Pardon the Mess: A Christian Parenting Podcast

Get ready for an episode today with the Executive Director of Christian Parenting, Steph Thurling. I got to know Steph pretty well throughout my entire journey of becoming the new host of Pardon The Mess, and I can totally see why she is in a leadership position at this organization. She's not just highly capable - she has a massive heart for parents to help raise kids that know and love God. That seems overwhelming at times, and she gets it.   In this episode, we go stage by stage (toddler years to teens) and chat about practical ways to introduce Jesus and your faith to your kids. You will love her insight and her realistic approach. She also shares her heart for prayer and how that can practically work in your home.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: Connect with Steph Thurling on Instagram   Steph's ministry, Raising Prayerful Kids   Steph's book, Raising Prayerful Kids   ABC Scripture Cards   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

I have long admired and respected the work of author and speaker, Jennifer Dukes Lee. It was such a treat to meet Jennifer during this interview and ask her all about the idea of “journaling.” In this episode, we discuss the benefits of being honest with God, how to encourage your kids to journal, and how to look back and assess our lives in a way that brings healing and hope.   My favorite part of the episode is when she shares how difficult it can be to be vulnerable before God. She recognized the difficulty while encouraging us to work through that to experience God in a more special way.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: Connect with Jennifer on Instagram   Jennifer's website    Jennifer's new book, Stuff I'd Only Tell God 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  

This week Jeannie Cunnion and I talk about how often we try to parent in our own strength. We discuss how our relationship with the Holy Spirit can change the game of parenting and why this idea feels super spiritual or super strange.    Jeannie encourages us to access this unbelievable power and learn how to recognize God's voice in this way. We can feel like we have to earn this level of faith, but Jeannie reminds us how available the Holy Spirit is - and challenges us to lean in and be active in this relationship. From that place, we can know that we are parenting in God's strength not our own.   We also have some fun comparing her boy world (mother of 5 boys) versus my girl world. She's basically a frat mom.   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: Learn more about Jeannie Cunnion Her most recent study, Never Alone JEANNIE INSTAGRAM Classical Conversations 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  

It's not every day we get to hear from an NFL football player and his wife about raising 7 children - while trying to honor God, stay married AND do ministry together. Kirsten and Benjamin are the Directors of the NFL for Pro Athletes Outreach. In addition to this important work, they also spend time equipping and encouraging families through speaking and writing.   You will enjoy hearing these UGA Bulldogs (both former college athletes) chat a little about football, and we get to hear Kirsten affirm Benjamin ahead of this Father's Day weekend.   My favorite part of the episode is when they discuss the non-negotiables in their family. It gives a framework for intentional parenting and how to get ahead of it all with a plan. It also encourages us to be on the same page with our spouses as we encounter the tough moments of parenting.   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: Connect with The Watsons Pro Athletes Outreach (POA) Benjamin's New Book - New Fight For Life Kirsten's Book - Sis Take a Breath   Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters 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  

This week, we get to hear from one of my all-time favorite moms and leaders - Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She has worn many hats over the years - from Survivor contestant to co-host of The View to shoe designer to carpool mom and NFL wife and now author and speaker.   In this episode, we get into specifics around how to trust God. And how to teach our kids to trust God in prayer even when he feels silent or absent. This idea can be really tough because we often don't get the answer we hope for in the big and small moments of life, and yet we want our kids to remain faithful in that disappointment.   We also discuss the idea of “contenting” - an idea God is stirring in Elisabeth for us to learn how to be stretched and be content in the midst of life's struggles. As moms, it's so easy to compare left and right and lose sight that God is at work even in the stretching and growing phases of motherhood.   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess  Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: Connect with Elisabeth Her latest book - Flashlight Night More on “Contenting” Classical Conversations   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

