One of our listeners reached out about her need for resources for her blended family. I am so glad she did! This episode is for all of those navigated blended families and stepfamilies. I learned so much through this chat with Ron Deal and hope we all lean in to gather more understanding of all of God’s beautiful families. Ron L. Deal is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who conducts “laugh and learn” marriage and family seminars and professional training around the country and online. He specializes in both marriage enrichment and stepfamily education.Frequently featured in the national media, Ron has worked full-time in marriage and family ministry since 1988 serving in both local churches and with FamilyLife®. He currently serves as President of Smart Stepfamilies™ and Senior Director of FamilyLife Blended®, a division of FamilyLife®. He is the most widely read and viewed author on blended families in the country.My favorite part is how Ron shares the complex nature of blended families but also gives hope! He reminds us that God is in this process and for your families. He also encourages parents to have patience for the timing of it all. Don’t give up! Enjoy!Courtney (0:00 - 2:00)Introduction to Ron Deal(2:01 - 10:00) The Complexity of Blended Families (10:01 - 18:00) Patience and Time in Family Bonding (18:01 - 25:00) Resources for Step-Parents (25:01 - 32:00) Ron’s Personal Journey (32:01 - 40:00) Mindful Marriage Book Discussion (40:01 - End) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Connect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOWResources from today’s show:Connect with RonSmart Stepfamilies - books and resourcesSmart Stepfamilies - find a counselor Family Life BlendedThe Mindful Marriage - new book and conferencesRight Now MediaRachel & Rod Brown with Ron Deal (Family Life interview)Clear Focus Bible for KidsPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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29:42
How to trust God in college with Camryn O’Rear, Caroline Unterbrink and Lucy Donovan
Do you have a daughter or son headed off to college or maybe a high school senior? This episode is for you! I gathered three college sophomores and asked them all the questions. What are your dorm tips? Study tips? Rush tips? Now, these are three girls. So, I imagine we need to do another episode with some guys - because their perspective would be different. However, so much of what they shared is universal and helpful to all.Camryn, Caroline and Lucy offered such amazing encouragement for college kids on how to keep their faith a priority. I loved how they gave very practical tips from finding a mentor, finding a church, getting coffee with new friends and making a choice to spend time with God.My favorite part is when they share about what they appreciate about their moms. It’s so fun to hear from the mouths of grown kids what mattered in their lives. I pray that it will encourage you to keep loving God and loving your kids well. (00:00) Introduction and Dorm Essentials(05:40) Study Tips for College Success(11:28) Navigating Rush: Tips and Insights(17:02) Maintaining Faith in College(22:49) Appreciating Parents and Their InfluenceConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOWResources MentionedSchool SimplifiedOverwhelmed MomBrave BooksOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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39:04
Empty Nester Wisdom with Heidi Miller (How to parent with anxiety)
We made it to the end of the Empty Nester Wisdom series! If you missed any of these episodes, I encourage you to go back and be sure you have a notebook. Each guest brought such wisdom and godly encouragement for all seasons of parenting, but especially the empty nest season.I’m so grateful for these women and the timing of this series. God knew I needed these chats just before I send Ella off to college. Today’s guest is a dear friend and a trusted pastor of mine - Heidi Miller. She has been in ministry over 20 years and is currently serving as the Next Steps Pastor at my church, Compass Church. In this week’s episode, she shares about her journey with anxiety and what God has taught her through it all. Whether your child is headed to pre-K or college or their first job, it is so easy to lay awake at night and just marinate in the worry. Heidi gives us such practical ways we can power through anxiety with God by our side. He has met her in anxiety through worship, prayer and community. My favorite part is when she circles back to remind us all - that the thing she worried about most with Carlee was the very thing God used to transform her life. Praying you find deep encouragement and practical support today with this episode.Enjoy Courtney (00:00) Navigating Empty Nesting and Friendship(02:42) Understanding Anxiety in Parenting(05:31) The Journey of Acknowledging Anxiety(08:31) Finding God's Voice Amidst Anxiety(11:27) Practical Steps to Combat Anxiety(14:14) The Power of Community and Prayer(15:31) Navigating Parenting Challenges(19:08) The Importance of Prayer and Community(21:54) Surrendering to God at Night(24:49) Building Faith Through Everyday Moments(28:40) Creating a Welcoming Home for OthersConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOWResources from today’s show:Connect with HeidiCompass ChurchSisterhood/Mentor Event at Compass Christy Nockels - King Who Never SleepsWorship Playlist by Heidi and CourtneyLectio 365Adventure BiblePardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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35:49
