Have you ever felt like you are too far gone? That some things in your life are too broken for God to fix? In this week’s episode with Meshali - we start out talking ranch and pimento cheese and then dive into the freedom that she has experienced with her painful story and God’s glory. Meshali is a photographer, speaker, author, amazing aunt and friend to many. 

Dive in and enjoy a really honest chat about restoration. When you meet Meshali, you might assume she’s always been so lighthearted and delightful and full of smiles and joy. What many don’t know is that this famous photographer has a really hard story. In today’s episode, she gets real and honest about her past - from abuse to a child of divorce to many seasons of depression and insecurity.

If we are honest, there are places deep in our heart that we have tucked away assuming they are just too broken. I wanted you to hear from a girl that decided it was time for change. She decided to partner with God on a mission for more. God restored her heart as she restored her 1800s home and together they went room by room to find freedom, healing and joy.

My favorite part is when she gives some practical tips for those parents in the midst of divorce. Meshali is incredibly wise and one of the most authentic and hopeful believers I have ever met. I know you will enjoy her as much as I do. I am praying you feel a deep sense of hope and courage as she shares her story.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Unraveling lies and finding freedom
• Her insight as a child of divorce
• Practical steps to find restoration and healing
• Partnering with God in the most painful parts of your story

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(02:59) Food Favorites and Personal Connections

(05:59) The Journey of Healing and Restoration

(08:57) Childhood and Family Background

(12:01) Struggles with Identity and Healing

(14:49) The Process of Home Restoration

(17:55) Community and Support in Healing

(20:26) Unraveling Lies and Finding Freedom

(21:31) The Journey of Healing and Restoration

(25:30) Experiencing True Joy and Freedom

(28:12) The Power of Restoration for Everyone

(30:05) Navigating Divorce and Supporting Children

(32:23) Practical Steps to Begin Healing

(38:44) A Prayer for Restoration and Healing

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Meshali

Restored, Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places

 - Meshali’s new book (out April 15)

Episode with Heather on Healing Prayers

Adventure Bible

Untriggered

Moms, Dads, and Grads 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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“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Jesus gave his life so that we could live ours fully and God wants us to give and give generously and joyfully as a response to that. Generosity is more than giving money, especially for our kids! We can and should give generously with our talents and time as well. It may feel small to help greet people at church, mow a neighbor’s lawn, open up your home to others, or pack shoeboxes at Christmastime, but all those small acts of generous service transform hearts and honor God.

As you pray generosity over your kids this week, I encourage you to make a list of the things you and your family can do together to give generously and share the love of Jesus. Maybe it’s a financial goal for a donation, one service project a month, or stepping up to serve at church. Whatever it is that you decide, do so joyfully together. 

Remember, the gospel is more about giving than receiving, so let’s pray that our kids’ lives reflect that and that they will learn to love sharing.

Lord, we are blessed to be a blessing. I pray that _________ would be known for generosity their entire lives. Whether it is giving financially, giving with time, or giving with talents and resources, I pray that they give cheerfully because of the gift that you give us: the gift of life. As a family, may we be on the lookout for ways we can be generous together. 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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Happy April Pardon The Mess Family!

Do you have a fellow mom that always calls you higher? I have been friends with Kirsten for over 20 years and she is that kind of mom friend. When we catch up, we get to our priorities fast. And that’s what you hear about today - her priorities and how to make some progress in those.

Kirsten is a wife to retired NFL player Benjamin Watson, mom of 7 beautiful children, advocate, speaker, author and dear friend. Benjamin and Kirsten have been on before - you can listen to that episode here.

 

As you’ll hear today, we talk about what’s most important. Kirsten shares what God is teaching her, how she keeps her marriage a priority and the calling she has as a mom to raise kids that know Jesus. 

I absolutely love the end when she shares a few minutes of encouragement and a challenge. Kirsten challenges us to get after tough topics around the table and continue to make our homes a safe place for conversations.

Enjoy!

Courtney

(02:56) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting Teens

(06:01) The Emotional Journey of Growing Up

(09:03) Trusting God in Parenting Decisions

(11:59) The Importance of Confessional Community

(17:12) The Power of Shared Burdens

(18:00) Embracing Differences in Community

(19:33) Prioritizing Marriage Amidst Family Life

(24:01) Navigating Kids' Activities and Sports

(27:40) Intentional Conversations with Kids

(32:00) Practical Tips for Family Meals

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Kirsten

Sis Take a Breath - Kirsten’s book  

The Watson Seven - Kirsten and Benjamin’s foundation 

Adventure Bible

Untriggered

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

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)

Salt and light are often spoken about together and it seems like an odd pairing, but Jesus shared these two things for a reason! Salt and light give life. 