This week, Sissy Goff and David Thomas with Daystar Counseling are here! Each of them have been counseling kids for over 30 years. I cannot think of two individuals that have impacted my parenting in a more practical and profound way.    In this episode, we talk about a few of the challenges with raising our kids in a scary and sometimes dark time. From anxiety to school shootings - we've never felt more anxious or ill-equipped to raise children.   David shares some encouragement and tips on raising an emotionally strong boy. Sissy shares about her upcoming book to help anxious parents raise kids in the midst of our own self work. She notes that women and girls lead the statistics in anxiety.    There are also some tender moments where they both reflect back on the most horrendous time in their own Nashville community. You will be encouraged to hear more stories of God working in and around Covenant School. I know so many are grateful for the work Daystar did to step up, comfort and care for so many families (locally and nationwide). Quotes: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” - Frederick Douglas   “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me: ‘Look for the helpers.' You will always find people who are helping.” - Fred Rogers   Enjoy! Courtney DeFeo   Connect with Pardon The Mess: Christian Parenting Pardon The Mess    Connect with Courtney DeFeo   Resources from today's show: The Worry Free Parent- Pre- Order! Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas @raisingboysandgirls  @sissygoff    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

This week is a big week for Pardon the Mess! If you missed last week's show, go back and hear the announcement about our new host, Courtney DeFeo. In this episode, Courtney and Cynthia talk about how this decision unfolded and the challenges of obeying God even when it's messy and unclear. Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes. Join in as Courtney interviews Cynthia about her favorite Pardon the Mess moments. You can also hear the who, when, where, what, and why behind Cynthia's move to a new podcast. We are beyond excited about what's to come! This summer is going to be packed with more great interviews about parenting in the midst of our messy lives. We will continue to laugh together and possibly cry together as we pursue our relationship with God during all of life's challenges.

We did it!   We've made it to last week of our 2022-2023 prayer journal and praying our kids through the school year.

Today is a big day for Pardon the Mess! We've got an announcement that we're so excited to share with you. At the end of May, Cynthia will be leaving Pardon the Mess and passing the mic to our dear friend Courtney DeFeo. Courtney is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and 100% the authentic and hilariously real friend we all need.    Our show today is a super-fun conversation with Cynthia and Courtney giving a deep dive into these exciting changes at Pardon the Mess. You will get to know (and love) Courtney DeFeo as well as hear the who, when, where, what, and why behind Cynthia's move.   These next two weeks will be a big celebration of where we've been and where we're heading towards on Pardon the Mess. And above all, we want to be sure YOU have all the scoop on the amazing things coming your way.    Continue to connect with Cynthia Yanof here: MESSmerized Podcast  FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM    Resources from today's show:  Love God Love Others Classical Conversations   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Having an inaccurate view of who we are to God is one of the enemy's greatest weapons for keeping us discouraged, defeated, and ineffective for Kingdom purposes.    Today we're praying for our kids to have the heart knowledge (not just head knowledge) of who they are in Christ. We're praying they understand at the deepest levels how they were designed perfectly in the image of God and nothing can change his great love for him.    Join me in praying Psalm 139 over our kids and ask the Lord to shelter our families from anyone and anything that calls our value and significance into question.    Can't wait to pray with you! P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! 

Emily Ley is always such a delight and today is no exception. She's a master planner and creator with a knack for organization within the boundaries of real life. It was so fun to get a peek into her morning routine and a few ideas for keeping ourselves sane in the upcoming summer months.    I especially loved her words on being comfortable with who we are, while also being comfortable with who we are not. And reminders that taking care of ourselves matters, and we have permission to set routines that work for us and then stick to them.    Her new devotional is

“Faith thrives in holy discomfort. The greatest moments in life can often result from some of the most uncomfortable decisions being made. Nothing worth having comes without a cost.” - Louie Giglio    This is one of my favorite quotes and it speaks perfectly to life in the middle of the struggle. Sometimes perspective is the key to handling life's biggest struggles and knowing that God always controls the larger picture.    This week we're praying for our kids to know God is compassionate towards them, fully aware they are doing life without him physically present in a world with real struggles. Let's ask the Lord to remind them that some of our greatest God-given opportunities arise from the ashes of our hardest struggles.    Can't wait to pray with you!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! 