Empty Nester Wisdom with Wendy Blight (giving yourself grace, tackling anxiety and learning to read God’s word)
Wendy Blight is a passionate woman of God that has written numerous Bible studies and books to equip us as believers. She is on staff at Proverbs 31 and has encouraged and equipped countless moms through her career. This episode will feel like a warm embrace that only God can give. Wendy has a unique gift of bringing grace, authentic support and deep encouragement wherever she goes. We need that as moms because we can be so hard on ourselves. This episode will leave you feeling really seen and really encouraged - no matter how it’s going at your house. I loved how we ended with God’s word and how to make time for it. She offers grace yet again by recognizing the various seasons of motherhoods. If you have littles, getting a shower can feel daunting. So listen in as she shares some tips on staying close to God in every season of motherhood.Enjoy!Courtney(00:00) Introduction and Family Background(02:58) Wendy's Journey with Proverbs 31 Ministries(05:51) Navigating the Empty Nest Phase(08:32) The Importance of Communication and Apologies(11:33) Maintaining Relationships with Adult Children(14:16) Understanding Different Beliefs in Parenting(17:13) Lessons from Motherhood and Prayer(20:03) Reading the Bible in Different Seasons(22:47) Addressing Anxiety and Mental Health(25:42) Encouragement for Moms Facing Challenges(28:26) Closing Thoughts and PrayerConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoA GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES PRAYER JOURNALResources from today’s show:Connect with Wendy BlightRest for your soul by Wendy BlightProverbs 31 MinistriesFirst 5Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Empty nester wisdom with Chyrstal Evans Hurst (practical ways to prepare your kids for adulting)
Happy Summer folks!This is the first episode in this series that I did not cry. You’re welcome. I wanted to get super practical with this one and asked Chrystal Hurst Evans to bring her best empty nest tips for us. She shares about ways we can start training and teaching our kids to live without us. From budgeting to cooking - she explains that much of this training happens well before their senior year. It’s a mindset shift earlier that helps make us all ready for those launching years.As a writer, speaker and gatherer, Chrystal has a massive passion for women and how to get us up and moving towards goals. She is that “you can do it” friend that will light a fire under your overwhelmed body. My favorite is when she shares about how to be a student of yourself. She reminds us that we each have massive skills and gifts from God and we often need our circle of friends to point those out. As moms, we often lose confidence in our skills and it can cause fear as the kids leave the home. What will I do now? Do I have what it takes to change directions or careers now that my time is more flexible? Praying this episode greatly encourages you and provides practical ways to equip you and your family for a new season.In this episode, we chat about: Drawing boundaries with adult kidsTeaching financial responsibility Learning yourself again - gifts, passions and skillsPrioritizing prayer as you have less control Enjoy!Courtney (00:00) Introduction and Personal Background(03:03) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting(05:45) Building a Business with Family(08:50) Preparing for Empty Nesting(11:42) The Importance of Early Independence(14:29) Rediscovering Personal Passions(17:24) Recognizing Transferable Skills(19:37) The Journey of Self-Discovery(22:51) Embracing Change in Marriage(30:17) Faith and the Empty Nest ExperienceConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOWResources from today’s show:Connect with Chrystal Join the Sister Circle100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You - Chrystal’s latest bookChristian Parenting ProductsPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESS10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids
As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess. 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
Listen to Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids, Good Inside with Dr. Becky and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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