When we pray that our kids are the salt of the earth, we pray that our kids have a faith that is enticing to others and long-lasting. The world will tell our kids that it is better to live a life apart from God, but let’s pray that our kids show those around them that Jesus makes life better!

 

Jesus wants his followers to make a visible impact on the world around them. We aren’t supposed to hide our faith and joy in the dark, we are supposed to show it off. In a world full of darkness, we should be lights shining Jesus’ love to all around us in words and actions, showing others that he gives life.

 

This week, let’s pray that our kids have a faith that shines for others, looks desirable to others, and is constant throughout their lives.

Dear God, please help _______ be a light each day to those that you have placed in their life. Help them bring light and joy to dark places. Help them to reflect you in all they do and be a shining example of you. Please give them opportunities to be your salt and light so that more can come to know 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

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From the reality TV show “Married to Jonas” to becoming a mom to postpartum to a viral blog and recently a cancer journey - Dina’s story reminds us all that God will never leave us. I’m so thankful I had the chance to get to know Dina and her incredible story. She feels like a mom I would meet at the park and then I’d want to sit for hours and laugh and cry. Dina is the REAL deal! 

Although, I booked her on this podcast to chat about cooking and the power of family dinner - God took us on a turn. Dina is so open in our chat about her postpartum days, her cancer journey and career ups and downs. I believe many of you will relate to her journey and be inspired by her authentic quest to glorify God no matter the season of life.

I loved hearing about the days of cooking on TV (Hallmark, The Today Show, GMA, Rachel Ray and more). I’ve always wondered how they pull off a meal in 3 minutes. 

In this episode, we chat about:

• Dina’s postpartum and honesty about motherhood 
• What she learned about God through her cancer journey
• From cooking in a dorm to cooking on national television

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(03:02) Dina's Journey: From Cooking to Counseling

(05:58) Navigating Life's Seasons and Faith

(08:56) Health Challenges and Personal Growth

(12:02) The Impact of Motherhood on Identity

(15:04) Overcoming Postpartum Depression

(18:08) Finding Support and Community

(19:35) Navigating Mental Health and Support

(22:40) Sharing Personal Journeys and Faith

(30:01) Practical Cooking Tips for Busy Moms

(35:44) The Importance of Family Meals and Connection

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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

Resources from today’s show:

At the Kitchen Sink - Dina’s new book 

A Million Tiny Moments

http://adventurebible.com

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

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“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’” (Matthew 4:19 NLT)

When Jesus tells his future disciples that he will make them fishers of men, I don’t think he was envisioning them sitting in a boat waiting for bites. To be a successful fisherman, you have to go where the fish are hungry and cast your net (or your line). 

Jesus planned to use his disciples to draw people to him. He needed them to go to where the people were hungry for hope and share his message! We can do this today and so can our kids. As believers, we need to meet people where they are. 

There are times when we will witness to others and see great success immediately. Other times we will witness for a very long time and see very little fruit. There may be people that we pray for for a long time before we see God move in their lives (maybe that’s even our kids)! But God’s calling is to continue to cast our nets and share his good news, even if we don’t catch anything.

So this week, let’s pray that our kids will take an active part in sharing the hope of Jesus, casting their nets far and wide to draw people closer to their Savior.

Jesus, you call us to be fishers of men. I pray that _______________ would see the people around them and meet them where they are to share your good news. May they never be ashamed of the gospel, but be ready to share it far and wide. 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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It’s not everyday you get to interview someone that disconnected in an extreme way. Carlos Whittaker wanted to really test his attachment to his phone and learn from the power disconnecting. So he went to live in an Amish community, in a monastery, and then did life at home without a device. His lessons are so powerful about how to reconnect with the ones we love most.

When we recorded this episode, Carlos had just recently lost his father and was about to speak at his funeral. Many people have grown to love him on Carlos’ instagram account, and I have been so moved by the way Carlos cared for him through his final days. You won’t want to miss the parenting lesson he shares about his amazing father.

I’d love to challenge us today. Let’s practically think through our daily lives and how we can disconnect regularly so that we connect more intentionally with each child. Carlos offers several practical ideas on how to do that - even if your job requires you to be online.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How connection matters with our kids
• How to disconnect from devices and why
• How to connect with teens and their interests

Enjoy!

