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

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)
In Mark 3:17 we learn that Jesus gave his disciple John and his brother James the nickname “sons of thunder.” There was probably a good reason for that nickname, likely their enthusiastic and passionate faith. But interestingly, John later refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). So why the change? It seems a little odd and not quite the humility that Christ calls us to.
John had a close relationship with Jesus. Through all his experiences with Jesus, all the miracles he witnessed and lessons he was taught, John truly knew he was loved by Jesus. John spent so much time with Jesus that he was changed from a thunderous man of faith to one who was immersed in perfect love.
God’s love leaves a permanent mark. Even when life is hard, we can be confident that God’s love is real, constant, and personal. His love isn’t just something we read about in the Bible or hear about at church; it’s something that we can experience every single day. We want our kids to walk so closely with God that they are changed from the inside out—soft yet emboldened, gentle yet confident. And we want our kids to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God truly, perfectly loves them.
Let’s pray that our kids know how much God loves them and are transformed because of that love.
Jesus, thank you for loving us perfectly. Help __________ know that you love them and are there for them. Give them a heart to follow you and remind them that they can rely on your love. As they grow in faith, may they spend so much time with you that they change and become like you. Amen.

If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. 

Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

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 easy to lose yourself in motherhood. In this episode, Ashlee Gadd shares how moms can rediscover their creativity and passions—even in the chaos of raising kids.
We talk about embracing the truth that we’re all creative, making space for joy in every season, and why hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect to matter.
Ashlee’s new book, You’re in Good Company, explores friendship, motherhood, and showing up for one another. I hope this conversation encourages you to carve out a little margin for what brings you life.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
04:00 The Nature of Creativity in Motherhood
08:12 The Importance of Modeling Creativity
11:34 Finding Connection with Growing Children
18:11 The Impact of Intentional Gifts
21:01 Navigating Creative Identity as a Mother
27:21 Embracing New Seasons of Motherhood
29:19 The Importance of Self-Care in Creativity

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Ashlee
Coffee and Crumbs
You’re In Good Company (pre-order her new book)
Create Anyway (recent book on motherhood and creativity)
Sign up for Morning Minute
Christian Parenting
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

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

Have you ever felt busy all day long but still wondered if any of it really mattered?
This week’s episode is a little different and so special. I’m sharing a conversation from another Christian Parenting podcast, Pardon the Mess, hosted by the wonderful Courtney DeFeo. I first heard her interview with Elaine Franklin years ago, and honestly, it stuck with me in such a meaningful way. So when I saw them sit down together again, I knew I had to share it with you.
This conversation is all about time, but not in the way you might expect. It’s not about doing more or getting more organized. It’s about living with intention, clarity, and peace in the middle of full lives.
Here are four takeaways that really stood out:
Why understanding your circle of care vs. circle of responsibility can completely shift how you spend your time
The importance of defining your purpose and mission before building your schedule
How margin isn’t lazy, it’s protective for your faith, your family, and your well-being
Why creating a “to stop” list might be the most freeing productivity tool you’ve never tried

This episode is packed with practical wisdom, but more than that, it’s an invitation to step out of the hustle and into a more thoughtful, life-giving rhythm. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or a little out of alignment, I think this one will really meet you right where you are.

Elaine Franklin is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and families align their time and priorities with their God-given purpose. Through her teaching, she offers practical and biblical tools for creating margin, setting healthy boundaries, and living with intention in every season of life.

Resources Mentioned
Sign up for Morning Minute
Christian Parenting
Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast 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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Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. He knew the Scriptures better than anyone. And still, people were talking about Jesus’s teachings and miracles and Nicodemus wanted to know more, so he went to Jesus in the night and asked him questions.
Nicodemus asking questions led to Jesus explaining one of the most important parts of the Christian faith—why Jesus came and what it takes to truly follow him and enter his kingdom. Jesus explained that to be saved, a person has to be born again.
Nicodemus had all the answers on paper, but he must have known something was missing in his heart, and he sought out Jesus to find out what. We should be curious about our faith too. Questions about faith do not have to be scary—they can be viewed as an opportunity to learn more about the heart of God.
We want our kids to make their faith their own because a personal, deeply rooted faith is more likely to transform them. An inherited faith is more likely to fall apart when things fall apart. Asking questions is part of the process of maturing spiritually and making faith their own, so we should encourage it!
This week, let’s pray that our kids seek after Jesus and ask the right questions to make their faith their own.
Jesus, thank you for answering our prayers and our questions. When __________ has questions, may they always come to you, knowing you will answer them and that you care for them. Help them to grow strong and confident in their own faith. Amen.

If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not too late to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forget to tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. 

Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today

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

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

This episode is for all moms raising kids of all seasons. My guest, Kim Anderson, is a Nashville therapist who began her career as an elementary teacher before transitioning to counseling. She is driven by a desire to support whole families through life's challenges. She is the founder of Elevate Moms, a faith community where mothers can heal, grow, and connect. 
This super practical episode is beyond encouraging. Kim helps us think through many difficult challenges of parenting in today’s world. She focuses on the importance of emotional regulation, attunement, and setting boundaries. Our discussion covers how to navigate difficult conversations with children, the significance of understanding mental health, and the balance between advocating for children and allowing them to develop resilience.

My favorite part is when Kim encourages us to take care of our own emotional well-being to better support our children. She reminds us that being “perfect” at parenting isn’t possible. And it’s more than okay to be imperfect. I pray you will breathe a little lighter today after hearing Kim’s encouragement. 

Enjoy!
Courtney

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting
Pardon The Mess 
Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Kim Anderson
Elevate Moms
Family Room Membership
Technology Guide (with contract)
30% is “good enough” parenting
Understanding attachment styles with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
Sign up for Morning Minute
I Can Only Imagine 2
Disciplines of Devotion Series
LearningRX

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

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