Lisa Whittle is joining us today and she's an amazing speaker, podcaster, and author. We're talking about the chasm between our head knowledge and our heart knowledge and how only God fills that gap. He knows our every worry, anxiety, and daily routine. Why does this matter? Because he loves us and so desperately wants to use us for His glory.    Lisa also cautions us to watch out for things that mimic the real experience of God, and very practically gives us pointers on figuring out the difference in dreams versus goals for our lives.    Heck, we even talk about our tendency to want to “payback” those who hurt us . . . and who doesn't need a good word on that.   So glad you're with us today.    Resources from today's show:  Lisa Whittle's Book  Adventures in Odyssey   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

Life gives us lots of good days while also throwing in some bad ones along the way too. As adults we know life is hard on this side of heaven, and knowing where to turn in our hardest moments is critically important.    This week we're praying for our kids to know what David knew in Psalm 13—trusting God means trusting Him even on the hard days.      As parents our knee-jerk reaction is to try and eliminate the source of our kids' pain. But so often that same hard place is the greatest opportunity for them to know that Jesus is their only hope. Join me in praying this week that our kids turn to God instead of drugs, self-harm, or anything short of God's best when they are facing hard times.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! 

I recently attended the IF: Gathering and had the privilege of worshiping through music with the amazing Christy Nockels. I've always been a huge fan of her music, but in recent days I'm an even bigger fan of her heart for the Lord.   Today is super fun because we get a glimpse into the creative process behind her latest album, This is the Hour. She talks about coming to a place of complete exhaustion and how the Lord spoke rest into her life. We even have a super honest discussion about yelling at God when it feels as if life has become too much.    I can't wait for you to hear this amazing conversation because I know you're going to love Christy as much as I do!   Resources from today's show:  Christy Nockels new album Christy Nockels podcast  Adventures in Odyssey Classical Conversations

Sometimes, the worst advice comes from the most well-intentioned people in our lives. I don't know about you, but I've definitely given and received lots of bad advice over the years.    Today we're considering King David's model for giving advice, which is simply pointing people to the Lord through our words and actions. In Psalm 31, David advises that in life's very hardest places we are to love the Lord and put our hope and trust in him. Plain and simple.    Let's pray this week that we learn to use discretion in whom we allow to speak into our own lives and the lives of our families. Let's also pray that our kids only take advice from those who have prayed about it, searched Scripture, and ultimately point them back to Jesus. Talk less, pray more. Seems like the next right step.    Can't wait to be with you this week!  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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  

Many of us are at the stage of caring for our aging parents. If you are not, it's probably headed your way in the not too distant years. Undoubtedly it can be a hard topic, but loving our aging parents is a really important one we're tackling today.    Sarah Smith joins us today to share her journey of caring for her mom who was diagnosed with early onset Alzhemiers. Sarah is honest about the challenges they have faced on this road, but also encourages us to draw closer to the Lord and trust him every step of the way.   Here's a few of the topics we cover on today's show: Being realistic in expectations Overcoming guilt when considering healthcare facilities Supporting our friends who are caring for their parents Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in patience and love Don't miss this important conversation with Sarah Smith.    Resources from today's show:  Broken Beauty So God Made a Mother The Dad Tired Q&A Mixtape  

Over and over again we're called to live differently as followers of Jesus. The way we defend ourselves is one example of living counter culturally and exactly what we're praying for this week. When we are wronged the world returns the favor with equal vengeance. But the reality is that real justice only comes from the Lord, and we're called to wait on him who is faithful, upright, and just. (Deuteronomy 32:4).   Join me in praying this week for our families in all the places where we are tempted to defend ourselves. Let's be reminded that the Lord is looking for opportunities to be gracious to us, and only in him will we find true rest and strength from the enemies we face.    Can't wait to pray with you this week!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

If there were a contest for great names of podcasts and books, Heather MacFadyen of “Don't Mom Alone” just might win. Heather is my dear friend and is joining us today to talk about an incredibly important topic: Occupying your God-given space. She's written an amazing new book on this topic, and we get to hear her heart behind it first-hand today.    This conversation is so practical when we're wondering how to figure out where God has assigned us to work for him, and how to get past self-doubt and the dreaded imposter syndrome. (Been there, done that.)   I also LOVE her advice on hearing from God and discerning if our plans and dreams are from God or from ourselves. You guys, please go listen—because we can't afford to spend even one more day questioning if we're being faithful in the place God has entrusted us and our families.    Resources from today's show:  Right Where You Belong by Heather MacFayden  Adventures in Odyssey Every Parent Wants To Know Christian Parenting Event  

