 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 16 • 35:43

Devices, Dopamine and how to help our families with Niro Feliciano →

I took a break from social media in December, and I could not believe the difference in my mood and clarity. This episode is not here to guilt us as parents - but to equip us! My guest, Niro Feliciano, is a psychotherapist, mom of four kids and regular contributor on The Today Show. She speaks in a language we can understand. She shares about brain science and how the dopamine high/low pattern is really impacting the moods and wellbeing of our children (and us).

I saw Niros reel on the dopamine deficit weeks ago and reached out to her immediately to continue that conversation on this podcast. Her reel is one that you can share with your teens. If you are seeing signs of depression and anxiety in your teens - do not miss this episode.

My favorite part is when she gives grace at the end. Dont go straight to condemnation of your parenting. If you feel you have failed your kids with technology. Its not too late to make changes and help them through the reality of living in a digital world.

Who is ready to try a quick 24-hour or weekend reset and report back?

Enjoy!

Courtney