Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

Well, it’s a bittersweet day for me. I am delighted to introduce you to your NEW HOST of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal. This is my last episode as your host, and I am feeling all the emotions. I am grateful and sad and feeling so much peace.

Thank you for letting me into your lives for a few years. I pray God encouraged you in your role as a Christian parent. A special thanks to Jill Jefferson, Steph Thurling, Jeannette Tapley and the entire team at Christian Parenting. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

Today, you will get to know Scarlet and her family. She has a beautiful heart for the Lord and the imperfect journey of parenting. She is passionate about the gospel and has a new twist on the Thursday episodes. And great news - the Monday prayer episodes will be returning after the summer!

Much love and gratitude,
Courtney DeFeo 

00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics
03:03 Scarlet's Unique Childhood and Background
06:00 Transition to Writing and Parenting
08:57 The Journey to Becoming a Writer
11:55 Joining Christian Parenting and Future Plans
16:15 Navigating Parenting Challenges with Grace
21:13 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
25:00 Finding Hope Amidst Struggles
30:32 Preparing for the Future of Parenting Podcast

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Scarlet Hiltibidal
Connect with Courtney DeFeo
Open a LearningRX center
Summer Reading Picks

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

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

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Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
All the people we have talked about this year are heroes of faith. Whether they were named or unnamed, their stories hold significance in God’s word, which is always worthy of our attention! As much as we want our kids to take on the characteristics of the people in this great cloud of witnesses, our primary desire is that our kids become like Jesus, our rabbi, friend, perfect king, and our Savior.
We become more and more like Jesus as we spend more time with him. It’s the process of sanctification, or being made holy. We cannot be fully sanctified on this side of heaven, but the Holy Spirit does work within us as we surrender, obey, and return to him when we get it wrong. We are shaped to look more and more like Jesus.
Our kids will make mistakes, struggle with sin, and face challenges. We all do; it’s part of living in a broken world. But as they become more like him, their responses to those things will change because becoming more like Jesus means choosing truth over lies, kindness over gossip, love over selfishness, and obedience over comfort.
As we end this year of praying for our kids, let’s pray that our kids become like Jesus, that they live such a full life of faith that others will say, “They loved like Jesus loved.”
Jesus, sanctify __________ through your Spirit. Shape their heart to reflect you in how they love, serve, follow, and obey. May they go to you every day and learn to talk with you and listen to your voice all day long. May they allow you to help them be more like you every day so that your light shines through them. Amen.

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Big decisions in motherhood often come with uncertainty—especially when it comes to balancing family, work, calling, and the many demands on our time.
In this episode, the tables are turned as Megan Jones interviews Courtney about her decision to step away as host of Pardon the Mess. The conversation explores the tension many moms feel when navigating career decisions, learning when to say yes or no, and discerning God’s direction in changing seasons.
Together, they talk honestly about the twists and turns that can come with work and motherhood, the challenge of trusting God with the unknown, and the importance of following his leading even when the path forward isn’t fully clear.
This episode is a thoughtful encouragement for anyone walking through a season of transition or making difficult decisions for themselves or their family.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 The Importance of Mentorship
05:56 Navigating Change and Transitions
12:08 Finding Purpose in Parenting
17:59 Reflections on Priorities and Regrets
18:48 Psst — we may have hidden a little surprise in this episode 🎉 In case you can't wait until May 28th to meet your new host!
23:56 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Encouragement

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Megan
Open a LearningRX center
Summer Reading Picks

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Sign up for Morning Minute

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS

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

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14–15)
Epaphroditus is not a name that many people know from the Bible, but his story is incredible. He was sent by the Philippians to bring a gift to Paul while he was in prison, but he did more than deliver a package—he ministered, encouraged, and served so faithfully that he became sick and nearly died. Once he recovered, he carried back the Letter to the Philippians, making sure that Paul’s message reached the church.
Paul describes Epaphroditus as a minister, brother, coworker, and soldier. He was totally committed to both Paul and Jesus, and his story is a reminder that God uses all people to spread his word.
Just like Epaphroditus was entrusted with a message, so are we. As soon as our kids accept Jesus, their mission begins. Sharing the gospel doesn’t require a microphone or a mission trip to a different city or country. Our mission to spread God’s truth happens in everyday conversations, acts of kindness, and bold faith. Whether at school, on the playground, or at home, our children carry the light of Jesus wherever they go. We are God’s first plan to spread the gospel, and not one of us is called to be quiet about it.
So this week, let’s pray that our kids grow to know, love, and follow Jesus, and that they are so excited about their faith that they can’t help but share the hope of it all.
Jesus, I pray that _______ will respond to your call to make disciples and share the gospel wherever they go. May they live in a way that reflects you working in their hearts. Give them the courage they need to share with others, and when they do, may they do so lovingly and gracefully. Amen.

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Parenting often feels like a journey of wondering whether we’re getting it right—and it can be easy to tie our worth to the outcome of our children’s lives and choices.
In this episode, Jeannie Cunnion joins the conversation to reflect on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned through years of motherhood. Together, we talk about what really matters in parenting, how to release the pressure of trying to control outcomes, and why joy grows when we place our trust in God instead of our performance.
The conversation also explores the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting and the reminder that we were never meant to do this alone. God is at work in our homes in ways we cannot manufacture on our own.
This episode is a meaningful encouragement for moms who want to parent with more grace, freedom, and dependence on God.

00:00 The Exhaustion of Motherhood
04:10 Navigating Food and Family Life
06:04 Reflections on Parenting Through the Years
12:57 Faithfulness in Motherhood
15:48 The Importance of Instilling Faith
17:03 Cultivating Joy in Parenting
18:56 Relying on the Holy Spirit
24:29 The Power of Scripture in Family Life
30:03 Transformative Parenting Practices
33:32 Trusting God with Our Children

Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Jeannie
Closer to God 
Don’t Miss Out 
Mom Set Free
Raising Boys and Girls
ABC Scripture Cards
I Can Learn The Bible - scripture memory source
Open a LearningRX center
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Sign up for Morning Minute

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://AvocadoGreenMattress.com/MESS

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