Imagine a world in which we decide today to trust God with everything we have and from this moment forward we live in His peace and confidence because of that decision. It's truly hard to imagine, right?    Instead, I've found that trusting God is a lifelong process of reminding ourselves how God is good and why he's trustworthy. It's going back to biblical truth that he's our strength and our shield (Psalm 28:7), our hope and our future (Jeremiah 29:11), and working all things for good (Romans 8:28).   I'm guessing our anxiety and stress levels would look a whole lot better if we could fully embrace these promises of scripture.   Today we're praying for our kids to learn to trust God just as David does in Psalm 3. We're praying they know that God is their sole sustainer whether they are facing an army of enemies or simply a future of uncertainties. Why? Because God is trust worthy. He really is.    Let's pray over that today.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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

Who read Kisses from Katie all those years ago and was blown away by a teenage girl who left her affluent life in the US to move to Uganda? That was the beginning of an amazing journey for Katie Davis Majors, who was also busy fostering and adopting 13 kids by the time she was 23. Talk about refusing to play it safe in life!   Today Katie is with us, and we're talking about her new book, Safe All Along. She shares how the Lord called her to Uganda all those years ago, and then just recently called her back to the U.S. (and the anxiety and pain of leaving her home in Uganda that has accompanied this move).    Please take my word for it—you do not want to miss today's conversation. Katie's encouragement to let our kids chase after God's plans for their lives is amazing, including her dad's story of hearing from God in the early days as she was preparing to leave for Uganda.    I'm so thankful for Katie's faithfulness to the Lord and how it has encouraged me and my family. I know you will feel the same way!    Resources from today's show:  Safe All Along by Katie Davis Majors  Starved Camp Winshape Every Parent Wants To Know Christian Parenting Event  

I read a study recently that indicates our life expectancy is 79.3 years. When you're young that number feels like an eternity as you consider the long road of life you have in front of you. And as you age, well, you realize how fleeting time really is and how important it is to make your days count.    This week we're praying for our kids to live with urgency in their lives and number their days well. This happens when we realize that God is with us and for us so we have the freedom to live big, take risks, and make each day count.    Let's ask the Lord to help our kids grasp the significance of every day—a day they were not promised—and use these days to follow the Lord, live by his Word, and pursue the things of eternity.    Can't wait to pray with you!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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

What is that “thing” you know deep down you're called to do?   What phone call are you supposed to make? What book does your heart want to write? What is the nagging feeling you're pushing down even knowing God is calling you to step out a little further in faith?    Rebecca George is with us today to talk about this exact subject. We're talking about doing the very things God created us to do and addressing our hang-ups that keep us from going full-force after it. It's such an important topic, and I'm grateful Rebecca has some practical  advice for identifying your giftings and figuring out how they line up with God's kingdom.    The world can be so hard right now, and those around us need hope. We can't afford to shrink back and not do the things we're empowered to do simply because we're too busy, too afraid, or too insecure.    Don't miss this great conversation, and start praying now that the Lord will tell you what “thing” he has for you to do. I'm praying over it for you!    Resources from today's show:  Do the Thing by Rebecca George Starved Camp Winshape Every Parent Wants To Know Christian Parenting Event  

If you're anything like me, the word “influencer” tends to leave a bad taste in your mouth. In this day and age of social media born superstars, it's easy to discount our influence and feel like we can't change lives because we don't have the right platform, title, or following.    But this week we're taking a deep dive into this idea of influence and praying for our kids to realize that no matter who they are or how they spend their days, they have the opportunity to be a difference-maker for the kingdom.     In a world that thrives on self-promotion and living in excess, let's lay down those things and pray for ways our families can raise up others. Luke reminds us that “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Let's use what we have well and point others to Jesus.    Can't wait to pray with you!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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

The people have spoken.    Pastor Steve Frissell joined us last September for the very first time and you guys loved him so much that I begged him to come back again today! If you missed his first appearance, go back and listen because I promise it will reshape your thoughts on teens and dating relationships.    Today Pastor Steve is joining me to talk about our marriages and why it's necessary to put in the hard and necessary work to love our spouses well. We talk about the importance of finding contentment in Jesus so that we aren't asking our spouse to fill voids that only the Lord can fill, as well as practical ways to reconnect in our marriages.     Don't miss this important conversation — your spouse will thank you!

Raise your hand if you're overwhelmed in some area of your life.    My fairly unscientific poll indicates that 9 out of 10 of us raised our hands. (And I'm guessing the rest of you thought the question was rhetorical.

