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

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

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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

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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

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Zacchaeus was a very rich and corrupt tax collector who was disliked by the Jewish people. One day, Jesus was passing through town and Zacchaeus decided he wanted to see him! But as you may know, Zacchaeus was a “wee little man,” so he had to climb a tree to get a good view. Much to everyone’s surprise and dismay, Jesus pointed him out, spoke to him, and invited himself over.
At that moment, Zacchaeus’s heart changed. He felt guilty, but he also acted on his guilt and repented. He vowed to give half his possessions to the poor and to pay back four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. This wasn’t just a small apology—it was a complete turnaround; salvation came to his house and his faith was real because it moved him to action.
We all have a barrier to genuinely meeting and following Jesus. For Zacchaeus, it was his corrupt values and his size. But Jesus broke through those barriers, and when he did, Zacchaeus repented. For our kids, those barriers might be life situations, friends, or even distractions. But no barrier is too big for Christ to reach us. Jesus sees each of us and knows us personally. He invited himself into Zacchaeus’s life, though Zacchaeus was a known sinner, and he invites himself into our kids’ hearts too.
But responding to Jesus isn’t just about hearing his call; it’s about repentance. Zacchaeus didn’t just listen, he changed. As parents, we want our kids to truly follow Jesus, and that means turning away from sin and choosing a new way of life with him.
This week, let’s pray that our kids recognize the sin in their lives and repent of that sin, feeling confident that Jesus forgives them.
Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins. Help __________ to see the sin in their life and to feel convicted. Take away all their guilt and shame in a way that only you can as they experience your perfect forgiveness. And may they live their life in a way that reflects your grace. Amen.

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

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Loving your family well isn’t always as simple as it sounds. There are seasons when connection feels easy, and others when you feel unseen, unheard, or like your efforts just aren’t landing.
In this episode, Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, shares insights from decades of helping couples and families better understand how to give and receive love. With the release of his latest book, the conversation goes deeper into how love languages can shape stronger, more meaningful relationships at home.
We talk about what to do when you don’t feel loved, how to better understand your spouse and children, and why taking the first step in showing love can shift the entire dynamic of a relationship. There’s also practical wisdom on how to approach hard conversations with care and intentionality.
This episode is a powerful reminder that small, consistent choices in how we love can make a lasting impact on our families.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gary Chapman
01:43 The Importance of Feeling Loved
03:43 Gary Chapman's Life and Work
04:58 Understanding Love Languages
08:42 The New Book: The Love Language That Matters Most
12:39 Communicating Love Effectively
16:46 Identifying Love Languages in Children
17:49 Understanding Love Languages in Early Childhood
20:55 Practical Parenting Tips Using Love Languages
24:38 Engaging with Teenagers: Navigating Independence
29:32 Adapting Love Languages for Teenagers
32:23 Legacy of Love: Reflections on Parenting and Faith

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

Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Dr. Gary Chapman
5 Love Languages
5 Love Languages free test
5 Love Languages Premium Assessment
The Love Language That Matters Most - new book
5 Love Languages of Children
5 Love Languages of Teenagers
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