Courtney 

 

Chapters

(00:00) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(02:54) Caring for Aging Parents

(05:58) A Life-Changing Call

(08:58) The Journey to Reconnection

(11:55) Transformative Family Time

(15:00) Balancing Work and Life

(17:46) Detoxing from Digital Dependency

(20:09) Balancing Online Sharing and Family Life

(22:37) Curiosity as a Path to Empathy

(26:45) Connecting with Teens through Shared Interests

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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

Resources from today’s show:

• Connect with Carlos
• Carlos’ Podcast - Human School
• Carlos’ latest book - Reconnected
• A Million Tiny Moments 
• Dead Sea Squirrels
• Christian Parenting Easter bundle

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

Our Sponsors:
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7)

The Greek word for anxiety means “cut up into pieces.” So when we feel anxious we feel cut up or divided, and if you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, it can really feel like that! But Jesus wants us to bring him our cut-up pieces because his peace can make us whole. In fact, the Greek word for peace means “wholeness.” So this verse literally says God wants us to bring our divided hearts to him so he can make them whole.

 

So many of our kids struggle with anxiety and so many of us do as well. None of us want to see our kids hurt as they fight this battle. Anxiety and worry are challenging roads, but we can encourage our kids that we follow the God who made the whole universe. He cares for them, hears them, and wants to ease their burdens.

This week, let’s pray that they cast their fears and anxiety onto the Lord so that they can feel his rest because his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

 

Lord, I pray that ________________ brings their divided heart to you. I pray against the anxiety that is so prevalent today. Whatever it is that ___________ feels cut up about, may they present their requests to you, and may your wholeness guard their heart and mind. Please give them the peace that passes all understanding. 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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Grace Valentine is BACK! You all absolutely loved the first episode and you will love this one even more. Grace is a firecracker for Jesus. That’s what a grandma would say - but it’s so true. She comes in with such energy and truth that will just fire you up.

She is a speaker, author and podcast host and is impacting thousands of young women around the world. On today’s episode we talk about all things FRIENDS. Friendships are just hard, not just for young girls for us as women. Grace has bible-based true encouragement for how to make and maintain friends.

JOURNAL alert! You will need to take notes for this one. She just casually tosses out profound statements at the speed of lightning. So, buckle in.

My favorite part is when she compared homecoming to the Met Gala. I still laugh out loud when I think about it. She quickly pivots from that joke to the sting of rejection. She also asks amazing questions: will that rejection taint your view or make you wiser and kinder? Or will it make you bitter? 

In this episode, we chat about: 

• Understanding shallow vs deep friendships
• How to humble yourself in conflict
• Challenges of making and keeping friends

Enjoy!

Courtney DeFeo 

(02:58) Navigating College and Post-Grad Life

(05:53) Friendship Journeys and Challenges

(09:00) The Complexity of Friendships

(12:00) Understanding Shallow vs. Deep Friendships

(15:02) Finding Your Community and Dance Floor

(16:29) Navigating Loneliness and Friendship

(20:45) Conflict Resolution in Friendships

(28:08) The Importance of Authentic Connections

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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

Resources from today’s show:

• Connect with Grace Valentine
• The Better Friend - Grace’s new book
• A Million Tiny Moments
• Sky Ranch Camps

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

Our Sponsors:
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Depending on how old your kids are, the idea of praying for their future spouse and family may feel like a stretch. But even if your child is currently toddling around your house playing with blocks and eating cheerios, it’s never too early to start praying for their future family.

Maybe it’s easier to imagine if your kids are older, but at some point in the future, your child will more than likely go and create their own family to lead. As believing parents, we all desire our kids to lead their future families in the way of the Lord.

If marriage is God’s will for your child, someday your child’s spouse will be the most important person in their life. He or she will know them the absolute best and be their partner in faith and life. Together they will, God-willing, raise beautiful children who know, love, follow, and share Jesus. 

We can pray that our child will find a spouse who loves Jesus, family, the church, and be a supportive partner through the ups and downs of life. We can pray that any future grandkids will grow to love Jesus and continue on a legacy of faith. In the grand scheme of life, we only have our kids in our homes for a little while. As their parents, we have an amazing opportunity to pray for their future family starting now!

This week, let’s pray that our kids will continue to pass along a legacy of faith in their future families and homes.

Jesus, you know our past and you know our future. Today, I pray for ____'s future. If your plan for them is singleness, I pray that you will surround them with a wonderful community of friends and family and that you will always be their rock, fortress, and best friend. If your plan for them is marriage, I pray that they will find a spouse who loves you with all their heart and has a desire to raise up children who love and follow you. Thank you for the gift of family and the ability to watch my children grow into the adults you created them to be. 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:
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