Almost weekly I'm asked about resources to help our teens grow in their faith. As much as I love the teenage years and all the crazy antics, I know these are also the years where time seems to be slipping away and our last ditch efforts of getting more Jesus into them kicks into overdrive. Or maybe that's just me.

When you hear the word joy, what comes to your mind?    I'm guessing your answer is more profound than mine since I instantly start humming that old VBS song “I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. Where?”    Anyone else with me?    This week we're praying for our kids to experience joy in their lives. It seems especially important when considering how deeply our kids' generation struggles with anxiety and depression.    One of my favorite verses is Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” What a wonderful reminder that no matter what we're facing in this season, there is still joy to be found on the other side of it.    Let's take a few minutes today to consider how thankfulness, hope in Jesus, and even walking through places of suffering are pivotal to joy in our kids' lives.   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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

Mark Batterson is back, and I'm slightly giddy.    You know how much I love his books, and when I tell you this conversation brought me new life . . . well, it's true. I have a notecard on my desk at this very moment with some of my favorite quotes from today's conversation titled “Batterson bullet points.”    Pastor Mark reminds us that if God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), we're actually honoring him by praying bold prayers and trusting in faith for his answer. You're going to love hearing how God has been answering the bold prayers of his church, which most recently has included buying property on Capitol Hill he only dreamed of years ago.    Lastly, Pastor Mark shares the three words he believes are the greatest predictors of our success in life: please, sorry, and thanks. He's so sure of the significance of these words that he wrote an entire book on their importance. Lots of practical life and parenting advice you won't want to miss today.    Resources from today's show:  Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything by Mark Batterson The Best Worst Day Ever by Mark and Summer Batterson  Winnie The Early Years Every Parent Wants to Know: A Christian Parenting Digital Event   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

As I think back to even my youngest years, I can pinpoint the friendships that have impacted my life. I've been blessed with solid, faithful friends who have prayed for me and loved me even when I've been somewhat unloveable. And then there have been other friendships that have been more difficult and left me with bumps and bruises along the way.    Our friendships are important because God created us with a deep need for connection. It's in those very connections where we are so often drawn closer to Him and better equipped to walk the hard places we will inevitably face.    So this week we're praying over friendships in our own lives as well as the lives of our kids.    (insert player)   It seems appropriate in talking about friendships that I have one of my very dearest friends, Brandie Rodgers, joining us today. As long as I've known her (and it's been many, many years), she's been praying over her family's friendships, and the Lord has faithfully provided.    Let's take a moment today to consider the friendships our kids need and ask the Lord to provide them. And, of course, let's also ask the Lord to teach our kids how to be good friends to others by showing kindness, loyalty, compassion, and respect.    Friendship is a big one—let's pray it together!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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  

Body image is a topic that has major implications in our lives, yet we tend to avoid talking about it because it's so personal and oftentimes sensitive.  I'm so thankful my friend Rachael Gilbert is bravely speaking into these body image issues through her new book, Image Restored. She addresses our most common body image pitfalls and, as a licensed counselor and mom, comes at it both professionally and practically.    Here's a few of the topics we cover: Signs we're dealing with body image concerns that need addressing Core beliefs impacting our body image Ways to reframe our body image biblically Current health trends that are red flags for healthy body image Parenting healthy body image with our kids  I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to this important conversation today. I also pray each of us will ask the Lord to reveal the places in our lives where we need to reframe our attitudes towards our bodies, not only for our own benefit but also for our families.      Resources from today's show:  Image Restored by Rachael Gilbert imagerestoredbook.com Every Parent Wants to Know: A Christian Parenting Digital Event When I Talk to God, I Talk about You   Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

On any given day there's a million things we could potentially tell our kids to do or not do. Some of those things are routine like do your best work or don't touch your brother. But then there's the things that one day come spilling out of your mouth that nobody ever warned you about. Like “you have to wear underwear to ride your bike.”    True story, sadly.

