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

It’s easy to focus so much on caring for our families that we neglect our own personal faith.
In this episode, Shelley Giglio, co-founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, shares wisdom on what it looks like for women to cultivate a strong, personal relationship with God. The conversation explores how our faith shapes our homes, why it matters for our kids to see it lived out, and how to keep Jesus at the center in everyday life.
We talk about practical ways to grow spiritually, the influence of a parent’s faith on the next generation, and the lasting impact of consistently showing up with intention.
This episode is a meaningful reminder that investing in your own faith is one of the most powerful ways to impact your family.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Early Impressions
02:59 Seasons of Life and Ministry
05:56 The Importance of Letting Go
09:00 Faith and Parenting Dynamics
11:58 Encouragement for Moms
14:55 Everyday Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
16:00 Building Consistency in Scripture Reading
20:09 Navigating Faith Amidst Illness and Disappointment
24:01 The Impact of Family on Faith Development
30:00 Embracing Unique Paths in Motherhood

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

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Shelley
Passion City Church
Passion Conferences
Six Steps Records
The Grove
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

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I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11–13)
In his efforts to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He was beaten, imprisoned, hungry, and persecuted. He experienced dangerous travels, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite! But through all of that, Paul continued to praise Jesus. He even sang hymns while in prison!
Of all people, Paul understood that our situations and our lives are temporary. He knew what it was like to have more than enough and also knew what it was like to struggle and fear. Through faith, Paul learned to be content in Christ, not his circumstances.
Our lives can change in a second, and our emotions are fleeting. True contentment is learned, and it doesn’t come naturally, especially for kids. It’s so normal for our kids to want the next best thing. Of course they want the latest toys, electronics, shoes, or clothes, or a place on the best sports team. But when they base their happiness on these things, they are chasing a status and a high that will always leave them wanting more. Even though we know this as parents, we fall into that trap too!
We will only feel truly content by trusting in God’s provision for us no matter what. Our contentment in Christ grows as we trust God more and more. This life is not about the latest and greatest, it’s about being in a relationship with God.
This week, let’s pray that our kids shift their minds to Jesus and learn to be content in him no matter what.
Lord, teach _______ to be content in you. Help them trust in your provision, rejoice in every season (good and bad), and find their peace not in circumstances or what they have but in you. May they, like Paul, decide that through Christ, they have all they need. Amen.

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

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Parenting was never meant to be done alone, but building meaningful community can feel challenging in the middle of full and busy lives.
In this episode, Tammie Floyd shares wisdom from years of parenting and ministry, with a focus on friendship and the importance of community for moms. The conversation explores what it looks like to cultivate life-giving relationships, why support matters in every season, and how God often provides the right people at the right time.
We also talk about the role of the local church in a child’s faith journey and why consistent involvement can have a lasting impact.
This episode is a gentle reminder that we need each other—and that intentional community can make all the difference.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Family Background
04:59 Challenges of Parenting in a New City
10:03 Navigating Adult Friendships
14:59 Building Community Through Church
19:58 Raising Kids in Faith
20:51 Engaging Kids with Faith-Based Content
23:09 Navigating the Transition to Young Adulthood
27:02 The Importance of Community in Parenting
29:06 Prioritizing Church in Family Life
31:18 Three Key Themes in Parenting
35:59 Finding Joy and Humor in Parenting
39:39 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

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

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Tammie
Gateway Church
Parenting on Purpose curriculum
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
Sign up for Morning Minute
Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
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

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29–31)
Peter is known for being a leader among the disciples, for his job as a fisherman, for denying Jesus three times, and for his passionate and eager faith. Peter was ready to follow Jesus anywhere. In fact, when Jesus called Peter to follow him as his disciple, Peter immediately dropped what he was doing and followed him. And when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the water too.
Peter stepped out of the boat, trusting that if Jesus called him, he could do the impossible. For a minute, he walked on water. But then he took his eyes off Jesus, just for a second, and started to sink. When Jesus rescued him, he asked, “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
Here is the thing: However imperfectly, Peter got out of the boat. This story reminds us that faith isn’t about never failing; it’s about always coming back to Jesus. Peter’s willingness to step out in faith grew his relationship with the Lord; it allowed him to experience miracles and do great things for God’s people and church. We can do those things too, but only if we are brave enough to get out of the boat.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. A life of faith has ups and downs, and we will all have moments of doubt. But a passion for Jesus means that when we fail, we always know who to reach for, knowing that he will reach back and help us.
This week, let’s pray that our kids take a risk for their faith. Let’s pray that they boldly and passionately follow where Jesus asks them to, knowing that with him they can do the impossible.
Jesus, give __________ a bold and passionate faith in you. Help them to hear your call for their life and give them the courage to follow you in that calling. When they face dear or doubt, remind them to call on you and trust in your goodness. Amen.

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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Procrastination is something every family faces. It shows up in our own lives and in our kids, often leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure where to start.
In this episode, Jon Acuff returns to share practical insight from his latest book, Procrastination Proof. The conversation explores why we procrastinate, the common traps that keep us stuck, and how to take small, meaningful steps toward progress.
We also talk about how these patterns show up in our kids and what it looks like to guide them with understanding and encouragement instead of frustration.
This episode is a helpful reminder that getting unstuck doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to take the next step.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Procrastination and Its Universality
02:57 Jon Acuff's Journey to Writing 11 Books
05:56 Understanding Procrastination as a Solution
09:02 The Satisfaction of Completing Tasks
11:53 Four Permissions to Overcome Procrastination
15:05 Navigating New Seasons of Life
18:10 Encouragement for Moms Facing Identity Changes
19:14 Emotional Transitions of Parenting
20:04 Understanding Different Parenting Styles
25:45 Identifying Parenting Traps
30:30 Encouragement for Personal Growth

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Jon Acuff
Procrastination Proof - Jon’s new book
Four Traps Quiz
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
Sign up for Morning Minute
Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
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