Beth Moore is joining us today and, simply put, you just can't miss it! I've admired her powerful voice in God's Kingdom for many years and, like many of you, have learned so much from her Bible studies, books, and conferences.    I teamed up with Steph Thurling from the Christian Parenting Podcast to chat with Beth about her new memoir, All my Knotted-up Life. This book is a vulnerable and authentic offering of Beth's hardest places in life and how God has been faithful through it all.    I think my favorite part of our conversation was hearing Beth's routine each morning in meeting with Jesus. Not to mention she has a great word on dealing with church hurts and why we keep going back even when it feels easier to walk away.    With 100% certainty I can say you're going to love this conversation.    Resources from today's show:  All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore When I Talk to God, I Talk about You Your Brave Song   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  

How do you measure your value?    If you're anything like me, you've measured it by the square footage of your house, the size of your bank account, the number on the scale, and the accolades of your kids. Yet none of these things tell the real story of who we are to Jesus—and that's why measuring up gets us in trouble.   Today we're praying for our kids as they struggle with this same temptation of comparison. Growing up in a day and age inundated with social media, it's hard not to weigh looks, grades, athleticism, and talents against those around them. So we're focused this week on praying for our kids to look to Jesus and not the world for value and identity.    As we pray through Psalm 84, I encourage you to really consider verse 10. Take a few minutes to read this Psalm and get a jump on where we're headed in praying for our kids.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!   

If you haven't heard of Risen Motherhood, today is going to be a great day for you!    Laura Wifler is an author, podcaster, mother, and the co-founder of the amazing parenting resource, Risen Motherhood. She's back on Pardon the Mess today helping us bridge the gap between the faith we pursue on Sunday mornings and the real-life parenting we face on Mondays. Said differently, she speaks into ways we can practically bring the Lord into all facets of our parenting.    Laura is also a mother to a child with disabilities and she encourages us to have meaningful conversations with our kids about disability, empathy, compassion, and God's overflowing love for everyone. Her practical advice on helping our friends walk these roads well is important and something you don't want to miss.    Can't wait for you to hear this great conversation with Laura Wifler.   Resources from today's show:  Like Me by Laura Wifler When I Talk to God, I Talk about You  

My youngest son, JB, is home from school today because I thought he was coming down with the same cold I've been struggling with all week. We kicked-off his “sick day” with a precautionary dose of Ibuprofen and breakfast in bed. By 8:10 a.m. I realized I had made a grave mistake in keeping him home. It's been Ferris Bueller's Day Off over here, and he's Ferris and I'm the sickly sidekick friend trying to keep him from burning the place down.    But in this midst of his craziness I've noticed how quick he is to apologize. He loses his mind, apologizes, asks for forgiveness and moves forward with his next adventure. I love that he doesn't overthink my forgiveness, wondering if I'm still angry or somehow going to think less of him or love him differently with each indiscretion.    It's this same type of forgiveness (times a million) that God offers to each of us. It's a forgiveness that extends as far as “the east is from the west” that we're praying our kids will fully grasp and lean into with their Savior.    Let's take a few minutes and pray for our kids to confess their sin so they can live fully in God's overwhelming forgiveness. And then let's also pray for this mom who should know better than to give a gratuitous day off to a kid with more energy than the sun.  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!    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

I'm guessing the title of today's show caught your eye? Definitely not a title I've put together for a podcast show until today!    Yes, I recently went to see Bruno Mars with my hubs, and I can't wait to weigh in on that a bit. But more importantly, Erica Renaud is joining us to chat about praying with our kids and how to get that rolling if it's not a part of our regular routine.   Erica has a new book releasing soon that walks us through praying with our kids. Today she's sharing some practical advice with us on how to physically engage in prayer with our kids, how to walk through unanswered prayer requests, and appropriate theology on prayer no matter the age.   We talk a lot about praying for our kids on Pardon the Mess, but today I'm excited to talk about praying with our kids. Don't miss it.    Resources from today's show:  Pray with me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer Erica Renaud The Parent's Guide to Social Media by Axis The Christian Parenting Podcast   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  

This week we're praying for godly families. More specifically, we're praying for our families to be built on the foundation of Jesus. In Psalm 127, Solomon very pointedly reminds us that even our best work and greatest successes are nothing if the Lord isn't in them.    The key to building godly families comes in the day by day and week by week decisions of choosing Jesus instead of chasing after earthly success, financial gain, and the other things this world so often points us to.    Jesus talked about building our foundation on rock so that the storms of life won't destroy our homes. Let's pray today for our families to be storm-proof so that we can share the gospel effectively to a world so desperately needing the good news.    Can't wait to pray with you this week!   In this with you,   Cynthia Yanof | Pardon the Mess  P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!  Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Did you grow up believing certain things like I did?  Things like . . .  You can't swim for an hour after eating Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis Swallowed gum stays in your stomach seven years Crossed eyes will get stuck that way  These aren't monumental to our belief systems, but it turns out they really aren't even true.    We all have things we've bought into from our culture, our internal narratives, or even our families. Although the examples above are fairly silly, there are more significant lies we may believe that can impact our parenting, our faith walks, and our identity.    Today I'm getting personal and sharing three of the lies I've been prone to believe in my own life (don't worry, they are deeper than the ones listed above). Although these lies began as fairly harmless, they snowballed into an underlying philosophy that needed to be called out and examined with a lens of biblical truth.    Take a few minutes with me today to consider the three lies we all need to stop believing in 2023.    P.S. If you enjoy Pardon the Mess will you take a minute to share it with a friend? There's no better way to encourage others than to share biblical truth with them. Parenting is hard so let's help others walk the parenting road together.

Failure fast tracks growth.   This is a principle I've learned very personally at various times throughout my life. In the midst of what we may perceive as a failure—God shows up and names it success.   That's exactly why we're considering failure as we're praying for our kids this week. Yes, there are places where our kids will fall flat on their face from poor decisions, and we need to pray they will repent and turn back to God. But sometimes our kids simply “fail,” and often what the world calls failure is actually God's road to Kingdom success.    If we're in it for the long game of parenting, we've got to get comfortable when our kids fail, knowing God is willing and able to use all things to grow them into who he designed them to be.    Can't wait to pray with you this week!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! 

If you haven't been introduced to Carlos Whitaker, today's your day! Carlos is a dynamic author, speaker, storyteller, and hope dealer who is in high demand as a podcast guest. You're about to see why!    Our conversation today surrounds his new book, How to Human. We're considering what it looks like to get back to the very basics of who God created us to be. Living in a world filled with anxiety, broken relationships, and divisiness has caused us to lose touch with each other. . .  and with God.    Tune in today as Carlos and I explore our humanity through the eyes of Jesus and consider practical ways to recalibrate our lives.    Resources from today's show:  How to Human by Carlos Whittaker Human Hope podcast with Carlos Whittaker  She is Confident in Healthy Relationships

Thirty-eight times in Ecclesiastes Solomon refers to our lives as “hevel.” Solomon is trying to paint the picture that our lives are just a vapor, here one moment and gone the next. Knowing this means we have the opportunity to stop chasing the things on earth and instead pursue God above all else and live for the eternal.   This is our prayer for our families this week. That we can appreciate the brevity of life and live intentionally and interruptible as families. We're also praying our kids learn to live purposefully knowing their hope is in the Lord, not in wealth, popularity, or status.    Join me this week in asking God to teach our kids to define success the way God does. Each day is a gift, so let's use our time wisely.    P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you! 

I've got to be honest here–today's show is so enlightening that I've been quoting Kara Powell everywhere I've been speaking since we taped this conversation.    Kara is Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and based on her extensive research and knowledge she's sharing the three pivotal questions our kids are asking. (Spoiler alert: these are some of the same questions many of us are still asking as adults.)    Combining research and biblical truth, Kara gives us practical ways to speak into these three questions while considering the unique characteristics marking this next generation. She also has a few great ways to give our kids a “sticky faith” that follows them all throughout adulthood.   Take a few minutes to listen today, because Kara's research combined with biblical truth is the perfect combination for answering your kids' deepest questions.    Resources from today's show:  3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future by Kara Powell She is Confident in Healthy Relationships

The things we desire the most direct our days and determine our priorities. Knowing this, it's important to get it right when it comes to what we desire and how we spend our lives fulfilling our deepest wishes.   This week we're praying that our kids desire the things God desires for their lives. Psalm 37:4 is arguably one of the most powerful verses God has used in my life to date (I'll share more on today's podcast), because he taught me how incredible our lives can be when our victories, achievements, and successes line up with His.     Join me in praying this week for our kids to dig deep to find God's plans and desires for their lives, pursuing those things at all cost.    Lots to pray for this week. Don't miss it!   P.S. We would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing Pardon the Mess with a friend. Encourage those you know and love to join us in praying each week by forwarding this email or sending a link to the show. Thank you!